Official Review: Leaving the Pieces Behind

NadineTimes10 · Post by **NadineTimes10** » 18 Jul 2019, 21:49

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Leaving the Pieces Behind" by R. M. Demeester.]

2 out of 4 stars

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Serenity Rupert spent most of her childhood moving around to different foster homes. Though she is now an adult, Serenity’s relationships with her biological mother and siblings have never been repaired. Moreover, Serenity was laid off from her job months ago and has no way to pay her portion of the rent for the apartment she shares with two roommates. In a chance moment during her job search, Serenity meets William, a man who helps her find work at a bakery. Serenity begins to develop romantic feelings for William, but she is unsure of his intentions in Leaving The Pieces Behind, a novel by author R.M. Demeester.

Although I was introduced to this book as a sweet romance, I would not say it is of the romance genre. The plot of a romance novel must hinge on the romantic relationship. In this book, the plot is rather evenly divided between the romantic theme and the familial theme, especially concerning Serenity’s tenuous relationship with her mother. Even if Serenity and William were to be nothing more than good friends, the storyline about family dysfunction and possible reconciliation would stand on its own as a complete story.

Therefore, I would classify this novel as women’s fiction. It deals with Serenity’s pain, anger, and inward insecurities as well as her moments of good fortune and pleasure. The story moves at a steady pace, and it wraps up with a fitting, realistic blend of what goes wrong for Serenity and what turns out well for her.

However, the novel’s overall style lacks color, nuance, and originality. Much of the dialogue is stilted, and most of the characters do not come fully alive on the page. The author sometimes gives the reader commentary through Serenity’s thoughts without sufficiently supporting that commentary through the characters’ words and actions. For instance, Serenity thinks of her roommates, Sophia and Crystal, as “annoying,” “mean,” and less than “tolerable.” Yet, what Sophia and Crystal actually say and do in their few scenes hardly matches the level of Serenity’s negativity toward them. Also, Serenity says in one scene that William has “so many layers, so many great qualities,” but at that point, the author has not clearly shown many layers to William’s character or specifically shown how his “great qualities” are “so many.”

The emotional development in the romance falls fairly flat, without fresh or dynamic descriptions to create compelling romantic chemistry. At one stage in the novel, the author spends time building up significant doubt in the romantic relationship. However, because Serenity and William reach such a basic and short resolution for it with no deeper challenge, the buildup of doubt seems like a wasted plot point. Nearly half the book goes by before Serenity and William engage in meaningful, detailed conversation that holds weight for this specific story.

There are technical errors throughout the novel, such as errors in verb tense, letter case (including in the book’s title), and punctuation. The wording in a number of places is awkward or inaccurate. The author’s word choice and phrases become repetitive at several points, including in the profanity Serenity uses as the same adjective quite a few times.

Overall, the basis of this story holds merit, and the plot strikes a good balance of focus between the protagonist’s relationships. Yet, the stylistic weaknesses and the technical errors are a hindrance to the novel’s potential. Therefore, I give Leaving The Pieces Behind a rating of 2 out of 4 stars. While I’d recommend it to readers who can enjoy sweet romance elements woven into women’s fiction, the book should be reedited for its audience.

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Leaving the Pieces Behind
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e-reeder · Post by **e-reeder** » 20 Jul 2019, 06:07

Too bad that the style and technical errors took away points from this book. However, the plot is enough to make me Check this one out. Thanks for the review.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 20 Jul 2019, 08:24

The plot sounds promising, but it really is too bad about the errors and the writing style. Hopefully, the author will get those fixed soon. I really enjoyed reading your well-written review!

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 20 Jul 2019, 08:38

The plot seems good but a romance without sufficient emotional development doesn't sound like a good read.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 20 Jul 2019, 08:53

This definitely sounds like more of a drama then a romance. I don't think it's something I would enjoy. I'm curious, though, what the motives are of William. Thanks!

NadineTimes10 · Post by **NadineTimes10** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:31

e-reeder wrote: ↑20 Jul 2019, 06:07 Too bad that the style and technical errors took away points from this book. However, the plot is enough to make me Check this one out. Thanks for the review.

You're welcome! If you do read it, I hope you enjoy it.

NadineTimes10 · Post by **NadineTimes10** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:36

Prisallen wrote: ↑20 Jul 2019, 08:24 The plot sounds promising, but it really is too bad about the errors and the writing style. Hopefully, the author will get those fixed soon. I really enjoyed reading your well-written review!

Thanks! And I do hope the author considers coming out with a reedited edition. The author certainly has something to say through her writing.

NadineTimes10 · Post by **NadineTimes10** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:47

Nisha Ward wrote: ↑20 Jul 2019, 08:38 The plot seems good but a romance without sufficient emotional development doesn't sound like a good read.

Yes, it can be a challenge to take the concept of a human connection and to really get it to translate on paper in a unique and compelling way between the characters, so it doesn't feel generic. A lot of writers get a better handle on that kind of development through more practice--and extensive reading of novels with emotional depth.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:49

What's a book without well developed characters? I like books with characters and dialogues that draw the reader in, I will definitely pass over this one. Thanks for your review.

Shadiid · Post by **Shadiid** » 20 Jul 2019, 16:00

It is very hard and painful to grow up in foster homes , there is a lot that happens internally that classifies people who grew up with their own families and those in foster homes. I just hope that the author fixes the errors presented and develop characters well. I also think focusing on serenity's family issues would be best.
Great review.

Helene_2008 · Post by **Helene_2008** » 20 Jul 2019, 20:17

It's unfortunate when a book is riddled with errors...especially in the title. The plot sounds good but I don't think I'd read this unless it was reedited.

Wambui-nj · Post by **Wambui-nj** » 21 Jul 2019, 02:40

At the strat of your review, I thought this is a book I will look into, but the technical errors issue has put me off. Thanks for pointing that out. Great review though.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 23 Jul 2019, 12:50

I appreciated your comments clarifying the genre of the book. I find the family focus more interesting than the romance. Thanks so much for your thorough review!