This inspirational, heartbreaking at the same time heartwarming story left me with a loss of words. The reader is taken on a beautiful, poignant journey of grief, healing and forgiveness. A touch of romance, an intriguing search for a missing manuscript, an unforgettable cast of characters made this a page-turner and I was sad it had to end. Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. I honestly can say this book is one of the best I've read and highly recommend it!

A wonderful read. Deep and real, with just enough of a mystery. The characters really draw you in, and it's a world you want to stay lost in.

Small criticisms:

I don't think the book jacket description really describes the book well, so I'm left with a little bit of cognitive dissonance.

Not a huge fan of the implementation of the time jump chapters. Really only the last one did I care about reading. The rest felt like an interruption.

The author's note was a jarring conclusion. The underlying Christianity was appropriate in the book, part of the story, but the author's note and blatant religiosity really threw me. I wish I had stopped before reading it. :-/

This is not a traditional romance. This is more the category of women's fiction. If you're looking for a romance this isn't really the book for you, despite there being a romance as part of the story.

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Despite all these things I really did enjoy it! Ha. A welcome interruption in a string of many disappointing books lately.

Nicole Deese is a masterful storyteller. Each time I read one of her books, I know it will be one that sticks with me long after the final page and I've loved every one I've read so far. The Words We Lost is no exception and might just be my favorite of her books yet!

I honestly don't even know where to begin with this book. It was a great romance, yes... but beyond that, it was a beautiful story of friendship, loss, love, and healing. There were so many layers to this story and I felt more came to light with each and every turn of the page. This was a book that tugged at every emotion and had me reaching for the tissues more than once... but in the absolute best way possible. I've always enjoyed books about books, so that was an element that made it all that much better for me too.

If you're looking for a great romance filled with deep emotion, this is one not to be missed!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is a captivating, deeply moving and a beautifully written engaging story. I was glued to this book from start to finish and it is till percolating in my brain and heart. It's absolutely at the top of my "best read 2023 books" and I can't wait to read more of her books!

5 + Stars!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own. Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Ms. Deese for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Don't be fooled by the cute cover. This book covers some very heavy topics such as death, grief and depression. It also has a sweet second chance romance, but the friendship story and recovery from grief really take center stage. I liked the seaside setting and the 'book within a book'. I enjoyed it, but I definitely wanted to follow it up with something lighter. I'm interested to read the next book in the series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.

I enjoyed this book. The story is well set and beautifully written. The author does a wonderful job of brining a place to life. I liked the use of the book within a book. I found the dealings with grief and friendship well done. I did think the pacing was a bit slow in the beginning and while I liked all three main characters, I just don't think I was fully invested in their connection to each other. I didn't feel the pull between Joel and Indy either which is ultimately what led me to give this 3 stars instead of 4.

I also went into this book quite blind. I liked the cover and saw it was under romance which is a genre I often read but I didn't realize that it was a Christian romance. I think that would be helpful to know for most as there are quite a few mentions of faith and Christianity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It covered so many topics ranging from romance to addiction and everything in between. Anytime a book involves a story within a story, I'm all in! I absolutely loved this approach. I'm recommending this to everyone!

4.5 stars

This book was a beautiful journey through grief, loss, worry, friendship, and love. Deese writes in a relatable way that weaves poignant truth through her stories. The Words We Lost kept me turning pages, invested in both the plot and the characters.

Author Nicole Deese has a way of pulling the reader in as she explores real life, romance, and other relationships that are messy and complicated. Her novels - especially The Words We Lost - don't shy away from complex human emotions or interactions, creating a richly layered story that readers can relate to even if they haven't quite found themselves in the exact situation of her characters.

In this novel, topics of grief, abandonment, faith, and addiction are all addressed in a tale that will tug on your heartstrings with elements of humour, anticipation, and acceptance. The story within a story doesn't always work for me, but in this case, it was well done and I enjoyed getting to know CeCe posthumously in her careful recounting of her relationships with her cousin and best friend.

I was so much taken with my NetGalley eARC that I had to download the audiobook - I didn't want to make a choice between real life responsibilities and escaping in this book. It may not have been the safest, wisest choice when I did the bulk of my drive with tears in my eyes.

🏷"much like love, grief is meant to be shared.” and "A reminder that no heartache has ever gone unseen, and no darkness is ever too solid for light to overcome.”

🎶Everglow by Coldplay or Bigger Than the Whole Sky by Taylor Swift

📝I went into this book blind not expecting it to tug my heartstrings the way it did. This is a very beautiful story of finding love again as Ingrid looks for her best friends missing manuscript. I love that the author used that as a way for Ingrid to find healing. I found myself so immersed and excited to find that manuscript that I finished reading the book finding more than I hoped for. I think I found what Ingrid found too. This book is poignant and relatable because at one point in our lives, we've lost people dear to us. The Words We Lost is incredibly well written that I got to explore my own grief with the characters journey. This book made me see the things that happened to me in a different light and I believe this book needs to be read by more people.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, and chock-full of mystery. The author reveals in the book’s note to the reader that her younger sister died in a vehicle accident at the age of 26. You could feel the author’s pain as it was portrayed throughout this novel. Each character deals with grief in their own unique way. Joel immersed himself in his work, Ingrid ran away, and fans of CeCe’s books invented conspiracy theories about her passing, with some speculating that she planned her demise to attract more media attention. The author notes in her novel that, “There are no winners in grief, only survivors.”

I think the author’s decision to include a memoir inside a book was outstanding. It helped in setting up the romantic storyline involving Joel and Ingrid and as well as the other mysteries and challenges the cast face.

I appreciated how the author took the reader through CeCe’s publishing journey from the first draft to Ingrid’s editing, next rewrites, and the final product, ready for marketing. The process gave the book a lighter feel while giving the impression that CeCe was present for most of the book. Because of this the reader gets a unique perspective of these three friends.

I appreciated how this book had a spiritual undercurrent to it. Joel and Ingrid were not happy about CeCe’s request for them to read a memoir she created just for them to be read together. As they read aloud to one another, things became clear as secrets she kept to herself were revealed. As a result, the plot is clarified, and CeCe is introduced to the reader throughout the story. It also helped the reader understand the strong bond between Ingrid, Joel, and CeCe. With this cast of likable, heartfelt characters, you’ll smile, laugh, and cry along with them as the mysteries are revealed.

This is not an easy read, especially if you are grieving, but it’s well worth your time. This is a thought-provoking read you don’t want to miss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I have long been a fan of Nicole Deese’s books, and I think this one might actually be my all-time favorite. For reasons that will become apparent when you read it, this book is full of heart and the magic is in the way Deese has crafted this story to unfold in the most amazing way in terms of plot. We fall in love with these characters and then WHAM, Deese starts peeling back the layers. By that time, we are already invested in these characters and their journey and I found myself yelling at certain unruly characters and cheering for others. What a sweet, yet achingly poignant story that unravels to leave the reader with the perfect ending for Ingrid’s story. Since I noticed this book 1 of the Fog Harbour series, I just can’t wait to find out what, and whom, the next book is about! Deese really raised the bar with this one.

I could not put it down and was left with a book hangover, you know where you think about the characters and stare off into the distance in a daze for a few hours post-last-page. Yep, that would have been me. What a gift this book is!

Enjoy every page.

I got a copy of this book from my local library app and my opinion is my own.

Is it too soon to call this my favorite book of 2023? I don't think so.

I did not expect to fall in love with this book like I did. Not onl y did I get swept into the present day story, but like Indy, I was also swept away to Cardithia. I need THAT series now. The past, present, and the story that brought it all together sucked me in like not many books have done before.

Everyone--I mean EVERYONE--needs to read this book. It will tear out your heart and put it back together, piece by broken piece.

(Also, slight spoiler, but that scene where he taps his chest three times when their teenagers...STOP IT RIGHT NOW. I could NOT TAKE IT)

Words cannot express how outstanding this book is. This is the first book by Nicole Deese that I have read and I am a forever fan. Her voice is unique, one that tells a story filled with the darkness of raw emotion, but woven with the beautiful colors of love and hope.

I experienced a roller-coaster of emotions as the main character, Ingrid, walks one of the most difficult paths a human can experience, the loss of a loved one. It is a story of tightly knit bonds of family and friendship. While the story centers around Ingrid's deep felt grief that has paralyzed her emotionally, it also centers around friendship and a beautiful romance. The characters are real-life as each experiences loss and continues to move on differently. The plot is skillfully paced, with mystery surrounding the loss of CeCe's last manuscript. There are moments of laughter as well as tears throughout this story. But don't let this threat of tears deter you from reading this book. It is a heartwarming story filled with love.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Nicole Deese is an extremely talented storyteller. She knows just how to reel you in and touch your heart. Her characters have a range of emotions and back stories that allow you to root for them wholeheartedly.

After losing her best friend, Cece, Ingrid is lost, as is Cece's cousin, Joel. I felt Ingrid's pain and heartbreak, but I also loved following Cece's treasure hunt that not only brought Joel and Ingrid back together, but also allowed them to uncover a myriad of feelings over life, work, love and the future.

This book has Christian undertones, which I did not know going in. However, the references are appropriate to the story and not overly religious. This is a beautiful tale of loss and heartache, but also redemption and second chance love.

The Words We Lost, is the first book in a new series by Nicole Deese, and my first book by this author. Let me assure you, it will not be my last! Nicole Deese has a remarkably lyrical, delightful, expressive style of writing that has depth, but is also easy to read. She has a way of allowing the reader glimpses into the heart and motivation of her characters in a way that feels authentic, vulnerable and poignant.

The Words We Lost is a book about grief, but also a love story. It’s a story of healing and found family. It’s thoughtful, insightful, moving and one you will want to take your time with and savor. We follow three friends who have a “chance” meeting long ago and find their soulmates in one another. Their lives are inextricably changed because of the friendships formed that one fateful day. They suffer loss, struggle with healing, seek to find and reinvent themselves, and two are given a second chance at a sweet, heartfelt romance.

This plot centers around books, authors and publishing and highlights the love and gift of stories and how people can live on through them. It contains a touch of mystery and gentle brushes of faith. This book is truly a gift to the reader, and one that will long stay with me. I eagerly look forward to more from this author.

Thank you Bethany House Fiction for the gifted book!

It has been way too long since a story pulled me in so quickly and didn’t let me go, but this book did exactly that. Throughout the days while reading this I was continually excited to pick this back up and I snuck in a few pages every chance I got.

Read for:
• Small town setting
• Publishing industry
• Found family
• Second chance romance
• Book for book lovers
• Balance of grief and joy

I’m a sucker for a small town setting, but this one in particular won me over. The story is primarily set in Port Townsend, WA and I adore a PNW story and I love Port Townsend!!

If you read the trigger/content warnings below, you’ll see this story deals with some heavy themes, but the author does a great job of balancing difficult topics with hope and joy. There is also a really beautiful faith element weaved naturally throughout the story, but it’s not too heavy handed for those that might not typically want that in their books.

This adult novel makes a fantastic pairing with one of my favorite YAs, Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher. I also decided that I’ll Be Waiting by Cian Ducrot is Joel’s theme-song (Oh my goodness, I loved Joel!!)

Now excuse me as I go pick my next read from Nicole Deese’s backlist!

TW/CW: Grief/death of parent/death of friend, parental abandonment, alcoholism

"Because even when the words seemed lost, and the world seemed bleak, Cece believed love would find its way back home. Just like the best stories always find their way back to where they first began."

Losing her best friend changed the course of Ingrid's life in so many ways. Trying to find her equilibrium again seemed hopeless. Would returning back to her childhood home help her to find herself again? Or would she continue to feel like she was wandering aimlessly? Will connecting with Joel help her to rejoice in the memories that she made with him and his cousin, CeCe? Can she found a way to see God even in the middle of loss.

This is another stellar book by Nicole Deese. Because the topic of this book is moving on after loss, I was worried that it might be heavy. But the storyline is infused with hope. Sadly the author lost her sister to a car crash several years ago, so she has experienced first-hand grief. This experience added a realistic edge to the storyline as it is not filled with platitudes. The grief process is not rushed or hurried, and it looks different for each character in the book.

The book is told starting from a current perspective. The two main characters look back at their young adult years through a journal written by the one who was lost. The friendship and faith elements are both so strong. This book also tackles the tough topic of alcoholism and single parenting.

Love had been lost between the two main characters, and watching them try to reconnect was another beautiful part of the story! Definitely recommended!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for letting me read this book through @netgalley I wanted to read it and review it. All opinions are my own!

Confession. I didn't ever read the blurb for this book. It's a thing for me with authors that I know I love. I trust them to write fantastic stories and I want to be completely surprised going in so yeah, no reading the blurbs for me. This book was the best surprise for me. I'm so glad I didn't know anything about it going in.

There is a dual timeline happening in this book as Joel and Ingrid read a memoir of sorts that takes them back in time to memories of their youth. I really loved this because I had the chance to connect the people before and the people now. The shift in time was seamless.

Emotions of all kinds were swirling in this book. Sorrow and loss, pain and regret. Love and laughter, healing and peace. And plenty of misunderstanding. It was quite the journey.

I loved the setting and the characters. Second chance love stories are so satisfying to read and if I had to pick a favorite? It's Joel. Unwavering, steady, devoted and protective. His love was his walk and his talk. I'm all in for that.

The story had so much book talk- from writing to editing and then publishing. It was fun to be immersed in that side as well. I love book talk!! This is another fantastic book from this author. I enjoyed it top to bottom, beginning to end, all the way through.

Content: death, drinking (alcoholism), depression. Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

“I can’t erase the darkness for you, but I can be the one to hold the light when you’re ready to come home.”

Oh, my friends. This is one of those reviews when my emotions about a book are so big that I struggle to fit them into the tiny box of words at my disposal.

The Words We Lost is an absolutely stunning story and undoubtedly one of my favorite reads of the year.

Beautiful friendships. A lost manuscript. Broken promises. A journey of hope and healing. A second chance romance.

I don’t want to say too much because I think this is one where you should go in blind, but be prepared to feel all the feels.

It took me on an emotional rollercoaster but the ride was so beautiful and heart-stirring that I never wanted to get off. ❤️🧭⚓

“I’m learning that much like love, grief is meant to be shared.”

Truly, I cannot recommend this book enough. Fans of Courtney Walsh and Becky Wade should definitely check this one out!

This was my first book by Nicole Deese but you can be sure that her ENTIRE backlist was just bumped way, way up on my tbr.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.