Introduction

What choices would you make if you knew you may die soon?

From the multi award-winning, best-selling author of four books, including Here, Home, Hope, a gripping and heart-wrenching novel about a young mother who has it all. The only problem is she may be dying.

In her previous works including All the Difference, Rouda's characters "sparkle with humor and heart," and the stories are "told with honest insight and humor" (Booklist). "Inspirational and engaging" (ForeWord), these are the novels you'll turn to for strong female characters and an "engaging read" (Kirkus).

In the Mirror is the story of Jennifer Benson, a woman who seems to have it all. Diagnosed with cancer, she enters an experimental treatment facility to tackle her disease the same way she tackled her life - head on. But while she's busy fighting for a cure, running her business, planning a party, staying connected with her kids, and trying to keep her sanity, she ignores her own intuition and warnings from others and reignites an old relationship best left behind.

If you knew you might die, what choices would you make? How would it affect your marriage? How would you live each day? And how would you say no to the one who got away?

"Kaira Rouda has created relatable characters you'll care deeply about. Emotionally gripping and heart-achingly beautiful, In the Mirror will make you think about what's truly important." ~ Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author

“Balancing sadness and humor, the retrospective tone of this novel is both therapeutic and affecting. In the Mirror is an emotion-packed novel about a mother facing terminal cancer. It is a nostalgic tribute to the things that really matter: family and friends.” ~ Foreword

"Rouda writes with a fluent, psychologically subtle realism that cuts Jennifer’s pathos (and occasional self-pity) with humor and irony, and she surrounds her with characters—doting dad; vain, shallow mom; mensch of a gay business partner; sarcastic gal pals—who are sharply etched and entertaining. Jennifer is a winning heroine, and readers will undoubtedly root for her as she reaches for a more mature, if achingly uncertain, future. An absorbing story of a woman grasping at life in the midst of death. ~ Kirkus Reviews

"Jennifer's journey through cancer and her struggle to love her husband in the face of the return of her first love is something to cheer and rejoice in. A moving and uplifting novel about family and the struggles we all face to live every minute to the fullest." ~ Anita Huges, author of Monarch Beach

"I was completely absorbed by In the Mirror. This is a moving story from the unique perspective of a seriously ill patient who is a wife, sister, daughter and friend, examining all of those relationships with honesty and humor. This story will stay with you because of the questions it asks and the answers it offers." ~ Lian Dolan, bestselling author of Helen of Pasadena

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Have you ever considered what would have happened in your life if you had married someone different, especially if you had a first love? Do you have someone who “got away”?

Although Jennifer’s situation is bleak, she finds much to be hopeful for and keeps herself busy planning a party. While that may not be your choice of activities if you were in her situation, was it a valuable pursuit for her in the end?

Jennifer and Ralph have a special relationship. How would you describe their friendship and why is Ralph such an important character in the story?

Cancer is and has been human kind’s nemesis. It’s a seemingly random, lurking disease that can strike anyone, at anytime. The author chose gravely ill cancer patients – and their stories – to be the protagonists of the story. Is cancer the antagonist, or is it someone or something else?

What do you think of Alex? How is he similar to and different from Henry?

What relevance does Clothes the Loop have to the story?

*SPOILER ALERT*
Do you believe Jennifer falls asleep at the end of the story, or do you believe she dies? What does your answer say about you and your outlook on life, if anything?

Weblinks

»	Author Kaira Rouda's web site

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