Member Reviews

Such a gentle, sweet story. Thayne knocked this one out of the park.

A DNA test is the catalyst to bring two lonely women together at just the right time. The blossoming relationship between the two of them was lovely. The romance was, too.
The men were stable and good, which really describes the entire story. It was a restful story to read. I loved it.

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This is the story of 2 women who discover they have an unexpected connection. It s also a romance. I loved Hank, the dog. It is a heartwarming story with a predictable ending, but the journey there was fun. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

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The Lost Books of First Loves is a heartfelt, emotionally grounded novel that leans into women’s fiction more than traditional romance—and that’s exactly what makes it shine. It’s a story about identity, hidden truths, second chances, and the slow, sometimes painful process of healing.

Alison Wells is driven by grief and curiosity when she uncovers a life-altering secret after her father’s death—a secret that leads her to Juniper Connolly, a half-sister she never knew existed. Their connection begins under shocking circumstances—Ali saving Juniper’s life—but what follows is a deeply human exploration of what it means to be family.

Set against the wide-open, restorative landscapes of Wyoming, the story lets its characters breathe, process, and begin again. Juniper, a tightly wound exec from Seattle, reluctantly accepts Ali’s invitation to the family’s remote cabin. There, she meets Beck—a quiet man with his own past—and slowly opens up to the possibility of something real. Meanwhile, Ali and Xander’s lifelong friendship edges toward something more tender and lasting.

This book isn’t about quick fixes or easy answers. It’s about flawed people trying to do right by each other, learning that love—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—requires honesty, risk, and vulnerability. The relationships are layered and believable. There’s humor, heartbreak, and a bit of mystery (an unpublished manuscript adds an extra twist), but the emotional core is what holds it all together.

If you like stories that dig into what makes us human—loss, love, identity—The Lost Books of First Loves delivers with grace and depth. Highly recommend.

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I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

Another good read from Ms. Thayne!

Alison Wells' dad Carson Wells (famous author) has passed away. Previous to his death, he and Alison both took a DNA test. The results arrive after this death but Alison finds out there is another female who matches her DNA, possibly a sibling she never knew about. Alison sets out to find Juniper Connolly (the possible sister). Did Carson know he had another child? Is Juniper aware she has a sister? Read this book to find out the answers to these questions, watch romances develop with Alison and Xander and Juniper Beckett and find out if there is really a manuscript that was never published written by Carson Wells. This one is available in June 2025!

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The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne. A heartwarming book about family and romance. The ending was beautiful. Hank was an adorable matchmaker.

Thank you to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing / Canary Street Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

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I love reading books that RaeAnne Thayne writes. They are always clean and heartfelt. This book I was heartwarming and romantic. I thought the dog was cute. I also thought the ending was sweet. I'm grateful that publishers and netgalley let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

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A very sweet book about family and romance. When Alison’s father died she discovered that she has a sister that she never knew about. She brings her to Wyoming after a medical incident to get to know her. I very much enjoyed this book and the scenery of Wyoming.

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Even the title is suspenseful…realistic fiction by a favorite author…the likable characters keep the story moving quickly. This is a page turner. The characters are people I would like to know. The deceased author (in the book) is one I would enjoy reading. This is just a book that deserves five plus stars. I really cannot find the words. Do not miss this. Enjoy. Thanks Netgalley

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