A review by women_using_words
Pieces of Us by T.B. Markinson, Miranda MacLeod

emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod have always been known to deliver engaging, well-written narratives, but this one might be their most commendable yet. Pieces of Usis a tenderly told story that revolves around Julianna Bristol, a video game designer on the verge of success, and Sadie Culpepper, a nanny struggling with debt and commitment issues. Their lives intertwine in complex ways when Julianna unexpectedly gains custody of her niece, causing them both to pause and question everything they’ve believed about themselves and love.

The novel immediately captivates readers and pulls them in with its well-developed storyline and likable characters. Julianna is a talented businesswoman standing on the brink of a major career breakthrough with her video game design. When tragedy suddenly strikes her family, she is given custody of her niece, causing her to navigate uncharted territory and reassess her busy professional life. This balance of corporate ambition and family need proves to be challenging, so she enlists in the aid of a nanny. Bringing Sadie onboard to help her care for her niece sets the stage for a complex and evolving relationship between the women, one filled with self-discovery and love, key ingredients for an engaging read.

The novel’s strengths lie in its exploration of its themes—love, trust, and courage, especially in regards to societal norms. Markinson and MacLeod skillfully depict Julianna and Sadie’s emotional journey as they confront their deepest fears and insecurities. As the story progresses, the women’s relationship evolves and takes shape as they navigate the challenges of their intertwined lives. This naturally provides an interesting dynamic to the story’s overall composition. Furthermore, it fuels a chemistry between the women that’s completely palpable, creating a compelling interplay that keeps readers thoroughly invested. Most impressively though, it underscores Markinson and MacLeod’s talent as writers, for they effectively use the interactions of these two characters to reveal the complexities of human emotion and the transformative power of love, making the story meaningful and convincing for the reader.

Pieces of Us’s major appeal lies in the fact that it is written with real sensitivity, making it incredibly heartwarming. Markinson and MacLeod have consistently earned much acclaim for their writing, but Pieces of Us, in my opinion, is breathtakingly beautiful and a real standout. The way they handle taboo subjects is beyond praiseworthy. Their approach to sensitive, emotional material is scripted with depth and maturity, capturing a truth that makes scenes resonate. Because the duo tackles tender subjects with a delicate touch, they ensure that the narrative remains respectful and thought-provoking. They pursue a delicate dance of family drama and personal ambition, yet are mindful of the love story between Julianna and Sadie, letting it unfold naturally. This allows readers to be immersed into Julianna and Sadie’s journey. Ultimately though, it showcases Markinson and MacLeod’s talent as storytellers.

Not only does Pieces of Us deserve attention for its emotional depth and adept handling of complex themes, it contains strong character arcs. Julianna and Sadie’s journey is well-scripted and relatable, marked by personal growth and self-discovery. The characters’ struggles and triumphs strike a chord with readers, making their story relatable and inspiring. Additionally, their arcs are built upon layers of emotion, creating a depth that allows readers to connect on a profoundly personal level. And because it is attentive to Julianna and Sadie’s relationship challenges, readers are able to easily embrace them, ensuring engagement and satisfaction until the end. 

Final remarks…

Pieces of Us by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod is a captivating novel that explores themes of love, trust, and societal norms. The engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and heartwarming romance make it a standout read. The authors’ ability to handle complex themes with sensitivity and depth adds to its strength and appeal. Readers will root for Julianna and Sadie’s happiness as they are immersed in their journey. Ultimately, Pieces of Us is a testament to the power of love and should not be missed.

Strengths…

  • Engaging narrative
  • Strong character arcs built upon reliable, reliable emotional depth
  • Heartwarming romance filled with touching tenderness 
  • Satisfying read