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In this third book in Collins’ Love That Does Not Die trilogy, readers are returned to Larissa in a state of survivor’s guilt. Her family is growing, and new opportunities to love and care for her reunited children and grandchildren fill her with hope. However, the pain of losing her daughter and not wanting to be overbearing and chase her son Everett away has her walking on eggshells. Set amidst the pandemic of 2020, a series of events unfolds that leads to Larissa taking care of her granddaughter Beth while Everett is away in Europe on business and then forced to stay there during lockdown. More connections from a musician to Everett’s biological father begin to appear in surprising and unexpected places as Larissa’s family continues to thrive despite past and present hardship, tragedy, and loss.
Though there is no shortage of twists and unexpected developments in this story, especially as it is set in the chaotic months of 2020, this trilogy of books gives the reader a pleasant conclusion that still has plenty of emotional moments. The tragedies of the previous books are a theme that remains present in this story and drives the characters forward, but the overall tone of the story is one of healing and finding ways to carry on and find joy. The growing relationship between Larissa and Beth gives the author ample canvas to create multiple precocious, precious moments between the two and show the infectious childlike joy that can brighten any day. Fans of the series will love the way this series draws to an end and ties up the characters’ stories both individually and as a complete family unit.