I think the best stories are ones that help you navigate, value, and love living your own story more. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip did that for me in myriad ways. I couldn't put it down. When I did reach the end, I wanted to go learn more about an era in history many people I know lived through just before I was born. I wanted to stop to have better conversations with strangers, people I serve in the community, my neighbors and others. I wanted to be a better listener, not out of a sense of obligation but with genuine excitement and curiosity because people are far more extraordinary than we remember in the day-to-day. I wanted to think more about how my faith drives me, influences my career, and anchors everything I do. In short, reading this book made me want to live more like Mrs. Kip!

If you enjoy a story that is compelling, relatable, funny, well-told, and poignant, and you appreciate characters that are simultaneously extraordinary and remind you of how truly wonderful the people in your real life are, I suspect you'll love this!

Mrs. Kip is amazing. She's entering hospice but intends to use each moment of her dwindling life in service to God and others. This includes the reporter who was tasked with writing her obituary! Aidyn is at first dismayed by the task but comes to see how powerful love is in all the moments of life. This book will make you want to be a more loving person like Mrs. Kip.

I loved Mrs. Kip's sense of adventure. Her enthusiasm is contagious and wonderful. She wants to die with pizzazz not from boring cancer. She's a character. Her relationships with others are moving. I was fighting tears while reading this book at the gym.

There are many wonderful life lessons in this book like this one. "But God was good to provide a better story. His stories usually are better than anything we can come up with" (location 2597). Or another favorite of mine: "I simply tried to love people as best I could for as long as I was privileged to be with them. We don't stay long in each other's lives --that's the crux of our humanness. You have to be the friend people need while they are there with you, because it's the only chance you'll get" (location 2652).

This was a rich, poignant story. I would highly recommend it. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

As a lowly cub reporter at the Kansas City Star, Aidyn Kelley is hungry for a win, something that will catapult her news career. Being tasked with writing an obit for a woman who isn’t even dead yet sure doesn’t seem like the answer. Enter cancer-ridden Mrs. Kip, a woman whose hard-won wisdom and deep-seated joy have much to teach Aidyn about what’s most important.

A thoughtful, hope-filled story, written with humor and tenderness, with much to say about friendship and the impact of one small, faithful life. Reading this book was like a savoring a cup of herbal tea with a dear friend.

“We don't stay long in each other's lives--that's the crux of our humanness. You have to be the friend people need while they are there with you, because it's the only chance you'll get.” -Clara Kip

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What could I say about The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip that would do it justice? Sara Brusvold has created a character so endearing and full of life that the whole world needs to meet her.

At its heart, this novel is a study of what it means to live a life of faith - to be Jesus to everyone you meet, no matter how disagreeable they may be. Mrs. Kip makes me want to be a better Christian. More than that, Mrs. Kip makes me want to live my best life so that I, too, can have an extraordinary death.

I was touched deeply by this novel for so many reasons. As I read, I remembered my time volunteering in nursing homes that were a lot like Sacred Promise. It made me wish I could volunteer once more. It also brought to mind my mother as she lay dying in a hospital bed. I pictured my father, who, at 93, is now alone in a room and place much like Mrs. Kip's. And I thought about my time in the hospital last year. I was there for five months, and I know that my time on this earth is limited because of my prognosis. So I want to be like Mrs. Kip for as long as I have.

Do not pass up reading this book. If you know someone in hospice or in a nursing home. Read it. If you have elderly parents, read it. If you don't know Jesus, read it. Because in its pages, you will see him in action. I can't recommend this enough. Kudos to the author. I'm so glad you listened to Jesus!

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I did not know what to expect when I took this book on to review. I just finished and can barely see through the tears. My full review will be very soon.


This story, these characters, touched my heart.
June 28, I think this will be my book of the year 2022.

Aidyn Kelley is an overly zealous, newly minted, reporter. She still has a lot to learn. She oversteps her bounds and is assigned the duty of writing an obituary. She is appalled that she must interview a dying woman to glean information to write said obituary. If she doesn't meet certain standards her job will be terminated. The young, naive woman is about to embark on a journey she never expected.

Clara Kip is dying, plain and simple. This is not how she expected to die and certainly not the place she planned to die. When she goes through the doors of the building that she won't walk out of, she enters hospice care. She also enters her last special mission that God has planned for her. A mission to touch more lives than she already has.

This is an incredible story. I want you to know as a person who lived the hospice life with my mom that this is a very clear and accurate depiction of what hospice can be like. From that standpoint it was at times hard and familiar to me. I read this story nine months from my mother's departure from this life. I don't think I could have read it earlier than that. I have cried more than once while reading, I also smiled. I loved Clara Kip.

Read this book. It will touch you heart. It may even make you wonder about the extraordinary life and death you could accomplish.
I feel honored to have received the advanced reader's copy of this beautiful story from the publisher and NetGalley. This is the debut novel from an author who is blessed with talent and from the heart storytelling. I look forward to her future. This is my own unsolicited opinion. This book has award winning potential.
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The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip gets five stars from me. I spent less than 24 hours with this book but feel like I knew these characters as real people. Mrs. Kip was definitely a hoot and a bit extra but also recognizable. Her young friend Aidyn, a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star, was earnest, ambitious, and relatable. In her last week of life and in a hospice center, Mrs. Kip freely shares life affirming advice with all around her. One quote that conveys a big theme in the book is “we should never underestimate the life-changing gift of friendship.” I love that the setting was Kansas City which is close to my home and that a good part of Mrs. Kip’s story took place in the mid-1970’s. There is also a great historically accurate storyline woven in concerning the Laotian refugee resettlement effort that occurred when the US and allies pulled out of Vietnam. The author has a note at the end describing some background on this and tells what is based on history and what was synthesized or imagined. I believe this is the author’s debut – I will be watching to see what she writes next. Thanks to Revell for an early copy to read and review, all opinions are my own.

I don’t know what to say or where to even start when it comes to explaining how this book is a must read?!! 5 stars all the way. This novel embraces everything that love, friendship and faith represent.
Though the characters were fictional, the choices they made throughout the story were inspiring. Clara is such a magnificent example for reminding others to love one another as Christ loves us. I pray this author will come out with more novels. I plan on gifting this book to tons of friends.
This novel definitely secured a top spot in my favorite books of 2022. I am honored to have been chosen to read this ARC.

If you are you looking for a summertime read that will keep you captivated and thinking about the story long after you finish the book, "The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip" is the one. It weaves a story about friendship through the generations and sowing seeds of kindness and inspiration that have an eternal impact. A young reporter is given an assignment, an older woman has a story to tell, and the history unfolds of a refugee group that found its way to a new home. If the first chapter doesn't captivate you, keep reading because you will soon be sucked into the story.

I generally do not cry while reading books, but this one made me teary. It hit a little too close to home as my dear mother-in-law passed away from cancer. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is a beautiful story of living life well and passing the torch of faith to the next generation.

Clara Kip has always lived each day as if it was her last. She really loves people with love from God. She is always looking for a soul to claim and give to her heavenly father. But her earthly journey is ending soon as she checks into a hospice center. Cancer is slowly ravishing her body. Aidyn Kelley is an overzealous reporter who's career is hanging in the balance. She is given a lowly assignment to meet with Mrs. Kip and write her obituary. What she doesn't know, is that Mrs. Kip has an amazing story just waiting to be told and that the world needs to hear.

I enjoyed The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip very much. It is an easy read with wonderful characters and a great plot line. Any fan of Contemporary Christian fiction should read it!

What constitutes a classic novel? In my mind, some definitions might be that I will read the story over-and-over again. That the take-away values are so inspiring, they cause me to think differently or affirm a whisper of understanding not strong enough to stand on its own.

There are few shining examples of classics written by a debut novelist. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold has been added to my shortlist. With beautiful, exquisite writing and a compassionate and real approach to true purpose-driven lives, Brunsvold gives the reader such depth of wisdom. There’s a clarity of values worth pressing in to, until there is no breath left in one’s soul.

So far this is my favorite book of the year and I’ll be ordering copies for loved ones.

Aiyden a cub reporter, is ordered to write an obituary of Mrs Kip -- before the old woman dies. What Aiyden doesn’t realize is, the frail, dying Mrs. Kip, is more vibrant and alive than most people Aiyden knows, including herself. Reluctantly, Aiyden opens her eyes and ears to seeing life and people in a new way.

Brunsvold doesn’t pull punches when it comes to aging—and dying. But she elevates the beauty of honor and respect to those who finish the race well.

Whether you’re a Mrs. Kip or an Aiyden, or a bit of both, you will love this book’s ability to unite generations. Not only unite but demonstrate the importance of that phenomenon.

I highly recommend The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip for anyone—from 13 years old and on. For the younger reader, parents/teachers should be prepared to walk them through the story and help them glean the wisdom, humor, and natural stages of life.

Thanks so much to the publisher, Revell through @NetGalley for the eBook copy for my honest review.

Clara Kip has lived what she believes is an uneventful life. She suffered much loss at an early age, never did the things she really wanted to do, and doesn't believe she's really made that much of a difference. Aidyn is a budding reporter trying to find her niche and carve out a name who finds herself stuck writing an obit for a woman who isn't dead yet. Together, the two help each other comes to grips with the past, present, and future, and find grace and healing. Clara learns just how far her love was able to reach, and Aidyn learns to find her voice. This is a sweet story of a unique friendship, but also includes a lot of lesser-known history from the refugees of the 70s and 80s.

What a gift this read was, not exactly what I was expecting, but so much more! Yes, I loved this book!

A young woman, given one more chance, is sent to do an obituary for a woman that was still alive. She is about to be gifted with Clara Lu Kip, and what a wonderful gift she receives. Mrs. Kip is a woman who loves God, and wears her faith on her sleeve, she wants everyone to know her Savior!

Enter Aidyn Kelley, a fresh new reporter, trying to prove herself, but she is really in for a treat and not really expecting the impact of Mrs. Kip.

This is a story about dying, but really it is about life, both are not easy, but go hand and hand, but with Mrs Kip the walk is with God, and she shares her joy with all.

I am now looking for more by this author!

I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Author Sara Brunsvold's debut novel is an inspiring story woven with hope and faith that will encourage readers. Brunsvold shows how one person’s choices can influence so many others, one word, one action, at a time. Yes, this is fiction, but the power of fiction is when it’s steeped in truth.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet novel about an elderly woman subtly mentoring a young woman and the events that changed their lives.

This is a debut author and I am so glad that I did not pass up the opportunity to read this book!



This is by far my favorite book of the year and I also preordered it because I want to share it with family and friends. I would also consider re-reading it!



Everybody needs a Mrs. Kip in their life. It was so awesome that Aiden joined in the adventure.



There were so many treasure troves of wisdom in this book. I do not usually highlight fiction books but I did multiple times in this one. Mrs. Kip makes her end of life filled with joy and imparts so much wisdom throughout the book.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Everyone should read this novel about Mrs Kip. Even though it is fiction it still tells a remarkable love of others in need especially refugees. Thanks to NetGalley the author Sara Brunsvold, and the publisher Revell A very heartwarming, inspirational story .About Aiyden a news reporter, told to write an obituary of Mrs Kip before she dies. However, she learns about a remarkable woman who has lived a life of helping. A book everyone should read.

Wow! What a book!

I absolutely loved Mrs. Kip, as I’m sure anyone reading this book will!

When Aidyn Kelly is assigned to visit Mrs, Kip in the hospice home and told to write her obituary, she is reluctant at best and creeped out by dying people at worst. But then slowly but surely she learns Mrs. Kip’s remarkable story and comes to both admire and love the older woman, who is dying of cancer.

This is a book I plan to recommend to my book club. I give it five enthusiastic stars!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

I very much enjoyed this book. It was well written with well crafted characters. It was not formulaic and held my attention through till the end. I liked that it was not a romance but pulled me deeply into the story. I have never read a book anything like this one. It was truly extraordinary!

The formatting of this one was a bit unusual with the past/present storyline, and it didn't pull me in as fast as I'd hoped. The writing style was smooth and the characters interesting, but I was distracted by the way the storyline jumped around. It just wasn't quite my speed, but I am sure there are many readers who will love the poignant truths here.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip took great talent and understanding to write. Brunsvold created a beautiful story of life and death that touched on every emotion. Clara Kip believes in God and trusts Him in everything, but only after life had tromped on her heart. Aidyn Kelley wants to succeed as the journalist she knows she can be, if only the editor would give her the chance. Through connections unknown to Aidyn, she is given an assignment that involves Mrs. Kip. The more she learns about the woman, the more fascinated she becomes. If you want to read a story that tugs at the heart-strings and leaves you with hope, this one is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.