The Pieces of You and Me

by Rachel Burton

[Lynn]

4.5 stars

As a reader, it is always a thrill to find a new author and novel which resonates with you. Pieces of You And Me is such a book and tells a story which will stay with me for a long while.

Ten years after watching Rupert walk away for a new life in the US, Jess never expected to see him again. That's until they are both in the same pub in York. Much has changed in her life since then but is she strong enough to cope with seeing him again?

Rupert never forgot Jessie, the only woman he's ever loved, yet he turned his back on their relationship to study at Harvard. Ten years later he wants to rekindle what they had, but has too much time passed for them to have a second chance?

The narrative flowed effortlessly even though I'm not normally a fan of flashbacks. Written as Jessie's diary entries, I found it easy to keep astride of the novel and it provided insightful understandings of her feelings and connections not only for Rupert but others close to her too. Each new entry is like a piece of the jigsaw which eventually creates the happy ever after.

'...the music changed and I heard the opening notes to The Beatles' Eight Days a Week and suddenly it was 2002 all over again...I love you too, I whispered. Eight days a week'

Actions have consequences and all is not plain sailing. While the chemistry and attraction between the reunited pair are palpable, underlying issues have to be addressed and dealt with if they are ever going to find long-lasting happiness together. I like how the author brought all the emotions to the surface...it's relatable and easy for the reader to understand the feelings of all those wrapped up in this couple's life too.

Every now and again, something within a narrative sparks a memory unrelated to the story I'm reading. Rupert and Jessie's story triggered thoughts from a time gone by. Who knew the mention of Highgate and York would do this? Certainly not me. My connection to these two places is very different, however, I still enjoyed a trip down memory lane while reading this book.

Second chance romance is a favourite trope and I quickly became invested in the lives of the protagonists. Their story will assault your heart-strings as the past and her secrets unfurl leaving Rupert and Jess with no option but to confront all their issues head-on if they are to find a common ground to rebuild a future together. Life is tough, but somehow they manage to heal past hurts, concluding with a worthy happy ever after.

***arc generously received courtesy of HQ Digital via NetGalley***