Thank you Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo was a nice, emotional read that I enjoyed, but it didn’t completely sweep me off my feet. The story about love, loss, and finding yourself is really touching, and Santopolo's writing does a great job of capturing those deep feelings. The characters are relatable, and their journey feels real, but at times the plot can be a bit predictable. I'm not sure this story needed to be told. It’s definitely a heartfelt read, but it didn’t have that extra something to make it stand out for me. I’d give it 3 stars—pleasant, but not unforgettable!

Thank you again for the ARC!

A solid and moving follow-up to The Light We Lost. Jill Santopolo has such a calm yet addicting writing style. Mixing emotional with spicy is rare, and she can really nail it. I was satisfied with Lucy's story, which was somewhat closed. Nothing was sugar-coated in the family dynamic. It all felt authentic.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader's copy!

I absolutely loved The Light We Lost and think about Gabe & Lucy's story a lot. I was SO upset at the end of that book that Gabe died that I had a book hangover. So I was dying to read The Love We Found ever since I heard about it. However, I was a bit underwhelmed, I didn't love the narration that was talking to Gabe, and kind of felt like she hadn't made much emotional progress since we left her 10 years earlier. I did appreciate the Italy storyline & her chemistry with Dax. I was hoping this book would make me feel the same way as the first, but thought it probably wasn't possible, and it wasn't. But I will still continue to read Santopolo's books because I've enjoyed every one I've read!

✨ The Vibes ✨
A book for anyone who wonders what happens after the ending of your favorite romance

📖 Read if…
✨ You don’t mind very emotional romances
✨ You’re always looking for more closure in books
✨ You want a book that deals with complex, real life issues

I have a soft spot for Jill Santopolo’s The Light We Lost as it’s one of the books that steered me toward the contemporary romance genre. It was everything I wanted from a book — sweet, a tiny bit angsty, and a perfect, though slightly sad, ending.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the ending and how it was the perfect mix of conclusive and open-ended, but I never imagined we’d get a sequel about Lucy’s life after Gabe.

This book is classic Jill Santopolo, full of complex emotion that never feels soapy or over the top. She’s able to find the humanity in every situation, and you empathize with even the most frustrating characters. I found that the story moved slower in this one compared to The Light We Lost, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing as it allows you to really sit with each situation and consider why Lucy is making certain choices. And for those that need a conclusive ending, this one was definitely more conclusive than the first one!

It was so nice to get a look at what happened next to some beloved characters, and I think fans of the first book will really enjoy this one. The Love We Found is out now. Thanks to Putnam and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book; this was the sequel I never knew I needed, but so desperately wanted.

I read the first book ages ago, and then quickly read most of Santopolo's backlist - but am so glad we finally got to return to these characters. While Lucy isn't always the most likeable of characters - and I love that about her. It feels like she is really grappling with her own weaknesses and shortcomings, and it makes the story more endearing.

Santopolo really knows how to tackle grief in all its complexities. It is never simple and it is never linear - and she created such a love letter to healing in this story, while the first felt like a fight against the wave of emotions.

I cried. A lot. I smiled. And I just love this touching sequel that shows our storires and our happy endings are never simple.

This author is one of my favorites, but this sequel did not read with the same depth and rawness of her other books. Ten years after Gabe dies, Lucy is starting to feel lonely. Although her focus has been on her kids, she hopes she is ready for a relationship when she meets Dax, a doctor doing charity work in Italy. There are secrets that Lucy has yet to share with her family, that will impact how her relationship will evolve. I really liked Lucy’s relationship with her children, but the relationship with Dax didn’t really resonate with me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

In this follow-up to 2017’s The Light We Lost, we check in on Lucy to see what life is like since she last saw Gabe. 💕

My tiny book club has had many failures to get off the ground 😂 and we read The Light We Lost many moons ago during one of those failed attempts. Since we all loved it and we’re finally successful (three years strong 💪🏻😂), we decided to read the follow-up book. I was hesitant because it’s been so long since the first book was released and I didn’t want to reread it in order to appreciate book two. The good news is there was enough background slid in to jog your memory with the highlights. Buuuuuttt…for me, this wasn’t a necessary follow-up. I found it boring, with a tone that was unnecessarily dramatic since our FMC is talking directly to Gabe the whole time. (IYKYK) Other than the ex-husband, literally every character communicates in therapy speak, saying the exact right thing as if it’s scripted, giving the whole book an air of unbelievability. When life is messy, people are messy too, so I would have much preferred to see more of that on the page. Okay overall, but I could have left this unread and been content.

Side note…you know how publishers are phasing out cursive titles on covers because it’s no longer taught and therefore not everyone can read them? That’s how I feel about Roman numerals as chapter headers like we had in this book. 😂 I just want to know what chapter I’m on related to how many there are in the book. Please don’t make me stop to think about what lviii means while I’m reading. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️

My thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for a complimentary advance copy of this eBook, out now.

I read THE LIGHT WE LOST well before Bookstagram so I didn’t entirely remember the whole plot going into this, but I remembered the sad vibes and how quick I breezed through it. This book was no exception. The fact that I started and finished a book while on night shift is no easy feat, so if you’re looking for quick books then these are some good options.

But it deals heavily with grief of a loved one. It reminded me a lot of the ME BEFORE YOU series, where our main character was heartbroken from loss of a great love at the end of book one, but were given a chance at new love within their sequels.

However, I couldn’t get on board with this romance unfortunately. Instalove and I have a love/hate relationship and very seldomly does a book get away with that trope for me. Lucy quickly meets a guy and he instantly asks her to dinner and they start up a whirlwind romance within 24 hours of knowing each other. After such a beautiful love story in book one, this sadly felt too forced and fell flat to me.

But I’m still glad to see Lucy finally get a bit of a happy ending this go around.

The Love We Found was beautifully written but deeply sad. I found the main character frustrating and hard to connect with, which made it tough to fully engage. It just didn’t resonate with me.

This is a beautiful sequel to one of my favorite love stories, The Light We Lost. The Love We Found starts ten years after Gabe’s death, and Santopolo’s decision to use Lucy’s voice narrating the story to Gabe is an especially poignant one. I teared up at times, but not to the devastating degree I did with Gabe and Lucy’s story. This is a story of hope, navigating motherhood, blended families, and the fear and exhilaration of finding love again after loss. Dax is a worthy successor to Gabe, but as Dax said, it’s not a competition, just a comparison. If you’re looking for a mature romance between two wonderful people who, despite suffering shattering loss, take a chance on love, read this. Although it can be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read The Light We Lost first. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I think this could've been a novella.

Just like in THE LIGHT WE LOST, Lucy, here too, is confused about what she really wants in life- other than Gabe.
Don't get me wrong, all the characters have flaws but Lucy's flaws kinda jumps off the pages.

I really liked how she stood up to Darren about wanting to telling the truth about their child. I also liked when she found someone who she could see a future with but just like before she kept comparing him to Gabe. Also, that insta-love threw me off. Like it was more of rapid-love.

Anyways as I said, this could've been a novella.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Light We Lost ended with a lot of loose ends that we knew time would tie up in one way or another. Ten years later, Lucy is moving forward with her life, if not quite moving on. When a call from Gabe's editor reopens some barely close wounds, Lucy must decide how to come to terms with everything from her past in order to embrace the future.

I have been waiting for this book since the day I finished The Light We Lost. Jill Santopolo can do no wrong. I loved revisiting these characters in their complicated, messy, love-filled lives. If you loved The Light We Lost, this one is a perfect next chapter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of The Love We Found.

I didn't really enjoy the first book in this series and am not sure why I thought the second would be better/different. The romance had its sweet and heartfelt moments, but at times, it felt a little forced or lacking the emotional depth I crave in a love story.

One of the highlights was the author’s writing style—it’s engaging and easy to read, making this a quick and enjoyable escape. However, the pacing felt uneven; some parts dragged while others rushed through key emotional developments. Additionally, certain conflicts seemed to resolve too easily, which left me wanting a bit more depth and tension. But really... why is she still hung up on Gabe all this time later?

When The Light We Lost came out several years ago, I remember it being super popular and seeing it everywhere. I somehow didn't get around to reading it until just a few months ago. I loved that book so much and the hype was justified! Then, much to my surprise just months later I spotted The Love We Found on Netgalley and received an #ARC.

I was so excited for this one, and read it almost immediately. While I didn't love it as much as the first book, I did enjoy finding out how the lead character's life turned out, as The Light We Lost somewhat ends on somewhat of a cliff-hangar. My biggest criticism is that I was shocked by how much she was still obsessed with her deceased love after 10 years, despite having the closure of his death and being married with children. And then, because of that her "instant love" with a new man seemed a bit unlikely. I also found her not to be very likeable in this book, as opposed to the last one, which was unfortunate. Despite these things, I still really wanted this sequel and am so glad that I read it! If you loved the first one, I think you should read this one too!

Although I do not remember The Light We Lost AT ALL, this was still a sweet romance that is second chance for the main character. I do love when a book is set with the same characters years later but I just wish I read the first one again to jog my memory.

I read The Light We Lost back in 2020, basically in one sitting. Since then, I have read hundreds of books, yet it still remains one of my favorites that I have recommended to so many.

When I heard there would be a sequel, I was beyond excited and I knew I just had to read it. I could not contain my excitement when I was approved for an e-ARC. Knowing The Love We Found would be about Lucy finding new love after Gabe did make me slightly hesitant because their love story was so powerful.

I did find myself having reservations at the start. Eventually I warmed up and felt happy to be back in the life of Lucy and her family. I will say I didn’t feel the intense emotional pull that I did in The Light We Lost, but I was definitely brought to tears at multiple points in this book. I’m happy to have some closure and that Lucy found love again. I greatly appreciate this e-ARC.

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I read The Light We Lost! I may not remember every little detail, but the way it made my heart ache is unforgettable. I really enjoyed the story—even when Lucy left me scratching my head a bit. So, I was super excited to dive into this second part. But wow, I wasn’t prepared for just how gut-wrenching it would be.
Honestly, it’s tough to put into words how this book hit me. It has everything you could ask for: drama, heartache, a sprinkle of romance, and even some fun moments that make you smile. But make no mistake, it’s not a light read at all. It’s a beautifully crafted story that’s bound to resonate with so many, even if it breaks your heart along the way. Some parts were tough, especially when Lucy was missing Gabe; I felt that deeply.
I really connected with the kids in this book—they brought such a lively dynamic that added depth. I found myself understanding Lucy so much better this time around, and I liked her even more. Then there’s Dax, who I totally liked, and, while Darren had me frustrated—yet, I could see where he was coming from. The complexity of it all made this story so rich, and Jill Santopolo did a fantastic job weaving those emotions together.
TLWF captures all the magic of TLWL but takes us ten years down the line, right after Gabe’s passing. It’s amazing how she brought us back into this world! If you loved the first book, you absolutely have to check this one out. You won’t regret it!

The Love We Found is the sequel to one of my all-time favorite books, The Light We Lost. It is a story of grief, healing, moving on, and finding love again. The book is not a standalone. You need to read The Light We Lost first.

Ten years after the loss of Gabe, Lucy is still grieving. She and her ex-husband, Darren, co-parent their three children, including Sammy, Lucy and Gabe's son. One day, among Gabe's boxes, Lucy finds an envelope with an address in Rome. She wonders what was so important about the address for Gabe to keep it. To find answers, Lucy travels to Italy, where she meets another American, a doctor, Dex Armstrong. Will the trip and the faithful meeting give Lucy closure and the possibility of finally moving on?

The Love We Found is a mix of family drama and romance. Some people may not like the romance because it's insta-lovey, but it didn't bother me. One of the book's major themes is how secrets can destroy relationships, which I found very interesting. It would make for a great book club discussion. The Love We Found is a beautifully written and emotional book. It is a must-read for fans of The Light We Lost.

⭐️ 3.5

I read The Light We Lost in early 2022 so picking up where the story left off after a few years was tough, but it didn't take me long to get my bearings and figure out what was happening. I didn't like this as much as The Light We Lost but it was still a solid read.

What I liked: The depiction of navigating grief and finding love after loss; the setting, especially when Lucy visited Italy.

Who I would recommend this book to: Anyone looking for an emotional yet heartwarming love story.

Overall, this was a solid book and I am excited to read more of Santopolo's work in the future!

I absolutely loved The Light We Lost and was excited to read the sequel. The Love We Found picks up 10 years after the first book. As Lucy is going through Gabe's boxes she comes across a piece of paper with an address on it. The address is in Rome, but there's nothing else. Why would Gabe keep this scrap of paper? Lucy knows how Gabe's mind worked and knew it had to be important. Lucy and her ex-husband, Darren, share custody of the kids. One week with Lucy, the next week with Darren. She decides to buy a ticket to Rome and check out who lives at the address Gabe saved. It's Darren's week to have the kids, it's their spring break, and he's taking them on a trip. No one will miss her being gone for a few days. Also, Gabe's editor wants her to go to the library there and see Gabe's photos that hang there. He's planning a ten year show featuring Gabe's work as the book is updated with new photos and information. Lucy is helping out and has ideas about the show.

What will Lucy find in Rome? Did Gabe have a secret family or girlfriend he kept from her? What photos will she find in the library? Will anyone remember Gabe being there since it's been 10 years? Lucy runs into a man she feels instantly connected to in Rome. His name is Dr. Dax Armstrong and he's there helping with medical care. He lives in New York when he's not in Rome, same as Lucy. As she promises to get a coffee with him later she feels a feeling she hasn't felt since Gabe. Will Dax and Lucy find a way to be together? Will the secret Lucy's been keeping pull her family apart? She wants to finally tell the truth to her kids, her parents, her brother, and her friends but she has to get Darren's okay. Will Darren agree to finally letting the secret out? Will her family see her differently if it comes out? Will the show be a success featuring Gabe's updated works? Will Lucy finally be able to find love again?

This book was a wonderful read and I was so happy to be back in Lucy's life again. Jill Santopolo did a wonderful job of making you feel all that Lucy has been through and looking ahead to what might be next for her. I rate The Love We Found 4 stars with a high recommendation. If you read the first book you will thoroughly enjoy the sequel. If you didn't read the first book, I would highly recommend that you read it first. I'd like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced copy of The Love We Found in exchange for a fair review. The book is out now and you should add it to your TBR pile immediately! #TheLoveWeFound