This trilogy is a beautiful collection of tender hearted romances full of redemption and healing.

I read the final book, The Voice We Find, last month. Sophie Wilder has just returned to California after suffering a panic attack onstage on Broadway, her career ruined and her family not pleased to see her. August Tate is still reeling from his parents’ death and taking guardianship of his sister, determined to find a cure for her degenerative hearing loss. The two come together on an audiobook narration project and find healing (and romance) together.

There’s a lot going on here:

🦻Deaf representation
🔎Unsolved crime
🎭Drama and stage performing
🏄‍♂️California surfing
🎧Audiobook love
🧠Trauma/PTSD
❤️‍🩹Healing and redemption
💞Found family
✝️Faith themes

I especially loved the handling of August’s sister’s hearing loss. I’m a big advocate for anti-ableism efforts, and I really appreciated the journey August went on to understand that deafness does not equal brokenness. (For more thoughts on disability justice I recommend “My Body Is Not A Prayer Request” by Amy Kenny.)

Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, but I loved the callbacks to characters from previous books.

Thanks so much to @nicoledeeseauthor and @bethanyhousefiction for a complimentary review copy. All thoughts are my own.

this was such a heartfelt, redemptive story that surprised me in all the right ways. i was especially drawn to the beautiful found family dynamic — those quiet, steady connections that form when people choose to show up for each other. both august and sophie had such meaningful redemption arcs. i loved watching august slowly reconnect with his sister gabby, and how sophie played such a gentle, pivotal role in helping bridge that gap. and sophie, in turn, found a family with both gabby and august. it was one one that felt earned and deeply emotional. the deaf representation was so beautifully written. i loved how sophie really made an effort to learn ASL, and how she helped gabby tell her story — MY HEART!!

i loved that august and sophie found connection through audiobook narration. there were some forced proximity moments that made my romantic heart flutter. sophie’s family was the worst, but there were twists and emotional moments i didn’t see coming. i especially loved how things worked out with sophie’s sister-in-law, natalie. that resolution was so full of grace. i also appreciated how well-rounded the story was overall. it balanced depth, heart, and a touch of intrigue while never losing sight of its characters’ journeys. this is such a beautiful addition to a wonderful series. fingers crossed that chip gets a book of his own!

content: kisses

thanks to bethany house for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.

Wow! Just wow! The Voice We Find was absolutely incredible. I have been truly impressed which each novel in the Fog Harbor series, but my words are inadequate as I write this review. This book, these characters, those messages; they all just filled me up and touched my heart leaving a lasting impression. I am going to remember this story for years to come. It’s the kind of book I feel blessed and grateful to have read. It is truly beautiful. I felt so much reading this story and I can only say how much I recommend it.
August, Sophie, and Gabby were so vulnerable and real. I wanted to hug each of their characters and hold their hands as they went on this journey. I loved the balance between grief, hope, friendship, love, healing, forgiveness, and faith. The representation for the deaf community was powerful and meaningful in every way. Everything was so poetically written and the prose stunning. I was absorbed from the start to the very end and for being a nearly 400 page book, I was so invested, I never wanted it to end since I didn’t want to leave these characters.
I also loved the insights into audiobooks and that part of the publishing world and both stage and voice acting. There were unexpected twists and moments and each new revelation in the story had me even more invested than the last. Deese has some serious skills when it comes to writing and this book reached right where I needed it. I fully recommend this story!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

More than a love story, The Voice We Find takes readers on a journey of discovery, both internal and relational, as we follow August and Sophie through their stories. The reader will love getting to know them and a cast of supporting characters. Faith is woven into the story in a gentle, natural way, enhancing the reader's experience.

The Voice We Find tackles complex topics with grace and dignity. Instead of looking at things like deafness, trauma, and PTSD with shame, Deese focuses on the beauty that can be found in each when we let the light of God in. But this book isn't all serious. There is plenty of humor, lightheartedness, and romance intertwined in the family stories of these dynamic characters.

From the start, we find both main characters struggling with their purpose and their relationship with God. Sophie has arrived home to fulfill the stipulations set forth by her grandmother’s will in order to receive her trust payout. Her family dynamics are difficult to say the least, and only made worse by her recent humiliation on Broadway. August gave up his music career to raise his orphaned younger sister, Gabby. Gabby lost most of her hearing in the accident that killed her parents, and she and August have very different perspectives on deafness, grief, and God.

I’ve struggled writing this review because I know I cannot adequately convey how profoundly this book touched my heart. The Voice We Find is packed with sweet romance, personal growth, mysteries, and deep character development. All ingredients for a heartwarming story. Even still, it was the stunning portrayal of God’s patient, consistent pursuit of his children that absolutely pierced my heart. I could not keep from crying throughout the second half of this book. It wrecked me in the best way possible and completely ministered to my soul. Reading through both August and Sophie's journeys in their relationship with God was absolutely relatable and so encouraging.

The first book in the series, The Words We Lost, was in my top 3 favorite books of 2024, and The Voice We Find will absolutely top the list for 2025. I absolutely encourage you to grab this one, and the first two in the series as well. Keep your tissues nearby when reading!

Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: None
Content Considerations: Toxic family, death of a loved one (past), implied abuse

I just loved this story so much and for a while it was hard to pinpoint what exactly about it I loved. But I think it’s the reality of the relationships. I love how Nicole writes characters and their conflicts. It feels so real and it never gives off cheesy vibes. I loved August’s character development throughout the story and it was really unique to read from the point of view of a young adult taking on the responsibility of parenting a younger sibling.
The incorporation of ASL, theater, and the behind the scenes look into how audiobooks are made was really interesting. I loved the dynamic between August and Sophie working together. They both had lives outside their relationship but the story telling the weaved it all together was just stunning. I really love the Fog Harbor series and there is not a single one that will disappoint. A must read, easy 5 stars!

Nicole Deese is becoming one of my favorite authors. I couldn’t put this book down. The story is much more than a romance because it has so much depth. I loved August and Sophie’s story.

The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese is a rich story that will capture your heart.

August, Sophie and Gabby are such deeply moving characters. Learning to trust after being wounded, both physically and emotionally, was so skillfully written. The romance between August and Sophie blossoms slowly. The theme of forgiveness, mercy and faith are woven throughout the book.

This sweet faith focused story touches some issues like hearing loss and fragmented family relationships. Nicole's dialogue, setting and characters are captivating and engaging. I have read Ms. Deese's other books, and like the others, this one is clean and will not disappoint. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wow. Let's just say I have found another favorite book of 2025 and of ALL time. Nicole Deese tells powerful stories. Plain and simple. She is a top favorite of all time and I will forever recommend her books! Let's get into the review:

The Voice We Find is technically book 3 in the Fog Harbor Book Series, but you can read it as a standalone book. They do not connect in the storylines.

Book 1: The Words We Lost
Book 2: The Roads We Follow
Book 3: The Voice We Find

The Voice We Find doesn't just give you a good story....it gives you something much deeper: hope, healing and the beautiful reminder of the Gospel of Jesus. Sophie, August and Gabby's journey spoke right to my heart. There were laughs, tears and so many moments of reflection. Nicole Deese's writing truly breathes LIFE into a story!

We follow Sophie, August and Gabby. Sophie returns home to California with a failed Broadway career and her cat. She is working at the family winery with her egotistical brother and takes a job as an audiobook narrator with Fog Harbor Books. This is where she works with August.

August has guardianship of his adopted teenage sister. Their parents passed away in an accident a couple of years ago and his sister Gabby was left with degenerative hearing loss. He feels like he needs to fix this problem, yet Gabby has embraces her new life, learning ASL and forming new friendships.

Sophie and August develop a relationship along the way as they each process feelings, grief, trauma and allow the Lord to work in ways they least expect.

I have a full dedicated reading vlog coming for this book on Monday, April 28th, where you will see the reactions, tears and favorite quotes along the way.

Watching Sophie find her voice again and August rediscover his faith was so great. I loved their relationship and the added layer of Gabby's POV was so important and well needed. It added so much to the story. I learned so much about ASL and the deaf community. I also loved seeing our characters go to church and the community they had together.

This isn't just my favorite book of the year....it's a book I will carry with me for a LONG time. God is in the details and this book shows that. The prodigal son has come on home. Praise God for these moments.

Highly recommend. Thank you to Bethany House for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have yet to find a Nicole Deese novel I haven't loved! The Voice We Find is an emotionally rich story that swept me up right away. With her signature depth and tenderness, Deese delivers a romance full of heart, healing, and hope.

This book surprised me in the best ways, with a touch of mystery woven that kept me guessing and side characters that captured my heart. Deese masterfully explores themes of adoption, loss, fear and rediscovering purpose. Her characters are beautifully layered and I found myself rooting for them from beginning to end. I adored August, Sophie and Gabby for so many reasons, as well as enjoyed the elements of audiobook narration and community theater. Most of all, I loved that this was a story of redemption, found family, siblings and restorative second chances.

Threaded with faith, this well-written novel made me laugh, cry, and feel everything in between. If you love meaningful stories that stir the soul, offer hope and remind you that God is always at work, even when hope seems lost, this book is a must-read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to post a positive review.

Ever since reading The Words We Lost when I first came to Bookstagram, I really look forward to reading anything Nicole has written! I’ve read several of her backlist now, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to read this story before its release day: April 15!

This was another lovely story! Nicole takes a number of issues and beautifully weaves layers upon layers of emotion, faith, and healing into her storytelling.

What I loved:

✌️Dual POV
🎧Audiobook voice actors
🤟Learning about the Deaf and ASL community
👵🏻 Bonnie
❤️‍🩹Overcoming trauma
🐈‍⬛ Phantom
👨 Returning character from the previous stories in the series
💓Character growth
🧑‍🧒‍🧒Sibling Dynamics
✝️Coming back to the Faith/Lord
🙌🏻Strong, redemptive ending

What truly makes this story shine is the growing connection between Sophie and August—two wounded creatives learning to trust again. And while their slow-burn romance is tender and hopeful, it was August’s teenage sister who quietly stole the show for me. Her hearing loss, the result of a tragic accident, brought depth and authenticity to the story, and I learned so much about the deaf community through her journey.

⚠️ Content: Kisses only, no language. Fatal accident of family in the past, panic attack on page, toxic family.

🩷 Thank you greatly to @bethanyhousefiction & @nicoledeeseauthor & @netgalley for sending me an advanced copy of this beautiful story!

I've been reading Nicole Deese for a long time, and I finally got around to reading her, and what better way to do it than with this wonderful book.

Although it is a third part, I was able to read it without any problem, although I can't say if there is any point where it could be considered a spoiler.

We have the story of Sophie whose dream of being an actress has been frustrated and must return home to start again, but she doesn't give up and looks for a way to achieve her goals, that's why she accepts a job to narrate audiobooks, and that's where she meets August.

I must say that as promised, I loved Deese's writing, the balanced approach she takes to such deep and complex issues while navigating a sweet romance was a real treat.

You find themes related to the Deaf and ASL community, and it's been very interesting to soak it in during the read.

And they talk about audiobooks, so obviously I was going to be twice as interested.

I can only say that I am even more looking forward to reading the books before this saga and all the books written by the author.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for providing me with this ARC.

Just like when you read any of the author's other books you know you'll be in for an emotional roller coaster.
I liked that the book had ASL and deaf representation. This is a closed-door romance.
The book really had me experiencing a wide range of emotions. I was rooting for the ones who seemed to not be represented but fell into the background. Full of hope on every page these characters have found their voice and their strength by books end.
Every book I read by the author has me contemplating what the outcome will be. Hard hitting this is one you'll not be able to put down until you're done.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese is book number 3 in the Fog Harbor series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. Sophie Wilder returns home to California to house she thought she would never return to. She is finding her way and tries audiobook narrating as a side hustle. August Tate is the guardian of his 16-year-old sister after their parent’s death. He is working through so many things when he meets Sophie recording an audio book in his studio.

This thoughtful romance is so beautifully written. Journeying through life with Sophie and August as they healed, grew as characters, and found love was wonderful. I enjoyed their romance and banter, getting to know each character better as the story progressed, and watching them both grow in their walks with God. August’s sister Sophie has a progressive hearing loss and the author did a great job sharing about the death community.

I appreciated the themes of redemption, found family, and prodigals coming home. I was deeply drawn into the story, and I highly recommend The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese. A highlight of 2025 for me.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

This is an excellent example of Christian fiction that is full of redemption, hope, and healing. I loved the characters, setting, and deaf/HoH representation. It hit all the boxes for me!

🌿BOOK REVIEW🌿

Happy Pub Day Nicole Deese!

The Voice We Find is Nicole's third installment in her Fog Harbor Romance series! This one follows an actress/vocalist and a recording studio owner as they navigate the audiobook world.

This story gives you the emotional pull- from the Christian themes and "prodigal son" plot, to ASL rep and a swoony romance.

ALL THE THINGS
-Audiobook Narrators
-found family
-ASL rep
-brother and sister relationship
-redemption arcs
-christian fiction
-surfing
-theatre/drama
-finding oneself again

Overall great read. Loved the romance and redemption arc. I struggled a little with the third act, but otherwise a lovely edition to this series.

Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction
For my #gifted copies!

Nothing has felt right for August Tate since his parents died in a train wreck in India, leaving him the guardian of his 14-year-old adopted sister. For two years, August has done all he could to get by and help Gabby recover from the traumatic injuries that left her partially deaf. He abandoned his high-powered sound engineer life in Hollywood for a quiet life of parenthood in northern California. He’s spent days researching the latest treatments, which might save what little hearing Gabby has left. If he does enough, maybe he can outrun the guilt that threatens to drown him like the waves he loves to surf.

But with bills piling up and business at his small recording studio slow, August doesn’t see much hope for his future. Until his best friend, Chip, shows up with an offer August can’t turn down—the opportunity to turn his recording studio into a place where audiobook talent can record. And when the first candidate shows up to record, August knows he’s lost.

Sophie Wilder returns to her family’s winery in the Napa Valley, hauling a load of other people’s expectations that threaten to squish the life out of her. Unlike her golden-boy older brother, businesslike mother, and Midas-touch father, Sophie loves the arts. Something no one in her family understands.

If she can stay at the winery and work part-time for the family, Sophie will receive a trust fund check that will help tide her over until she recovers from the stage fright that tanked her career on Broadway. If she ever recovers. Meanwhile, she needs to pay back her debts and set aside money to start over. Sophie applies for a gig recording audiobooks and makes it past the first round for the editor at Fog Harbor Audio. When she arrives at a local recording studio to record a second selection, she has no idea the handsome surfer who answers the door will answer her prayers for healing in ways she never expected.

What I Loved About This Book

Nicole Deese skillfully weaves together redemption stories for two young adults starting at opposite points. Sophie comes to faith as an adult and learns to navigate the nuances of life depending on a Savior. August grows up believing in God but rejects it all when life goes his way. His friends convince him he has nothing to lose by losing his faith, but now he isn’t so sure.

Secondary characters (Gabby and Sophie’s sister-in-law) provide insights into the worlds of those without a voice (deaf people) and women who must find their voice and take a moral stand. Told with beauty, grace, and humor, readers won’t want to put the book down as they discover many paths to finding one’s voice.

Sophie Wilder returns home to California with nothing more than a failed Broadway career and a geriatric cat. Stuck working at the family winery with her egotistical brother and desperate for a way to revive her acting dreams, she takes a side gig as an audiobook narrator with Fog Harbor Books. But getting mixed up in the life of her reluctant sound engineer August Tate was never a part of her plans.

I loved the chemistry between Sophie and August as they worked in close quarters. They both had past mistakes and fears to overcome as well. It was beautiful to see them get to that point they could face it all head on.

I feel like the subplot involving Sophie's brother was incomplete. I needed more closure from that even though I appreciate it all worked out. I loved Chip, August's best friend. I hope he gets a book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4⭐
Steam level: 1🌶️ Kissing only

I knew I was going to love this book from the dedication and verse at the beginning. It was for everyone “who has ever prayed for a prodigal’s return.” And my life verse: Romans 8:38 & 39.
Every time I read a book by this author, I know I am in for a beautiful story full of real life problems with heavenly solutions. This was such a vital look at how we see ourselves and how others see us and accept us or not. The author gives a clear Gospel message that not only how Jesus saves us but how He sees us and loves us unconditionally. How He has plans for our lives that use the gifts that He has given us. And how “God works in every circumstance in our lives. Even the hardest ones.”
I appreciated Gabby and her hearing loss and the American Sign Language aspect of the story. The peek into voicing audio books was really interesting.
Ms. Deese is not afraid to write about thorny family issues such as Sophie, August and Gabby were facing, and offering God as the remedy.
This was another skillfully written book that offered realistic characters, a wonderful romance, family discord, supportive friends and even a little intrigue.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Oh my word, I devoured this book. It’s been a bit since every last page kept my attention like a good movie, and this read accomplished that.

I loved these characters from the very beginning. My heart went out to August, to the decisions he had made and the weight on his shoulders. I adored Gabby, with her strong faith and resilience. And I loved Sophie, with her courage and kindness. The pacing of the romance was perfect. The spiritual moments were spot on for me. And lest you think this read is all butterflies and happy rainbows, Deese does an excellent job of fleshing out these stories and characters with real issues that made my heart ache at times.

Ultimately, I loved this book. This is exactly what I want out of a Christian romance. And though I’ve loved this author for a few years now, I think she’s officially gained a place on my list of favorites. Do not miss this one, friends. In fact, go ahead and read the entire Fog Harbor series! It’s fantastic.