Ok, I am crying already over this book!! This is already one of the sweetest stories I have ever read and it has barely begun. The part about her mother's dog Winkie, had me in tears. I think this is going to be a wonderful story, sad, yes, but also full of love and tenderness and happy times. I can't wait to read about the relationship between Carol and Martha along with Harry and Minnie's relationship. My mother was also a cancer patient, so this book hits home on several levels. My mother all throughout her illness retained a sense of humor and the capability to laugh and see the good in the world. Much better than I did at the time. My mom also had a dog, that needed a home after she passed. My mom's dog was taken in by her younger sister, who cared for George ( the dog) until he passed away 5 years after my mom. I feel I can relate to this story on so many levels. It feels like a story told with compassion and love, along with happiness and humor. It may touch on death, but from the part that I have enjoyed reading, it is a story that celebrates life!!