What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost Hollow
The Pieces We Try to Forget
“But in the pit of my stomach, at the core of my being, I’m still holding onto ghosts. And I fear they’ll haunt me until the end of my days.”
What if one day, you woke up and realized you got everything you ever wanted…but the way you got it wasn’t something you’d wish on anyone, and none of those things were what you actually needed?
I thought my small town was a cage from which I’d give anything to break free.
But I didn’t realize what I was asking for. And I didn’t know that once I left, I’d never be able to go back.
Is there a word that means the opposite of the stars aligning? Would it still be called fate?
One person, one split-second decision, one miscalculation can alter the entire trajectory of space and time for the rest of one’s existence. Even if that person isn’t you, and those decisions aren’t your own.
And I would know. That’s what happened to me.
This prequel to The Pieces We Leave Behind is the story of Amelia and Ty's past. It does not end in HEA at this time (thus, Maddie and Ezra exist). I recommend reading TPWLB prior to this one, but if you want to read them in chronological order, no one can stop you. However, it is not meant to be read as a standalone. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
What if one day, you woke up and realized you got everything you ever wanted…but the way you got it wasn’t something you’d wish on anyone, and none of those things were what you actually needed?
I thought my small town was a cage from which I’d give anything to break free.
But I didn’t realize what I was asking for. And I didn’t know that once I left, I’d never be able to go back.
Is there a word that means the opposite of the stars aligning? Would it still be called fate?
One person, one split-second decision, one miscalculation can alter the entire trajectory of space and time for the rest of one’s existence. Even if that person isn’t you, and those decisions aren’t your own.
And I would know. That’s what happened to me.
This prequel to The Pieces We Leave Behind is the story of Amelia and Ty's past. It does not end in HEA at this time (thus, Maddie and Ezra exist). I recommend reading TPWLB prior to this one, but if you want to read them in chronological order, no one can stop you. However, it is not meant to be read as a standalone. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2024
165 people are currently reading
1127 people want to read
About the author
Elle Mitchell
12 books553 followersKnown as the (mostly benevolent) Queen of Angst, Elle Mitchell writes new adult contemporary romance ranging from shades of grey to morally pitch black with a hint of taboo. A mix of plot and spice, her books follow flawed, relatable characters as they rage against the machine or struggle against the darker parts of humanity and themselves. They’re messy—like real life—and emotional.
She can’t promise that all her books will depict what a healthy relationship should look like at every turn. She rejects purity themes. The best she can do is promise an eventual HEA when it’s all said and done.
When she isn’t reading or writing, it’s unlikely you’ll find her anywhere. She’s probably at home with her family, minding her own business.
Find her on IG and TT: @ellemitchellbooks
She can’t promise that all her books will depict what a healthy relationship should look like at every turn. She rejects purity themes. The best she can do is promise an eventual HEA when it’s all said and done.
When she isn’t reading or writing, it’s unlikely you’ll find her anywhere. She’s probably at home with her family, minding her own business.
Find her on IG and TT: @ellemitchellbooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
April 18, 2024
This series deserves a re-read by me before I write up this review, I couldn't hold off from jumping into this one as soon as it released, which I'm kind of regretting now because hello sieve for a brain you suck!! So I'm off to re-read the first book all over again.
So after reading this I did go back and re-read 'The pieces we leave behind' I think doing it this way was way better, book 2 then book 1, I had more of an understanding of why Amelia was the way she was, and god it made my heart break, she was called the princess of the town, but she had to grow up so fast, her smiles weren't real, all her dreams put on the back burner, she was more of a mother to her younger sister than the actual mother was, and then it turned dark and my heart broke all over again.
She changed in the blink of an eye and I don't know if that change in her was for the better or not. She was kind of a mini replica of her mother. Cold, indifferent. She used to have a fighting spark, until it was snuffed out.
I really kind of wish we'd gotten the mother's story too.
So after reading this I did go back and re-read 'The pieces we leave behind' I think doing it this way was way better, book 2 then book 1, I had more of an understanding of why Amelia was the way she was, and god it made my heart break, she was called the princess of the town, but she had to grow up so fast, her smiles weren't real, all her dreams put on the back burner, she was more of a mother to her younger sister than the actual mother was, and then it turned dark and my heart broke all over again.
She changed in the blink of an eye and I don't know if that change in her was for the better or not. She was kind of a mini replica of her mother. Cold, indifferent. She used to have a fighting spark, until it was snuffed out.
I really kind of wish we'd gotten the mother's story too.
March 26, 2024
Words cannot express the emotional rollercoaster Amelia’s story put me through. I felt a whole range of emotions while consuming this story and cried enough tears to create an 8th ocean. Already reading TPWLB, I had my thoughts and curiosities about Maddie’s mother, Amelia, but this book put so much into perspective. My heart aches for Amelia. This mixed with her and Ty’s relationship has my heart and eyes working overtime. The unconditional love and support he gives her, no matter what the circumstances may be, was so heartbreakingly beautiful. This book, these characters, and this story will forever hold a place in my heart.
February 20, 2024
This is the prequel to The Pieces We Leave Behind, and it was so needed! I loved reading Mel's story so much. She was a beautiful, strong, and stubborn woman who just wanted to be happy.
If you don't remember who Mel is, she is Maddies mom from TPWLB! After reading this short prequel, I then reread the first book and fell in love all over again. Every moment between Maddie, Mel and Emma hit different, and it made me cry 😭
That few chapters 😭😭😭😭
These books deserve to be read. Elle writes relatable characters that bring a community together 🖤
If you don't remember who Mel is, she is Maddies mom from TPWLB! After reading this short prequel, I then reread the first book and fell in love all over again. Every moment between Maddie, Mel and Emma hit different, and it made me cry 😭
That few chapters 😭😭😭😭
These books deserve to be read. Elle writes relatable characters that bring a community together 🖤
April 17, 2024
As someone who met their soulmate at age 13, moved away at age 16, & lived a whole life without them until age 25, I heavily relate to Amelia. Just like TPWLB, I cried myself through this one because it ripped my heart out & slowly sewed me back up again.
March 18, 2024
This one hurts
After reading the pieces we leave behind I had a feeling about how Maddie’s mom ended up the way that she is. And reading the trigger warnings ( please please please read those) it was pretty much confirmed. So I knew that this book was going to hurt. It was going to make me cry and wouldn’t have that HEA I love to read especially when the books are really dark or heavy. And this one is heavy. With that being said I loved every painful moment of Amelia’s story. The first half of the book is full of a small town teenagers angst. Wanting to leave, wanting to break the cycle but also realizing that her home isn’t the house she was raised in but Ty …. He was her home. So when she is finally ready to accept that maybe her life in Lost Hollow isn’t so bad her entire world is destroyed by one act of violence and she does what she has to do to make sure that no one else has to suffer. She goes to college and eventually she stops returning Ty’s phone calls and her sisters letters. She doesn’t know how to cope with the trauma and so she doesn’t. She just retreats into herself and outwardly she is a completely different person than she is in the dark and lonely nights when she lets dead girl out and wallows in what could have been. You can read this one first and then the pieces we leave behind but I recommend reading that one first and the pieces we try to forget second. It changed my thought process for sure. With that being said read those trigger warnings and be kind to yourself if you are unable to ready this book. Once again Elle Mitchell has created another book that feels just a little to real. That hurts a whole lot but is so beautifully written I can’t help but enjoy all the broken parts of her characters, even when they don’t get their HEA. In the end her life was everything she used to wish for, even if in the process she lost her old self.
After reading the pieces we leave behind I had a feeling about how Maddie’s mom ended up the way that she is. And reading the trigger warnings ( please please please read those) it was pretty much confirmed. So I knew that this book was going to hurt. It was going to make me cry and wouldn’t have that HEA I love to read especially when the books are really dark or heavy. And this one is heavy. With that being said I loved every painful moment of Amelia’s story. The first half of the book is full of a small town teenagers angst. Wanting to leave, wanting to break the cycle but also realizing that her home isn’t the house she was raised in but Ty …. He was her home. So when she is finally ready to accept that maybe her life in Lost Hollow isn’t so bad her entire world is destroyed by one act of violence and she does what she has to do to make sure that no one else has to suffer. She goes to college and eventually she stops returning Ty’s phone calls and her sisters letters. She doesn’t know how to cope with the trauma and so she doesn’t. She just retreats into herself and outwardly she is a completely different person than she is in the dark and lonely nights when she lets dead girl out and wallows in what could have been. You can read this one first and then the pieces we leave behind but I recommend reading that one first and the pieces we try to forget second. It changed my thought process for sure. With that being said read those trigger warnings and be kind to yourself if you are unable to ready this book. Once again Elle Mitchell has created another book that feels just a little to real. That hurts a whole lot but is so beautifully written I can’t help but enjoy all the broken parts of her characters, even when they don’t get their HEA. In the end her life was everything she used to wish for, even if in the process she lost her old self.
March 17, 2024
Summary:
Maddie’s mom is tough, cold, and detached when we meet her in The Pieces We Leave Behind—but what molded her into that person? Meet Mel as she is at 18–a tough upbringing, a distant mother, a boy who loves her—and a summer that changes the trajectory of her life forever.
Title: The Pieces We Try To Forget (companion to The Pieces We Leave Behind)
Author: Elle Mitchell
@ellemitchellbooks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️3/5
Tropes:
The One That Got Away
Coming of Age
Prequel Novella
Non-HEA
Triggers:
SA/r*pe
PTSD
Parental Neglect
Whitney’s Thoughts:
Man. I sobbed reading this. When I met Amelia in The Pieces We Leave Behind, I hated her and thought she was a horrible mom. Reading this novella explains her so much and my heart aches for her. This book made me cry for Mel, but also every mistake I’ve made that I wish I could go back and change. Elle knows how to write heart-wrenching, compelling, and readable characters so well!
Maddie’s mom is tough, cold, and detached when we meet her in The Pieces We Leave Behind—but what molded her into that person? Meet Mel as she is at 18–a tough upbringing, a distant mother, a boy who loves her—and a summer that changes the trajectory of her life forever.
Title: The Pieces We Try To Forget (companion to The Pieces We Leave Behind)
Author: Elle Mitchell
@ellemitchellbooks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️3/5
Tropes:
The One That Got Away
Coming of Age
Prequel Novella
Non-HEA
Triggers:
SA/r*pe
PTSD
Parental Neglect
Whitney’s Thoughts:
Man. I sobbed reading this. When I met Amelia in The Pieces We Leave Behind, I hated her and thought she was a horrible mom. Reading this novella explains her so much and my heart aches for her. This book made me cry for Mel, but also every mistake I’ve made that I wish I could go back and change. Elle knows how to write heart-wrenching, compelling, and readable characters so well!
May 5, 2024
I loved this book. I loved Amelia as a badass main character. There were so many noteworthy quotes where she’s just such a boss and a straight shooter. I did a lot of highlighting on my Kindle of just her being a badass.
I really wonder if her and Ty ever end up connecting. Even though I know they’re made up characters, the way they’re written it just makes me want to believe they’re real and their story is real.
I love the whole missed connections/one that got away trope. It’s frustrating and emotionally gruelling when just when you think a love story is going to work out but then in the end, the timing ends up being wrong. Elle Mitchell does an excellent job at this build up and had me rooting for Ty and Amelia the entire story.
I can’t wait for 2025 when we might just get another Lost Hollow book 🤞🏻❤️
I really wonder if her and Ty ever end up connecting. Even though I know they’re made up characters, the way they’re written it just makes me want to believe they’re real and their story is real.
I love the whole missed connections/one that got away trope. It’s frustrating and emotionally gruelling when just when you think a love story is going to work out but then in the end, the timing ends up being wrong. Elle Mitchell does an excellent job at this build up and had me rooting for Ty and Amelia the entire story.
I can’t wait for 2025 when we might just get another Lost Hollow book 🤞🏻❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
This story hit hard, I cried most of the way through it. I read this book with a consistent lump in my throat.
It was raw, tragic, and extremely emotional.
This book definitely put me through my paces.
With this being a prequel to the pieces we leave behind, we get to see some of the characters from a totally different perspective.
How can something be this beautiful and rip your heart out! That is what this book did.
This story was so beautifully written. The author is truly amazing. Her writing is tragic and heartbreaking, but truly perfection.
It was raw, tragic, and extremely emotional.
This book definitely put me through my paces.
With this being a prequel to the pieces we leave behind, we get to see some of the characters from a totally different perspective.
How can something be this beautiful and rip your heart out! That is what this book did.
This story was so beautifully written. The author is truly amazing. Her writing is tragic and heartbreaking, but truly perfection.
March 17, 2024
No, wait, OUCH!!!
THIS BOOK!!
I don't know how to write review for this one.😭
If you have read The Pieces We Leave Behind then you already know about Mel and Ty. You know that they share past.
Well, this book will show you *that* past and trust me when I say it HURTS. SO. FUCKING. MUCH.
It's beautiful, don't get me wrong, it's amazing, but the pain and damage it will cause—
I loved every second of it!!
⭐️5/5
🌶3/5
THIS BOOK!!
I don't know how to write review for this one.😭
If you have read The Pieces We Leave Behind then you already know about Mel and Ty. You know that they share past.
Well, this book will show you *that* past and trust me when I say it HURTS. SO. FUCKING. MUCH.
It's beautiful, don't get me wrong, it's amazing, but the pain and damage it will cause—
I loved every second of it!!
⭐️5/5
🌶3/5
March 27, 2024
Okay, I've been sitting here with my thoughts for a few days and trying to get words together for this review.
Firstly, thank you Elle for the arc. Seriously I can't get enough of your books & stories. Even though they usually bring me to tears at one point.
This one was no different.
When we first met Amelia in The Pieces We Leave Behind, she was a tough character to understand. A mom who seemed too hard on her daughter. Pushing her to be the best of the best. But deep down. She just wanted to give her daughter what she didn't have....a chance at a good life. A life of possibilities.
Mel's story was just absolutely devastating.
Ugh first with what happened to her. Ugh and her mother!!! Seriously how could her own mother treat her the way she did...and just brush it under a rug like it was nothing.
Then we have her and Ty's relationship. I just absolutely loved how Ty just loves Mel. And for their story to go the way it did. Broke my already broken heart.
Mel is a tough woman. She has to be. To protect herself. I just hate that it cost her so much in the process.
The way I completely understand her though. I get it. Which just made me feel for her even more.
Definitely not an ending we want, but I'm hoping that in the future there will be a happy ending. Because Mel deserves it. 😭 as does Ty.
Firstly, thank you Elle for the arc. Seriously I can't get enough of your books & stories. Even though they usually bring me to tears at one point.
This one was no different.
When we first met Amelia in The Pieces We Leave Behind, she was a tough character to understand. A mom who seemed too hard on her daughter. Pushing her to be the best of the best. But deep down. She just wanted to give her daughter what she didn't have....a chance at a good life. A life of possibilities.
Mel's story was just absolutely devastating.
Ugh first with what happened to her. Ugh and her mother!!! Seriously how could her own mother treat her the way she did...and just brush it under a rug like it was nothing.
Then we have her and Ty's relationship. I just absolutely loved how Ty just loves Mel. And for their story to go the way it did. Broke my already broken heart.
Mel is a tough woman. She has to be. To protect herself. I just hate that it cost her so much in the process.
The way I completely understand her though. I get it. Which just made me feel for her even more.
Definitely not an ending we want, but I'm hoping that in the future there will be a happy ending. Because Mel deserves it. 😭 as does Ty.
March 16, 2024
“I’m your home. And you’re mine.”
Please, I can’t stress this enough CHECK TW ⚠️ before you dive into this book!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a prequel from The Pieces We Leave Behind, you will not understand this book if you don’t read that one first.
I have no words for this book, nothing but just remarkable. I cannot explain how this book touch a place in my heart that I’ve never thought I will see again. Elle I’ve told you this before and I’m reminding you again: your writing it’s nothing but phenomenal, poetic and so freaking breath taking. If I could rat this book a thousand ⭐️ I will, it deserves every single one.
MY GOD…. Just… wao… This book will make you cry and not just a few tears oh no, ugly cry non stop. The things our FMC went through will have you mad, sad and honestly whimpering. You would want to rip your heart out for her and hug her and be her friend until the end of time. Every chapter is a story to make you see that sometimes in life not everything is rainbow colors and roses, growing up with a mother that can’t care less about you or what happens to you, poor and in a small town where everyone talks. All she ever wanted was to be better, to be happy, to be someone and a horrible tragic moment change ALL of that for her, to a point where she lost the love of her life.
It is a beautiful, heartbreaking story full of reality. The love between Ty & Amelia is heartbreaking, you could actually feel your heart braking for them, and I will always have them in my heart! Hopefully in the near future they could finally be happy.
May 16, 2024
This author could make her grocery list enjoyable to read, she’s that in tuned with her characters emotions and her readers.
May 13, 2024
“For the ones who lie awake at three in the morning haunted by ghosts and what-ifs, replaying a set of scenes over and over in their head and dreaming of a life that turned out differently. I hope they’re quiet for you tonight.”
The Pieces We Try to Forget is a prequel novella to The Pieces We Leave Behind. In this story, we follow Mel and Ty. Mel and Ty could’ve been Maddie and Ezra…but mistakes were made and now they can’t fix it. I’m not going to say too much about the plot because I feel like it’s something you just have to experience.
Ever since I finished I’ve been trying to put into words and review, but this book deserves so much more than I could ever put into words. Elle is an emotional mastermind that makes you fall in love with the characters and then wrecks you with them. Mel and Ty’s story is so beautifully devastating and I’m not sure how I’ll ever recover.
The Pieces We Try to Forget is a prequel novella to The Pieces We Leave Behind. In this story, we follow Mel and Ty. Mel and Ty could’ve been Maddie and Ezra…but mistakes were made and now they can’t fix it. I’m not going to say too much about the plot because I feel like it’s something you just have to experience.
Ever since I finished I’ve been trying to put into words and review, but this book deserves so much more than I could ever put into words. Elle is an emotional mastermind that makes you fall in love with the characters and then wrecks you with them. Mel and Ty’s story is so beautifully devastating and I’m not sure how I’ll ever recover.
March 25, 2024
My heart is shattered.
I’ve been interested in Amelia and Ty’s story since we met them in The Pieces We Leave Behind. I wasn’t sure I liked Amelia, but I figured she had a story worth telling and she did.
Their story broke me. With everything Amelia went through, I understand how difficult it was just to keep living. When you’re dealing with trauma, it’s enough to just survive, let alone make the “right”choices.
I so want her and Ty to get their second chance. I will give anything to see them in another novella, or even just a bonus scene. They deserve to get married in the woods at midnight in the rain. ❤️
I’ve been interested in Amelia and Ty’s story since we met them in The Pieces We Leave Behind. I wasn’t sure I liked Amelia, but I figured she had a story worth telling and she did.
Their story broke me. With everything Amelia went through, I understand how difficult it was just to keep living. When you’re dealing with trauma, it’s enough to just survive, let alone make the “right”choices.
I so want her and Ty to get their second chance. I will give anything to see them in another novella, or even just a bonus scene. They deserve to get married in the woods at midnight in the rain. ❤️
March 16, 2024
I was NOT okay during or after reading this arc. Elle, you continue to break my heart in all the best ways. I have never read anyone’s writing that affects me the way yours does. In every single book of yours. This book absolutely wrecked me. I don’t think there was a 10 minute span that I wasn’t sobbing. It was everything. 10/10 through and through. I can’t wait to hold the physical copy in my hands.
December 10, 2024
This second book really brought it together! Such a beautifully tragic story of love, loss and regret.
April 16, 2024
The Pieces We Try To Forget is a prequel to The Pieces We Leave Behind. It is Amelia's story. If it has been awhile since you read TPWLB and you need a character reminder, Amelia is Madison's mom and Emma's older sister.
I really appreciated the author sharing Amelia's story with us. I have a much better understanding of her knowing her background. While Mel comes across as being uppity and cold, there's a lot more to her. Her life was never easy and the image she portrays to the world does not reflect who she is at her core. There are very few people who truly know Mel, and one of them is Ty.
This book recounts Mel & Ty's tragic and heartbreaking love story. I warn you that, like most of Mitchell's pieces, your heart will ache. I am never fully prepared for how much it hurts to read the author's beautiful works of fiction, and yet I never regret a moment.
Shout out to Shelbie (see book's acknowledgments) for pushing for another bonus chapter. Mel deserves one, and so do we!
I really appreciated the author sharing Amelia's story with us. I have a much better understanding of her knowing her background. While Mel comes across as being uppity and cold, there's a lot more to her. Her life was never easy and the image she portrays to the world does not reflect who she is at her core. There are very few people who truly know Mel, and one of them is Ty.
This book recounts Mel & Ty's tragic and heartbreaking love story. I warn you that, like most of Mitchell's pieces, your heart will ache. I am never fully prepared for how much it hurts to read the author's beautiful works of fiction, and yet I never regret a moment.
Shout out to Shelbie (see book's acknowledgments) for pushing for another bonus chapter. Mel deserves one, and so do we!
April 15, 2024
Man… this hurts. So so much… it’s like… I hate you Elle. 💔
I thought The Pieces We Leave Behind broke me.. but this HURTS LIKE A BITCH 😭 it’s been weeks and I still don’t know where to start this review or how to EXPRESS alllllll my emotions.
Like I wanna scream (which I did), and I wanna ugly sob (which I also did), but also… i wanna cuss out Elle every single day (which I do whenever I get a chance), and I wanna cry again (I am because I reread some parts… yeah yeah, I like pain, fuck off). Elle, how could you???? this is so beautifully written … but also, FUCK YOUUUUUU!!! 🖕🏻
Seems like everything she writes hits close to home and ha ha I’m not happy about it 😭😭 the raw emotions, the hint of reality that hits you hard, the characters suffering and going through heartbreaking moments. If you don’t cry while reading this, then I suggest you reread it again and again and again, till you feel every word within your bones, every single fucking emotion. Oh man… I fucking cried hard. Fuck you Elle 🖕🏻.
I had my mixed feelings about Maddie’s mom, Amelia, in TPWLB, because I didn’t understand… well I don’t wanna spoil it, but it’s just some shit pissed me off and broke me at the same time, I wondered what could’ve happened. But this cleared everything up, and oh boy, was that a slap to the face 💔😭 Fuck you Elle 🖕🏻.
Ty… FUCKKKKKKK… my poor baby Ty 😫😫 I fucking adore him with my whole body, heart, and soul. I fucking love him and I don’t think anything I say will truly make you feel what I feel everytime I think about him. That was soooo painful, so not okay and it was a stab to the heart. When I tell you I kept rereading the last half of the book… I promise I’m not joking. Idk, maybe it’s because I can … nvm. Leave me alone. Fuck you Elle 🖕🏻.
Yes, I know things are… developing… changing… but that doesn’t change the fact that what’s been written is written. And what happened HAPPENED. it’s there. I FELT it. And IM STILL HURTING AND BROKEN TO THIS DAY.
Dear Elle,
I hope you’re happy. You’ve made me sob, hurt, break, and CARVED every one of your books into my heart. Each book by you has its own fucking room and I really hope that you’re happy. Satisfied? You keep saying that you’re writing something less painful… news flash, I. Don’t. Trust. You.
Does that change the fact that I’ll still fucking read whatever you write? Absolutely not. Am I still gonna spam you, and leave you … not so lovely DMs at 3am? Hell yeah. Will I still obsess over every fucking book by you that I read? 100%. Still, fuck you. Why? Why fucking hurt me? First, you did what you did in TPWLB, then you turn around AND DO THIS! Like, WHY? What was the reason? Do I still love it? Yes. Why? Because I’m a fucking mess that seriously needs therapy 🙂 fuck off, this isn’t for you, it’s for Elle. Anyways, why? Write me a 5 page essay, explaining why. Really, make it make sense. Why hurt me? It’s almost summer, HOT FUCKING PILLOWS EVERY NIGHT! Suffer like i am right now.
Fuck I’m crying while writing this. Ughhhhh!!!
My heart aches.
It seriously feels like my heart is being squeezed. And there’s this lump in my throat…
I promise, I swear, I love this woman and her books. But DAMMIT…😭😭😭
I spent days not knowing what to write, because “please read this beautifully heartbreaking book” will not be enough. Even tho, yes, you should soooo read and it is beautiful and heartbreaking. But I wanted to scream more, I want to let it all out.
Guess what? I’m still not satisfied. I’m not sure anything will be able to heal me after this book 😭😭
Please please read trigger warnings. Your health matters.
This will most definitely not be copied to Amazon because… well… yeah… 🙂 goodreads knows not to block anything because we’re readers who are suffering everyday 🥲
I’m still not satisfied. Ughhhh. 🖕🏻 Elle.
Overall: (seriously? Was the review not enough?)
♾️ ⭐️ 😭 💔
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (I honestly don’t remember 💀 good job Elle, you did the impossible 🙂 made me forget all about the spice and focus on the tears)
I thought The Pieces We Leave Behind broke me.. but this HURTS LIKE A BITCH 😭 it’s been weeks and I still don’t know where to start this review or how to EXPRESS alllllll my emotions.
Like I wanna scream (which I did), and I wanna ugly sob (which I also did), but also… i wanna cuss out Elle every single day (which I do whenever I get a chance), and I wanna cry again (I am because I reread some parts… yeah yeah, I like pain, fuck off). Elle, how could you???? this is so beautifully written … but also, FUCK YOUUUUUU!!! 🖕🏻
Seems like everything she writes hits close to home and ha ha I’m not happy about it 😭😭 the raw emotions, the hint of reality that hits you hard, the characters suffering and going through heartbreaking moments. If you don’t cry while reading this, then I suggest you reread it again and again and again, till you feel every word within your bones, every single fucking emotion. Oh man… I fucking cried hard. Fuck you Elle 🖕🏻.
I had my mixed feelings about Maddie’s mom, Amelia, in TPWLB, because I didn’t understand… well I don’t wanna spoil it, but it’s just some shit pissed me off and broke me at the same time, I wondered what could’ve happened. But this cleared everything up, and oh boy, was that a slap to the face 💔😭 Fuck you Elle 🖕🏻.
Ty… FUCKKKKKKK… my poor baby Ty 😫😫 I fucking adore him with my whole body, heart, and soul. I fucking love him and I don’t think anything I say will truly make you feel what I feel everytime I think about him. That was soooo painful, so not okay and it was a stab to the heart. When I tell you I kept rereading the last half of the book… I promise I’m not joking. Idk, maybe it’s because I can … nvm. Leave me alone. Fuck you Elle 🖕🏻.
Yes, I know things are… developing… changing… but that doesn’t change the fact that what’s been written is written. And what happened HAPPENED. it’s there. I FELT it. And IM STILL HURTING AND BROKEN TO THIS DAY.
Dear Elle,
I hope you’re happy. You’ve made me sob, hurt, break, and CARVED every one of your books into my heart. Each book by you has its own fucking room and I really hope that you’re happy. Satisfied? You keep saying that you’re writing something less painful… news flash, I. Don’t. Trust. You.
Does that change the fact that I’ll still fucking read whatever you write? Absolutely not. Am I still gonna spam you, and leave you … not so lovely DMs at 3am? Hell yeah. Will I still obsess over every fucking book by you that I read? 100%. Still, fuck you. Why? Why fucking hurt me? First, you did what you did in TPWLB, then you turn around AND DO THIS! Like, WHY? What was the reason? Do I still love it? Yes. Why? Because I’m a fucking mess that seriously needs therapy 🙂 fuck off, this isn’t for you, it’s for Elle. Anyways, why? Write me a 5 page essay, explaining why. Really, make it make sense. Why hurt me? It’s almost summer, HOT FUCKING PILLOWS EVERY NIGHT! Suffer like i am right now.
Fuck I’m crying while writing this. Ughhhhh!!!
My heart aches.
It seriously feels like my heart is being squeezed. And there’s this lump in my throat…
I promise, I swear, I love this woman and her books. But DAMMIT…😭😭😭
I spent days not knowing what to write, because “please read this beautifully heartbreaking book” will not be enough. Even tho, yes, you should soooo read and it is beautiful and heartbreaking. But I wanted to scream more, I want to let it all out.
Guess what? I’m still not satisfied. I’m not sure anything will be able to heal me after this book 😭😭
Please please read trigger warnings. Your health matters.
This will most definitely not be copied to Amazon because… well… yeah… 🙂 goodreads knows not to block anything because we’re readers who are suffering everyday 🥲
I’m still not satisfied. Ughhhh. 🖕🏻 Elle.
Overall: (seriously? Was the review not enough?)
♾️ ⭐️ 😭 💔
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (I honestly don’t remember 💀 good job Elle, you did the impossible 🙂 made me forget all about the spice and focus on the tears)
March 20, 2024
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
"“What did I do to deserve you?” I ask. He wipes the tears from under my eyes. “It’s got nothing to do with deserving. You’re my missing piece."
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
This is the prequel to The Pieces We Leave Behind, and it is PHENOMENAL. It took me a while to review this ARC because I immediately had to dive back into TPWLB after finishing it.
TPWTTF focuses on Amelia, Maddie's mom. I needed this story more than I care to explain. Mel's life-shaping experiences were heartbreaking and soul crushing. The amount of "what-ifs" had me throwing my kindle and working on an Elle Mitchell voodoo doll. (Think of me every time you stub your toe. 😏)
My heart broke for Amelia & Ty. I'm pretty sure I felt it physically crack.
Amelia suffered through so much trauma - something you get a small inkling of in TPWLB.
Sweet baby Ty, who just wanted to give her the world while she was crumbling inside.
At one point, he says,
"Every moment of every day, with every breath that you take, you are loved—wholly and unconditionally—by me. And there is nothing—absolutely nothing—on this fucking planet that is ever going to change that. Do you understand me?”
AND BOY DID HE MEAN IT. 😭
Elle has a way of slashing your heart into 679 pieces and sewing back together again. BUT APPARENTLY SHE FORGOT HOW TO SEW because my heart is still broken.
I need one more book about as much as I need air. ..or just a freaking chapter for closure. Because now I'm going to think about this fictional couple forever, and it's honestly just rude.
"“What did I do to deserve you?” I ask. He wipes the tears from under my eyes. “It’s got nothing to do with deserving. You’re my missing piece."
●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
This is the prequel to The Pieces We Leave Behind, and it is PHENOMENAL. It took me a while to review this ARC because I immediately had to dive back into TPWLB after finishing it.
TPWTTF focuses on Amelia, Maddie's mom. I needed this story more than I care to explain. Mel's life-shaping experiences were heartbreaking and soul crushing. The amount of "what-ifs" had me throwing my kindle and working on an Elle Mitchell voodoo doll. (Think of me every time you stub your toe. 😏)
My heart broke for Amelia & Ty. I'm pretty sure I felt it physically crack.
Amelia suffered through so much trauma - something you get a small inkling of in TPWLB.
Sweet baby Ty, who just wanted to give her the world while she was crumbling inside.
At one point, he says,
"Every moment of every day, with every breath that you take, you are loved—wholly and unconditionally—by me. And there is nothing—absolutely nothing—on this fucking planet that is ever going to change that. Do you understand me?”
AND BOY DID HE MEAN IT. 😭
Elle has a way of slashing your heart into 679 pieces and sewing back together again. BUT APPARENTLY SHE FORGOT HOW TO SEW because my heart is still broken.
I need one more book about as much as I need air. ..or just a freaking chapter for closure. Because now I'm going to think about this fictional couple forever, and it's honestly just rude.
April 22, 2024
“You can’t wake up every day trying to live for a moment in time that doesn’t exist, or you’ll miss everything. You’ll make yourself miserable for no goddamn reason.”
This books ruined me in the best way possible. The amount of tears I cried during this has got ti be a new world record. Elle Mitchell writes emotion, trauma, and heartache in a way that’s reminiscent of some of the classic tragic love stories in literature. It’s truly just amazing. I’m in awe of her ability to make me FEEL through the pages and step into not only the world she’s writing but the minds and hearts of the characters she’s writing about. I loved The Pieces We Leave Behind and now I love The Pieces We Try To Forget.
If you want a break from HEA romance books and want to dive into a world of real, raw, genuine and relatable emotion, then you definitely need to pick up this book. 🫶🏻
“When the world recycles us and spits us back out, we’ll try again. Well do better next time.”
*Check TW for SA on page and a few other things.
This books ruined me in the best way possible. The amount of tears I cried during this has got ti be a new world record. Elle Mitchell writes emotion, trauma, and heartache in a way that’s reminiscent of some of the classic tragic love stories in literature. It’s truly just amazing. I’m in awe of her ability to make me FEEL through the pages and step into not only the world she’s writing but the minds and hearts of the characters she’s writing about. I loved The Pieces We Leave Behind and now I love The Pieces We Try To Forget.
If you want a break from HEA romance books and want to dive into a world of real, raw, genuine and relatable emotion, then you definitely need to pick up this book. 🫶🏻
“When the world recycles us and spits us back out, we’ll try again. Well do better next time.”
*Check TW for SA on page and a few other things.
May 24, 2024
Loved It !! 💖💖💖💖💖
“The Pieces We Try To Forget “ “ Amelia’s story “is a prequel to “The Pieces We Leave Behind “ and I absolutely loved TPWLB!! 💖💖💖💖💖
I’m so glad Elle decided to share Amelia’s heartbreaking story , because it just tore my heart apart.🥹💔You always wonder why people are the way they are…You never really know what terrible traumas people experience in life and Mel’s story was the perfect example of this. This book was short but Elle did an amazing job of describing all of Mel’s hardships and childhood trauma. The book has a lot of deep and gut wrenching experiences , so I would check your triggers!
Loved Amelia’s and Ty’s love story ❤️🔥 to me they were soulmates and their chemistry on page was electric 🥵
Overall I really enjoyed reading about “Lost Hollow “ again and I’m hoping Elle continues Amelia’s and Ty’s love story 💗because even though they’re older and their lives have taken different paths, I’m hoping they get their HEA! 💖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️😮💨
“The Pieces We Try To Forget “ “ Amelia’s story “is a prequel to “The Pieces We Leave Behind “ and I absolutely loved TPWLB!! 💖💖💖💖💖
I’m so glad Elle decided to share Amelia’s heartbreaking story , because it just tore my heart apart.🥹💔You always wonder why people are the way they are…You never really know what terrible traumas people experience in life and Mel’s story was the perfect example of this. This book was short but Elle did an amazing job of describing all of Mel’s hardships and childhood trauma. The book has a lot of deep and gut wrenching experiences , so I would check your triggers!
Loved Amelia’s and Ty’s love story ❤️🔥 to me they were soulmates and their chemistry on page was electric 🥵
Overall I really enjoyed reading about “Lost Hollow “ again and I’m hoping Elle continues Amelia’s and Ty’s love story 💗because even though they’re older and their lives have taken different paths, I’m hoping they get their HEA! 💖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️😮💨
March 24, 2024
• Childhood Friends to Lovers
• Small Town
• Found Family
• Trauma
• No HEA
The prequel to The Pieces We Leave Behind, don't read this unless you have read TPWLB first.
Another masterpiece of emotional destruction, angst, longing and what if's.
I cried through every chapter of this book.
The emotional connection I felt when reading TPWLB was as strong in TPWTTF. I wrote in that review that pieces of me where left in Lost Hollow and after finishing this, it's even more true.
These characters are perfectly tortured. Elle's ability to give these characters life and immerse the reader in her stories in unparalleled.
Both Ty and Amelia went through a lot and unfortunately Amelia lost herself along the way. My heart broke for her.
I don't know what else to say, I loved every minute of it even though I kind of hate Elle for tearing my heart out again.
• Small Town
• Found Family
• Trauma
• No HEA
The prequel to The Pieces We Leave Behind, don't read this unless you have read TPWLB first.
Another masterpiece of emotional destruction, angst, longing and what if's.
I cried through every chapter of this book.
The emotional connection I felt when reading TPWLB was as strong in TPWTTF. I wrote in that review that pieces of me where left in Lost Hollow and after finishing this, it's even more true.
These characters are perfectly tortured. Elle's ability to give these characters life and immerse the reader in her stories in unparalleled.
Both Ty and Amelia went through a lot and unfortunately Amelia lost herself along the way. My heart broke for her.
I don't know what else to say, I loved every minute of it even though I kind of hate Elle for tearing my heart out again.
April 12, 2024
Elle Mitchell writes stories that will put you through an emotional rollercoaster and then some. So, I went in knowing that I was going to go through the wringer, but I was not expecting for Elle to make mincemeat of my heart before she made me whole again. And that’s even knowing part of Amelia aka Mel and Ty’s story from The Pieces We Leave Behind. These two have/had the potential for one of those great love stories, if it wasn’t for the awful event that changed the course of their lives. So be prepared, get your tissues out.
When we first met Mel in The Pieces We Leave Behind, she came across as a bitter, stick in the mud, and not a very likeable person. Going back and meeting her younger self in this book, put everything into perspective. Mel was a feisty and stubborn young woman who took no sh*t. I loved that about her. She just wanted to be happy, and Ty Cross was that happiness. They were end game, until a devastating moment broke Mel and sent her running. It was heartbreaking and I had to put the book down for a moment just to catch my breath.
Ty Cross was more than I expected. I mean this man was such a standup guy. The kind of guy that will stand in your corner no matter what, and he went above and beyond for Mel. She was his world, and he had no qualms about seeking street justice to avenge her. I am so enamored of him and just feel a bone deep sadness for him like the one he felt.
The Pieces We Try to Forget was beautiful and heartbreaking. Your heart will break but you will also aww at the tender moments and get the flutters at the spicy scenes. Elle packed a lot of emotion in this novella, and although the HEA wasn’t evident, I feel like Ty and Mel’s story isn’t quite done. I recommend that you read The Pieces We Leave Behind first and check the TWs.
When we first met Mel in The Pieces We Leave Behind, she came across as a bitter, stick in the mud, and not a very likeable person. Going back and meeting her younger self in this book, put everything into perspective. Mel was a feisty and stubborn young woman who took no sh*t. I loved that about her. She just wanted to be happy, and Ty Cross was that happiness. They were end game, until a devastating moment broke Mel and sent her running. It was heartbreaking and I had to put the book down for a moment just to catch my breath.
Ty Cross was more than I expected. I mean this man was such a standup guy. The kind of guy that will stand in your corner no matter what, and he went above and beyond for Mel. She was his world, and he had no qualms about seeking street justice to avenge her. I am so enamored of him and just feel a bone deep sadness for him like the one he felt.
The Pieces We Try to Forget was beautiful and heartbreaking. Your heart will break but you will also aww at the tender moments and get the flutters at the spicy scenes. Elle packed a lot of emotion in this novella, and although the HEA wasn’t evident, I feel like Ty and Mel’s story isn’t quite done. I recommend that you read The Pieces We Leave Behind first and check the TWs.
June 8, 2024
I’m so happy I finally got to read this book! I’m sad that it’s all over. Elle Mitchell does it again. I really enjoy her stories from beginning to end. This was a great book to explain Maddison’s mom, Amelia. It makes me understand so much more from the first book, The Pieces We Leave Behind.
Amelia went through so much as a child until she turned 18. Her life was literally flipped upside down after one night. Her life would have been completely different if that night didn’t happen. It’s hard to say if it was all meant to be. It’s crazy how one event in your life can change everybody’s life, not just yours. I really enjoyed this roller coaster of emotions this book put me through. I’ll always recommend both of these books!
This book makes me want to read the first one again now that I understand everything better.
Amelia went through so much as a child until she turned 18. Her life was literally flipped upside down after one night. Her life would have been completely different if that night didn’t happen. It’s hard to say if it was all meant to be. It’s crazy how one event in your life can change everybody’s life, not just yours. I really enjoyed this roller coaster of emotions this book put me through. I’ll always recommend both of these books!
This book makes me want to read the first one again now that I understand everything better.
March 23, 2024
the emotional turmoil I went through with this damn book. I will be needing therapy for 3-6 years after this one. We meet Ty and Mel in the pieces we leave behind, but in this one we get the FULL story of their lives. It was so raw and heartbreaking. I felt every emotion possible while reading. Ty is the anchor Mel needs in her life, loving her through it all and giving her what she needs.
I wanted to just hug mellie and emma the whole time. They have a hard upbringing with a basically nonexistent mom and a dad who isn’t in the picture. there is a lot of heavy trigger warnings, so MAKE SURE you check them before reading.
The way the story flows was like reliving my childhood, in the way that it felt very nostalgic. I really loved how Mel wanted to get away from her hometown and do better for herself than her mother. The way she coped with her trauma was so realistic, Elle doesn’t sugarcoat anything. there’s no happy ending. There is just a beautifully written story of hardship, resilience, determination, and unwavering love.
Make sure you pick yourself up the Lost Hollow series if you love a good emotional, real, agonizingly heartbreaking story 😂😭
I wanted to just hug mellie and emma the whole time. They have a hard upbringing with a basically nonexistent mom and a dad who isn’t in the picture. there is a lot of heavy trigger warnings, so MAKE SURE you check them before reading.
The way the story flows was like reliving my childhood, in the way that it felt very nostalgic. I really loved how Mel wanted to get away from her hometown and do better for herself than her mother. The way she coped with her trauma was so realistic, Elle doesn’t sugarcoat anything. there’s no happy ending. There is just a beautifully written story of hardship, resilience, determination, and unwavering love.
Make sure you pick yourself up the Lost Hollow series if you love a good emotional, real, agonizingly heartbreaking story 😂😭
February 20, 2024
I’m at a loss for words. This gave me so many answers I was looking for and so much more. I was soul shattered. Amelia’s story was beautifully tragic and after TPWLB I wanted to dislike her. But the life she lived the things she endured explain so much of why Lost Hollow and her Mother & Sister were so estranged. And why she is the way she is. Amelia and Ty have my heart. Their love story is heartbreaking. I experienced so many emotions reading this story. Ezra & Maddie will always have my heart but now so does Ty and Amelia.
May 21, 2024
”I’m your home. And you’re mine”
“On your birthday, he climbed in through the window and slept in your bed.”
“Whatever has always been there is still there, and maybe when I couldn't touch it, I could stuff it down into this box and pretend it didn't exist, but it never went away. It's home. And it's what's been missing. This is the feeling I was terrified I'd have to live without.”
what the actual fuck do i do with my life now this ruined me.
“On your birthday, he climbed in through the window and slept in your bed.”
“Whatever has always been there is still there, and maybe when I couldn't touch it, I could stuff it down into this box and pretend it didn't exist, but it never went away. It's home. And it's what's been missing. This is the feeling I was terrified I'd have to live without.”
what the actual fuck do i do with my life now this ruined me.
July 31, 2024
Oh man, I truly have no words. The Pieces We Try to Forget torn my heart apart and did not put it back together.
In The Pieces We Try to Forget, we get more of an understanding on why Maddie’s mom, Amelia was the way she was. It was so emotional and I was crying through out with whole book. I so badly wanted Amelia and Ty to get back together. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
I would recommend reading this book first before The Pieces We Leave Behind to get a full understanding.
In The Pieces We Try to Forget, we get more of an understanding on why Maddie’s mom, Amelia was the way she was. It was so emotional and I was crying through out with whole book. I so badly wanted Amelia and Ty to get back together. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
I would recommend reading this book first before The Pieces We Leave Behind to get a full understanding.
April 4, 2024
I just want to start by saying that I LOVED The Pieces We Leave Behind, so I knew that I’d really enjoy this book going into it. But, oh my f*€k.. was I not prepared for all the feels I felt while reading this. I’m talking, a freaking emotional roller coaster gone off the rails. And I LOVE THAT! Elle, you can wreck me all day and I’ll love you for it.
Onto my thoughts. (Btw, check the trigger warnings before beginning this series.)
In this sequel/prequel… we get a look at Amelia’s story and all the answers to why she is the way she is in TPWLB. She’s just a small town girl, who has an uncertain view of the future outside of high school, but at least she has the love of her life, Ty. She’s stuck helping raise her little sister and protect her from the dumpster fire that is their mother. Ty couldn’t be more perfect though. He’s protective, he’s thoughtful, caring, loving, and sensitive to what Amelia’s going through. And then an unthinkable situation happens that changes life as they know it. This absolutely gutted me! To go through an utterly life altering moment and survive, but also die a little in the process. Ugh!! I can’t. I felt wrecked for what Amelia went through, angry at the actions of her own damn mother, and heartbroken for the changes it caused. The shit end of the stick is an understatement and the only good outcome of this was Ezra and Maddie’s existence. I haven’t felt this sad since reading Outlander for the first time and Jamie sent Claire back through the stones. *cries so hard*
I can’t really say much without giving anything away. So that’s it for today. Going to go be sad in the shower for a while now. Thanks again for letting me be on your arc team, Elle! I loved it so much, even if it hurt.
Onto my thoughts. (Btw, check the trigger warnings before beginning this series.)
In this sequel/prequel… we get a look at Amelia’s story and all the answers to why she is the way she is in TPWLB. She’s just a small town girl, who has an uncertain view of the future outside of high school, but at least she has the love of her life, Ty. She’s stuck helping raise her little sister and protect her from the dumpster fire that is their mother. Ty couldn’t be more perfect though. He’s protective, he’s thoughtful, caring, loving, and sensitive to what Amelia’s going through. And then an unthinkable situation happens that changes life as they know it. This absolutely gutted me! To go through an utterly life altering moment and survive, but also die a little in the process. Ugh!! I can’t. I felt wrecked for what Amelia went through, angry at the actions of her own damn mother, and heartbroken for the changes it caused. The shit end of the stick is an understatement and the only good outcome of this was Ezra and Maddie’s existence. I haven’t felt this sad since reading Outlander for the first time and Jamie sent Claire back through the stones. *cries so hard*
I can’t really say much without giving anything away. So that’s it for today. Going to go be sad in the shower for a while now. Thanks again for letting me be on your arc team, Elle! I loved it so much, even if it hurt.
May 25, 2024
Yet again... I cried during this book, and it's not at thebpart one would expect. I cried after she came back to lost hollow when she was almost done with school. The love they shared was something so strong. I want another story about them. I want to know if she is able to move on and finally decide that she does infact deserve him and they life thay can have together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews