The Love We Found was beautifully written but deeply sad. I found the main character frustrating and hard to connect with, which made it tough to fully engage. It just didn’t resonate with me.

This is a beautiful sequel to one of my favorite love stories, The Light We Lost. The Love We Found starts ten years after Gabe’s death, and Santopolo’s decision to use Lucy’s voice narrating the story to Gabe is an especially poignant one. I teared up at times, but not to the devastating degree I did with Gabe and Lucy’s story. This is a story of hope, navigating motherhood, blended families, and the fear and exhilaration of finding love again after loss. Dax is a worthy successor to Gabe, but as Dax said, it’s not a competition, just a comparison. If you’re looking for a mature romance between two wonderful people who, despite suffering shattering loss, take a chance on love, read this. Although it can be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read The Light We Lost first. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I think this could've been a novella.

Just like in THE LIGHT WE LOST, Lucy, here too, is confused about what she really wants in life- other than Gabe.
Don't get me wrong, all the characters have flaws but Lucy's flaws kinda jumps off the pages.

I really liked how she stood up to Darren about wanting to telling the truth about their child. I also liked when she found someone who she could see a future with but just like before she kept comparing him to Gabe. Also, that insta-love threw me off. Like it was more of rapid-love.

Anyways as I said, this could've been a novella.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Light We Lost ended with a lot of loose ends that we knew time would tie up in one way or another. Ten years later, Lucy is moving forward with her life, if not quite moving on. When a call from Gabe's editor reopens some barely close wounds, Lucy must decide how to come to terms with everything from her past in order to embrace the future.

I have been waiting for this book since the day I finished The Light We Lost. Jill Santopolo can do no wrong. I loved revisiting these characters in their complicated, messy, love-filled lives. If you loved The Light We Lost, this one is a perfect next chapter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of The Love We Found.

I didn't really enjoy the first book in this series and am not sure why I thought the second would be better/different. The romance had its sweet and heartfelt moments, but at times, it felt a little forced or lacking the emotional depth I crave in a love story.

One of the highlights was the author’s writing style—it’s engaging and easy to read, making this a quick and enjoyable escape. However, the pacing felt uneven; some parts dragged while others rushed through key emotional developments. Additionally, certain conflicts seemed to resolve too easily, which left me wanting a bit more depth and tension. But really... why is she still hung up on Gabe all this time later?

When The Light We Lost came out several years ago, I remember it being super popular and seeing it everywhere. I somehow didn't get around to reading it until just a few months ago. I loved that book so much and the hype was justified! Then, much to my surprise just months later I spotted The Love We Found on Netgalley and received an #ARC.

I was so excited for this one, and read it almost immediately. While I didn't love it as much as the first book, I did enjoy finding out how the lead character's life turned out, as The Light We Lost somewhat ends on somewhat of a cliff-hangar. My biggest criticism is that I was shocked by how much she was still obsessed with her deceased love after 10 years, despite having the closure of his death and being married with children. And then, because of that her "instant love" with a new man seemed a bit unlikely. I also found her not to be very likeable in this book, as opposed to the last one, which was unfortunate. Despite these things, I still really wanted this sequel and am so glad that I read it! If you loved the first one, I think you should read this one too!

Although I do not remember The Light We Lost AT ALL, this was still a sweet romance that is second chance for the main character. I do love when a book is set with the same characters years later but I just wish I read the first one again to jog my memory.

I read The Light We Lost back in 2020, basically in one sitting. Since then, I have read hundreds of books, yet it still remains one of my favorites that I have recommended to so many.

When I heard there would be a sequel, I was beyond excited and I knew I just had to read it. I could not contain my excitement when I was approved for an e-ARC. Knowing The Love We Found would be about Lucy finding new love after Gabe did make me slightly hesitant because their love story was so powerful.

I did find myself having reservations at the start. Eventually I warmed up and felt happy to be back in the life of Lucy and her family. I will say I didn’t feel the intense emotional pull that I did in The Light We Lost, but I was definitely brought to tears at multiple points in this book. I’m happy to have some closure and that Lucy found love again. I greatly appreciate this e-ARC.

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I read The Light We Lost! I may not remember every little detail, but the way it made my heart ache is unforgettable. I really enjoyed the story—even when Lucy left me scratching my head a bit. So, I was super excited to dive into this second part. But wow, I wasn’t prepared for just how gut-wrenching it would be.
Honestly, it’s tough to put into words how this book hit me. It has everything you could ask for: drama, heartache, a sprinkle of romance, and even some fun moments that make you smile. But make no mistake, it’s not a light read at all. It’s a beautifully crafted story that’s bound to resonate with so many, even if it breaks your heart along the way. Some parts were tough, especially when Lucy was missing Gabe; I felt that deeply.
I really connected with the kids in this book—they brought such a lively dynamic that added depth. I found myself understanding Lucy so much better this time around, and I liked her even more. Then there’s Dax, who I totally liked, and, while Darren had me frustrated—yet, I could see where he was coming from. The complexity of it all made this story so rich, and Jill Santopolo did a fantastic job weaving those emotions together.
TLWF captures all the magic of TLWL but takes us ten years down the line, right after Gabe’s passing. It’s amazing how she brought us back into this world! If you loved the first book, you absolutely have to check this one out. You won’t regret it!

The Love We Found is the sequel to one of my all-time favorite books, The Light We Lost. It is a story of grief, healing, moving on, and finding love again. The book is not a standalone. You need to read The Light We Lost first.

Ten years after the loss of Gabe, Lucy is still grieving. She and her ex-husband, Darren, co-parent their three children, including Sammy, Lucy and Gabe's son. One day, among Gabe's boxes, Lucy finds an envelope with an address in Rome. She wonders what was so important about the address for Gabe to keep it. To find answers, Lucy travels to Italy, where she meets another American, a doctor, Dex Armstrong. Will the trip and the faithful meeting give Lucy closure and the possibility of finally moving on?

The Love We Found is a mix of family drama and romance. Some people may not like the romance because it's insta-lovey, but it didn't bother me. One of the book's major themes is how secrets can destroy relationships, which I found very interesting. It would make for a great book club discussion. The Love We Found is a beautifully written and emotional book. It is a must-read for fans of The Light We Lost.

⭐️ 3.5

I read The Light We Lost in early 2022 so picking up where the story left off after a few years was tough, but it didn't take me long to get my bearings and figure out what was happening. I didn't like this as much as The Light We Lost but it was still a solid read.

What I liked: The depiction of navigating grief and finding love after loss; the setting, especially when Lucy visited Italy.

Who I would recommend this book to: Anyone looking for an emotional yet heartwarming love story.

Overall, this was a solid book and I am excited to read more of Santopolo's work in the future!

I absolutely loved The Light We Lost and was excited to read the sequel. The Love We Found picks up 10 years after the first book. As Lucy is going through Gabe's boxes she comes across a piece of paper with an address on it. The address is in Rome, but there's nothing else. Why would Gabe keep this scrap of paper? Lucy knows how Gabe's mind worked and knew it had to be important. Lucy and her ex-husband, Darren, share custody of the kids. One week with Lucy, the next week with Darren. She decides to buy a ticket to Rome and check out who lives at the address Gabe saved. It's Darren's week to have the kids, it's their spring break, and he's taking them on a trip. No one will miss her being gone for a few days. Also, Gabe's editor wants her to go to the library there and see Gabe's photos that hang there. He's planning a ten year show featuring Gabe's work as the book is updated with new photos and information. Lucy is helping out and has ideas about the show.

What will Lucy find in Rome? Did Gabe have a secret family or girlfriend he kept from her? What photos will she find in the library? Will anyone remember Gabe being there since it's been 10 years? Lucy runs into a man she feels instantly connected to in Rome. His name is Dr. Dax Armstrong and he's there helping with medical care. He lives in New York when he's not in Rome, same as Lucy. As she promises to get a coffee with him later she feels a feeling she hasn't felt since Gabe. Will Dax and Lucy find a way to be together? Will the secret Lucy's been keeping pull her family apart? She wants to finally tell the truth to her kids, her parents, her brother, and her friends but she has to get Darren's okay. Will Darren agree to finally letting the secret out? Will her family see her differently if it comes out? Will the show be a success featuring Gabe's updated works? Will Lucy finally be able to find love again?

This book was a wonderful read and I was so happy to be back in Lucy's life again. Jill Santopolo did a wonderful job of making you feel all that Lucy has been through and looking ahead to what might be next for her. I rate The Love We Found 4 stars with a high recommendation. If you read the first book you will thoroughly enjoy the sequel. If you didn't read the first book, I would highly recommend that you read it first. I'd like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced copy of The Love We Found in exchange for a fair review. The book is out now and you should add it to your TBR pile immediately! #TheLoveWeFound

I was looking forward to Lucy's' journey after the book ' The light we lost', it was mixed for me as Dax brought in an angle that was too much of insta love that doesn't work for all readers. But I am definitely happy that there is more in her life after the grief. It was heart-warming and enjoyable but it did not feel as special as the previous one which had set the bar rather high,

I love following Lucy's journey in this book. I re-read The Light We Lost before reading this galley just to make sure I remembered everything. It is such a heart-wrenching story. The connections between people and countries are lovely. Definitely pick this one up.

Sadly, this book was a disappointment for me. I was so looking forward to it because I adored The Light We Lost, but this book did not have what made The Light We Lost special.

Ten years after the love of her life Gabe dies, Lucy has closed her heart off completely and is focused on her kids. But then she finds a paper in Gabe’s things with an address in Rome, and she’s determined to figure out what it means.

Ugh. I really, really wanted to like this book but I just didn’t. I don’t know if the issue is that I read The Light We Lost a few years ago and don’t remember it being this cheesy and overwrought, or that The Light We Lost was deeply magical and this just doesn’t work. There are many things that were off to me. The “twist” / secret barely warrants being labeled a twist, and the plot meanders and builds several times without really going anywhere. Lucy is insufferable in this book - so whiny! The fact that this book was written in her voice but directed to Gabe was so strange and I did not like it. The insta love is also stronggg in this book, and I couldn’t see the chemistry between Lucy and Dax at all. I did appreciate the depiction of blended families and thought all the plots about the family dynamics were the most interesting part. I rolled my eyes through much of this book which is a huge disappointment :/

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review!

This is quite remarkable. I re-read The Light We Lost in preparation for reading this book. This is a fascinating continuation of the story ten years later. The characters seem true to themselves... a life path that makes sense and a more mature perspective. I loved witnessing the craft that went into writing this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced readers copy of this book published 18 March 2025

I enjoyed this story. I loved The Light We Lost, so I was excited to read this sequel. The story did not disappoint. It was nice to have a continuation of Gabe and Lucy’s story. It made me wish even more that he had lived. I loved how the author wrote out the storyline of Samuel learning about Gabe. It was so believable in how the people involved would react to news like that. I wished so much that Samuel could have met him. It made the story all the more tragic to me. I am also pleased with the ending of the story. Lucy deserved to find love even though she made a previous mistake. Humans make mistakes, but we are all worthy of love and happy endings. Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and the author for the ARC!

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo did not disappoint!
A powerful and well-crafted romance.
This was a wonderfully written romance story.
I absolutely loved these characters and really enjoyed getting to know them.
A sweet and heartwarming read!

Can I be honest? I didn’t want to like “The Love We Found” by Jill Santopolo. Her first book in the series, “The Light We Lost”, left me frustrated and somewhat angry. I had a hard time connected to the two main characters, who were pretty selfish and hurtful in a lot of their actions (from what I remember).

In “The Love We Found”, I accepted that Lucy’s character was never going to be my favorite, and enjoyed reading about her healing and grieving journey. Her trip to Italy definitely helped, along with the supporting cast of characters - Dax and her three children! Overall, this novel was enjoyable and made me consider re-reading “The Light We Lost” to see if I would like it more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is by far one of the best books I have ever read! Santopolo shows us how to lead with love and navigate grief, love, loss, and the unknown. You root for all of the characters as you can empathize with all of them. There are times in life when you may wish you could go back and do something differently but this novel shows us how you can only go forward with love. It was difficult to put down at any point. Thank you Santopolo for all of your hard work. This was absolutely fabulous!