A mother's faith, a child's bravery, and a doctor's search for healing come together in this moving and thought-provoking fiction debut that explores the meaning of  family, faith, and love. Though he might be young, Colm already knows the truth about himself—that he’s very sick, and he may not get better. His mother, Cathleen, takes comfort in the certainty that, whatever happens, Colm will be protected by the God in whom she so fiercely believes. But her son is not so sure. Afraid to tell his religious mother about what he fears may happen “after,” Colm faces each day with a wisdom far beyond his years, and eventually turns to his benevolent and logical doctor for advice. 

And though Colm has come to terms with the realities of his short life, he does have one special wish—to meet his long-lost father, the man who left before Cathleen gave birth to her beautiful auburn-haired, green-eyed angel. But the quest to find his father will become something far more indelible—a journey of emotional discovery that will test their love, force them to confront their fears and their faith, and face the ultimate question: Can a child give his loved ones hope, peace, and proof of heaven? The answer may just be the cure they all need to heal their broken hearts.

Winner: Silver, Mom's Pick Awards

November 1, 2011 William Morrow/HarperCollins www.harpercollins.com