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An Unfinished Story
A grieving widow and a disenchanted writer form an unexpected bond in a novel about second chances and finding the courage to let go of the past.
It’s been three years since Claire Kite lost her husband, David, an aspiring novelist, in a tragic car accident. Claire finally finds the courage to move on; then she discovers among the remnants of her shattered world her husband’s last manuscript. It’s intimate, stirring—and unfinished. An idea comes to her…What if she can find someone to give David’s novel the ending it deserves?
Whitaker Grant is famous for his one and only bestselling novel—a masterpiece that became a hit film. But after being crippled by the pressure of success and his failed marriage, Whitaker retreated from the public eye in his native St. Petersburg, Florida. Years later, he’s struggling through a deep midlife crisis. Until he receives an intriguing request from a lonely widow. To honor David’s story, Whitaker must understand, heart and soul, the man who wrote it and the woman he left behind.
There’s more to the novel than anyone dreamed. Something personal. Something true. Maybe, in bringing a chapter of David’s life to a close, Claire and Whitaker can find hope for a new beginning.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
11520 people are currently reading
9700 people want to read
About the author
Boo Walker
20 books1,192 followersBestselling author Boo Walker initially tapped his creative muse as a songwriter and banjoist in Nashville before working his way west to Washington State, where he bought a gentleman’s farm on the Yakima River. It was there amongst the grapevines and wine barrels that he fell in love with telling stories that now resonate with book clubs around the world. Rich with colorful characters and boundless soul, his novels will leave you with an open heart and a lifted spirit.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,709 reviews
October 4, 2020
An Unfinished Story by Boo Walker is about two disparate people coming together at a low time in both of their lives. Claire Kite has been a widow for three years, as a result of her husband David’s death in a traffic accident. When she sold the couple’s home, she discovered a manuscript David had written but had not finished due to his sudden death. Claire decided to find a writer willing to finish the book, as a tribute to her husband. Whitaker Grant had a literary fame and success with one book ten years ago. His writer’s block had lasted for years, leading him to believe that he did not have another book in him. Nothing had helped in taking him out of this slump. Until Claire shows up at his door with an unrealistic request. Because I am not a fan of romance fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by this thoughtful and well-written novel. The author, Boo Walker, is a songwriter and this talent shines throughout the story. This is a most enjoyable read. Highly recommended. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2021
After reading and loving The Singing Trees by Boo Walker, I was excited to see An Unfinished Story now available on Kindle Unlimited. Claire, a young widow, struggles with grief after losing her husband to a tragic accident. Whitaker, an author, struggles with the loss of his marriage and his writer's block following the book that brought him fame. When Claire finds the unfinished manuscript her husband had been working at the time of his death, she asks Whitaker to finish it.
The author did a great job setting the scene and painting the vibes of the west coast of Florida with his words. It is such a pretty area and he did it justice. I enjoy the trope of two broken people helping each other through tough times. Even though the story is a bit predictable, Boo Walker is still a great storyteller. Kindness and empathy show through in this book, and I especially liked the last 25% of the book and the route the author decided to take.
Parts of the narration were a bit off for me, so this may have been a book that I might have enjoyed more if I had read it rather than listening to it. 4 stars.
The author did a great job setting the scene and painting the vibes of the west coast of Florida with his words. It is such a pretty area and he did it justice. I enjoy the trope of two broken people helping each other through tough times. Even though the story is a bit predictable, Boo Walker is still a great storyteller. Kindness and empathy show through in this book, and I especially liked the last 25% of the book and the route the author decided to take.
Parts of the narration were a bit off for me, so this may have been a book that I might have enjoyed more if I had read it rather than listening to it. 4 stars.
September 3, 2020
This is a heartwarming, beautiful and emotional story of two people, Claire Kite and Whitaker Grant, who are trying to navigate life after having experienced loss on a personal and professional level--Claire, a successful restaurant owner, is a widow of three years who is still trying to heal from the tragedy and pain of losing her husband David in an accident and Whitaker, a novelist, is trying to fight the writer's block that has chased him soon after the publication of his first and only novel ten years ago. When clearing out her late husband's home office, Claire chances upon a draft of a book David was in the midst of writing but left incomplete because of his untimely death. Claire persuades Whitaker to take up the task of completing the book on behalf of her husband, a project that will lead them on an unexpected journey with an equally unexpected destination, opening their hearts to new hopes and love.
I really don't know what to say other than I loved everything about this book! Loved it! Also, for some reason, I constantly had Henry Cavill running through my mind as Whitaker Grant.... so if anyone ever decides to make a movie of this book, please try to run it by Henry first 😉.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Lake Union Publishing and the author via NetGalley.
I really don't know what to say other than I loved everything about this book! Loved it! Also, for some reason, I constantly had Henry Cavill running through my mind as Whitaker Grant.... so if anyone ever decides to make a movie of this book, please try to run it by Henry first 😉.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Lake Union Publishing and the author via NetGalley.
March 4, 2021
I accidently read two incredibly dark books in a row, so it was a pleasure to read a novel that had a positive message even though it did have dark themes.
Claire lost her husband in accident three years ago. When she finds the manuscript he’d been working on, she knows it’s good—but it needs an ending. She reaches out to a writer who has been coasting off the success of his one novel but is not doing a great job of living life. At first, Whitaker doesn’t want to even read a chapter, but once he gets into the story, he’s compelled to track down how David came to write this novel and how much is based on truth and how much is completely made up. Lesson are learned. Characters grow and change.
Claire lost her husband in accident three years ago. When she finds the manuscript he’d been working on, she knows it’s good—but it needs an ending. She reaches out to a writer who has been coasting off the success of his one novel but is not doing a great job of living life. At first, Whitaker doesn’t want to even read a chapter, but once he gets into the story, he’s compelled to track down how David came to write this novel and how much is based on truth and how much is completely made up. Lesson are learned. Characters grow and change.
December 21, 2021
I really tried to like it, but gave up the ghost at 67%. By the numbers romance. Two uninteresting people connected by grief and an unfinished book. I just find so many hetero romances boring and predictible nowadays. Not my cup of tea at all.
August 29, 2020
I have such mixed feelings about this one. I wanted to love it but the first 75% of it was only okay. The last 25% really saved it. I am definitely in the minority, this is getting rave reviews.
Claire Kite's husband David died in a car accident three years ago. She is selling their house, so she finally goes through his office and comes across the manuscript of a book he was writing. It is a beautiful and moving story, but he wasn't able to finish it.
As a tribute to him, she wants to find someone to complete it.
Whitaker Grant is a writer whose only book became a best seller and popular movie. But he is grappling with writer's block. It is putting him in a depression and affecting his life.
When Claire asks him to finish David's book, Whitaker must search deep inside himself to decide if he is up to the task.
I didn't really connect with the story or characters until the end. I loved that part, very touching and emotional.
It really made the book for me.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC via NetGalley.
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
Claire Kite's husband David died in a car accident three years ago. She is selling their house, so she finally goes through his office and comes across the manuscript of a book he was writing. It is a beautiful and moving story, but he wasn't able to finish it.
As a tribute to him, she wants to find someone to complete it.
Whitaker Grant is a writer whose only book became a best seller and popular movie. But he is grappling with writer's block. It is putting him in a depression and affecting his life.
When Claire asks him to finish David's book, Whitaker must search deep inside himself to decide if he is up to the task.
I didn't really connect with the story or characters until the end. I loved that part, very touching and emotional.
It really made the book for me.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC via NetGalley.
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
December 30, 2020
Cannot understand the great reviews
I did not think this book was well-written at all. The characters were flat, 1-dimensional. The dialogue was simple and boring. The entire story was predictable. There were several times I considered stopping and just starting another book. But, since I hate doing that, I muddled through to the end, just like the characters in the story. I don't think I'll be reading any other books by this author.
I did not think this book was well-written at all. The characters were flat, 1-dimensional. The dialogue was simple and boring. The entire story was predictable. There were several times I considered stopping and just starting another book. But, since I hate doing that, I muddled through to the end, just like the characters in the story. I don't think I'll be reading any other books by this author.
October 21, 2020
I tried so hard to like this book, and evidently im in the minority. I found Whitaker to be very annoying. Him and the thought of sand floors in a restaurant really killed the book for me.
July 31, 2022
“She caught herself thinking of the overall unfairness of being human. Sometimes, all you wanted was a good cry, but life rarely gave you the space.”
Claire Kite is a grieving widow. Her husband David died in a car accident three years prior. She is trying her best to move on with her life, and while cleaning out their house to put on the market, she comes across David’s last manuscript that is unfinished. After reading it, she knows that it is better than good and deserves a proper ending. She decides to seek out Whitaker Grant, a local writer who had great success with a novel ten years prior. However, he is also in a rough spot in life. He is struggling with the divorce from his wife and has writer’s block. Will Whitaker accept the task of finishing the book?
What did I like? This is a great summer read. I really enjoyed the Florida back drop of the story; the beach, salsa dancing, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It really helps to offset the grief that Claire and Whitaker are experiencing. They are two incredibly broken people (so don’t go into this expecting sunshine and rainbows). However, the story shows how even though life may get us down, and we struggle to move forward, no matter how long or hard it is to do it, it is possible (cheers to new beginnings). I loved how the author tied everything together in the last part of the book. It thoroughly tugged on my heartstrings.
I do believe that the beginning of the book was a few chapters too long. The back and forth between Claire and Whitaker as to whether he would finish the ending was overdone and outright annoying. There was a lot of predictability as well. Other than that, this was a solid read. It was my first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
“The one thing I know for sure Claire, is that life demands that we get back up and keep fighting, no matter how badly we’ve been knocked down. I’m going down swinging.”
3.5 ⭐️'s
Claire Kite is a grieving widow. Her husband David died in a car accident three years prior. She is trying her best to move on with her life, and while cleaning out their house to put on the market, she comes across David’s last manuscript that is unfinished. After reading it, she knows that it is better than good and deserves a proper ending. She decides to seek out Whitaker Grant, a local writer who had great success with a novel ten years prior. However, he is also in a rough spot in life. He is struggling with the divorce from his wife and has writer’s block. Will Whitaker accept the task of finishing the book?
What did I like? This is a great summer read. I really enjoyed the Florida back drop of the story; the beach, salsa dancing, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It really helps to offset the grief that Claire and Whitaker are experiencing. They are two incredibly broken people (so don’t go into this expecting sunshine and rainbows). However, the story shows how even though life may get us down, and we struggle to move forward, no matter how long or hard it is to do it, it is possible (cheers to new beginnings). I loved how the author tied everything together in the last part of the book. It thoroughly tugged on my heartstrings.
I do believe that the beginning of the book was a few chapters too long. The back and forth between Claire and Whitaker as to whether he would finish the ending was overdone and outright annoying. There was a lot of predictability as well. Other than that, this was a solid read. It was my first book by the author, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
“The one thing I know for sure Claire, is that life demands that we get back up and keep fighting, no matter how badly we’ve been knocked down. I’m going down swinging.”
3.5 ⭐️'s
September 7, 2020
I liked the story well enough but it didn’t have the depth I thought it would. This is a new author to me and I had high expectations based on some reviews I had read. I wanted to like the characters more than I did. I also thought the story would be more about the writing process than it actually was. All that being said, I will read others by this author.
August 4, 2020
My first book by this author and definitely not my last. This book was so good!! I loved the characters and the story.
It was a hard to put down book! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
It was a hard to put down book! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
December 17, 2020
Did not like the writing style (reminisicent of Nicholas Sparks) and the mediocre narration didn't help it. Gave it 2 stars instead of 1 for the honorable attempt at providing awareness of very real societal need for foster parenting and adoptions.
August 30, 2022
Essentially a story of second chances this novel also speaks to the unpredictability of life. Of how different people can experience the same event so very differently. How, if you are open to new ideas and experiences, happiness and fulfillment just might be yours. This might be a bit too saccharine for some, but it is fiction, and very enjoyable fiction at that.
The love story was predictable, but that didn't mar my enjoyment of the read. I loved the nod to foster children and those amazing folk who open their homes to children and adolescents in need.
Also, it explores the pressures that writers impose on themselves. The self doubt, the discipline, sometimes the despair that comes with the drive to write.
The setting was spectacular. Pass-a-Grille, on Florida's Gulf Coast - a beach lover's paradise.
In summation, I thoroughly enjoyed reading "An Unfinished Story" and look forward to further books by Boo Walker.
The love story was predictable, but that didn't mar my enjoyment of the read. I loved the nod to foster children and those amazing folk who open their homes to children and adolescents in need.
Also, it explores the pressures that writers impose on themselves. The self doubt, the discipline, sometimes the despair that comes with the drive to write.
The setting was spectacular. Pass-a-Grille, on Florida's Gulf Coast - a beach lover's paradise.
In summation, I thoroughly enjoyed reading "An Unfinished Story" and look forward to further books by Boo Walker.
July 9, 2022
This is the first book I have read from this author and I really wasn't sure what to expect. The story was very simple and the plot was extremely obvious. The first 75% of this book was really flat and the dialogue was very boring. It seemed liked the characters were being forced to get together although there was nothing really interesting, or intriguing about either one. By the 75% mark, I was ready to throw in the towel after the writer returned the book yet again and threw his little tantrum. I was within minutes of just writing this whole book off, however it actually changed tones and gained some momentum and became endearing. I liked the part about the adoption and how this changed the dynamic of the story. I would definitely be willing to try another book from this author in the future. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
August 5, 2020
I like this author, but was disappointed. I'm in the minority, but the narration ruined it for me. I was excited about the storyline and then met the main characters. I didn't like Claire at all. Want to use the word stalker, but a little too harsh. Annoying pushy or somewhere in between. Whitaker was stuck, but grow up for goodness sakes. And his mother? The narration for her was killed it for me. May have gotten better, more interesting or maybe I'd have grown to care about either Claire or Whitaker, but I didn't so surprisingly for me I couldn't finish. Read it don't listen if you're interested.
September 19, 2020
This was such an interesting premise. A widow seeks out a local author to finish her late husbands novel. That part of the book, and the last third of the book were just fine, and would have gotten a 4 star rating. Where the book fall short is in the first two thirds of the book.
First, you have that silly, and totally useless side story of Whitaker and the dog. Total waste of pages.
Second, the story took too long to get to where it needed to be. I would have been happier had the last third of the book was actually the last half.
Still, a decent fast read.
First, you have that silly, and totally useless side story of Whitaker and the dog. Total waste of pages.
Second, the story took too long to get to where it needed to be. I would have been happier had the last third of the book was actually the last half.
Still, a decent fast read.
August 7, 2020
I rate this book at 4 1/2 stars. This book was very interesting and just when you thought you knew how it would end, a plot twist happened. I found the book quite intriguing, romantic. I don't know if there will be a sequel but the way the book ended, I do feel their should be a sequel.
I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. Will I read again? Well not sure but I'd day there is a 99% probability I will read the book again.
I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. Will I read again? Well not sure but I'd day there is a 99% probability I will read the book again.
July 25, 2024
What a disappointment! The story started out, holding my interest, ( thus the 2 generous stars) but then became repetitive, lost its focus, and had way too much filler. I lost the thread/ purpose of the storyline. Might be a good story for some, but I found it to be lackluster and much like a Colleen Hoover story. A lot of words, just no substance. Would not read another book by this author and I do not recommend it.
August 8, 2021
Well written, an excellent plot and characters that draw you in. Highly recommended. It is a story of dealing with grief and finding yourself among the ruins of what has been left behind.
September 23, 2021
A no spoiler review – but the book blurb provides a substantial overview of this story.
For me, this one wasn’t quite up to par with The Singing Trees by this author, but still a solid read that tugged at my heartstrings. A little bit slow on the upstart, but rich with colorful and unique characters in an entertaining plot – a young widow approaches a well-known author who is suffering writer’s block to finish the book her husband was writing at the time of his unexpected death. While it covers grief, divorce and adoption, there’s also a mix of happy and joyous events, along with a little mystery as well.
Whitaker Grant is a bit of an eccentric – or maybe unconventional and slightly strange better describes his behavior. He’s one of those charming grumps you can’t help but love. Most of all, he was my favorite character because he understood David's commitment and brought the message to life.
A wonderful story of love and healing mixed with the perfect blend of heartbreaking drama and sharp-witted humor. Boo Walker intertwines character, plot, setting and style to create a story that will be remembered.
September 28, 2020
It has been three years that Claire lost prematurely her husband and she can’t seem to find any closure, until she found the manuscript he was working on. Unfortunately tho he didn’t get to finish it. But what if she can find someone that could finish the novel?
The book narrated by both the main characters Whitaker Grand and Claire is a story of hardships, redemption, hope,but mainly love.
It’s impressive how the fate of the characters intertwine, and how love can pull you through all the hardships that this life can present you with.
I think I won’t be making any justice to the book if I even try to put into words what I felt while reading it.
Firstly I could feel Claire pain for a premature loss and the impediment of becoming a mother, I could as well experience Whitaker struggle to find his way back to a joyful life. I felt sadness, knowing that many kids in the Forster system suffer and can’t find a family that takes them in and gives them the love they deserve. I felt love, unconditional love, the one that I hope everyone will experience at least once in a lifetime.
If you have read I still believe and loved it then this is the perfect book for you!
The book narrated by both the main characters Whitaker Grand and Claire is a story of hardships, redemption, hope,but mainly love.
It’s impressive how the fate of the characters intertwine, and how love can pull you through all the hardships that this life can present you with.
I think I won’t be making any justice to the book if I even try to put into words what I felt while reading it.
Firstly I could feel Claire pain for a premature loss and the impediment of becoming a mother, I could as well experience Whitaker struggle to find his way back to a joyful life. I felt sadness, knowing that many kids in the Forster system suffer and can’t find a family that takes them in and gives them the love they deserve. I felt love, unconditional love, the one that I hope everyone will experience at least once in a lifetime.
If you have read I still believe and loved it then this is the perfect book for you!
July 29, 2020
If Tomorrow Never Comes. This book could well be a sequel to the hit Garth Brooks song of many years ago, as it follows a widow as she finally tries to move on from her husband's sudden death three years ago. Based on my own interactions on social media with so many writers, the struggles Whitaker goes through seem to be all too real - and his stalking of neighborhood people who don't pick up their dog's poop is one of the most hilarious-because-it-is-so-tempting-to-actually-do things I've read in quite some time. And the video game Whitaker finds himself playing just trying to give his mind space to come up with The Next Big Idea is apparently fake, but sounds like it could be *awesome* in the right hands. (I'm a Fallout/ Mass Effect / Outer Worlds kind of gamer, and it sounds like it might be in that vein, or at least Halo.) Overall a very strong book, one that manages to sink new hooks every so often as it propels to an arguably blatantly obvious yet still satisfying finale. Very much recommended.
February 27, 2020
Sometimes the right book comes along at just the right time. I had just finished a VERY intense book, and was ready for something lighter - this was that book for me. I connected with the setting of Florida, the theme of infertility and adoption, second chances, and was just ready for a book that had likable characters. Was it predictable? Heck yes. But I breezed through it in two days, and it left me feeling satisfied.
November 23, 2020
Actually 2.5 stars. Way too many “meant to be’s” and a predictable ending.
July 16, 2021
This long-winded, rambling, repetitive novel would have been better if it were half its length. The two leading characters were so unlikable and irritating at the beginning that their transformation during the second half and at the conclusion was unconvincing. The ending was only minimally satisfying because of its predictability. This novel does not merit a recommendation.
May 12, 2024
What a touching and unique story <3 the first 200 pages were a little slower, but I flew through the end
April 21, 2024
Okay
An okay read. It felt like there was a lot of filler to stretch out something that could have been a novella.
An okay read. It felt like there was a lot of filler to stretch out something that could have been a novella.
May 10, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
August 30, 2024
Cannot finish. Some of the worst writing I've ever experienced. Flat unlikeable characters, overly descriptive and repetitive . I'm told the last 25% of the book makes up for the first part but I don't think anything can make up for what I've read so far. The rave reviews baffle me, I can no longer force myself to continue reading this boring and badly written novel.
September 1, 2021
I very quickly discovered that I was not the target audience for this novel. Without wanting to sound entirely misogynistic, it is clearly romantic women's fiction. It's fine for what it is but there is little or no drama or conflict to speak of. The occasional harsh word is plastered over by the end of the chapter and the plot was so ridiculously predictable it was barely worth reading. It was totally obvious how this story was going to end. It's not all bad though; there are some insights into writing that ring true and it does raise the serious issue of kids that need homes. But, overall, I was left gagging on syrup.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,709 reviews