Reflections of Sandra

An Inspirational Story of How A Mother's Passing Brought Her Daughter to Life

Non-Fiction - Memoir
210 Pages
Reviewed on 10/10/2017
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Reflections of Sandra: The Inspirational Story of How a Mother’s Passing Brought Her Daughter to Life by Michelle Heynen is a poignant account of a daughter who speaks about her mother’s passing and how she realized the importance of appreciating the people who are in our lives today. The book reminds readers to live every second of their lives as if it is their last, and she also gives strength to readers to find the light inside their darkness. The author’s courage, insight, life struggles, and her vision of handling grief and discovering a new way of life will help all those who are struggling with loss and pain.

I found the book heartrending and the story and the author’s way of looking at life after her loss will be comforting to many readers, and provide them with solace and hope. The author speaks about her mother’s battle with cancer, the difficult moments of handling emotions during that phase, and the life altering lessons that are hidden inside sorrow. The loss of Michelle Heynen's mother and the journey taken by her are uplifting and will help readers find the meaning of being alive by guiding them to discover a purpose worth fighting for, and to see the deeper meaning of death.

I like the way the topic has been handled; very controlled and toned-down-sentiments without being over emotional and dramatic when it comes to expressing sorrow and pain. The author has positive messages for readers through her story of loss, courage, overcoming grief, and healing. She gives hope to everyone and encourages them find beauty and purpose in the darkness they have faced so that they can find faith in life again and emerge as winners.

Kayti Nika Raet

Reflections of Sandra by Michelle Heynen is the inspirational story of the author’s journey during her mother’s cancer diagnosis, and how she struggled and overcame grief after her mother's death. Part biography, part autobiography, Reflections of Sandra is filled with pride and love for a remarkable woman who persevered despite the hardships in her life. And from reading Heynen's work, it seems as though a lot of the perseverance has passed on to her daughter. Reflections of Sandra is mostly prose, but it is interspersed with moving bits of poetry as well as segments that encourage the reader to reflect on their own life and the relationship they have with their family.

Love for family is a central theme throughout the book and while Heynen's grief over her mother's passing shows through, so does her love. Readers worried that they might encounter a sad book will be assured that while Sandra's passing is an important part of the story, her life is even more so. Those grieving a deceased loved one may find the understanding and motivation they need within these pages. The book doesn't truly start until at least a dozen pages in and at first I was confused as the front matter was full of testimonies from different points of view. But as I continued on, I learned more about the life Sandra lived and the effect she had on people. I came to realize that the front matter was a memorial left by those whose lives she touched. In Reflections of Sandra, Michelle Heynen has crafted a remarkable, heartwarming body of work.