Missing Reflections: A Novel of Hope

Reflection #1

by Robert Cavazos

Join Brooklyn in the pages of Missing Reflections, a spirited 21-year-old ready to embark on a remarkable adventure. She's committed to escaping the reality of her cancer diagnosis by visiting the place her mother called home, the beautiful land of Montana. She was eager to explore and experience its beauty. These words will satisfy your desire for joyful moments, unexpected adventures and romance. This uplifting story reminds us of the limitless possibilities that await when we dare to embrace the remarkable existence given to us all.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2023

About the author

New author:
Reflection Series (5 Books)
1st publication Missing Reflections, July, 14 2023.
2nd publication Duke Rawlings, March, 1st 2024.
3rd publication When Secrets Fall, July, 19 2024.

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Missing Reflections: A Novel of Hope” by Robert Cavazos, Brooklyn is a young woman who should have her entire life ahead of her. She’s beautiful, spunky, and gets everything she wants—everything, that is, except time. For years Brooklyn has been battling a terrible diagnosis, and now she is terminally ill. Faced with the unthinkable, the only thought she has is to go somewhere where there’s life. On her way to Montana to stay with her grandmother, she meets a chatty guy named Logan on the bus. As much as he irritates her, Brooklyn can’t help but find Logan captivating; unlike her, he knows there is more to life than just death and suffering when you have Jesus.

If you enjoy tear-jerkers that also provide hope, then this book is a great choice for you. Initially, I found this book intense to read because I recently lost someone to a terminal disease, so bear that in mind if you plan to read this book. However, once Brooklyn made plans to go to Montana, I enjoyed the story very much from there.

The book is written simply enough for a teen 16+ audience to enjoy but has some very mature themes like death, illness, and mortality that are hard even for adults to process. There’s some mild profanity here and there, nothing too serious, but also something to consider if you’re a parent. This is a Christian book, so if you’re against religious teaching in literature, you need to know ahead of time that this book has a clear stance on faith.

Myself, I enjoyed this story and did feel hope and happiness as Brooklyn underwent her spiritual journey. I was moved to tears in some places and enjoyed being uplifted in my own faith. I can’t really say a whole lot because it will spoil things, but there are definitely some chapters towards the end that are worth reading again. The author did a great job making these chapters seem authentic.

I recommend this book to mature readers who can handle the harsh realities of those going through chemotherapy and radiation. Sensitive readers like me are advised to proceed with caution because there are some beautiful moments that are worth it in the end but may still be challenging. The writing style is straightforward and doesn’t add a lot of fluff, so it’s an easy read for teens/young adults as well. This book is the first in the author’s Reflection Series. I recommend “Missing Reflections: A Novel of Hope” by Robert Cavazos to Christians and anyone in need of a little hope in the darkness.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Cavazos explores the unforgettable journey of a young woman, Brooklyn, whose world is turned upside down by cancer treatment and the horrific side effects. The story conveys the feeling of an angry, privileged young woman of 21 coming to grips with reality. The love of her parents and younger sister isn’t enough. She fights to stop her cancer treatment and sets herself above others while grappling with how to relate to her Heavenly Father. Individuals deserve the right of choice, and she is an adult entitled to make her way.

Devotedly Christian, her family tries to dictate her journey, only to discover that their daughter has her own path. Brooklyn yearns for wide-open spaces and travels to the breathtaking landscape of Montana. She visits her grandmother and learns more about life and prayers than she ever learned by attending church with her family.

The character development is good but a bit unrelatable. Her mother is controlling, while Brooklyn comes across as shallow and self-centered. These traits, to a degree, are transferred to her sister. Brooklyn’s remarkable adventure to Montana exposes questions about her experience with others, including the young man she meets. Their interesting relationship helps Brooklyn bridge the next step in her journey.

The narration by Juli Brooks is flawless, with good pace and intonations in the audiobook format. Listening to the story was a great experience that hid some story blemishes.

Missing Reflections is a good story about maintaining faith in God. Those fond of clean and wholesome romance will enjoy the twist in the ending that explores the future Brooklyn missed. The message is positive and one no one should miss.

[Aletha Pagett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this e-book from Goodreads. The story was ok but the book itself could use quite a bit of editing. Found it odd that a Christian book would use "Oh God" so frequently. The writing did not hold my interest.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held my attention from the first page to the last

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and inspiring