This book has tear-jerker written all over it. And I am so glad I read it. So get ready, and I’ll try not to sound too much like Amy Yurk’s public relations rep. I’ll also try not to use too many cliched words and phrases to describe this book, but I make no promises. This debut novel is a winner, and I’m looking forward to the author’s next one.

Sarah Strickland is content with her life. She has a wonderful husband, Gavin, a best friend who has always been there for her, and a house she loves. The only thing she wants now is to have a baby. Sarah gets her wish and believes that everything is perfect. She is wrong.

A heartbreaking accident leaves Sarah alone, pregnant and grief-stricken. Calista, her best friend since kindergarten, does her best to be there for Sarah but manages only to make her mad. When a new person moves into the house next door, Sarah finds someone who understands exactly what she’s going through. As she tries to find her way through her new life, Sarah’s story will touch your heart.

Oh boy, did this book have me tearing up. I don’t handle death well. Can’t even stand the thought of it. But this story totally contrasts my thoughts. It’s uplifting. It takes you on a journey (uh, oh. PR phrase alert). Sarah’s story is told in letters to her unborn child, so Yurk has freedom to play with her voice and style. She alternates tenses occasionally, but it works. Because of the letters, the only person you get to know really well is Sarah. But, boy, do you get to know her.

Yurk hit so many places in me with this story. Sarah had a Nana Cecille whom she loved very much and who died many years ago. Sarah’s memories of her Nana Cecille reminded me of my own grandmothers, both of whom are also dead. Sarah’s reaction to Gavin’s death is similar to what I felt when my grandmother died. If you’ve ever imagined what your life would be like without your husband, this is what I imagine you’ll feel like. She sees him after he’s gone.

The friendship between Calista and Sarah is as strong as any anyone could hope to have. In addition to being as close to Sarah as a sister, Calista is married to Gavin’s best friend. The Kind of Love That Saves You is a celebration of the friendships that women have and how you make it through life. The way that Sarah and Calista help each other and make each other stronger is something that every woman with a best friend will recognize. The love Sarah has for Gavin and for her unborn baby are pure and strong, obvious throughout the book. This story is honest.

I really don’t know if I’ve done this book justice, but let me just say this – in Sarah, Amy Yurk has created the average woman. You’ll feel her grief and cheer her on as she starts to heal. As she bonds with her friends, you’ll see yourself and your best friends. And you will close the book with tears in your eyes and a smile on your face. And, if you’re like me, you’ll be glad you read it.