The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip - by Sara Brunsvold

I loved this story of an unlikely friendship between a young journalist and an older and dying widow. Both are easy to like, but Clara Kip stole my heart. Her faith journey, as well as her unapologetic love for and obedience to God are convicting. Continually putting the needs of others first, she walks steadfastly down a path of God’s choosing, not her own. This moving story is of a strong, older Christian and a weaker, younger one. Their worlds collide as each is given a job involving the other. Aidyn Kelley, a talented but tad-too-eager journalist, gets in trouble with her boss’s boss and ends up having to write an obituary for a seemingly ordinary septuagenarian. The subject of the obit, however, has been given an assignment as well, though from a higher-up authority than Aidyn has. Clara Kip, no stranger to answering God’s call, knows that He has brought Aidyn into her life for a reason. Helped by God’s hidden warriors in and around her, Clara helps Aidyn to write not just a beautiful obituary but an amazing story of obedience to God. As the older woman becomes weaker physically, her new friend becomes stronger spiritually and professionally, ready to tackle the jobs which her God and her boss place before her. If you are in the mood for a heart-warming and convicting story, this is a good choice.

Thanks to Revell & NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. This was a moving and memorable debut novel that was inspired by the actual experiences of the Laotian refugee resettlement effort in Kansas City in 1975, during the Vietnam War era. But this isn’t a story about war. It’s a story about Mrs. Kip, a determined American widow with a vision for helping others, and Aidyn Kelley, the young cub reporter who meets her at the end of her life. Unlike many Christian novels which just hint at faith, God is mentioned frequently – how He motivates and empowers Mrs. Kip, inspires Aidyn, and works in so many people’s lives. Mrs. Kip frequently refers to the Bible, prays, and often shares wisdom from her life’s experiences. But this is all delicately woven into the novel without heavy-handedness. There were so many encouraging observations and inspirational remarks that I found myself noting the memorable statements, just as Aidyn did while interviewing Mrs. Kip. The story begins with inexperienced reporter Aidyn Kelley being assigned by her newspaper to write an obituary of Mrs. Clara Kip. Unbeknownst to Aidyn, Mrs. Kip has had an amazing history of assisting Hmong refugees after they have escaped Laos and Viet Nam to resettle in Kansas City. What made the book a page-turner for me was the relationship/friendship that developed between Mrs. Kip and Aidyn. They only had seven days together, yet grew so close and Aidyn learned so much about friendship, about God’s power, and what is really important. Author Sara Brunsvold created a vivid personality with Mrs. Kip. She was bold, fun, strong, loving, encouraging, brave, feisty, and loyal. She was a great role-model for Aidyn - and for any reader. As another reviewer noted, even though the present day story takes place in a hospice, and I used many tissues toward the conclusion, the novel is one of hope and joy.

In the Extraordinary Death of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold, reporter Aidyn Kelley, a struggling reporter seeks to find her big break. Unfortunately, not following proper procedure has really set her back. However, she is given a new assignment to write an obituary for a woman who is in hospice care. Mrs. Kip is spunky, wears track suits, and one of the most energetic women you’ll ever meet. However she is dying. This is very hard for Aidyn, a young reporter to process. Aidyn really wants the story to redeem herself. So she moves forward to interview Mrs. Kip. She completes her interview in a quick fashion without digging deep into details. However others in the nursing home and her employer know there is much more to the story. Will Aidyn figure it out? Will she be able to to discover what so special about Mrs. Kip? Will she be able to handle Mrs. Kip‘s death? This story was definitely an interesting read. I’ve never quite read a book like this. It does go back-and-forth in time as far as a dual timeline. However the story is unraveling in a different fashion as you go back-and-forth between the two timelines. All things come together in the end and as you are reading you can’t wait for that to happen. This was a different kind of read for me but definitely an excellent book. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I would happy to do. I would definitely recommend the Extraordinary Death of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvoid.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is centered on the unlikely encounter between rookie journalist Aidyn Kelley and recently diagnosed hospice patient Clara Kip. Aidyn pushes too hard with her superiors and is granted the task of writing Mrs. Kip’s obituary, something usually produced by paying families. What Aidyn finds is the story of a lifetime from an unlikely heroine who changed the face of her city. Sara Brunsvold is establishing herself as a skilled storyteller in her debut novel. Her book pays tribute to an underappreciated group of people who altered the cultural course of America during the difficult post-Vietnam War-era while also being a call-to-arms for Christians; reminding Christians there are opportunities to share God’s love through every moment and every meeting. For readers of faith and those of no particular religion, it is a reminder that we may encounter any relationship for a limited time so we should maximize our time focusing on supporting and loving one another rather than being a roadblock or tearing someone down. I easily identified with the character of Aidyn and often look up to Christian “warrior women” such as Mrs. Kip so I immensely enjoyed this book for the lessons in faith as well as the central story. However, I also found it incredibly interesting as it was a well-researched, educational tool for the post-Vietnam War-era immigration in 1970s-80s America. The book takes place in Kansas City which was home to a growing Laotian population. The author did a beautiful job highlighting the cultural challenges and triumphs of the organizations and individuals who painstakingly broke down walls and prejudice to provide functional training, homes, and rescue missions for the emigrant families. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is an overt faith-based book for Christian readers of any age who enjoy stories of friendship, love, and shaping tragedy into hope. Keep the tissues handy.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold is an exceptional piece of women's fiction. It was a pleasure to discover the depth of Mrs. Kip’s life right alongside the young Star reporter, Aidyn Kelley. Mrs. Kip’s golden spiritual insights were hard-earned, but seeing how she lived them and gave them away was incredibly inspirational. Mrs. Clara Kelley is not just a fictional gem, but a woman who can work off the page in convicting and inspiring God’s warriors to love and fight in His name. This is the kind of soul-touching story that will stay in my heart for a long time and will be on the top of the list of my favorite books of 2022. Fans of women’s fiction will fall in love with this story. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is Sara Brunsvold's debut novel, and it is extraordinary itself! It is an inspiring, faith-filled story of two women, years apart in age and in spiritual maturity, who become friends through a work assignment. Aidyn Kelly thinks she's been given the task of writing an obituary for a dying woman and believes that it will be a matter of checking places and dates. Wow, is she ever wrong! Clara Kip becomes her friend, her mentor, and eventually, the one who changes her life. Brunsvold has packed a powerful faith message into this story that alternates between dates beginning in 1969, and the time that Clara and Aidyn meet in 2016. It is a relevant look at a life well lived, and Clara's determination to spread the gospel. It's also a tale that keeps you invested until the very end. "Thank you, Mrs. Kip. Thank you for helping me find a life that matters." As I finished this book, I began to remember the people who've influenced me in my own life and realized that I could easily insert their names into the above quote. It also challenged me to become the person who helps another person find their own 'life that matters'. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is a satisfying, life-changing story that will make you cry but leave you smiling when you come to the end. It's also a book that I'll read again! I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a positive review.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is Sara Brunsvold's debut novel. However, everything about this novel screams seasoned writer. I can't wait to see what Brunsvold writes next. "...we should never underestimate the life-changing gift of friendship." Mrs. Clara Kip is a gem, a rare delight! I adored her! I want to be like her when I am in my late 70s. She did not let the fact that she was dying keep her from living life to the fullest. "Authentic love is the greatest joy there is, Miss Kelly, but it requires a thousand little deaths to self." Aidyn is young and impatient. She makes a mistake in her hurry to the top, which costs her. However, it could also be the thing that changes everything for her. I was sympathetic to Aidyn's assignment to go into Sacred Promise, hospice care, to speak to Mrs. Kip. While I love septuagenarians I am also very uncomfortable in nursing homes and similar facilities. One of the things I found myself doing as I was reading the book was looking for the love interest...there isn't one. I get so used to books having one I think every book will automatically have one. It was quite refreshing not to have one. There is so much I want to say about this book but I do not want to give spoilers. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip brought out all the feels. I got chills, I laughed, I should have cried...It is one of the most beautiful stories of friendship you will read. It is poignant and fresh, heart-breaking and sweet. I realized we have so much to learn from the older generations. I already knew that, but this book reminds me that there are many people in facilities like Sacred Promise. These people need visitors and still have so much to teach us. They need people willing to open their hearts and minds and listen to the stories they want to share. They also need people to remind them there is still hope in this world. Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Topic or themes I saw: Finding purpose wherever we go. The power of treating people better than they deserve. Truly seeing someone and caring. Finding joy, even though not everything is perfect, and in the process finding true happiness and joy come from the Lord. The principle that we may never see the effects of the things we do, but it's there, it matters. The power of living to love. Who it may interest: Anyone who loves contemporary women's fiction with a little duel time woven in. Anyone who loves a story that grows you heart and makes you want to be a better person. Those who love books by Amanda Cox and Cynthia Ruchti. Story: I instantly fell in love with Clara from page one. She was spunky and determined and had me smiling. When I grow up, I want to be Clara. In the story Aidyn thinks (about Clara) who is this woman, and where did she get such a fierce love? That's what I want people to see in me too. This is a story of a woman's love for others and how it reached far past her, making a difference. I love stories where the characters are unique and unashamedly themselves. That was Clara. This book has a worthy place on my bookshelf. Main Takeaway: Life your life. Live. Full of compassion, love car, freedom, happiness. This book is such a beautiful picture of how I want to live my life. I'm not there yet, but I think I am getting closer. I love this quote from the book: "Such a simple act bought a thrill to the woman in the chair, a woman who seemed to possess more life in her final days that some people possessed in their whole existence." Thank you Revell for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Aidyn is a young reporter for Kansas City's newspaper, The Star. In the time she has been at the newspaper, she has felt over-looked and under-appreciated. She pours out her woes to her boss's boss. By doing that, she may have set her career back years. Despite realizing what a mistake she made, Aidyn still resents the "punishment." She must write an obituary of someone who is still alive, requiring a visit with an unknown hospice patient. Mrs. Clara Kip is dying; she has just checked into a hospice facility. As she enters, she asks God to use her, and Clara gets two assignments. When Aidyn and Mrs. Kip meet, the young reporter barely listens. Aidyn duly notes that Mrs. Kip never had children, was a widow for decades, and has cancer. When her editor sends Aidyn back to improve her impersonal article, Aidyn starts paying attention. That is when she slowly realizes that Mrs. Kip lived an extraordinary life. After spending years mourning her husband, and being angry with God, Clara Kip became a Christian. She worked with a large number of refugees, helped them find employment, a place to live, and learn the language. Because of the path Clara forged, many other refugees were able to follow it. Clara became a friend to the hurting. Through it all, Clara says the only thing amazing about her life is what God has done. As Aidyn just starts to understand Clara's life story, Mrs. Kip's physical life is quickly winding down. Will the two of them have enough time to get through everything? This book will amaze you. It will inspire your faith, touch your heart, and possibly cause you to run out of Kleenex. I highly recommend this five-star book to fans of life stories (even though this was fictional), or inspirational tales. Make sure you read it! On a personal note, I was thrilled this was set in Kansas City, thank you Sara Brunsvold. Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, for the purpose of review.

This is the first book by Sara Brunsvold and it's a winner. I usually do not give 5 star reviews, I save those for the best and this is a 5 star winner. The book is a Christian book but not preachy. It shows how an ordinary sinner, just like me, was saved and how she lived her life with gusto. It shows how an older Christian can make a huge impact on a young (not necessarily young in years) Christian's life for the better. The story flows well, and the characters are well developed and believable. The storyline is unique and held my attention throughout. I was sorry to come to the end as I enjoyed spending time with the 2 main characters. This book is well worth your time and it is not an effort to read. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.

Aidyn Kelley is a reporter for the Kansas City Star looking for her story that will launch her career. But instead, she is given the task of writing the obituary for Clara Kip, a 79-woman dying of cancer. Aidyn grudgingly goes to interview Clara and discovers a spunky and faith filled woman who has experienced her share of tragedy. But who also has left behind a legacy of helping people. My first impression of this book was mixed. Clara seemed a bit sassy to me but by the end of the novel I was enamored with her. She became someone that inspired me, and I admired her outlook on life. This book has a strong Christian message, with verses woven throughout and conversations about faith. I liked the transformation in Aidyn as she gets to know Mrs. Kip and discovers the reason her editor put her on this assignment. As the title indicates, the topic of death is a big part of the narrative, but not in a gloomy way. I found it realistic and hopeful. The author’s writing style was easy to read. I also appreciated how she prioritized what she wanted her main message to be and stuck with details that pertained to that theme. Although the author could have provided more details about Mrs. Kip’s past, she briefly mentioned some of those details and didn’t delve into non-essentials. I would recommend reading this novel if you like inspirational and contemporary fiction.

Clara Kip is dying but the legacy she leaves behind is unbelievable in ithe way it encompasses everyone whose lives she has touched. Cub reporter Aidyn Kelley is assigned to write her obituary but in interviewing her, she finds a new friend and a story worth telling to the world. This is a story that touched all of the right strings of my heart, making me laugh aloud at the antics of Mrs, Kip and then cry quietly as her time to pass away got closer. By the time the book ended, I admired Mrs. Kip;s dignity and acceptance of life’s hard times and her unwavering faith in God. This book is one of the best ficition books that I have ever read, with characters that spoke softly but insistently into my soul. The plot was perfectly paced for the story that was being told. In fact, I did not want it to end and would love to know what heppens to Aidyn later after she has been influenced so much by an old lady who poured so much into her life. I received a complimentary copy of this book but all opinons expressed are my own.

his is the first book I have read by this author. The very original title really caught my attention and had me curious to the point where I felt I had to read this book. The main character, Mrs. Clara Kip, is so well written that I feel like she is a real person and that book is non-fiction instead of fiction. The book is a split-time novel. It is split between current day and Clara’s past day. Another thing that this has that I really like is good secondary characters and great life lessons. This book has an amazing human element to it. It brings such respect, honor, and dignity to the characters that are aging. It also does a great job of bridging the gap between those characters who are older with those of the younger generation. I loved this book and it was hard to put down. Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

The title of the book was not what immediately pulled me in, but rather the subject matter. In the past months, my husband has been hospitalized and required to be a live-in patient at a rehab center. It has been the most trying times of my life and when I saw this book, I knew it was meant for me at this particular time of my life. It was perfect. The characters were perfect and I fell in love with Mrs. Kip. She was amazing. She didn't let her situation keep her down. She was dedicated for doing good to others. As she and the reporter, Aidyn meet and become acquainted, I see such personal growth in Aidyn and the paths of life become clear and apparent. I loved the caring people in the book and it hit home in my husband's own situation. Brought some tears to my eyes and peace in my heart. I really, really loved this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

2022 has already yielded several true literary gems of which The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip shines among the brightest. I typically avoid books about cancer, that being a topic that seeks to foil my attempt to read to escape the darkness of the times in which we live. By acquiescing to the nudge I felt to read this book, I experienced a breath of life in Mrs. Kip's story, a life lived by loving deeply, by the giving of one's self over to many tiny deaths. This book is potentially life changing, and I pray that I will allow it to change mine a little more each and every single day. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is extremely well-written. Brunsvold does not shy away from the physical realities of the final days of our earthly life, but she does bathe them in spiritual loveliness, with the great anticipation for what awaits us as believers, while also inspiring us to finish well, doing the Lord's work until our final breaths. This is a story that is not to be missed. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.