Picking Up The Pieces

Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale is a fabulous contemporary novel about love and loss and life. I dived into the action and ‘lived’ through the book.

The plot is comprehensively constructed. I had no idea where it would lead at times, but held on as it twisted this way and that.

Relationships and family can be complicated as shown in the story. All is not always as it seems.

People can be motivated by money and power. “Money speaks louder than words.” Money enables secrets to be kept and lies to be spoken.

Loss is a terrible thing. “Loss left an empty cavity in the chest.” An air of great sadness shrouds the whole novel. The reader can ‘feel’ the pain and understands the feelings of being in limbo. Loving deeply means losing deeply.

An air of love also pervades the story. A love that penetrates deeply and will not let go. A love that lives in hope.

The novel has the themes of dreams and creativity. It is important to follow your heart and pursue your dreams. Creativity comes in many guises – painting, photography and recipes. We are all capable of being creative in different ways.

The characters were wonderfully drawn. The lead character was a blend of vulnerable and strong. She survived all that life threw at her.

Letting go is another theme. Do we love someone enough to let them go?

The ending has perfectly set the reader up for the second book in the series – and that is exactly the book I am now reaching for. I need to know what happens next.

Everything We Keep was a delightful, beautiful read with a curve ball that I never saw coming!

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON