Dual narration by Carly Robins & Tim Paige
From the publisher:
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 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.“Yarros masterfully weaves two love stories—one in the present day and one during WWII—into an ambitious story of family, sacrifice, and trust . . . [the] characters are vibrant and her story gripping. Readers will be wowed.”—Publishers Weekly
“With two equally engrossing storylines, this book will draw in even seasoned romance readers . . . A charming dual-timeline romance about learning from past mistakes.”—Kirkus Reviews
I read Rebecca Yarros’s mega-bestseller Fourth Wing, a fierce, fast-paced romantasy, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t compel me to continue with the rest of the trilogy. I can only take romantasy in small doses, but even though the genre isn’t my favorite, it was clear Yarros is an exceptional writer.
Looking for something new to listen to, I remembered hearing that she had written more traditional romances before Fourth Wing. I checked Hoopla, my go-to library app, and sure enough, several of her earlier titles were available. Some leaned more into the New Adult category, featuring college-age protagonists I wasn’t in the mood for—but then I found this one and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did—I loved it.
The novel follows two intertwined storylines. In the present day, we meet Noah, a bestselling author known for writing emotional, Nicholas Sparks–style tearjerkers, and Georgia, the granddaughter of Scarlett, a legendary romance novelist. After Scarlett’s death, Georgia inherits her home, her wealth, and her literary legacy.
Georgia was once a successful glass artist, but gave up her career to work with her husband, a film producer. Together, they adapted several of Scarlett’s novels for the screen. But after one betrayal too many, Georgia divorces him, walking away from their company and their New York City apartment, moving into Scarlett’s house in Colorado. There, she discovers a manuscript—part novel, part memoir—based on Scarlett’s real-life romance with an American pilot stationed in England during World War II. The manuscript is unfinished, and Scarlett’s publisher wants Noah to finish it, guaranteeing a blockbuster hit.
Georgia isn’t a fan of Noah’s work—she prefers her grandmother’s uplifting endings—but she can’t deny her attraction to him. Noah, on the other hand, is a longtime admirer of Scarlett’s writing and wants to do the manuscript justice. But there’s a conflict: Scarlett wants the book to reflect the truth, no matter how painful, while Noah wants to preserve her legacy with a happily-ever-after. As the two spend more time together, romance blossoms, though Noah quickly realizes he must tread carefully with the deeply wounded Georgia.
The story alternates between Scarlett’s wartime romance and Georgia and Noah’s present-day relationship. Both timelines are easy to follow, filled with twists, and one shocking revelation near the end that made me go back and re-listen to that entire chapter.
My only gripe? Noah says he grew up in the Bronx and is required to be a Mets fan—except the Mets play in Queens! The Yankees are the “Bronx Bombers”, and while I was thrilled Noah was a Mets fan, I wasn’t thrilled that no one picked up on that error. A minor detail, but it irked my Mets-loving heart.
Both storylines were completely captivating and easy to follow, brought to life by phenomenal narrators who kept me engaged throughout. Though this was longer than most audiobooks I tackle, I savored every minute. Highly recommend!
7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED by Rebecca Yarros. Narrators: Tim Paige & Carly Robins. Tantor Audio. February 23, 2021. Listening Length: 14 hours and 32 minutes.
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