The Last Piece

Title: The Last Piece

Author: Terrie Todd

Publisher: Indie

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction,

My Review:

Be prepared for an emotional ride. I loved the idea of this book because I love doing jigsaw puzzles. The storyline is unique and I have never read anything like it. While I am not a huge Historical Fiction fan, Terrie Todd's books always amaze me.

The story is a historical progress, starting in the early 1900s and bringing us into the 21st century. We see how the puzzle was made and the journey it takes. It is hard to see how all the pieces will come together in the end. But, they do, in the most beautiful way.

There are so many layers to this book. It is a quick read and when you are finished you will wish you had savored it more, taken a bit more time reading it. There are some amazing quotes in it, and one of my favorites is toward the end, so I will not share it  to not spoil anything. 

I was trying not to cry during Michael's speech...I got goosebumps and made myself slow down to take it in. I loved this story, it is simply incredible. I cannot put into words how well-written it is. The only thing I did not like is that it ended, I wasn't ready.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★★★/5

Synopsis: 

When his father dies during the Great Depression, Ray Matthews is forced to drop out of art school to support his mother and sister as a jigsaw puzzle artist. Ray has only one painting he vows never to sell: the portrait of his beloved sweetheart. When pressured to break his oath, Ray sends the painting off with a promise and a prophecy.Through eight decades, the puzzle of the beautiful girl at the wishing well passes through four households, deeply affecting each without ever being fully completed.

When Leesha Pennington’s weekly treasure hunt at her local thrift shop produces an old jigsaw puzzle that might be worth something, she adds it to her shopping cart despite the old man’s mysterious warning: “Be careful with that one. Some puzzles don’t like to be solved.” Her decision sets in motion a chain of events that causes all five stories to converge.

With powerful themes of family relationships and self-sacrifice, this story is part allegory/part metaphor, rooted in real life.