Told in alternating timelines, THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED examines the risks we take for love, the scars too deep to heal, and the endings we can’t bring ourselves to see coming. Twenty-eight-year-old Georgia Stanton has to start over after she gave up almost everything in a brutal divorce–the New York house, the friends, and her pride. Now back home at her late great-grandmother’s estate … great-grandmother’s estate in Colorado, she finds herself face-to-face with Noah Harrison, the bestselling author of a million books where the cover is always people nearly kissing. He’s just as arrogant in person as in interviews, and she’ll be damned if the good-looking writer of love stories thinks he’s the one to finish her grandmother’s final novel…even if the publisher swears he’s the perfect fit.
Noah is at the pinnacle of his career. With book and movie deals galore, there isn’t much the “golden boy” of modern fiction hasn’t accomplished. But he can’t walk away from what might be the best book of the century–the one his idol, Scarlett Stanton, left unfinished. Coming up with a fitting ending for the legendary author is one thing, but dealing with her beautiful, stubborn, cynical great-granddaughter, Georgia, is quite another.
But as they read Scarlett’s words in both the manuscript and her box of letters, they start to realize why Scarlett never finished the book–it’s based on her real-life romance with a World War II pilot, and the ending isn’t a happy one. Georgia knows all too well that love never works out, and while the chemistry and connection between her and Noah is undeniable, she’s as determined as ever to learn from her great-grandmother’s mistakes–even if it means destroying Noah’s career.
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This is only my 2nd book by Rebecca Yarros and I am hooked on all her writings! At first I was a little confused and not sure what was going on. It took me awhile to get into it. Once I was hooked, I finished it in no time. The storyline was like none I have ever read. I fell in love with all the characters. And I was FLOORED when I got to the ending! I am so glad I kept going even after being confused. This book gripped my heart, tore it in two, and put it back together again. Amazing story!
In the world of books, there are books that we like and love and the same can be said of certain authors. Those phenomenal people who are able to weave plots and characters in a wondrous tale which can leave us with incredible highs and sometimes unrealistic expectations. Because come on, admit it…after certain books, we turn to the love of our life and say: “why can’t you be more like so and so??” More often than not these comments are met with looks of disbelief and eye-rolling. But hey…a girl’s gotta have standards, right?!
For me, Rebecca Yarros is one of those authors. Her books are timeless. Her words bring deep emotion and yes, lots of tears. But it is more than just that. Her words bring peace and comfort. Joy and sadness. Humor and friendship. So much wrapped up in each book. This is most certainly the case with her latest stand-alone book, The Things We Leave Unfinished.
Scarlett & Jameson’s story hurts in the best possible way. It’s like watching something so beautiful that it steals your breath away. Tears you didn’t know were falling. You catch your breath and read on because you know —you know what you’re really reading is actually happening. And it sucks. You just can’t stop. It’s not the rubber-necking you do when watching an accident where you can’t look away. It’s different. It’s because you were there in this really private moment of sheer beauty. It’s just fantastic that you got to be in the room while these intimate tender moments are happening between two people. You got to be there.
Georgia and Noah’s story was just so….like watching the surf roll and ebb into the shore. It was gentle and sweet, angsty and dramatic, and bittersweet and beautiful. It was a wonderful story. Like a day spent watching the shoreline.
All the characters in these stories are substantial and real. They’re people you can imagine knowing. Both stories are a beautiful tribute to the love two people can share. It’s a beautiful tribute from the author to the reader—that she trusts you to get it. It’s a tribute to the power of the written word to reach across the most uncomfortable emotions and find the beauty. This book was pure beauty. I highly recommend reading this. It will CHANGE. YOUR. LIFE.
This is my first Rebecca Yarros novel, and it certainly won’t be my last. The Things We Leave Unfinished is a captivating and immersive read that introduces two unforgettable romances. The story switches between the present day and the days of World War II seamlessly and with distinct narration and characterization in both.
I loved Scarlett and Jameson’s epic love story, set amidst the chaos of war. They had a once in a lifetime love that defied so many obstacles. War, distance, and family expectations continually threatened their happily-ever-after. They met at a time when everything was uncertain, and they proved that their love was lasting and true.
Though I love their classic, timeless tale, the contemporary romance between Scarlett and Noah stood out for me. The enemies to lovers trope is one of my favorites, and I loved the way Scarlett and Noah’s relationship developed. They have amazing chemistry and a shared love of Georgia’s great-grandmother. I love their witty banter, fun and revealing texts, and their feelings for each other. Noah and Georgia are as drawn together as Scarlett and Jameson were all those years ago, even though their lives are very different.
As Georgia heals from a failed marriage and tries to redefine herself as a newly single and independent woman, she also has to deal with the loss of her great-grandmother and the subsequent publication of Scarlett’s most treasured story. Add Noah, the arrogant, wealthy, ridiculously handsome, and charming author who wants to finish Scarlett’s story, as well as a demanding and greedy mother, and Georgia’s life is turned totally upside down.
Though their lives are very different and take place in different decades, there are several similarities between the characters in each. I found it interesting how much Georgia and Noah paralleled the older couple. Like Scarlett, Georgia has a turbulent and toxic relationship with all but one female in her family, and Georgia’s family has self-serving expectations, much like Scarlett’s. The women are both independent and intelligent and willing to take risks in order to be true to themselves.
Unlike the women, Noah and Jameson both have larger and more loving connections with their families. The men are both strong and confident and willing to put their hearts on their sleeves to show their women how in love they are. Both couples have strong connections and love deeply, and their use of correspondence helps to strengthen and deepen their bonds.
I also love the exploration of different kinds of love. Sisterly bonds, passionate but short love affairs, deep and true love, and familial love abound throughout the story. I love the messages about love and life and the bonds of family and think Yarros did an exceptional job of highlighting the variety of fulfilling relationships in life. No love is the same, and the author explores this idea powerfully and poignantly.
This is a heart-warming, romantic, and heart-breaking read that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride, and I enjoyed every minute of it. From the harsh realities of war to the painful loss of one you love to the hope of new love, Yarros takes the reader on an epic and unforgettable journey. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Entangled, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Once again Rebecca Yarros shows me why she will always be one of my go to authors. There is no exception with The Things We Leave.
You have two love stories that are running along one another seamlessly, even with being set it two different eras. Two wonderful love stories that weave into one another effortlessly. I will admit at times I got a little lost bouncing back and forth between Georgia, Noah and the past, but that just makes you soak up their story even more.
If you love a heartfelt romance, than this is for sure the book for you.
Yet again Rebecca Yarros has shown her skill and prowess with beautifully presented manipulations of the written word. She can produce just about anything with her trusty pen, typewriter or computer.
In The Things We Leave Unfinished we have not one but two stories of love, running concurrently and seamlessly regardless of being set in two very different eras.
The authorial voice switches from an historical to contemporary tone so efficiently that the movie reel playing in the reader’s head changes time and scene effortlessly.
The stories of Jameson and Scarlett as well as Georgia and Noah almost play second fiddle to the expertise that has been employed in the production of this stunning novel and, if I had to choose which couple I rooted for most I’d have to completely honest and take my love of romance back to WWII Britain, going against the grain if my preferred romance genre.
This is quite simply a stunning book and a fabulous way to end my reading for 2020.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
5 Stars
The things we leave unfinished will drag your heart through an emotional rollercoaster of ups and downs, in the end leaving it a bit bruised but full of love.
From the first letter, Scarlett and Jameson’s love is crystal clear. As we learn the details of their love story, in war torn England during the early years of WWII, it is impossible for readers to not be drawn into the intensity of their love. It is a love that is timeless and deserves to be shared. This is why, despite resisting at first, Georgia, Scarlett’s great granddaughter, agrees to let a well known author finish the manuscript her recently deceased great grandmother began so many decades earlier.
Simultaneously to the telling of Scarlett and Jameson’s love story, readers witness a relationship blooming between Georgia and Noah, the man hired to finish Scarlett’s book. Though they often disagree about the details, they both want an authentic, and worthy, ending to the story of Scarlett and Jameson’s life together. While spending time working so closely together neither one of them can deny the attraction sizzling between them. As they embark on a passionate and beautiful affair of their own, the book that has brought them together could also tear them apart.
Readers can expect to feel a variety of emotions twisting and turning in their own hearts as the characters immerse themselves in the past while reaching for the future.
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
What a amazing read this book is.i really felt like I was on journey with this book warning have tissues handly as they will be needed that I guarantee you.this book has everything I love in my reads and I cannot wait to read more from you Rebecca
I feel like this book snuck up on me. A mesmerising journey that broke my heart and put it back together, and just left me emotionally reeling. There are books that you read, and enjoy. And then there are books like this one. Books that stir up all of your emotions and you just know that reading this book is going to change your life. The Things We Leave Unfinished is that book for me. It’s the kind of book that destroys you, yet fills you with hope all at the same time. It’s the kind of book that will have you crying all of the ugly tears you can summon up. This is the kind of book that I can’t imagine never getting to experience. It’s completely and totally unforgettable and one of the best books I have ever read in my entire life.
This book was a true timeless masterpiece. I don’t want to say anything in-depth about the story because it is absolutely one of those books that needs to be experienced. We not only see one but two enchanting stories of love, running concurrently regardless of being set in two very different eras. Rebecca Yarros did a phenomenal job of intertwining these two worlds together so that the story flowed seamlessly from beginning to end. Both stories captured my heart and soul. The true talent of Rebecca Yarros is showcased with every word, every paragraph, and every chapter.
I will never forget this story, and even now, days later I am still tearing up when I think of specific parts, or smile at the once in a lifetime, true everlasting love portrayed in this story. It’s definitely one I’ll hold near and dear to my heart for years to come. It’s simply that special. Without a shadow of a doubt, Rebecca Yarros upped the ante and displayed a true testament of skill on what a truly unforgettable romance book entails. Undoubtedly, her best book to date and one I shall never forget.
A timeless book that takes you on a journey of love, loss and legacy. The characters were incredibly well written and they all had something to say, something to teach and something to share. Honestly I feel like I read 3 different books as I got different stories as I read it, it was the best feeling! Reading how these characters met and interacted with each other, and how they loved was an emotional ride that I didn’t want to get off of! I am so impressed how the author was able to write this book and tell so many stories with so much detail and I absolutely LOVED how it all came together in the end. I highly recommend!
How to start one of probably the hardest reviews I have to write. I mean how do you write anything that describes a book that moved you to more than tears. It’s been well over 12 hours since I finished this book and I still can’t stop the ache that it caused in my heart. I can’t forget those words that broke my heart but healed them with that one selfless act.
Maybe it’s because my family was changed forever by WWII so many years ago. I don’t think there is anyone that could say it didn’t. But how that era was woven into this modern-day tale of an unfinished book. Was in my opinion genius. I won’t talk about the characters from the past that made so many sacrifices for fear of spoiling what I feel you need to read first hand. However, Noah and Georgia’s story was a reflection of that beautiful story. But without the war and destruction. But definitely as touching and important.
During this book, many surprises happen but I don’t think I ever expected or would have guessed what took place. Just know it’s important, brave and it broke my heart. And I think this has a chance of being one of my all-time favorite books.
This book is set across a span of 80 years and in a clever twist of fate, delivers a fantastic story. This book is a total recommendation from me. One that I will suggest time and time again. Rebecca Yarros pulled out all the stops for this one. Bravo.
Reviewer: Donna
This might be my favorite book from Miss Yarros up to date, I didn’t see all the twists coming, but boy did they take my breath away! if you’ve read or seen The Notebook and The Longest Ride then you need to grab and read this incredible story!
The Things We Leave Unfinished is a true timeless masterpiece. A book that will resonate in your soul and be long remembered.
I am a fan of the author and like knowing that she lives in Colorado and half of the story takes place there and is so beautifully described, and is also knowledgeable about military life making the book all the more real to me. I can’t imagine living through a war, and felt on every page as if I was there.
The author varies the chapters with the past and the present and this book is two love stories in one with so many layers. So many emotions. I laughed and cried, and literally talked my friend’s ear off for over an hour trying to process my feelings. It was nothing short of amazing.
The past is set during WWII in England where Georgia meets and falls in love with an American fighter pilot, Jameson Stanton. I love her spirit, how protective she is of her younger sister, Constance, how she stands up for herself with her selfish aristocrat parents and won’t yield to their wishes, how hard she works for the war effort along with her sister and how close they are and are both unpretentious, and how fiercely and unconditionally she loves Jameson.
Jameson is so deserving of the title hero. He came from Colorado to join the Royal Air Force with the hope of keeping the war from America. He was knocked off his feet when he first met Scarlett, and despite the obstacles of being together, their love and passion was felt to their very core. The way the author describes their relationship will make you a true believer. There are so many details and she poignantly tells of what life was like for those living in an active war zone and the sacrifices one must make. All the fears and how hopeful the human spirit is, and what one has to do just survive and protect the ones you love.
Scarlett and Jameson do marry and she longed to be a novelist. She begins to write their love story to pass down to their son, William, but left it unfinished. Once in Colorado she became a successful romance writer and after her death, her great granddaughter, Georgia Stanton, is named benefactor, instead of Georgia’s mother, Ava.
She inherits her manuscripts, home, foundation, and at the urging of her mother, decides to work with a novelist to finish the book. In walks our second hero, Noah Harrison, and I could love him more. He is hired to finish the book and their relationship is filled with witty dialogue and sexual tension, and he does all he can to gain her trust. Noah and Georgia embark on a journey that will change the course of both of their lives forever, and it goes to show you that one person can make a difference.
I love the slow burn of how smitten Noah was with Georgia, and how he quickly came to understand her walls, and knew exactly what she needed. I loved how patient and insightful he was, and the clever and thoughtful ways he gained her trust. Georgia is complicated, strong willed, and protective of her heart, but oh so very good and deserving of love.
I admired Georgia in every way possible. Even though she was betrayed by two people who were supposed to love her the most, she held her head high. She was independent, strong, and brave. She had tremendous character growth and I think I cried the hardest at the end because I wanted so much for her to feel treasured and true contentment. I loved how she pursued her creative passion as well, and how she could admit when she was wrong. Loved her friend, Hazel, too, and how she encouraged her as well.
Scarlett’s words were so wise and gentle, and I loved what a positive force she was in Georgia’s life, even after her death. I truly was captivated by every word in this book and not one of my questions went unanswered.
I must say though, I was completely blindsided by a twist at the end. It takes a lot to surprise me! When a child, I got up at 4 am to sneak peaks at my Christmas gifts and tricked my friends into telling me when my bridal shower was. I read so often and can generally figure out a book pretty fast, but was truly in shock when I got to the part I can’t tell you about in a review! Just know this book is on an entirely different level, every word has purpose, and the author deserves all the stars in the sky in my opinion.
The Things We Leave Unfinished is a perfect title and applies to more than just the manuscript. It’s inspirational and filled with hope. It’s about trust, acceptance, the healing power of forgiveness, and second chances. I loved it and highly, highly recommend.
I’m utterly speechless, this book has rendered me emotionally spent and my jaw hurts from hitting the floor with the ending! I’ve read only one book before (Tiffany Blues) that has jumped from the past to the present, and although I normally don’t read those types of books I took a chance with both, this being the second book. I will tell you right now this was an incredible, emotional, romantic, funny, tragic and definitely educational in the sense it takes you through history and how our military helped shape the War in the 1940s, that I’ve read in a long time. Jamieson and Scarletts story was magical, one I didn’t want to put down, it takes you through the great love story that only a few authors I’ve read can do with seamless ease. Your heart breaks for these two characters with what they had to do for their countries, the dedication it took for a US pilot to fight in a foreign war and the English woman he falls in love with and marries. It tells the story of two sisters who were inseparable and took the war on the only way they knew how. The story intertwines with the current love story between Scarlett and Jamieson’s great granddaughter, Georgia, and her struggle with a broken marriage and new found love with Noah, and because this author can’t rip our hearts out enough, throw in the worthless mother that was never around when Georgia was growing up. Everything about this book screams greatness, sit on the edge of your seat, stay up late trying to get one last page in type of book. When you read this book, and you will read this incredible story, settle in for the ride with a box of Kleenex, because you’re going to need it. Loved everything about it, even the raw emotions I still have after finishing the last word in the book. Enjoy the ride, it’s a good one…..
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
WOW! This book will leave you speechless on so many levels! Rebecca Yarros has completely outdone herself with this beautiful, wonderful, amazing book!!
Two love stories seamlessly woven into one.
One from now, and one from decades ago. As Georgia and famous author Noah Harrison read letters between Scarlett Stanton and Jameson Stanton, Georgia’s great grandma. And try to figure out the ending to their love story.
Go on read it…..you know you want to find out what happens between Georgia and Noah. And discover the story between Scarlett and Jameson. You won’t be disappointed!!
The Things We Leave Unfinished
Written by: Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros has given readers an epic novel of love, loss, trust and hidden truths. Her writing, this story, these characters and the emotions they evoke brought me to my knees.
The beauty this book brings to romance stories is so hard to describe without beginning to cry all over again. Yes, you will cry, often for Scarlett and Jameson Stanton’s love story, which takes place in World War 2, England. Their story takes your heart and your emotions and pulls and pulls at them and puts you right there with their characters because you become a part of their story.
Where the second entwined story between Noah Harrison and Georgia Stanton begins, we see Georgia’s need to heal after coming out of a marriage that was built on lies. To do that she comes home to the house she was raised in/inherited from her great gran Scarlett Jameson. The one person Georgia holds onto is Scarlett who she believes has always been honest and truthful with her. As we watch the relationship between Noah and Georgia move through phases and see Georgia begin to trust and start to heal, we see how Noah’s feelings grow while Georgia’s growth and her trust in Noah opens her up to love.
The third intertwined truth when revealed will show you that trust means different things to different characters in this book. Its story is about protecting a life and saving a life and we learn why the finishing of Scarlett’s original story needs to be the perfect ending.
To write a story that contains three entangled yet separate storylines takes a talented, creative and clever writer. Rebecca Yarros is that writer. The Things We Leave Unfinished needs to have all three of these stories told in the exact way she has given them to readers. We will know everything, every truth, every bit of sadness and all the happiness that this book brings with it.
If you see tear drops in this review then you know it’s hard to give up this story and move on, but on we must go until we get to read another beautiful love story like this one.
Yarros has written an epic masterpiece impossible to put down. Threading past events to present-day and spanning several generations, her characters left me breathless. Worthy of savouring every word, the story begged me to devour every page. The Things We Leave Unfinished couldn’t have been more intriguing, exciting, and the agonisingly bittersweet moments made me weep for the unfairness of it all.
As I’d like you to enjoy this book to the hilt, I’ll keep my review short and spoiler-free. Firstly, I went in blind because this is Yarros! She has delved into her protagonists’ relationships with such heartfelt storytelling that I felt as if I were alongside them. From the trials of finding happiness to trails of utter sadness left behind, Yarros always gives her readers hope to cling to.
Jameson and Scarlett’s narrative is so stunningly beautiful that this couple blew my mind away. Not only that, one of the places mentioned is just around the corner from where I used to live. And since a member of my family experienced this turbulent era first-hand, I can’t tell you how much I appreciated the historical accuracy.
Noah has his story, Georgia has hers. Although their backgrounds are different, what they have in common brings them together and puts them both in a spot. I loved the way they teetered back and forth while trying to find a middle ground. Why? Georgia’s stubbornness outshines Noah’s much to his exasperation. I couldn’t wait to see if she’d eventually come around to his way of thinking. Theirs is by no means love at first sight, but goodness me, their chemistry is beyond a doubt, intense.
Yarros has entwined two stories together without confusing the reader. Told with outstanding sensitivity and compassion, her rich offering is rewarding and inspiring. Learning to trust, forgive, accept and adapt to every possible circumstance, is it better to leave the things we cherish more in life unfinished? You’ll only find out by picking this book up. I honestly wish I could give this must-read more than five stars. Simply bravo, Yarros!
I need to sit Rebecca Yarros down on the naughty step and make her sit there until her legs go numb.
Then I am going to tell her that she can keep sitting on that naughty step until I forgive her for using ass and block and fix you a coffee (who broke the coffee?).
This isn’t just a book, it’s a book within a book and I loved both of them equally. Scarlett Wright meets Jameson Stanton an American airman stationed in the UK and they fall madly, deeply, totally in love. The world is torn apart by World War Two, I was expecting tears.
The other story is Scarlett’s great granddaughter Georgia Stanton. Freshly divorced she’s back in the home she shared with Gran in Colorado. Scarlett became a prolific romance writer but there is one unfinished manuscript, her own love story. Noah Morelli, a writer known for killing off his characters, is going to finish Scarlett’s story.
The two stories dovetail together so well. Pieces in the UK in the 1940s were sweet and romantic. I absolutely fell in love with Jameson. Even with the Americanisms I thought it was fabulous. Then modern day Georgia and Noah, swoon. I can hear him saying dance with me Georgia right now. Delicious.
Regardless of naughty step sitting, I absolutely loved this book. Proper, actually, without any doubt at all, loved it. It’s a winner. I mean, top 2021 reads list without a doubt.
Arc, for an honest review.
Georgia finds herself on a journey with Noah as they relive her great-grandmothers history. With the help from Noah, not only does he break down her walls, Georgia now has pieces of her great-grandmother that are more precious than anything else in the world.
-My favorite baseball team ever! My husband is obsessed, hats, shirts, shorts, 3 tattoos of them alone.
Scarlett, my Scarlett-There’s something about Jameson when he speaks those simple words. It holds every breath, feeling, and meaning.
Jameson and Scarlett could live through a thousand lifetimes and they would find their way back to each other-every single time. Once a love like that embeds into your soul, it’s everlasting.
It embedded mine, taken its roots, and planted inside my chest while Rebecca walks away dusting off her hands mouthing ‘you’re welcome’. And I FLoved every second of this ride.
Two love stories intertwined by a series of events that gives you one of the greatest tales you will ever read. It Is Painstakingly Beautiful.
The Things We Leave Unfinished is not one but two great love stories. For some reason, I was far more drawn to Georgia and Noah but both stories were great. This books has, as they say, “all the feels”. There was so much joy and yet buckets of tears. Scarlett and Jameson fall in love easily but in the worst of times and circumstances. Georgia must work through tons of baggage before she can find her love for Noah in a relatively easy time.
At her young age, Georgia has been through an awful lot. A flaky mother who more often than not left her to her great-grandmother to raise and a loveless marriage and bitter divorce. Noah has an ego, his writing has brought him success but he’s not prepared for the feelings he quickly starts having for Georgia.
Scarlett was the best of grandmothers and a hugely successful writer. Her story so poignant and tragic. Can Noah do it justice? Or more accurately, will Georgia let him do it right?
Georgia handles her mom in a manner that I was not a fan of but it fit the story so well I can’t complain. It’s a definition of who Georgia is, why she’s that way and how she’s going to grow. Another level of feelings.
And the ending? I have to admit I did not see that coming until late in the book! This book was so well written, I had not choice but to give it 5 stars.
I won’t lie. At first, I was a tad put off by getting into Georgia and Noah (and the duplicity of Ava), only to be thrust into the 40s timeline of Scarlett and Constance. But then, I was sucked into the story, the mystery, the angst and arguing between Georgia and Noah, and holy cannoli, that bombshell of absolute, undeniable truth. This read had me tearing up, wanting to yell, and laughing at the arrogance of Damien…and his fabulous takedown by Georgia (courtesy of her Gran’s contractual brilliance). The lengths Noah was willing to go to in order to prove himself right, then prove himself worthy, made him a winner to me. And the fact that Georgia was willing to make her own moves to salvage love and reputation made her the friend everyone would want to have.
Sure, this was a longer book. But you know what? It was necessary to get the entire story told as completely as it was. I’d say to get the tissues ready and find a comfortable place to read, because you’re not going to want to put this one down until you’re at the very last page. And then have yourself a good sigh and stare off into space while reflecting on how perfectly this book turned expectations on their ear many times along the way.