“All I know is that if I found out heaven was real and got there first? I’d hang back in the waiting room and save you a seat.”

This was my first Tarah Dewitt book and likely not my last.
Different take on “marriage in crisis” seeing as how they’re divorced.

Ellis & Wren 💕
Divorced couple
Child (adult)
Childhood friends
Road-trip
Soulmate vibes

I really enjoyed this. It was beautifully written.
It had its sad parts and then it’s funny parts (the pepper situation 🤣🤣)

Arc review ✨
Netgalley

Love like Wren and Ellis is the kind of love everyone strives to have, this is romance GOLD. This what a romance books should look like, the yearning, the passion…. ITS PERFECTION


I have been waiting for Wren and Ellis’ book ever since I first read Savor It and let me tell you it did NOT disappoint!

I truly hope that Tarah continues on with each Byrd sibling because not only did I fall more in love with the town of Spunes and everyone in it. I could feel myself wanting more from each sibling. I would PAY BIG MONEY to have Silas’ book. The way that everyone meddled with Wren and Ellis is the most perfect representation of small town and nosy siblings!

Wren and Ellis got married and had a baby at such a young age and now that they have been divorced for five years you can still feel the yearning on every single page.

I knew going into this that I would love it, but when I was reading and there was LETTERS!!!!!!!??? I legit knew this would be a new favorite of mine!!

I cannot wait for the audio and physical book to release because I need this book in all its forms.

“I kiss her because there’s no glass or walls or miles between us right now. Just her and her glowing skin and her full lips that taste like sweet, bright grapes. I kiss her because she’s kind and clever and so pretty it takes my breath away. She’s mine and I’m hers, and all my life’s greatest happiness can be traced back to her, so I kiss her because I want to, and forget the rest”

“We have whatever’s left of forever, you and me.”

I could literally fill this entire review with quotes but I wont…. GO READ THIS BOOK!!!!

Left of Forever is an absolute masterpiece. 🤍

PUB: May 20, 2025

ARC Review:
Infinite ⭐️s for this book—I’m honestly in awe. I don’t even have the words to express how much this story means to me. 💌 Tarah DeWitt has officially made second-chance romance as my favorite trope, and this is hands down her best book yet. 💘

I never wanted this book to end—I just wanted to live in it forever. Ellis and Wren have my whole heart. The emotion, the rawness, the angst, the love, the pining—it was all perfection. I’m obsessed with these characters. Ellis… what a man, what a mighty good man. 😮‍💨 And Wren? She’s one of the most fun, whimsical characters I’ve read in a long time. A beautiful mom, an incredible person, and her longing for something bigger completely hooked me. I adored her.

This book is pure magic. It’ll tug at your heartstrings, break you a little, and somehow still feel perfect.

Thank you, Tarah, for sharing an early copy—so lucky to have read this one! 💛

📚 Left of Forever by @authortarahdewitt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available May 20, 2025

I had the incredible honor of reading this stunning, magnificent, beautiful book early. Idk what Tarah puts in her books, but every single one of them raises the bar for what a romance book can be. This one made me laugh, made me cry, and touched me so deeply.

Ellis and Wren fell in love young, had a baby as teenagers, got married, and then life unfairly got in the way and they divorced. Now 5 years later, Ellis convinces Wren to take a road trip with him to celebrate their son leaving the nest and see if there’s still a chance for them.

This book was so tender and real, and really felt personal at times. Like Wren and Ellis, I also got married young, and life hasn’t always been easy on us. Seeing Wren and Ellis communicate and work out what went wrong felt like looking in a mirror at times. I laughed, I cried, I cried from laughing. I know this will be a top read of the year, if not the best.

Tarah has done something really special with this book. Go on and add it to your tbr now. It comes out May 20 and you really don’t want to miss it!

4.25 ⭐

Thank you so much to the publisher for an arc!

Left of Forever was a beautiful book. Tarah Dewitt's writing is so stunning, and this book had me experiencing all the emotions while reading. I was laughing, swooning, and crying over Wren and Ellis. They truly are soulmates and I was rooting for them so hard because it was so obvious to me that they were meant to be together. You know when you read about two people that are just made for each other, and when they're apart it's like they aren't whole? That's what it was like for them. The yearning, longing, and aching they felt for each other was so evident throughout the entire book and their love felt so real.

I recently read Savor It, and while I fell in love with the setting of Spunes, I wasn't super invested in the romance between Sage and Fisher. But the crumbs of Wren and Ellis intrigued me enough to read Left of Forever. And I think it's one of my new favorite second chance romances. I think the writing was even better, and the couple had a lot more chemistry. Even if you were on the fence about Savor It, I still highly recommend giving Left of Forever a chance because I think it's definitely worth reading.

I loved both of our main characters. Both Ellis and Wren are such complex characters who went through so much at such a young age and were forced to grow up so early. They grew so much throughout the book and were able to work on themselves both individually and as a couple. Ellis was so gone for Wren, and he is truly the definition of male yearning. He was so devastatingly in love with Wren and it was beautiful to read about, and I fell so hard for him.

Wren and Ellis are genuinely one of the few fictional couples I believe are soulmates. Their willingness to do whatever it took to fix their relationship was proof of that. Marriage isn't all sunshine and rainbows, and although it took them losing each other to get it right, I love how they were able to communicate about not just what worked but also what didn't. They make a genuine effort to listen to each other and actively work on making things better and doing things right the second time around. They showed each other that it’s okay to be vulnerable, and that they would still love each other through good and bad times.

As someone who rarely cries over books, I was certain I could get through this one without shedding a tear. But their journey of finding their way back to each other was so raw and real and vulnerable and by the end I was a sobbing mess over them.

Spunes and the Byrd family have my heart and I would totally read more books in Spunes if Tarah Dewitt were to write them. I absolutely need a Silas book! And I would also love to read a book about Kirby because I love her.

“I’ll love you for everything left of forever, in every lifetime we get.”

I'm going to go cry myself to sleep tonight thinking of Wren and Ellis.

This was my first book by Tarah DeWitt, and I instantly fell in love with her writing. I’m a sucker for second-chance romances, and this one was so beautifully written and deeply heartfelt. The dual POV made it even more special, allowing us to experience the mutual longing from both characters' perspectives. The setting was perfect, and the family dynamics were just as wonderful, making me so excited for the books to come in this world.

The story follows Wren and Ellis Byrd, childhood best friends who fell in love at a young age. As teenagers, they had their son, Sam, and with the support of their loved ones, they built a life together in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon. For years, they seemed like the perfect couple—until they weren’t. Now, in their 30s and divorced, Wren runs the local bakery she inherited from her mother, while Ellis works as a firefighter. Their lives have become entirely separate, their conversations brief and limited to their only shared priority: their son.

But nearly five years after their divorce, Ellis starts to wonder if Wren might still love him too. And once that thought takes root, he realizes he can’t just let her go. When Sam gets accepted into college, both parents travel together to help him settle in, and on the way back, Ellis suggests a week-long road trip—one last chance to see if they can find their way back to each other. And OH MY GOD!

Ellis Byrd is truly one of the most thoughtful men ever. He plans the entire trip with Wren in mind, down to the smallest details, making it the most meaningful experience for her. But he wasn’t always like this. He had flaws—real, human ones—and what made his journey so special was his willingness to acknowledge them and grow. His character development was incredible. The way therapy was portrayed, especially in relation to men, was done so well, showing how it helped Ellis reflect on his role in their past struggles. He was already the kind of MMC you can’t help but adore, but his emotional growth made him even better.

Wren is such a vibrant, layered character. Her fun-loving, whimsical nature is balanced by her deep emotional connections and her desire to be part of something greater than herself. She’s an incredible mother, sister, and friend, and each of those aspects of her personality is portrayed incredibly throughout the book. I absolutely loved her. P.S. I don't know why but at times to paint the picture better, I was imagining her as Lorelai Gilmore.

When you’ve been best friends with someone since you were five, letting go of them is nearly impossible. One of my favorite quotes from the book captures this sentiment so beautifully:

"I grew up with my great love, so I think maybe my heart took shape around his."

"My heart took shape around hers, too, and it will never go back."

This is such a breathtaking and emotional story about two people finding their way back to each other. The pacing was absolutely perfect—never rushed, never dragging. The writing flowed effortlessly as it moved between past and present, letters and in-person conversations, inner thoughts and spoken words. It added so much depth to the story without ever feeling forced.

If you’re looking for a love story filled with depth, longing, yearning, and beautifully written emotions, this is the one to pick up! You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Excuse me while I scream: “AT EVERY TABLE ILL SAVE YOU A SEAT LOVERRRRR”
This book had me in my feels from start to finish. It was so special to see Wren and Ellis rewrite their love story, especially after watching them on the sidelines in Savor It. Tarah DeWitt has created something very unique with this ensemble cast that feels like real family. Left of Forever had me laughing, crying, squealing, and devouring the whole thing in <36 hours. I’ll read whatever you write next, Tarah!

It has taken me a good hour of staring at the wall after finishing the book, another read through, and 3 days of a book hangover to even find the words for this book.
I’m going to admit that i went into this book completely blind. I didn’t read the description or any promo on it before i applied for the ARC. I knew it was by Tara DeWitt and that was enough for me to click the request button.

This book shattered my heart and healed it at the same time from beginning to end. I can’t even explain how deeply connected i felt with both Wren and Ellis. When Wren felt that sting of seeing her ex husband, i felt that sting. When Ellis was reliving where it all went wrong, i felt every piece of my heart that broke. I felt their love for Sam radiating from the pages.

This book is the best second chance romance that i have ever read. I am almost sad that i don’t know if I’ll ever read anything that beautiful again. It is such a unique story. This has become the book that i will always recommend to my romance readers.

I love a Tarah Dewitt Rom Com - First of all Thank you NetGalley, Tarah Dewitt and St Martin Griffin publishing for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of Left of Forever. The first book I read of hers was an ARC of Savor It and I absolutely loved it, so I was excited to go back to Spunes and read Ellis and Wren's story. I think it was a unique story. I don't often hear of or read second chance romances like this so it was a fun change. Although you can read it stand alone I'd read Savor It first because you'll fall even more in love with the characters before you start this one.

"I'll fight with you. I'll fight for you.
I'll love you for everything left of forever,
in every lifetime we get."

3.5

GREAT for a second-chance story. i’ve been mildly hesitant with that trope lately, especially with divorcees, but this was done super well. and they were hot together! i would’ve preferred less setting of the scene, but that probably made the reunion hit hard, ig.

#netgalley

I will read anything and everything Tarah Dewitt writes whether it’s a novel or a note, her writing is all consuming. When I first met Ellis and Wren in Savor It, I was eager to know their story. Left of Forever fulfilled everything and more of what I expected of their story. I read every word with a smile on my face.

So happy to return to Spunes and to get the story of Wren and Ellis that was hinted at in Sage and Fisher’s story. Loved the focus on connection through writing and how they learned to communicate. Hope the author continues writing stories about the rest of the Byrd family.

I absoluely loved this second chance romance. I loved reading about Ellis and Wren's past and present and their story about finding their way back to each other. I loved how their communication grew throughout the book and how they never really stopped loving each other. I really loved how Tarah showed how important it is to communicate in a relationship and when one starts to stop that communication it can cause a rift that may or may not be fixed.

This was *the perfect* second-chance romance. Wren and Ellis had such good chemistry and I really enjoyed all of the growth they experienced over the book from working out their issues, both separately and together, to working on their relationship. The characters in this book were so good and it made me want to step into Spunes, eat at the bakery and meet the Byrds. Tarah DeWitt is definitely an auto-read author for me now and I can't wait to read the connected book about Sage and Fisher now!

I don’t think this author is for me. I find her writing very annoying and I can’t really connect with it. This is just not my cup of tea.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Second Chance always has my whole heart, and this is no exception. Wren and Ellis carved a little piece of my heart. Their love for each other has been evident since we first met them in Savor It. The way they love and hurt from afar, it’s palpable and you can feel it in everything they do.

My favorite piece of this story is the various ways they learn to communicate with each other. They know they need to try new things, which allows for growth for both Ellis and Wren.

Overall, if you need pining, second chance, and no one else but you vibes, pick this up in May!

Left of Forever by Tara DeWitt is a sentimental second chance romance that will melt your heart.

Wren and Ellis Byrd were childhood sweethearts - got pregnant in their late teens, married, and have been divorced for 5 years…. They’re about to send their son to college which gives them an opportunity to have a lil adventure and fall back in love.

Although the first half of the book moved at a snail’s pace and I struggled to stay focused - the second half of the book more than made up for it. I enjoyed the letters, the spicy scenes, the hilarious moments, and sentimental moments. I loved the dual POV between Wren & Ellis and will admit I think I enjoyed Ellis’ POV even more!

There are a lot of characters from the get go and it can be a bit of a confusing info dump, but the second half of the book really kept my attention and I laugh, cried, and was quite satisfied by the spicy moments.

I would recommend this book to mature romance readers who enjoy a slower pace.

This is my second Tarah DeWitt book & I look forward to reading more from her. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

3.75 stars

A big thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this arc! As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. :)

I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much this book made me cry. It's like a faucet was opened about 5% in and then had a steady drip all the way to the end. I love this book. So much.

I read Savor It by Tarah DeWitt late last year and absolutely adored the characters, the romance, and the strong emotions. While I think reading Savor It first will enhance your reading experience, it's not entirely necessary. I was immediately drawn to Ellis and Wren during the notorious meeting scene in Savor It - they very obviously had an unfinished story and I was so excited to see Left of Forever coming. (I can't wait to see if the rest of the brothers to get their own book too, I was getting some heavy signs towards the end there.)

The author does a fantastic job about giving us reasons to care about the MC's and their shared history. That's usually a struggle point for me in second chance romances, and I really thought this one excelled. We get glimpses in letters (one of my fave microtropes) and memories that allow us to get a hint of who they were and how their relationship ended up where it was.

The healing journey was fantastic and the open communication was chef's kiss. Everything does seem to resolve quickly, but with a connection like they had, and maybe a sprinkling of fate, I thought it came together nicely. From the very beginning, they obviously carried so much love between each other that never really dimmed, they just had to find their way back to it. Also - SO MUCH YEARNING.

I loved this journey and Tarah sprinkled in so many words of wisdom throughout the whole book that really hit home. This already has made it's way into one of my favorite romance reads and one of my favorite reads this year. It's still a bit early and I don't want to give too much more away in a review but this was a wonderful and heart felt second chance romance and I highly recommend picking this one up!!

Thank you NetGalley & the publish for this arc ◡̈

This was definitely my favorite Tarah DeWitt book yet. We got to see Wren & Ellis in Savor It but they were already divorced. In this book, they drop their teenage son off at college and go on a road trip to try and rekindle things. I did like this books but there were still some flaws. Wren runs an entire bakery and Ellis fights fires for a living. You mean to tell me two mature adults never had a mature conversation which led to their divorce and a 5 day road trip solved it all? Ellis who was portrayed as being the “father figure” to his siblings just shut down instead of being an adult to his wife and mother of his child? Some things just don’t add up. I will say I’m not a huge fan of second chance but something about two people previously married is a hit for me. 3.5/5⭐️

Book Review: LEFT OF FOREVER
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️33
Author: Tarah Dewitt
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin. @stmartinspress
Thank you @netgalley

Left of Forever is a masterclass in redemption, forgiveness, and second chances.

Wren and Ellis were teenage sweethearts who built a life together—marriage, a child, and all the highs and lows that come with it. But life happened, and their marriage didn’t survive. Now, five years after their divorce, they still remain tethered in ways neither can fully sever. Wren is still embraced by the Byrd family, and Ellis clings to even the smallest connections with her. When they unknowingly become anonymous pen pals, those threads begin to tighten again. Their long-buried feelings resurface, leading Ellis to propose a road trip after dropping their now-grown son off at college. He wants a second chance, a fresh start. Wren agrees—on one condition: they must unpack everything with brutal honesty while rediscovering who they are to each other.

What follows is a beautifully raw journey of two souls who were never truly apart, even when they were.

What makes Left of Forever stand out is that Wren and Ellis aren’t trying to save their marriage—they’ve already lost it. This isn’t a story of preventing a breakup; it’s about choosing each other again after everything has fallen apart. Dewitt writes them with such authenticity—their fights, their jokes, their shared history—it all feels so painfully and beautifully real. They approach their reunion with the kind of honesty that only comes from having already lost the most important thing. And in that, there’s so much bravery.

The recurring symbols throughout—like the paper cranes and “saving a seat”—serve as powerful reminders of the depth of their bond. And the Byrd family? Absolutely unforgettable. This book expands on them far more than Savor It, and I can only hope we get more. Silas and Sam, I’m looking at you.

The longing, the hopefulness, the sheer honesty of two people finding their way back to each other—it’s the kind of book that stays with you.

Because once a Byrd, always a Byrd.

#LeftOfForever #TarahDewitt #SecondChanceRomance #MarriageInBooks #BookReview #RomanceRead