It's a story of love and what one is willing to consider giving up, even if it's the one you love. Told in alternating timelines: a) from first meeting to accident; b) from memory erasing accident to end of story. When all the one you love can remember about you is the negative, what are you going to do to help them remember your love? Are you willing to give them up so they can pursue what they think they want? The story isn't only about love but about trusting in God that everything will work out for the best, even if it's not what you want. I really enjoyed the story.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Denise Hunter never fails to deliver a Hallmark-style love story. This story features Lauren & Jonah. They’ve fallen in love & he’s ready to propose, but then she falls and has some amnesia and can’t remember their love story. She only remembers the time period when she couldn’t get along with him. My struggle with the story was the timeline in which it all happened. The amount of time they were together before she fell is so, so short. After the fall, she was so unkind to him, which really hurt my heart. What I loved, though, was Jonah’s devotion and steadfastness. He was patient and understanding with Lauren, never pushing her. My heart broke for him several times because he deserved true happiness and love. His character was so mature. I respect the way Hunter wrote him very much.

All in all, this was a cute book with a beautiful cover. Thank you to Thomas Nelson & NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Be sure to check it out when it releases in September!

Before We Were Us swept me away. I read this book on vacation in just over day. I've read a LOT of Denise Hunter stories and this might be my very favorite.

The premise is how a very happy couple is ripped apart by memory loss on the day a proposal was planned. The story then splits to when they first met and disliked each other instantly, through their relationship to the point of the memory loss. A second thread shows us the pain for both sides when Lauren can't remember ever liking Jonah, much less loving him.

I loved many things about the book. First of all the setting. There's something clever about the way the resort is part of the characterization in the book. With just a few deft statements, I placed myself on the jetty or at the fire pit eating s'mores. Both main characters had me pulling for them instantly. Jonah is easier to like because Lauren become defensive and guarded. But then I put myself in her shoes and understood her perspective.

The best part is the romance, or really double romance. Because very cleverly, Hunter allows us to see this couple fall in love twice under the same yet very different circumstances. If you like contemporary romances, this one is at the top of my highly recommended list.

I received a copy of Before We Were Us from the publisher via NetGalley. The joy of reading it is all my own

Before We Were Us
Denise Hunter
September 10, 2024

Lauren Wentworth was just graduating college searching for that perfect job. She blissfully discovered that one of her favorite businesses would be in need of a new manager for Glitter when the present one retired come January. After applying she was told the job would be hers but she needed the following months in a smaller hotel/inn to provide more experience. Her new boss set her up in a friend’s small lodge in rural New Hampshire. Not really knowing what her next location would be like, she accepted the position and drove from Boston. She will certainly miss all the glamour of Boston’s large city, her sweet apartment and wonderful places to shop. When she drove into the rough lane of the inn she started to realize what a huge contrast she was facing.
Before We Were Us will be published by Thomas Nelson on September 10, 2024. This latest novel by Hunter follows in her line of delightful romances. I was able to read and review Hunter’s latest novel via NetGalley.
Throughout the first months in Lauren’s journey, she found herself managing the lodge, cleaning up cabins, while working side by side with the owners and their adult children Meg and Jonah. It is such a fun ride. Her tour included all the learning experiences from the lowest position to suggestions for the expansion of the business. This is another excellent book by Hunter. The story has ups and downs for the protagonist. Readers come to wonder what could happen next. Truly this was another outstanding novel. Do enjoy!

I really liked this book. It gives you a glimpse into what regular people deal with in relationships and the struggles people sometimes face.

Oh my word, where to start? Denise Hunter has outdone herself…again. Her newest work, Before We Were Us, is a splendid story of heartbreak, love, loneliness and dreams of success. But family and home are what’s most important. I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of reading it yet. It holds a uniqueness about it that’s still whirling and reeling in my mind. I would love to see this fabulous tale go to movie. Just saying…😁

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

A sweet romance with a twist. What happens when the woman you love has an accident and can’t remember that she loves you? Before We Were Us, by Denise Hunter, gives us an example of “love is patient, love is kind,.. love is not self-seeking….. it always protects, always hopes, always perseveres.” I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

I have always been a huge fan of Denise Hunter, and this book just was incredible! She always amazes me with her beautiful writing. Highly recommend.

This book was lovely through and through. It does give off Hallmark movie vibes, but that's good with me. The story drew me in right from the start. I enjoyed reading about the setting, being that I'd love to be a leaf peeper someday. It's on my bucket list, so reading about that area makes me want to visit even more.

Jonah is my favorite character because he is so kind and patient even in the midst of adversity. Many times my heart went out to him.

This is the second book I've read of Denise Hunter's, but I am now interested in reading more. Thank you to Net galley and the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

This book hit the spot. Before We Were Us is a contemporary romance with closed door spice scenes, found family, and a beautiful story about an unlikely couple who find their way back to each other. I really enjoyed both characters but especially Jonah. My heart ached for him throughout the book but it was so amazing to see how Laurens character changed and her feelings grew again throughout the story. I liked that this book offered multiple view points and also the flash backs to earlier in the summer. The flashbacks helped fill in how their relationship progressed and made you appreciate Jonah and his patience.

This story was wonderful and I look forward to purchasing my own copy!

This is a book to grab when you need to slow down and refresh yourself with a good love story. Jonah longs for Lauren to regain her memory of their love and they have for each other but it doesn’t seem to be returning anytime soon. Lauren launches herself back into the life she knew while Jonah waits for her. This was a perfect novel about the heart’s true desire.

5 ⭐️
when lauren suffers a brain injury she can't remember her relationship with jonah. will they ever be the same? i absolutely loved everything about this book- from the romance to the found family. i literally couldn't put this book down.

thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this ARC!

Wonderful story!

When an accident causes Lauren to have memory loss of the last few months, which includes the time period that she fell in love with Jonah, can they find the way to each other again? Things look awfully bleak, and it is heartbreaking to read, but I know this is a romance, so all will end well.

This is a story of true love, when Jonah is suffering so much from Lauren not remembering what they shared, but wants the best for her, even if it includes her leaving him.

I am a huge fan of Denise Hunter and this is another of her amazing creations. I am so glad I found her at a reader event years ago. Her writing is very special. Blending joy with sadness and bringing out so much emotion in the reader. She writes with a Christian background and creates characters and their stories that I care so much about.

I want to thank Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading a complimentary advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Such a difficult subject written with such empathy is Denise Hunter's new story. Jonah and Lauren start out as strangers, but once they get to know each other the relationship changes. In a few short months they've fallen in love. On the eve of proposing, Lauren suffers a severe injury resulting in memory loss.

Jonah doesn't push or try to make her remember, he treats her with love and friendship hoping her memory returns. What she imagined happened in the past was all wrong. Can she embrace her new feelings and face the future, even with the unknown lurking in the background?

This is a wonder story of resilience , patience, and giving love a chance. Another great story by Denise Hunter that makes you question how you would handle the situation if it happened to you.

Although I received a free ARC ebook from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jonah plans on proposing to Lauren to marry him before she falls from a ladder and loses her memory from the last four months including the time in which they were dating.

I did not connect with this story as I wanted to. I simply didn’t connect with the characters, I wasn’t crazy about Lauren even though she did redeem herself in the end.


My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are mine and honest.

I was completely captured by this Denise Hunter charmer! I was so invested in these characters, almost from the start, I was sucked in before I even knew what was happening. And then, I had to keep going because I couldn’t stand not knowing how things would ever work out. What a premise this book has! You’d think the forgotten memories trope would feel contrived but it absolutely doesn’t. Lauren only loses four months due to her head injury- but they were four months that completely changed her life. I loved how Hunter dealt with this trope- nothing was how I (or Lauren, for that matter) expected things to turn out. A lot of faulty assumptions were made, corrected with a lovely plot twist! There’s so much I want to say but I refuse to give spoilers!

And can I just say Jonah is seriously such a sweetheart? Oh, my heart probably broke about 6 or 7 times just hurting for him. It’s been awhile since I’ve cried reading, but my emotions were just so invested, I cried with Jonah, I cried with Lauren, and I regret nothing. I couldn’t WAIT to get to the happily ever after, and now I sit in a puddle of happiness called a book coma, wishing for more.

Contains detailed kisses, the sweetest man ever, and no spice. Prayer from characters and church attendance mentioned, but not a lot of faith content. Lauren had a pretty lousy childhood, discussed in detail.

I was given a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.

I think that this book will appeal to a huge audience. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of love stories as a rule. This was well written and heartwarming.

Lauren has fallen off a ladder resulting in a concussion and amnesia. She cannot remember that she was in love with Jonah, nor can she remember anything that happened the six previous months. All she can remember is that she arrived in New Hampshire to be a temporary manager at the Pine Haven Resort until her dream job of being an event planner back in Boston becomes available. Both heartwarming and sad, the book relates the past and how she and Jonah navigate the present. This review is my honest opinion of this delightful book with such engaging characters, including the dog Graham! Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the early copy.

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter

What a beautiful story! I could not put it down! Lauren Wentworth takes a job at a restricted resort to gain experience needed for her dream job. One day she takes a spill from a ladder and wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the entire summer. Her nemesis, Jonah, is there acting like a love sick boyfriend and she is at a loss as to how that happened or if it is real. Meanwhile, Jonah is patient, kind and heartbroken. He gives her space. The two continue working together and her memories remain hidden.
As her time to leave approaches, can he stand to let her go and can she bear to leave? His family and the whole package of “home” calls to her, It is something she longs for. Can she measure what she has with Jonah against the dream job of a lifetime in Boston? Will her past guide her or will her heart?
This was a phenomenal love story with so many layers. The char@caters are expertly crafted and the story draws you in from start to finish.
I give it 5/5 ⭐️s.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to offer my honest opinion.

Heartwarming “amnesia” story as Jonah and Lauren navigate her loss of memory. Jonah remains faithful and Lauren is (I think) a bit harsh and unforgiving. I agree with other reviewers--the epilogue was the best part of the novel!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.