A review by bribreez
The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5⭐️/ 2🌶️

This book deserves an infinity star rating for how phenomenal it was written and created such depth that had me sobbing, clutching my book to my face, and absolutely adoring each and every character! This was incredibly unique with the story being told from multiple point of views. This story followed, Georgia Stanton being back home and finding out that a well known author by the name of, Noah Harrison wanted to finish writing Scarlett Santon’s unfinished book a.k.a. Georgia’s great grandmother. In addition, this story also included both Scarlett and Jameson’s point of views from when they met back during the nineteen fourties’, and the letters they wrote to each other. A beautifully written story about a love enduring many obstacles, the challenges we face in life, and heartfelt moments that tug on your heartstrings. So many wonderful things about this story that I was intrigued to read. 

The last thing Georgia expected when going back home to Poplar Grove, Colorado was coming face to face with an author who wanted to finish writing her great grandmother’s personal unfinished story. The unfinished story that Scarlett (Georgia’s great grandmother) wrote was a deeply personal one that detailed how she met the love of her life, Jameson Stanton. When Georgia discovered that Noah Harrison wanted to finish writing Scarlett’s book, Georgia was determined to make sure Noah didn’t mess it up… even though she found him to be attractive upon their first initial encounter at her great grandmother’s bookstore. For first impressions, Georgia seemed kind of serious like she kept things close to the vest, ensuring that she didn’t let her emotions surface for anyone to catch on to how she was feeling. Under the surface though, Georgia was a sentimental person who shared a love of reading just as Scarlett and loved Scarlett very much since she was raised by her from a young age. Georgia also went through a recent divorce as explained early on in the story that showed just how much the media and news outlets treated her unfairly when she did nothing wrong. In a way, by being back home it was the chance for Georgia to restart her life and reconnect with the parts of her life she once loved dearly, especially with the memories of Scarlett. 

From the beginning, I was immediately immersed and intrigued with the story. No surprise, Rebecca Yarros’s story had me curious as to how Georgia, Noah, Scarlett, and Jameson’s stories were all interconnected. Getting to see Scarlett and Jameson back during the nineteen forties was unique, but also filled with the memories of how they fell passionately in love with one another. In the present, Georgia dealt with starting over her life, but also working out how having Noah finish her great grandmother’s story was a lot of history filled in there. Each set of couple had their own problems and obstacles to overcome, and I was invested in seeing it all play out. Despite my spider senses this book was going to end with me in absolute tears and shambles, I wanted to know more as I kept reading. 

When it came to finishing Scarlett and Jameson’s story, Georgia was willing to ensure all was going according to plan, even if it meant going toe to toe with Noah. Noah seemed like the perfect man for the job of undertaking Scarlett’s story, but even with that, at every turn Georgia would usually turn down whatever idea he came up with. Understandable, I could see why Georgia didn’t like most of Noah’s ideas early on especially considering this story wasn’t just personal, but it was about her great grandparents. If I were in Georgia’s shoes, I’d probably react the same way minus maybe the constant hanging up the phone on Noah. Despite the rocky start Noah and Georgia had, they slowly opened up to each other, and broke down their walls, especially Georgia. Noah wasn’t use to a woman being head over heels for him or the fact that Georgia didn’t hold back what she thought, she was blunt and unapologetic. Little by little, I loved seeing Georgia and Noah grow closer and once they finally got romantically involved, I could tell even more just how much they adored one another.
 “The epic, rare love story in this room isn't Scarlett and Jameson. It's you and me." Plus the way Noah did everything in his power to ensure Georgia knew how much he meant to her no matter the cost?! That’s a real man right there.

While this book was emotional driven, sad in certain parts, it also had so many heartfelt moments that the romance in this book was purely beautiful and deep. I feel as a hopeless romantic I was EATING IT ALL UP! Especially reading about Scarlett and Jameson’s romance had me swooning! The way Jameson and Scarlett met was pretty memorable especially with the way Jameson was straightforward and determined to have a chance with Scarlett. Scarlett was initially intent on never getting involved with a pilot, but… seems like fate decided her love would be none other than Jameson Stanton! Jameson was pure gold from the way he set up his first date with Scarlett to the letters he wrote her, and the ABSOLUTE DEVOTION AND LOVE HE HAD FOR SCARLETT WAS SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL! Had me cheering, swooning, and cry on the sidelines as I read! 

Jameson and Scarlett’s romance was a whirlwind experience. From the moment they first met, to their first date, stealing whatever moments they had between their busy schedules, and eventually getting married, there was a lot that happened in their relationship. The thing I loved most about Scarlett and Jameson together was they way they loved one another unconditionally. The kind of love shared between Jameson and Scarlett truly was one that resembled soul mates, first love, and a special bond that was created in the middle of a war. Getting to see the different moments within Jameson and Scarlett’s relationship made me realize the kind of love they had for each other, was the kind we all secretly want which was beautiful, passionate, and genuine. With so much happening around Scarlett and Jameson, in the midst of all that, there were some incredible scenes they shared as well as pretty significant milestones together. In some ways, with all the obstacles Jameson and Scarlett had to endure, it not only made them stronger, but also added a bit of a heightened level of never knowing when they might see each other again or potentially lose one another in the war. I cannot get over how much I adored both Scarlett and Jameson, as well as seeing how they were individually was amazing! 

Once again, Rebecca Yarros captivated my attention from beginning, middle, and end! I went into this book not knowing exactly what to expect, and just when I thought I knew, I was immediately hit with all the emotions, the highs and the lows that surrounded these characters stories. Scarlett and Jameson’s love story was one for the ages! A love like theirs was once in a lifetime, they were each other soulmates, and it was beautiful to witness. The way the story eventually led to the ending had me gasping, sobbing, broke my heart, and more sobbing! The plot twist/ big reveal towards the end was shocking to say the least and heart breaking. (Sigh) an emotional rollercoaster that had me falling in love with Scarlett and Jameson, but also uncontrollably crying at the events that occurred. The whole meaning behind the story was significant and wow, it left me an absolute wreck. I also loved seeing Georgia and Noah’s romance play out along the way too. Georgia had a lot to work through when it came to trusting others, but Noah was determined to show her that he was willing to fight for her because, he loved her. So many fantastic parts through out the story, and I can gladly say that the story ended on a happy ending for everybody (even then I was still crying). At its core, this story explored so many different themes from love, heartbreak, grief, loss of a loved one, and much more. I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and that’s exactly what I would say to others who want to read this book. Reading this book I was thrusted into a world that spanned decades and years between Scarlett and Jameson’s story to Georgia and Noah’s. The ending and epilogue wrapped things up nicely and this story is another one that will stay with me forever, going to be think about this for a long time. A love story that started with Scarlett and Jameson, and later from that love eventually led to Georgia, and subsequently Georgia’s happy ending with Noah. 
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