I always love Denise Hunter and her writing, but this might be my favorite one!! It was just SO beautiful! I loved the characters and the sweet journey they went on. So good! Highly recommend.

The narrator did a lovely job bringing these characters to life. The story was cute and the setting was idyllic. It felt a bit long for what little happened but was still enjoyable. I only rated this book a 3 because of the predictability combined with how frustrating I found the FMC. If you enjoy closed door romance and the amnesia trope this one is for you.

Such a sweet read

I am thankful to have gotten the Audio ALC for free from Netgalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing so I can leave my voluntary review.

I was in the mood for something wholesome after reading a string of heavier material and this was exactly what I needed.
While it is published in Harper Collins Christian division, it is not religious at all. I don’t mean that it’s anti religious or anything but rather it doesn’t focus on any type of theology. It’s just a clean romance.

Now it’s fairly predictable but not in a negative way. You get to experience the journey that Lauren must take after an accident. I loved listening to a character who is not a toxic male and is a role model for how someone in a relationship should act towards their partner.

The narrator Kim Churchill did a great job with the recitation. I did speed it up a bit but it could be easy left at its recorded speed and be thoroughly enjoyable.

This title comes out on September 10th 2024 so get it on your TBR!

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Very cute small town romance! Reminded me of The Vow in the sense that she lost her memory of them. I loved how Jonah was not at all pushy for Lauren to get her memories back, and was so respectful of her space and feelings. I just wasn’t fully convinced with the ending. I needed a little bit more. However, I did listen to this in less than 24 hours so I call it a win.

Out 9/10/24, thank you to @netgalley, @thomasnelson, @zondervan, @zondervanbooks for the early copy in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Not only did Kim Churchill do a great job as a narrator, but the story was good as well. I had never read a book by Denise Hunter, but this one was good, if you are looking for a book with romance but hot a lot of spice, then this one is perfect for you. It's a nice quick read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Denise Hunter and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this book.

This story takes you on an emotional journey through the complexities of love and loss. After Lauren suffers a fall that wipes out the memory of several important summer months, the gap between the past and present becomes almost unbearable. Jonah, heartbroken by the loss of those memories, chooses to support her, even if it means letting her go to follow her dreams.

The relationship between Jonah and Lauren is portrayed with a tenderness that makes their pain and hope feel very real. As Jonah quietly supports Lauren in rediscovering herself, and as she slowly lets him back into her life as a friend, the story captures how love can endure through change and time.

The narrative blends moments of sadness with glimpses of hope, showing that love sometimes means letting go. This story stays with you long after you finish it, highlighting the strength that comes from putting someone else’s happiness first.

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

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the chance to read this newest release from Denise Hunter.
Alternating between present and past timelines, Kim Churchill's narration is very captivating and draws the reader into the story and gives the characters heart.
Jonah has to navigate a relationship where he goes from boyfriend to enemy when his soon to be fiancee has a horrible fall and loses her memory. A great premise that is a very enjoyable, engaging, romantic, "clean" read!