“The Last Letter is a haunting, heartbreaking and ultimately inspirational love story.”–InTouch Weekly Beckett, If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have. I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride. My little sister Ella’s … army and get to Telluride.
My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.
And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help.
So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.
Please don’t make her go through it alone.
Ryan
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Omg this book was absolutely amazing, beautiful but also heartbreaking. I swear I could barely put this book down once I started reading it even though sometimes I had to read through a lot of tear. This quote definitely hit me hard in the feels this is one books that made me cry a lot. Seriously if you are in need of an ugly cry one click this book ASAP. It was such a beautiful story and the author definitely hit me in the feels with her words. I really didn’t want this journey to be over. I want more of these characters. One of the best books I’ve ever read!!
When I read the blurb of The Last Letter, I knew that it was going to be a good book. A blurb in the form of a last letter? That alone made me go “I need to read this book“. I am so glad that I did because The Last Letter exceeded what I thought about it.
I will warn everyone, you will need tissues while reading The Last Letter. I was ugly crying from the scene where Ella found out that Maisie had cancer to the end of the book. I would invest in a few boxes. You will need them.
I thought that Ella was one of the strongest people I have read in a book to date. Life kept dropping bombshells on her and she didn’t even flinch. She took no flak from people. She also had a softer side. It wasn’t showcased in the book that much but it was there. When it did peek through, I loved it.
I did get annoyed with Ella at several points in the book. Put it this way, she was stubborn and afraid to let someone get close to her. When she did let Beckett in, she did begrudgingly. I did want to smack her upside the head when Beckett had a solution for Maisie’s cancer treatments. If I was in that situation, I would have jumped all over it. I got why she acted that way. Still. I am glad that Ada and Hailey talked some sense into her.
I liked Beckett. He arrived when Ella needed him the most. He stayed through Ella freaking out on him about who he was to Ryan. He was the one who came up with the solution about Maisie’s cancer and insurance. He fell heads over heels for Ella when they were writing letters to each other. He was a nice guy. When he opened up about his past, my heart broke for him.
Like Ella, I did get annoyed with him at points in the book. Like the whole Chaos storyline. How hard would it have been to tell her that he was Chaos? I didn’t understand how that didn’t come up. Ella did point blank ask him how he knew Ryan. That was the perfect time to say “Well, I’m Chaos“. But no, it comes out later in the book. I would have been pissed at him too.
I thought the romance that Beckett and Ella had was a sweet one. Of course, it was bumpy and there was a point where I thought it was over. But it was sweet.
I thought that the storyline with Maisie and her aggressive form of cancer was very well written. The author didn’t paint a rosy picture for us. Instead, she showed the stark realities of having a child with cancer. It was a realistic and heartbreaking look into childhood cancer.
I will say that the storyline with Ella, her ex and his parents made me throw up in my mouth a little bit. How can someone be so heartless? Not once but twice.
I also liked that military dogs are featured in this book. What I liked is that the military let Beckett keep Havoc. Mainly because she only listened to him. I liked how Ella described Havoc and her adjusting to not working. She was being domesticated and learning how to act like a dog.
There was a twist at the end of the book that broke my heart. It was surprised that came out of nowhere. I am not going to give anything away but I will stay that Beckett and Havoc’s training were well used. This is a tissue warning. You will be ugly crying until the end of the book.
The epilogue at the end had me ugly crying. I loved the insight that it gave into Beckett and Ella’s life 4 years later.
I finished this book a little over than four weeks ago, and I’m still trying to write a review worthy of this book. I’m getting there. The Last Letter was heartbreakingly beautiful, devastatingly intense and rocked my heart and soul. You need to go in blind and experience this book. All the feels! All the stars! Grab a box of tissues. I’m blown away. The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros is going on my Best of 2019 list.The Last Letter
6 Stars
“Like someone picks up your life and shakes it like a snow globe,” Ella offered. “It seems to take forever for the pieces to settle, and then they’re never in the same place.”
It was the last letter from his best friend that brought Beckett to the small town of Telluride. Finally, he had the courage to face Mac’s family, and see his sister, Ella.
You see it wasn’t that easy for Beckett, he still blamed himself for Mac’s death. And he wasn’t sure if he was going to tell Ella that he was Chaos, the man she had been exchanging letters with.
Ella was a ball of courage. She’s just amazing. After raising twins alone at 19, she felt she could handle anything. When something went wrong with one of the twins, she was still holding everything together. But when the news came that she lost her brother, and probably the man she haven’t actually met, she lost all cool and just broke down.
And if you can’t breathe, I’ll do it for you. One morning at a time. Minute by minute if we have to.
Then Beckett came into their lives – bearing a letter from her brother. Asking him to help them. She didn’t need help. She can manage. On her own. Without a man. He was a soldier. He couldn’t be that dependable. Not when her dad decided to chose the military over them, or her brother enlisting and driving to god-knows-where to save the country.
But Beckett proved to be something else. He was there when she needs help, even if without her asking. He takes good care of her kids, and of her. He wanted her, yet he insisted he didn’t want to cross THAT line. Her kids already love him, and so does she.
What happens when she knows the truth?
“I will show up for you. For Cold. For Maisie. I will not walk away. I will not abandon you. I will not die.”
I adoreeee Beckett? He’s an eye candy. Truly. He might have lied (okay, some big white lie), but I have to admit, he won me in the end. He proved himself dependable, and the best for the twins. He was determined, and persuasive, but never pushy and that was well -appreciated especially when Ella needed some time to think.
Ella is the super-mom, and you’d easily love her. She’s strong, steadfast and would do anything for her children. As for her kids – oh my god – they’re the most amazing people in the book! You’d easily fall in love with them, more than I did with Ella and Beckett. They were the life of this whole book, the one that will steal your hearts. And – arghh. I don’t want spoilers here. Her twins, Maisie, the girl, is just like her mom. She was stronger than most adult. She was the quiet among the two, and perceptive. Colt, on the other hand, is filled with energy. He’s very understanding, and would do anything for his sister and his mother. He’s pretty tough as well. He saves damsel in the playground. I can’t tell just how much I love these two children. They were the bravest.
I just finished reading the story, and I am itching to write this review while my emotions are still on high. I didn’t think my heart was strong enough for it – I was a blubbering mess even at the start. There was just so much happening that I wasn’t sure my heart could handle it.
There was a reprieve in between. Rebecca might thought her readers could use a little break from that little bomb she gave me, only to drop a nuclear at the end that completely stripped me of my defenses. I was utterly heartbroken, my heart was aching so bad, I was crying, I was a mess – over a book.
You see this wasn’t an ordinary love story. Boy’s best friend lets little sister write to his best friend, exchange of letters happened, they fell in love, then they live happily ever after. Oh that would be simple. But no. There were loss, there was blinding grief and guilt, and an ultimate fight for a life. So I suggest you ready your heart for the ultimate ride.
Yes, my first six-star review of the year goes to this highly emotional, heartbreaking, beautiful, profound and powerful story of love, loss, forgiveness and family.
If I never told you, then let me say it now. You words save me. You reached into the darkness and pulled me out with your kindness and your strength. You did the impossible and touched my soul.
´¨) ¸.•’¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
~~ 4 UGLY CRY STARS! ~~
“I would take on armies for her, kill for her…die for her. There was no truth greater than that.”
OH MY POOR PULVERIZED HEART!!!! I have been a huge admirer of Rebecca Yarros’s work since her emotionally wrenching Flight and Glory series, so I knew going in that this military romance could be a sobfest of grandiose proportions. That said, I still had NO FREAKING CLUE what I was in for!
From start to finish, THE LAST LETTER’s masterfully woven plot is teeming with angst, drama, passion and shell shocking twists and turns! So, you better brace yourself for some MAJOR emotional whiplash. Equal parts heartbreaking, heartwarming, hopeful, healing, life-affirming and SOUL DESTROYING, this book cut me to the core. Stole my breath. Made me swoon. Shiver. And gave me an EPIC ugly cry! I am talking “curl myself up in a ball, curse at the gods, and heave huge wracking sobs” kind of cry that left me so emotionally drained I was not sure how I would survive. But guess what? I did. Because, at its essence, this brilliant novel is ABOUT survival even when you feel your world caving in!
To avoid divulging any plot spoilers, I am not going to summarize this gorgeously penned, gloriously angsty storyline —the book blurb tells you all you need to know—so this review is just going to encapsulate my feelings for this book.
And, holy moly, I have MANY!!
First, let me say that Rebecca’s Yarros’s writing is captivating—her narrative flows beautifully and her vibrant, stirringly emotional and breathtakingly atmospheric prose has a way of transporting us viscerally into her characters’ worlds. And as a real-life military spouse, Ms. Yarros writes from a uniquely personal vantage point that enables her to capture the joys and the sorrows, tragedies and triumphs, of the military experience with stunning depth and raw emotion that resonates deeply.
Second, you will be AWESTRUCK by the heroine’s strength and resilience. Ella MacKenzie is a beautiful, hardworking, fiercely overprotective and loving single mom who had to grow up quick when she wound up pregnant and deserted at 19 and had to raise her young twins, Colt and Maisie, all by her lonesome. And she has done so with a backbone of steel and infinite grace. And just like our brave-hearted heroine, you will fall head over heels for Beckett Gentry, the tall, stoic and gruffly handsome special ops soldier who leads a solitary existence but lives by a strict code of honor.
Beckett and Ella’s tumultuous love story, which unfolds at a torturous slow burn, gave me giddy butterflies and gut punching feels from page one! And against all odds, these two virtual strangers’ lives intersect in powerful and profound ways. Their bond is initially forged thousands of miles apart, on opposite sides of the world, as anonymous pen pals while Beckett is deployed overseas. Through a series of 24 achingly personal letters, they bare their hearts and souls to each other, give each other “gravity” when everything goes sideways,” and along the way a rare and precious friendship is born . But then Ella’s brother, Ryan, dies in action and a guilt-ridden Beckett has one last promise to fulfill to his fallen comrade, which will change the trajectory of both their lives.
One thing that makes THE LAST LETTER truly stand out is that this is SO MUCH MORE than a passion-fueled romance. It’s the story of a struggling mother’s quest to keep her head above water while tirelessly trying to protect her kids at all costs. It’s the story of a rootless soldier’s search for peace, redemption…and a place to call home. And it’s the story of two kindred spirits who fight valiantly to obliterate every hurdle and to prove to each other…and themselves…that they “are enough.”
As far as military book boyfriends go…sighhh…Beckett MADE MY HEART RACE! He’s ruggedly sexy, strong and stalwart, a bit of a lost, tortured soul,, and CHIVALROUS TO THE CORE. And while growing up in foster care has conditioned this moody broody lone wolf not to form attachments, he can’t botch his mission to watch over Ryan’s sister. However, Beckett is not infallible, and the secrets he keeps locked deep inside drives him to make some woefully misguided choices. But his intentions are always honorable! Especially in regard to Ella and her kids…gah his tender devotion to them just SLAYED ME!
And Ella? Sob! You know the biblical proverb: “God will never give us more than we can handle?” Well, that poor beleaguered woman has had enough hardship to last SEVERAL LIFETIMES! But she faces each and every obstacle with strength, courage, and an abundance of love. I was truly AWESTRUCK by this warrior mom’s unfaltering faith and grit and sheer determination, especially when confronted with a life and death battle on the homefront. That said, like Beckett, she’s far from perfect. She’s immensely distrustful and guarded, incredibly obstinate…and wowza can she hold a grudge! All of which did admittedly grate on my nerves at times, but her unparalleled loyalty and true integrity always shines through.
I love how, despite everything, the MCs become one another’s lifeline and help sustain each other through their darkest hours. However, in many ways they are their own worst enemies. And while at times I wanted to shake some sense into this bullheaded duo who allow secrets and lies and stubborn pride to stand between them for far too long, there was never a question that Beckett, Ella and the kids always belonged together.
But yikes…just when you think that they finally are out of the combat zone…KABOOM! One last bombshell is detonated that will SHATTER YOU TO SMITHEREENS. And to be frank? I am still trying to process it. On one hand, from an artistic perspective, that chilling plot twist was poetic and executed to sheer EXCRUCIATING perfection . But on the other? Well, after ALL the trauma and heartache that Becks and Ella had already endured, this final catastrophic blow just felt horribly cruel and BRUTALLY UNFAIR, gutted me to the depths of my being, and paved the way for a bittersweet ending that left me feeling… hollow …inside.
But LOVE it or LOATHE it, that mind-bending climax sure did make an impact! Not only did it rip my heart to shreds and bring me to my knees, but it also propelled me to cuddle my kids and husband close and reaffirmed my belief that life is so very precious, and unpredictable. And my big, final takeaway? That we truly should “take our happy” wherever—and whenever–we can find it because who knows what the next sunrise will bring.
BOTTOM LINE:
THE LAST LETTER will forever be branded on my soul! It is a hauntingly beautiful story of hope and heartache, honor and sacrifice…and the triumphant power of love that ultimately withstands every torrential storm.
I have to say I’m wholly unsure how to write this review. This book was sob fest I knew that much but that unexpected ending threw me. I didn’t read any reviews prior while I like that they got through the hard stuff then blindsided. I need a happy pill or a gallon of wine. So yes I will put out that warning this book is very Nicholas Sparks esque it is SAD with a love story, heart breaking. I didn’t know if I could read till the end, not much of a HEA here that ending was the worst I usually don’t mind the not happy but with positive lining but this honestly was a shock. I mean yes there were good parts, happy moments and then kablam. I love this Rebecca Yarros others works so I’m not sure what happened.
The premise was solid and the whole letter thing I loved. The love story was genuine and heartfelt. Beckett was a solid guy, even if he was all no attachment and no connection except to Ryan, Havoc and after writing to her Ella. But he proved himself with Ella, the kids. Ella had a tough time with her kid getting sick, she powered though ever since they were little her whole world. They exchanged letters got to know each other under Chaos Beckett’s call sign. It was a dispute when he returned to Telluride and wanting to help Ella.
Beckett and the kids were precious and that just warmed your heart. Even with Maisie very sick he stood by and was steady. He did his all and went beyond. His love for Ella and kids was genuine, it developed slowly for Ella and Beckett. They went through the wringer for a lot of the story, the love story took a back seat. I was hopeful for a lot of this book, lot of heartfelt stuff and it proved important to keep that positive part. I loved their unique family setting and all, they were so happy. I must say I’m heart broken for Ella that was just cruel and unfair, she had so much pain and loss already.
So to sum it up, I’m kind taken by surprise by that last bit it felt like a sudden plot twist death at very end that I didn’t think was necessary at all, maybe even done on purpose for shock value. Life can be unfair but just wow, they powered though all the hurdles and have it taken all away. I don’t know what else to say, the hope I had throughout was extinguished I don’t get that ending at all honestly. It was a good plot and it had good moments but that ending was depressing and devastating as heck. The writing is good accurate as the military part is accurate and it will definitely grab your heart strings and that final part just slays you. If your ok with a love story no happy ending this is for you, ugly cry book for sure. But I can’t find beauty in this one. Hopefully I’ll like the author’s next one more.
I’m finally writing my review for this book. Even after a month I’m not sure where to start. This book made me FEEL so much. It drew me in from the beginning. I absolutely loved the letters. And Beckett. And Ella too. I’m still thinking about the book frequently. It was also heartbreaking. But the story is beautifully written. And it IS and romance with an HEA for the couple. It also has a lot of other elements in it that you don’t always find in romance books. I considered dropping my rating down to 4 stars because I didn’t love some of the tragic events and I didn’t love the “secret” keeping. But I ultimately decided to go with 5 stars as that is what I felt right after reading it. And the book is one I will remember which also makes it special.
5++ Phenomenal Stars!
The Last Letter is a poignant love story about fate, forgiveness, and family. It’s about enjoying the happy times and holding on through the bad. Finding solace in believing that everything happens for a reason despite our greatest fears and our highest hopes.
I can’t even remember the last time I cried so hard for a character. I was so heartbroken, then I was angry, and left even more heartbroken. Rebecca Yarros touched my soul with this story. A real story set in a fictional world. It was so easy to fall in love with and become emotionally invested in the characters. Ella, a single mother of Maisie and Colt, was fierce, devoted, and a survivor. Time and time again, life came crashing down on her, yet she clicked her armor together and rose above it all. Maisie… so sweet and innocent, but yet incredibly brave and resilient… a true fighter. Colt… wise beyond his years. So full of life and love….a born protector. Then there was Beckett… guarded, intense, broken… forever loyal. He is the true definition of a hero!
Everything about this story was outstanding. The writing, the storyline, the character development… it was simply flawless. The way the author seamlessly placed the letters within the chapters was brilliant and added so much insight on who Beckett and Ella truly were. Between those letters and the events of the story, I felt every emotion: anticipation, fear, despair, hope, happiness, love, and heartache. Only an exceptionally talented author can take you through all those emotions and somehow bring you out of it feeling enlightened.
The Last Letter is so much more than it’s synopsis. It’s EVERYTHING!
Review by Lys
WOW! This book was completely captivating, gut-wrenching and so beautiful! It was a book that left me with a hangover and will stay with me for a long time. I don’t want to say too much and ruin this story for you. However, I knew by reading the synopsis, that it would probably make me cry. I think it’s a testament to Rebecca’s writing that she sucked me into this story and I cried (the first time) at only 9% into the book. Now, don’t let that warn you away from the book. This story is powerful and moving. I think it’s one everyone needs to read. But, let me warn you, you might not want to read this entire book in public. *cue tears* I felt every emotion and every high and low this book had. It embedded under my skin and even days later writing this review, it doesn’t want to let me go. I can’t tell you how much I recommend this read! Just be sure not to miss this fantastic story!
Having read this author a couple of times this one did call to me with a answer of oh yeah! This author grabs your heart with no qualms of letting go with the story in this. This kind always undo me and create a blubber as this one did. This turns out to also be a bit different then what I have read from this author with a pleasant surprise and delight that how much depth this one has. Ella will consume you with this one but she will not be alone. There is also Beckett whom will own our hearts also. Man tissues also will be a staple but also the warmth will seep out of this from the feel goods. So delighted I did not miss this one that leaves a lasting impression.
I had not read any prior books by this author and what an incredible story to introduce me to this author’s writing!!
This read was absolutely outstanding!
Top read of 2019!!
Powerful, solid and sensitive writing, I was completely enthralled by this emotional story.
E-mo-tion-al!!!
If you don’t like heartache and pain in a book…
Do. Not. Read. It!!
Captivating and poignant story of love and loss is the most heart wrenching and exquisite manner.
It is unlike any military romance I’ve ever read.
I honestly don’t know what to say about this story to give it justice because it’s a formidable and powerful story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Yes it’s heart wrenching and it’s a cry fest. However it was also inspiring about the trials and tribulations of life.
That’s what made it appealing that writing could evoke such strong emotions
I didn’t know what to expect and it was the best way to enjoy it…blindly!
There were so many things I loved about this book. I loved how the author gave us Ella and Beckett’s letters throughout the book, just when we needed to see them the most. I loved their devotion and loyalty. My heart broke over and over again for Ella as she endured so much pain and loss. More than anyone should ever have to. That’s the one reason this book wasn’t a 5 star read for me. I feel like the Author just put so much into one book. Tragedy after tragedy and it was just too much in one story for me. I felt like it all just couldn’t fit in the pages. I am usually a huge crier and I did tear up at several points in this book but those last few chapters broke me. With that being said it was beautifully written with amazing characters
For a letter to be the last one, there’s the implication that there were others that preceded it, and that is absolutely the case when it comes to the letters that the main characters wrote and the path that was chosen and taken based on the powerful exchange of words and the honesty woven throughout the sentences and paragraphs that filled the pages. And Rebecca Yarros uses her hero and heroine’s letters to shed light on the journey these two took apart as they weathered their respective trauma and endured more pain and suffering that any one person deserves. Every letter written mattered – each and every insight and truth that found their way onto the paper offered insight into their hearts, their minds, and their souls, because it was easier to be open and honest when the words are for someone who may know you on a deep level due to what is shared between you, but because there’s not a face to go along with the content of the letters, circumstances allow for the writing to be a cathartic act, and due to the nature of the lives that these two have had to live and struggle through, there’s no greater peace than sharing your heart and your soul with someone who doesn’t have the chance to fracture the remaining pieces of a more than fragile being…at least that’s what Ella thought…
There are a tremendous amount of layers to Ella and Beckett’s story, and the creative way that Yarros integrates the present-day moments that Ella and Beckett share with the intimate letters of the past allow readers to clearly see and understand just how embedded these two are in each other’s lives and have been so for quite some time, even when they’re thousands of miles away from one another and at least one’s identity is concealed for reasons that are explored and explained as the story continues.
Ella and Beckett are completely broken characters dealing with loss – coping in the only ways they know how – living with regret, with grief, and with overwhelming loneliness. Their pain resonates from the pages of the book; in fact, it’s so thoroughly fleshed out that pain becomes its own antagonizing and cruel character, holding on as tight as possible to these two struggling souls. Readers feel the intense emotions that the characters experience…every fracture made…every tormented thought that exists in their psyche and it’s difficult to not get lost in the maelstrom of feelings, thinking that there is no way out for these two…no way to deal with everything in a completely productive way, which means that Ella and Beckett will have to delve even further into the darkness, closing in and pressing on their hearts and their souls, before ever finding their way back to the light…before …to the hope they once had.
The Last Letter is so much more than a military romance…it’s so much more than two broken souls finding their way to one another despite the pain and grief that haunts them daily. It’s an overwhelmingly emotional journey – one realistically portrayed to convey life’s hardships…life’s cruelties…but also life’s second chances. It’s a story of lessons…a story of life…a story of loss, but ultimately, it’s a story of family…of brotherhood…of finding hope in the darkness…of realizing one’s worth. The characters’ journey becomes ours as we weather the storm with them, experiencing the highs and lows of their lives
Rebecca Yarros knows her way around military romances because she lives that life every day and has for decades, and while she may not have endured the level of loss and devastation that her characters have, it’s easy to tell from the story itself and the emotions that it evokes that Rebecca Yarros lived and breathed this book, opening herself in ways that not many authors can do, especially when it comes to devastating and traumatizing situations.
The Last Letter is hauntingly beautiful…it’s raw and resonating…it’s a story of friendship, of perseverance, of commitment, but in the simplest terms, it’s a story of love…love of self…love of family…love of a lifetime.
5+ Poison Apples
5 Epic Stars!
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
This story has become one of my absolute favorite stories. This is an EPIC!, EPIC!, EPIC! story and a must read for everyone!!!! The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros is brilliant and the fact that it was written within three weeks time (yes, I read the acknowledgments) is applaud worthy. From start to finish this book is captivating, heartwarming, soul-crushing, loving, hating and so many more adjectives. In other words, you will feel all the feels and be left humbled not to mention, you will have the book-hangover of all book-hangovers at the end.
The interconnection of the letters to the story is magnificent. How this author keeps all that straight while having the story flow flawlessly is a mystery to me. But I’m glad Rebecca Yarros wrote this. You will be changed after reading this story. The connection of the characters, not only within the pages but also how connected you, yourself, become is beyond words.
If you received a letter like this, what would you do:
“Beckett,
If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have.
I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride.
My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.
And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help.
So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.
Please don’t make her go through it alone.
Ryan”
That is just the sample letter the author gives you, wait to read the rest!!!!!
The Last Letter is brilliantly written, soul-shattering, humbling and priceless..
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
As early as last year, The Last Letter was already a much-anticipated read because Yarros’s last release was back in August of 2017, so fans and readers were more than eager to have something new from this gifted author. After reading this much-touted and already much-loved new military romance standalone, I can safely say that the year-and-a-half-long wait was more than worth it because this novel is, without a sliver of hesitance nor a shadow of a doubt, one of the most heartrending yet hauntingly inspiring reads you will ever experience. I know I just called The Last Letter a military romance, but it’s so much more than that. A word of warning, though: Have tissues on hand. Lots of them.
The Last Letter isn’t merely about Beckett and Ella’s journey as a couple; it’s also Beckett’s and Ella’s journeys as individuals trying to find their footing in a world that seems to keep eroding beneath them. It’s also about the journey that Ella’s twins, six-year-olds Colton and Margaret—aka Colt and Maisie—experience and the maturity and courage that these two have was awe-inspiring, reminding me of the most important thing I discovered when I was still a preschool teacher: adults can learn a thing or two (and much more) from children. My heart broke and mended and then shattered while reading this book, and by the end, it was slowly healing—and that’s what this story was about, at least in my eyes: healing. Beckett, Ella, Colt, and Maisie were tried and tested by things beyond their control, and while there were numerous things I took away from their story, the most notable is this: life is a journey and no matter where it takes you or how long it lasts, make the most out of it—make it count because you are enough.
Three final things about The Last Letter: it gets an infinity amount of stars, it’s one of the most remarkable stories you will ever read, and if you didn’t know this before, take note: Rebecca Yarros is one hell of a gifted storyteller. I may not be able to choose just one thing about this book that I loved most, but if I was asked to choose one book of any genre I’d encourage any reader to pick up this year, it would be this one.
I have come across many authors from favorites, known ones and debut authors but none like Rebecca Yarros. The story line alone just grabbed me and even now after hours of finishing it I am still in tears and emotionally wrecked with The Last Letter. Ella may seem she needs help but one thing about her is looks can be deceiving. She is tough, brave and courageous in a way that just makes you love her more. Beckett now is more than just an ex Army man but one filled with love to give just doesn’t know it. Here is a man who thinks he is not worthy of having a family or love in his life. These two were beautiful together and the kids Maisie and Colt will just break you. Then we have Havoc, yes even the cute labrador will get to your heart as well. This is one of those books that you have to read and Rebbeca Yarros will just enchant you. There are not enough words to say how beautiful this book is definitely touched this readers heart and if ever made into a movie will so be there in the front seat. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Future Reader of The Last Letter,
I want you to imagine a book that will change your heart forever. I want you to imagine a book that will open your soul wide open, and burrow itself within you in the most honest way. I want you to imagine a book with a story that will move and touch and evoke every single emotion you have. I want you to imagine a book that provides you with a reading experience that will physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally affect you on the deepest of levels.
I want you to imagine a book that will sear itself and its characters to you forever.
I want you to imagine a book that will immediately become one of the best books you’ve ever read.
I want you to imagine a book that is quite unlike any other you’ve read before.
Can you see it?
Can you feel it?
Can you imagine it?
Are you ready for it?
Because The Last Letter is that book I just described. Honestly, it’s more than just a book. It’s a full bodied experience. One you will live and breathe and feel every ounce of through Rebecca Yarros’s exceptional writing. From start to finish this book and its characters will take ahold of you with all that they have, and they will never let you go.
They will own you, they will move you and break you and build you up again, and in the end they will shatter you in the most eviscerating and wonderful way with their emotional power, their meaning, and their heart.
This book is one that you NEED in your life, it is a book that I will never forget reading, and it is hands down one of the BEST books I have EVER read. I can’t say any of those things enough. And if there’s something you take away from this review, besides that you should read this book, I hope it’s knowing that this book is unlike any other. It is in a true league of its own and deserves every accolade you can think of because what Rebecca Yarros creates and brings to life within the pages of this book is truly everything.
And I mean everything.
When I finished this book I did so with an ache in my chest and tears streaming down my face, which is how I actually spent much of my time while reading this incredible story. And you know what? I LOVE that that is the level of affect this book had on me. I love that this book made me cry until my tear ducts actually hurt. (I didn’t even know they could do that.) I love that this book, its story, and the emotional journey with these characters made my heart and chest literally ache for them. (Honestly, it’s still aching as I write this review.) I love that every word of this book and so many of the moments I got within it left me literally breathless at times. (That is not an exaggeration. Read this book, and you’ll understand what I mean.)
I love that this book tore me apart in ways I didn’t know were even possible, and how in the same breath it put those broken pieces of myself back together again.
There were times when reading The Last Letter that I felt broken. That I felt an insurmountable amount of pain with what was unfolding on the pages in front of my eyes. There were moments when I couldn’t even see the pages of what I was reading because I was crying so hard. There were times that that was because I was so happy or so moved, but there were also times that that was happening because I hurt and felt so much for these characters. There were so many times when reading The Last Letter where I wanted to jump in and hug these characters fiercely.
And you know what? I loved that. Because those were just some of the many things that showed me how extraordinarily and deeply connected I was to these characters and their story throughout this entire journey with them.
I felt this book. I lived it and breathed it too. Every word, every sentence, and every single page because of what Rebecca Yarros so thoughtfully and magnificently created with her writing.
Now I know I’ve gone on about the feels of The Last Letter, and I’ve probably scared you a bit (take a deep breath and don’t be scared!), but there’s something else I want you to know about this book….
It. Was. Beautiful.
Heartbreakingly, authentically, viscerally, touched every single piece of my soul, beautiful.
And I know there are many people who have read this book that might not agree with that particular adjective to describe it, but I honestly think it’s the most perfect adjective to describe The Last Letter. Because this book, its story, its characters, and every dynamic emotion it gives you are beautiful…because life is beautiful.
This book presents a love story that is authentic, real, messy, complicated, and layered, but it also simultaneously presents the most exceptional story of family, of friendship, of realities we never want to have happen, and of circumstances that sometimes come to be. The Last Letter is as much about the incredible love story of Beckett and Ella, as it is about their own struggles, their fears and doubts and worries, and the many overarching effects of what happens when life puts you on a path you never wanted to be on in the first place. It highlights the interweaving nature of life itself and how the connections that might threaten to tear us apart, might be the only thing that actually keeps us together.
This book is all of that and more, and it is beautiful.
So yes this book will bring you to your knees, it will make you ugly cry and question everything that comes to be for these characters and their love and their lives, but in the end it is gloriously beautiful because it is real. It is probably the realest story you will ever have the chance to read.
It is real and flawed, unfair and sweet, affirming and honest, amazing and crushing, shocking and debilitating, and everything in between.
It is life. And it is beautiful.
And you will feel that and know that and believe in that with this book every single step of the way.
Rebecca Yarros so eloquently and meaningfully captures the many dynamics of the realities and lives and loves she gives you in The Last Letter. Her words bring this world and her story to life in such a vivid way that will connect you so deeply and truly to her characters, their experiences, and everything that unfolds in this book. From start to finish you will be wholly consumed with what comes to life on the pages of this book and what it evokes in you and in these characters along the way.
If you haven’t caught on yet future reader, this is the part where I tell you that I won’t be telling you much more about The Last Letter. There are many reasons for that. I don’t want to spoil a single second of what you get in this book or take away from the phenomenal reading experience it will give you. I also honestly don’t feel as if I can do this story, these characters, or the events of this book the justice they deserve. My words just aren’t good enough.
But you know whose words give The Last Letter the justice it deserves?
Rebecca Yarros’s.
Her words make this book the exceptional thing that it is. Her words give you these characters and every facet of who they are. The good, the ugly, the broken, the trauma filled crevices and the cracks that are yearning for love and for more. Her words let you live the life of this book, and I promise you you have never lived like you will when you experience The Last Letter with Ella, Beckett, Maisie, Colt, and every other amazing character of this story.
So dear future reader, as I prepare to leave you, I want to say goodbye with a few parting thoughts.
The Last Letter is a book that will give you everything. And I do mean everything.
This book will shake you to your core, have you believing in endless power and meaning of all kinds of love, and will have you in the thick of glorious, unadulterated emotion with its characters through every word.
This book will most likely make you cry. It will make you feel. EVERYTHING. It’ll definitely have you feeling what these characters are going through on the most authentic of levels, and you will absolutely love it because it will have you in the heart of this book.
This book will give you one helluva love story. It will show you every up and down and in between of what Beckett and Ella share, and you will be beyond enamored with those two. Their journey together isn’t easy, but it is beyond worth it.
This book will give you a world and a story and a group of dynamic characters that you will never want to leave, but when you ultimately reach that end, just remember…every end is a beginning and nothing as remarkable or special as this book, ever truly ends.
This book will remind you that you are enough, that you can triumph over the many obstacles and struggles life may throw your way, and that life may break you and throw you through the wringer, but it can also bring you the most amazing joy and meaning if you let it and if you’re open to it.
So are you ready future reader of The Last Letter?
Are you ready to be amazed? To be made breathless? To feel it all and then some?
To live the life of this extraordinary book with these characters?
Are you ready to leap into this book heart first with an open mind and soul?
Are you ready to take that leap?
Don’t worry even if you’re not ready now, you will be. Just like I was. And when you take that leap, when you open those pages of this book, and when you begin to experience the literal amazingness of The Last Letter, it will be one of the most incredible reading experiences of your life.
So take a deep breath future reader. Open your eyes, grab some tissues while you’re at it, and fall into this book.
Heart first, soul open, and mind ready.
It would be wrong not to.
It would be wrong to miss out on The Last Letter and all it is waiting to give you.
Trust me.
One of the best books you’ll ever read is waiting for you…and that book is The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros.
With all my love and a heart that is still overflowing with love and feels from this book,
Megan
6 YOU ARE ENOUGH stars
I am not okay.
My heart is not okay.
My mind is not okay.
“Why does the world take the people who are loved, ripping holes in the fabric of other people’s souls, while I’m allowed to skate by unscathed?”
I’m completely engulfed and overwhelmed with so much feels right now. Heck, this tremendously heart-wrenching tale turned me into nothing but a blubbering mess. I wasn’t just hit with a tidal wave of feelings reading this—no, it was a gigantic tsunami of all kinds of emotions that crashed down on me. The Last Letter just struck something so deep inside my chest that I have no idea how I’m going to move on from this.
Beckett Gentry was absolutely swoon-worthy with his hard, brooding exterior, yet big, soft heart and good intentions. Ella MacKenzie was incredibly awe-inspiring with her spirit and bravery—a mom like no other whom any son or daughter would be utterly blessed to have. And the twins… man, Maisie and Colt weren’t just adorable and downright heartwarming to the core—they were undeniably two halves that made up a whole single soul.
I not only connected with this book and its characters so fiercely—I felt them and for them every single step of the way. I was right there, experiencing every aching, trying and joyous moment with them. This isn’t your average single mom or military romance—this goes way beyond that. Rebecca Yarros certainly exceeded my every expectation for this book and brought it to a whole other level.
This was emotional overload in the best way possible—one that you crave, long for and need in your life. This was having your heart ripped straight out of your chest after losing bits and pieces of it to Beckett, Ella, the twins, Ryan, and even Havoc. This was having your throat close up on you after trying so hard to hold back the tears burning in your eyes. This was having your soul filled to the brim with every ounce of love, hope and passion, but also grief, heartache and pain.
The Last Letter was truly nothing less than spectacular—a book you won’t be able to put down nor separate yourself from. It’s a story so flawlessly written, so powerfully heartrending and emotionally poignant, it’ll ultimately test the strength and limits of your heart and soul (and your tear ducts). It might even be my first ever Rebecca Yarros novel, but she definitely made and left a permanent mark in me with this one. The Last Letter is undoubtedly one of the BEST and most brilliant books I’ve read in my life—one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Full disclosure: I didn’t finish this book. I won’t finish it. I made it to the 31% mark before getting a bad feeling and skipping ahead to the end. If something bad was going to happen, I needed to be prepared. It was a good choice, too, because I think I’d be even more hurt and destroyed if I’d read the entire book. It pains me to DNF this book as Rebecca is one of my favorite authors.
I knew I’d be in for a whirlwind of emotions with this book. I thought I was mentally prepared for them. But, I wasn’t. I was here for the budding romance between Ella and Beckett. I loved the idea that her brother had brought them together, even after he died. It was the rest of it that I couldn’t take.
What I read of The Last Letter is beautifully written. I was connected to the characters. I was totally invested in the story. But I just can’t get past THE THING that happens. I’m not made for that kind of heartache. I won’t tell you not to read this book. That’s unfair. I know I’m a sensitive reader. There are parts of the book that are gorgeous. For me, however, the bad cancelled out the good. I support an author’s right to tell the story they want to tell, but this one just so isn’t for me. This might be unfair, but I felt emotionally manipulated. I’m here for the feels, but this particular variety of angst is not my preference. I read romance for the happy endings and this book is more women’s fiction than romance, IMHO.
5 Unforgettable Stars, but if I could rate this book higher that would most definitely be the case.
I don’t even know where to start, this book leaves me speechless. There are so many things running through my head, that it’s so hard to gather all my thoughts. I have so many emotions coursing through my body, that it makes it hard to pin point which one is overwhelming me so much right now, because as I write this, Rebecca Yarros has left a mark on my soul like no other author has done before. The Last Letter is without a doubt an, unforgettable, emotional, roller coaster of a ride. Being my first read from this author, I can guarantee you with all that I am, that Rebecca Yarros has a fan for life. Rebecca has the ability to create a a one of a kind world, and keep you there with the mind blowing plots and amazing characters. She is that author that can make you feel things that you could never imagine, and as a mother no other book could ever compare.
I want keep my review so vague for the simple fact, the blurb is all you need to know going in. The blurb is why the story is what it is. Go in and let this book surprise you, because I assure you, it WILL. Get to know the characters because from my POV, they are sincerely one of a kind, They are so very strong, and beyond brave. This slow burn romance is one that will bring tears to your eyes, but I assure you, the connections that are made are so genuine and real.
For me personally, this is the best book of the year. I will never, ever forget this book, and Ii promise you, you won’t either.
*I recommend this book.
*Reviewed for Reviews From the Heart