Things We Cannot Keep is a heartfelt novel that touches on themes of longing for family, stories of courage in the face of danger and fear, and the difficult work of healing from unhealthy family patterns.
Main Themes
Tess wishes she could forget everything about her old life. Even when she moves to a new state, finds new work, and changes her name, the past has a way of creeping into the present. But the buried secrets aren’t safe, not for her and not for the friends she has always held at an arm’s length.
The only thing Tess really loves to do is fix things, especially antique watches and clocks. She used to hope that she could fix her past and the gaping emotional wounds just like she could fix a pocket watch, but life isn’t a neat bundle of predictable gears and springs. It’s messy and hard. And when her childhood best friend and crush reappears after eighteen long years, Tess knows it’s time to face the trauma and try to find healing.
As Tess and Elliot search for answers, the truth takes them to places Tess never thought she’d have the courage to go. It’s a vibrant story of courage, forgiveness, and healing.
Favorite Scenes
There are many memorable scenes in Things We Cannot Keep, and the character development of Elliot was one of my favorite parts. Elliot is a very spontaneous, loves-surprises kind of person, while Tess is very cautious, plans everything out, and hates anything unexpected. It’s super sweet to watch Elliot working so hard to balance his spur of the moment tendencies with Tess’s need for predictability and open communication. It’s a beautiful reminder that truly caring for another person means putting their needs above your wants.
Faith Elements
Tess believes God has betrayed her, just like everyone else in her past. Watching her come to the truth and learn to reject those lies was a fantastic character arc for her.
Family Friendly Considerations
Both Tess and Elliot come from broken homes that are plagued by marital unfaithfulness, physical and emotional abuse, lies, and manipulation. It’s a deep and heartfelt read for adults that I thoroughly enjoyed, although some of these themes might be a little too intense for younger readers. The romance is clean and kisses only.
Interested in Similar Reads?
If you enjoy contemporary novels full of hope and healing, you might want to check out these novels as well:
- In a Word, Yes by Kit Tosello
- Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh
- Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack
- South of Somewhere by T.I. Lowe
