Great And Precious Things

I went into this book knowing it was going to be an emotional journey but I think I really underestimated how much. This book has a lot of angst and the ultimate slow burn really contributed to that. The story wanted to tell you that Willow is really strong but she needed a lot of saving. The story wanted to tell you that Cam was a bad boy but never really brought the receipts. I enjoyed this book even though there were some things I couldn't quite get over. I didn't want to put it down but I really wish there had been an epilogue at the end. I don't know if an epilogue being missing means we'll visit this small town again but I hope there's some closure for these characters in the future.

Rebecca Yarros has become one of the authors that are auto-buys for me. I have to be honest and say I just discovered her writing with The Last Letter; that one book has made her a favorite author. Great and Precious Things is another reason why I love her writing. I shared my feelings/quotes from the book as I was reading because I had to be able to go back and pinpoint the specific quotes that I wanted to remember/bring to light. As GaPT was told from both Camden and Willow's views, whenever I got to Camden's viewpoint, my heart wanted to burst. He endured and took on so much: Savior, protector, son, brother, bad boy, friend. His character was so strong and he was determined in every aspect of his life; there were so many times I wanted to reach through the pages and just hug him and tell him "You are enough". Willow was his and would always be and honestly always ways. This was their story of self-discovery and redemption. I wish I could give this 10 stars because this book has earned them and more.

I absolutely adore this book. I knew when I read the excerpt that I would love this book, that I actually needed to read this book, and so when my free copy of this book didn’t arrive by the release date, I also paid for the kindle version of this book. No regrets. This story follows Willow and Camden navigate the tense and emotional situation they find themselves when Cam returns to their small town after years away serving the military. Willow was Camden’s brother Sullivan’s fiancée when he died in combat. Camden was the black sheep of his family, Willow’s former best friend, and the one who gave the order that led to Sully’s death. Six years after the funeral, Cam returns after his father, who blames him for Sully, calls him and asks for help getting a DNR order. He has early onset Alzheimer’s and just wants control over his own life. But Cam’s older brother Xander has power of attorney over his father’s medical decisions. This the battle in the small town begins...made more complicated by the feelings Willow and Cam can’t seem to hide. I loved how sweet and tragic and complicated this story was. I was laughing and then crying all the way to the end. The writing is simple and smooth, easy to read and easier to enjoy. The characters are complex and dynamic. The chemistry of off the charts. The romance is sweet and subtle and slow burn, but it is also very clear from the beginning that their history meant more than just friendship to both of them. I feel like this book really grasped how complicated family dynamics can be and really explored that complex nature in multiple ways. I absolutely enjoyed this book from start to finish, and I will probably add it to my forever reread pile because it was just that good. I could hardly put it down!