Review: The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros #NewRelease #EntangledPublishing

THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED

Rebecca Yarros
Publication date: February 23, 2021
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Historical, Romance
Format: eARC
Source: Entangled Publishing
5 Stars
 

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 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.

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.

In The Things We Leave Unfinished, Yarros delivers two love stories and two timelines and flawlessly weaves them together in a way that had me completely engaged and invested.

In the present time, Georgia has returned to the Colorado town where she was raised by her late great-grandmother, Scarlett Stanton, a successful and beloved romance novelist. Coming off a bitter, high-profile divorce, Georgia is seeking solace but instead finds her estranged mother in town. Learning that her mother has posed as Georgia, the estate's executor, and brokered a deal to sell Scarlett’s unfinished manuscript, immediately puts Georgia at odds with Noah Harrison, the popular author who has been hired to complete the novel.

In 1940 England, Scarlett is serving in the British Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, alongside her sister Constance, when she meets dashing and charming American pilot, Jameson Stanton. Throughout separations, family interference, and the harsh realities of war, Scarlett and Jameson fall in love. And the aftermath of their great love will be felt for generations to come.

Decades later, Scarlett’s manuscript recounting her love story with Jameson remains unfinished, and Georgia and Noah clash over the appropriate ending. While Noah pushes for a happy ending, Georgia knows such a thing does not exist.

Yarros brought these characters and events to life in a way that I don’t often experience. Even though both timelines are compelling, it was Scarlett and Jameson’s story in the past that completely captured my heart and emotions. While certain aspects of the story are known from the start, even that did not soften the blow when tragedy struck. The sense of loss was almost a physical ache and I felt as shell-shocked as the characters. From the thrill of a passionate love affair, to the unwavering bonds of sisters, to hope in the face of hopelessness - I experienced it all within these pages.

The Things We Leave Unfinished is a stellar story of love, trust, family, and sacrifice. These characters and their stories stayed with me long after I turned the last page and wiped away my tears, and will, without a doubt, be among my favorites of the year. This is a timeless, emotional story that is not to be missed.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary advance copy of this book for review. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.

THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED

RELEASES ON FEBRUARY 23, 2021

YOU CAN FIND THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED HERE:

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