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Before We Were Us
She can't remember. He can't forget.
Seven months ago, after graduating with a hospitality degree, city girl Lauren Wentworth travelled to rural New Hampshire to become temporary manager of Pinehaven Lodges, a rustic family-owned resort. What started as just a springboard to her dream job became so much more when she fell in love with the owner's son Jonah, the Landry family, and her simple but rewarding position at the resort. Now she's reaching toward a different kind of future than she'd imagined for herself--and happier than she's ever been. But then she falls from a ladder.
When Lauren wakes up in the hospital, she only recalls her first couple months at the resort. She remembers her adversarial relationship with Jonah and her major crush on small-town doctor, Carson, who also has big-city ambitions--but is, unfortunately, taken. However, according to everyone around her, she's now madly love with Jonah and has forfeited the dream job awaiting her in Boston. It seems impossible to believe she could've made such drastic changes in a matter of months!
Jonah is heartbroken at her memory loss and determined to help Lauren remember the deep feelings they've developed for one another. But Lauren isn't sure she wants to remember falling in love with someone she doesn't even like or giving up her dream career for a rustic resort in Podunk, New Hampshire.
Especially when Dr. Carson is now available. . .
Seven months ago, after graduating with a hospitality degree, city girl Lauren Wentworth travelled to rural New Hampshire to become temporary manager of Pinehaven Lodges, a rustic family-owned resort. What started as just a springboard to her dream job became so much more when she fell in love with the owner's son Jonah, the Landry family, and her simple but rewarding position at the resort. Now she's reaching toward a different kind of future than she'd imagined for herself--and happier than she's ever been. But then she falls from a ladder.
When Lauren wakes up in the hospital, she only recalls her first couple months at the resort. She remembers her adversarial relationship with Jonah and her major crush on small-town doctor, Carson, who also has big-city ambitions--but is, unfortunately, taken. However, according to everyone around her, she's now madly love with Jonah and has forfeited the dream job awaiting her in Boston. It seems impossible to believe she could've made such drastic changes in a matter of months!
Jonah is heartbroken at her memory loss and determined to help Lauren remember the deep feelings they've developed for one another. But Lauren isn't sure she wants to remember falling in love with someone she doesn't even like or giving up her dream career for a rustic resort in Podunk, New Hampshire.
Especially when Dr. Carson is now available. . .
290 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2024
280 people are currently reading
16584 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
79books4,335followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 776 reviews
September 10, 2024
Before We Were Us is a sweet, heartwarming romance that started out between Jonah and Lauren on the wrong foot with an instant dislike for different reasons on each other's part. But they became friends and more as they got to know each until a fall steals Lauren's memory from the prior months, except for the dislike part. She is only there at Jonah's family's rustic resort for a short time while she works her internship and is then off to her dream job, so she really doesn't want to remember. Jonah was so sweet and patient with Lauren, only wanting her to remember the happy times that they had. Both have past hurts that hinder healing, but they are good for each other. If she could only remember. This has a lovely setting and wonderful characters with a great plot that keep me invested in the story.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
September 5, 2024
I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.
Written in the third person with two main characters and an almost, (there’s only a few months between timelines and the use is minimal and clunky), dual timeline, BEFORE WE WERE US is a predictable love story that’s perfect for a two hour movie.
Early in the story, the female protagonist has an accident that causes her to lose her memory. She also forgets that she was a nice person. Her boyfriend, the male protagonist, is too nice; really. They live and work at or near his family’s rustic resort in New Hampshire where she was hired as general manager for the season. It’s a big deal for Lauren, a recent college graduate preparing for her dream job that’s due to start in January.
Prior to the accident, Jonah and Lauren were headed in a definite, agreed upon direction; not so much post knock on the noggin. Jonah’s family, the bulk of the secondary characters, and a weak feign at an alternative romantic interest, spend the bulk of this story trying to bolster up Jonah and make things better, in the present timeline.
In the past timeline, we do get a better look at Lauren’s BFF and her Mother. I found both of these characters far more interesting than the too nice resort family. Author, Denise Hunter, missed an opportunity to develop these strong women. Perhaps they will play a prominent role in future volumes.
Hunter is known for being a Christian Fiction writer. This story is clean with respect to language and sexual content. It’s also very light in religious content. I’d be surprised if most readers would identify that classification just by reading the story. Was that purposeful to join the crossover crowd?
Easy to read and forgettable but there is some nice fall scenery, if you’re ready for a leaf peeping moment or two📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
Written in the third person with two main characters and an almost, (there’s only a few months between timelines and the use is minimal and clunky), dual timeline, BEFORE WE WERE US is a predictable love story that’s perfect for a two hour movie.
Early in the story, the female protagonist has an accident that causes her to lose her memory. She also forgets that she was a nice person. Her boyfriend, the male protagonist, is too nice; really. They live and work at or near his family’s rustic resort in New Hampshire where she was hired as general manager for the season. It’s a big deal for Lauren, a recent college graduate preparing for her dream job that’s due to start in January.
Prior to the accident, Jonah and Lauren were headed in a definite, agreed upon direction; not so much post knock on the noggin. Jonah’s family, the bulk of the secondary characters, and a weak feign at an alternative romantic interest, spend the bulk of this story trying to bolster up Jonah and make things better, in the present timeline.
In the past timeline, we do get a better look at Lauren’s BFF and her Mother. I found both of these characters far more interesting than the too nice resort family. Author, Denise Hunter, missed an opportunity to develop these strong women. Perhaps they will play a prominent role in future volumes.
Hunter is known for being a Christian Fiction writer. This story is clean with respect to language and sexual content. It’s also very light in religious content. I’d be surprised if most readers would identify that classification just by reading the story. Was that purposeful to join the crossover crowd?
Easy to read and forgettable but there is some nice fall scenery, if you’re ready for a leaf peeping moment or two📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
October 15, 2024
This book was just so wonderfully perfect for Fall! I recommend reading with an Autumn Coffee Shop ambience playing soft jazz. Cozy and peaceful and romantic! 🍁🍂🧡
September 13, 2024
Another great Denise Hunter romance with lots of sweet kisses and tons of emotion. Loved reading this story.
March 19, 2025
What happens when you have no memory of falling in love? This book feels like a warm hug—sweet, clean, and full of heart. With love, faith, family, and second chances at its core, it’s an emotional yet uplifting read. The layered characters draw you in, and the charming setting makes you want to stay. If you love close-knit, family-run businesses (like me!) and feel-good stories, this one will steal your heart!
December 28, 2024
A sweet story of rediscovering love when everything pushes a couple apart. A quick developing love between Lauren and Jonah screeches to a halt in the face of an accident that leaves her with no memory of the prior months. All she remembers is a strong dislike of Jonah. All he wants is her to remember their love for each other. Jonah is left to wonder if they can reclaim what they had. The author deftly pulls readers into an emotionally compelling story with characters you root for. A sweet love story.
October 9, 2024
I love Denise Hunter and love amnesia trope. It was an interesting concept, whether a couple would fall in love again if her memory didn't return. I just loved Jonah. Such an example of patient, selfless love. I would challenge anyone not to love him. Though there were times I was ready to the shake the book, wanting him to push Lauren a bit more. The reason I gave it a four-star rating was because I had a hard time getting on board with Lauren for quite a while. She was pretty awful to Jonah and stuck to not wanting her memory back to where it was almost not believable, or bordered on selfish reasons. I appreciated when her backstory got explored more and helped me understand her better, and I feel it helped make the story feel more complete. Overall, if you like sweet romance and enjoy sweet, lovable guys... this is the book for you.
September 7, 2024
One minute Lauren was on a ladder and the next she had fallen to the ground. Jonah rushes to her side and calls 911 and off they go to the hospital. Her memory is fuzzy, has a big gap from April-November that she remembers nothing? Does her memory come back? I liked this story and I loved everything about New Hampshire. The Pinehaven Resort sounded so cozy with their cozy cabins that I pictured myself being in one of them! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 13, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for the gifted copy of Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter. All opinions are my own. This story had a lot of heart and I found myself relating to the characters. It was a beautiful story about second chances and the ability to overcome struggles through love.
The book was fast paced and kept my attention. My only complaint is that it seemed to go too fast - I wanted more of a slow burn for the characters to learn their lessons along the way instead of it feeling rushed the last 20% of the book.
Overall I enjoyed this romance read and would recommend it.
The book was fast paced and kept my attention. My only complaint is that it seemed to go too fast - I wanted more of a slow burn for the characters to learn their lessons along the way instead of it feeling rushed the last 20% of the book.
Overall I enjoyed this romance read and would recommend it.
September 10, 2024
The story of "Before We Were Us" is heartbreaking. I had a tough time with how much this couple had and lost in an instant. The story is told by alternating chapters, one set in the present and then one set in the past telling the story of how they came to be a couple and fall deeply in love. My total sympathy was with Jonah and his fight for the woman he loves above all else. I was not a fan of Lauren who didn't want her memory to return at all because it might impact her cast in concrete decision to leave Pinehaven and Jonah to take her "Dream Job" in Boston when her contract with Pinehaven is up. The narrator for this book, Kim Churchill, was wonderful navigating the stoic Jonah and the prickly Lauren. She brought their story to life. The moral of this story: Let Go and Let God, came through loud and clear.
Lauren Wentworth has been driven her whole life to be successful. As a product of the foster care system, she only had herself to rely on and she is determined to keep it that way. At an early age she settled on the hospitality industry and decided to be the best and work with the best. She took a position at Pinehaven Lodge to put management experience on her resume, not to fall in love and be derailed from her pursuit of her dream job. But falling in love has a way of making future plans go up in a smoke and Lauren changed in the months she was at Pinehaven and she wasn't the driven Lauren when she took a tumble from the hayloft only to awake with months missing from her memory.
For Jonah Landry and Lauren Wentworth, it wasn't exactly "Love at First Sight". Jonah resented that his parents thought they needed a city girl with a brand spanking new hospitality degree to run the family lodge. He also resented his attraction to her after getting burned badly by another woman who was just using him as a waystation on her way to something bigger and better. He tried to stay out of Lauren's way but came to admire her work ethic and then fall in love with her.
When Lauren wakes up with no memory of their love and that she had given up her dream job Jonah has his work cut out for him to make her fall in love with him again. This is going to be a tough hill to climb as Lauren wants nothing to do with him, the resort or any plans they may have made. But, Love Will Find a Way. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Lauren Wentworth has been driven her whole life to be successful. As a product of the foster care system, she only had herself to rely on and she is determined to keep it that way. At an early age she settled on the hospitality industry and decided to be the best and work with the best. She took a position at Pinehaven Lodge to put management experience on her resume, not to fall in love and be derailed from her pursuit of her dream job. But falling in love has a way of making future plans go up in a smoke and Lauren changed in the months she was at Pinehaven and she wasn't the driven Lauren when she took a tumble from the hayloft only to awake with months missing from her memory.
For Jonah Landry and Lauren Wentworth, it wasn't exactly "Love at First Sight". Jonah resented that his parents thought they needed a city girl with a brand spanking new hospitality degree to run the family lodge. He also resented his attraction to her after getting burned badly by another woman who was just using him as a waystation on her way to something bigger and better. He tried to stay out of Lauren's way but came to admire her work ethic and then fall in love with her.
When Lauren wakes up with no memory of their love and that she had given up her dream job Jonah has his work cut out for him to make her fall in love with him again. This is going to be a tough hill to climb as Lauren wants nothing to do with him, the resort or any plans they may have made. But, Love Will Find a Way. 3 1/2-Stars
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
May 5, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this charming and heartwarming book.
The book is centered on couple Lauren and Jonah who work at Jonah's family resort of cabins in rural New Hampshire. Lauren has a dangerous fall and forgets the last several months. She remembers arriving at the resort and having a frosty start with Jonah, but she doesn't remember them falling in love. The book goes back and forth in time between the present and them falling in love over the summer.
The book was very cozy and reminds me of a Hallmark movie with a more sad and deep plot. The descriptions of the resort were really nice and had a wonderful feel.
I felt bad for Jonah often because it felt like Lauren was being a little too harsh on him. I also felt like the doctor Carson could have been used as a bigger plot point. It was still an enjoyable and relaxing book to read.
The book is centered on couple Lauren and Jonah who work at Jonah's family resort of cabins in rural New Hampshire. Lauren has a dangerous fall and forgets the last several months. She remembers arriving at the resort and having a frosty start with Jonah, but she doesn't remember them falling in love. The book goes back and forth in time between the present and them falling in love over the summer.
The book was very cozy and reminds me of a Hallmark movie with a more sad and deep plot. The descriptions of the resort were really nice and had a wonderful feel.
I felt bad for Jonah often because it felt like Lauren was being a little too harsh on him. I also felt like the doctor Carson could have been used as a bigger plot point. It was still an enjoyable and relaxing book to read.
July 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me a copy of Denise Hunter’s book Before We Were Us in exchange for an honest review. This book was charming and had me hooked from the beginning. It is told from different time frames during a 4 month span switching between past and present. The present being what happens after Lauren’s fall from a ladder and subsequent memory loss and the before is the story of Lauren and Jonah falling in love.
Throughout the story you learn of both of their insecurities and their reasons for them, you learn of Lauren’s need of belonging, and Jonah’s feelings of helplessness. You see how sometimes you have to let what you love free and hope it will maybe come back to you.
This story kind of reminded me of a depressing Hallmark movie, although I loved every page.
#DeniseHunter #BeforeWeWereUs #Romance #Fiction #ContemporaryFiction #RealisticFiction #EnemiesToLovers
#Boston #NewHampshire #FamilyBusiness #Amnesia #MentalHealth #Abandonment #LossOfParent #FosterCare #July #2024
Throughout the story you learn of both of their insecurities and their reasons for them, you learn of Lauren’s need of belonging, and Jonah’s feelings of helplessness. You see how sometimes you have to let what you love free and hope it will maybe come back to you.
This story kind of reminded me of a depressing Hallmark movie, although I loved every page.
#DeniseHunter #BeforeWeWereUs #Romance #Fiction #ContemporaryFiction #RealisticFiction #EnemiesToLovers
#Boston #NewHampshire #FamilyBusiness #Amnesia #MentalHealth #Abandonment #LossOfParent #FosterCare #July #2024
September 10, 2024
This was a beautiful story about sacrificial love, trust, patience and above all faith.
I loved how the author took the reader from present to past to fill us in on the lost memories of Lauren. I loved seeing how Lauren and Jonah’s relationship grew and felt the loss with Jonah when Lauren forgot her memories but did not even want to remember.
Jonah was a strong hero, but had his uncertainties due to his past, but was also not afraid to be vulnerable. The love he had for Lauren was very strong and my heart broke with him throughout this experience.
Yes, there is a happy ending, and a very good one, but you need to go get the book and read it.
This is one of my favourite books I have read by this author.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I loved how the author took the reader from present to past to fill us in on the lost memories of Lauren. I loved seeing how Lauren and Jonah’s relationship grew and felt the loss with Jonah when Lauren forgot her memories but did not even want to remember.
Jonah was a strong hero, but had his uncertainties due to his past, but was also not afraid to be vulnerable. The love he had for Lauren was very strong and my heart broke with him throughout this experience.
Yes, there is a happy ending, and a very good one, but you need to go get the book and read it.
This is one of my favourite books I have read by this author.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
October 5, 2024
Literally the PERFECT fall read! The setting, the warmth of the characters, and the heartwarming love story with a perfect ending. Honestly, I was a bit reluctant about a possible love triangle, but there wasn't one whatsoever. Jonah's devotion to Lauren was so admirable especially since she was pretty abrasive. Again, just perfect rustic fall vibes, a charmingly sweet story, and even a dog made this my fav read of the season thus far. Loved loved loved!!! 😍😍😍🍂 🍁
September 6, 2024
i’ve been a fan of Denise for years and while this is not my favorite of her books, I do recommend it if you enjoy second chance, forced proximity, or no spice romances!! Jonah’s love for Lauren was so sweet and he did everything right towards her in a impossible situation. i loved the ending and was so happy about the resolution of a very important relationship.
i listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great, i was just confused frequently when it switched from past to present because the flashbacks were to just a few months prior in the same setting, but besides that it was a good book!!
thank you so much to the author and publisher for the e-arc & audiobook arc!!!
i listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great, i was just confused frequently when it switched from past to present because the flashbacks were to just a few months prior in the same setting, but besides that it was a good book!!
thank you so much to the author and publisher for the e-arc & audiobook arc!!!
April 20, 2025
I love Denise Hunter's books and always look forward to her latest release. Another fabulous Christian romance between a big city girl and a small town guy. Sweet and heartfelt, a romance that will leave you believing in true love.
October 16, 2024
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!
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!
September 14, 2024
I can’t tell y’all how excited I was to read this latest release from Denise Hunter! The New Hampshire setting was perfection, along with the twists Denise takes readers on with this lovely inspirational romance. Grab a cozy blanket and cup of hot chocolate. You just found the perfect feel-good fall read.
March 22, 2025
Ugh this was such a cutesy story!! Despite the predictability of most romance novels, I thought this one was actually really lovely and engaging to read. It had the key elements that you want in a romance novel - well-written characters, authentic dialogue, a cohesive storyline, a will-they-won’t-they ending, without the cheesy, repetitive bits that most romance novels have. I really enjoyed the format of this book, the pace of the story, and particularly enjoyed that the epilogue makes reference to the title of the book. Definitely recommend!!
August 25, 2024
4 Stars �
Contemporary Romance
Audio Version 🎧 Via Netgalley
Narration 5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced audio copy of Before We Were Us, in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren a city girl , moves to the country to work temporarily at a Lodge, a family owned resort . She was only supposed to stay a couple months then move back to the city to work at her dream job. She wasn’t planning on falling in love with her boss Jonah and his family. She’s happier than she’s ever been, until she falls from a ladder and wakes up in a hospital and can only recall a few memories from moving there. Her first memories are of her crush on the small town doctor. Everyone tries to tell her she decided to give up on her dream job in the city, and she can’t even fathom that. Jonah is absolutely heartbroken and determined to help Lauren remember but she’s having none of it and doesn’t want to remember.
Before We Were Us was a good and heartbreaking read. It’s includes the amnesia and enemies to lovers trope. I really liked Jonah and my heart broke the whole book for him. Lauren had a rough childhood and it was hard to remember her past emotions as I was reading her character because I wasn’t a huge fan of hers. I had to remember to have compassion for her losing her memory, and her past insecurities- but she was just so awful towards Jonah, it was hard to see what he even saw in her until the story progressed a bit. She had a lot to work out. I loved the small town setting, the lodge atmosphere and side characters. Even though I didn’t like Lauren for most of the book, I still really enjoyed the read/listen. The narrator did a fantastic job of holding my attention and keeping me engaged and entertained. This would be a perfect fall read and I would recommend it for those looking for something cozy, clean and heartfelt.
Content ⚠️
-no language
-kissing
Contemporary Romance
Audio Version 🎧 Via Netgalley
Narration 5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced audio copy of Before We Were Us, in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren a city girl , moves to the country to work temporarily at a Lodge, a family owned resort . She was only supposed to stay a couple months then move back to the city to work at her dream job. She wasn’t planning on falling in love with her boss Jonah and his family. She’s happier than she’s ever been, until she falls from a ladder and wakes up in a hospital and can only recall a few memories from moving there. Her first memories are of her crush on the small town doctor. Everyone tries to tell her she decided to give up on her dream job in the city, and she can’t even fathom that. Jonah is absolutely heartbroken and determined to help Lauren remember but she’s having none of it and doesn’t want to remember.
Before We Were Us was a good and heartbreaking read. It’s includes the amnesia and enemies to lovers trope. I really liked Jonah and my heart broke the whole book for him. Lauren had a rough childhood and it was hard to remember her past emotions as I was reading her character because I wasn’t a huge fan of hers. I had to remember to have compassion for her losing her memory, and her past insecurities- but she was just so awful towards Jonah, it was hard to see what he even saw in her until the story progressed a bit. She had a lot to work out. I loved the small town setting, the lodge atmosphere and side characters. Even though I didn’t like Lauren for most of the book, I still really enjoyed the read/listen. The narrator did a fantastic job of holding my attention and keeping me engaged and entertained. This would be a perfect fall read and I would recommend it for those looking for something cozy, clean and heartfelt.
Content ⚠️
-no language
-kissing
September 13, 2024
I love the romance trope with an amnesiac! Don't know why, but I do. This was such a cute read. The heroine has a fall and doesn't remember her boyfriend, or the way they fell in love. She only remembers their first meeting and how she couldn't stand the handsome Inn keeper.
With flashbacks to their backstory we read how they fell in love. Jonah, the hero shows patient love and determination that had me rooting him on until the very satisfying and happy ending.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
With flashbacks to their backstory we read how they fell in love. Jonah, the hero shows patient love and determination that had me rooting him on until the very satisfying and happy ending.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
October 30, 2024
Swoony 50 First Date vibes (falling in love all over again) × drive/determined characters similar to The Wedding Planner × clean romance + loveable friends, family, guests, and pup = delightful read. ❤️
May 11, 2024
This was such a heartwarming read. I fell in love with the characters, the setting, all of it. The writing was superb!! I can't believe I've never read anything from this author previously. She has such a beautiful way of weaving a story, and I love reading about places l've been to (New Hampshire, White Mountains etc), it makes me feel more immersed in the setting. If you are looking for a sweet, non spicy romance this one is definitely for you!
Thanks to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 5, 2024
I was really intrigued by the premise of this book. Two people are in love, and one of them has an accident and loses her memory of their relationship.
There was a lot to like about this book. I really liked the setting, Jonah's family, and the dog.
What didn't work for me was that I didn't really like Lauren. She was not kind to Jonah, and I felt like that went on too long.
In all, though, it was a sweet read with fall vibes that will appeal to many readers.
There was a lot to like about this book. I really liked the setting, Jonah's family, and the dog.
What didn't work for me was that I didn't really like Lauren. She was not kind to Jonah, and I felt like that went on too long.
In all, though, it was a sweet read with fall vibes that will appeal to many readers.
June 26, 2024
I could not put this down. 🥹including sitting outside the gym in my car for an hour to finish 🤣
The epilogue took me out r u kiddin me. *crying
The epilogue took me out r u kiddin me. *crying
September 2, 2024
Yes this book delivered! It was a quick read because I was desperate to know the ending and the story was less than 300 pages. The romance in this book was incredible! I loved how the story goes back and forth prior to the accident and after the accident. This was my first amnesia trope and it was better than I could have imagined. Fall cabin resort, found family, and a rekindling love was everything I needed. I’m so sad it’s over and I won’t be forgetting this story. There were some very descriptive kisses which did not cross a line for me. I was concerned it might but delighted it didn’t. There was light faith throughout and I wish the faith aspect was deeper but I still loved the story so much. I will be looking to read her back list. This was the best contemporary story I may have ever read.
June 24, 2024
Such a sweet read!!!!
Lauren and Jonah’s story is so sweet. I couldn’t put this story down. The dual time line makes the story. You are able to see the before and after of Lauren’s accident.
You want her to get her memory back so bad the whole time.
The epilogue is the perfect end to the book.
This is a great summer read. Definitely recommend.
Lauren and Jonah’s story is so sweet. I couldn’t put this story down. The dual time line makes the story. You are able to see the before and after of Lauren’s accident.
You want her to get her memory back so bad the whole time.
The epilogue is the perfect end to the book.
This is a great summer read. Definitely recommend.
May 7, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Thomas Nelson � FICTION via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A beautiful story about falling in love twice and the torturous ways your mind and past shape and affect your present, “Before We Were Us�, by Denise Hunter, is also a well written and researched depiction of amnesia.
I loved how Jonah and Lauren go from antagonism to love twice and how they deal with the effects of her concussion/traumatic brain injury and amnesia.
For Lauren, not always a nice character, it’s her past, her need for stability and roots, playing havoc with confusing decisions before the fall. The bewilderment of being told she’s in love with a man she’s supposed to dislike is amazing, as is her perplexity with other issues.
Jonah is such a wonderful character, with so much to lose because of Lauren’s memory loss. The pain, hurt and helplessness are poignant, and so is his thoughtful, selfless and caring nature.
I liked Lauren’s “city girl� dimensions showing how skilled she is with the limited resources she has.
This is also a story about homesickness, for a time, an amnesic loved one, a place or people you’re fond of.
I loved watching Lauren’s self-discovery and remembrance journey finding where her real home (and heart) is.
I also liked how the leads� pasts and childhoods shaped their presents, particularly Lauren’s.
The story has great secondary characters and a sweet dog, too.
A beautiful story about falling in love twice and the torturous ways your mind and past shape and affect your present, “Before We Were Us�, by Denise Hunter, is also a well written and researched depiction of amnesia.
I loved how Jonah and Lauren go from antagonism to love twice and how they deal with the effects of her concussion/traumatic brain injury and amnesia.
For Lauren, not always a nice character, it’s her past, her need for stability and roots, playing havoc with confusing decisions before the fall. The bewilderment of being told she’s in love with a man she’s supposed to dislike is amazing, as is her perplexity with other issues.
Jonah is such a wonderful character, with so much to lose because of Lauren’s memory loss. The pain, hurt and helplessness are poignant, and so is his thoughtful, selfless and caring nature.
I liked Lauren’s “city girl� dimensions showing how skilled she is with the limited resources she has.
This is also a story about homesickness, for a time, an amnesic loved one, a place or people you’re fond of.
I loved watching Lauren’s self-discovery and remembrance journey finding where her real home (and heart) is.
I also liked how the leads� pasts and childhoods shaped their presents, particularly Lauren’s.
The story has great secondary characters and a sweet dog, too.
August 18, 2024
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
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
September 10, 2024
I will happily sit in the minority section for this book. The premise of the book was fine - its been done before, and that's okay. But I found the characters to be too saccharine sweet and irritating - there were far too many "honeys" and "sweethearts" for my liking. I really struggled with the fact that Lauren didn't WANT to get her memory back - who has zero interest in looking at past text conversations, or photos on her phone, or memorabilia to help recall four months of memories that you've lost? She just treated Jonah so horribly that even after she realized how nasty she was behaving, I was already done with her. I'm just grateful i was a relatively quick read and I didn't waste a ton of time on this one.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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