Warning - difficult listen when driving!!

Warning - you might find it a difficult listen when driving as you are either sobbing or laughing out loud!! I found this a book that draws you in quickly, with characters you grow to love and care about deeply. Although you know that Evie has stage 4 cancer and there are some tough elements this is still a warm, honest and life affirming read. I raced through it and then was sad when it ended - I will be seeking out more books by Lissa Del.

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Brilliant. Beautiful. Gut wrenching.

Get ready for the ugly cry.

Most books ‘hook’ you from the start, but this one slowly unhinges you from the first chapter.

Evie is dying is the best way possible- by living life to the full with the ones she loves. But is also preparing, selflessly thinking of her husband and three children. Because no one knows better than she does what they need.

When Evie hires Julia as nanny, she sets in motion a plan that she hopes will help her family heal from their grief after she is gone.

If you enjoyed One Day in December- you’ll love this book. It’s raw and beautiful. A glimpse into what it means to love and truly live.

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A Very Special Story

A very special story, Evie is dying of cancer and we get to share her last few weeks with her. Her indomitable spirit and wicked sense of humour make this a book so worth reading.

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A life made of lava

This was an incredible book!It was sad but joyful.It spoke volumes about the womans love for her family,and how she wants to have it taken care of even after she dies of cancer. I cried and laughed. Lynn Devereux was a fine narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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Review

An utterly gut wrenching, laugh-out-loud, raw and honest book about a subject we all fear and dread and many have to face. I loved everything about it from the characters to the very clever way the author weaved this story of love and friendship and a zest for life to grip my heart.
The narrator's voice took some getting use to and it did help to speed it up, otherwise well narrated.

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I couldn’t do it!

My heart is broken. At least at times it seemed like it would break, whilst listening to this book. A heart-wrenching tale of the one thing we can all be sure of, no matter how it comes our way.
Listened to this one at every opportunity and it didn’t disappoint. I cried, I laughed, I hoped...
The narration lacked lustre at times, as it was quite monotone for me. Just not my preferred style.
Nonetheless, it didn’t detract from story and the the selfless human being that is Evie, although I’m not convinced the treatment of her mother-in-law was entirely justified. However, I’m willing to forgive her on this occasion as I get back to the premise of the story. I’m not sure I’d be able to be that selfless. I’d like to think I would; not so sure I could.
A beautiful, contemplative tale. Would read or listen to more from this author.

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Tear jerking and beautiful

Truly an amazing read. Could never have asked for a more emotional and brilliant story

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Thought provoking

What a thought provoking book, it made me laugh and cry and made me think about how I would act in a similar position. I thought the characters were great, really drawn well, and Nick and Evie's relationship a real foundation of the book. Although about a sad topic, the book wasn't at all melancholy and dealt with the subject matter sensitively and realistically. The book drew me into the character's lives and their different struggles. This is the first book I've listened to by Lissa Del and I will be trying more.

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This book is a thing of beauty...

Oh, and Nick,” I interrupt before he can build up momentum, “the floor’s lava.” For the infinitesimal space between heartbeats, I think he’s not going to react. It would be the first time in eighteen years and the flash of fear the thought induces almost brings me to my knees. Then, without another word, Nick leaps onto the kitchen counter, upending the cold pot of overboiled spaghetti and almost decapitating himself on the overhead pot rail. And I smile. Because it doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with shitty diapers, or a failing business, or even stage four bone cancer, when the floor’s lava, you get off it.”

Evie Danvers is a loving wife and doting mother of three children. Unfortunately she has Stage 4 bone cancer. This isn’t her first rodeo, however as she’s beaten it twice before. This time around is different as Evie knows it’s a battle she can’t win. Her devoted husband Nick is in denial and assumes she’s seeing her oncologist but the reality is that Evie has been avoiding her doctor. Instead she has resolved to get her affairs in order.

Her first course of action is to hire a nanny to help around the home with her children when the pain becomes too much. Following a string of unsuitable candidates, Evie chooses Julia Soanes who reminds her of herself. When Evie’s health worsens, Julia will prove to be a godsend in more ways than one..

You know that feeling... the one that tells you that this book is going to be amazing? I had that feeling after reading the first couple of pages. This was a warm, honest and life affirming read about love, even in the darkest of times. It was also my first introduction to the author. Told from three perspectives; Evie, Nick and Julia’s, the story centres around a woman diagnosed with cancer who realises she’s lost her battle but refuses to be defined by her disease.

The strength of the book lies in the utterly convincing, loveable, three dimensional characters that the author has gone at great lengths to portray. Each character seemingly complimenting the other. The family dynamics as well Evie’s enduring friendship with her best friend Kat, made for poignant reading.

Readers will instantly fall in love with Evie, for her wicked sense of humour and her outlook and zest for life. Her strength, indomitable spirit and sheer resolve to go out on her own terms will have you evaluating the important things in life.

Beautiful. Brilliant and utterly gut wrenching. This life affirming haunting read will hit readers right in the feels and stay with them long after the final page. And yes, I ugly cried..

I received an advanced free audible copy of A Life if Lava and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Lyn Devereaux’s narration was warm, clear and concise with excellent pacing. I felt that her voice was perfect for the tone of the novel.

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A Life Made of Lava

This is, without doubt, one of the best books I have read (or listened to) in a long time. Having lost someone recently to cancer, this was incredibly poignant without being overly melancholy. The characters were likeable without being perfect and the multiple perspectives really added to the story. Even though it is obvious where the book will end from the very beginning, I was still heartbroken when we got there. I also didn't expect the twist! I cried, both from laughter and sadness and can't recommend it more highly!

This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for a review.

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