Review: Forever, Interrupted
Synopsis
Elsie Porter is an average twentysomething and yet what happens to her is anything but ordinary. On a rainy New Year’s Day, she heads out to pick up a pizza for one. She isn’t expecting to see anyone else in the shop, much less the adorable and charming Ben Ross. Their chemistry is instant and electric. Ben cannot even wait twenty-four hours before asking to see her again. Within weeks, the two are head over heels in love. By May, they’ve eloped.
Only nine days later, Ben is out riding his bike when he is hit by a truck and killed on impact. Elsie hears the sirens outside her apartment, but by the time she gets downstairs, he has already been whisked off to the emergency room. At the hospital, she must face Susan, the mother-in-law she has never met and who doesn’t even know Elsie exists.
Interweaving Elsie and Ben’s charmed romance with Elsie and Susan’s healing process, Forever, Interrupted will remind you that there’s more than one way to find a happy ending.
I came across Forever, Interrupted by chance. However, the synopsis immediately intrigued me and I decided to pick up this contemporary romance even though romance is not a genre I typically gravitate toward.
Initial Impressions
From the first few pages, I was pulled into the story. There was an emotional depth that nearly brought me to tears right away (though I chose to begin reading this while I was in a public setting). The pacing was medium overall, with some slower moments, particularly going into Part 2. But the story’s payoff made it worth sticking through to the end.
The relationship between Elsie and Susan was one of the most compelling aspects and watching their bond develop through shared grief and healing felt authentic and touching.
At it’s heart, Forever, Interrupted explores the complexities of the grieving process – how to move forward without forgetting a loved one. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of loss and healing.
Conclusion
Though reading about grief might seem heavy, I found the story to be hopeful and inspiring. Reid’s ability to capture the pain and beauty of loss left a lasting impression on me. I would recommend Forever, Interrupted to readers who enjoy emotionally charged stories about love, loss and healing. Overall, I give this 4/5 stars for heartfelt and impactful storytelling.
