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One Last Wish
The unmissable new novel from the bestselling author of Pieces of YouHow would you cope if your child became terminally ill?
Rosie and Nate had the perfect relationship. But they struggled to cope with the devastating news their daughter Emmie has incurable cancer. It feels like their world – and their relationship – has come crashing down.
They must do everything to support their little girl, but can they stop their marriage falling apart?
Unbeknownst to her parents, Emmie is on a mission. She is determined to make them see what brought them together in the first place – and make them fall in love all over again.
One Last Wish is a spellbinding, unputdownable and heartbreaking read, perfect for fans of Alice Peterson, Amanda Prowse or Adele Parks.
Praise for Ella Harper‘A great book to curl up with’ Daily Mail
‘Warm, perceptive and razor sharp. It’s everything you want from a novel’ Veronica Henry
‘You won’t be able to stop reading’ Heat Magazine
‘Poignant, heart-wrenching, and wonderfully uplifting too. A remarkable debut full of well-crafted characters that stayed with me long after the last page’ Alexandra Brown
‘Move over authors, a new queen is in town! Ella Harper has written a book that will have you gripped from page one to the very last. This is a story that will contend well with Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You and Cecelia Ahern's P.S. I Love You’ Book Shelf
‘A beautiful and moving read that had me hooked from the start. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what happened!’ Jill Loves to Read
‘A bittersweet, heart-wrenching story that will make you think a lot and wonder what you would do’ Lost in Chick-lit
Ella Harper learned foreign languages, and imagined she might eventually get a glamorous job speaking French. After climbing her way up the banking ladder, Ella started idly mapping out the beginnings of a novel on an old laptop. When she realised her characters were more real to her than dividends and corporate actions ever could be, she left her job to become a writer.
Rosie and Nate had the perfect relationship. But they struggled to cope with the devastating news their daughter Emmie has incurable cancer. It feels like their world – and their relationship – has come crashing down.
They must do everything to support their little girl, but can they stop their marriage falling apart?
Unbeknownst to her parents, Emmie is on a mission. She is determined to make them see what brought them together in the first place – and make them fall in love all over again.
One Last Wish is a spellbinding, unputdownable and heartbreaking read, perfect for fans of Alice Peterson, Amanda Prowse or Adele Parks.
Praise for Ella Harper‘A great book to curl up with’ Daily Mail
‘Warm, perceptive and razor sharp. It’s everything you want from a novel’ Veronica Henry
‘You won’t be able to stop reading’ Heat Magazine
‘Poignant, heart-wrenching, and wonderfully uplifting too. A remarkable debut full of well-crafted characters that stayed with me long after the last page’ Alexandra Brown
‘Move over authors, a new queen is in town! Ella Harper has written a book that will have you gripped from page one to the very last. This is a story that will contend well with Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You and Cecelia Ahern's P.S. I Love You’ Book Shelf
‘A beautiful and moving read that had me hooked from the start. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what happened!’ Jill Loves to Read
‘A bittersweet, heart-wrenching story that will make you think a lot and wonder what you would do’ Lost in Chick-lit
Ella Harper learned foreign languages, and imagined she might eventually get a glamorous job speaking French. After climbing her way up the banking ladder, Ella started idly mapping out the beginnings of a novel on an old laptop. When she realised her characters were more real to her than dividends and corporate actions ever could be, she left her job to become a writer.
- GenresRomance
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2017
109 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Ella Harper
41 books59 followersElla Harper learned foreign languages, and imagined she might eventually get a glamorous job speaking French. After climbing her way up the banking ladder, Ella started idly mapping out the beginnings of a novel on an old laptop.
When she realised her characters were more real to her than dividends and corporate actions ever could be, she left her job to become a writer.
When she realised her characters were more real to her than dividends and corporate actions ever could be, she left her job to become a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 25, 2017
A wonderful heartbreaking story about love,family and courage. Keep your kleenex box near.
March 1, 2017
This book really tugs on the heartstrings and stays with you. Rosie and Nate had the perfect relationship, totally in love with each other and their life together. A baby will just cement their relationship. But Emmie is suffering from an inoperable brain tumour and this book explores the world that no one wants to enter. You feel the total anguish, the toll it takes on everyone including close friends, the medical world that you never wanted to learn about. Emmie is a wonderful little girl who wants to bring a little happiness back into her parents life and see the smiles she sees in photographs back on their faces.
I had tears in my eyes reading her plans with the counsellor who sounded quite dreamy! The characters are all wonderful- Emmie has a lovely little friend and Rosie has a great sister. I also loved Ella’s writing style and this is the second book I’ve read and loved.
I had tears in my eyes reading her plans with the counsellor who sounded quite dreamy! The characters are all wonderful- Emmie has a lovely little friend and Rosie has a great sister. I also loved Ella’s writing style and this is the second book I’ve read and loved.
May 7, 2017
Heart wrenching but brilliant! What more can I say? (Read with tissues in hand!)
December 31, 2017
I knew this was going to be an emotional book, just from having read previous from the author, but even still establishing that a child has terminal cancer in the first few pages is still a bit of a shock.
And despite a few odd moments during the book where I would feel overwhelmed with emotion, at the situation, the rest really didn't affect me at all.
Surprisingly so, but what i took from this book was that is was a girls determination to get her parents back on good terms before the inevitable happen, that hs comes up with a the most wonderful way of achieving it.
The story is told from mother, father and child perspectives, and we also get to meet Aunty Lily and Emme's counselor who is rather cool too.
The writing is beautiful and very clear, and the descriptions especially of the cancer treatments and hospital visits must have been very well researched.
If you are going through anything remotely similar yourself I would suggest you buy shares in Kleenex, then buy a few boxes before you start, and even if you are just more soft hearted than me, you may need a good few tissues.
Deep, heavy, emotional with superb writing this is fabulous for if you love those sorts of books, or are in the mood for something a bit more serious.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
did-not-finish
October 19, 2017I wanted to love this book, I really did, but I think I spoiled it by reading too many reviews about it before finishing. I got to 25% of the way through and thought, there's nothing really happening here, and quite frankly I was bored beyond belief.
We meet the main character, Emmie, who has a terminal brain tumour, and her parents. Emmie's parents' marriage seems to be falling apart as they are trying their hardest to cope with Emmie's prognosis. It's a really emotive read thus far, and Emmie's sessions with her counsellor, Dr. Tom, are a really valuable input. I had expected there to be some grand ending, something big that happens, something to grip me in. However many of the reviews I read confirmed my suspicions, that the book just carries on in the same vain with nothing particularly happening and no change of pace to look forward to. I was bored by 25% of the way through and would have continued to the end no doubt if I hadn't looked at reviews, but I'm glad I did; it's saved me the time reading this book which could be better spent elsewhere!
We meet the main character, Emmie, who has a terminal brain tumour, and her parents. Emmie's parents' marriage seems to be falling apart as they are trying their hardest to cope with Emmie's prognosis. It's a really emotive read thus far, and Emmie's sessions with her counsellor, Dr. Tom, are a really valuable input. I had expected there to be some grand ending, something big that happens, something to grip me in. However many of the reviews I read confirmed my suspicions, that the book just carries on in the same vain with nothing particularly happening and no change of pace to look forward to. I was bored by 25% of the way through and would have continued to the end no doubt if I hadn't looked at reviews, but I'm glad I did; it's saved me the time reading this book which could be better spent elsewhere!
March 12, 2017
I was rather intrigued when reading the description of this book, it was seemingly a non sad, sad story! I wasnt entirely how convinced I was that the author Ella Harper would be able to stop it from becomming too maudlin, after all its about a young girl having an inoperable brain tumour. However I stand corrected, this story isnt about making the main character Emmie a victim it was about maming her a heroine and somebody to be admired.
I wont give the story away but you wont regret reading this book. I smiled and had tears in my eyes at the same time more than once!
I wont give the story away but you wont regret reading this book. I smiled and had tears in my eyes at the same time more than once!
October 12, 2017
I give this book 3.5 stars. I'm normally not big on books that are written in the 3rd person but this one drew me in and had my crying my heart out! I did find some bits a bit repetitive but apart from that this was a beautiful heartbreaking book. Definitely worth a read just make sure you have tissues!
March 19, 2017
When I saw that the latest novel from Ella Harper (formerly Sasha Wagstaff) was available in exchange for a review on NetGalley my spirit just soared. Here was the chance for me...
http://sleaze-factor.blogspot.ca/2017...
http://sleaze-factor.blogspot.ca/2017...
January 29, 2018
A beautifully written story
Emmie has cancer, she was diagnosed when she was three years old. Her parents, Nate and Rosie, dealt with the misery of the situation as best as they could. It brought them closer... Until it didn't. So, with her parents' marriage on the rocks, Emmie makes it her mission to remind them of the love they used to have. Before the cancer.
This is a touching, incredibly upsetting story. It was a tough read but only because the reader instantly falls in love with Emmie- her vulnerability and maturity. This was one of those life affirming reads. I just took issue with how the parents were oblivious to the toxic environment they were creating for their daughter, and how they didn't speak when having doubts about each other. It was ridiculously immature and I couldn't look past it.
Coincidentally, the book I read before this was the A-Z of Everything by Debbie Johnson which has a similar storyline. I think that was why this immaturity particularly grated on my nerves. An ill person, regardless of whether their illness is terminal or whether they're a child or not, should not have to take it upon themselves to do something like bringing two people who can't stand each other, together. A child, especially, should be allowed to be a child. l know Emmie was acting out of concern and love for her parents, but all that effort must have exhausted her. Just as it would, any ill person. I also took issue with how the parents barely expressed their thankfulness to her.
But truly, cancer is devastating and I begrudgingly accept that we can't predict our reactions to such situations and that sometimes terminal illnesses do cause a rift in relationships. It's just this book was quite naturally, upsetting and my heart went out to the little girl.
I received this book through NetGalley.
Emmie has cancer, she was diagnosed when she was three years old. Her parents, Nate and Rosie, dealt with the misery of the situation as best as they could. It brought them closer... Until it didn't. So, with her parents' marriage on the rocks, Emmie makes it her mission to remind them of the love they used to have. Before the cancer.
This is a touching, incredibly upsetting story. It was a tough read but only because the reader instantly falls in love with Emmie- her vulnerability and maturity. This was one of those life affirming reads. I just took issue with how the parents were oblivious to the toxic environment they were creating for their daughter, and how they didn't speak when having doubts about each other. It was ridiculously immature and I couldn't look past it.
Coincidentally, the book I read before this was the A-Z of Everything by Debbie Johnson which has a similar storyline. I think that was why this immaturity particularly grated on my nerves. An ill person, regardless of whether their illness is terminal or whether they're a child or not, should not have to take it upon themselves to do something like bringing two people who can't stand each other, together. A child, especially, should be allowed to be a child. l know Emmie was acting out of concern and love for her parents, but all that effort must have exhausted her. Just as it would, any ill person. I also took issue with how the parents barely expressed their thankfulness to her.
But truly, cancer is devastating and I begrudgingly accept that we can't predict our reactions to such situations and that sometimes terminal illnesses do cause a rift in relationships. It's just this book was quite naturally, upsetting and my heart went out to the little girl.
I received this book through NetGalley.
June 26, 2017
2.5 Stars
The premise of this book reminded me of The Fault in Our Stars, if that story had been told from the parents' perspective. Unfortunately, the similarities end with the synopsis and any further comparisons would be a disservice to The Last Wish.
Given the subject matter, I expected to the book to be more sad than it actually was. Instead, the tone was decidedly optimistic and heart-warming. I wish the book had been more emotional, but I failed to connect to the story or characters enough to invoke a reaction.
The story is told in three perspectives: mother, father and child. Personally, I would have preferred if the entire story had been told from the perspective of the parents, since I tend to dislike stories told by precocious children.
The downfall of this novel were the characters and plot, which were both oversimplified and predictable. The characters were cliche stereotypes, rather than well-rounded real people. The relationship drama was oversimplified, with the conflicts resolved too easily. However, I did appreciate the characters' emotional responses to the ongoing daily stress of having a child with terminal cancer. These moments and internal thoughts felt quite realistic given the gravity of the situation. The story itself felt quite cliche without any significant twists or turns. While I didn't love this one, other fans of heart-warming stories will likely enjoy this sweet, contemporary romance.
I requested this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
The premise of this book reminded me of The Fault in Our Stars, if that story had been told from the parents' perspective. Unfortunately, the similarities end with the synopsis and any further comparisons would be a disservice to The Last Wish.
Given the subject matter, I expected to the book to be more sad than it actually was. Instead, the tone was decidedly optimistic and heart-warming. I wish the book had been more emotional, but I failed to connect to the story or characters enough to invoke a reaction.
The story is told in three perspectives: mother, father and child. Personally, I would have preferred if the entire story had been told from the perspective of the parents, since I tend to dislike stories told by precocious children.
The downfall of this novel were the characters and plot, which were both oversimplified and predictable. The characters were cliche stereotypes, rather than well-rounded real people. The relationship drama was oversimplified, with the conflicts resolved too easily. However, I did appreciate the characters' emotional responses to the ongoing daily stress of having a child with terminal cancer. These moments and internal thoughts felt quite realistic given the gravity of the situation. The story itself felt quite cliche without any significant twists or turns. While I didn't love this one, other fans of heart-warming stories will likely enjoy this sweet, contemporary romance.
I requested this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
April 8, 2019
Rose and Nate fell in love, and appeared to have the perfect marriage, until their young daughter Emmie is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, and the stresses of a terminally ill child take their toll.
Emmie an astute eleven year old sees the anguish that her illness causes to her parents and when the cracks start to appear in their marriage, she, along with her counsellor Dr Tom, set about rekindling their love with a series of treasure hunts based around previous dates.
This books handles a very emotive subject, no one really wants to address the topic of a child with cancer, however it was dealt with in such a sensitive and caring way that you wanted to turn every page, but not out of morbid curiosity but to see how the beautifully written characters developed.
Have a box of tissues to hand!
Emmie an astute eleven year old sees the anguish that her illness causes to her parents and when the cracks start to appear in their marriage, she, along with her counsellor Dr Tom, set about rekindling their love with a series of treasure hunts based around previous dates.
This books handles a very emotive subject, no one really wants to address the topic of a child with cancer, however it was dealt with in such a sensitive and caring way that you wanted to turn every page, but not out of morbid curiosity but to see how the beautifully written characters developed.
Have a box of tissues to hand!
January 26, 2018
Very sad but uplifting at the same time.
I have read three very sad books in the last month and I think this one too the biscuit. It was very thoughtfully written with empathy and understanding.
Emmie was such a delightful child and so grown up as are many children with a terminal illness..
She was always thinking of other especially her loving parents and with the help of her geeky, hot counselor Dr Tom tries to help her parents cope with her death.
There are so many great characters in this book but Dr Tom stood out for me the humour he bright was a tonic.
I have read three very sad books in the last month and I think this one too the biscuit. It was very thoughtfully written with empathy and understanding.
Emmie was such a delightful child and so grown up as are many children with a terminal illness..
She was always thinking of other especially her loving parents and with the help of her geeky, hot counselor Dr Tom tries to help her parents cope with her death.
There are so many great characters in this book but Dr Tom stood out for me the humour he bright was a tonic.
August 5, 2017
Having loved Ella Harper's previous books, especially 'Pieces of you', I was excited for this book but after reading the blurb knew it would be a weepy read.
This was a very hard book to read emotionally, especially being a parent myself. It had a great structure to it and was a lovely story about bringing people back together.
I loved this book as much as I loved Ella's previous books and eagerly await any future releases.
This was a very hard book to read emotionally, especially being a parent myself. It had a great structure to it and was a lovely story about bringing people back together.
I loved this book as much as I loved Ella's previous books and eagerly await any future releases.
November 15, 2018
HeartMovi g
Emmie was a character that you truly could not help but love. She was a special child. I don't know how a parent survives a childs death. I don't ever think you ever get over it. But you just learn to live with it. My brother lost his son at the age of 4 and its been 34 years now and he still chokes up when he talks about him. So you live each day as if it's your last.
Emmie was a character that you truly could not help but love. She was a special child. I don't know how a parent survives a childs death. I don't ever think you ever get over it. But you just learn to live with it. My brother lost his son at the age of 4 and its been 34 years now and he still chokes up when he talks about him. So you live each day as if it's your last.
November 2, 2019
2.5 stars. The parents in this book rubbed me up the wrong way from the start. They seemed very self centred, yes I know this is a hard subject to write and read and things like this happen but I feel that the book focuses more on the patents than child. Personally I would have liked more from the child's point of view. Would like to have given more but just couldn't.
June 17, 2017
Sad
A good story but I felt it went on for too long.I eventually got bored with it and started missing out chunks of the book just to get to the end.I am sure lots will love it but not really for me.
A good story but I felt it went on for too long.I eventually got bored with it and started missing out chunks of the book just to get to the end.I am sure lots will love it but not really for me.
April 26, 2018
Kobo library. Very emotional book, it’s just not supposed to be parents survive their children. This was a tear jerker, but it was more about the parents then about Emmie, I would have liked more emmie and Dr. Tom.
July 7, 2019
Have tissues ready!
Anyone who likes Jodi Picoult or Kelly Rimmer will love Ella Harper’s style of writing. She’s actually better. She grabs you in the first few lines and you won’t be able to put the book down.
Anyone who likes Jodi Picoult or Kelly Rimmer will love Ella Harper’s style of writing. She’s actually better. She grabs you in the first few lines and you won’t be able to put the book down.
May 21, 2017
What an incredible beautiful book. Could not put it down. Needed tissues at the end - makes you look at life from a different perspective.
February 27, 2018
A brilliant but also heartbreaking book couldn't put it down
April 23, 2018
I gave up on this after 5%. It seemed dreary and depressing and a bit self obsessed. Not my cup of tea.
April 14, 2019
This book was amazing, I could not put it down. Had me glued from the begining, laughing, gasping, Even shedding a tear. Made me hug my son and be thankful. Really worth a read
June 2, 2019
Beautiful and emotional book.
March 2, 2020
Loved this book from start to finish. It was a great read and it even made me shed a tear. Outstanding book!
September 27, 2020
A couple who have due to circumstances have drifted apart,they are still in love with each other but how do they get back to how they used to be.....
March 15, 2017
Originally reviewed on Hummingbird Reviews.
I love a book that has you totally invested in the characters and their lives, and 'One Last Wish' by Ella Harper is a book that achieves that perfectly. 'One Last Wish' focuses on Rosie, Nate, and their daughter, Emmie, who has been diagnosed with incurable cancer. Emmie knows that she is going to die and she has accepted that, even if those who love her are finding it impossible to do the same. But what Emmie will not accept is the thought of her parents, who were once so hopelessly in love with each other, becoming separated. In the deep recesses of her mind, Emmie blames herself and her diagnosis for the cracks that are becoming deeper and larger in her parents' relationship. And she wants to make it right. Along with the help of her counsellor, Dr Tom, Emmie decides that it is time to take action if the two most important people in her life are ever going to be happy again. So take action is exactly what Emmie does...
The first thing that struck me as I began to read 'One Last Wish' was how absolutely stunning Ella Harper's emotive descriptions were. How the author described certain situations to me throughout the book completely took my breath away and left my resolve crumbling as I gulped back the sobs. It was just pure, pure gold. Harper absolutely knows how to tug at her readers' heartstrings and that is exactly what she did with this novel. Not only was it emotional, but even despite the topics addressed, there was a certain light-heartedness to it that filled me with a sense of hope. Perhaps it was Emmie's outlook on life? How eager she was to fix the holes in her parents' relationship? Most probably it was both of those things. Emmie's courage reduced me to a snivelling wreck and as the story progressed, I could feel myself becoming more attached to the girl, because she was just so completely lovable and a character capable of inspiring any reader.
I thought it was beautiful, how Ella Harper took her readers back and forth between the past and the present. From chapter to chapter, the author showed how Rosie and Nate's relationship had gradually begun to change over time, and it was absolutely heart-breaking to witness. What gave me hope though, was knowing that love did remain, beneath the surface of worries and troubles over their shared love in life, their daughter. It just needed to be dug out, found again, it needed to resurface and take over all of the other things that were going on in the couples' lives.
From the very first page, I was hooked to 'One Last Wish' by Ella Harper. Ella Harper wrapped me up completely in Emmie, Rosie and Nate's world and my concern for the three of them completely took over. I felt the same dread as Rosie and Nate, that the phone would ring any second and announce that the worst had taken place. But the moments of joy, peppered here and there, the tiniest of things, took over the dread and filled me with something else entirely.
'One Last Wish' by Ella Harper is a highly-emotive, sob-inducing tale of love, family, parenthood and finding the courage to be strong when you need it most. I adored the characters and even now, I am still thinking about them. I was completely immersed within their story and felt as if I'd lost a few good friends by the time this tale reached its end. Ella Harper is an author who writes purely from the heart and it shines through in her writing. This was the first book I have read by this author, and it certainly won't be the last, I can assure you.
Hummingbird Reviews is awarding 'One Last Wish' by Ella Harper with five out of five stars. You'll need a box of tissues and a hand to hold while reading this one. Thank you to the publisher for my review copy of this book.
I love a book that has you totally invested in the characters and their lives, and 'One Last Wish' by Ella Harper is a book that achieves that perfectly. 'One Last Wish' focuses on Rosie, Nate, and their daughter, Emmie, who has been diagnosed with incurable cancer. Emmie knows that she is going to die and she has accepted that, even if those who love her are finding it impossible to do the same. But what Emmie will not accept is the thought of her parents, who were once so hopelessly in love with each other, becoming separated. In the deep recesses of her mind, Emmie blames herself and her diagnosis for the cracks that are becoming deeper and larger in her parents' relationship. And she wants to make it right. Along with the help of her counsellor, Dr Tom, Emmie decides that it is time to take action if the two most important people in her life are ever going to be happy again. So take action is exactly what Emmie does...
The first thing that struck me as I began to read 'One Last Wish' was how absolutely stunning Ella Harper's emotive descriptions were. How the author described certain situations to me throughout the book completely took my breath away and left my resolve crumbling as I gulped back the sobs. It was just pure, pure gold. Harper absolutely knows how to tug at her readers' heartstrings and that is exactly what she did with this novel. Not only was it emotional, but even despite the topics addressed, there was a certain light-heartedness to it that filled me with a sense of hope. Perhaps it was Emmie's outlook on life? How eager she was to fix the holes in her parents' relationship? Most probably it was both of those things. Emmie's courage reduced me to a snivelling wreck and as the story progressed, I could feel myself becoming more attached to the girl, because she was just so completely lovable and a character capable of inspiring any reader.
I thought it was beautiful, how Ella Harper took her readers back and forth between the past and the present. From chapter to chapter, the author showed how Rosie and Nate's relationship had gradually begun to change over time, and it was absolutely heart-breaking to witness. What gave me hope though, was knowing that love did remain, beneath the surface of worries and troubles over their shared love in life, their daughter. It just needed to be dug out, found again, it needed to resurface and take over all of the other things that were going on in the couples' lives.
From the very first page, I was hooked to 'One Last Wish' by Ella Harper. Ella Harper wrapped me up completely in Emmie, Rosie and Nate's world and my concern for the three of them completely took over. I felt the same dread as Rosie and Nate, that the phone would ring any second and announce that the worst had taken place. But the moments of joy, peppered here and there, the tiniest of things, took over the dread and filled me with something else entirely.
'One Last Wish' by Ella Harper is a highly-emotive, sob-inducing tale of love, family, parenthood and finding the courage to be strong when you need it most. I adored the characters and even now, I am still thinking about them. I was completely immersed within their story and felt as if I'd lost a few good friends by the time this tale reached its end. Ella Harper is an author who writes purely from the heart and it shines through in her writing. This was the first book I have read by this author, and it certainly won't be the last, I can assure you.
Hummingbird Reviews is awarding 'One Last Wish' by Ella Harper with five out of five stars. You'll need a box of tissues and a hand to hold while reading this one. Thank you to the publisher for my review copy of this book.
April 22, 2017
Emmie has a brain tumor and after many unsuccessful rounds of chemo and surgery it becomes clear that it doesn't shrink and can't be removed, Emmie's cancer is incurable. Her parents, Nate and Rosie, used to have the most special relationship, but because they aren't able to deal with their daughter's illness too well they keep pushing each other away and become estranged. While they still love each other they can't seem to get along and they're in a downward spiral that doesn't seem to end. Emmie can't bear to see her parents this way. She doesn't have much time left and she wants her parents to fall back in love with each other before she goes. Will she be able to do this one last thing for them?
One Last Wish is a beautiful emotional story. Emmie is a sweetheart. She's an intelligent and observant girl and she's incredibly wise. She wants her parents to be happy together again and because of this she starts a secret mission. I loved this touching idea and was impressed by the way she pulls it off. She's brave and determined and she's honest with the people around her and with herself. She's such an admirable character and my heart ached for her when I read about everything she had to go through. Ella Harper has perfectly captured what it feels like to be a child with a serious illness. She writes about it with empathy and compassion, but also with a certain rawness that makes the story very realistic.
Nate has built a big wall around his heart because he doesn't want his wife and daughter to see how much he's suffering. It pained me to see how this wonderful man pushes his loved ones away and works too hard to make sure he can keep his job, just so nobody has to worry about him. He's gentle and kind, but he doesn't know how to reach out to his wife any longer. Rosie misses his support and she's strong for Emmie, she fights with everything she's got to keep her daughter as safe and comfortable as possible. It's obvious Nate and Rosie love Emmie very much, but they don't know how to deal with all of the emotions that come with having such an ill child. It broke my heart to read about their struggles. Their story isn't hopeless though, Emmie is their light and she's trying to give her parents an invaluable gift, which is such an amazing gesture. I loved the idea behind it and could feel every emotion they were feeling.
Ella Harper has written a story about a difficult topic, terminal cancer. Having a terminally ill daughter who has to go through aggressive and painful treatments while it doesn't help her to feel better is the most awful thing a parent can go through. I could easily imagine Nate and Rosie's powerlessness. They have so much to deal with that they don't know what to do with themselves. Ella Harper describes this in a terrific, meaningful and thought-provoking way that greatly affected me.
When Emmie meets her new counselor, she knows she has found someone who completely understands her. He makes it possible for her to talk about all the feelings she has. While he subtly guides her he's also her friend. I immediately loved their connection. It's made of positivity and brightness, rather than darkness and despair and that's such a fantastic way to balance the grief Emmie's parents are dealing with on a daily basis. I think Emma Harper has succeeded well in describing everyone's thoughts, wishes and emotions, she does this in a stunning heartbreaking way. I highly recommend One Last Wish, it's a brilliant multilayered story with a really strong ending. I shed quite a few tears while reading this book. It's a marvelous must-read.
One Last Wish is a beautiful emotional story. Emmie is a sweetheart. She's an intelligent and observant girl and she's incredibly wise. She wants her parents to be happy together again and because of this she starts a secret mission. I loved this touching idea and was impressed by the way she pulls it off. She's brave and determined and she's honest with the people around her and with herself. She's such an admirable character and my heart ached for her when I read about everything she had to go through. Ella Harper has perfectly captured what it feels like to be a child with a serious illness. She writes about it with empathy and compassion, but also with a certain rawness that makes the story very realistic.
Nate has built a big wall around his heart because he doesn't want his wife and daughter to see how much he's suffering. It pained me to see how this wonderful man pushes his loved ones away and works too hard to make sure he can keep his job, just so nobody has to worry about him. He's gentle and kind, but he doesn't know how to reach out to his wife any longer. Rosie misses his support and she's strong for Emmie, she fights with everything she's got to keep her daughter as safe and comfortable as possible. It's obvious Nate and Rosie love Emmie very much, but they don't know how to deal with all of the emotions that come with having such an ill child. It broke my heart to read about their struggles. Their story isn't hopeless though, Emmie is their light and she's trying to give her parents an invaluable gift, which is such an amazing gesture. I loved the idea behind it and could feel every emotion they were feeling.
Ella Harper has written a story about a difficult topic, terminal cancer. Having a terminally ill daughter who has to go through aggressive and painful treatments while it doesn't help her to feel better is the most awful thing a parent can go through. I could easily imagine Nate and Rosie's powerlessness. They have so much to deal with that they don't know what to do with themselves. Ella Harper describes this in a terrific, meaningful and thought-provoking way that greatly affected me.
When Emmie meets her new counselor, she knows she has found someone who completely understands her. He makes it possible for her to talk about all the feelings she has. While he subtly guides her he's also her friend. I immediately loved their connection. It's made of positivity and brightness, rather than darkness and despair and that's such a fantastic way to balance the grief Emmie's parents are dealing with on a daily basis. I think Emma Harper has succeeded well in describing everyone's thoughts, wishes and emotions, she does this in a stunning heartbreaking way. I highly recommend One Last Wish, it's a brilliant multilayered story with a really strong ending. I shed quite a few tears while reading this book. It's a marvelous must-read.
May 18, 2025
Rosie and Nate seemed like the perfect couple and had the fairytale marriage until their daughter Emmie got diagnosed with a terminal illness. Now all Emmie wants is to make her parents fall back in love with eachother again.
All I can say is have your tissues at the ready. Didn’t want to put this book down.
All I can say is have your tissues at the ready. Didn’t want to put this book down.
March 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Tears were in my eyes at many parts but the story of a family facing an unimaginable dilemma was inspirational. It makes you appreciate your own life.
Rosie and Nate are parents to Emmie who has incurable cancer. This tests them on all levels and puts their relationship to the test. Caring for their daughter is tearing them apart.
Emmie is determined to bring them back together by reminding them of the love they shared and what had brought them together. Emmie shows maturity by being strong and putting her parents happiness as her priority.
I really enjoyed this book my first by Ella Harpur and it won't be my last.
Rosie and Nate are parents to Emmie who has incurable cancer. This tests them on all levels and puts their relationship to the test. Caring for their daughter is tearing them apart.
Emmie is determined to bring them back together by reminding them of the love they shared and what had brought them together. Emmie shows maturity by being strong and putting her parents happiness as her priority.
I really enjoyed this book my first by Ella Harpur and it won't be my last.
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