Forever Interrupted, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Oh, Taylor Jenkins Reid. She’s gone and done it again. Well, actually, she went and did it as Forever Interrupted is her debut novel. And what a debut it is! Heartbreakingly beautiful, this one got me all in my feels.

Elsie and Ben were only married for a short time before he was tragically killed in an accident. Elsie meets Ben’s mother, Susan, for the first time in the days that follow his death. Ben never told Susan about Elsie and their post death encounter is contentious to say the least.

In the chapters that follow their meeting, the novel alternates between past and present giving us a glimpse into Elsie and Ben’s whirlwind romance as well as her journey to healing from his loss. We also get a front row seat to watch the relationship between Elsie and Susan grow while they simultaneously come to grips with a life absent of Ben.

I loved everything about this book. Very realistic. Honest dialogue. Heartbreaking. Touching. Hopeful. The flashbacks of Elsie & Ben’s love story kept me turning the pages as did her relationship with Ben’s mom. It wasn’t always comfortable or easy to read (hello grief!), but so well written and thoughtful. This one will stay with me for a long time.

5 out of 5 stars.

TW: grief; death of a loved one