Book Review: In the Mirror By Kaira Rouda

IN THE MIRROR: A Novel

By: Kaira Rouda

Published: March 5, 2014

Publisher: Real You Publishing Group

Women’s Fiction

As part of the book tour with PUMP UP YOUR BOOK, I’m featuring IN THE MIRROR by Kaira Rouda.  For more stops on the tour including reviews, interviews and first chapter reveals, click HERE.

First, check out the praise for IN THE MIRROR through this short book trailer:

In the short time IN THE MIRROR has been on the market, it has already made Amazon’s #1 Bestseller list.  I think most people are intrigued and a bit voyeuristic with the premise.   A thirty-four year old wife, young mom, and professional businesswoman is stricken with cancer, and it is terminal. We hear these stories all to often and each one breaks our heart.  Thankfully, we also see miracles in these lives and IN THE MIRROR reminds the reader that you can’t give up.

Jennifer decides in the midst of her treatment for cancer to throw a party.  A kind of “pre-funeral” party where she can reconnect with all the people from her past and present.  While living in Shady Valley and receiving treatment she contemplates her life and seemingly upcoming death.  When her first love comes back to town and drops by the treatment center, old feelings and memories come rushing back. Can she say no when he is right in front of her? Can she really turn against her husband and kids in her final days? What Jennifer goes through in this story will make every reader stop and think about the “What ifs” of life, the people who molded us, and those we love most.

This is not a happy story, even though there are funny moments.  Death and it’s looming presence is on each page and cancer isn’t pretty.  I struggled with my emotions at several places in the book.  I think most people reading this would place themselves in Jennifer’s position and try to contemplate their options.  I enjoyed the fast pace of the writing,  I think with a storyline like this one, you need to keep it moving or the reader will get bogged down in the sadness. There were a few distractions and characters that brought some excitement to the story and kept the reader guessing.

I recommend this book as a way to encourage you to think about your own life and the people who have been a part of it.  I think everyone should have a party like Jennifer’s.  Lastly, this book will remind you to cherish the moments, love the people in your life, and take every opportunity to celebrate the big and small things. You will definitely want to keep the kleenex box close by.

Kaira Rouda is an award-winning and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction. Her books include: Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs; Here, Home, Hope; All the Difference;In the Mirror; and the short story,A Mother’s Day.  She lives in Southern California with her husband and four children and is at work on her next novel.  For more on Kaira, visit her website, HERE.  You can also find her on Facebook, HERE, and Twitter, HERE. 

To purchase a copy of IN THE MIRROR, click the photo below. It is just $.99 on Kindle at this time.

Thanks to Pump Up Your Book for sending a copy of this novel my way.  This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews.