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One Perfect Day
This is the story of two mothers, strangers to one another.
The first has two children--twins, a boy and girl, who are seniors in high school. She wants their last Christmas as a family living in the same home to be perfect, but her husband is delayed returning from a business trip abroad. And then there's an accident--a fatal one involving a drunk driver.
Meanwhile, the other mother has a daughter who needs a new heart, and so the loss of one woman becomes the miracle the other has desperately prayed for. While one mother grieves, and pulls away from her family, the other finds that even miracles aren't always easy to receive.
The first has two children--twins, a boy and girl, who are seniors in high school. She wants their last Christmas as a family living in the same home to be perfect, but her husband is delayed returning from a business trip abroad. And then there's an accident--a fatal one involving a drunk driver.
Meanwhile, the other mother has a daughter who needs a new heart, and so the loss of one woman becomes the miracle the other has desperately prayed for. While one mother grieves, and pulls away from her family, the other finds that even miracles aren't always easy to receive.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2008
156 people are currently reading
1465 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
159 books2,031 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
February 8, 2018
This book totally tugged on the emotions and was a great book to read while curled up with chocolate and a snuggly blanket. The story itself was so beautiful and inspiring, despite the sorrow. And the strength and comfort of God's love that entwined about the characters and their struggles blessed my heart!
July 13, 2011
Having never read any of Snelling’s works before, I had no idea what to expect. Essentially, I judged the book by the cover (the crisp, white snow appealed to me on a hot summer day). Nora Peterson and Jenna Montgomery were two moms who had to deal with the consequences and rewards of organ donation, respectively. Nora lost someone she loved, which led to Jenna’s daughter being able to finally live. The story switched point-of-view from Nora to Jenna and vice versa as the chapters advanced. As dizzying as this might sound, the stories were still relatively easy to follow. My main concern was for the plot to progress more quickly, and that Nora and Jenna would reach their respective happy endings already. While the plot was stretched to the point of tearing, I did enjoy the tiny twist in the beginning. Sure, I expected there to be a twist since the buildup was so meticulous, but it was a good shock regardless. I charged forward, forcing myself to continue reading as I refuse to abandon any books. I could not relate to Nora’s pain, and Snelling never opened up Nora’s emotions enough so that I could even sympathize with her situation over losing a loved one. Instead, I thought her moping and dragging herself around the house (figuratively and literally) prevented any emotion from rising from the pages and into my heart. I wanted to slap her and push her to get some help. Jenna’s story was just as long (the time was parallel, thank goodness), but Heather, Jenna’s daughter who received a heart transplant, seemed almost metafictional as her sense of time was identical to my own. She thought everything was taking forever, and in both of our realities, it was. Heather was my favorite character because she was funny and endearing, and she never pitied her own circumstances. When the novel finally ended, I wondered if the two mothers should have met, but I think had they met, Nora would never be able to get over the death of her family member and Jenna would feel so much guilt. Perhaps the ending was happy after all. On the other hand, my sentiments after reading this novel were not so positive.
Quick note: For those who don't like reading books that delve heavily into religion and faith, this is certainly not your cup of tea.
Quick note: For those who don't like reading books that delve heavily into religion and faith, this is certainly not your cup of tea.
September 8, 2017
*happy sigh* This book. Lauraine Snelling, y'all! She's awesome. Any time I pick up one of her books, it's like coming home; her writing style is so familiar and homey feeling. I just love it!
The characters were all vibrant and complex. From Nora, the over-protective grieving mom, to Jenna, the compassionate caring, and worried nurse and mom. From Christi, the introverted, artistic twin ,to Charlie, the vibrant, kind-hearted, outgoing twin. Also, Randy was pretty fantastic! I wasn't expecting his character to go where it went, but I loved it. I loved Heather too, although I feel like she could have been a little more developed.
This book pings back and forth from Nora's POV, to Jenna's. It's an emotional rollercoaster, as we jump from the grieving mom's perspective, to the joyful - ecstatic, even - but worried mom's perspective. One has just experienced death. The loss of one you hoped to never lose. The other has gained life - not for herself, but for her daughter, who was otherwise dying. See what I'm getting at with the emotional rollercoaster thing? The storyline was well done, although I feel like the ending was rather sudden. A few more chapters to wrap everything up nicely would have been nice.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel! Very poignant, heartfelt, and emotional. Recommended for ages 15+ for reading level, and mild romance and death\grief.
The characters were all vibrant and complex. From Nora, the over-protective grieving mom, to Jenna, the compassionate caring, and worried nurse and mom. From Christi, the introverted, artistic twin ,to Charlie, the vibrant, kind-hearted, outgoing twin. Also, Randy was pretty fantastic! I wasn't expecting his character to go where it went, but I loved it. I loved Heather too, although I feel like she could have been a little more developed.
This book pings back and forth from Nora's POV, to Jenna's. It's an emotional rollercoaster, as we jump from the grieving mom's perspective, to the joyful - ecstatic, even - but worried mom's perspective. One has just experienced death. The loss of one you hoped to never lose. The other has gained life - not for herself, but for her daughter, who was otherwise dying. See what I'm getting at with the emotional rollercoaster thing? The storyline was well done, although I feel like the ending was rather sudden. A few more chapters to wrap everything up nicely would have been nice.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel! Very poignant, heartfelt, and emotional. Recommended for ages 15+ for reading level, and mild romance and death\grief.
December 14, 2012
As I read through this story, I understood the chapters switching back and forth between two different families. But the end left an unknown with the introduction of a new element. As a two time organ recipient, this ending left me bewildered at the outcome.
A few organ transplant medical facts were not accurate, but I do have to live through the daily routines and procedures.
The character, Nora, was a bit two dimensional and her routine mundane and repetitive even for someone in mourning.
The other family's fate was too predictable and characters were well behaved leaving them a bit vanilla.
I never felt an urgency in the story, or a place where I gasped at the next page's revelation. I feel like this book was rushed to print and could have used more character action and interaction and less details like making coffee and other small actions shown over and over.
A few organ transplant medical facts were not accurate, but I do have to live through the daily routines and procedures.
The character, Nora, was a bit two dimensional and her routine mundane and repetitive even for someone in mourning.
The other family's fate was too predictable and characters were well behaved leaving them a bit vanilla.
I never felt an urgency in the story, or a place where I gasped at the next page's revelation. I feel like this book was rushed to print and could have used more character action and interaction and less details like making coffee and other small actions shown over and over.
January 1, 2024
A faded warmth shifts between two families, while coloring in pale shades of weakness with salvation in this nippy holiday story of renewal.
My favorite quote from the book was
“Surely, there could be no more tears. Where did they come from? What well that knew no bottom?”
My favorite quote from the book was
“Surely, there could be no more tears. Where did they come from? What well that knew no bottom?”
October 13, 2008
Nora Peterson, her husband Gordon and her twin children, Charlie and Christi were just like any other family. They had their arguments but they all loved each other. Nora, Charlie and Christi were preparing for Christmas. Gordon was stranded momentary due to weather. He was heading home from a business trip. The day was December 23. A day that Nora and her family will never forget. As the turn of events that take place this fatal day will change the lives of two families forever.
Jenna Montgomery and her daughter, Heather both knew how precious living every day to the fullest was. You see, Heather has heart problems and has been on the donors list for a while now. A miracle happens and Heather receives a new heart for Christmas.
I felt for both families as they struggled in different ways to get on with their lives. Lauraine Snelling has one of my favorite Christian authors. She brings a grace and fluidity to her stories. It has been a while since I have read one of her books. I have to say that after reading One Perfect Day I will be starting back up again with her books. She is a master storyteller. Mrs. Snelling’s books can be read and enjoyed by anyone. Just because she writes Christian books does not mean that she gets preachy in them. They do teach a lesson but they are lessons that we all can benefit from remembering and using in our everyday lives.
Jenna Montgomery and her daughter, Heather both knew how precious living every day to the fullest was. You see, Heather has heart problems and has been on the donors list for a while now. A miracle happens and Heather receives a new heart for Christmas.
I felt for both families as they struggled in different ways to get on with their lives. Lauraine Snelling has one of my favorite Christian authors. She brings a grace and fluidity to her stories. It has been a while since I have read one of her books. I have to say that after reading One Perfect Day I will be starting back up again with her books. She is a master storyteller. Mrs. Snelling’s books can be read and enjoyed by anyone. Just because she writes Christian books does not mean that she gets preachy in them. They do teach a lesson but they are lessons that we all can benefit from remembering and using in our everyday lives.
January 29, 2011
I honestly initially judged this book by it's cover and was wrong. The plot wasn't terribly original, but could have been decent if the characters weren't so one-dimensional and their actions so predictable. I found myself almost skimming as I read, looking for something interesting. Another issue I had is that the publisher should have marketed this book as a "Christian" book because it was all about church and God. That should have been on the cover, because not everyone is interested in a churchy read. I would not recommend this to anyone who actually enjoys good literature.
January 27, 2020
I liked the format the author chose to convey the two sides of the issue in the story. The story was centered on the issue of organ donor. It was told from the perspectives of the family that lost a loved one and the family that found a renewed life because of a donation. I found myself engrossed in both. I found my perspective sensitive to this story and it's two sided presentation. I wasn't expecting the spiritual aspect to be as prevalent as it was. It was interesting and not overbearing. I found myself understanding but less patient at the same time with the grieving mother. Overall, I thought the story was well constructed. I just found the grief too be well portrayed. It was an exhaustive characterization that showed that it is such a draining process for that side of the story. The other side was lighter and much more fun to read. The balance between the two was good, but the heavier side felt a little draining in reading. I think the push towards moving forward for that side was a weight that was conveyed with the subject matter and the characters. There were several in the grief side and they were all dealing with the loss in different ways. I would recommend this book for all it gave.
October 14, 2020
This was an emotional read for me. Just like Nora, I lost a family member due to an accident resulting in a brain injury severe enough that life support was removed, organs donated. I could identify with how Nora was feeling: angry, bitter, depressed, etc. It’s never easy making such a huge decision.
On the flip side of it, there is Jenna who is the mother of Heather. Heather is 20 years old and will die if she doesn’t have a heart transplant soon. Of course, she becomes the recipient of the heart through Nora’s family member who died. This isn’t a spoiler, by the way!
The two families have their own share of healing to go through. I found this to be overall an uplifting story. It is listed as Christian Fiction and the characters do pray a lot and God is mentioned quite a bit. Being raised as Baptist growing up, this didn’t bother me at all. Some reviewers have found it to be too “preachy”.
On the flip side of it, there is Jenna who is the mother of Heather. Heather is 20 years old and will die if she doesn’t have a heart transplant soon. Of course, she becomes the recipient of the heart through Nora’s family member who died. This isn’t a spoiler, by the way!
The two families have their own share of healing to go through. I found this to be overall an uplifting story. It is listed as Christian Fiction and the characters do pray a lot and God is mentioned quite a bit. Being raised as Baptist growing up, this didn’t bother me at all. Some reviewers have found it to be too “preachy”.
July 1, 2022
This book hit me so hard in the heart. I may or may not have cried many times reading it. Seeing the point of view on both sides of a transplant is very eye opening. Seeing the struggle with God on the losing and receiving end is also very eye opening. Im glad I chose to read this book and decided to pass it on to someone else as well. Definite recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
One Perfect Day
The internal fight of good God or bad God when a loved one dies unexpectedly is handled beautifully in this story.
The internal fight of good God or bad God when a loved one dies unexpectedly is handled beautifully in this story.
November 13, 2011
In parallel, alternating chapters, One Perfect Day follows the lives of these two women as their story unfolds. When tragedy strikes the Peterson’s home, the family is left to make a hard decision about organ donation. The story centers much around this decision being made in the core of intense grief, a decision that can very well save others lives.
Nora’s story is one of battling grief and loss, as well as struggling with the depression that can follow such tragic events. As she questions everything, her family and her best friend try hard to wrap her in love. How does one go on after something like this happens? How does one get up in the morning? Breath? Forgive? Heal?
Jenna’s story follows the miracle side of her daughters new heart. Sure there are opportunities for heart rejection, but now that this big weight is lifted off their lives and the impending thoughts of “their last Christmas together” seems to disappear and as each day shows improvement and healing… it makes room for something else in Jenna’s life. Something there was no room for in the fear of losing her daughter….
There is hope.
The two families never meet and I think that is a brilliant choice by author Lauraine Snelling. It would have been easy to pull them together in the end and let them see what they have done for each other… both healing in their own sense of the word. The fact that this is not the case, adds a sense of imbalance as you wonder whether their paths will cross and the result is a good read, without the all too neat ribbon and bow packaging in the end.
I have to admit, I do not read many Christmas related stories due to the overall neatness that seems to be within the pages of such reads. The overall sugary perfect effect leaves me with nothing to ponder on. This was not the case in One Perfect Day. This book left me not only with thoughts on families coping with tragedies the best they know how, but also on the importance of organ donation.
This book is a recommended read this winter as you curl up in a comfy chair and a hot cup of cocoa. A small, quick read that packs a lot of punch within its pages.
Enjoy!
Lauraine Snelling is a Christian Fiction author who with this book, I have now read for the first time. She has a wonderful way with character development. Her story weaves and twists between the two families as smoothly as though she were figure skating.
Nora’s story is one of battling grief and loss, as well as struggling with the depression that can follow such tragic events. As she questions everything, her family and her best friend try hard to wrap her in love. How does one go on after something like this happens? How does one get up in the morning? Breath? Forgive? Heal?
Jenna’s story follows the miracle side of her daughters new heart. Sure there are opportunities for heart rejection, but now that this big weight is lifted off their lives and the impending thoughts of “their last Christmas together” seems to disappear and as each day shows improvement and healing… it makes room for something else in Jenna’s life. Something there was no room for in the fear of losing her daughter….
There is hope.
The two families never meet and I think that is a brilliant choice by author Lauraine Snelling. It would have been easy to pull them together in the end and let them see what they have done for each other… both healing in their own sense of the word. The fact that this is not the case, adds a sense of imbalance as you wonder whether their paths will cross and the result is a good read, without the all too neat ribbon and bow packaging in the end.
I have to admit, I do not read many Christmas related stories due to the overall neatness that seems to be within the pages of such reads. The overall sugary perfect effect leaves me with nothing to ponder on. This was not the case in One Perfect Day. This book left me not only with thoughts on families coping with tragedies the best they know how, but also on the importance of organ donation.
This book is a recommended read this winter as you curl up in a comfy chair and a hot cup of cocoa. A small, quick read that packs a lot of punch within its pages.
Enjoy!
Lauraine Snelling is a Christian Fiction author who with this book, I have now read for the first time. She has a wonderful way with character development. Her story weaves and twists between the two families as smoothly as though she were figure skating.
April 24, 2013
The book is noteworthy for its emotional intensity. Grief, anxiety, guilt, doubt and depression are painted in blacks and grays on a wide canvas. Admittedly, love, devotion, friendship, loyalty, compassion and faith are also represented but struggle to gain much notice until the very end and even then there is a lingering aftertaste of melancholy about this book.
Snelling is true to her established habit of being meticulously detailed in all her descriptions. She presents dialogue and actions with thought-stream addenda (in italics). She has the skill to insert her readers into every situation to become acquainted with the narrating characters--in this case Nora and Jenna. The events in each of these characters' lives are juxtaposed synchronously in alternating chapters. I was rather disappointed that the two story lines did not consummate sufficiently at the end. (Due to "legal complications"? This being fiction, surely they could have been sidestepped.) If the two families had been able to meet it would have brought this two dimensional tale to a more satisfying third dimensional conclusion. But, overall, this work offers fetching insight into the process of grieving, and of healing, and the vital importance of caring friends, clergy and health care providers during personal crisis.
Snelling is true to her established habit of being meticulously detailed in all her descriptions. She presents dialogue and actions with thought-stream addenda (in italics). She has the skill to insert her readers into every situation to become acquainted with the narrating characters--in this case Nora and Jenna. The events in each of these characters' lives are juxtaposed synchronously in alternating chapters. I was rather disappointed that the two story lines did not consummate sufficiently at the end. (Due to "legal complications"? This being fiction, surely they could have been sidestepped.) If the two families had been able to meet it would have brought this two dimensional tale to a more satisfying third dimensional conclusion. But, overall, this work offers fetching insight into the process of grieving, and of healing, and the vital importance of caring friends, clergy and health care providers during personal crisis.
January 26, 2014
How is it possible that I read two of the worst books ever back to back?
This is NOT a book about a perfect day. There was no perfect day.
One mother loses a son and the family chose to donate his organs, but the mother is not at peace it seems with this choice and is totally and completely depressed and "out-of it" for the duration of the tale.
Another mother is parent to a daughter awaiting an organ - who receives one when it was completely unexpected. Though her daughter receives the organ, the mother has great difficulty "transitioning" from the mother of a terminally ill child, to the mother of a healthy and living child.
Somehow into the mess of all this there is a sappy love story woven in. To me the love story is completely out of place and random - and I have no idea who has the perfect day.
This is NOT a book about a perfect day. There was no perfect day.
One mother loses a son and the family chose to donate his organs, but the mother is not at peace it seems with this choice and is totally and completely depressed and "out-of it" for the duration of the tale.
Another mother is parent to a daughter awaiting an organ - who receives one when it was completely unexpected. Though her daughter receives the organ, the mother has great difficulty "transitioning" from the mother of a terminally ill child, to the mother of a healthy and living child.
Somehow into the mess of all this there is a sappy love story woven in. To me the love story is completely out of place and random - and I have no idea who has the perfect day.
May 4, 2013
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! IT TOOK ME LONGER THAN EXPECTED TO READ, I HAD TO TAKE SOME LONGER BREAKS THAN WHAT I NORMALLY DO. ALTHOUGH I DON'T HAVE TWINS, I DO HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND WHEN YOU READ A BOOK ABOUT SOMEONE WHO LOST THEIR CHILD OR MAY LOSE THEIR CHILD IT TOUCHES A BIT CLOSER TO HOME. I FOUND MYSELF TELLING NOT ONLY MY CHILDREN BUT MY HUSBAND ALSO THAT I LOVE THEM MORE THAN I USUALLY DO. THIS BOOK ABOUT A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE AND A HEART WRENCHING TRAGEDY PUTS THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. TO LIVE LIFE WHEN YOU HAVE AND NOT TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED. NOT TAKE PEOPLE FOR GRANTED! AMAZING BOOK WILL DEFIANTLY BE READING IT AGAIN!!
October 16, 2008
This book is the story of two mothers. One lost her son right before Christmas. The other one's daughter received his heart in a transplant. The chapters alternate, one tells Nora's story, the next, Jenna's. Not unsurprisingly Nora, who lost her son, finds herself distant from God. She is furious at him and drowning in her sorrow. Jenna praises Him for the new life in her daughter.
I guess sorrow is a stronger emotion than joy. If felt Nora's pain much more than I shared Jenna's joy, but I loved the book.
I guess sorrow is a stronger emotion than joy. If felt Nora's pain much more than I shared Jenna's joy, but I loved the book.
May 20, 2009
Oh My Goodness! Talk about a Tear-Jerker! I don't usually cry while reading but I caught myself in tears many times throughout this book. It really opened my eyes to the heart ache that the organ donor's family goes through while on the other hand all the joy and life it brings to the organ reciever. There were so many emotions flowing in the characters of the story you can't help but get caught up in it! This Book Is A Definete Read For Everyone I know!
I gave it a four star only because I didn't like some of the authors wording.
I gave it a four star only because I didn't like some of the authors wording.
July 22, 2009
Read the beginning, couldn't stand Nora, realized about 70 pages in that the rest of the story was simply about her going through the emotions of coping with a loss and couldn't force myself to go through it with her. I skipped to the end to read the letter (which was a total let down) and returned it to the library without feeling as though I missed any of the story. Way way way hoakie. Nora was so incredibly annoying.....thank God she is a book character....I cannot even imagine what kind of mother in law she would one day make to some poor unfortunate girl. Blah.
October 3, 2015
This was a happy, sad book. I felt the pain of Nora as she lost her son so tragically. I lost my brother in a tragic accident also, and can relate as to how my mother felt at that time. Jenna was so elated that Heather received the heart from Charlie and gave her daughter a new lease on life. Unlike when I lost my brother organ donation wasn't an option at that time, so it is a wonderful thing to know the donors family is letting their loved one give life to another families loved one. What a precious gift. This book will remain in my memory for a long time. Thank you Lauraine...
May 9, 2009
From sorrow to joy Snelling weaves an enchanting story of peace in the midst of tragedy.
April 1, 2013
A poignant story of how two families are effected by the death of one boy's unexpected death. A book I couldn't put down.
December 17, 2015
While I don't doubt the emotions of the characters mirror reality, this Christmas novel was not heart warming nor uplifting. This novel just wasn't for me.
April 16, 2018
I expected more. The characters and plot had such potential, but the book did not deliver.
July 29, 2017
This emotional story of two families actually focused on the mothers in each family, living out the two sides of organ donation and organ transplantation through a heart rendering Christmas season is well told and comes across as very true to life. Yes, as a heart recipient, I become more attached to stories involving heart transplant but this one, by the author’s detailed descriptions, especially of the many emotions involved on either side, kept pulling me back to a true to life story vs. the fictional novel it really is. That takes a gifted writer who has done their research beyond just the surface medical facts we so often find in such novels. Its much harder to understand and then portray the true human experience behind those surface facts and in One Perfect Day, Lauraine Snelling captures those feelings well in telling her story of these two families.
The overall format is one of alternating chapters, each in turn showing the impact of loss and joy as lived by each mother. One lives with the fear that in turning off the ventilator, a situation faced by too many families of tragic accidents, she has “killed my son” which I have heard in those same exact words in conversation with many donor families. Another common feeling, that a parent is not meant to outlive their children, touches another common life experience.
On the recipient side, a young girl, fighting for life with a failing heart, receives her Christmas gift of a life saving heart transplant just in time. The emotions on that side offer a counter balance to the reciprocal story, making for deeper understanding on behalf of the reader of how the two sides play out so differently, but so interdependently. I found myself in tears as the urgent call comes and police support plays out in getting the young patient emergency transport to the hospital, so beautifully told in this story teller’s gifted writing.
A good family read, there is a thread of spiritual faith throughout, one that shows all sides of the human emotions that play in such circumstances – praying for miracles, anger at seemingly unanswered prayers, frustration and hope, sorrow and joy, all so humanly told, but ending up leaving us a sense of God’s support in life. The two stories come together in a rather abrupt but emotional two page Epilogue ending that touches the heart in its reading, but that’s all I’ll say so as to not spoil your own discovery in reading this wonderful book.
see this and more than a hundred other organ donation/transplant related books - many with my personal reviews - at http://www.trioweb.org/resources/book...
The overall format is one of alternating chapters, each in turn showing the impact of loss and joy as lived by each mother. One lives with the fear that in turning off the ventilator, a situation faced by too many families of tragic accidents, she has “killed my son” which I have heard in those same exact words in conversation with many donor families. Another common feeling, that a parent is not meant to outlive their children, touches another common life experience.
On the recipient side, a young girl, fighting for life with a failing heart, receives her Christmas gift of a life saving heart transplant just in time. The emotions on that side offer a counter balance to the reciprocal story, making for deeper understanding on behalf of the reader of how the two sides play out so differently, but so interdependently. I found myself in tears as the urgent call comes and police support plays out in getting the young patient emergency transport to the hospital, so beautifully told in this story teller’s gifted writing.
A good family read, there is a thread of spiritual faith throughout, one that shows all sides of the human emotions that play in such circumstances – praying for miracles, anger at seemingly unanswered prayers, frustration and hope, sorrow and joy, all so humanly told, but ending up leaving us a sense of God’s support in life. The two stories come together in a rather abrupt but emotional two page Epilogue ending that touches the heart in its reading, but that’s all I’ll say so as to not spoil your own discovery in reading this wonderful book.
see this and more than a hundred other organ donation/transplant related books - many with my personal reviews - at http://www.trioweb.org/resources/book...
December 5, 2022
A novel of depth, One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling addresses the often wrenching decision to donate an organ of a loved one to a person who otherwise might die.
Nora Peterson prepares for what she hopes will be the best Christmas ever. Her twins, Charlie and Christi are high school seniors. Once they leave home, nothing will ever be the same for Nora and her husband, Gordon. The family has a happy, affluent life. The twins have had every advantage and it won’t be long now before they’ll be off to college to start their own lives.
Miles away, in another state, Jenna Montgomery, exhausted from her ER shift, returns home to care for her daughter, Heather. For years, Heather, 20, has suffered with a failing heart. Being a nurse, Jenna is well aware of how serious her daughter’s condition is. If she doesn’t get a heart transplant soon, she will die. It’s that dire. Jenna is a war widow and she faces this burden alone.
When tragedy strikes, one’s family’s devastating loss becomes another family’s blessing.
One Perfect Day is a story of tragedy and hope. Organ transplants give life; unfortunately it often means another life has been lost. It’s never a simple solution, but it can be a life-saving answer to prayer.
I have read several books written by award-winning author, Lauraine Snelling, and have especially enjoyed the “Red River of the North” series. Snelling is a master story teller. Her descriptions, whether it be emotions or landscape, come alive under her pen. One Perfect Day is a departure from her usual genres, at least in my experience, but she does justice to a crucial, life-saving topic—the importance of being an organ donor. I highly recommend this book.
Nora Peterson prepares for what she hopes will be the best Christmas ever. Her twins, Charlie and Christi are high school seniors. Once they leave home, nothing will ever be the same for Nora and her husband, Gordon. The family has a happy, affluent life. The twins have had every advantage and it won’t be long now before they’ll be off to college to start their own lives.
Miles away, in another state, Jenna Montgomery, exhausted from her ER shift, returns home to care for her daughter, Heather. For years, Heather, 20, has suffered with a failing heart. Being a nurse, Jenna is well aware of how serious her daughter’s condition is. If she doesn’t get a heart transplant soon, she will die. It’s that dire. Jenna is a war widow and she faces this burden alone.
When tragedy strikes, one’s family’s devastating loss becomes another family’s blessing.
One Perfect Day is a story of tragedy and hope. Organ transplants give life; unfortunately it often means another life has been lost. It’s never a simple solution, but it can be a life-saving answer to prayer.
I have read several books written by award-winning author, Lauraine Snelling, and have especially enjoyed the “Red River of the North” series. Snelling is a master story teller. Her descriptions, whether it be emotions or landscape, come alive under her pen. One Perfect Day is a departure from her usual genres, at least in my experience, but she does justice to a crucial, life-saving topic—the importance of being an organ donor. I highly recommend this book.
August 9, 2022
Emotionally wrenching at times, but in a way only Snelling seems to be able to achieve this story also offers healing and comfort.
The story follows the lives of two families on either side of an organ donation. One side fighting against devastating grief while the other slowly starts learning to dream again as they soak in the reality of the gift of life they've been blessed with... and what it must have cost. It is a moving experience to travel the two journey's to the book's end.
I normally have trouble putting a Snelling book down, but this one made it a must several times. The writing is superb and wonderful like always, but with a story like this... feeling like you are right there, rejoicing and crying right along side the characters, breaks are needed. At least for me they were.
All said and done, this is well worth the read and definitely powerful. As beautiful and moving as it is heartbreaking and emotional; and as with life, all is felt with both story lines.
The story follows the lives of two families on either side of an organ donation. One side fighting against devastating grief while the other slowly starts learning to dream again as they soak in the reality of the gift of life they've been blessed with... and what it must have cost. It is a moving experience to travel the two journey's to the book's end.
I normally have trouble putting a Snelling book down, but this one made it a must several times. The writing is superb and wonderful like always, but with a story like this... feeling like you are right there, rejoicing and crying right along side the characters, breaks are needed. At least for me they were.
All said and done, this is well worth the read and definitely powerful. As beautiful and moving as it is heartbreaking and emotional; and as with life, all is felt with both story lines.
February 11, 2022
Nora is working very hard to make the perfect Christmas season for her husband and her twins who will be graduating in the Spring. Nora wants make great and lasting memories for her family on the eve of the twins becoming adults.
Then there is Jenna, an ER nurse, and single mother of a daughter who is dying of heart disease and desperately needs a heart transplant. They are praying for a perfect Christmas too. Only their perfect Christmas needs to include a miracle.
One mother gets her Christmas wish and one mother doesn't.
The story was too long because of the continuing anguish one mother has in her grief. She lets her whole life and her family's well being be consumed and become of no concern to her as she falls into self pity. She does not believe Christ - she believes IN Christ but she doesn't believe that His love and promises apply to her. She needs to read the book Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson.
Then there is Jenna, an ER nurse, and single mother of a daughter who is dying of heart disease and desperately needs a heart transplant. They are praying for a perfect Christmas too. Only their perfect Christmas needs to include a miracle.
One mother gets her Christmas wish and one mother doesn't.
The story was too long because of the continuing anguish one mother has in her grief. She lets her whole life and her family's well being be consumed and become of no concern to her as she falls into self pity. She does not believe Christ - she believes IN Christ but she doesn't believe that His love and promises apply to her. She needs to read the book Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson.
May 13, 2023
This was truly a good story about Lisa and profound grief. Unfortunately, it was quite hurried at the end, and had loose ends to attend to, such as, did Nora’s family meet Heather? Was Christi suicidal? Did Nora’s family bond together again? I was expecting this to be a two-part book when I was down to 96 or 98% finished, and then suddenly Christi has graduated from High School, Heather’s mother has married and they bought the ranch, and…how did the rest of their lives go? Maybe I was expecting too much, but the story was flowing well, I thought, until the very end: BAM! It was over! I really wanted to ride the entire story out with these characters, but the hurried ending put a stop to that. There were instances where commas should have been semicolons, but eh, no biggie. But hurrying the ending? That was just a killer to such a wonderful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
3.5⭐️ This was… fine. It was good. It.. was different. I liked the organ donation side of it and seeing both sides of the ‘coin’ for something like that. I had never thought about all that happens for both families during a process/situation like this. I wished the ending was different. It seemed.. undone. Something I LOVED in this book was the detail and the descriptions. Like in my opinion, the words and sentences were so creative and crafty and beautiful at times, but they all combined for just an *okay* story. Just wasn’t for me, maybe because I’m not a parent, I don’t know. It was cool to read a Christian fiction book. I think I would read more from this author, but maybe something more young adult-like. Also, there was one thing I didn’t vibe with, which kinda lost it points from me. Overall, a like but not a love for me.
January 1, 2025
I appreciated the different plot and all the raw emotions. It is a book during the holidays, but it is NOT a happy/ feel-good book. It ends well, and she does a good job mixing pain with joy. I appreciated how true to life the emotions and actions would be. I also appreciated the character's real struggles and relationship with God. I normally don't like sad books, but I can handle it when I expect it. I probably won't reread, and I have to decide if I will keep on my shelf, which is my normal mark for 5 stars, but I appreciated her tackling such a hard subject. I do recommend the book, but not when you are sad. If someone you know has lost someone or went through an organ transplant, I recommend reading.
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