This was an interesting, intriguing book and the first one I've read by this author., who lives in the UK, which is where the story took place as well, along with a short  trip to Greece.  The first thing I noticed was some words that weren't either familiar or used in a different context then we use  in the U.S.  I kind of imagined their delightful accents as well but there was a bit of an adjustment getting used to that.  

Cecily is married to Norman and they are the parents of three adult daughters and have six grandsons.  At age 16 Cecily gave up a baby girl for adoption.  Her husband is quite aware of this, however their daughters are not.   Cecily receives a letter from Marnie,  the daughter who was given away 50 years ago asking her to come to Greece with  all expenses paid. The ups and downs of the relationship between Cecily and Marnie are difficult for Cecily who has mourned the loss of her first daughter for many years.   There are several side-stories regarding the lives of her other three daughters that are woven into the whole story.  In some ways I thought the story was a little slow, although it was always interesting and I'm sure a pretty accurate representation of how one would feel in these circumstances.  Cecily had thought of this girl all her life, however, when she was born in 1968, it was expected you'd do exactly as you were told and that was to give the baby up for adoption.  This is a light-hearted read around family dynamics that I think most would enjoy. Thank you to Netgalley who gave me the advanced reader copy to read and review.  The review is my own opinion.

It is an entertaining story about a teenager who is forced to give up her infant for adoption (in the late 1960's) and what happens when they meet many decades later.   It is well written and I like how the author developed each of the characters.  The ending wasn't  quite what I expected but it is understandable.  

This is the first book from this author that I have read.  I will go seek out her other books. 

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.

This is a very poignant examination of the life puzzle most women experience and how they’re constantly searching for that “last piece” – the piece that will finally give them the finished product they envision and covet.

In this novel the theme is worked through a mother, a daughter she gave up for adoption when she was 16 and 3 daughters born to her later on in life after she had married.

None of the characters are particularly likeable except maybe the men who served to ease the anxiety and drama the women have created for themselves.

As a soon-to-be octogenarian, it was easy for me to look back at my life and my life’s girl friends and recognize the angst of the women in this book.  Yes, this is chick lit, but with a lot of depth.

I appreciate this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Amazon Publishing UK, in exchange for an honest review.  It’s well worth a serious read.

I loved this book. The characters were so real, and the story told so well, that I had a hard time putting this book down. I haven't read a book about this subject ever, so the points of view were really interesting. I've already said this book is about adoption, but it's so much more than that. This book is about family, and learning to live with secrets when they force their way into the open.

Cecily is a wholly relatable character. I can't say that if I were in her situation, I wouldn't do exactly what she did. I would want to know everything I could about a person I never had a chance to know.

One thing that disappointed me, but was paramount to the story, is Cecily's reaction to meeting Marnie. She constantly made excuses for her, and was willing to forgive almost anything for a chance to know her. When everyone around her was telling her one thing, she insisted on seeing the bright side, and refused to see the dark.

I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give away the story. This book was really good, and told with such heart, that I can't think of a single person that wouldn't enjoy this book. I fully intend to check out her other books, and am looking forward to enjoying them too.

I couldn't think of a single reason not to give this book the full 5 stars. It was really good, the characters so relatable, and each person had his and her own struggles, that I think anyone would like this book.

This is a story of a dysfunctional family with a piece missing.  The characters-except for the protagonist and her husband- are not truly likeable. Although it is a character driven novel, it is interesting to read that the happenings in the U K were somewhat parallel to those in the U S during  that time period.  Not to give away the story, it was obvious from the beginning what the mystery was.  What was different was the way the book ended.  I am not sure I liked it, but it is different than other books with the same idea.  Ingenious of the author to give the slant...everything is not always as we want it.  Try this one-although it drags on at times,  it eventually picks back up.  I would like to have read more about the characters and how their lives changed.

Thank you #ne Talley for a chance to read this beautiful book my first by this author but certainly won't be my last. This was a heart breaking and heartwarmin g emotional read. It covered a lot of sensitive topics in a real and sensitive way as the story is based around Cecily finally getting to meet her daughter marine she had to give up for adoption 50 years ago and the events surrounding this and also covers the struggles faced during ivf  treatment and artificial insemination through her own daughters desperation to hAve children. This book was the perfect escapism from the current situation and an easy read.

Family secrets. Wow you just don't expect the harm this can do to a family. Very true to life never judge a book buy its cover is such a true saying

Heartfelt, beautiful story with an unpredictable ending.
Cecily, mother of three and grandmother to 6, has suddenly taken off for Greece without Norman, her husband of 41 years, with no explanation to her children.  She has gone to a retreat to face the consequences of a decision she was forced to make 50 years ago.  Cecily has no idea how to make things that happened in the past right, but she is determined to try.
Meanwhile each of her three daughters is struggling with insecurities and problems of their own.  Each will have to make difficult choices and face harsh realities about themselves.
When Cecily tries to blend her past and her present things do not go at all as she has dreamt.  Sometimes, leaving things in the past truly is the right thing to do.
Loved the story with real emotions.  Would have liked more closure on the three daughters lives, but overall I enjoyed the book. 
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I read this as a recommendation from Netgalley.  I liked the back and forth chapters with the Nightingale women.  The sisters were each fully drawn.  Cecily has a compelling story.  I can understand her being compelled to do what was expected at that time.  Norman was a surprise, but she turned out to be lucky to have married him.   Margie was a disappointment.  She knew for all those years and kept silent!  Watching.  I think this book needs a sequel.  I want to know what happens next.  I want to see inside Marnie and Sofia's heads, too. Read in a day!

This is a family drama that felt different to what I have read before, it’s not afraid of showing the flaws and negatives within a family whilst at the same time celebrating the quirks and ties. Cecily seemed like a good mum and the centre of her family and her daughters whilst all so different still remembered to take time for their siblings and had overall an enviable relationship. This didn’t explore anything too deeply yet still cover several issues within the family well, the fact that it was told in parts with months in between helped the story flow well. Overall I think this was an interesting take and very thought provoking.

I read this novel in one sitting. It was stunning! As the Brits say.. ‘‘twas brilliant!  I am the adoptive mother of a daughter who never withheld that information. I intimately know firsthand everything the author describes in her wonderful and thoughtful story of a mother and child separated by societal prejudices and demands. I was waiting the entire book for it to deteriorate into a classic feel good story with a happily ever after ending. It did not and I almost cheered out loud. I have read some of the last conversations in the novel out loud to my husband and myself many times.... they are so revealing and true they make me weep. As the book progressed, the author described  the lives of the main characters and it was done so vividly. All of the family members were depicted with honesty and discernment. This is a subject that has been written about endlessly, but The Last Piece does it better than any other. In addition, the title is so appropriAte it is almost like a mystery solved at the end of the book when you realize why she named it so appropriately.. Bravo! Loved it.

The Last Piece is the first book I have read by Imogen Clark.
It’s the story of Cecile. She has a husband, Norman and 3 grown up daughters, Lily, Felicity and Julia. Cecily’s daughters friend out that she has jumped on a plane and jetted off to Greece. Not only did they not know she was going (leaving them in the lurch for childcare and needing them to look after their Dad) they don’t know why she would take this trip.
Suffice to say, Cecile has a secret and the trip to Greece is to revisit her past and try to join the path to her present.
I have to be honest and say before I had finished the first couple of chapters I had figured out what the secret was but for me it didn’t detract me from the rest of the book, nor did it end the way I thought it would. I have been lucky enough to visit Greece a few times and the book describes the beauty of the island very well, taking us abroad in our minds - which is a good job as non of us are going anywhere in lockdown!
Overall this is a lovely summer read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cecily's gone to Greece and her husband Norman won't tell her daughters Felicity, Julia, and Lily why.  It's not a spoiler to tell you that Cecily had child when she was 16- Marnie- and gave her up for adoption and Marnie's now contacted Cecily. This is the story of these five women, all of whom has an issue to deal with.  Marnie, who should be sympathetic, really isn't.  She's held a lot of anger toward Cecily over the years.  The other three daughters are more well rounded as characters but they are, occasionally, annoying (as in real life!). There aren't any big surprises here but Clark's a good storytelling and the pages do zip about.  Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.  This would have made a good beach read but it was just fine as one read in an armchair in the AC.

When life for the entire universe and planet turns on its end and like everyone else you "have nothing to do" while your place of work is closed and you are continuing to be in #COVID19 #socialisolation,  superspeed readers like me can read 250+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today. And it is way too hot to go outside, so why not sit in from of the blasting a/c and read and review books??  BTW - stay home and save lives!!!!!!!! No tan is worth dying for.

I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.  

From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.

A sudden departure. A story decades in the making.

The chaotic but happy equilibrium of the Nightingale family is thrown into disarray when Cecily—whose children can’t remember her ever being remotely spontaneous—disappears to a Greek island with no warning or explanation.

Her reasons for doing something so out of character are a total mystery to her three daughters, high-powered executive Felicity, unfulfilled GP Julia and organized mother-of-five Lily. What connection could she possibly have with Kefalonia?

But Cecily has gone to continue a story she thought ended decades ago—one that could have a huge impact on her family. And when she returns, she’ll have to tell them the truth.

Will Cecily be able to hold her family together once she reveals her big secret? And might she discover that she’s not the only one with a story to tell?

After two books I did not even read past chapter two, finally home run! How much of a home run? I read it in one fell swoop! (it is too hot to even go outside today so that helped, too.) I sincerely loved the characters in the book and the family dynamics - uncle and father at the same time? LOL- I feel like I am amongst my Arkansas relatives. The book is well written and all the ladies in the book are well fleshed out and integral parts of the story. The men seem a little ignored but that is okay because this is a prime piece of chick-lit that is begging to be read. The problem with writing and reviewing books for far ahead os that one feels pregnant with them, and since pregnancy is a theme in this book, that worked out excellently.

A great book from an author I have never read before.  As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I love emojis (outside of their incessant use by "🙏-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/Tik-Tok and YouTube  Millionaires/etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it 🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦 (the closest I could get to a nightingale!)

This was such a unique read. I appreciated how easy it was to read and get through. You really do come to appreciate the message.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all Imogen’s book so far.  THE LAST PIECE  is no exception. The cover alone is an inspiration to read it. 
A very interesting story line with twists and turns. I would love her to write a sequel as I think the story could and should continue.

Excellent and we'll written heartwarming story of family drama that just pulls you instantly in and makes you feel as though you are right there with the characters.

Loved it!! Imogen Clark is one of my favorite authors and I always get excited when she has a new book out. They never disappoint and I always end up loving the story. Julia, Lily and their father Norman ended up being my favorite characters. I loved reading about the family and getting to know each of them. Felicity was extremely judgmental, even though her life wasn't the perfect picture she tried to make it out to be. How can she tell Julia that children need to be raised by two parents? I wished I found out more about Marnie. I'm not sure I believe that her parents were as horrible as she portrayed them to be. She seems like a difficult person to live with and blames her struggles on other people. I never warmed to her and shows my least favorite character. I hated the way she treated the Nightingale family. She seemed like a very hard person to love. i hated her a little more when Cecily and Norman find all the pictures. I really think she had ulterior motives for contacting Cecily and wanted to hurt her. Cecily excused all of Marnie's actions, even though her other daughters felt hurt. 

Definitely recommend the book. I loved the characters, story and writing style. I wouldn't mind reading more about the Nighingales. I would love to see what Julia, Lily and Felicity are up to and what is going on in their lives. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover of the book. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book gets 5stars for the ending alone!

I've read all of Imogen's books and was waiting with bated breath for this one - how could she possibly top 'Where the Story Starts', which at the time I had thought - how could she possibly top 'The Thing about Clare' and even before that I'd thought - how could she possibly top 'Postcards from a Stranger' - BUT WITH THIS NEWEST RELEASE - SHE ABSOLUTELY HAS!

The story opens with three grown-up sisters panicking that their mother has hot-footed it off to Greece without explanation and leaving their dad at home alone. What could possibly make Cecily do something so out of character? 

What unravels next is a lifetime of secrets and some heart-breaking decisions that have the potential to rip the neat little family apart. Meanwhile, as the children are busy judging their mother for her erratic and unexplained behaviour, they themselves are all hiding secrets of their own and not everything is as it seems on the surface within their own lives. 

As is Imogen's style, she tells the story from different character's point of views, and those eagle-eyed story nerds will notice that she expertly intertwines third-person narration, with one character written in first-person. A truly complex skill to pull off so seamlessly, and in a such a way that the reader doesn't even notice. Instead, they feel more connected to the characters. 

Imogen's prose rolls off the page, and as I'm someone who can personally relate to the topic at the heart of this story, I have to commend Imogen on how she portrayed this very real, but highly controversial topic. I'm so pleased she ended the story as she did - it was the braver option - but the right choice for the characters involved. Well done. 

I'm not sure how I can wait another six months for her next offering!

The last piece by Imogen Clark ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Summary 📖 - Each family is built up of puzzle pieces, that eventually create the puzzle. Some pieces aren’t as spoken about as others, and this book is no exception.

This book follows Cecily, wife to Norman and mum of four daughters, one of which she gave up following her parents wishes when she was just 16. Cecily has heard nothing for fifty years, until one day she received a letter out of the blue inviting her to Greece for the week - so without warning, Cecily disappears to a Greek island retreat leaving her three daughters puzzled and her husband Norman in charge of not just the child care of their grand children but the understandable worry that comes from their mum leaving without an explanation. Cecily is looking to have the chance to explain herself and find a the final piece to add to her puzzle, but will it go as she hoped? 

Review ⭐️ - Firstly, thank you to Net Gallery, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review. 

This may of been my first Imogen Clark book, but I definitely don’t think it’ll be the last - I loved the character development throughout this book, especially Cecily and her daughters - if anything I’d love to know more about them and continue reading about their stories however I have to say I didn’t warm too Marnie at all - her life must of been tough don’t get me wrong, but she didn’t show much or any compassion to her mother who didn’t have any choice in the decision to give her up! This book gave such a real account that not all meetings go as planned. 

Very early on, I knew where the book was going but nothing fully prepared me for the shock of their trip to London - though with that in mind, after the reaction from Marnie I wasn’t exactly surprised. This is definitely one of them books, that you can get lost in for the afternoon! 🏠