Thank you to Net Galley, Denise Hunter, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this arc of Before We Were Us, out September 10, 2024!

📜Quick Summary: Jonah and Lauren could not be more opposites; she’s a girl from Boston, trying to climb the ropes at Glitter, her almost perfect job planning events in her grasp. To get her career moving, she takes a temporary management position at Pinehaven Lodges, a family owned resort. Jonah and his parents own and run the resort, and he is as rugged as they come. They definitely do not mesh when they first meet, but soon they are in love. While touring a new project, Lauren takes a fall and after she wakes up in the hospital, loses the last few months of her memories. She doesn’t remember loving Jonah, but instead a crush on a small town doctor named Carson. Will her memories return? Who is she? What does she want now…and what did she want only a few hours ago?

❣️Initial Feels: I was sucked in from the start… I pictured this as a Hallmark movie right away, and the cozy lodge setting was perfection.

🙋🏼‍♀️Moving Character: Jonah takes the win on this one! I understand that Lauren was the one that went through the brain injury, loses her memories, and doesn’t know what to think as everyone is telling her she loves the man she just despised only a few months ago….but Jonah was so patient and kind, while Lauren became rude and standoff-ish to Jonah. He stood by her side, even when she didn’t want him there. He was grieving someone he loved, and his relationship, even though it was right in front of his face.

💡Final Sentiments: I really enjoyed this novel! I did not want to stop reading, and usually with rom-coms or romantic literary fiction novels, I want to take breaks. I think because I felt so deeply for Jonah, I just needed to know how it was going to end. Lauren had a difficult childhood, was proving to herself that she can get her once in a lifetime job, and be on her own until Jonah throws her for a loop. I wish she would have been a little bit kinder to him after her injury, but I also can’t imagine being in her position. I felt like the ending was a little rushed, and without ruining anything, would have liked to see more of their “ending” unfold slowly…or maybe more in the last 70-80% of it.

📖Read if you want: cozy romance, amnesia induced love story, small town feels

🌟Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

Every time I pick up a book by Denise Hunter, I know that I am in for a cozy romance with all the Hallmark type vibes that I adore. This one was no exception. Right from the start, this one drew me in. We meet Lauren and Jonah just before she falls from a ladder leaving her unable to remember several months of her life. While she does remember Jonah--- it's the Jonah of their initial meeting--- and let's just say the two did not get off on the right foot! She has no recollection of their romance or all that had changed between them in those missing months. The story alternates between their early says and the start of their relationship to those days after the accident, allowing us to see them fall in love... and to fall in love all over again. It was an interesting story that held me through from start to finish. If you're looking for a beautiful Christian romance, this is certainly one to check out.


**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I don’t know how to describe how much I loved this book. The way we were able to see different timelines, when they met and where they were then was so special and I loved seeing them fall in love twice. The enemies to lovers trope is one of my favorites and I loved seeing them fight their feelings, but when they fell, they fell hard. The fall setting was so beautiful and Denise Hunter is the reason I now want to go work at a small town inn. I couldn’t put this book down and it lived rent free in my head for a while after I finished it.

I received an eARC from netgalley, all opinions are my own.

Going back in time and returning to present day, Denise Hunter's "Before We Were Us" is an easy-to-read romance with conflict. Imagine losing your memory of all time spent with someone you love - that kind of conflict. With characters that try to find their way following the accident, will they find their way back to each other?

While this book was a light read with some heavy content, I found the pace somewhat slow. The plot was also predictable. Overall, the book was good.

Releases Sep. 10th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter. It’s a very touching story. It’s about a man and a woman who fell in love. But then there’s an accident which causes Lauren to forget everything that happened the past four months and what timing. Jonah has a very special night planned. He’s bought a beautiful ring and is going to get down on one knee and propose. However, Lauren falls and hits her head and loses her memory. Will she regain her memory or will she chose her dream job in Boston? I recommend you read this book to find out hoe Lauren and Jonah’s story plays out. You won’t be disappointed.

Things happen when you least expect it. Lauren’s dream job to be an event planner at a prestigious company Glitter in Boston, but before you could have that job the CEO wanted her to have more hospitality experience. The CEO set up a nine month job for her to help a longtime friend at her New Hampshire lake resort and after that the job would be Lauren’s at Glitter. Lauren didn’t know that this job in New Hampshire would change her whole life, not once but twice.

I had never read a book by Denise Hunter before this one and I really enjoyed her writing style. I loved the back and forth between past and present and overall the ending was perfect. A great love story with a bit a struggle and sense of hope.

Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction is trusting me with this eARC for my honest review. I believe Denise Hunter has gained a fan and I can’t wait to read more of her books.

3.5 stars!
The story has been done a thousand times before but it was still written well. Even though it wasn't very unique, I liked the characters and the setting of the book. I would love to go visit the resort myself.
The story takes place in Pinehaven Resort in rural New Hampshire. Lauren is there working to prove herself for her dream job awaiting her in Boston. Jonah is the owner's son who works on the property. We are told from the beginning they didn't start of on the best foot but soon they were in a whirlwind romance, that is until Lauren takes a bad fall and loses her memory of the whole summer. She doesn't remember her dog Graham or their love story. Jonah is a respectful man who gives her the space she needs while desperately hoping she remembers him and the times they shared. He's patient and kind but she tries to avoid him at all cost thinking there's no way she fell for someone like him.
SPOILER UPCOMING!!
By the end of the story, Lauren realizes she did fall in love with Jonah... not once but twice. She returns to the resort to profess her love! My favorite thing about this novel is the wedding gift Jonah gives Lauren... I won't spoil that though.
If amnesia tropes are your weakness, check out this book and curl up in front of a good fire with smores when it comes out on September 10, 2024!
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Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Well this certainly was different.

I'm always a sucker for amnesia stories but this book took it to the next level. I won't spoil anything by giving away the ending but I loved the main characters. Stories that revolve around already established relationships have always fascinated me since we don't exactly have the tale as old as time "meet cutes" and awkward first interactions. Having said that, I was expecting this book to be somewhat like her previous amnesia book "The Goodbye Bride" which I loved. This wasn't that but I think that's what made me like it. It didn't turn out quite the way I had expected from a plotline like this but that's not a bad thing.

I definitely would recommend this book to all readers. It was sweet and a testament that true love never gives up and never fails.

This was an okay novel for me. It was very saccharine sweet, HEA type of story. It's apparently listed as a Christian romance fiction, but there's really nothing religious in it other than when Jonah says "please God, help her get her memory back" etc., so other than that there's not enough of a Christian substance for me to list this as Christian fiction.

It reads much like a Hallmark movie, so if you're into that, you might like it. It was just overly sweet for my taste. The spice level is minimal, which is nice. There's a bit of childhood trauma/baggage they work through, but it was towards the end of the story and seemed a bit rushed.

Also, Carson was such a random addition that wasn't fleshed out fully and seemed like they should've left him out of the story completely. There was an opportunity to have a love triangle that would've made it more layered and interesting, and it seemed like it was going to go that way, but then you barely heard about him the rest of the story.


Overall, it's a quick read. But it's forgettable. No pun intended lol.

Wow! Before We Were Us tops my list of favorite Denise Hunter books! This tragic drama meets sweet romance hits all the right notes for a thoughtful but light summer story.

I love the way that Hunter brings out the best in these characters. She keeps the story moving with dramatic action but flashes back to more tender times, showing the evolution of their relationship and how they grew – not just together, but into more mature people – over the course of the summer. This ratchets up the stakes in their romance and will keep the pages turning – I couldn’t wait to find out what happened!

While I love romantic stories, it’s really the characters that are the draw for me here. Lauren and Jonah are both realistic people who have known heartache before. They’ve been burned in multiple ways and are leery about walking into a situation where they might get hurt – and who wouldn’t be? That the scenario is so relatable is what makes the story so exciting.

It doesn’t hurt that it’s set in gorgeous New Hampshire, either. At times the setting becomes almost like a minor character – and it’s one I love.

So if you’re a fan of sweet romance you’re going to want to grab Before We Were Us now. It’s the kind of story you’re going to love reading – and you’ll be pondering Lauren and Jonah’s situation long after you turn the last page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Such a wonderful book! I adored Jonah and Lauren’s story in Before we Were Us. Denise Hunter had me hooked from the start. Big city Boston girl has nine months at a lodge in the mountains and then her dream job is hers. However, she never expected to fall in love. When a freak accident causes her memory to disappear, she doesn’t have any idea about the relationship she built with Jonah that summer. As they try and sort through it, will her memories come back? Or must they start over? Or maybe it’s just over? Read it and see! You’ll be glad you did!

I read an ARC of this novel courtesy of Thomas Nelson, Netgalley and the author. I have been a fan of Denise’s novels for a while so I knew I had to read this one as well! I immediately loved this book and the characters. Denise did a fantastic job quickly setting the reader into the gorgeous fall scenery of the town and also ensured the reader was able to meet and know the characters.

Jonah is preparing to propose to his girlfriend when an accident happens that causes her to have to go to the hospital. Upon her waking up it is apparent that she does not remember their relationship and only knows of the tension that they faced in the past. Through his hurt feelings, he sticks by her side in an attempt to help her feel supported.

Will she come around and give them a second chance or will she hold on to the feelings of their past? The ending of this story will make your heart melt. I highly recommend this book to Denise readers and those who love true romance.i will be leaving reviews on Amazon and Goodreads as well.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book!
How sweet is this love story! It follows Jonah Landry and Lauren Wentworth in their budding summer romance; everything leading up to a proposal until Lauren has a dangerous fall from a ladder on the night of the proposal leading to her losing her memory of the whole summer.
Prior to their romance, the couple started out on the wrong foot; Jonah thinking Lauren is an entitled city girl who will dump him for bigger pastures like his ex Monica. So when Lauren awakes in the hospital, remembering the Jonah who disliked her, she is icy towards him. Despite his efforts, Lauren wants nothing to do with Jonah which breaks his heart as he was due to propose to this woman who doesn’t want to know him anymore. Throughout the story they work through her memory loss and become closer again, only to face Lauren’s decision of not taking the dream job offer she thinks she’s taken prior to the accident. This breaks the pair again and Lauren finds it hard to trust Jonah after he didn’t tell her she’d turned down the position. So Lauren calls the manager of the new job and begs for it back, wanting out of Jonah’s place and the family cabin business. She finds after moving back home and facing some past demons that she didn’t want this life after all and misses Jonah. She reconciles with her estranged Mother who gave her up to foster care at the age of 4, and marries the love of her life in the barn where it all started. I love the story of Graham the dog and how he got his name also. What a story! I couldn’t put it down and read it so fast. It is such a beautiful romance and i was rooting for them throughout. I loved the way Lauren made things right with her Mother and how they now have a relationship despite her rough childhood and upbringing in the system. I love how Jonah gave her space but also never gave up on Lauren despite the memory loss. 3.5 ⭐️ from me!

Jonah is the boyfriend we all wish we had. I love him a lot. This book is reeeeeeally good and I liked every single bit of it. Lauren is unfortunate enough to forget the last four months of her life.. including Jonah. The author has a very good way of writing, making the story understandable and Engaging. Read this if you're searching for a good enemies to lovers. Congrats to the author!

Sweet story of a romance lost to amnesia. Can Lauren and Jonah recapture their love or do they even want to remember it? Conflicting emotions, loss and abandonment contribute to the story set at a family-owned resort in New Hampshire. Denise Hunter is talented in creating heartwarming stories of romance and love without being steamy or explicit.

If you are a fan of Denise Hunter, you will not be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Thank you NetGalley and Ms. Hunter for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. A complete full review to follow soon, but I will say this Denise Hunter never misses!!

I’ve never read a book by this author before but I absolutely loved it! Thank you so much for the ARC! I loved this story, it was extremely well written. Will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author!

"Before We Were Us" by Denise Hunter is a heartwarming and engaging romance that skillfully navigates the complexities of love, memory, and self-discovery.

The novel follows Lauren Wentworth, who awakens in a hospital with no recollection of the past four months. Hunter deftly portrays Lauren's confusion and struggle as she grapples with the apparent divergence from her carefully planned life path. The author's nuanced exploration of Lauren's internal conflict between her forgotten summer experiences and her long-held ambitions adds depth to the character and story.

Jonah Landry, the male lead, is a standout character. His unwavering patience and deep love for Lauren, even as she struggles to remember their relationship, is both touching and believable. Hunter excels at developing Jonah's character, making him much more than just a love interest, but a fully realized individual with his own hopes and fears.

The backdrop of the rustic New Hampshire resort provides a cozy and atmospheric setting that enhances the story's romantic elements. Hunter's descriptive prose brings the changing seasons to life, mirroring the evolving relationship between Lauren and Jonah.

While the amnesia plot device is a well-trodden path in romance literature, Hunter manages to keep it fresh by focusing on the emotional journey of her characters rather than relying solely on the mystery of Lauren's forgotten memories. The gradual unfolding of Lauren's past, coupled with her present-day interactions with Jonah, creates a satisfying blend of tension and tenderness. We may have teared up a few times.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of identity and personal growth. Lauren's struggle to reconcile her pre-amnesia ambitions with her newfound feelings adds a layer of complexity to the typical romance narrative.

"Before We Were Us" is a delightful read that offers both comfort and excitement.

Well, this was an interesting premise!

Guy meets girl. They get off way on the wrong foot, when she gets hired as the manager for their family resort. After spending time together through work and a dose of humble vulnerability, their summer shifts from dread to delight as they fall in love. But this happy ending gets put on hold when she falls from a ladder and loses her memory of the last 4 months and only remembers him as her disgruntled boss.

Obviously he's heartbroken and you really feel for the guy. He keeps hoping she'll get her memories back, but she hopes she never does. This creates a lot of tension to the story which really made it engaging. I also really loved the back and forth of the timeline. The author would interrupt the present day to weave in pieces of how their story unfolded, which was really well done.

You'll find themes of trusting God through heartache, forgiveness, and dreams of success. This is my first read by the author and I'll probably do some more back reading now!

*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review!

**Book Review: Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter**

This was such a captivating read.

Lauren Wentworth wakes up in a New Hampshire hospital with no memory of the last four months. She’s shocked to find she’s left her big-city dream job for a resort position and that her former nemesis, Jonah Landry, is now her boyfriend.

It was so much fun to watch them navigate this, and I loved how the story flips between past and present, showing us how Lauren and Jonah fall in love twice!

Jonah’s dedication to helping Lauren was SO adorable. I was truly rooting for them the whole time.

This story just beautifully captures the emotions of love and memory.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.