Meissner's tale of three sisters living through the 1918 flu epidemic and its aftermath is compelling and emotionally wrenching. A haunting read.

After reading A Bridge Across the Ocean, I became an instant fan of Meissner's. I enjoyed Meissner's ability to create intriguing characters and her grasp of historical storytelling. As such when I picked up this book, I had a lot of expectations going in. This book tells the story of the Spanish flu, WWI and the roaring 20's set in the backdrop of Philadelphia through the eyes of three sisters and at one point their mother. Each sister is going on a different path but lends an unique perspective to life in the Bright household and Philadelphia during this time period. I will say that Meissner has definitely not lost her touch in the historical telling. She gives her readers just enough detail to pull them into that time, but not so much where it is overwhelming. While her characterization for both Evie or Evelyn and Maggie seems spot on to what I have expected (the older sisters), Willa was difficult. As a child she seemed a plot device, a means to end in making the girls motherless. As a teenager, I hoped she would fare better. But ultimately, she seemed to continue as a vehicle of the times -- showing readers the underbelly of speakeasies during prohibition. Beyond this, she didn't lend much to the story. While Maggie and Evie had some similar functionality as characters (particularly Evie's view as psychiatrist in training), they still lent enough to the story to be interesting. Beyond that, I was glad to get out of the flu section. That really dragged for me and I had trouble getting through it. Overall, not as good as her last book, but I would be interested more of her work in the future.

When I started this book I was worried that it was going to be a downer. However, the author does a beautiful job descriping the grief of the family. The slow process of putting their life back together made for a good read.

We only see a little bit of our stories at a time, and the hard parts remind us too harshly that we're fragile and flawed. But it isn't all hard. Your story isn't all hard parts. Some of it is incredibly beautiful.

A family is a powerful thing. It is powerful when they stick together thru hardship and celebration; change and the mundane. The Bright family had recently lost a infant son and needing a change from their hometown of Quakertown, the family accepts an uncle's invitation to live with him. With the uncle having no heir of his own or wife, Thomas & Pauline Bright bring their 3 young daughters to Philadelphia.

The narration is done by the women of the family. Willa being the youngest, elementary age, Maggie at 13 and Evie at 15. Paulina the mother who struggles with the death of her child and being present for her daughters. They are now part of the family business in Philly as the mortician. An interesting backdrop that looks at death not in a morbid way but the reality of life. That people matter, even in death. Pauline took over the position of having the deceased groomed for the family. As she was meeting the needs of the deceased, she found purpose for herself and the death of her child.

Each narration was personal and engaging and when the 1918 epidemic came and thousands died, along with the war, it was a struggle for the family not to go into despair but to remind themselves the hope of life. One such hope was Maggie coming to aide of an orphan baby. This is a turning point for this family that also brought hope, fear and purpose.

Their story continues thru 1926 and I would love to see what happened to them after the 1929 thru
WWII. An unforgettable story with unforgettable family!

A Special Thank You to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I like happy feel-good reads, and this isn't one. Yes, it ends with joy, and hope, and vision of the future, but death is the reason for much of the book, and for that reason it took me a while to read. No, it isn't a difficult read, it's just that my mind is mush and sometimes it takes work to get beyond a romance novel lately.

I've read a lot of books about WWII, but this is one of the few set during WWI that I've read. 1918 was not only the year of WWI, it was also the year of the flu epidemic; both play a role in the story, but the flu in a much more powerful way--and some quick research I did showed that more people died of the flu than from the war.

What I've always considered to be signature of Susan Meissner's writing is an artifact of some sort linking a character in today's world to a character in the past. That is lacking in this book; it is pure historical fiction with no modern characters or subplot. Also, may of Meissner's early books were Christian fiction, though generally on the milder end of the spectrum; this is general market women's fiction.

The story starts with Pauline's youngest child dying and Pauline never completely emotionally recovering from that. It's funny, we know in our heads that babies died in those days, and that it wasn't uncommon for people we consider young today to die, but how often do we put ourselves in the shoes of those young mothers whose babies didn't survive infancy? I've "always" known that my mother had an older sister--though I've never thought of her as such--she was nothing to me but a stone in the graveyard. When I was pregnant with my first child, I threatened to miscarry and at that point I wondered how my grandmother had felt when her baby died. Years later for some reason my mom told me that my grandmother became depressed when she went through menopause and that my grandfather had asked my mom, who was on her own by that time, to come home for a while to cheer her mom. My mom said that my grandfather mentioned that my grandmother had been like that after they lost the baby, and that he understood that, but couldn't understand why she was so upset over something that everyone knew would happen at about that age.

Back to the book, Pauline and her family move to Philadelphia to live/work in a funeral parlor and caring for the dead Pauline begins to heal.

The story follows the family through the flu epidemic and then the end of WWI and to the beginning of Prohibition. The world was changing, and so was the family. One of the daughters ends up in medical school and working as a psychiatrist.

Susan Meissner does a great job of capturing the era, the death, the hope, the change and despite the fact that it isn't all smiles and rainbows, I recommend the book highly. Grade: A.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley.

What an interesting read! There are so many angles to this story, areas that are not frequently explored in fiction, that this story felt fresh and new throughout. There aren’t many novels that deal with the Spanish Flu, even when they are telling the stories of WWI, but Susan Meissner handled the effects of the Flu on Philadelphia masterfully and wove it into several critical story plot twists that have lasting implications for the Bright family. The full effects of the Flu are explored from the symptoms, how it seemed to come about, how many people were dying, and how it really contributed to the rise of the funeral home business. It’s always interesting to me to see how major events affect areas that you wouldn’t even consider, like funeral homes. And speaking of the funeral homes, we get an inside look in how they would have operated and what was needed to be done to preserve bodies.

The only part of the novel that was a bit of a struggle for me was the beginning; it felt very slow and I put it down/picked it up several times. I think part of the issue for me was the multiple narrators and I couldn’t connect with anyone right away. Once the story got rolling and they were in Philadelphia and each was their own distinct person, it was much easier to enjoy and I raced through those pages. I understand the importance of those early scenes, but they didn’t do anything for me in terms of getting me into the story. Each of the Bright women and girls have their own unique set of struggles with the move to Philadelphia and the effect of the Flu and the subsequent directions their lives take and I enjoyed exploring their storylines. The twists and turns of this story I did not see coming and feel that they paid out well for the reader.

I would definitely read more works by this author as I loved the depth that the author was able to bring to both the characters and the events of the time explored.

This writing in this story was just top notch. You can tell the author put in a tremendous amount of research but it never comes across as too much. It actually helped the story come alive. I don't usually enjoy multiple perspectives but that structure worked really well for this story. I didn't know anything about The Spanish Flu when I started this book but the author drew me in and made me care about it's impact on the Bright family. There's such a sense of tragedy to this story which really came through and I found it to be compelling and engaging throughout

This was another fantastic book from Susan Meissner. I have enjoyed all of her books but this one is my favorite - at least until her next book comes out.

This novel starts about 1917 when the Bright family decides to move to Philadelphia to better their lives. The dad has been given a chance to learn the mortuary business and eventually take over his uncle's funeral home. The family has been given beautiful room above the mortuary to live in. The novel is told in four alternating female voices - the Mom - Pauline and the three sisters, Evelyn, Maggie and Willa. As they begin to try to make friends in school, their lives are getting ready to change. The Spanish Flu epidemic hits Philadelphia and in fact the whole country with disastrous results. According to the author in the afterword, more than 12,000 people died in Philadelphia. The flu didn't discriminate between the rich and poor and didn't leave the Bright family untouched. After the flu epidemic is over, life will never be the same for the family and they struggle for normalcy and learn what is truly important in life.

This was a wonderful well-researched novel about a subject that I knew little about. It's always wonderful to read such a compelling book and learn more history at the same time. The characters were so well written that I laughed and cried with them throughout the book. If you enjoy historical fiction - this is a must read.

I laughed and I cried through this novel, the Bright family though, had to endure it all while I sat back and just watched, my emotions getting the best of me. The year was 1918 and this family was embarking on change. Having moved from Quakertown, they were now moving to the city, the city of Philadelphia where father would be one day taking over a family business. No more rolling tobacco and cigars, the family was going into the mortuary business.

Mother wanted to be a part of this venture and originally, Uncle Fred confined her to the attached house. Mother and the children had no business being in the funeral home unless it was to help set up for services. Mother questioned why they were paying staff when she herself, could do their job and eventually Uncle Fred compromised. Mother was such a determined and caring individual.

The war takes it toll on the city, first as it recruits and then as fatalities takes its citizens. It never ends as the Spanish Flu begins its tour and no one is immune from day one. Hitting the military and then the states, everyone is scared yet for the Bright Funeral Home, this is business. A business that has to start turning individuals away as they cannot keep up with the bodies that require their care. The family fears for their own safety yet where can they go to be “safe.” I hadn’t thought much about what life would be like living inside or working inside a funeral home until reading this novel. It all seems so peaceful but this is the result of many hours of demanding and hard work. The physical work is only a fraction of it. The emotional aspect of the job is what would separate many individuals from this line of work.

An orphaned baby brings hope to the family yet inside, I felt there was something wrong about this whole situation. This child provided sunshine finally to the family yet soon darkness fell over the household. My tears fell freely and rapidly as I read as life changed within the funeral home. Everyone has been affected by the war and/or by the Spanish Flu, it amazed me how much devastation has occurred. Business is starting to slow down finally and the new normal is beginning to show its face. I was not ready to let go of this family and their lives in Philadelphia as the novel started to wind down. Their story was one that I really enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending me a copy of this novel to review in exchange for an honest review.

Touching historical fiction - makes me want to learn more about the Spanish flu.

I was interested in reading this book because it was set in Philadelphia during the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918-19. I had no idea that Philadelphia was the port of entry and found the historical aspects very interesting. And I thought having the primary characters be a family of undertakers was an excellent way to get a very clear understanding of the enormity of the epidemic. Unfortunately, I found the manner in which the story resolved to be too clean and simple. As a result, I would have a hard time recommending this book.

This book was very good. I read it in 2 days. Love the Author. Only gets better. Run...to buy this book. Highly recommend!!!

A well written book that allows the reader to walk along side of the characters as they deal with their grief and issues of that time. It is a great reminder we are not the first generation to face war and death in its many forms. What are you going to do with it and how does it shape you.

After the Spanish Flu of 1918 reaches the U.S., the Bright family (Thomas, Pauline, Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa) is forever changed.

After raising their family in the small town of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Thomas and Pauline Bright decide to accept Uncle Fred's invitation to move to Philadelphia to help with—and eventually inherit—his funeral home business. Living in a funeral parlor, near so many dead bodies and mourners, forever changed how this sweet and unassuming family viewed life and loss. I especially enjoyed Maggie's viewpoint as a 12-13 year old very curious about her new surroundings.

I found the funeral home setting especially fascinating since my own grandmother resided in her stepfather's funeral home around the same time period. In fact, I'm guessing she would have been right around Maggie's age, so I wonder if that's why I was drawn to her character the most.

This story, set among the flu epidemic and the tail end of WWI, was full of love, loss, courage amidst tragedy, and hope, and I would highly recommend it. I had no idea the Spanish flu killed so many in America (more than 12,000 in Philadelphia alone), and I enjoyed learning about this tragic time in history. This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to more!

Bright Family:
* Thomas - father
* Pauline - mother, grieving the loss of baby Henry
* Evelyn/Evie - 15 yo daughter
* Maggie - 13 yo daughter
* Willa - 6 yo daughter
* Alex - orphaned baby

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team for a free advance copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

Very good story. I loved the details regarding the flu and how it affected so many lives and families.

Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner is a powerfully evocative novel that just swept me away. As I read this book, I realized I couldn't put it down. The characters jumped off the page and this achingly beautiful story took hold of my heart and wouldn't let go. As I drew to the close of this story, I longed for more. I wasn't ready to say good-bye but I found the end of this book came all too soon. I so enjoyed this book, I know I will revisit it time and again. I most definitely recommend Bright as Heaven!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Meissner, Berkely Publishing as well as Netgalley for the opportunity to read/review this book.

As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner is destined to be the book to talk about. Its title will be tossed around in staff lounges and book clubs and mom (and dad) groups everywhere (À la All the Light We Cannot See). The story will be discussed and ruminated on, and it will stay with its readers for a very, very long time.

There are great novels and great pieces of literary work and As Bright As Heaven is both. I found myself many times rereading a section, not because I didn’t understand it, but because I wanted to taste the way Ms. Meissner had written a particular idea one more time. In her author’s note at the back of the book Ms. Meissner states that she had very specific questions that she wanted the reader to ponder while reading the story. Well done to her, for certainly she has met her goal. Two quotes at the very beginning of the book started my thinking in the direction I believe Ms. Meissner had hoped:

“I no longer fear Death, though I know that I should. I’m strangely at peace with what I used to think of as my enemy. Living seems more the taskmaster of the two, doesn’t it?”

In just the next chapter she writes:

“….I’d found out how fast things can change. You think you have a view of what’s waiting for you just up the road, but then something happens, and you find out pretty quick you were looking at the wrong road.”

As Bright As Heaven is the story of the Bright family; Thomas and Pauline and their daughters Maggie, Evelyn, and Willa. Alternate chapters are told from the viewpoint of each of the females in the family. I love this type of point of view perspective in a novel, but it especially seemed to lend itself well to this one. This historical novel is based on the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic that wiped out nearly fifty million people worldwide, though very few people know much if anything about it. My own great grandmother died at about that time period, and I wonder now if perhaps she died from the illness. While the background for the story seems grim, the underlying message is one of hope and moving on.

“We find a way to move forward, even if it means starting over.

That’s how it is.

That’s what we do.”

I will not lie. I don’t wish for bad things to happen in stories any more than I wish they would happen in real life. I am a Happily Ever After girl through and through. In As Bright As Heaven, though, the events that make our hearts hurt just a little are not written with callous. They are not written without some foreshadowing to help prepare for the pain. They are written with love and for a reason; to answer the question that Ms. Meissner had in mind as she wrote:

“How does this knowledge that we are mortal affect our choices? The risks we take? The risks we don’t? …… We are, all of us, living out the stories of our lives. Each of our stories will end, in time, but meanwhile, we fill the pages of our existences with all the love we can, for as long as we can. This is how we make a life.”

Ms.Meissner once again astounds me with the amount of research that she puts into a story. I had not remembered learning anything about the Spanish flu, so that was an interesting aspect, especially since this year many have died from the flu.
This story is told by 4 pov's - the 3 daughters of various ages and the mother. I think she did a really good job of giving everyone their own voice, especially Willa at 6 years old. This is for most of the book, a rather heartbreaking story and I was fully engaged. For me though, it faltered towards the end. Still a very good read as usual.

**Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.**

Historical fiction with a great setting and captivating characters. I'll be suggesting this not only to patrons who enjoy historical fiction, but also to patrons who like stories with strong family stories.

Set in 1918 Philadelphia, this was the story of an average family household of husband, wife, and three daughters, Evelyn, Maggie and Willa. The mother Pauline Bright had just lost her infant son and the and her family were dealing with their grief. Change was in the wind men leaving to fight in the Great War and so life would go on. However, when an opportunity came along for them to take their family out of the tobacco fields for a new life in Philadelphia, they decided to take the chance.

Not only was the Great War going on with daily lists of soldiers wounded or dead but an even worse enemy had entered the United States and that was called the Spanish flu. The Spanish flu epidemic was a monster that killed with no cure in sight. Yet, through it all the Bright family was reborn through the compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world, not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.

*** And with that said AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN is probably one of the most moving books I’ve read in a very long time. Brilliant! The story shows the strength of the Bright family, the love and goodness of the family bond holding them together over overwhelming losses which would have crippled weaker souls to give up. From each daughter you see the resolve and strength that kept them together weathering each hurdle that fate tossed in their path. I simply could not put this book down once I started it and most assuredly am HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this be on your to read list. FANTASTIC and MOVING story!

Marilyn Rondeau