Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Pieces of Me
SERIES: Missing Pieces
AUTHOR: N.R. Walker
NARRATOR: Glen Lloyd
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 5 hours, 8 minutes
RELEASE DATE: November 18, 2020
BLURB:
Missing Pieces series, book two
Justin’s recovery is slow, but any step forward is a win in Dallas’ eyes. Having always been a source of strength for Justin, even before the accident, Dallas is trying to find his feet again as he struggles to get some normalcy back in their lives.
But now, with added financial pressures and Justin’s ongoing medical needs, Dallas isn’t sure how much longer he can be the strong one.
As missing pieces of Justin’s memory return, Justin realizes the physical side of their relationship is another piece of the puzzle he desperately wants to put back together. And as he gets to know Dallas all over again, he realizes what his mind can’t remember, his heart can’t forget.
REVIEW:
Note: This is the second book in this series and begins immediately following the events of the first book. Because of the nature of the story and the recovery, it’s best that this series is listened to in order.
Justin is slowly recovering from his physical injuries as well as his traumatic brain injury. But he’s at home with Dallas. He doesn’t exactly remember Dallas, but he knows that he’s safe with him. He’s frustrated by the fact that he needs help and sleep and can’t remember things like he wants to. He keeps saying his mind is full of mist – like if he could just clear the mist, he’d be able to get to his memories. He still has a way to go – getting off his cast, using a scooter for support for his leg, keeping stress low, but he’s determined.
Dallas is totally focused on Justin’s recovery, but a lot of other stuff is creeping in as well. He still hasn’t heard on the insurance claims. He lost a van, tools, a full time employee and more. His other employees have really stepped up and have kept things going while he’s been focused on Justin, but things are coming to a head. Money is getting tight and he’s not sure how he’s going to be able to cover it all. He doesn’t want to bother Justin because his doctors have mentioned that stress will delay and impact his recovery.
Slowly Justin seems to be remembering things. One dream in particular seems to be frequent. And when his doctor ask about it, finally it’s clear what he’s been focused on – and this time it’s a good thing 🙂 As his memories come back – with no rhyme or reason or fixed point in time, it’s clear that he’s making great progress and that in time, hopefully he’ll remember everything about the last five years that he’s lost. Some of it isn’t pleasant – like his relationship with his non-accepting mother. But more is positive – like trips they’ve made, parties they’ve attended, even some jokes they have between them. So ultimately things are headed in the right direction. Hopefully as Justin gets stronger, things will just continue to improve 🙂
Oh this story is so good! I love how the author weaves in little tidbits of Justin and Dallas’s past to the story as Justin’s memories begin to resurface. Like Justin, we, the reader, get to fall in love for the first time with Dallas, while Dallas is falling in love for the second time with Justin. I loved their banter around their second “first date” and how sweet Dallas is with Justin as he tries to navigate all the things that he feels but isn’t ready to act on. Dallas shows remarkable restraint with Justin as his recovery continues. The supporting characters of Davo and Jimmy and his family help fill out the story and provide depth and insight into the existing relationships.
Glen Lloyd has quickly become a favorite narrator. He’s got a great native accent and I really enjoyed his various characterizations. His emotional pitch are spot on as well. Highly recommended for those looking for an emotional listen.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
Authors Direct
Audible