Thrive, by Vivienne Heath

With a wry smile, Hedy once teased her husband that his lowest emotional note was a sigh. But standing on the corner of Stead and Donkin, staring at her lifeless form beneath the blanket, Dave Mills’ breath faltered. It was as if his 63-year-old lungs and diaphragm had lost their rhythm. What had always been automatic now took effort, as though the biggest sigh of his life was trapped between his shoulder blades. His throat tightened. His head throbbed. That was January 6, 2023.

Now, three months later, on this bright morning, Mel and Miller are tying the knot in the lush gardens at 15 Tree Tops, exchanging vows before flying off on a six-week honeymoon in the UK.

Dave’s long-stifled sigh eventually did break loose, releasing in its wake deep, unfamiliar notes of unbearable grief. And yet, with each new dawn, he experiences fresh grace and new mercies—just enough for his day.

Thrive, the sequel to Survive, is the story of how the Lord of all the earth holds us close in suffering. If we let Him into our lowest lows, He not only heals us—He beautifies us, enlarging us with melodies and harmonies we never knew we carried.