Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

When I was expecting my first child, I voiced my fears about labor at the lunch table at work.  My colleagues smiled that knowing smile of moms who have been there.  They had faced that fear and conquered it, and knew I would, too.  One of my co-workers said to me, “It will be one day in your life.  You can get through anything for one day.”

As I read the book And Life Comes Back, I wondered about the truth behind that statement.  If something happened to my husband, could I get through it? 

Author Tricia Lott Williford shares her heartbreaking story of her husband’s sudden death and the aftermath of his passing in this February release.  Her story could have been mine.  They were married at approximately the same time my husband and I were wed.  They have two kids, too.  Williford even shares their secret code — three squeezes of the hand to say “I Love You” — which has been the comforting signal for my husband and me, too.  She even wrote that this might be the only way she could communicate with him in an emergency.  I’ve honestly thought the same thing.  As I read this story, my heart broke into a thousand pieces.  I can’t remember the last time I sobbed after reading only the first couple of chapters in a book.  Oh yes, I do.  It was when I read And Life Comes Back. 

After Williford’s husband Robb died, Tricia struggled with the mundane steps of everyday life.  Her family and friends pulled her through as she slowly regained her sense of self.  This book was an eye-opener for me; I needed that little reminder to stop and be thankful for my blessings.  My kids asked me to cuddle with them, so I put down the book and snuggled.  My sweet husband brought me a slice of cheesecake while I read the book and instead of passing it off, I savored that moment with him.  This book changed my heart.  It reminded me that I need to cherish the ordinary moments with the ones I so dearly love.

Tricia holds nothing back in this book.  Her grief is raw and tangible.  Her strength is so evident in her words.  Every page shines with the evidence of her rock solid faith.  Even those who are not a Christian can appreciate the depth of this book.  For someone who has experience a devastating loss, this book just might be a beacon of hope that life does indeed come back.

Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go watch Downton Abbey with my sweetheart.