What do you think?
Rate this book
What We Leave Behind
What We Leave Behind
A quietly powerful mature BIPOC romance about second chances, healing, and the quiet power of love — set in the quiet beauty of modern-day Ireland.
After years of putting others first, Naomi heads to Ireland in search of quiet, not connection. But the centuries-old house she rents seems unwilling to leave her alone. The house holds more than history -- whispers of a presence she cannot explain. When strange events stir memories she never lived, Naomi finds herself entangled in a story that stretches beyond time — and a presence that feels far too real, with a voice lingering in the silence.
Nycole is in Dublin for a groundbreaking pediatric research partnership. Focused, brilliant, and emotionally cautious after a previous betrayal, she isn’t prepared for Ronan O’Connell — a guarded Irish geneticist whose quiet warmth begins to slip past every boundary she set in place.
As both women navigate grief, belonging, and unexpected loves, their lives begin to intertwine in ways neither imagined.
For readers who love mature heroines, slow-burn romances, and emotionally layered storytelling, What We Leave Behind is a deeply moving novel about what it takes to let go and start again.
A quietly powerful mature BIPOC romance about second chances, healing, and the quiet power of love — set in the quiet beauty of modern-day Ireland.
After years of putting others first, Naomi heads to Ireland in search of quiet, not connection. But the centuries-old house she rents seems unwilling to leave her alone. The house holds more than history -- whispers of a presence she cannot explain. When strange events stir memories she never lived, Naomi finds herself entangled in a story that stretches beyond time — and a presence that feels far too real, with a voice lingering in the silence.
Nycole is in Dublin for a groundbreaking pediatric research partnership. Focused, brilliant, and emotionally cautious after a previous betrayal, she isn’t prepared for Ronan O’Connell — a guarded Irish geneticist whose quiet warmth begins to slip past every boundary she set in place.
As both women navigate grief, belonging, and unexpected loves, their lives begin to intertwine in ways neither imagined.
For readers who love mature heroines, slow-burn romances, and emotionally layered storytelling, What We Leave Behind is a deeply moving novel about what it takes to let go and start again.
324 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2025
About the author
Virgie Odell
1 bookVirgie Odell writes literary romance centered on mature, emotionally layered love stories about second chances, resilience, and connection that deepens over time. She chose her pen name to honor her two grandmothers and the generations of strong women who came before her, whose quiet strength continues to shape the stories she tells.
Her debut novel, What We Leave Behind, grew out of a lifelong belief that women’s stories deserve to be told with grace, depth, and hope. Virgie is drawn to writing about complex, mature heroines and slow-burn relationships, where intimacy is defined by emotional closeness rather than physical spectacle.
After spending years in a technical field, Virgie found creative balance in fiction that values language, reflection, and the inner lives of her characters. Influenced by classic literature, she values stories where affection is expressed with care, patience, and intention.
In many ways, her work reflects the life she shares with her husband, her high school sweetheart, whose steady presence has been her favorite love story for decades. Through her novels, Virgie hopes to remind readers that love does not always arrive loudly or quickly, but it can endure quietly, and it is never too late for a new beginning.
Her debut novel, What We Leave Behind, grew out of a lifelong belief that women’s stories deserve to be told with grace, depth, and hope. Virgie is drawn to writing about complex, mature heroines and slow-burn relationships, where intimacy is defined by emotional closeness rather than physical spectacle.
After spending years in a technical field, Virgie found creative balance in fiction that values language, reflection, and the inner lives of her characters. Influenced by classic literature, she values stories where affection is expressed with care, patience, and intention.
In many ways, her work reflects the life she shares with her husband, her high school sweetheart, whose steady presence has been her favorite love story for decades. Through her novels, Virgie hopes to remind readers that love does not always arrive loudly or quickly, but it can endure quietly, and it is never too late for a new beginning.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 3, 2025
Entertaining and inspiring
A captivating story with complex characters. The manner in which it is written creates a soothing reading experience. The story is enjoyable any age reader. I couldn't wait to end my day between the pages of What We Leave Behind.
A captivating story with complex characters. The manner in which it is written creates a soothing reading experience. The story is enjoyable any age reader. I couldn't wait to end my day between the pages of What We Leave Behind.
Displaying 1 of 1 review