I love this cover! The book was just okay. To be honest, I think it would have been better if I had just read the first book, but I read the first book when it first came out (and I LOVED it) and so it had a huge disconnect for me. It just didn’t live up to the expectations that I had for it. It was still a decent story, but I probably would have enjoyed it more right after the first one and would highly recommend reading them together.. I love watching the main character come into her own and finding her own way, but it fell a little bit flat, I still enjoy Jill Santopolo and would happily read another one of her books in the future.

Thanks NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC.

While this book was not as good as The Light We Lost, I enjoyed seeing Lucy 10 years after Gabe's death. It did not have quite the same pull at my heartstrings, and due to the years between publication, I had to go back and review The Light We Lost a little bit to remember what was going on. I would have liked to see a little more recap regarding the last book woven into the beginning of this one, simply due to the years between reading.

I thought this was the perfect sequel to one of my favorite books, The Light We Lost! I finally picked up TLWL after having it on my shelf for a while and was WRECKED. I needed more after reading it and perfectly enough, I happened to stumble upon the fact that a sequel was coming and immediately ran to NetGalley to request it. I thought this was the perfect wrap up to the story and as with TLWL, I sped through it and just loved it. I loved the character development and just being back in their world. Very well done sequel and I think all TLWL lovers will enjoy this one as well!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Putnam for my early digital copy for my honest thoughts and review.

I had no idea this was a follow up lol and the way i screamed when i realized. I thought this was going to be a sad sad book but im glad ot was not

Jill Santopolo’s The Love We Found is a thoughtful exploration of love and self-discovery, with moments of emotional depth that resonate. While some characters shine, others feel underdeveloped, and the pacing can be uneven.

I was so happy to be able to read a continuation of Lucy’s journey after all these years. I absolutely loved “The Light We Lost”, and coming back to this storyline did not disappoint.

As someone who rarely reads romance, I cannot explain the chokehold these books have on me! I first read The Light We Lost on a long plane ride, and it's been a comfort read for me ever since - I think everyone can relate to the questions the book explores, the what-ifs, roads not taken, and trade-offs. I recommended it to my mom, and she was sure Lucy would have taken one path forward, whereas I thought she'd choose differently. I never thought we'd know - so when I saw that Santopolo had written a sequel (!) I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. (By the way, my mom was right!)

Was the plot a little predictable? Sure. Were the characters earnest to the point of disbelief at times? OK, yes. But did I absolutely freaking love it? Also yes! I devoured this sequel and am glad it exists. I especially loved seeing how Lucy's friendships have evolved over time - I loved that they weren't static - and. most of all, how she and her children interact. My favorite scenes weren't the romance ones, but the family-centric ones that took place around her dinner table.

My normal sweet spot is post-apocalyptic literary fiction, and this is decidedly not that, but when I'm looking for a cozy blanket of a book, I'll return to this one, and I'll recommend it to anyone looking for something warm, hopeful, and with heart. Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo was such a balm after so many years to revisit these characters. I loved the follow up, so happy for these characters I fell in love with so long ago.
Well done!

Review Link coming soon.

This is the follow up to The Light We Lost. I was nervous about this, as most sequels to popular books have been disappointing. But I really liked this! The main story revolves around her finally dealing with her grief and being honest about her youngest son being Gabe’s. And while Gabe is dead, he is a major part of this book - she’s saying everything to him.

There was a romance, too. I liked Dax, but it was a little insta-lust/love. I liked their connection, based off their pasts. I cringed when he met her children, but otherwise was glad they got their HEA.

"The Love We Found" is an emotional and engrossing sequel to Jill Santopolo's bestselling novel "The Light We Lost." In this captivating tale, readers are reunited with the complex and relatable characters they grew to love in the first book, as they navigate new challenges, heartbreaks, and ultimately, a chance at redemption.

Santopolo's evocative prose beautifully captures the intricate nuances of love, loss, and the life-altering choices we make in the face of adversity. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn deeper into the characters' lives, sharing in their triumphs and setbacks as they grapple with the consequences of their past decisions and the possibilities of the future.

"The Love We Found" is an absorbing and poignant exploration of the human heart's capacity for love, forgiveness, and growth. Fans of "The Light We Lost" will undoubtedly be captivated by this emotional rollercoaster of a sequel, while newcomers to Santopolo's work will be drawn in by her compelling storytelling and deeply relatable characters.

In short, "The Love We Found" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates powerful and emotional narratives that delve into the complexities of the human experience. Prepare to be swept away by Jill Santopolo's beautifully crafted tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of second chances.

I read this on the plane and am so glad people weren't next to me because I was crying so much especially towards the end as a mom and a working mom at that. I felt so much of the sacrifices and things that feel like an uphill battle for women. There were a few parts though where I was going what happened to Darren and Lucy, do what's right for you! The Darren I thought I had known in the first book seemed to feel different and much more unlikeable!

In this book though, I also loved the depth of all the different relationships that were developed especially showing that step parents can work together well, different parenting styles, how amazing siblings can be with each other, how perceptive kids can be, and how meeting the right person at the right time can really be part of our healing journeys.

If you like the Eat, Pray, Love kind of journey for Lucy, this is it and a beautiful one at that!

Thank you netgalley for the arc copy of the love we found in exchange for my honest review. This much anticipated sequel to the light we lost did not disappoint. If you did not read the light we lost then I recommend making sure you read it before this book and also before my review. The book is written semi conversationally to Gabe who died in the light we lost. I just loved the writing style of this novel. I could feel all the feelings of our main character and narrator Lucy. Lucy has 3 children and an ex husband and is complicatedly still grieving Gabe 10 years after his death. This novel is her journey of self discovery and fixing some of the wrongs of her past though she couldn't fix them all. Well done four stars

I read this so fast!! I was so eager to see how Lucy's story would end

I was a little disappointed overall it just felt there was such a rush to finish off her story line and give her a happy ending. I wanted complex and depth and it was just a tad flat for me and my expectations.
It was very well written and I love the themes that Jill has included in her books to make them relevant to todays world.

I had no idea there was a sequel to The Light We Lost and was so grateful to get to read this one early. I originally read The Light We Lost last year when I rediscovered my love of reading and I still think about that book to this day. I was worried this sequel would end up being unnecessary and a big let down, however for me it was the exact opposite. I really like the way it is told in the second person pov just like the first one.

I loved seeing how Lucy's life changed over the 10 years and it was interesting to see how they handled Samuel's parentage. By the end of this I was crying. I have already told my bookclub about this one!

Jill Santopolo’s *The Love We Found* is a poignant, sweeping tale of love, loss, and the complicated journey of moving forward while honoring the past. With its evocative prose, richly drawn characters, and a story that tugs at the heartstrings, this novel is a deeply emotional exploration of grief, second chances, and the enduring power of human connection.

At the center of the story is Lucy, a woman still tethered to the memory of Gabe, the man who captured her heart and left a void in her life nearly a decade ago. When a mysterious address in Rome is unearthed in a box of Gabe’s old photographs, Lucy embarks on an impulsive journey to uncover the truth behind his secret. It’s a move that feels reckless but undeniably cathartic—an opportunity to reconnect with a part of her past she hasn’t been able to let go of.

Santopolo masterfully portrays Lucy’s emotional struggle, balancing her yearning for closure with the realities of her present life. Her journey to Rome is as much about uncovering Gabe’s story as it is about rediscovering herself. The vivid descriptions of Italy—its sun-drenched streets, bustling piazzas, and timeless beauty—provide a stunning backdrop for Lucy’s soul-searching, adding depth and texture to her emotional odyssey.

Enter Dr. Dax Armstrong, a compassionate and enigmatic figure who becomes both a confidant and a catalyst for Lucy’s healing. Their chemistry is palpable, a blend of cautious intimacy and undeniable connection. Dax’s own sadness and emotional depth mirror Lucy’s, creating a bond that feels authentic and profound. As Lucy begins to open her heart again, Santopolo delicately navigates the complexities of new love while honoring the shadow of her past.

What sets *The Love We Found* apart is its exploration of the ripple effects of loss. Back home, Lucy faces a life-altering decision: whether to reveal the truth about Gabe to her son Samuel, a choice that could redefine her family’s future. Santopolo handles these moments with grace and sensitivity, capturing the weight of Lucy’s choices without tipping into melodrama.

The pacing is perfectly balanced, with moments of quiet introspection giving way to revelations that keep the story compelling and emotionally resonant. Santopolo’s writing is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into Lucy’s world and making her heartbreak and hope feel deeply personal.

*The Love We Found* is a beautifully crafted novel that speaks to the resilience of the human heart. Jill Santopolo captures the messiness of love, the ache of loss, and the redemptive power of connection with an honesty that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for fans of emotionally rich stories and second-chance romances, this is a five-star read that will leave you both heartbroken and hopeful, a testament to the fact that even in the face of loss, love can still be found.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I was honestly really excited for this sequel but it really didn’t hit for me. The writing between the first book and the second was drastically different. This book was also way more of a cookie cutter arc which made it more boring than the first one. I also really couldn’t connect with Dax much at all and the first book was closed door romance and this one simply was not. lol

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me to read an ARC of The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo, in exchange for my honest review.

3 1/2 stars

I'm a little mixed about this. I absolutely love Jill Santopolo's story telling and writing.

I loved the realistic portrayal of grief; however, this was not fresh grief, it was 10 years later. I think I might have felt differently if it had been 3 or 5 years later.

Lucy seemed very obsessed, self-centered, and a little selfish.

With that being said, I will read both books together to see if it flows better for me.

Rating: 4.2

Jill Santipolo does a lovely job of giving closure to those who fell in love with Lucy and Gabe’s origin story in The Light We Lost with her follow-up novel, The Love We Found. The Light We Lost absolutely gutted me as I truly fell in love with Lucy and Gabe’s love story. I was left wanting after that catastrophic ending. I love the continuation of realism that the sequel The Love We Found provides and the real life scenarios that many readers can relate to. I genuinely loved following along with Lucy’s recovery from Gabe’s passing and learning how to love again. This novel gives readers the closure they were seeking in The Light We Lost.

Rarely do I find a sequel right on par with or maybe even better than the first, but the Love we Found is one of those rare finds. An easy 5 star rating for this beautiful love story. I got the ARC before reading the Light we Lost and decided I better read that first. It was so gorgeously written and heartbreaking- I immediately was thrilled to start this one and it did not disappoint. We start off 10 years after the first ended, with Lucy talking to Gabe. Lucy is an imperfect person, as we clearly learned in the first, but my goodness is she not a perfect mother. I was blown away by the scenes with her children. The respect and love she gave to her children made me want to be like her and that just made me love her even more. I will for sure be recommending this series to friends. I felt heartbroken from the first book, but just like Lucy, I felt healing was possible. I truly adored the ending of this amazing story. Again 5 stars! Thanks to the author, Net Galley, and penguin group for the ARC. All thoughts expressed are my own.

I wish I remembered more of The Light We Lost (it's been a while since I read it!), but this took my back into such a happy place. I love Jill Santopolo and would consume everything she writes.