Grief in Black Garments

Everlynne "Ever" Lawson stands at a funeral, shattered by grief, unable to say goodbye to the man she's lost. Her world is split between the man she's burying and the one standing behind her—two halves of her heart, two impossible choices. The weight of tragedy isolates her, and she's haunted by the "Big Alone" that follows loss. Even surrounded by mourners, she feels the singular pain of grief, unable to face the finality of the burial. Her father's practical support and the murmurs of the crowd only deepen her sense of being unmoored. The man behind her, holding the other piece of her heart, is a living reminder of the love and conflict that have defined her life. This moment sets the stage for a story of love, loss, and the search for meaning after devastation.

Barcelona's Fateful Pharmacy

Ever and her best friend Pippa arrive in Barcelona for a last hurrah before college. Their dynamic is clear: Pippa is wild and impulsive, Ever is cautious and reserved. A playful argument in a pharmacy leads to a serendipitous meeting with a mysterious American, "Smoker Dude," whose taste in music and sardonic wit mirror Ever's own. Their banter is electric, and Ever feels alive in a way she never has before. The encounter is brief but leaves a deep impression—she's drawn to him, but circumstances and misunderstandings pull them apart before names or numbers are exchanged. The city's magic lingers, and Ever is left wondering about the boy who seemed to see her soul, setting the tone for a story of missed chances and longing.

Beach Rescue and First Love

On a Gran Canaria beach, Ever stumbles upon a lost journal, then nearly loses her life to the sea. She's saved by none other than Smoker Dude—Joe—who becomes her literal and emotional lifeline. Their chemistry is undeniable, and as they share music, stories, and secrets, Ever feels seen and wanted for the first time. They spend a night together under the stars, their connection deepening into intimacy and vulnerability. But reality intrudes: Ever is leaving for the States, and Joe is staying in Europe. They exchange numbers and promises, but both are afraid to risk their hearts. Their goodbye is bittersweet, filled with hope and the ache of what might have been, marking the beginning of a love that will haunt them both.

One Night, Two Goodbyes

Ever and Joe's night together is passionate and transformative, but the morning brings the pain of impending separation. Both are paralyzed by fear—of rejection, of the unknown, of wanting too much. They part with promises to call, but pride and insecurity keep them from reaching out. The memory of their connection lingers, shaping Ever's sense of what love could be. She returns home changed, but unable to bridge the gap between hope and action. The ache of their goodbye becomes a defining wound, one that will shape her choices and relationships for years to come, as she struggles to move forward while clinging to the past.

Six Years and Lost Cats

Six years later, Ever is living in Salem, Massachusetts, her life small and safe but haunted by loss. She's estranged from her family, working two jobs, and sharing an apartment with her friend Nora. When her beloved cat Loki goes missing, a Craigslist ad leads her to Dominic, a charming nurse who returns Loki and offers a glimpse of a different kind of life. Dominic is everything Joe was not—steady, optimistic, and eager to connect. Their banter is easy, and he asks her out, but Ever is still tethered to the memory of Joe. The possibility of new love is both tempting and terrifying, and she's forced to confront the ways she's been holding herself back from happiness.

Craigslist, Coffee, and Dominic

Ever's interactions with Dominic grow, and she's drawn to his warmth and stability. He's persistent but respectful, and their friendship deepens into something more. Yet Ever's heart is still divided—she's haunted by the past, by guilt over her mother's death, and by the unresolved feelings for Joe. Dominic becomes a safe harbor, offering her a chance at healing and normalcy. But as their relationship develops, Ever is forced to reckon with the parts of herself she's kept hidden, and the fear that she's incapable of real happiness. The tension between safety and passion, between moving on and holding on, becomes the central conflict of her life.

Salem's Ghosts and New Beginnings

Ever's life in Salem is a delicate balance of routine and avoidance. She gives ghost tours, works at a witchcraft store, and keeps her world small. Dominic's presence challenges her to open up, to risk vulnerability, and to imagine a future beyond grief. Their relationship is sweet and supportive, but Ever's unresolved trauma and guilt threaten to undermine it. As she reconnects with her family and begins to heal, she's forced to confront the ways she's been punishing herself. The ghosts of her past—literal and metaphorical—demand to be faced, and Ever must decide whether she's ready to let go and truly live again.

The Safe Choice Unravels

Just as Ever begins to trust in her relationship with Dominic, cracks appear. She discovers he's been unfaithful, maintaining a relationship with another woman, Sarah. The revelation is devastating, shattering her sense of safety and forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about love and herself. The betrayal echoes her earlier losses, compounding her grief and self-doubt. Dominic's duplicity is a painful reminder that safety can be an illusion, and that true connection requires risk. Ever is left reeling, her heart broken anew, and the path forward is uncertain.

Family Calls and Avoidance

Ever's family reaches out, urging her to come home, but she's paralyzed by guilt and shame over her mother's death. Her relationships with her father and brother are strained, and she feels unworthy of their love. The distance is both a punishment and a shield, protecting her from the pain of facing what she's lost. Yet as she begins to heal and open up to new possibilities, the pull of family grows stronger. The prospect of forgiveness—both given and received—becomes a beacon, guiding her toward reconciliation and self-acceptance.

The Graves Brothers' Secret

A shocking twist reveals that Joe—Ever's first love—is Dominic's brother. The realization is a gut punch, forcing Ever to confront the tangled web of her past and present. The chemistry between her and Joe is undeniable, but the moral implications are overwhelming. Both are wracked with guilt and confusion, unsure whether to confess to Dominic or bury their feelings. The secret threatens to destroy the fragile peace Ever has built, and she's forced to choose between honesty and self-preservation, between passion and loyalty.

Christmas Collisions

Christmas brings Ever into the heart of the Graves family, where the tension between her and Joe simmers beneath the surface. The holiday is a minefield of unspoken truths and unresolved feelings. Ever and Joe's shared history is a silent presence, shaping every interaction. The pressure mounts as Dominic proposes, and Ever is swept up in a whirlwind of expectation and obligation. The collision of past and present, of love and duty, reaches a breaking point, and Ever must decide whether to follow her heart or honor her commitments.

Guilt, Grief, and Ghosts

The weight of secrets and guilt becomes unbearable as tragedy strikes again. Dominic is killed in a sudden accident, and Ever is plunged into a new cycle of grief and self-blame. The loss is compounded by the unresolved feelings for Joe and the knowledge that she was never truly honest with Dominic. The ghosts of her past—her mother, Dominic, her own choices—haunt her, demanding acknowledgment and atonement. In the aftermath, Ever is forced to confront the truth about herself, her relationships, and what it means to move forward after loss.

The Proposal and the Past

As Ever navigates the aftermath of Dominic's death, she seeks closure with his family and with Joe. The process is painful but necessary, as she returns the engagement ring and faces the reality of what was lost and what remains. The act of designing her mother's gravestone becomes a metaphor for healing—honoring the past while creating something new. Forgiveness, both given and received, becomes the key to moving forward. Ever begins to imagine a future that includes hope, creativity, and the possibility of love.

Tragedy Strikes Again

Dominic's sudden death in a car accident shatters the fragile stability Ever has found. The tragedy forces her, Joe, and the Graves family to confront the unresolved pain and secrets that have defined their relationships. Ever is wracked with guilt, feeling responsible for yet another loss. The aftermath is a blur of grief, confusion, and the slow, painful process of coming to terms with what cannot be changed. The experience becomes a crucible, burning away illusions and leaving only the raw truth of love, loss, and the need for forgiveness.

Aftermath and Unraveling Truths

In the wake of Dominic's death, Ever returns home to San Francisco, seeking solace and reconnection with her family. The process is fraught with old wounds and new challenges, but gradually, she begins to heal. Therapy, art, and the support of friends and family help her find her footing. She reconnects with Joe through creative collaboration, their shared passion for art and writing rekindling the spark between them. The journey is one of honesty—about the past, about love, and about what she truly wants. The courage to choose, to risk, and to hope becomes the foundation for a new life.

Facing the Past, Finding Home

Ever's return home is both a reckoning and a homecoming. She faces her father and brother, confronts the guilt that has kept her away, and begins to forgive herself. The process is messy and imperfect, but it leads to genuine connection and understanding. She finds purpose in her art, designing her mother's gravestone as an act of love and healing. The support of her family and friends, and the rekindling of her relationship with Joe, offer the promise of a future built on hope rather than fear. The past is honored, but no longer allowed to dictate the terms of her life.

Hope, Healing, and Forever

In the end, Ever and Joe find their way back to each other, not through grand gestures, but through the slow, steady work of healing and choosing each other every day. Their love is forged in the fires of loss and tempered by forgiveness and hope. Together, they create—art, stories, a life. The ghosts of the past are acknowledged but no longer hold sway. The story closes with a sense of possibility, of a future that is not perfect, but real and shared. Hope, once elusive, becomes the foundation for everything that follows. For Ever, and for Joe, the promise is not of happily ever after, but of hope, healing, and forever.

Characters

Everlynne "Ever" Lawson

Ever is a young woman marked by loss, guilt, and a deep longing for connection. Her mother's tragic death, for which she blames herself, shapes her relationships and sense of self-worth. She is introspective, artistic, and drawn to the macabre—designing gravestones as a way to process grief and honor individuality. Ever's relationships are defined by fear and longing: she is torn between the safety of Dominic and the passion of Joe. Her journey is one of self-forgiveness, learning to risk vulnerability, and ultimately choosing hope over fear. Her development is gradual, moving from avoidance and self-punishment to acceptance, creativity, and the courage to love again.

Joseph "Joe/Seph" Graves

Joe is Ever's first love and Dominic's younger brother. He is a writer, a dreamer, and a survivor—having grown up in the shadow of his brother's illness and his family's expectations. Joe's connection with Ever is immediate and profound, but circumstances and misunderstandings keep them apart. He is both sardonic and deeply sensitive, using humor and detachment to mask his pain. Joe's loyalty to his family and his own sense of honor create internal conflict, especially as he navigates his feelings for Ever and the secrets they share. His journey is one of reclaiming his voice, embracing vulnerability, and fighting for the love he thought he'd lost.

Dominic Graves

Dominic is the "safe" choice—Ever's boyfriend and later fiancé. He is a nurse, a caretaker, and a beacon of positivity. Dominic offers Ever stability and acceptance, but beneath his cheerful exterior, he struggles with his own demons—survivor's guilt, fear of loss, and a need for control. His infidelity and inability to fully commit to either Ever or his other girlfriend, Sarah, reveal the cracks in his facade. Dominic's tragic death is a catalyst for truth and transformation, forcing those around him to confront the realities of love, loyalty, and the cost of secrets.

Pippa

Pippa is Ever's childhood best friend, a force of nature who pushes Ever out of her comfort zone. She is vibrant, unapologetic, and fiercely protective. Pippa's role is both comic relief and emotional anchor—she challenges Ever's self-imposed limitations and offers unconditional support. Her own life is marked by adventure and a refusal to settle, serving as a foil to Ever's caution. Pippa's presence is a reminder of the importance of friendship, honesty, and the willingness to fight for those you love.

Nora

Nora is Ever's roommate in Salem, a mortuary makeup artist with a big heart and a pragmatic outlook. She provides stability and companionship, encouraging Ever to take risks and pursue happiness. Nora's own relationship with Colt is a model of healthy partnership, and her engagement serves as a catalyst for Ever to confront her own fears about love and commitment. Nora's loyalty is unwavering, and her gentle nudges help Ever move toward healing and self-acceptance.

Sarah

Sarah is Dominic's long-term girlfriend, a doctor whose presence complicates Ever's relationship with Dominic. She is intelligent, caring, and ultimately a victim of Dominic's inability to choose. Sarah's discovery of Dominic's infidelity is a moment of reckoning, exposing the ways in which secrets and avoidance can harm even the most well-intentioned people. Her grace in the aftermath is a testament to her strength and capacity for forgiveness.

Martin Lawson (Ever's Father)

Martin is a man shaped by loss and responsibility. His relationship with Ever is strained by grief and misunderstanding, but beneath his stoic exterior is a deep well of love and concern. He struggles to express his emotions, leading to distance and miscommunication. Martin's journey is one of learning to forgive, to reach out, and to accept his daughter as she is. His eventual support and pride in Ever's choices are a crucial part of her healing.

Renn Lawson (Ever's Brother)

Renn is Ever's younger brother, a surfer and free spirit who copes with loss through action and distraction. His relationship with Ever is marked by both affection and frustration—he misses his sister but resents her absence. Renn's own struggles with love and responsibility mirror Ever's, and their eventual reconciliation is a testament to the enduring bonds of family. His humor and resilience provide balance to the story's heavier themes.

Gemma Graves

Gemma is Dominic and Joe's mother, a woman who has weathered immense loss with grace and strength. She is a source of comfort and wisdom, offering support to Ever even in the midst of her own grief. Gemma's ability to forgive and to encourage love in all its forms is a guiding force, helping Ever and Joe find their way back to each other. Her presence is a reminder of the power of compassion and the importance of family.

Brad Graves

Brad is the patriarch of the Graves family, a man of few words but deep feeling. He is a stabilizing presence, offering strength and guidance in times of crisis. Brad's relationship with his sons is complex, shaped by illness, rivalry, and love. His acceptance of Ever and his willingness to forgive are crucial to the story's resolution, embodying the themes of redemption and second chances.

Plot Devices

Dual Timelines and Missed Connections

The narrative weaves together past and present, using flashbacks and time jumps to reveal the evolution of Ever and Joe's relationship. Their initial connection in Barcelona and Gran Canaria is contrasted with their later lives in Salem, highlighting the impact of missed opportunities and the ways in which fear and circumstance can shape destiny. The use of dual timelines creates tension and longing, allowing the reader to experience the weight of what was lost and the hope of what might still be found.

Secrets, Guilt, and the Burden of Truth

The story is driven by secrets—Ever's guilt over her mother's death, Dominic's infidelity, the hidden connection between Ever and Joe. These secrets create a web of moral dilemmas, forcing characters to choose between honesty and self-preservation. The burden of truth is a recurring theme, with confessions and revelations serving as catalysts for change. The cost of silence is shown to be high, but the possibility of forgiveness and healing is always present.

Symbolism of Graves and Art

Gravestones and art are central symbols, representing both the finality of loss and the possibility of transformation. Ever's work designing gravestones is a way of honoring individuality and processing grief, while Joe's writing is an act of self-discovery and hope. The act of creation becomes a means of healing, allowing characters to make meaning from pain and to forge connections that transcend death. The recurring motif of graves underscores the story's exploration of mortality, memory, and the enduring power of love.

Hope, Healing, and the Choice to Love

At its core, the story is about the choice to hope—to risk vulnerability, to forgive, and to love again after loss. The characters' journeys are marked by setbacks and heartbreak, but also by moments of grace and connection. The narrative structure uses foreshadowing and callbacks to earlier events, reinforcing the idea that healing is a process, not a destination. The final chapters emphasize the importance of agency—the power to choose hope over fear, and to build a future that honors the past without being defined by it.

Analysis

Beautiful Graves is a meditation on grief, love, and the messy, nonlinear path to healing. L.J. Shen crafts a narrative that refuses easy answers, instead embracing the complexity of human emotion and the ways in which trauma shapes our choices. The novel interrogates the allure of safety versus the risk of passion, the cost of secrets, and the redemptive power of honesty. Through Ever's journey, we see the necessity of self-forgiveness and the courage required to hope after devastation. The story's use of dual timelines, symbolism, and moral ambiguity invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of loss and longing. Ultimately, Beautiful Graves is a testament to resilience—the idea that even in the aftermath of tragedy, it is possible to choose love, to create meaning, and to find hope. The lesson is clear: life is not about avoiding pain, but about embracing the possibility of joy, even when it feels out of reach. The novel's emotional arc is both cathartic and inspiring, offering a vision of healing that is imperfect, hard-won, and deeply human.

Last updated: October 1, 2025