Jess and Rupert grew up together, the girl next door, and were each other's first loves until Rupert left England for Harvard and they broke up. Ten years later they bump into each other again and find the old chemistry still there..... can they make a go of it or is it too late for them now?

A good story and I found the issue of ME interesting, I did find it a bit repetitive at times but I liked the characters and the storyline

I found myself quickly caught in the bubble of Jess' life when I picked up this book and felt a connection to her character based around some of her experiences being so similar to my own. Once I had started I was keen to keep reading and find out who Rupert was and just what connection he had with Jess and whether this was a connection that could be revived.

An uplifting story from start to finish about the highs and lows of life and how it can throw you curve balls you don't anticipate and how you learn to deal with them. I loved Rupert & Jess they were brilliant characters and I felt like I was cheering them on from the sidelines throughout, hoping they would be able to reconnect and find their happily ever after.

I enjoy a second chance romance, so I decided to take a chance on this new to me author. Jess and Rupert grew up together–best friends since birth, each other’s first love, but ended their engagement just after college 10 years before when Rupert left England for a graduate program at Harvard. The pair reunite at a hen party for Jess’ best friend. A lot has happened in the last ten years, including Jess becoming a best selling novelist as well as being seriously ill and diagnosed with chronic fatigue (ME). I wanted to like this book, but both Jess and Rupert go around in circles, going over the same issues time and again. I found the story too repetitive and the non-stop angst of both Rupert and Jess made me lose interest in their story. It got to a point where I hoped they’d break up and both move on to find happiness with other people. I knew that wasn’t going to happen since all the supporting characters insisted they were meant to be together. By the time we arrived at their HEA, I couldn’t work up much enthusiasm–the circuitous route took far too long.

A romantic story that made me smile throughout. The missed opportunities and the bubbling romance. Ah me. The lovely settings and the secrecy. Loved the different take on a romance, where one of them is quite unwell permanently. Well done. Another wonderful book by Rachel Burton.

I enjoyed this read and appreciated the authors experience with MS. It couldn't have been easy putting her own story out there, even if the characters were fictional. I am both impressed and inspired by her story. I also have a weakness for British romance and Rachel Burton did not disappoint!

Once started this book is difficult to put down. The characters are multi dimensional which is a huge credit to the author.
This book is full of lessons. It may be a difficult read for some people and can be very emotional in parts

The Pieces of You and Me is a love story between two old lovers. Although Jess and Rupert had been lovers 10 years prior to running into each other again at a pub, they lacked chemistry. I had a hard time visualizing either of the characters and their personalities drove me crazy in their own way because neither would own up to their issues.. It was surprising that Rachel Burton ended the book with a happily ever after, after all the drawn out drama. For awhile, I really thought Jess and Dan would get back together.

This is a book about love and second chances. Thebook was okay, but lacked chemistry. We were told they were in love, but I didn't really feel it. The reason Jess and Rupert stayed away from each other so long felt weak. It shouldn't have taken them so long. The story felt a bit repetitive, since they were discussing the same problems over and over again.

Love lost, love found again.....this book offers a lesson in never giving up on that first love. Time and distance may separate for a while, but love can bring you back together. A secondary story line gives a very good picture of living with chronic fatigue system..

The Pieces of You and Me by Rachel Burton is a beautifully written story about getting a second chance at love following heartbreak and loss.

The novel is presented from the alternating perspectives of Jess and Rupert, lifelong friends who, at a time when they are coming of age, begin to explore their relationship on a more romantic level. As is always the way, life intervenes, with chronic illness, the death of a parent, and familial pressures and expectation, and the two young lovers lose touch for over a decade. Rupert has moved to the States, and Jess continues to struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome, which has kept her from venturing too far from home. Each has had a significant relationship while apart, yet when they are reunited unexpectedly, all of the long buried feelings are quick to resurface.

This is a poignant and heartfelt read, and I was definitely rooting for the long suffering Jess to find happiness. I also enjoyed the addition of Jess and Rupert's playlist at the end of the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC.

This is the story of Jess and Rupert. They were childhood friends who became a couple early on in their teens. Along the way, situations occurred which broke them apart. Did they ever get past the hurt? Could they put their past in the past and move on with their lives? Now a decade later, fate has brought these two friends back together again. Can they go back to being friends? Can they trust each other enough to let the truth come out? Can they go back to being “that” couple again?
This story is one of loss, love and second chances. I liked that it was written from Jess’ point of view and also Rupert’s, which gave you deeper insight into the characters. All in all a beautiful story. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review in exchange for my honest review.

An addictive read that explores relationships, coming of age and chronic illness in a character led story you can't help but be engrossed in. Another compelling example of Rachel Burton's storytelling.

“The Pieces of You and Me” is a heartfelt, emotional love story between Jessie and Rupert. Following them as they go on their emotional roller coaster was heartbreaking but, it was also Very uplifting.
A story about second chances....will love be enough to keep them together?
Many thanks to NetGallery for the opportunity to read and review this arc.

This is a proper, grown up love story, full of emotions of the characters to find happiness and what it takes to make things work. Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher.

3.25/5. It was always going to be Rupert and Jess together - until it wasn't. They were childhood friends turned lovers and planning their forever. But tragedy struck and neither were able to cope with the devastation. Instead of drawing closer they grew apart and then the relationship was abruptly severed, torn asunder by grief, by interfering family and their youth and lack of coping skills. A serendipitous meeting a decade later gives them the second chance they both have been waiting for, except once again, love might not be enough to keep them together.

The writing was good, but I was left somewhat frustrated by the characters. I'm not sure why they split to start with and not try to maintain communication. [ She slept with their mutual friend, Dan, within 2 weeks of their parting, which I cannot comprehend. She then felt in love with Dan while still apparently loving Rupert. Nooooo... that just didn't work for me. Then Dan came back and she needed emotional closure with him behind Rupert's back and with that, Jess just lost any remaining credibility for me. (hide spoiler)] I don't quite get the author's decision to have alternating dual narration, one from Jess's first person POV and the other from Rupert's perspective but in third person narration. Why not both first person or third person narrations?

Having heard about The Pieces of You and Me on social media I really wanted to read it. I’m so glad I did. Beautifully written and achingly poignant, this book was perfect. The author manages to combine a romance that you can’t help but root for with an honest portrayal of characters whose lives are impacted by two very different but equally difficult illnesses. Sometimes sad, often moving but never bleak, this book also has elements of joy, I particularly loved the relationship between the two main characters as it moves from childhood to adolescence and the way in which adulthood brings them both a knowledge of self that allows them to develop into something different from that which has passed. Rachel Burton writes with honesty and depth and from now on has a new, committed fan. I absolutely loved it.

The Peices of You and Me is a beautiful story of second chances. I love the way Rachel Burton wrote and could not put this book down. I highly recommend it!

The pieces of you and me by Rachel Barton
This book was a pleasure to read. It’s a second chance romance with Rupert and Jess who have been best friends since birth born only 12 hours apart. This friendship evolves into love as they grow up. Misunderstandings and situations arise and they part ways. Ten years later they meet again. So much has happened, so many secrets, so many things left unsaid, could they overcome it all? I enjoyed reading this story, you feel the pain and indecision of the characters. Yes, there were times when I wished I could reach inside the book and slap them upside their head, lol. This story has a nostalgic feel to it, it’s the perfect comfort read for a rainy day or just a quiet night with a glass of wine,
Thank you NetGalley for the arc sent to me for an honest review.
#netgalley #rachelburton @netgalley @bookish_yogi

Painful at times, heartbreaking at others, Pieces of You and Me is the story of Jesse and Rupert, torn apart and reunited with many years, relationships and pain between them. They were friends since birth, lovers since sixteen. They fall apart when his demanding father sends him from the UK to Harvard. Each of them suffers later from debilitating diseases that neither wants to bring up or discuss. When they meet again, the lack of openness and honesty threatens to tear them apart again but the strong desire to be a loving unit at last stands frim as they slowly, painfully navigate the chance for a future.

A sensitive story of lost and found love. Both characters are flawed and have issues that affect the decisions they make in this will they won't they end up together love story. Very well written and realistic.