In PACK UP THE MOON, Kristan Higgins weaves a delicate and heart-wrenching tale about a terminally ill woman who helps her husband move on after her death.

Lauren knows that she's nearing the end of her life. After being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, she is given a life expectancy of three to five years. Despite suffering from the disease, which slowly fills the lungs with scar tissue, Lauren feels truly blessed. She and her newly wed husband, Joshua, are madly in love and madly making love. Both are amazingly successful in their careers, and they get lots of satisfaction from their work. They have a deep emotional connection, as well as great open communication.

"Higgins has crafted one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. It will make you cry but also leave you breathless and aching for a love like Joshua and Lauren’s."

As her days near the end, Lauren sets out on a unique project. She decides to write Joshua a letter for each month in the year that follows her passing. In them, she challenges him to get over her death by performing certain tasks, like inviting people over for dinner and selling the old furniture.

Grief is never easy. It's difficult to process, and even more difficult to write about. Higgins does a wonderful job telling such an emotionally wrought story. Following Joshua on his successes and failures, both big and small, is an unforgettable ride, and the friends he makes along the way are quite entertaining. From defending a clumsy waitress to inviting a multi-level marketing salesman to dinner, it is clear that the grieving process is never straightforward.

Despite the sad premise and inevitable end to their relationship, Joshua and Lauren are perfect for each other, and their connection --- spiritually, mentally and physically --- is almost too precious. I so enjoyed the concept and execution of the letters, each of which pushed Joshua and helped him move on.

If you have ever listened to the sad melody of Bruno Mars’ "Talking To The Moon" and sung the lyrics that demonstrate a deep love, you will adore how Higgins has crafted one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. It will make you cry but also leave you breathless and aching for a love like Joshua and Lauren’s.