Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Following a spiritual path can be a source of great strength in a crisis. This was certainly the case with Anne Jeppesen. She shares her story in When Life Came Knocking. Shortly before Christmas in 2021, the author was diagnosed with cancer, a disease that had claimed her mother's life. She was just 48 years old and in the midst of the COVID pandemic. After dealing with the shock as best she could, it was a case of getting to grips with the implications. These included further tests, 6 months of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, and ongoing radiation treatment. Side effects were inevitable. Sharing the news with friends and family was difficult and brought up strong emotions, including revisiting the death of her mother. She understood that she had to look within and identified her need to release something that had been triggered by her condition. She received support from her angels, spirit guides, and medical practitioners. After arduous treatment, the cancer went into remission. She was cured, but deeply affected by the experience. Her body remained tired, and she showed signs of post-traumatic stress. Relationships changed. For a while, the side effects lingered and scars remained.

Anne Jeppesen began her spiritual journey in 2014 by exploring various forms of alternative healing, including MDMA therapy, which is used in treating PTSD and depression. She visited Bali on several occasions, finding healing and spiritual growth. She suffered from burnout twice, while still mourning the childhood loss of her mother. The author reflects that we draw strength and comfort from those around us. Serious illness requires a change of mindset and a forced look at our mortality. Early diagnosis is the key, together with a positive attitude and a spiritual base as support. Prayer, gratitude, and a connection to nature will assist. The author has written a touching account of her progress, sharing her highs and lows with candor and thoughtful introspection. Quotations from her notes enable readers to follow her journey and its challenges while dealing with anger and sadness. She learned to let go and trust, discovering that love overcomes fear. When Life Came Knocking was written to motivate others, one step at a time. It is rounded off with a list of key phrases and advice that will prove inspirational to readers. This includes a thought-provoking invitation to flirt with the world. I really appreciated the heartfelt advice with its deep compassion based on personal experience. I enjoyed the writing style that is warm, conversational and empathetic, capturing the doubts and fears involved, while bringing hope, healing and transformation at both physical and spiritual levels. This book will bring comfort to those dealing with cancer, and deserves to be widely read. When Life Came Knocking will bring comfort to those dealing with cancer, as it combines heartfelt advice with deep compassion based on personal experience.