I appreciate getting the chance to read this book, but it just wasn't for me. Maybe I'm not the target audience, but the story felt formulaic and flat to me. The characters frustrated me and the nonlinear narrative felt a little disjointed, in my opinion. The setting was lovely, though, and I enjoyed the descriptions of that, along with the rescue dog's story.

The miscommunication/amnesia trope was soooo painful in this one! I felt so bad for Jonah the entire time, but it was so sweet to see the way he supported and waited for Lauren to come back around. Before We Were Us felt very Hallmarky in a cute way, with the small town fall vibes, trying to save the family business but she's wanting to go back to the big city. From that stand point it didn't feel very original, but it was still very sweet and cute. Not my favorite of Hunter's, but an enjoyable fall read!

This novel takes a different spin on what I would call a Hallmark classic love story. From the very beginning, you’re hooked—expecting a sweet, heartwarming romance. But then, this book hits you with something unexpected: a tearjerker. And not just any tearjerker, but one that will make you rethink the meaning of love, loss, and resilience.

I was completely captivated by the beginning, thinking I had found the perfect love story to return to over and over. The chemistry between the Lauren and Jonah seemed effortless, the perfect setup for a feel-good, timeless romance. But the author doesn't let you settle into that fairy-tale comfort. After a tragic accident, everything changes, and the couple is put to the ultimate test. The emotional toll is real and raw, and it felt like I was on a rollercoaster of feelings.

This book truly explores the complexity of relationships in a way I wasn’t expecting. It’s not just about the highs of love, but also about how love can survive through the deepest lows. The struggles and hardships they face after the accident had me in tears more than once. It’s a powerful reminder that love is not always easy or straightforward, but it can be the thing that helps us heal and keep going.

Prepare to be whisked away to a beautiful setting—somewhere you’ll wish you could visit yourself. The author does a fantastic job of creating vivid imagery that pulls you into the world of the characters. But make sure to have tissues on hand, because you’re going to need them. The emotional journey in this book will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for my DRC!

A heartfelt exploration of love, family, and second chances, brimming with emotional depth. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Things I liked:
* Quick and easy read.
* Enjoyed the overall story and topic - a woman gets amnesia after a concussion and forgets several key months of her life.
* This mostly takes place during the fall - so it would make a nice fall read.
* Always enjoy a happy ending!

The description of the book makes it seem like the doctor will play a semi-significant part in the story, and he does not. I think this could have been an area to help further develop the book and cause more angst. I was not a huge fan of Lauren either (FMC). She was mean to Jonah after the accident. Then again, I suppose if her reaction wasn’t the way it was, there may not be a story to tell.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.

Topics include: romance, amnesia, parental abandonment

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter is a beautifully written contemporary romance that combines heartfelt emotion with a touch of mystery. The writing is warm and immersive, effortlessly pulling readers into the small-town charm of New Hampshire and the complicated dynamics between the two main characters. The pacing is spot-on, and Hunter’s ability to capture the nuances of both love and personal growth makes the story even more engaging.

This clean, charming romance is perfect for fans of second-chance love stories, with its heartfelt exploration of memory, love, and the courage to follow your heart.

This was such a great fall read! It was heartfelt, warming, and pure. It is considered a Christian fiction, but the religious aspect was very light. The premise of the story was something you would expect from a Nicholas Sparks book! You're rooting for the main characters to just get back together. It was an emotional roller coaster, and very sweet/ cozy book to read.
I highly recommend it as a palette cleanser, or if you're looking for a sweet romance to read. Thank you NetGalley, Denise Hunger and Thomas Nelson publishing for the eARC.

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter is a heartfelt and emotional story about love, family, and second chances. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships feel authentic and deeply moving. The writing is engaging, with just the right balance of romance and drama. While some plot points are predictable, the emotional depth makes up for it. A solid 4 stars—warm, touching, and perfect for fans of heartfelt contemporary fiction.

Freefalling for You is a heartwarming and charming amnesia romance that brings together the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city dreams. Lauren's journey of rediscovering love with Jonah, her former nemesis turned boyfriend, is both sweet and emotional. The pacing is well-balanced, and the chemistry between the characters is undeniable as Jonah patiently helps Lauren regain her memories. While the plot is familiar, the dynamic between the two leads is fresh and engaging, making it hard to put down. It’s a delightful read, though some might find the resolution a bit predictable. Nonetheless, it’s a cozy escape that will leave you smiling.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for the gifted copy of Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter. 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.

I really enjoyed this story that follows a love story that follows second chance, amnesia as we follow a couple fall in love for second time. The push and pull of will her memories come back or will he be patient enough to stay? It was on the edge of my seat of hope. This actually went in a different direction in what I thought and that pleasantly surprised me.

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter is a heartwarming and emotional story that explores love, memory, and second chances. The novel follows Lauren Wentworth, who wakes up in a hospital with a memory loss that erases the past four months of her life. As she tries to piece together the mystery of her forgotten time in New Hampshire, Lauren is shocked to find that her former nemesis, Jonah Landry, is now her boyfriend—and the one person who can help her recover her lost memories.

Jonah, devastated by Lauren's amnesia, is determined to help her remember their summer together, even though Lauren seems intent on moving on from both their relationship and the rustic resort life she’s embraced. As they work together, old feelings start to resurface, but Lauren struggles with the choice between the life she thought she wanted and the love she’s starting to remember.

Hunter skillfully blends romance and self-discovery in this touching tale of healing and reconciliation. The tension between Lauren’s amnesia and her growing emotional connection with Jonah makes for a compelling read. The slow-burn romance and themes of rediscovery tug at the heartstrings, while the beautiful New Hampshire setting adds an idyllic backdrop to the unfolding drama.

This book is perfect for fans of sweet, romantic reads with a touch of emotional depth. Before We Were Us is a lovely exploration of how love can heal, even when memories fade, and how sometimes, the most profound connections are the ones that change us forever.

Before We Were Us 🏠❤️‍🔥
By: Denise Hunter
Story: ✨ ✨ ✨ 3 /5
Narration: N/A

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an e-arc of “Before We Were Us”. Lauren and Jonah were living a perfect storybook romance. He was finishing up school to earn his degree and take over the family business. She turned down her dream job to stay in New Hampshire with the love of her life. And unbeknownst to Lauren, Jonah even has plans to propose very soon.

Then tragedy struck. After taking a terrible fall, Lauren loses the last four months of her memory. And included in that, is the moment Lauren told Jonah she would give up her own dreams to be with him.

The last interaction Lauren remembers having with Jonah wasn’t a pleasant one. And as a result, she believes Jonah is not the love of her life. Caught in between right or wrong, Jonah must decide if reminding Lauren about their relationship and the life they had planned is a good idea at all. She must be convinced because if not, the life he looked forward to may vanish. Is it possible to fall in love with someone not once, but twice? Find out in Before We Were Us.

For those who don't know me, my name is Chanel and I'm everyone's favorite self-proclaimed Book Tea Spiller.

What did I think of this book? See below for my Final Sip ☕️:

This book was very Sweet Home Alabama meets The Notebook in the best way. I really enjoyed the plot and for the most part how the story progressed throughout. That was until it got to the beginning of the end. I found my self whispering “slow down” as I clicked each page. It felt as if someone hit the ⏩ button out of nowhere. Overall, if you’re looking for a cozy love story, this one’s for you.

I received a ARC from Netgalley, and absolutely loved this book. It was a sweet romantic novel, and second chance at love. My chest hurt a few times during this book and some small tears. I recommend this standalone book for anyone who enjoys a clean romance story.
4.5 STARS!

This story is so intriguing. Yes, we've all read amnesia plot lines, but Denise Hunter brings a whole different spin to this one. Before We Were Us is well written, has a beautiful setting, characters with depth and layers, humor, and a few twists I didn't see coming. So grab yourself a good drink and settle in, because you won't want to stop once you begin!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this book. Book was fine, really good if you like the genre! I would read more from this author.

I loved this book. It was sweet and sad, with a feeling of real life. The characters bared their heartache and their love, making the story feel so real.

This is a sweet story with a major hurdle the main characters must overcome. Though unavoidable challenges faced, love still comes through.
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Hallmark story that I’ve heard before and wasn’t keeping my interest. It wasn’t for me but I think others might enjoy the cozy story and easy going story.

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.