Rebecca Yarros is no stranger to writing emotional, gut-wrenching contemporary romance. With The Last Letter, Rebecca Yarros crafts a story that is equal parts beautiful and devastating, a novel that grips the heart and refuses to let go. Set against the breathtaking yet isolating backdrop of Telluride, Colorado, this novel explores themes of grief, sacrifice, healing, and the profound connections that shape us.
The book has been widely appreciated for its emotional depth, complex characters, and compelling storytelling. However, it is not without its flaws. While The Last Letter is deeply moving, certain narrative choices may not sit well with all readers.
A Story of Love, Sacrifice, and the Weight of Promises
The novel follows Ella MacKenzie, a fiercely independent single mother raising her six-year-old twins, Colt and Maisie. When her brother, Ryan, is killed in combat, he leaves behind a final letter to his best friend, Beckett Gentry, urging him to take care of Ella and her children. Beckett, a quiet yet incredibly capable soldier, takes Ryan’s request to heart and moves to Telluride, seeking to fulfill his friend’s dying wish.
What unfolds is a deeply emotional journey as Beckett integrates himself into Ella’s life. However, this is not a typical “stranger-comes-to-town” romance. The novel delivers one gut-punch after another, as Ella’s daughter, Maisie, battles a life-threatening illness, and Beckett struggles with his own past, burdened by grief, survivor’s guilt, and secrets he dares not reveal.
The book is told through alternating perspectives, with excerpts from Ryan’s letters woven throughout. This dual-POV structure offers insight into both protagonists’ internal battles, but it also presents a critical challenge: the reader is privy to truths that Ella remains unaware of for most of the book, which creates a slow-burning tension.
The Strengths of The Last Letter
Rebecca Yarros excels at delivering emotionally charged narratives, and The Last Letter is one of her most powerful works. The novel’s key strengths lie in its character depth, emotional intensity, and gripping themes.
1. Emotionally Raw and Heartbreaking
Few books manage to evoke as much raw emotion as The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros. The narrative doesn’t shy away from grief, loss, and the emotional turmoil of watching a child suffer. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in Maisie’s battle with cancer, Ella’s desperation to hold everything together, and Beckett’s quiet, self-sacrificing devotion.
The letters from Ryan serve as a poignant reminder of what has been lost. His voice lingers throughout the novel, shaping both Ella and Beckett’s actions. His words add layers to the narrative, making his absence all the more painful.
2. A Love Story Built on More Than Just Romance
While The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros is marketed as a contemporary romance, it offers much more than just romantic tension. The love story between Ella and Beckett is complicated and slow-burning, but at its core, the novel is about familial love, sacrifice, and redemption. Beckett’s unwavering devotion to Ella’s family is central to the plot, and his relationship with Colt and Maisie is as powerful as his romantic feelings for Ella.
This book explores love in its many forms: a mother’s love for her children, the brotherly bond between Ryan and Beckett, and the profound love that grows from shared grief and hardship.
3. A Vivid, Atmospheric Setting
The backdrop of Telluride, with its isolated beauty, adds depth to the novel. Solitude, the family-run bed and breakfast Ella manages, is more than just a business—it’s a sanctuary. The contrast between the breathtaking landscape and the heavy burdens carried by the characters creates a compelling atmosphere. Yarros does an excellent job immersing readers in the setting, making Telluride feel like both a place of refuge and a place of isolation.
4. A Hero Worth Rooting For
Beckett Gentry is a different kind of romance hero. He’s not cocky or overly confident; he doesn’t rely on charm or flirtation. Instead, he is quiet, selfless, and deeply loyal. His trauma and guilt make him emotionally closed off, but his actions—especially his relationship with Colt and Maisie—speak louder than words.
While many romance novels feature heroes who swoop in and save the day, Beckett’s journey is more about quiet sacrifice than grand gestures. He struggles with self-worth and believes he isn’t deserving of love, making his growth all the more satisfying.
The Shortcomings of The Last Letter
While the book is undeniably powerful, it does have its flaws. Certain narrative choices and pacing issues may not sit well with every reader.
1. The Overuse of Tragedy
While The Last Letter is supposed to be an emotional read, it sometimes feels like Rebecca Yarros is piling tragedy upon tragedy. Grief is a central theme, but at times, the sheer weight of loss, suffering, and heartbreak can feel excessive. Readers looking for a more balanced emotional journey may find the relentless sadness overwhelming.
2. A Lack of Communication Between Characters
A significant portion of the novel’s conflict stems from Beckett keeping secrets from Ella. While this is a common romance trope, it can be frustrating here because it feels unnecessary. Beckett’s refusal to tell Ella about his past, his connection with Ryan, and his true feelings adds an artificial barrier between them.
Given the depth of Ella’s grief and struggles, keeping such important information from her feels cruel at times. While Beckett’s reasoning is understandable (he fears losing her if she learns the truth), the lack of communication drags out the conflict unnecessarily.
3. The Ending Feels Rushed
After such an emotionally heavy buildup, the resolution feels slightly rushed. The final moments of the book deliver yet another devastating twist, and while it is meant to be poignant, it doesn’t give enough time for closure. The book could have benefited from an extended epilogue that allowed the characters more room to breathe and heal.
Final Verdict: A Heart-Wrenching Read with Some Frustrating Moments
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros is an emotionally powerful book that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption with remarkable depth. The characters are well-developed, and the story is deeply moving. However, it may not be the right read for everyone. If you enjoy books that make you cry and don’t shy away from heartbreak, this novel will deliver. But if you prefer romance novels with a more balanced emotional arc, the relentless sorrow in this book may feel overwhelming.
Recommended For:
- Readers who love emotionally intense romance novels
- Fans of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes or The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- Those who enjoy military romance with deep emotional stakes
- Readers looking for stories about resilience, family, and second chances
Similar Books to Read:
- Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan – Another emotionally gripping romance with a quiet, selfless hero.
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – A historical fiction novel that explores sacrifice, love, and the bonds of family.
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover – A heartbreaking yet powerful romance that deals with complex themes.
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes – A story of love, loss, and life-altering decisions.
Final Thoughts
Rebecca Yarros has once again proven her ability to craft deeply emotional, thought-provoking stories. The Last Letter is a book that lingers long after the last page is turned, leaving readers both heartbroken and hopeful. It is not an easy read, but it is one that is worth experiencing.
