As Bright as Heaven is just that: bright, shimmering, and so fresh it almost catches your breath, like a clear, cold day. Multiple narrators' voices draw the reader into early 20th Century Philadelphia, just before the onset of the Spanish Flu epidemic. What seemed like a new start for one family would instead test their health, resilience, and the new life they are building as America's involvement in WWI brings an epidemic to her shores. Shifting attitudes about death, illness, public health, and German-Americans are explored through the eyes of a mother and her three daughters, family members of the local undertaker, during a time of great social upheaval. At no time does Susan Meissner's writing get in the way of the narrative, but instead leads the reader effortlessly through the war, the epidemic, and one family's struggles to a resolution that is nearly as bright as the beginning.
Full disclosure: I received an Advance copy from the publisher. This book will be available February 6, 2018. Pre-order or get on the library list soon! I for one will be checking out Meissner's backlist.
Full disclosure: I received an Advance copy from the publisher. This book will be available February 6, 2018. Pre-order or get on the library list soon! I for one will be checking out Meissner's backlist.