In death, there is love; in love, there are no limits. And always, there is hope.

When John Bickley loses his wife and sons in a devastating house fire in 2010, childhood friend Jill Barnes extends a tentative hand of support.

The tragedy becomes a catalyst for the rekindling of their childhood friendship, a deep bond of enduring mutual affection that is tested to its limits as John succumbs to the ravages of intense personal grief.

As their lives become more deeply entwined, Jill is forced to confront her own losses, and she and John are swept along on a symbiotic, brutal, emotional journey – one that is delicately interwoven with glimpses of humour; life goes on and love blossoms in the most unlikely of spaces.

Cloaked in Death, Wrapped in Love is a powerful memoir offering an intimate portrait of grief and healing that is both exquisite and excruciating in equal measure. It dares to touch, challenge and expose the fear that lies deep within us all – that of losing those we love the most.

Alexandra Wipf

"Truly inspirational and deeply moving"

"What a beautiful book, and what a page turner! From the first page, the author took me on an emotional journey that has been more intense than I ever remember experiencing while reading a book. Jill Barnes' style of writing is truly captivating – I couldn’t put the book down, and I cried many tears while reading it. At the same time, sometimes almost immediately after a sad passage, the author’s sense of humour made me chuckle..."

Jean Garlick

"A 'must read.'"

"It's really difficult to put into words how to describe this book. It is one of the most beautiful and sensitively written stories I have ever read. It evoked so many emotions, I felt I was living the journey with these two people. I couldn't put it down! It's compelling reading and I sincerely hope that both John and Jill go on to the next chapter of their lives with as much love and compassion as is shown in the book..."

nicole3chris

"A truly inspirational story with a very important message"

"Literally couldn't put it down! Stripped back and laid bare for the world to hear every tragic detail. This book is written so beautifully, I went through every emotion from shock, sadness, despair, happiness & hope. John & Jill must be incredibly strong human beings to have come out of the other end, to have the strength to bare all and share this incredible story in the hope that this will help others. They allow the world to..."

Moved reader

"An emotive read"

"I salute Jill Barnes for putting down in words her journey in such an articulate, compassionate and honest manner. Cloaked in Death, Wrapped in Love is a book that had me wrought with heartfelt sympathy for John alongside the want for him to find happiness with Jill. A huge journey for Jill alongside her struggle to come to terms..."

Ed Dolezal

"Must read!"

"I couldn't put this book down! Jill's book, "Cloaked in death, wrapped in love", is both the most heart wrenching and heartwarming book I have ever read about life, loss, love and hope. I highly recommend that everyone reads this book! Bought 3 copies for my adult children who have families of their own."