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The Hearts We Leave Behind
Can an old story change the course of a young woman’s life?
From the bestselling author of The Keeper of Stars and The Long Road Back to You comes a story that will have you believing in destiny.
Following a split from her longtime fiancé, 29-year-old Nora Dawson relocates from her hometown of Trafford, Alabama, to the picturesque town of Brentwood, Tennessee. There, nestled the rolling green hills, she takes a job at a retirement facility, where she makes some unexpected friends, among them a cantankerous old man named Fred Carlisle. Despite his prickly exterior, Fred holds a lifetime of stories, one of which will change the course of Nora’s life forever.
Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with Nora’s journey as she discovers that sometimes the rockiest paths lead to the most beautiful destinations.
From the bestselling author of The Keeper of Stars and The Long Road Back to You comes a story that will have you believing in destiny.
Following a split from her longtime fiancé, 29-year-old Nora Dawson relocates from her hometown of Trafford, Alabama, to the picturesque town of Brentwood, Tennessee. There, nestled the rolling green hills, she takes a job at a retirement facility, where she makes some unexpected friends, among them a cantankerous old man named Fred Carlisle. Despite his prickly exterior, Fred holds a lifetime of stories, one of which will change the course of Nora’s life forever.
Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with Nora’s journey as she discovers that sometimes the rockiest paths lead to the most beautiful destinations.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2025
About the author
Buck Turner
25 books875 followersBuck is a beloved storyteller, best known for his diverse writing style and subject matter. Author of the bestselling romance novels The Long Road Back To You and I'll Wait, Buck explores both the pleasure and the pain that come with finding that once-in-a-lifetime love, and the lengths we'll go to keep it.
As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds a Fine Arts degree as well as an MBA. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck focuses on what he knows best-the south, including its rich traditions, diverse characters, and religion. When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.
As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds a Fine Arts degree as well as an MBA. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck focuses on what he knows best-the south, including its rich traditions, diverse characters, and religion. When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
November 29, 2023
A beautiful love story that comes full circle after all the ups and downs that get in between.. I cried so much 😭😭😭 but this book was worth every tear.. fate will always find a way . And things always happen for a reason ..
if you love romance then this is definitely for you
if you love romance then this is definitely for you
January 22, 2024
I cannot overstate how much I adored this book! Firstly, massive thank you to @buckturner_official for the audio book copy I won... I'm not usually keen on audio books but I loved the story and the narrator was really good.
Swipe right to see the actual book cover...although I'm very impressed with my husband's help in making my recreation of it!
Nora starts a fresh new life as a nurse in Tennessee, where she forms a bond with one of the elderly residents - Mr Carlisle. He tells her all about his life and his time as a soldier in World War 2.
Between the past and the future, and blending the two together, we learn all about the life and loves of Mr Carlisle, as we watch Nora settle into her own new adventure.
Such a romantic, emotional book that makes you reflect on life and relationships. I adored the ending and how neatly everything was tied up and came full circle. I never wanted it to end, I could have listened to stories about the characters forever.
I can't imagine anyone not liking this book *unless you're not a fan of amazing books...or historical romance* hope I love his other books just as much and can't wait to read another by him.
Swipe right to see the actual book cover...although I'm very impressed with my husband's help in making my recreation of it!
Nora starts a fresh new life as a nurse in Tennessee, where she forms a bond with one of the elderly residents - Mr Carlisle. He tells her all about his life and his time as a soldier in World War 2.
Between the past and the future, and blending the two together, we learn all about the life and loves of Mr Carlisle, as we watch Nora settle into her own new adventure.
Such a romantic, emotional book that makes you reflect on life and relationships. I adored the ending and how neatly everything was tied up and came full circle. I never wanted it to end, I could have listened to stories about the characters forever.
I can't imagine anyone not liking this book *unless you're not a fan of amazing books...or historical romance* hope I love his other books just as much and can't wait to read another by him.
September 26, 2025
Beautiful Story
Another wonderful book! I have now read at least six of Buck Turners’ novels. They have all been excellent. He never disappoints.
Another wonderful book! I have now read at least six of Buck Turners’ novels. They have all been excellent. He never disappoints.
July 27, 2025
An enjoyable story by a wonderful storyteller.
I enjoyed this book very much. Buck Turner is such a good storyteller. There were a couple of things that were predictable. But it was such a beautiful story I didn’t care. I recommend it to everyone who likes to read about love, family, and faith.
I enjoyed this book very much. Buck Turner is such a good storyteller. There were a couple of things that were predictable. But it was such a beautiful story I didn’t care. I recommend it to everyone who likes to read about love, family, and faith.
August 26, 2025
an excellent read about obligations and love
Sometimes love lasts for a lifetime, but often,, as in this story, it began when two people fell in love during World War II, but fell apart as the war ended. Can two people keep their love, Intact even though they become married, but not to each other. This book will keep you getting until the very end.
Sometimes love lasts for a lifetime, but often,, as in this story, it began when two people fell in love during World War II, but fell apart as the war ended. Can two people keep their love, Intact even though they become married, but not to each other. This book will keep you getting until the very end.
July 24, 2025
Mr Carlisle
This was another great Love story from Buck Turner . I loved it & all his books . I would highly recommend it to anyone .
This was another great Love story from Buck Turner . I loved it & all his books . I would highly recommend it to anyone .
July 28, 2025
heatwarming!
This book closed giving me a heart full of love. such a sweet sweet story !I will remember for a long time to come!
This book closed giving me a heart full of love. such a sweet sweet story !I will remember for a long time to come!
September 5, 2025
Obvious plot yet still a sweet story.
January 6, 2024
Buck Turner wrote a beautiful story that tugs at your heartstrings. Have a box of tissues close by. I will remember this lovely story.
August 5, 2025
Wonderful!
What an outstanding book this was. Buck Turner is an amazing author and storyteller. I can’t wait to read more of his books. I’m definitely a fan.
What an outstanding book this was. Buck Turner is an amazing author and storyteller. I can’t wait to read more of his books. I’m definitely a fan.
September 4, 2025
Great story!
December 27, 2024
“The Hearts We Leave Behind” by Buck Turner is an easy, enjoyable read with a story I truly loved. The premise is compelling, and it kept me turning the pages. However, the book didn’t quite meet my expectations overall which was super defeating since the book had such great ratings.
The writing felt a bit unpolished, almost like a first attempt or something you’d expect from a high school assignment rather than a seasoned author. The plot was predictable; I was able to figure out most of the twists and turns right away, which took away some of the excitement. I kept waiting for that big “wow” moment, but it never really came.
I also read "The Women" by Kristin Hannah recently and moments of this book made me flash back to Hannah's writing and book. I almost felt like maybe I was getting a granddaughter side of these types of war stories!
Nora, the protagonist, was another sticking point for me. While she’s portrayed as intelligent, her overly dramatic reactions and tendency to get upset over small things made her less likable. It was hard to connect with her decisions, which often felt inconsistent with her supposed intellect.
Overall, while I appreciate the heart behind this story and see potential in Buck Turner’s work, I’d love to see more refined storytelling in the future. If you’re looking for a quick, light read, this might still be worth picking up.
The writing felt a bit unpolished, almost like a first attempt or something you’d expect from a high school assignment rather than a seasoned author. The plot was predictable; I was able to figure out most of the twists and turns right away, which took away some of the excitement. I kept waiting for that big “wow” moment, but it never really came.
I also read "The Women" by Kristin Hannah recently and moments of this book made me flash back to Hannah's writing and book. I almost felt like maybe I was getting a granddaughter side of these types of war stories!
Nora, the protagonist, was another sticking point for me. While she’s portrayed as intelligent, her overly dramatic reactions and tendency to get upset over small things made her less likable. It was hard to connect with her decisions, which often felt inconsistent with her supposed intellect.
Overall, while I appreciate the heart behind this story and see potential in Buck Turner’s work, I’d love to see more refined storytelling in the future. If you’re looking for a quick, light read, this might still be worth picking up.
December 7, 2023
In Another Place or Tme
Heartbreak from a broken relationship has Nora, a nurse moving and starting life over again. Nora soon meets John who has secrets and past hurts of his own to overcome.
At Nora’s new job she meets Fred who tells her stories of his life and a girl called Rose who he met during World War Two. Two souls who were destined to be together but life or fate didn’t quite follow the path they thought it should.
While I did work out the twist almost straight away it didn’t in anyway spoil the reveal and I found myself not wanting to put this story down.
This is another enjoyable read from Buck Turner and is a story of love and innocence lost and found again as past and present cleverly weave two love stories together across time. If you enjoy a sweet, no angst read and like Nicolas Sparks then I know you’ll enjoy reading this.
Heartbreak from a broken relationship has Nora, a nurse moving and starting life over again. Nora soon meets John who has secrets and past hurts of his own to overcome.
At Nora’s new job she meets Fred who tells her stories of his life and a girl called Rose who he met during World War Two. Two souls who were destined to be together but life or fate didn’t quite follow the path they thought it should.
While I did work out the twist almost straight away it didn’t in anyway spoil the reveal and I found myself not wanting to put this story down.
This is another enjoyable read from Buck Turner and is a story of love and innocence lost and found again as past and present cleverly weave two love stories together across time. If you enjoy a sweet, no angst read and like Nicolas Sparks then I know you’ll enjoy reading this.
December 8, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // 5 stars…infinite amount of stars…sweetest. book. EVER!
when i say that this book had my heart in a chokehold im not kidding. the depth in which noras life changed and swayed with the motions as she picked up and moved her life, meeting new friends, a potential love, and me carlisle…was fantastic.
this was such an emotional and gripping read that held my attention from the start and had me sobbing in the end, in the best of ways 😭💖 it has one pov from the standpoint of nora, an incredibly easily-admirable FMC, and focuses on the timelines of the 90s with flashbacks to times in the 40s.
id absolutely recommend this to anyone whos seeking a book to wreck them emotionally, again, in the BEST of ways😍😭this was an amazing read about nursing, war times, letters, wholesome friendships, fate, and strong family relationships ✨🥹
when i say that this book had my heart in a chokehold im not kidding. the depth in which noras life changed and swayed with the motions as she picked up and moved her life, meeting new friends, a potential love, and me carlisle…was fantastic.
this was such an emotional and gripping read that held my attention from the start and had me sobbing in the end, in the best of ways 😭💖 it has one pov from the standpoint of nora, an incredibly easily-admirable FMC, and focuses on the timelines of the 90s with flashbacks to times in the 40s.
id absolutely recommend this to anyone whos seeking a book to wreck them emotionally, again, in the BEST of ways😍😭this was an amazing read about nursing, war times, letters, wholesome friendships, fate, and strong family relationships ✨🥹
December 9, 2024
Another beautiful book by Buck Turner! A touching romance filled with friends, both old and new, heartaches, and healing. Nora is starting over hours from home after breaking up with her cheating fiancé. She befriends a charming elderly man (Mr. Carlisle) in the nursing home where she works. Mr. Carlisle appears to be a disgruntled old man who refuses to participate. Young Nora wins him over with her charm and a bag of M&Ms! As their friendship grows, he begins to share his story of lost love during the war.
Nora also meets John: handsome, polite, fun, and carrying his own dark secrets. As these neighbors spend more time together they slowly fall in love. Together they work on their relationship, trusting each other, and helping Mr. Carlisle find his lost "Rose". I love how their quest to help Mr. Carlisle has so many little twists and turns that keep you wondering and hoping for a "happily ever after" ending for everyone.
Be ready for your heartstrings to be tugged and tugged as you get drawn into the story of Rose and Mr. Carlisle! It's an amazing love story.
Nora also meets John: handsome, polite, fun, and carrying his own dark secrets. As these neighbors spend more time together they slowly fall in love. Together they work on their relationship, trusting each other, and helping Mr. Carlisle find his lost "Rose". I love how their quest to help Mr. Carlisle has so many little twists and turns that keep you wondering and hoping for a "happily ever after" ending for everyone.
Be ready for your heartstrings to be tugged and tugged as you get drawn into the story of Rose and Mr. Carlisle! It's an amazing love story.
October 31, 2023
The Hearts We Leave Behind by Buck Turner
5/5 ☆☆☆☆☆
Captivating romantic novels that will leave you in your feels. You may cry a little bit, may make you call and get to know your grandparents a little bit more, or hug your spouse a little tighter. Love books that can give us more insight and go back in time to allow character developments and give anecdotal moments that are important to get to know the character's individual journeys. This book is one of my favorite lighter reads this year. Buck is an amazing romance novelist who can really reel you in the world his books are set in.
Definitely read this book!
5/5 ☆☆☆☆☆
Captivating romantic novels that will leave you in your feels. You may cry a little bit, may make you call and get to know your grandparents a little bit more, or hug your spouse a little tighter. Love books that can give us more insight and go back in time to allow character developments and give anecdotal moments that are important to get to know the character's individual journeys. This book is one of my favorite lighter reads this year. Buck is an amazing romance novelist who can really reel you in the world his books are set in.
Definitely read this book!
June 18, 2025
A Must Read
Buck Turner is an amazing writer. I would absolutely recommend each and every one of his books to readers of all ages. However, "The Hearts We Leave Behind" , without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It's the story of a young man (soldier) and woman (nurse) who found each other during wartime . A difficult decision by one caused caused both heartbreak and realigned their futures. Would they ever find each other again? Please make sure you have a box of tissues by your side when you read this book. Along with smiles, your tears will flow. This is a story that will stay with you forever..
Buck Turner is an amazing writer. I would absolutely recommend each and every one of his books to readers of all ages. However, "The Hearts We Leave Behind" , without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It's the story of a young man (soldier) and woman (nurse) who found each other during wartime . A difficult decision by one caused caused both heartbreak and realigned their futures. Would they ever find each other again? Please make sure you have a box of tissues by your side when you read this book. Along with smiles, your tears will flow. This is a story that will stay with you forever..
August 22, 2023
Firstly I would like to thank the author Buck Turner for allowing me the opportunity to read an early release copy of his book .
What an unexpected surprise this was ! When I stated reading , I was sure I knew how it would go, but I was so wrong. Love , betrayal , heartache , friendship , family , history , surprise twist and mystery in one book is an absolute winner for me. What more could you possibly ask for ?
It’s a terrific paced book that will keep you reading to see how it all comes together .
If you love Nicholas Sparks or Kristin Hannah you will love Buck Turner.
What an unexpected surprise this was ! When I stated reading , I was sure I knew how it would go, but I was so wrong. Love , betrayal , heartache , friendship , family , history , surprise twist and mystery in one book is an absolute winner for me. What more could you possibly ask for ?
It’s a terrific paced book that will keep you reading to see how it all comes together .
If you love Nicholas Sparks or Kristin Hannah you will love Buck Turner.
January 27, 2024
After a heart breaking discovery Nora Dawson is ready to start a new chapter in her life. Moving from Trafford Alabama to Brentwood Tennessee, life to her is slowly coming together as she makes new friends, starts a new nursing job taking care of the elderly and meets a man that takes her breath away at the very first glance. At her new job she meets Mr. Carlisle who makes a special place in Nora's heart and life as if it was destiny. Be ready to read this beautiful story of love that stood through time to find its way into the future.
November 5, 2023
Another wonderful novel by Buck Turner. This story takes us back to WW2 and back to present time. It is a beautiful love story beginning during WW II and continuing to present day. There is a mystery to be solved and new love to be experienced. I had trouble deciding whether to read this book as quickly as possible, or to read it slowly and savor it. I decided to savor the book to enjoy it as long as possible. I really did enjoy this book.
November 20, 2023
A beautiful love story about loss/heartbreak/starting over and forgiveness.
If you love a historical romance taking place during World War II, you’ll love this book, the author pulls the romance back into present day times. You’ll love it if you love a romancey book.
This book was written so beautifully I never wanted to put it down, it captured me from chapter one and had me entranced.
Amazing Author/amazing storyteller ❤️
If you love a historical romance taking place during World War II, you’ll love this book, the author pulls the romance back into present day times. You’ll love it if you love a romancey book.
This book was written so beautifully I never wanted to put it down, it captured me from chapter one and had me entranced.
Amazing Author/amazing storyteller ❤️
June 12, 2024
Disappointing
I wanted to like this book as much as I liked the other Buck Turner books I've read, but it was not to be. I never felt the chemistry or passion between John and Nora. It was sweet, but just not stirring. There were a lot of discrepancies and too many coincidences that really bothered me and affected my enjoyment of the book. I believe in serendipity or God winks, but this stretched the boundaries of belief.
I wanted to like this book as much as I liked the other Buck Turner books I've read, but it was not to be. I never felt the chemistry or passion between John and Nora. It was sweet, but just not stirring. There were a lot of discrepancies and too many coincidences that really bothered me and affected my enjoyment of the book. I believe in serendipity or God winks, but this stretched the boundaries of belief.
September 13, 2024
Beautiful
I loved this book. It was well written, and, I think, historically accurate. I also loved that once Nora and John found each other they didn’t have a dumb break up based on a misunderstanding like so many books do. The love story between Rose and Fred was beautiful. Even though they went their separate ways after the war, and found happiness with others, they never forgot each other and spent their last few good years together. Awesome.
I loved this book. It was well written, and, I think, historically accurate. I also loved that once Nora and John found each other they didn’t have a dumb break up based on a misunderstanding like so many books do. The love story between Rose and Fred was beautiful. Even though they went their separate ways after the war, and found happiness with others, they never forgot each other and spent their last few good years together. Awesome.
August 3, 2026
This story is a sweet reminder that it’s never too late for a second chance at love and that life doesn't stop offering possibilities simply because we grow older. The characters were loveable showing real emotions about life, love, loss, forgiveness, and regret. We come to understand that our legacy is the love we give and the way we treat people continuing to shape lives long after we're gone. A very heartfelt touching read.
August 23, 2026
Seriously couldn't put it down.
I found this book so captivating. I seriously stayed up almost all night. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen. At 62 that makes for a long next day Lol. The chariture's are all amazing. The story was extremely amazing. I would read this again, and I never do that. I highly recommend reading this. Be ready to not want to put it down.
I found this book so captivating. I seriously stayed up almost all night. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen. At 62 that makes for a long next day Lol. The chariture's are all amazing. The story was extremely amazing. I would read this again, and I never do that. I highly recommend reading this. Be ready to not want to put it down.
October 20, 2023
Thank you Author Buck Turner for allowing me to be a beta reader for this lovely story. This book will tug at your heart for sure! Nora wants to start over in a new town. Her new job at a nursing home leads to a friendship with one of the residents. Believe me when I say that you will never forget Fred. The love story,the history and the ending will stay with you for quite a while.
December 16, 2023
This book is absolutely beautiful, amazing and full of love and hope. You will not be disappointed when you read this book. I would call this a modern historical fiction romance. I can not say enough good things about the impeccable story telling by Buck Turner. Thank you for making my heart feel warm and happy.
March 3, 2024
the hearts we leave behind
This is the 4 book of your I have read, The Keeper of Stars, The long Road Back to You, I’ll Wait and now, The Hearts We Leave Behind. Each one was so enjoyable. You have a remarkable talent for writing and so glad I discovered your books. This book is so uplifting and Nora’s courage is inspiring. Thank you, Buck Thomas.
This is the 4 book of your I have read, The Keeper of Stars, The long Road Back to You, I’ll Wait and now, The Hearts We Leave Behind. Each one was so enjoyable. You have a remarkable talent for writing and so glad I discovered your books. This book is so uplifting and Nora’s courage is inspiring. Thank you, Buck Thomas.
April 3, 2024
The Hearts We Leave Behind ♥️
This is now my fifth book I read (in a just about 10 days). I love the twists, respectful romance, family, and love that resinates throughout his books. I never heard of him, nor read any books until I read “Between your Heat and Mine,”
now I’m a Huge fan.
This is now my fifth book I read (in a just about 10 days). I love the twists, respectful romance, family, and love that resinates throughout his books. I never heard of him, nor read any books until I read “Between your Heat and Mine,”
now I’m a Huge fan.
August 3, 2024
All 7
I read Buck Turner's books from the last to the first staying up past my bedtime several nights! The Hearts We Leave behind was the one and only one that I found the wonderful surprise before it was revealed. The characters and plotting in Buck's books will make you part of some really wonderful people.
I read Buck Turner's books from the last to the first staying up past my bedtime several nights! The Hearts We Leave behind was the one and only one that I found the wonderful surprise before it was revealed. The characters and plotting in Buck's books will make you part of some really wonderful people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews