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:

22 comments

  1. Oh, this sounds wonderful! I can never resist a WWII story!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This book seems very interesting. Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh wow, this sounds so beautifully written. I'm glad both timelines worked well, but that's kind of cool you enjoyed the past a bit more!!!

    -lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lauren... there really wasn't anything I didn't love about this one. :)

      Delete
  4. This makes me even more excited to start this one! It is my next read and I'm ready to pick it up. I'm so happy you enjoyed it so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! So excited that it's your next read, Deanna! I hope you love it as much as I did!

      Delete
  5. First of all, your mood board is so good! I always hear good things about Yarros, and I keep meaning to try one of her books. This sounds like it was really touching and wonderful story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sam! I love making those mood boards but I only seem to take the time to do it when it's a book that I loved and that truly moved me.

      Delete
  6. This is another one of Yarros' I desperately want to read but she terrifies me! I NEVER finish a Yarros book without crying my eyes out... I think the last one I read - The Last Letter - had me crying on and off for days when thinking about it.
    It just sounds so GOOD though...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yarros definitely knows how to break your heart and bring on the tears. And I can't lie, this one definitely had me crying! But is was soooo good!

      Delete
  7. I've heard some great things about this book. And I'm glad you loved it so much. I'll definitely check it out ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Maureen! I hope you'll enjoy it if you decide to try it.

      Delete
  8. Oh, 5 stars! I love it when a story touches me so profoundly! Love the photo collage, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachel! This one really did have quite an impact. That makes it a rare 5 star read for me.

      Delete
  9. This sounds beautiful! I love a good WWII historical so this is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. It sounds like I am going to have to get my hands on a copy of this one. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yes, yes, yes! Oh my gosh it was like these characters snuck into my heart and then shattered it while also putting it back together. I still can't believe how much I cried, I read the synopsis and yet I kept hoping otherwise lol! Fabulous review Tanya and I'm so happy you loved this one so much too!
    Jen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jen! It's like, from the beginning you knew certain things weren't going to end well, but you still held out hope. And then got crushed. Ugh! I can definitely see this being my favorite of the year.

      Delete