Review: Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)
After reading Savor It and now Left of Forever, I can officially say I’m completely in love with the big, boisterous Byrd family! Tarah DeWitt writes the kinds of characters I crave in romance—flawed but full of heart, willing to do the work, and learning that love isn’t about being perfect, but about growing together.
Left of Forever follows Wren and Ellis Byrd, childhood sweethearts who married young, built a beautiful life—and then lost it. Now divorced and living separate lives in their hometown of Spunes, Oregon, they are brought back together when their son leaves for college. A spontaneous road trip offers them one final chance to see if the pieces of their love still fit… or if it’s time to finally let go.
Second-chance romances can be tricky, but DeWitt nails it. The idea of soulmates is woven into Wren and Ellis’s story without ever feeling forced. Instead, it’s layered with family ties, self-discovery, acceptance, and the beautifully messy journey of figuring out who you are—and who you want to be—after life knocks you down. This is the kind of story that will linger in your heart long after the final page.
What I Loved:
- The pacing is pitch-perfect. While Savor It had to slowly set the stage for the Byrd family series, Left of Forever jumps right in and never drags.
- The writing is vivid and relatable. DeWitt has a gift for sneaking in lines that instantly make you feel the characters’ hearts—like describing emotions as a “Heinz57 bottle of emotion, upside down and shaken, waiting for the inevitable plop.” It’s these small moments that make the characters feel so real.
- Wren is a standout heroine. She’s whimsical and funny, but her depth and vulnerability shine through every scene. I adored her. (Also, “Wren Byrd” is a name that makes me smile every time.)
- Ellis’s character arc is exceptional. His emotional growth—especially through therapy—is portrayed with such sensitivity and realism. He was already lovable, but his evolution into a true partner made him unforgettable.
- The emotional layering through letters, flashbacks, and dialogue weaves past and present seamlessly, making Wren and Ellis’s journey feel even more poignant.
The Audiobook:
I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of the audiobook, narrated by Connor Crais and Megan Wicks. They brought so much emotional depth to Wren and Ellis’s story—their performance is phenomenal, and I highly recommend experiencing the book in audio format as well. Whether you read or listen, you can’t go wrong.
If you love:
▪️ Marriage in crisis
▪️ Second chances
▪️ Small-town settings
▪️ Found family
▪️ Foodie romances
▪️ Firefighter heroes
▪️ Road trip adventures
…then Left of Forever needs to be at the top of your TBR!
Content Warnings: Ectopic pregnancy, infertility
Final Thoughts:
DeWitt captures the beauty of broken people choosing love anyway—and Left of Forever is nothing short of magic.
📆 Pub Date: May 20, 2025
