What Was Left

by J. J. DuBois

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2026

Reviews

[Jessica Nikole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It’s not normally the genre I gravitate toward, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but it definitely surprised me.

There was so much packed into this story—family secrets, drama, love stories, complicated relationships, and plenty of twists and turns. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something else happened that kept me turning the pages.

What really stuck with me was seeing just how much damage family secrets can cause and how one person’s choices can ripple through so many other people’s lives. Some parts were honestly heartbreaking.

And then there were Cal and Denise… I grew to absolutely hate them. 😂 Just trash people! But I think the fact that I had such strong feelings about the characters says a lot about how invested I became in the story.

There were also situations I could relate to, especially the idea of turning to an old flame for comfort during a vulnerable time. Sometimes familiarity feels safe, even when you know it may not be the best decision, and I thought that made the story feel very human.

I really enjoyed how everything came together in the end. My only complaint? I wanted MORE! I finished it feeling satisfied with the ending but also wishing there were a few more chapters because I wasn’t quite ready to let the story go.

*** fun fact: my sons name is Wyatt Davis 🤣🤣🤣

[Lukas Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction
Stars: ★★★★★

J.J. DuBois has created something truly special with What Was Left. The story is both gripping and deeply rooted in its themes of breaking free from generational trauma. With a multi-pov story, DuBois not only tells a story across generations, but does so in the most gripping way! I was literally on the edge of my seat as family secrets were revealed and characters were constantly challenged in ways that made me laugh and cry until the hope-filled ending. Lastly, I can't forget to mention the prose. This is worth reading just to remember that some authors still know how to makes words sing.

DuBois is on my instant buy list after reading her debut!

[Jill Hathaway]

Thank you to J.J. DuBois for allowing me to read an ARC of this incredible debut novel. Set on a rural Georgia farm, this multigenerational story spans two timelines to reveal how a single night, a fight, and two major mistakes can impact a family for generations. The book beautifully explores the weight of family secrets, the fear of the truth coming out, and the difficulty of letting go of past grudges. I loved that this story was raw, relatable, and heartbreaking. It doesn't shy away from the messy realities of life, and I highly recommend it!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I'm still processing all of the emotions this book made me feel. I knew it would cover generational trauma, but I was unprepared for the rollercoaster of a story that this was! 
If you love character driven fiction that keeps you guessing while also delivering a beautiful ending, this book is for you! 

[Julie Runyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book! Told from multiple points of view over decades, this family saga delved into what secrets can do to relationships, the idea that maybe it never is too late to fix things. What is identity? Who are we when we aren’t defined by other people? I loved this book and it was just what I needed this week.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story that I started in the morning and finished the same night. Flowed effortlessly and was hard to put down. Can’t wait to see what this author writes next ❤️