I have never read anything by RaeAnne Thayne before, although Mr. Google tells me she is a bestselling author of contemporary romances. She certainly has a way of opening a book:

"The day she died, Juniper Connelly had just finished firing her latest intern."

Whoa! That was a banger of a first line!

Then for the next 350-plus pages, Ms Thayne proceeds to throw every thinkable romance trope into the mix. Impressive. And I mean that sincerely, with no irony, because I can't think of a theme she missed including in the novel's plot, yet Thayne still created a interesting book with likeable, relatable characters. The familiarity of the themes was actually comforting, because once you are invested in the characters, you want them to get their happy ending.

I want to add that when Ms Thayne wrote in the voice of Carson Wells, the deceased father and author, it truly was as if someone else had sat down at the keyboard---language, descriptives, tone---beautifully done.

I like that Thayne didn't feel the need to bring every storyline neatly into completion and you were left with questions---particularly with Carson and his lost first love. Not everything needs to be tied up with a pretty ribbon, and when parents die, there are always going to be unanswered questions.

All in all, I'd compare this book to a slice of warm apple pie with a dollop of vanilla ice cream; familiar, comforting, and as you read the final page, satisfying.

The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne is a wonderful exploration of relationships, families and romance. When Allie, grief-stricken after her famous father's death, discovers she has an unknown half-sister, she is determined to meet this person and get to know her. Juniper, the unknown daughter of Allie's father, is a high energy businesswoman who has a cardiac arrest and is saved by Allie. Juniper is invited back to the Wyoming ranch Allie has inherited from her father. Allie hopes to develop a relationship with Juniper who needs space and time to recover. Allie is also navigating her childhood friendship that is edging toward something more. And the fiercely independent, Juniper, with no known family, allows herself a friendship with a neighbor that develops into romance. Slowly, Allie and Juniper weave themselves into each others lives. Thayne has much experience in exploring interesting and unusual family and love relationships. She does an expert job with this novel. Strong characters in a lovely setting. Read the book, see how it all resolves. Strongly recommended for readers of women's fiction. This would make a great vacation read.

Heartwarming and entertaining, a soothingly cozy romance. I enjoyed getting to know these characters!

“The Lost Book of First Loves” is by RaeAnne Thayne. This book is listed as “romance,” and that’s true, but at the beginning it read a lot more like women’s fiction. The book is basically about two women - Alison and Juniper, though there the point of view of another character, Beck, who is Alison’s friend (it all makes sense). Alison, working as an intern for Juniper, is about to be fired by Juniper, when Juniper suffers a medical emergency. Alison manages to convince Juniper to join her for medical rest and relaxation at Alison’s family ranch in Wyoming. While there, Juniper discovers that Alison’s deceased father is one of Juniper’s favorite authors. About this time is when the romance angle begins in the book. The descriptions of Wyoming seemed pretty realistic to this person who has never been to that state. The main characters seemed rather relatable, though I cannot say I always liked some of their decisions, though in the end everything worked out. I’d say that this book is more about family - those you choose and those via blood - and second chances, with some light romance tossed in. I found this book an engaging read.

Such a gentle, sweet story. Thayne knocked this one out of the park.

A DNA test is the catalyst to bring two lonely women together at just the right time. The blossoming relationship between the two of them was lovely. The romance was, too.
The men were stable and good, which really describes the entire story. It was a restful story to read. I loved it.

This is the story of 2 women who discover they have an unexpected connection. It s also a romance. I loved Hank, the dog. It is a heartwarming story with a predictable ending, but the journey there was fun. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

The Lost Books of First Loves is a heartfelt, emotionally grounded novel that leans into women’s fiction more than traditional romance—and that’s exactly what makes it shine. It’s a story about identity, hidden truths, second chances, and the slow, sometimes painful process of healing.

Alison Wells is driven by grief and curiosity when she uncovers a life-altering secret after her father’s death—a secret that leads her to Juniper Connolly, a half-sister she never knew existed. Their connection begins under shocking circumstances—Ali saving Juniper’s life—but what follows is a deeply human exploration of what it means to be family.

Set against the wide-open, restorative landscapes of Wyoming, the story lets its characters breathe, process, and begin again. Juniper, a tightly wound exec from Seattle, reluctantly accepts Ali’s invitation to the family’s remote cabin. There, she meets Beck—a quiet man with his own past—and slowly opens up to the possibility of something real. Meanwhile, Ali and Xander’s lifelong friendship edges toward something more tender and lasting.

This book isn’t about quick fixes or easy answers. It’s about flawed people trying to do right by each other, learning that love—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—requires honesty, risk, and vulnerability. The relationships are layered and believable. There’s humor, heartbreak, and a bit of mystery (an unpublished manuscript adds an extra twist), but the emotional core is what holds it all together.

If you like stories that dig into what makes us human—loss, love, identity—The Lost Books of First Loves delivers with grace and depth. Highly recommend.

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

Another good read from Ms. Thayne!

Alison Wells' dad Carson Wells (famous author) has passed away. Previous to his death, he and Alison both took a DNA test. The results arrive after this death but Alison finds out there is another female who matches her DNA, possibly a sibling she never knew about. Alison sets out to find Juniper Connolly (the possible sister). Did Carson know he had another child? Is Juniper aware she has a sister? Read this book to find out the answers to these questions, watch romances develop with Alison and Xander and Juniper Beckett and find out if there is really a manuscript that was never published written by Carson Wells. This one is available in June 2025!

The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne. A heartwarming book about family and romance. The ending was beautiful. Hank was an adorable matchmaker.

Thank you to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing / Canary Street Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I love reading books that RaeAnne Thayne writes. They are always clean and heartfelt. This book I was heartwarming and romantic. I thought the dog was cute. I also thought the ending was sweet. I'm grateful that publishers and netgalley let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

A very sweet book about family and romance. When Alison’s father died she discovered that she has a sister that she never knew about. She brings her to Wyoming after a medical incident to get to know her. I very much enjoyed this book and the scenery of Wyoming.

Even the title is suspenseful…realistic fiction by a favorite author…the likable characters keep the story moving quickly. This is a page turner. The characters are people I would like to know. The deceased author (in the book) is one I would enjoy reading. This is just a book that deserves five plus stars. I really cannot find the words. Do not miss this. Enjoy. Thanks Netgalley