Review: What We Keep by Jennifer Millikin

Plot Summary

Charming and heroic, there’s nothing about Gabriel Woodruff that Avery Burke doesn’t love. His warm brown eyes, his generosity, that small scar above his lip. The newspaper photo of him carrying her from a burning home only adds to the romance of it all.

A fairytale beginning and a picture-perfect marriage practically guarantees Avery and Gabriel a ride into the sunset. But every relationship has flaws, and what they ignored while they were busy being flawless eventually surfaces. The unraveling begins with the smallest tug on the tiniest string.

Their fall is spectacular, the kind that makes the paper.

When the fairytale goes up in smoke, Avery and Gabriel are forced to ask themselves hard questions.

What does 'for better or worse' really mean?

Is this their second chance at a once-in-a-lifetime love?

What do we keep, when we lose it all?

My Review

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

What We Keep unfolds the emotional journey of Avery Burke and Gabriel Woodruff, whose lives are irrevocably changed when Gabriel rescues Avery from a burning building. This dramatic act ignites a whirlwind romance that quickly evolves into a deep, passionate marriage. As the story progresses, life’s challenges and personal struggles test their bond, only to pave the way for a second chance at love that is both tender and intense.

Millikin masterfully captures the essence of romance through the evolving connection between Avery and Gabriel. Their relationship is painted with authenticity—filled with quiet moments of intimacy, lingering glances, and the unspoken understanding that true love endures. The dual timeline structure enriches this portrayal, inviting readers to experience the sparks of their initial encounter and the complexities of rekindling a love that has been tempered by time and hardship.

At its core, What We Keep is an ode to second chances, proving that love can mend even the deepest wounds. The novel vividly portrays the protagonists’ vulnerability alongside their strength in transcending past sorrows to forge a brighter future. Brimming with passion and transformative redemption, this emotional journey is a must-read for anyone who believes in the healing power of true love.