Book Review: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
If you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression, “The Last Letter” is a must-read.
The Last Letter by Rebecca YarrosNarrator: Jennifer Stark, Teddy Hamilton
Publication Date: February 26, 2019
Genre: Romance
Trope: Brother's Best Friend, Military, Pen Pal, Secret Identity, Single Mom
Setting: Colorado
Pages: 432
Goodreads
Buy the Book: Amazon
Rating:
Synopsis: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
***Content Warning: Before diving into “The Last Letter,” it’s good to know a few things. This book deals with some heavy topics. This book has heavy themes of sick children, death, grieving, and PTSD. It also touches on military life and the struggles that come with it. Some scenes might be hard to read if you’re sensitive to these themes. It’s emotional, and you might find yourself tearing up. If you’re okay with that, then you’re in for a deeply moving story. But if these themes are too much, you might want to pick a lighter read.
“Love – when it was right – was enough to save you”
– Rebecca Yarros, The Last Letter
My thoughts without spoilers
Hey there! Have you heard about “The Last Letter” by Rebecca Yarros? If not, first – where have you been? (j/k), second – you’re in for a treat. You know that feeling when a book just hits you right in the heart? “The Last Letter” by Rebecca Yarros does exactly that. I gave it a solid 5-star rating, and I can’t wait to tell you why. I am not going to mention very many details because it will definitely spoil this book, but more of overall feelings. Let’s dive in and break down this book using the CAWPILE method. (Sidenote: I am new to this rating method, but so far I’m LOVING it!)
Characters 9/10
The characters in “The Last Letter” are truly memorable. You’ll meet Beckett (aka Chaos), a soldier with a big heart, and Ella, a woman facing unimaginable loss. They feel so real, like people you might know in real life. Beckett’s growth throughout the story is remarkable. Ella’s strength and vulnerability make her someone you’ll root for. These characters will stick with you long after you finish the book. And we cannot forget Colt and Maisie – Ella’s amusing and charming children (be still my heart).
Atmosphere 8/10
The setting is beautifully crafted. You can almost feel the small-town vibe and the cozy atmosphere. Picture the scenes? Absolutely. Rebecca Yarros paints vivid images with her words. The mountains, the cabin, and even the bustling little town come to life.
The atmosphere really pulls you in, making you feel like you’re right there with the characters.
“We can either breathe through the pain or we can let it shape us.”–
Rebecca Yarros, The Last letter
Writing 9/10
Rebecca Yarros’ writing style is simply beautiful. It’s easy to follow and flows smoothly. You’ll find yourself turning pages without even realizing it. The balance between dialogue and description is spot on. You get just enough detail to picture the scenes but not so much that it drags. Some passages are so memorable, you might want to read them twice.
Plot 9/10
The pacing of the story is spot on. There are moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the plot twists are both surprising and well-earned. Compared to other romance books, this plot stands out with its unique blend of love, loss, and resilience. Key moments drive the story forward, keeping you hooked. And by the end, you’ll feel like you’ve lived through it with the characters.
Intrigue 8/10
“The Last Letter” really knows how to keep you hooked. From the first page, you’ll find yourself eager to know what happens next. The story pulls you in with its heartfelt moments and unexpected twists. There are parts where you just can’t put the book down. You’ll be thinking about the characters even when you’re not reading. Some scenes are so gripping, you might stay up late just to see what happens. There are a few slow spots, but overall, the book keeps you engaged. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
“Is this what it feel like?”
he whispered so quietly that I leaned down.
“What it feels like?” I asked.
“Having a Dad?”
– Rebecca Yarros, The Last Letter
Logic 9/10
You know that feeling when everything just clicks? That’s how “The Last Letter” feels. The characters’ actions make sense. They react in ways that feel true to who they are. No one does anything that makes you go, “Wait, what?” It’s all believable.
There aren’t any noticeable plot holes. The story flows smoothly from one event to the next. You won’t find yourself scratching your head, trying to figure out how something happened. Everything fits together nicely.
Enjoyment 10/10
From start to finish, it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster. You might even need a tissue or two.
The story hits all the right notes, making you laugh, sob like a blubbering fool cry, and everything in between. It’s one of those books you want to tell everyone about.
Conclusion
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s a must-read for any romance lover. The emotional moments are powerful and stay with you long after you turn the last page. This book made me feel all the feels, and I think it will do the same for you.
So, there you have it! “The Last Letter” by Rebecca Yarros is a book that truly touches the heart. I gave it a 5-star rating because it deserves every bit of it. The characters are relatable, the plot is gripping, and the writing is beautiful. You’ll find yourself deeply moved by the story.
If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend picking it up. Trust me, you won’t regret it. And once you do, come back and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear what you think!
