This book is the story of two mothers. One lost her son right before Christmas. The other one's daughter received his heart in a transplant. The chapters alternate, one tells Nora's story, the next, Jenna's. Not unsurprisingly Nora, who lost her son, finds herself distant from God. She is furious at him and drowning in her sorrow. Jenna praises Him for the new life in her daughter.

I guess sorrow is a stronger emotion than joy. If felt Nora's pain much more than I shared Jenna's joy, but I loved the book.

One Perfect Day is a gripping tale of hope and loss, of sorrow and joy. Most of all it celebrates the gift of love as one family struggles to accept their son's death and allow his organs to give the gift of life to someone else. Snelling's masterfully portrays both sides of the emotion fraught organ donor program. I was not ready for the book to end when I turned the last page. These characters had become friends and I didn't want the friendship to end.

One Perfect Day is the perfect Christmas present for any reader on your list. I give it my highest recommendation; any book that leaves me wanting more is a five-star read.

Two moms face loss, and one woman's grief is another woman's joy. Faith sustains both as they try to live again. The book is easy to read and the characters draw you in to the story.

Nora Peterson's twins are seniors in high school and she has planned the perfect Christmas for them. Christi and Charlie are fraternal twins with the invisible bond that many twins experience. Christi is budding artist and during this holiday season Charlie is playing one of Santa's elves. The holiday season is moving perfectly until a tragic accident shakes the Peterson's home and threatens to overwhelm them.

Jenna Montgomery is a single mother who works as an emergency room nurse. This Christmas season she only has one wish, finding her daughter a new heart. Jenna's daughter Heather has been living with a weak heart and becomes weaker each passing day. Right before Christmas, God gives them the miracle they had been praying for, a new hope for life.

I did not think I would enjoy One Perfect Day as much as I did. When you predict what is going to happen it takes some of the anticipation out of a book, but Lauraine Snelling kept me on the edge of my seat with each turning page. My heart broke, my heart rejoiced! It was a difficult book to read, especially being a mother of teenagers myself, but Lauraine Snelling has shown once again that God can handle whatever we have to dish out. God never leaves us, especially during the darkest times and sometimes when God answers our prayers, he not only answers them but blows our minds.

This was a very heartfelt story. Felt the pain of these families. Would recommend as a deep read for Christmas.

This is a captivating story about two mothers each dealing with strong emotions during the holiday season. The chapter title has which mother is speaking for the chapter so it easy to keep it separate. I do not want to reveal too much because as the story evolves it all comes out. This is a beautiful novel that deals with some hard topics like organ donation. I recommend it and even though it is set mostly at Christmas it is okay to read it after the season too. :)

Purchasing another book by Loraine Snelling gave me great anticipation of excitment, lessons, joy. I was not disapointed! A year ago I bought my first book and now own almost every book she wrote. some I read twice, and I am sure this will be the same with One Perfect Day. She draws you into the very life of the pages and you cannot put it down except to eat and perform everyday duties. I find myself a better person as I turn the last page, wishing there was another chapter because of the pleasure I am embedded in when reading her books. Thanks Loraine for sharing your gift, your very self in the tangle of words that come out of your brilliant mind.

on page 172, the nurse tells her patient, Heather, to 'sit'.
Heather does, then replies,"I do 'down' and 'stay' too."
I immediately began laughing out loud.
I am of old Scandinavian stock for whom a loud smile is the usual response to something really funny.
Being of a nursing background, I am acquainted with our tendencies for brisk orders, so this was especially appropos for me.
Thanks, Lauraine, for the endorphins.

Jenna Montgomery prayed for a miracle - that a new heart would become available for her daughter. Nora Peterson wanted this Christmas, the last she knew her whole family would be together before the twins went off to college, to be perfect. But a car accident shatters Nora's dream and life as she knows it. Meanwhile, Jenna is thanking God for providing a new heart and saving her daughter's life.

Lauraine Snelling writes with keen insight about these two women, both at turning points in their lives. Alternating between the stories, she shows us the private pain and joy of each family as they struggle to move forward.

I think many of us wonder why God lets tragedy touch families who love and worship Him. In One Perfect Day one mother's nightmare becomes another mother's answered prayer. As I read, I found myself thinking about how even the worst circumstances can be used for good by God. I highly recommend this book, particularly if you know of someone, or if you yourself, have struggled with the loss of a loved one. It takes a bare, honest look at moving through grief, while at the same time celebrating life and second chances.

Wonderful novel, be prepared to cry. It is very well written. It makes you really see the feelings of both sides of the coin with organ donation.

This book is the story of two mothers. One lost her son right before Christmas. The other one's daughter received his heart in a transplant. The chapters alternate, one tells Nora's story, the next, Jenna's. Not unsurprisingly Nora, who lost her son, finds herself distant from God. She is furious at him and drowning in her sorrow. Jenna praises Him for the new life in her daughter.

I guess sorrow is a stronger emotion than joy. If felt Nora's pain much more than I shared Jenna's joy, but I loved the book.