Emma is a woman, a mother, a loyal friend and a hardworking neuro-oncologist, who struggles to recognize her conflict to prioritize which of her roles comes first! Above all, she cannot put herself first, and gets caught up in pleasing everybody, that she hides her fears in the darkness and busies herself with her research.

Such an emotional read! Most women nowadays seem to bury away their pain in work, without confrontation! I like that the author tries to portray that talking to anybody can help ease the issue, because getting lost in one's head is so terrifying and dreadful! It was a quick and emotional read, really enjoyed the book! ( )

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Red Adept Publishing and LibraryThing ER in exchange for an unbiased review.

Emma Blake is a successful neuro-oncologist engrossed with research to find a cure for the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) which took the life of her best childhood friend. Kate was 11 years old when died but lived every day as if she weren’t ill. Emma finds herself becoming a doctor and investing her life along side Kate’s dad, Ned a doctor investigating a cure for GBM. She feels strongly about keeping her promise to Kate to find a cure.

Emma does marry Tim who is a writer and very patient and understanding with Kate’s investment in her research. It’s only when they realize they are going to have a baby does tension begin to grow. Tim has no idea the stress and guilt that Ned is placing on Emma. Ned is not happy about the pregnancy and even encourages Emma to abort it. Emma who was told she might never get pregnant after a car accident feels ambivalent. She wants to be happy about her miracle baby but feels guilty about living life with her friend dead.

This is a tumultuous story of life and death, family, love and grief. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with a bittersweet ending. ( )

Some might call this a thoughtful women's fiction. Yes, at its core this is one of those "career versus family" dilemmas the lead character faces, but there is more to it than just that. Toss in huge amounts of childhood-inflicted guilt, a manipulating mentor with a singular focus and it is no surprise that some of the events in this story play out the way they do. If anything, this is a story about the importance of being truthful with yourself and of open, honest communication in relationships.

I will admit that I requested this one for its medical angle. Conrey does a great job capturing the devastating impact of glioblastoma multiforme (GMB) - an incurable brain tumor with a short life expectancy - and the still growing body of research/treatment being pursued by the medical community. As a character, I found Emma to be very frustrating. She is too "closed in", exhibiting a veneer of emotional detachment that - well - really does not help matters, IMO, and is not completely reflective of what she is experiencing beneath the surface. Unfortunately, the story takes a more 'telling' than 'showing' approach, with some explanations being repeated, so I found it hard to invest myself in this one.

Overall, this is a story about motherhood and second chances. Great from a medical research angle but less so for the plot and the characters. This may not appeal to all readers, especially if you are like me and find characters that come across "kind of extreme" as frustrating. The raw emotions also got to be a bit much, for this reader anyways. Big on drama. I did like the ending, if that helps any. ( )