Review: great debut novel full of emotion
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 6, 2014
Three knocks can change everything.....This line is well used in these reviews and is part of the synopsis, but it is so poignant and vital to this story. How life can change in a second, how the unexpected can turn your life upside down, how the human spirit can be tested beyond measure, and how love can save it all.Full Measures is the debut novel by Rebecca Yarros, a NA story about loss and heartache, the reality of military life and learning how to trust in love and give yourself over to it.Right from the first page December's family is thrust right into a heartbreaking situation, the loss of the rock of their family, her father, and things in December's nicely planned life will never be the same again. Add to that her mother checking out for a while, trying to cope with her grief, and December becomes the mother, sister and decision maker and organiser of the family as a result of those three knocks. When circumstances in Embers love life further test her strength, Josh Walker is there to help her pick up the pieces and stay strong. Josh has been December's secret crush since high school, the bad boy of the hockey team, the bad boy that every girl wants, and mostly gets, the boy that ties December in knots but the boy that she thinks she can never have. Years have passed between that high school crush, and Josh reappears in December's life, assaulting her senses, igniting a fire between them, and becomes a sanctuary from the overwhelming grief that her family is living through. The chemistry between Josh and December is smoldering hot, not taking much to ignite the passion between them but December tries to fight the attraction, thinking that Josh doesn't need the baggage that comes with her at the moment. Josh is smitten, has been since high school, but never thinking he was good enough for December. Josh won't let go even though he is keeping a secret that can tear Embers world apart again. Josh and Embers relationship is on again off again as Ember tries to sort out her life, worried that they are moving too fast and falling too deep. Ember is struggling with her emotions, trying to cope the best she can while falling in love with the one person who can totally crush her.This story takes us through the stages of grief in a family trying to come to grips with their new reality. I thought the author did a really great job of showing the different stages of grief and how everyone grieves differently, at their own pace, in their own time. It was a touching reminder of the sacrifices that our military families make and live with on a daily basis. The emotion was heartfelt and obviously from the authors personal experience and had me welling up and feeling the devastation at the family's loss and the aftermath thereof. I thought the chemistry between Ember and Josh was tangible although I was a little frustrated with the amount of times Ember gave Josh mixed signals, and for how long she kept him hanging in limbo. Having said that though I connected with both characters easily and felt every emotion, felt every angsty moment that had my heart beating, and felt the tears of sadness and happiness.The last chapter before the epilogue had me in tears. I thought it was perfect!I thought every character in this book added something to the storyline, particularly Gus. He stole my heart and I would love to read a book about Sam and Jagger. I loved the epilogue but could have kept reading for another page or two, greedy I know.Overall a great debut by Rebecca Yarros and I will be eagerly awaitng her next novel.