**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book of the below in exchange for an honest review.**
Title The Last Note
Author Grace McGinty
Description from Amazon
Harper’s relationship with her mother, Evie, had always been strained and filled with secrets. But when Evie dies of breast cancer, Harper feels lost. There was no more time to make peace and get answers to questions that had plagued her for her whole life.
That is, until Knoxfeld Long, her mother’s stupidly attractive lawyer, turns up on her doorstep with the chance to find out exactly what she’s always wanted to know: Who is her father?
Evie had left her only daughter an expensive Memory Reconstruction, allowing her the chance to live her mother’s memories for a few days, and get swept up in her parents’ whirlwind romance.
But as they delve further into the past, Harper has to ask herself if she really wants to know, or if some questions are better left unanswered.
Initial Thoughts
I don’t normally read contemporary books but since this one has a sci-fi twist, I thought I’d give it a shot. Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
Some Things I Liked
- POVs – I loved that this book switched back and forth between Harper and her mother, Evie. It gave the story a richness that couldn’t have been captured from just one woman’s perspective.
- Knox – what a character. I really can’t say more without spoilers but he was just perfect.
- Realism – everyone in this story isn’t perfect. The ending was lovely, but it wasn’t one of those, everyone is perfectly happy endings. People got hurt and they had to work through it. It was so real and for that reason, so emotional.
Series Value
I feel like this book is a solid stand alone story. While I loved the characters, I think the overall plot is completed and I would be happy if it stayed that way.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. I really don’t go for emotional books but this one was just perfect. I loved the descriptions of Harper and Evie’s relationship and it was a fascinating concept to see Harper meet her father through her mother’s eyes. This book gave me all the feels. I laughed, (almost) cried (I probably would have cried if I wasn’t at work while I was reading this one), and rooted for these characters. I thought I knew where the plot was going, but I was pleasantly surprised with Grace McGinty’s ability to surprise me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice by Kathleen Benner Duble – I know, I know, The Last Note is not historical fiction, but it’s a story about a mother/daughter relationship and that’s exactly what Madame Tussaud’s is about. If you enjoyed the realism of the story and the relationship between Evie and Harper, give this book a try.
- Ink, Iron and Glass by Gwendolyn Clare – again, if you liked the mother/daugher element of The Last Note, give this book a try. The main character, Elsa, has to navigate her mother’s past in order to save her.
- Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young – if you liked the “finding your own family” element of this story, do yourself a favor and read Sky in the Deep.
Books Over Everything 