A review by iwillneversnitch
Courage, Dear Heart by Erica Alexander

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

•single mother

•widow

•nyc setting

•he falls first

•slow burn 

•dual pov

Jillian and Jaime are two years post accident where Jillian lost her husband and childhood sweetheart and Jaime lost his dad at just four years old while he was in the car. Ever since Jaime has been experiencing tramautic mutism until Elliot, a frequent online customer strolls into the shop one day and keeps coming back. Jillian rightfully has her walls built high after losing someone so impactful in her life, and Elliot gave her the patience and grace needed to work through her grief instead of sitting idle in it like she had every since she lost CJ to better herself for her sweet boy. Elliot was unexpected, in the way she thought he’d be a player but once he saw her he was down bad and never made Jaime feel left out or odd, I mean their relationship alone was too sweet and he started learning asl as soon as he could to communicate with him. 

This is a slow burn, they really take the time to get to know each other and grow as individuals along the way before moving their relationship beyond friendship. 

Seeing the two Hearts come into themselves and find a part they lost in grief was so special to see and reading how Jaime slowly found his voice was tear jerking, I would get so excited when he’d just make a noise and don’t get me started on his first full phrase. 

There is a third act “breakup” the communication on this is so odd to me since they were really good about talking things out up until this point, but does end on a happy ending. 

Thank you greys and Erica Alexander for the arc in exchange for an honest review.