Extraordinary story of love for every human. Mrs. Kip was a delightful character with much wisdom to share. She was just the person Aidyn, the young reporter needed. Beautiful story about life and death! Perfect story to emphasize and encourage people to show the love of Jesus. Highly recommended!

I'm at a loss for words and I'm not sure any review could do this book justice. It's breathtakingly beautiful and leaves you searching your heart and soul and examining your life.

I highlighted more in this book than in any other book. There are so many amazing truths and hidden gems within the pages of this book that as soon as I was finished, I wanted to start over and just sit with it for a while.

If you only read one more book this year, read this one. It's that powerful.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy for my honest feedback.

"I simply tried to love people as best I could for as long as I was privileged to be with them."

What an incredible book! I wasn't sure what to expect from a debut novel, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a captivating story in these pages! It might seem strange to call this book delightful, since it deals so honestly with death, but it truly was a delight to read. While it is somewhat bittersweet, the way Mrs. Kip's faith was evident in how she lived and faced death was both convicting and inspiring. Her wisdom and spunk can charm the toughest of audiences, and Aidyn's growth and transformation was so moving. This heartfelt story will make you laugh, cry, and want to be like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

At 93, my mother-in-law passed away in a nursing home. She was there for a couple of years due to dementia and alzheimers. My husband faithfully visited his mother. At times, it was difficult as she didn't speak. She was there physically but was gone. He would tell her he loved her and would be back soon. The last time he spoke to her she said she loved him too. What a blessing!
We would see these seniors every week. Most had no visitors. Each lived a full life. A story to be told. We found out that one woman was a WASP who flew planes during the war. Unfortunately no one came to hear her story.
Clara lived and loved. She had no children of her own. But everyone was part of her family. She experienced grief but she didn't allow it to destroy her future.

Her legacy will live on because someone was willing to listen. Aidyn got more than just a news story when she met Mrs. Kip.





I received this book from Revell Reads to review.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is Sara Brunsvold’s debut novel and touched my heart in many ways that I will never forget. This book was such a blessing for me to read and I thank the author for giving us such an authentic, beautiful, and unique story of faith, love, hope and adventure. This book may be my favorite of 2022 and I am so grateful to Baker Publishing and Revell for sending me a copy to honestly read and review. We don't see many books published with an elderly main character, so this was such a wonderful read to learn all about 79 year old, Clara Kip. She reminded me of my great-grandmother - full of spunk and energy!

In this story, we follow Aidyn Kelly, a reporter assigned to write an obituary about Clara Kip, a spunky, feisty lady that is dying, but not ready to leave this world just yet. Aidyn is given this assignment after being reprimanded by her boss at work. Everyone views this new assignment as the most basic and ordinary job she could be given in her career, but what Aidyn discovers along the journey with Mrs. Kip is more than she could have ever imagined.

Aidyn starts learning all about Mrs. Kip and she provides such beautiful insight about her life and journey with the Lord. Clara Kip is such a servant of the Lord and her example showed Aidyn everything it means to have a servant heart, help others and stand strong in the Lord in all circumstances.

The faith content in this story was beautiful. I appreciated it so much and feel like everyone can get something from it. So many beautiful scriptures and lessons - God brought Aidyn and Clara together for a beautiful reason and I am so glad.

I laughed, I cried and genuinely think everyone should read this book. We could all use a story like Mrs. Kip's. My heart is full and I will be thinking about this story for a long time. Thank you, Sara Brunsvold. In the words of Clara Kip, "The Lord's hand was moving" in this book and I can't wait to read more of your books to come.

I will be posting a video specifically for this book tomorrow on my YouTube channel, BookLoverAmanda. I will also be sharing my review on my Instagram page and posting to Amazon.

"My lips will glorify you because your faithful love it better than life." Psalm 63:3

"I always let the LORD guide me. Because he is at my right hand, and I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8

"The mark of authentic love is dying a thousand deaths to self."

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is not your traditional Christian novel in storyline and I welcomed a new plot setting. It is the story that leaves the reader wondering if they are doing all they can do to help the world and a reminder to look for friends outside our social circles and see what they can teach us.
Mrs. Kip is in hospice and alone when struggling journalist Aidyn is assigned to write her obituary and soon learns that Mrs. Kip's life was far from average. She helped change many people's lives through loving them, even though her own life goals never came to be. An unlikely end of life friendship develops between the two ladies and Aidyn, and the reader, looks forward to the how Mrs. Kip's life unfolded. While she didn't do all she hoped and wouldn't have an "extraordinary" cause of death, she gave many others' new hope in their lives.
I recommend this book to all readers, not just Christians, as a reminder to get over ourselves and our disappointments and see how we can help change other's lives. Sara Brunsvold is a debut author and I look forward to other books by her.
I received a complimentary copy of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip thanks to Revell and NetGAlley, but all opinions are my own.

It’s rare for me to read a book based on the title, but The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, by Sara Brunsvold, grabbed me right away. I mean, as titles go, this one is outstanding. I was going to say extraordinary, but that’s been taken.

The concern was with so bold a name, could the book live up to it? That’s a resounding yes. I’m a journalist myself so I enjoyed Aidyn’s narrative of newsroom life. Thankfully I mostly worked in less hostile environments. Aidyn, unpopular for trying to get ahead, is sent to visit a hospice. She’s told to interview the dying Mrs. Kip for her obituary. Little does Aidyn know what, or really, who, is about to hit her.

Despite Aden’s best efforts to resist, Mrs. Kip gets firmly under Aidyn’s skin. Slowly, the remarkable story of all the older lady has accomplished comes to light. The most touching part, I think, is the spiritual journey both go on as Mrs. Kip and Aidyn spent several afternoons talking. I don’t want to give much of the plot away, but suffice it to say, this is a beautiful story and well worth your time to read.

Imaginative, clever, and emotionally intelligent, I recommend this book for anyone who loves women’s fiction or just a darned good story.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, the views are my own.

The Extraordinary Deaths Of Mrs Kip by Sara Brunsvold is the most charming and heart-warming Christian novel that will sink into your soul. Every now and again a novel comes along that just completely swamps you with love and beauty – and this is that novel. It overwhelmed me with its love, care and beauty.
The novel shows us that “so long as we have breath, the Lord calls to our hearts.” There are no retirement plans in the kingdom of God as demonstrated by the leading lady, seventy nine year old Clara Kip. Her outlook is friendly and chirpy. Her spirit is alive with the love of God. As her body fades, her spirit becomes more alive than ever.
Age has no boundaries to friendship as we view the beautiful bond between Mrs Kip and a young newspaper reporter. Time is short but friendship runs deep.
Much of the setting is in a home for people dying of cancer. It is far from gloomy as Mrs Kip injects life and love. As she enters, “she clung to the belief that the Lord had something for her here.” We are called to serve the Lord wherever we are.
We see the dream to help those who cannot help themselves. The desire is to show the love of Jesus to all. “Show me how I can serve you today among these people.” Mrs Kip had a huge capacity for love which she spread everywhere.
What legacy will you leave behind? We sow seeds as we pass through life. Sometimes we will see the harvest and sometimes not. Let your legacy be one of love.
Mrs Kip lives knowing Jesus walks beside her. “She… relaxed into the chair, as if the Lord himself had provided his lap on which she could rest.” What a beautiful image.
Mrs Kip knows that “the grave is not my final home. I want to live as if I believe that.” Mrs Kip lives with one eye on eternity.
We see that God works in mysterious ways. “The Lord hides His warriors in the most surprising places.” God’s angels are everywhere. They are people living out their faith with love. It is in the hard times that we grow in faith as we learn to trust God in the dark.
I absolutely loved The Extraordinary Deaths Of Mrs Kip. It was a novel that sank into my soul and filled my heart with love and beauty.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Fear is an invitation to remember who God is.”
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

In this novel a young journalist, Aidyn, meets a dying Christian woman, Clara Kip. Without expecting to become emotionally involved, she's drawn into a deep relationship with Mrs. Kip whose life, whatever is left of it, is devoted to loving and serving whoever she meets. This novel is a wonderful way for a Christian to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a Christian serving Christ by serving His people.

Of course this had an impact on me. I can't say this story was a page turner as there were times I had to set it aside, to become emotionally ready for the next section. It isn't easy or fun to read about a woman dying and in pain, in a nursing home, but Clara has a loving, attractive and spunky personality one cannot help but be attracted to. The story always drew me back as I learned so much from Clara Kip and wanted to keep reading. Though she was a fictional character, her death gives us more life.

I very much recommend this novel to all Christians. We need to focus on what should be the central motivation of our lives. We are saved by grace through faith, "created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:10). For those still wondering what good works God intends us to do, this novel shows Clara focusing all her efforts on the people God puts in her path. Rather than seeking out huge missionary adventures, she remained at home serving the people she met, right up until the end of her days.

I very much appreciate the opportunity to read this recently-published novel. I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not told what to write in my review - all these thoughts are my own, sincerely given, based on what I read in the novel.

This was a sweet, heartfelt read. With two plucky heroines and historical events spanning a lifetime, it kept me turning pages and left me feeling warm inside.


Mrs. Kip is a character that all readers will love. Spunky, honest, and big hearted, she leaps off the page. The story of her life is inspiring and most definitely will linger in the minds of readers for some time. And while Mrs. Kip steals the show, Aidyn will work her way into your heart, as well. Sure of what she wants, yet unsure about herself, I think she’s a character that a lot of readers will be able to relate to. I loved their unlikely, multigenerational friendship. Reading as they get to know each other while Aidyn interviews Mrs. Kip and reads her journals was a treat. The supporting cast of characters is loveable as well, and they make the book shine.


Anyone looking for an inspiring and soul-touching read will want to pick up The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

A few weeks ago, I was browsing through a list of books available to review, and The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip caught my eye. Wait a minute—extraordinary deaths? Plural? What in the world? Somehow, the title sounded familiar, so I looked closer. Someone whose blog I follow had read the first few chapters of the book awhile ago, and highly recommended it, so I decided to try out this book with the strange title. By the time I had read the first chapter, I was hooked. I could hardly put this book down!
Mrs. Kip has just been diagnosed with cancer, and she is on her way to a hospice facility as the story opens. She knows that she will never leave the facility, but she is finding adventure in every way possible, both on the way to the place and after she arrives. I was laughing out loud at some of the things she had to say and the way she handled the people who were trying to take care of her.
Aidyn Kelley is a cub reporter, trying to make a name for herself. She is determined to rise to the top of her profession. However, her ambition has landed her in deep trouble and now she has been given the assignment of writing an obituary for Mrs. Kip, who appears to be an unremarkable old woman in a nursing home. Once she arrives there, unwilling to look at or spend time with dying people, she tries to interview Mrs. Kip. However, Mrs. Kip takes over the conversation. She can see that God has sent Aidyn to her for a reason—and she is going to make sure that she speaks the words that the young woman needs to hear. Somehow, Aidyn gets hold of the story of Mrs. Kip’s involvement with Laotian refugees. Her life is changed forever by her conversations with Mrs. Kip.
What a book! I was surprised when I discovered that The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is a debut novel. Sara Brunsvold has woven a beautiful story with amazing truths throughout it. I fell in love with Mrs. Kip within the first chapter. Then, when the scene shifted from a woman dying of cancer to a cub reporter getting herself into hot water, I couldn’t stop reading. There are so many layers in the story—I love books like this! This book made me laugh over and over—and at the same time I found myself amazed at the wise sayings sprinkled throughout. What especially stood out to me were statements like, “we should never underestimate the life-changing gift of friendship,” and “I did my utmost to leave in my wake the love Jesus first gave me.” I highly recommend this book for everyone.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Two deaths are described.

This book is a wonderful story of friendship. Mrs. Kip is an elderly lady that knows she is soon to die of dreaded cancer. Aidyn is a young journalist trying to find a great story to publish in her newspaper. She is sent to write an obituary for Mrs Kip, usually done by family members, but the things she learns from her are life changing. She spends time with her daily for a week and they develop a strong friendship that is life changing for Aidyn. A wonderful story I greatly enjoyed reading!

Oh, my! My eyes are still leaking tears as I ponder what to write in a review that would do this incomparable book justice. It is the story of an elderly woman who goes to hospice and the reporter assigned to write her obituary and eventually her story. Mrs. Kip is just the person I aspire to be, pouring out her life selflessly for the sake of others in need, including the young cub reporter Aidyn Kelley. The assignment meant to be a consequence for Ms. Kelley turns out to be the biggest blessing of her life as she discovers what it means to walk a life of faith, no matter the cost. Some of the story is based on facts about the Laotian refugees who settled in Kansas City and the volunteers who offered them hope in a new world. Mrs. Kip’s story of her exploits with the refugees was nothing short of breathtaking and awe-inspiring. In fact, her entire story is one that makes me want to know this fictional character in real life, and if I can’t know her, I want to be just like her. Her battles on earth were not just against the death encroaching on her now, but they were always waiting for her to surrender to the despair and hopelessness that she should have felt in the presence of insurmountable circumstances. I cannot write too much about the plot without giving away spoilers and it is my desire that everyone who reads this review get a copy of the book and savor it as I have. It is a book to read with others, discuss with book groups and to carry in one’s heart as a testimony to what can be accomplished by one person who stands in the gap. If you only read one book besides your Bible this year, let it be this one. This is inspirational fiction at its very best and deserves much more than the five stars that I can give it.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

"You said the mark of authentic love is dying a thousand deaths to self. I get now what you meant by that because I watched you live it out. ... We can all attest to your thousands of extraordinary deaths." - Sara Brunsvold in The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip

Congratulations to Sara Brunsvold for publishing her debut novel The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip! I appreciated this powerful story for several reasons:

- set in Kansas City (just 200 miles from me)
- based on facts about refugee resettlement in the 1970s
- many references to chocolate chip cookies!
- provides a peek into a Midwestern newspaper
- features a tender and realistic plot about hospice and the last stages of life
- a novel about death included lessons about life and made me smile, laugh, and cry

This engaging book features Aidyn Kelley, a rookie newspaper journalist, and Clara Kip, a once-feisty octogenarian who felt her life was "exceedingly unimpressive" and is dying from cancer. While grudgingly interviewing Mrs. Kip to write her obituary for the Kansas City Star, Aidyn slowly learns the many losses Mrs. Kip suffered and the ways she assisted and inspired countless people after she found faith in God in middle age.

Her most impactful ministry, assisting refugees from Laos begin new lives in Kansas City as they fled Communist rule in their country, grew out of a friendship with a single Laotian couple. Clara didn't have grand plans to Change the world. “I simply tried to love people as best I could for as long as I was privileged to be with them."

This novel is unapologetically Christian and beautifully illustrates the ways ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things when motivated by their faith. As a result, it won't be for all readers, but it's the author's prayer that the novel reaches hearts. Its characters certainly touched mine in many ways.

Many thanks to Revell, NetGalley, and the author for providing a review copy of this outstanding novel; all opinions are my own. I'm eager to read whatever Ms. Brunsvold writes next.

2022 has already yielded several true literary gems of which The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip shines among the brightest. I typically avoid books about cancer, that being a topic that seeks to foil my attempt to read to escape the darkness of the times in which we live. By acquiescing to the nudge I felt to read this book, I experienced a breath of life in Mrs. Kip's story, a life lived by loving deeply, by the giving of one's self over to many tiny deaths. This book is potentially life changing, and I pray that I will allow it to change mine a little more each and every single day.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is extremely well-written. Brunsvold does not shy away from the physical realities of the final days of our earthly life, but she does bathe them in spiritual loveliness, with the great anticipation for what awaits us as believers, while also inspiring us to finish well, doing the Lord's work until our final breaths. This is a story that is not to be missed.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold was a very unique, compelling, and, in my personal opinion, an absolutely genius work. I was spellbound by this story about living a life of selfless love and facing death and what lies beyond.  The end of life is not typically a topic that the average person gravitates toward reading. I appreciate this book because of its honest and wholesome perspective of life and death, love and compassion, and the purpose and joy found in serving others.

I just happened upon this book, not knowing anything about it beyond the title; however, I can honestly say that I both enjoyed this book as well as learned and grew from its life lessons. Although this work focuses on death and dying well, it is not a morbid and hopeless story of sadness, but rather one of challenge, hope, and purpose.  Ms. Brunsvold draws her reader with the excellent voice of Mrs. Kip to seek to live a life of faith, courage, and selfless purpose. The message of this book is to love others as God has loved us and be willing to open up our hearts to love others even when we may lose them or be hurt by them. She also points us to be change makers in life, not merely observers or spectators, but people who are purposeful. These themes struck me and were a good reminder of priorities in life. I applaud Ms. Brunsvold for her superbly crafted take on the contrast between youth and aged wisdom in this book, as well as the whimsical and endearing characters. 

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip begins with Clara Kip entering a hospice facility unthinkably as a new resident. Clara Kip has led a full and fruitful life despite heartaches and trials, yet she is still a spunky vivacious woman determined to bring joy and comfort to those around her. Clara wants to make her last days still have purpose, so she constantly looks for ways to help and show love and kindness to others.  One such person is the unsuspecting aspiring journalist Aidyn Kelly, who is tasked with the task of writing an obituary for Mrs. Kip. Aidyn perceives this assignment as a punishment, but soon realizes the real story as she digs deeper. An unlikely friendship begins, leading both Aidyn and Clara to new experiences and lessons. I sincerely hope that you have the opportunity to read The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. I greatly appreciated it and I think that you will also. Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through Net Galley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

“You asked me for the truth about my life. Here’s something I want you to know about me up front.”

Aidyn’s ears perked up, ready to receive the words.

“I’ve lived some years. I’ve done some things and saw even more. I’ve been to the highest highs and through the lowest lows. I’ve had dreams broken and dreams given, love lost and love won. I’d go through it all again if that’s what the Lord willed. But if I’m being honest—if I had a vote in the matter—there is one thing and one thing only I would change.” She paused to pull in an obviously painful breath.

Aidyn waited, then gently coaxed her. “What would you change, Mrs. Kip?”

“I would change the way I die.”
***
When young journalist Aidyn Kelley is handed a throwaway assignment by her editor, she has no idea how the connection with an elderly hospice patient will change her life. Mrs. Kip might be dying, but she has plenty of life and wisdom yet to give.

Stepping into this story feels like going on a walk with a familiar friend. We’ve all been Aidyn at times—too eager and ambitious for our own good, wanting to skip the journey we’re on and jump ahead to success. Mrs. Kip is the mentor we all wish we had and the epitome of an overlooked, ordinary hero. Her humor, grace, and love made this story a joy to dive into. And while Aidyn starts out with a lot to learn, by the end I was cheering for her just as much as I was for Mrs. Kip.

This story does such a beautiful job of showing the hardship, grief, dignity, and even beauty that comes at the end of a life, especially a life well-lived. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys multi-generational friendships and Christian women’s fiction.

Mrs Kip is dying, but when she goes into hospice care, a nurse spots an old newspaper article among her possessions and realises that this woman has a story the world needs to hear. Aidyn is an ambitious young journalist who is yet to find her way in life. When she gets in trouble, her editor sends her to speak to Mrs Kip, supposedly with the despised job of writing an obituary for her. Can Mrs Kip make a difference to this one last person God has sent her? Will Aidyn learn to see past the 'dying old woman' exterior to the woman who saved lives and changed the history of the city?

I wasn't sure what to expect of this, never having heard of the author before, and I nearly didn't even pick it up. But I'm so glad that I did, because it's an amazingly tender, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, deeply satisfying story. It's also both a reminder to live well - and love well - and a reminder that sometimes unprepossessing exteriors can hide the most amazing stories. Mrs Kip modelled the love God shows us all, and I loved her various insightful yet pithy sayings. I'll definitely be looking out for more by the author in future. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Oh, my... I cannot say enough good things about this story! I absolutely loved Mrs. Kip and Aidyn's story. I ended up reading the whole thing in one day. Despite the fact that I had other things I should have been doing, I kept finding myself reading "just a little bit" more.

Twenty-something Aidyn has been assigned the task of writing an obituary for Mrs. Kip, a stranger who has recently entered hospice and who has no living relatives to do the task for her.

While Aidyn didn't know what to expect going into the assignment (a presumed punishment from her bosses), she certainly wasn't prepared for fiesty Mrs. Kip, for whom every day was an adventure and every stranger, a friend.

The bond that developed between these two as Aidyn dug into Mrs. Kip's past and the elderly woman saw one last gift she could give was absolutely beautiful.

I've been blessed by having elderly friends and could relate to how enthralling their life stories can be, and I loved being able to watch this friend blossom over the eight days they knew one another, but that felt like a lifetime to them both.

Thank you so much to Sara Brunsvold, Revell and NetGalley for an advance review copy. You made my day!

#BookReview: THE EXTRAORDINARY DEATHS OF MRS. KIP by Sara Brunsvold

“Our is a God of new life, Miss Kelly.”

I could have said that I finished the book in one day if I didn’t feel ill last night. After my morning ritual, I went on to finish this book at 7am today. I cried but it was a good cry. It touched my heart. It was amazing and an inspiring Christian fiction. It inspired me to reevaluate my life and be God’s warrior.

“Who is this woman, and where did she get such fierce love? “ - Aidyn Kelly

Aidyn’s initial reaction upon entering Sacred Promise changed in over a week as she learned more about the spunky and Jesus loving Mrs. Kip. The leaf is a silent proverb moment, Mrs.Kip’s trip to Mr. Slesher’s room and the reading of Psalm 16:8 were some of my favorites in the book. There’s so many quotable quotes.

The story also brought to life the real situations at hospice care and how important the work they are doing at those places. The history about the Lao settlement in Kansas City was an interesting piece of the story as well.

I liked how the two women’s paths crossed and made a difference in each other’s lives. Every chapter in this book shows how powerful God is. We might not understand everything but we have to continue trusting His plan in our lives. He knows what’s best for us. The characters are not perfect. The story is not perfect. But the impact is great! I can’t recommend this book enough.

Rating: 5 ⭐

Pub date: 05 July 2022

Thank you Revell books and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.