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A review by addydeejreads
Keepsake by Amy Oliveira
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I can say with 100% confidence that I haven't read a story by Amy Oliveira that I didn't like. She has explored romance in many ways and Keepsake is one of the darker stories told.
A story of loss at it's core and the ways in which that loss is processed. We get glimpses into each of these characters as their lives get upended and they need to figure out the changes that are happening and how to deal with them.
Sofia was a mom, a sister, a best friend, wife and daughter...but she couldn't stay. Now her family has to deal with the aftermath.
It's messy for sure and I loved every bit of it. Every time they messed up but didn't give up. every time the kids opened up just a little bit, every time Alvaro and Logan shared a look. Oof it tore at my heartstrings. And it was sexy as hell.
Mental health is a huge part of this story, and that's something I was so excited to see. Because this revolves around a latine family, I knew there was going to be some pushback and that resonated so much. Too proud to see the abuse, too proud to ask for help, too proud to admit mistakes. It was triggering but I also felt seen. It was approached with care and even if I didn't always agree with the decisions the characters made, I saw why those mistakes needed to be made and ultimately helped them to grow.
Dashiell. I've never liked a teenager so much in a book. I felt his loss, his need to be an adult and protect his siblings from harm. I also felt his resistance to the change, reluctance to let anyone in despite wanting to let them in.
SPOILER!
...
"He was pierced. He was pierced. He. Was. Pierced." Will forever live rent free in my mind.
Please check the content warnings as the topics discussed can and might be triggering to some. Take care of yourselves and your mental health.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A story of loss at it's core and the ways in which that loss is processed. We get glimpses into each of these characters as their lives get upended and they need to figure out the changes that are happening and how to deal with them.
Sofia was a mom, a sister, a best friend, wife and daughter...but she couldn't stay. Now her family has to deal with the aftermath.
It's messy for sure and I loved every bit of it. Every time they messed up but didn't give up. every time the kids opened up just a little bit, every time Alvaro and Logan shared a look. Oof it tore at my heartstrings. And it was sexy as hell.
Mental health is a huge part of this story, and that's something I was so excited to see. Because this revolves around a latine family, I knew there was going to be some pushback and that resonated so much. Too proud to see the abuse, too proud to ask for help, too proud to admit mistakes. It was triggering but I also felt seen. It was approached with care and even if I didn't always agree with the decisions the characters made, I saw why those mistakes needed to be made and ultimately helped them to grow.
Dashiell. I've never liked a teenager so much in a book. I felt his loss, his need to be an adult and protect his siblings from harm. I also felt his resistance to the change, reluctance to let anyone in despite wanting to let them in.
SPOILER!
...
"He was pierced. He was pierced. He. Was. Pierced." Will forever live rent free in my mind.
Please check the content warnings as the topics discussed can and might be triggering to some. Take care of yourselves and your mental health.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Death of parent, Grief, and Violence