Unbreak My Heart

This was such an emotional second chance love story! Faithful Lauren Blakely readers should note that this is not her typical fun and lighthearted romcom. Unbreak My Heart takes readers on a heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting, journey through grief and finding one's true happiness. I really loved the overall message of the book about being at peace with yourself, appreciating the people in your life, and living life to the fullest. Happiness is different to every person and seeing Andrew discover not only what brought his brother Ian happiness, but also him finding his own was so beautiful. The tone was definitely more somber and serious for the majority of the book, but I feel it was necessary to see Andrew's full character arc. His relationship with Holland was so easy and natural, that my heart hurt so much that it had been derailed by timing, distance, and circumstance. Their playful banter and chemistry will make your heart sing and you won't be able to help yourself from rooting for them to find their HEA. I enjoyed both characters, but was very impressed by Holland and her unwillingness to be Andrew's crutch/drug as he healed. She could have easily given into her feelings regardless of the complications, but instead she chose to face the hard truths in the hopes of something even better in the future. Holland was truly a fantastic heroine. Readers may need a tissue or two for this one, but it will be well worth it in the end. *I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

I absolutely loved everything about this poignant and breathtaking story about hope, healing, and finding a beautiful life. It begins with Andrew heartbroken after suffering major loss. He's so wrapped up in his own sorrow, he struggles to find the energy to live the life he has worked hard for. When he receives a call from a friend of his brother's in Japan, it raises many unanswered questions. He decides to go there, not understanding why he needs these answers so desperately. When Holland, the only woman he has ever loved, pays him a visit, he is excited that she offers to go along with him to Japan. He and Holland were friends long before they fell in love. But college and an ocean tore them apart. They still love each other desperately but time and distance has never helped them. Now Andrew and Holland embark on a journey, looking for answers that aren't easy, and many are for Andrew alone to discover. I really loved Andrew and Holland. They know each other so well, supporting each other unconditionally, and their chemistry is so explosive it leaps right off the page. This story is an exploration of life and happiness that is individual to all of us. It is a journey more and more of us face today and Ms Blakey addresses it all so honestly and with great empathy. I loved that it still has Blakely's signature wit and banter, which add much needed levity. It moved me and took my breath away making me cry from both sorrow and joy. This is a true testament to the masterful way Blakely weaved this beautiful story. She has a magical way of making us feel like we are there on this journey with them. This second chance love story is as real as it gets. I would love to give it more stars if I could! You really need to experience this for yourself!

I'm absolutely itching to go into detail about which parts of the story brought me to tears, but I'm holding off simply because there isn't an inkling of it in the blurb. Yes, this is me basically trying to be good and not spoil it for anyone who has yet to read it, but suffice it to say that there are aspects of the book that, indeed, broke my heart. Do I want said heart unbroken? Surprisingly enough, no. I'll consider my heart--which will heal quite nicely, give or take a re-read or two from the author's rom-com collection--plus the spent tissues and puffy eyes casualties of one of the best reads I've had the distinct privilege of reading this year. This novel is the must-read among must-reads. Andrew is a man whose life has been in a limbo of sorts for the past four weeks, and it takes the arrival of one letter from Japan to give him a purpose--a kind of mission to figure certain things and one particular person out. His is a story of finding the footing he's lost and it isn't an easy journey. By his side is Holland, the woman who owns his heart. It's a tale of continuing to live amidst loss and knowing that home truly is where the heart is. There were countless memorable moments in this book, but there was one part--when Andrew receives a letter right after the most life-changing of secrets is revealed to him--that stood out. Unbreak My Heart reminded me that life is always at its best when lived at your best and through your worst; it is Lauren Blakely at her best. Five-plus stars. ♥