This was a very touching story of life after a loss and dealing with the grief thereafter. I enjoyed the unravelling mystery that characters Ingrid and Joel found themselves in, and only wish the stories referenced in the book were real! I would love to read The Faerie Huntress and The Nocturnal Heart series. Overall, a solid twist of romance and mystery with a faith-based foundation.

This dual timeline was unique. I really enjoyed it. It had great messages of dealing with grief and life after loss. It was a great representation of how individual it is.

The pacing of the book was slow for me. The end did pick up slightly. I also felt that one of the main character flaws was a bit juvenile and didn’t help move the story. This is mainly a personal preference and doesn’t reflect on the actual writing. Overall I enjoyed the storyline.

What first caught my attention about The Words We Lost was the cover. Illustrated covers have been a thing in contemporary romance for a while, although they tended to indicate rom-coms rather than pure romance. This style of cover is newer, but I really like the illustrated look with a focus on the title. Indigo Isle had the same kind of cover, and the same kind of vibe. Both novels are definitely Christian romance, but which have the depth of characterisation and overall character journey that’s more common in women’s fiction.

Yes, The Words We Lost is a romance, but with that women’s fiction vibe. Ingrid Erikson is the Senior Acquisitions Editor at San Francisco publisher Fog Harbor Books, having built her career on the sale of a five-book Young Adult fantasy series by her now-dead best friend. Unfortunately, Cecelia Campbell—CeCe—had the misfortune to die before turning in her final contracted manuscript, which is now missing. Fog Harbor wants to find the missing manuscript, and Ingrid is charged with finding it.

But Ingrid’s grief over CeCe’s death has led to an unusual disability … and one that is potentially career-ending for an editor. She can’t read. Well, she can read the words. She just can’t comprehend them. So she heads to Port Townsend to work with Joel, CeCe’s cousin and Ingrid’s teenage sweetheart, to retrieve a package she hopes will be the manuscript that will save her career.

This is a romance novel, so we know how the story is going to end. We also know the course of love is destined to never run smoothly, particularly in terms of Ingrid’s relationship with Joel. It’s safe to say The Words We Lost was anything but predictable, in the best possible way.

I’ve read a lot of novels about novelists, but very few about an editor in a publishing house (the only other one I can recall is Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh, which was about an author and her editor). As such, I enjoyed seeing the publishing industry shown from a different angle.

I especially enjoyed the fact The Words We Lost was written in first person. I always find that brings me closer to the characters. Despite her problem with words, Ingrid has a distinctive and compelling character voice … perhaps made more compelling because she’s a professional who has built her career on words but has lost those same words.

The Words We Lost is subtitled A Fog Harbor Romance, and I do hope that means it’s the beginning of a series because there are several characters I’d like to meet again—not least, the ever-peppy Chip, the preppy editorial assistant.

I recommend The Words We Lost to fans of romance/women’s fiction authors such as TI Lowe, Tammy L Gray, Irene Hannon, or Carmen Schober.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

4.5 stars

The Words We Lost was such a great read! I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started it, but it wasn't long until I was hooked and didn't want to stop reading...

I felt for the characters right away. They suffered such loss and yet their journey with the mysterious package was great. Difficult at times, but truly healing. I loved the way it was written and I was surprised by some of the discoveries.

All in all, The Words We Lost was a fantastic read and I recommend it to fans of this genre.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Friends to lovers and second chance romance? My favorite ever! The relationship between Indy and Joel felt real and raw and was very relatable.

The Words We Lost

This book was well written, a captivating story. A book to be re-read. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

I really enjoyed this story of navigating grief and rekindled love of all kinds. This definitely felt more heavy and emotional at times and it isn’t someone I would hand to someone deep in grief. I’m not walking through grief right now, but could deeply connect with the struggles of so many of the characters. The story pacing did feel slow to me and I felt like it could have been condensed quite a bit- about half way in I still felt like nothing had really happened. I appreciated the themes of faith and they were more present than some other Christian fiction I’ve read recently, so that was a nice surprise. Overall, this will go onto my list of books to recommend to people in my sphere of influence, but didn’t fall into the new favorite category for me.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review!

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is a remarkable book. Starting this book, I expected it to be another rom com set in a publishing house. This book was so much more. It is a multi-layered novel with mystery and tragedy, romance and subterfuge. The character’s are so vibrant and real. I truly hope there is a sequel because I need to know what happens next to the others in this book. As a book lover, this book touched my heart with the way books were central in this story. The hope after great loss was also a central theme. Such a great book! This is one to read and reread! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I liked this one. The story was intriguing and the characters were well-developed. I hadn't read this author before but I will be checking out more from her.

A touching novel that has left an indelible mark in my mind. This novel has been shelved as a novel to be read again.
Nicole Deese’s ‘The Words We Lost’ is a story that explores bereavement and the impact of grief on those affected by it. What makes this novel stand out from similar stories is the vividness of the characters’ emotions. There were times it felt like the author was writing a first-hand report of a factual story. Set in San Francisco and Port Townsend, Ingrid, is an editor whose world has been upended after losing her best friend, Cece. An invitation from a lost loved and the search for a missing manuscript leads her to confront her past and, in the process, find healing. The endearing friendship between Cece, Joel and Ingrid is one that brought me close to tears. It was a delight reading how the author skilfully incorporated the themes of lost love, friendship, grief, healing and second chance in the novel.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who wants to get lost in the world of publishing, friendship, and love.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews.

The Words We Lost was an exciting read about Ingrid, an editor, on her journey following the death of her best friend and author, Cece. Nicole Deese did an amazing job of weaving many themes throughout this story related to romance, self-discovery, and grieving/ healing. I enjoyed some of the unexpected twists in multiple spots in the storyline. There were hints of Christianity in the story which I enjoyed. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and am excited to read other books by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story.

Synopsis: “I know why you felt you needed to leave Port Townsend, Ingrid. The same way I know why you felt you couldn’t come back. But I’m living proof that life can go on, even when everything in your world seems to be pointing to the contrary. I’m also proof that moving forward doesn’t have to mean leaving everything I loved behind.“ Ingrid’s life has been shattered to pieces. With the unexpected death of her father, the tragic loss of her best friend, and the heartbreak of lost love, grief has consumed her life. Add to that failing at her job as editor, and all hope of the future feels unattainable. Until news of an unexpected package reaches her desk through the hands of the man who broke her heart. Will this package contain what it takes for Ingrid to pick up the pieces and find hope, joy, and love again?

Analysis: If I could tell you to add just one book to your tbr, this one would be at the top of the list (or at least top 5 because it’s hard to pick just one!). Nicole Deese explores the difficult topic of grief in a beautiful, life-altering way. Her easy-to-read writing style invites you into the lives of very different characters and the way they process the most challenging parts of life. But Nicole doesn’t leave you sad or hopeless. She’ll take you on an adventure of unexpected twists and turns. Yes, you’ll probably cry alongside the characters, but you’ll also laugh with them and feel the healing, joy, and love they do along their journey. When I closed these pages, I felt like I was leaving behind friends. I didn’t know what to expect going into The Words We Lost, but this book will forever leave an imprint on my heart.
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Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5 ⭐️

The Words we Lost was a book that surprised me. I haven't read any Christian fiction as an adult so I had my hesitancies. Although I found the writing at times to be quite cheesy/cliche, I did enjoy the story behind it.

It's a story full of love and loss, small town vs city life, family, and friendship. The way that Nicole Deese integrated faith was beautiful and real. The second chance romance was sweet but the friendship and found family between Ingrid and Ceci was even more special.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for an EARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. It is now out!

I freaking LOVED this book!

I loved Ingrid (Indy), Joel, and Cecelia (Cece)! I loved the stories of their friendships growing up, and Joel and Indy's budding relationship, and the adventures they went on in order to help Cece's writing inspiration!

I related to all of the main characters in some way: I related to Indy as a reader and an aspiring book editor (I studied editing at a university level). I related to Cece as a budding writer (I'm hoping to have some of my work published someday). And I related to Joel as someone who always tries to help and lives with their heart on their sleeve.

At first, I didn't quite believe Indy's trauma response to her best friend's sudden death, but once I'd read the author's note at the end, I realised how personal this book really was. The author, Nicole Deese, had a very similar response to her younger sister's sudden death, and she was writing this story based on elements of that personal experience. I realised that, just because I haven't heard of this trauma response, it doesn't mean that this response doesn't exist, and I'm glad that I learned something from this book too.

I loved the "treasure hunt" aspect of this book, with Joel and Indy having to work together to find Cece's missing manuscript, and that during that process, they attempt to clear the air and the tension between them. I'm a sucker for a second-chance-romance storyline, and this book was no exception!

Speaking of Cece's missing manuscript, I absolutely loved having some chapters of one of her books included in the story. They added a lot to the story, and I loved hearing Cece's voice through her writing, even when she wasn't on page as a character in the present anymore.

I liked that there was an element in the book of dealing with trauma and grief, and Indy's ways of dealing with it and realising that her coping mechanisms weren't the healthiest, and opening herself up to growth throughout the book. Absolutely loved it, and I wish Port Townsend was somewhere I could actually visit.

Highly highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books about books, books with editor / writer characters, second-chance-romance, and a light mystery.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of the ebook!

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese was the first book I read by this author, but it won't be the last. When one of her authors and dear friends dies, publisher Ingrid is left to try to find her missing manuscript. She runs into her former love, Joel, while on the quest. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

DNF @ 35%

This one really feels like a “me” problem, because so many people whose reviews I genuinely trust absolutely LOVED this book. For whatever reason, it was not working for me. Picking it up felt like a chore, and I knew if I kept going I would only resent it and that didn’t feel fair to the book or author.

Oh my goodness, this book was everything. I was immersed in it from the beginning and it sure dropped an anchor on my heart.

Ingrid is an editor in a big publishing company, but she’s lost her ability to read manuscripts. She’s mourning the loss of her best friend, CeCe, who’s last book in a best-selling fantasy series wasn’t submitted before her death. After receiving an ultimatum from her boss to find the last manuscript, Ingrid journeys back to the small town of Port Townsend. There she must confront her past, including CeCe’s cousin, Joel.

I’m a sucker for a small-town setting and this one set in the Pacific Northwest had me from the start. I enjoyed the flashback chapters that shared the beginnings for Ingrid, CeCe and Joel.

While The Words We Lost has many heavy topics, it’s also filled with joy and hope. It’s a story of healing and family. It’s raw, heartbreaking and emotional, and one that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Triggers: Grief, death of a friend, loss of a parent, addiction

Thank you to NetGalley, Bethany House and Nicole Deese for an advance e-book for an honest review.

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is a Christian, contemporary romance novel. A captivating tale of regret, grief, and love in a masterful story. This book is both painful and beautiful. The Words We Lost is a poignant tale of grief, healing, and all that falls in between. It'll make you cry.

I felt for Ingrid. Sometimes, life really does hand you the short stick, and I appreciated how she persevered and that we got to see it play out. I felt like that piece shined just as brightly as the romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for the ARC.

Her silence had come at a cost much higher than she could have ever anticipated, but even still, her conviction was stronger. Because even when the words seemed lost and the world seemed bleak, she believed love would find its way back home. Just like the best stories always find their way back to where they first began.

Sometimes the author's own words speak for itself on a review. A an emotional gripping journey one woman took before she was able to face the truth of her past.


Ingrid Erikson an editor for Fog Harbor Publishing is at a crossroads in her career and her life. Her future at Fog Harbor is in jeopardy unless she can find the missing manuscript of her best friend Cecelia Campbell. Ingrid and Cecilia became friends when they met at a library. Ingrid loved to read and Cecilia loved to write. Ingrid knows many losses. And grief comes in many forms. Going back to the only home Ingrid has ever known to recover the Cecilia's lost manuscript, Ingrid reflects those losses with the help of the man she left behind when she came to work for Fog Harbor. Joel Campbell who not only also lost his cousin Cecelia but the love of his life Ingrid. The narration goes back in forth in the present and the past. How the threesome friendships grew and why it became so devastating.

The story of faith is also interwoven in the prose very well. The Campbell family was a strong family rooted in a worth ethic, family, and 2nd chances. Ingrid's family was just her father who tended to be a wander. He loved the sea but he was dealing with demons that Ingrid took responsibility for. I loved what I discovered in their story that tugs the heart and makes you a believer.

A special thank you to Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.