As Bright as Heaven

By: Susan Meissner

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert, Jorjeana Marie, Cassandra Morris, Abigail Revasch

From the acclaimed author of The Last Year of the War comes a novel set during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, telling the story of a family reborn through loss and love.

In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town, came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters—Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa—a chance at a better life.

But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than twelve thousand victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without—and what they are willing to do about it.

As Bright as Heaven is the compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.

Critic reviews

Praise for As Bright as Heaven

“A story of one family’s heartbreak and hope. Strong [and] resilient, Meissner’s characters step off the page and into history.”—Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

“A family saga, coming-of-age tale, and riveting historical fiction all in one. A must read!”—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan's Tale

“A thoughtful examination of life...somber, gripping, and illuminated with hope.”—Kate Quinn, USA Today bestselling author of The Alice Network

“Traces of Little Women in the trials and fortitude of the Bright women. An affirmation of the power of love and duty.”—Helen Simonson, author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand and The Summer Before the War

“A fascinating historical novel and a beautifully written story of love, loss, and family. A gorgeous, unforgettable book.”—Jillian Cantor, author of Margot and The Lost Letter

I found another good author!

This is a very long book, but the storyline never faulters! Ms Harmon tied up all the loose ends very nicely! I really enjoyed this book!!!

Loved this book

I got lost in this story and so will you. The time, the tragedies, the people...I was sad when it was over. Its heavy reading at time but all true of the era.

Sweet, but not exciting

Story of the Spanish flu

This story drags a bit and rambles. It’s nice and sweet, the characters are engaging, but the story isn’t the most fascinating or compelling story.

If you like relationship novels with some history thrown in for good measure you’ll like this book, just don’t expect much plot.

Beautiful story and narration

Beautiful message and story and so pertinent in this time of the coronavirus pandemic. It was all by coincidence that I started reading this. I’m glad I did. It was so nice to have narration by different people for each of the characters which made it one of the nicest audible books I have listened to. Thank you for another wonderful book.

Wonderful beautiful memorable writing.

Im so happy that I discovered Susan Meissner. You will be too when you read her.