Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I loved this sweet romance. It starts with the 2 main characters together and then there's a. accident. The story is told in third person.

If you’re a fan of that whole- If you love them let them go concept- you’ll love this one. It’s actually really adorable how much it kills him and how much he loves her but she just can’t remember any of it. Well, it’s sad, of course, but also adorable. It takes someone being truly and deeply in love to be able to put aside their emotions and do what is best for the person they love regardless of what if it crushes your heart. It does have a happy ending though, thankfully.

Thank you NetGally for my copy of the book. My review is my own.

While this is my first book from the author, it will not be my last. The story immediately draws you and splits into a duel timeline. One timeline is after the accident and amnesia, the other is what happens in that summer time frame that went missing from her memories. It is beautifully woven together story of falling in love not once, but twice. And that in the end it is relationship and family that matters the most. Can't wait to pickup another book from the author!

Loved this book. Great setting. Great characters. The story was easy to read and the narrator was great.

Before We Were Us was a sweet Hallmark-esque read. Very closed-door romance with frequent mentions of church and praying. The novel follows couple Jonah and Lauren. Lauren falls from a ladder and wakes up, having forgotten the last several months of her life… their entire romantic relationship. The author writes in dual timelines as we follow the main characters in the past (pre-accident) and in the present (post-accident). I listened to the novel and often found it difficult to determine which timeline we were in.
Small qualm with the blurb… it mentions a huge crush on the small-town doctor, Carson and him becoming “available” after she wakes from the accident. This book is hardly a love triangle. There is almost zero tension between Lauren and Carson. It is all about Lauren and Jonah. That part of the blurb feels misleading.
Special thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the Audio ARC via NetGalley.

It's an awesome story of how things can change over a few months and then again in an instant! Just when you think you know what you want, love interrupts! Best laid plans don't always mean anything, and dreams can change. It is hard not to feel for Jonah and his amazing underdog story. Lauren's story leaves you rooting for her and, at the same time, yell at her. The dual timelines make for a great story!

**"Before We Were Us" by Denise Hunter** is a heartwarming and poignant romance novel that explores themes of love, memory, and second chances. The story follows Lauren Wentworth, a city girl who moves to rural New Hampshire to manage a family-owned resort. There, she surprisingly falls in love with Jonah Landry, the owner's son. However, a fall from a ladder leaves Lauren with amnesia, and she can't remember the last seven months of her life, including her relationship with Jonah.

Hunter skillfully navigates the emotional journey of Lauren and Jonah as they try to rebuild their relationship from scratch. I loved how the novel is filled with tender moments, dramatic twists, and a deep exploration of what it means to truly know and love someone. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with me.

The narration of Kim Churchill truly added to my enjoyment of this book. Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen ad review this book.

"Before We Were Us" is a beautiful reminder that love can endure even the most challenging circumstances. If you enjoy heartfelt romance novels with a touch of drama, this book is a perfect choice for you.

Not traditionally a romance enthusiast,this book had me reconsidering my stance on romance books.
I had so much fun reading this!
Lauren and Jonah are the main characters and as they go through the different trials in this book,they truly show how love can and should be.
This book is endearing and has fun and surprising twists. The plot is lovely with charming characters and a beautifully crafted setting.
I highly recommend reading this, I know I enjoyed it immensely.

If you’re looking for a wholesome love story to make you feel all the feels, this is the one! Beautiful fall setting, perfect for this time of year. Jonah 💔 It’s been a minute since I’ve felt this physically sad for a fictional character. This was really well written and I enjoyed it a lot. Read if you like the movie The Vow!

ARC and ALC Review :

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


On the night Jonah is about to propose, his girlfriend Lauren takes an unexpected fall. Upon arriving at the hospital he learns that the injury she sustained is not physical, but mental. She is diagnosed with a concussion/ traumatic brain injury that resulted in memory loss. She has no recollection of the last four months or her relationship with Jonah. Will Lauren ever regain her memories, or will her love for Jonah disappear for good?

Denise Hunter’s Before We Were Us is a five star read perfect for fall!!! This contemporary novel is set at the rustic resort, Pinehaven Lodge. With the cozy New Hampshire backdrop readers are transported to small town living, with a delightful cast of side characters.

While I am not one who usually enjoys the amnesia trope, Hunter won me over. Utilizing flashbacks, she perfectly paints the picture of Lauren and Jonah’s relationship before the accident and after. It was wonderful to see the parallels between the first and second time they fell in love.

This book also features:
-found family
-opposites attract (city girl/ small town boy)
-enemies to more
- sprinkles of Christianity/ faith

I highly recommend reading or listening to this book. I had the pleasure of enjoying both formats and see the advantage of both. Kim Churchill does a fantastic job narrating the book and making the story come to life.

Special thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, Netgalley, and Denise Hunter for allowing me to read/ listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great love story with characters that you can’t help but fall for. It was tastefully written and gave just enough details to keep me in the book and not bored like a lot or Romance books can get.

"He told me that the world is full of readers, some just haven't found the right book yet." This is a book for book lovers!

The story follows Emma, a widow whom is struggling to provide for her daughter. As a war is starting in England, children are being sent out of the cities into the country. Emma must decide to keep her daughter with her or to send her to safety.. The Booklover's Library gives Emma a job as a librarian and this creates a space for her to help others and make new friends as she navigates her journey.

**Book Review: Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter**

*Published by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing
Narrated by: Kim Churchill
Imprinted by: Thomas Nelson Fiction*

“Before We Were Us” is a captivating romance that perfectly balances heartfelt emotion and personal growth, making it an excellent candidate for a Hallmark movie—though with much more depth. The story follows Lauren Wentworth, a determined college graduate with a degree in hospitality, who faces a life-altering accident that erases her memories of the recent months, including her budding romance with Jonah Landry.

Jonah, who dreams of running his family's picturesque resort in New Hampshire, finds his plans derailed when Lauren loses her memory of their journey from enemies to lovers. The depth of Jonah's love shines through as he grapples with wanting the best for Lauren, even if it means stepping back from their relationship. The emotional stakes are heightened by Lauren’s difficult past—her tumultuous childhood and foster care experiences—which adds layers to her character and motivations.

Hunter’s use of flashbacks beautifully weaves together the couple's backstory, highlighting the progression of their relationship. The narrative is rich with details that illustrate their transformation from adversaries to supportive partners. The chemistry between Jonah and Lauren is palpable, making their journey both engaging and relatable.

I particularly appreciated how Lauren’s character arc emphasizes self-discovery and empowerment. While Jonah is a steadfast presence, he allows her the space to navigate her feelings and reclaim her identity. The light faith thread running through the story adds a meaningful dimension without overshadowing the romance.

The setting—a charming resort in New Hampshire—creates a warm backdrop for their evolving relationship, complemented by delightful supporting characters, including a lovable dog that adds an extra layer of charm.

Overall, “Before We Were Us” is a touching and uplifting story that Denise Hunter fans will adore. With its mix of heartfelt moments, well-drawn characters, and a compelling narrative, it’s a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys a romance that resonates on multiple levels.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for providing an early copy for review. All opinions are my own.

This was a sweet romance of Lauren and Jonah but broken up by Lauren having amnesia from a fall off a ladder. The story of how the 2 fell in love not once but twice - I listened to this one fast because I didnt want to put it down!

4 Stars!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

Publish date 09/10/2024

That was so heartbreaking! The present/past was perfect in this story. I loved how the story is written and told, it made it real for me. I also really like the narator.

The best way to describe this book would be if Emily Henry wrote The Vow, in the best way possible. I really enjoyed it!

Ahh my heart hurt so much for Jonah during this book. I knew I was dealing with a memory loss plot, so I guess it’s my own fault. But seeing them go over past memories (mostly struggles) and trying to recreate the love story was still intriguing enough to keep going. I didn’t love Lauren for the first half of the book, but that might have been the point. Jonah’s patience and perseverance were hero-level. I just hope in their fictional post-book lives Lauren can endeavor to earn it.

As an audiobook, it was really well-read and easy to listen to. As a book, the story was well-written and the characters were well-developed. The characters just might have been so well written that they felt real to me and I got a bit frustrated by their decisions.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. Easiest 5 star rating ever! I loved this book. I fell in love with all the characters. The beautifully described landscape of the Landry property has me wanting to schedule a vacation! The narrator was perfect and gave life to the characters! This book covers all the bases including love, loss, found family, resilience, faith, triumph, second chances. The epilog could not have been a more perfect way to end this book and the story of Jonah and Lauren.
Thank you netgalley for the advanced readers copy of this book. My reading was all my own and in no way reflected by receiving this book as a gift.

**NetGalley Review:**

From the very first page, I was drawn into a charming world filled with endearing characters and a heartwarming storyline that kept me engaged until the very end.


The pacing was spot-on, with just the right mix of tension and resolution to keep me turning pages. The writing was engaging and flowed smoothly, allowing me to immerse myself completely in the story. I loved how the author expertly balanced the cute moments with deeper themes, making it a well-rounded read.

Overall, this is a cute, feel-good read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a charming escape. It’s a perfect addition to your TBR pile if you enjoy stories that warm the heart and leave you smiling. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next!

I found this book disappointing overall. The story felt unoriginal, with a pacing that was too slow to hold my attention. I struggled to connect with any of the characters, which made it difficult to care about what happened to them. While I can appreciate some aspects of the narrative, it ultimately fell flat on many fronts.

That being said, one standout element was the narrator—her performance was exceptional and truly elevated the experience. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, the story itself left much to be desired.