The Life Intended, by Kristin Harmel

Are we living the life we are intended to live, do we construct the life we want to live, or is life a combination of individual will and fate? These are the questions around which Kristin Harmel weaves her story in "The Life Intended."

Kate Waithman, a music therapist who works with children, has been a widow for 12 years. Now at age 40 she is engaged to the "perfect" man. Suddenly she starts having vivid dreams where she is still living with her husband, and they have a 12 year old, hard of hearing daughter. The dreams are so real, Kate begins a course in American Sign Language in order to better communicate with her dream daughter. Through this sign language course, she expands her music therapy to include hard of hearing foster children, and her life takes an unexpected turn.

Although at times Kate comes across as too weak and vulnerable for my taste, I think this weakness is key to demonstrating the growth of her character as Kate regains her willingness to take risks and truly live and love again. In her trademark fashion, Kristin Harmel tells an engrossing story with a heart stopping, wonderful ending.

Print Length: 368 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books (December 30, 2014)
Publication Date: December 30, 2014
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc