Taylor Jenkins Reid writes wonderful stories. Her characters always have multiple layers to them and her attention to detail and feelings really pull you into each story. This one did not disappoint. Elsie and Ben are just starting their lives together when a tragic accident tears them apart. Elsie is devastated when Ben is taken from her and fully relies on her best friend to get her through the day. Elsie meets Ben’s mother when the hospital has called her as next of kin. Plot twist, Ben never told his mother he was getting married. Susan, his mother, refuses to believe her son got married without talking to her. The relationship between Elsie and Susan develop and have multiple layers. The plot twists, the layers that are peeled back for each character, truly make this a page turner. Elsie goes through depression, love, anxiety, anger, and finally acceptance in this sorrowful tale of true love.
Reid eloquently describes the emotions Elsie experiences when she meets Susan. You can really feel her despair and heartbreak over Susan pushing her away from Ben’s services. Their relationship develops slowly and by the end of the story they rely on each other for strength. Susan becomes very important to Elsie while she goes through all the stages of grief.
I have read a few of Reid’s books and truly feel myself engaged and truly loving her characters. This book was the same. Elsie becomes a stronger woman by the end and has overcome the darkest parts of her grief. She will remember Ben forever and he will always be her first true love.