Full Measures summary

Dealing with Loss and New Beginnings

In Full Measures by Rebecca Yarro, we meet Ember Howard, a college student who's trying to cope with the recent loss of her father, a military man who died in a helicopter crash. Ember's mother is devastated by the loss and her brother has been deployed to Afghanistan, leaving Ember as the sole caretaker of her family. To make things even more complicated, Ember is struggling with her feelings for her new neighbor, Josh Walker, a charming hockey player.

Despite her initial reluctance, Ember finds herself drawn to Josh, who seems to be the only person capable of making her forget her pain. Their relationship grows, and Ember begins to find solace in Josh's company. However, things take a turn when Josh, who has been keeping a secret from Ember, is called back to active duty in the military and leaves without a proper goodbye.

Heartbreak and New Realities

With Josh gone, Ember is left once again to deal with her grief alone. She throws herself into her studies and her part-time job at a local bar, trying to distract herself from the pain. But despite her best efforts, Ember can't seem to get Josh out of her mind. In an attempt to move on, she starts dating a fellow student named Mark, but it's clear that her heart still belongs to Josh.

As the story progresses, Ember's life becomes increasingly complicated. Her brother returns from Afghanistan, suffering from severe PTSD, and her mother's mental health continues to deteriorate. To make matters worse, Ember discovers that Josh has been injured in combat and is in a coma. Feeling helpless and overwhelmed, Ember is forced to confront the harsh realities of life and love.

Unwavering Love and New Beginnings

Despite the odds, Ember refuses to give up on Josh. She visits him in the hospital every day, hoping for a miracle. Her unwavering love and determination catch the attention of Josh's family, and they invite her to visit Josh's childhood home, where she learns more about his past and the hardships he's faced. This experience strengthens Ember's resolve to fight for Josh, and she begins to believe that they might have a future together after all.

In a heart-wrenching twist, Josh wakes up from his coma, only to discover that he has lost his leg in the explosion. He's devastated by the news and pushes Ember away, believing that he's no longer worthy of her love. But Ember refuses to give up on him, and with the support of their friends and family, they both come to terms with their new realities and find a way to move forward together.

Conclusion

In the end, Full Measures is a powerful story about love, loss, and resilience. Ember and Josh's journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the healing power of love. Despite the obstacles they face, they ultimately find their way back to each other, proving that with enough determination and full measures of love, even the most broken hearts can be mended.