Before We Were Us

BEFORE WE WERE US by DENISE HUNTER is a beautifully written love story that takes place in the wilds of New Hampshire at the lovely Pinehaven resort.
Tammy and Tom Landry, who own the resort, employ Lauren Wentworth to help their son Jonah run the place while they slow down due to Tom’s health. Jonah is finishing his degree before taking over the resort from his parents and Lauren is filling in the time and gaining experience before she stsrts her dream job in Boston in January.
They fall in love, after a bad start in their relationship, and all is going well until Lauren falls off a ladder onto her head and suffers from amnesia…….
I like the way the author shows how Lauren’s abandonment by her mother affects her emotions and how Jonah understands her and is desperate for her memory of their summer romance to return……..
Before We Were Us has all you need in a romance novel. There is depth of feeling, unrequited love, anger and hurt and also unconditonal love.
I highly recommend the novel as a great read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

After putting herself through college, Lauren’s dream job as a corporate meeting manager at one of the most prestigious companies in Boston is within her reach. She first has to gain some experience at a rural family-owned resort where one can rent a cabin in the woods of New Hampshire. The Pinehaven Resort had been in the Landry family for several generations.
The owner’s son, Jonah and Lauren have become close over the months they have been working together. She is surprised she is actually enjoying herself, especially the company of Jonah. While describing her idea of converting an old barn into a wedding destination, Lauren falls off a ladder and is rushed to the hospital. Although Lauren recovers from her injuries, she has lost all memory of the last four months, including the growing relationship with Jonah. As she gets back into her work, she decides she doesn’t want to remember, and now is only interested in finishing her time there and moving back to Boston.
Jonah, however, is heartbroken about the state of their relationship, which is pretty much non-existent. He makes every effort to rekindle the friendship and love they had before she lost her memory. Slowly things improved, however, the move back to Boston gets closer every day.
As I read this charming, engaging story, the characters, the cabins, and even Graham the dog, came alive in my imagination. Not only did the story draw me in, the descriptions are vivid, characters are lovable and relatable. Although my heart hurt along with Jonah’s, I had great sympathy for the situation Lauren found herself in. I nearly read it straight through; just couldn’t put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

This isn't my usual read but I was intrigued and it didn't disappoint. Seeing the accident have a toll on Lauren and Jonah was very hard but it showed how we can go through challenges that can make or break us. Beautiful read overall.

This is a wonderful love story. Lauren and Jonah meet and have a not great relationship until they do. After an accident, Lauren does not remember that she is in love with Jonah. She is shocked that she gave up her "dream job" to stay in NH and takes it out on Jonah. Bless his patience and love. This is a heartfelt love story and I highly recommend it. I was given an advanced reader copy and this is my honest opinion.

This was such a heartwarming read. I fell in love with the characters, the setting, all of it. The writing was superb!! I can't believe I've never read anything from this author previously. She has such a beautiful way of weaving a story, and I love reading about places l've been to (New Hampshire, White Mountains etc), it makes me feel more immersed in the setting. If you are looking for a sweet, non spicy romance this one is definitely for you!
Thanks to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Denise Hunter is one of three authors that try to read every book they write. Denise’s latest book,“Before we were us”, is another of her’s that I will read again and again. Through the years I have read several books from other authors where someone loses their memory, but this is entirely different from any I have read.

One of the main character, Lauren, has a chance to have a dream job in event planning. The requirement is that she works first at a family-owned resort to get experience. Here she meets Jonah, the future owner and her boss. She is not impressed with him. Her opinion changes through the summer and eventually grows into love. It all changed in a moment. As she was climbing down a ladder, she fell and hit her head. She lost her memory of the last four months.
The last she remembered she didn’t like Jonah and surely not love him. This is a story of second chances. Can he win her heart again or will she take that dream job in another city?

Loved the book and highly recommend it. "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I have very high expectations & standards when it comes to a romance/love story. Denise Hunter is a new author to me & she exceeded my expectations with Before We Were Us. This book is beautifully written, well developed characters, and has the ability to evoke very intense emotions while reading it. Hunter will break your heart, numerous times throughout this book, but manages to piece it back together just as many times. If you want a book to make you ugly cry, in a good way, this is the one for you~

Thank you NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC copy of this book.

This was òne of my favorite Denise Hunter books so far! It had all the healing and sweet romance that made for a perfect read. Loved both of the main characters and the location...let's just say I'd love to spend a summer there in New Hampshire with the Landry family. Highly recommended!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Our memories are an integral part of who we are. I remember when my mom had to have 9-hour brain surgery, she told the doctor to stop the surgery if she started to lose her long-term memory. The team interviewed her to get to know her so they could assess this as they progressed through the surgery in which she remained awake. What happens to us when they disappear into thin air?

There was so much hope for the future…what if you woke up and could not remember any of it? When Lauren falls from the ladder in the hayloft, her whole world as she knew it disappears. Before We Were Us is an exquisitely written novel that perfectly balances the whole range of emotions that make us vulnerable humans. This heartfelt tale will have you feeling all the feelings and contemplating life.

Review is posted on Goodreads and the final review will be posted on instagram ahead of the publication date.

Before We Were US by Denise Hunter is a heartwarming romance that I could not put down. Lauren Wentworth and Jonah Landry were in love and the future looked bright to them until Lauren had an accident and she did not remember falling in love with him. When they first met they got off to a rocky start because Jonah had been hurt by a previous relationship and Lauren reminded him of her. They quickly because friends and then fell in love. The story alternates between the time before the accident and the present day. She wakes up after the accident and all she remembers is what it was like before she fell in love with him. Jonah is patient, kind and willing to give her space. He keeps hoping that she will remember the love they shared. This book kept me engaged. Will she remember or will she fall in love with him again? I loved it that he was willing to let her go. I loved that his family was very supportive of him. I love all the characters that Denise Hunter creates.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Let me first say that I have read every book Denise Hunter has ever written, and I will continue to do so. Forever. She is my go-to for a great romance that tugs the heart strings or sob quietly into my kleenex (because we don't have handkerchiefs anymore). Denise Hunter has written many novels, but I believe this one might be her best yet! What a wonderful story! An excellent romance by one of the top Christian contemporary authors, but I think anyone regardless of religion would enjoy the deep romance and well-plotted love story. Wonderful, captivating writing gives this novel the depth and ability to pull in any reader. Vivid, descriptive story-telling, with interesting characters that have depth to them, and are skillfully rendered. At the end of the book, they seemed more like friends than book characters to me. I highly recommend this author and all of her other books I have read have been nothing less than fantastic. She is definitely an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to own this novel in print. And yes, I had tears in my eyes several times - but good tears :)

This is a great read!
Love is much more than a feeling. It is a commitment and sometimes means we need to let go.
A freak accident, lost memory, and a love so true are intertwined in this romantic read.
The characters are well developed.
Your heart might ache while you read, but this story is well worth your time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Charming and heartwarming. I fell in love with everything about this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter is a beautiful story of finding your way back to love. Lauren wakes up from a fall only to discover that several months of her life are missing from her memory. In those memories is her falling in love with Jonah, the man that she once couldn't stand. In Lauren's new reality she one again can't stand Jonah and can't comprehend what could've possibly changed in order for her to fall in love with him. Jonah has to use great amounts of patience to show Lauren why she fell in love with him the first time.
This is a lovely story that would make a great Hallmark film. The characters are written well and the flashback scenes are integrated well to give you some back story.

Before We Were Us has an idyllic setting and wonderful characters. It’s a heartwarming and emotional love story about the fear and frustrating of overcoming adversity and moving forward, and of not giving up.

I really enjoyed this sweet, but at times heartbreaking, romance! On the day Jonah was going to propose, Lauren falls and loses her memories of the last 4 months of falling in love with him! Jonah’s patience and unconditional love are really put to the test and she just puts more distance between them, even as they work together! The reader is on pins and needles as we read with intense emotions. Will she ever remember? Can he ever forget? Character development is great. I love this author's books! Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. My review is my own personal opinion.

Another novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I simply couldn't put it down.
I loved the quirky characters and they eventually became my friends. I really hated to say goodbye to them.
I highly recommend! 5 stars for an engaging novel
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I always love Denise Hunter! This book was super! I cannot imagine what life would be like to lose a part of your memory. Lauren lost not only her memory, but a very significant part of her relationship with Jonah. He has amazing patience with her and lets her find her own way. First impressions aren't always what they seem. Luckily they get beyond it, not once but twice!

Such a sweet story, it kind of reminds me of the movie, While You Were Sleeping! I love how the author mixes in little unexpected surprises throughout the story. Jonah and Lauren were great characters as well as Sydney, Graham, Meg and Jonah's parents.



The resort sounds like a place that I would want to vacation at! The author does a great job of making you feel that you are there!



Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Before We Were Us is a sweet romance novel…Lauren fell in love with Jonah and then fell and hit her head the day he was going to propose. Losing all memory of the summer they fell in love, she only remembers Jonah as the guy she didn’t like, let alone love. Jonah is a really understanding guy…maybe a little too perfect? But no complaints here! His love and patience shine through while Lauren tries to piece everything together that fall. But fall will soon be over, the snow will start to come, and Lauren has to decide if she’s going to stay. Very sweet and touching, I loved this book.

I received an advance copy from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

My thoughts: Before We Were Us is Ms. Hunter's latest release and as per usual, we have a winner. Laurel has her plans for the future mapped out in advance and nothing is going to stop her. Not even a handsome man in the middle of nowhere. Jonah knows what he wants to, but he feels it all slipping away.... This is a great romance and would make a great Hallmark movie. If you love romance grab your copy while its on preorder.... Highly recommended. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Denise Hunter always write big stories with big emotions. This one is felt a little different as it’s a present day dual timeline. It starts off so warm and fuzzy and I was instantly in love with Lauren and Jonah. Then a tragic accident and I felt myself reeling with the characters. It was so hard to watch the story play out (in a good way). Trying to imagine myself in Jonah’s shoes, the love of my life there before me every day with no memory of us. My heart was shattered. There is redemption though, as we catch glimpses of early days through flashbacks. Tenderness, sweetness, and playfulness balance out all the hard emotions. Watching Lauren dredge through her memory loss, trying to pick up where she thought she left off, and processing through new emotions, was sorrowful. Seeing two hearts so full of love, yet feeling so alone and forgotten definitely took my emotions for a ride. But true to Hunter’s fashion, big love and romance perfectly outweigh any sadness. The sparks and deep love between these two characters is breathtaking. And I loved every minute of it.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

first book i've read from denise hunter and won't be the last!!! i thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish!!!

Can you fall in love twice with the same person? That’s the question you’ll be asking yourself when you read Before We Were Us. I love finding a book where the characters feel so relatable. My heart broke for Jonah when Lauren couldn’t remember their love. Even though I hoped she would get her memory back, I couldn’t have predicted how this story would end. But it was good!
Sweet romance, a country setting and lovable characters put this book on my list of favorites for 2024. It’ll give you all the feels!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Denise Hunter likes writing about the east coast small towns and while this is a departure from the North Carolina area of the Appalachian Trail, it is just as engaging as her novels taking place in those areas. The crux of the plot of this book is when Lauren gets amnesia the day Jonah was going to propose to her. She falls off a ladder in the barn that she is converting to a wedding venue and hits her head, giving herself a concussion and amnesia. She only loses four months, but it's the four months of her relationship with Jonah. She remembers the early stages of "I don't like you," but has forgotten the stages where he grew on her to the point that she fell in love with him.

The way Denise handled the amnesia is a breath of fresh air compared to how other authors I've read have handled it. I appreciated how she didn't try to "fix" everything but allowed it to flow organically, as real life would.

I really appreciate the way that Denise brought about the love story between Lauren and Jonah. His love never waned and he worked to rekindle the emotions within Lauren.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a magical barn wedding venue.

Thomas Nelson Fiction provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

As always, I’m left wanting more—and that’s a good thing! I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the Landry family. I want to spend more time with Jonah and Lauren. To make sure Tom’s health stays good.

To hopefully see Meg happy one day with her HEA. There’s so much more I want to know about these imaginary people. They make my heart smile.

I received an advance copy from the publisher. All opinions are mine and have not been solicited.

I really loved this story about Lauren Wentworth goes to work at a resort for experience in New Hampshire on Loon Lake. She is there to help the family resort increase revenue. Once there, she feels like part of the Landry family and falls in love with Jonah. They are fixing up the old barn to be a venue for weddings and other events. See falls coming down off the ladder. She hits her head and loses her memory . She knows she is suppose to have a job at Glitter, a very elite event planner business. She calls and cancels . when she finds out she did that, she asks to be considered again for the job. She gets it but when she goes back to Boston to her friends and new job, she discovers that is not what she wants. A GREAT READ.

What an amazing book! I connected with the characters immediately. The story was perfect! This was a book that I didn’t want to end. Will absolutely recommend this book to others! And, I look forward to reading more from this author.

This book has an original storyline with a setting that I could identify with. The characters were well written & relatable. It was a fun read that I couldn't put down!!

On the opening pages of Before We Were Us, by Denise Hunter, Jonah Landry is ready to propose to Lauren Wentworth. However, before he can get the words out, he must hear the sound of this woman’s body hitting the floor in the place that could have held their future wedding!

Jonah is not sure which way to turn when he discovers that Lauren has forgotten everything about the past four months. Lauren takes time to try to recall her past!

It’s fun to watch Jonah and Lauren slowly find their way back to each other. You only wonder where they will land!

What if you just had the most fulfilling, romantic summer of your life, but you can’t remember any of it? Goodness, I LOVE a good memory loss romance and Denise Hunter does it spectacularly! This story has everything the romance-lover could want…charming romance, conflict, interesting characters, a lush setting and an enthralling plot. This enemies to lovers to memory loss romance is one you won’t want to miss!!!

I really enjoyed this book! I’m reading it during a heat wave and really wish I could live at the Pinehaven Resort! After Lauren’s accident and memory loss the author provides flashbacks to the timeframe that Lauren can’t remember. At first I wondered why she wrote them as flashbacks, but that’s when the interesting twists are revealed. Denise Hunter is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I am looking forward to her next book!

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Enjoyable read, interesting plot line with characters you care about. Ready for this one to become a Hallmark rom-com.

This is a tender and moving story. My heart was entirely involved from start to finish. The love story definitely has its high and low points.

The setting of Pinehaven Resort is idyllic and serene with its trees, cozy cabins, and the lake. It's a place where families made memories.

The characters are wonderful! They are so easy to relate to. Lauren has had a goal for her future and was aspiring to attain it. A temporary job at Pinehaven has her questioning her "dream" job. Jonah is ready to run the resort and focus solely on making it profitable. When these two met, sparks started to sizzle(not in a good way). Then the sparks turned into a flame of love! Their love is tested and even put on the back burner for a while.

The ending was perfection! When Jonah hands Lauren her gift, my eyes shed tears of joy!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story warms my heart and such beatiful love story of Lauren and Jonah. My favorite part was the background on Lauren and Jonah of " their before". I love that Jonah was so patient and compassion toward Lauren after the accident . I understand Lauren 's viewpoint on life because many children's terrible childhood as her can effect every part of your life. I glad that Lauren comes to her senses with loving support. They madly love with each other, and they can't live out each other. I thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishing allow me to review this book . #Before We Were US #Netgally

This book made me ache but in the best way. I was feeling Lauren's confusion and discomfort and Jonah's pain right along with the story. Both of their characters were very sympathetically done so you felt the push and pull of both sides of their stories. The story worked, but Denise Hunter's always do. I enjoyed reading it despite the somewhat unpleasant topic. It was different from a lot of the romance books out there, which was a welcome surprise. I also liked how the ending was done and that it was kind of unexpected in how it was done.

This was such a great literary fiction read! I loved this book from the very first page to the very last page.

Heartwarming read. Lauren is an ambitious young woman striving to over come her past. Goal oriented to achieve her dream job she is sidelined working at a small cabin living resort for 9 months to prove she is worthy for the premier job. Friction with the handsome son of the family owned business leads to sparks. Trauma brings kinks to the story. Fantastic read. Recommend. I was given an advanced reader copy of this well written book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review.

I’m not usually a fan of memory loss love stories, however, I am a fan of Denise Hunter. Her writing style makes me love this story regardless. I particularly loved the ending. The wedding gift. The infusion of memories they had made to bring them to who they were. The concept was done well and beautifully.

A sweet love story of strength and recovery that draws you in and keeps you engaged until the very end. Bring your Kleenex because you will need it!

I loved this book and didn’t want it to end! A perfect happy book to escape into and I would recommend to anyone needing a feel good romance. Jonah is so patient with Lauren as she struggles with her loss of memory from the summer they fell in love. The setting of the mountain resort is dreamy and I can’t wait for Denise Hunters next novel!

I really enjoyed reading Before We Were Us! Denise Hunter did a great job with character development. I was able to empathize with both sides of the story and want a positive outcome for each. I learned about traumatic head injuries as well. The ending was enjoyable as I was glad things were left a little messy because that's how life really is.

“Before We Were Us” by Denise Hunter
A Sweet Contemporary Romance
A story that wrapped me up in its web and held me close to the very last punctuation mark. An excellent sharing of the trauma that can result from memory loss and the subsequent journey to put one’s life back together again. And, Yes, the tears flowed like a tsunami, and the smiles did abound, too. Happy Reading ! !

As soon as I read the synopsis I was intrigued. I kept thinking about Before We Were Us even before I started it.
I had high expectations and they were all met. As soon as I read the first page I couldn’t put Lauren’s and Jonah’s story down. I needed to know how it ended. It’s a heartbreaking story yet beautiful and full of hope. I throughly enjoyed Denise Hunter’s writing story as it’s effortlessly fascinating.

you are a romance reader, this book is everything you’d ever want in a love story; thorough character development, unlikely attraction between characters, conflict, emotional roller coaster, captivating setting, and a sprinkle of humor. The conflict in Before we Were Us is rather frustrating, but that is what made the ending so satisfyingly beautiful. Then there is the setting; I wanted to look up the New Hampshire location and take my family for a week.
Lauren, grew up in the foster care system, got herself on her feet and somehow managed to put herself through college. Lauren’s dream job as a corporate event planner for one of the most prestigious companies in Boston is within her reach. Her glowing resume lacks one thing, experience. To gain this resume bullet, she takes on an internship at a rural family-owned resort where one can rent a cabin in the woods of New Hampshire. The Pinehaven Resort had been in the Landry family for several generations.
The owner’s son, Jonah and newcomer Lauren didn’t hit it off in the beginning but have become close over the months they have been working together. Being a city girl, she is surprised to actually be enjoying herself, especially the company of Jonah. While describing her idea of converting an old barn into a wedding/event venue, Lauren falls off a ladder and is rushed to the hospital. Lauren recovers from her visible injuries, but she has lost all memory of the last four months, including the growing relationship with Jonah. Her mind is back to the early days when she and Jonah were at odds. Sadly, the day she fell was the very day Jonah planned a romantic evening where he’d present her with a beautiful diamond ring and propose marriage. That plan is certainly no longer viable so the ring is locked away in a safe for hopefully better times. Doctors predict her memory to return in a few weeks, but the hard fact is that she may never regain those missing four months. Hard working Lauren dives back into her tasks at hand ,and decides she doesn’t matter if she remembers the lost four months and now is only interested in finishing her time there and moving back to Boston, where a prestigious position as an event planner with a well established firm called Glitter awaits. 
Jonah, who of course remembers every part of their love journey, is heartbroken about the state of their relationship, which is pretty much non-existent, if not hostile. He makes every effort to rekindle the friendship and love they had before she lost her memory. Lauren is not receptive. Slowly things do improve, however, the move back to Boston gets closer every day.
.

This is a charming, engaging and a bit frustrating story. I was right there with the characters, the cabins, and rescue dog, Graham. I could almost feel, smell and hear the sounds of the forest, as the writer used words to make the story come alive in my imagination.
Your heart will hurt along with Jonah’s, but one must also have sympathy for the situation Lauren found herself in.

My only complaint is the build up to the end couldn’t happen fast enough, but it was definitely worth the wait.

I haven’t come by a book by Denise Hunter previously and will now be on the look out. I enjoyed not just the story and characters but how they were developed. I couldn’t wait to turn the page but also didn’t want it to end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for giving me a copy of Denise Hunter’s book Before We Were Us in exchange for an honest review. This book was charming and had me hooked from the beginning. It is told from different time frames during a 4 month span switching between past and present. The present being what happens after Lauren’s fall from a ladder and subsequent memory loss and the before is the story of Lauren and Jonah falling in love.

Throughout the story you learn of both of their insecurities and their reasons for them, you learn of Lauren’s need of belonging, and Jonah’s feelings of helplessness. You see how sometimes you have to let what you love free and hope it will maybe come back to you.

This story kind of reminded me of a depressing Hallmark movie, although I loved every page.

Before We Were Us is a wonderful, slightly unusual second chance romance from best selling author Denise Hunter. I expected to love this one, as it was one of my most anticipated releases for this year, but I wasn't expecting for it to become one of my all time favorites from this author. A sweet and compelling story that was both swoon worthy and heart wrenching, I predict that this story is going to touch each and every heart that reads it.

Readers follow the POV's of both Lauren and Jonah, who on their way to finding happily ever after. Unfortunately, disaster strikes and Lauren's badly injured in a fall that causes amnesia and for her to forget her entire relationship with Jonah. While Jonah's determined to fight for the woman who has claimed his heart, he can't stop wondering if he can rightfully do so when doing so seems to go against what Lauren wants for herself and her future.

Set amidst the atmospheric and cozy Pinehaven resort, Before We Were Us is truly Denise Hunter at her best, and I had a hard time wanting to put this one down. It had all the cozy vibes I look for in Autumn themed reads, and the characters soon came to feel like old friends. This would be the absolute perfect clean romance to curl up with in front of the fireplace and a cup of your favorite hot drink once the temperatures start to cool down.

It doesn't shy away from touching on some hard topics, like the feelings of abandonment that Lauren has grown up with after being placed in the foster system. While Lauren's character can be kind of hard to take throughout some of the story, I definitely sympathized with what she was going through, and I thought this was represented authentically. I loved Jonah as a main character, and how he went out of his way to show a self sacrificial love towards Lauren, even when it seemed like it might never be reciprocated.

All in all, I adored this one and would list it as one of my favorites now by this author. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean, contemporary romances. My only complaint was that I wish there had been a stronger faith element, as I thought that would have made a great story that much better.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

This was a charming PG rated romance. The setting of a cabin resort property was a nice change from the norm, and all the characters were well written. My heart hurt at points for Jonah, and I enjoyed Lauren's story arc a lot.

This is such a sweet, feel good story that will touch your heart. Jonah and Lauren agreed their romance would be just a fling, no emotions, light and casual. After all, she was moving to Boston in December for her dream job. But life doesn't always go as planned. When Lauren has an accident and is faced with amnesia, she is lost and confused. She doesn't remember being in love with Jonah, but he can't seem to forget.
Beautifully written, characters with great personalities, and a plot that made me laugh, tear up, and root for a happy ending. Loved the story, and highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

One of my favorite books of the year! A beautiful, sweet, heartbreaking yet heartwarming story that brought out all my emotions. It captivated me from the opening pages and was very difficult to put down.

Focusing on the story of Lauren and Jonah, this story is so masterfully written you feel every emotion as they navigate Lauren’s memory loss. I found myself laughing at parts, crying at others, while still yet feeling in awe and giddy at other parts. Lauren’s memory loss affects the entire Landry family as they have come to love her. They all are waiting to see if her memory returns and if life resumes as it was before her fall or if Lauren moves forward and returns to Boston at the end of her term.

It is a very moving story that had twists that I did not expect. This will be one of those books that I will reread for years to come!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I loved this read, it felt warm and fuzzy, but there is enough drama here that you keep turning pages for answers.
We have a young ambitious woman who as part of getting her dream job must take a temporary job in the boonies of New Hampshire. Little does Lauren know how life changing this job will be.
Then we have the owner of the resorts son, he is still taking college courses, and hope soon to take over the resort. He is still nursing a broken heart, and sure isn't looking to a new relationship.
These two don't realize the road they are about to embark on, but sparks fly and soon? Then, everything changes in a second, how can they put it back together, or do they want to?
Does everything work out the way you want it to? Keep reading!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

Another great story by Denise Hunter. Each story I read by this author is inspiring. The characters are so well developed and the story keeps me turning the pages. Thanks for the advanced copy. I can’t wait for her next book.

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

This was such a captivating read.

Lauren Wentworth wakes up in a New Hampshire hospital with no memory of the last four months. She’s shocked to find she’s left her big-city dream job for a resort position and that her former nemesis, Jonah Landry, is now her boyfriend.

It was so much fun to watch them navigate this, and I loved how the story flips between past and present, showing us how Lauren and Jonah fall in love twice!

Jonah’s dedication to helping Lauren was SO adorable. I was truly rooting for them the whole time.

This story just beautifully captures the emotions of love and memory.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Thank you NetGalley and Ms. Hunter for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. A complete full review to follow soon, but I will say this Denise Hunter never misses!!

Jonah is the boyfriend we all wish we had. I love him a lot. This book is reeeeeeally good and I liked every single bit of it. Lauren is unfortunate enough to forget the last four months of her life.. including Jonah. The author has a very good way of writing, making the story understandable and Engaging. Read this if you're searching for a good enemies to lovers. Congrats to the author!

Such a wonderful book! I adored Jonah and Lauren’s story in Before we Were Us. Denise Hunter had me hooked from the start. Big city Boston girl has nine months at a lodge in the mountains and then her dream job is hers. However, she never expected to fall in love. When a freak accident causes her memory to disappear, she doesn’t have any idea about the relationship she built with Jonah that summer. As they try and sort through it, will her memories come back? Or must they start over? Or maybe it’s just over? Read it and see! You’ll be glad you did!

Things happen when you least expect it. Lauren’s dream job to be an event planner at a prestigious company Glitter in Boston, but before you could have that job the CEO wanted her to have more hospitality experience. The CEO set up a nine month job for her to help a longtime friend at her New Hampshire lake resort and after that the job would be Lauren’s at Glitter. Lauren didn’t know that this job in New Hampshire would change her whole life, not once but twice.

I had never read a book by Denise Hunter before this one and I really enjoyed her writing style. I loved the back and forth between past and present and overall the ending was perfect. A great love story with a bit a struggle and sense of hope.

Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction is trusting me with this eARC for my honest review. I believe Denise Hunter has gained a fan and I can’t wait to read more of her books.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter. It’s a very touching story. It’s about a man and a woman who fell in love. But then there’s an accident which causes Lauren to forget everything that happened the past four months and what timing. Jonah has a very special night planned. He’s bought a beautiful ring and is going to get down on one knee and propose. However, Lauren falls and hits her head and loses her memory. Will she regain her memory or will she chose her dream job in Boston? I recommend you read this book to find out hoe Lauren and Jonah’s story plays out. You won’t be disappointed.

I don’t know how to describe how much I loved this book. The way we were able to see different timelines, when they met and where they were then was so special and I loved seeing them fall in love twice. The enemies to lovers trope is one of my favorites and I loved seeing them fight their feelings, but when they fell, they fell hard. The fall setting was so beautiful and Denise Hunter is the reason I now want to go work at a small town inn. I couldn’t put this book down and it lived rent free in my head for a while after I finished it.

I received an eARC from netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Beautiful love story and one you won’t want to put down! Lauren takes a short term position at Pinehaven resort and immediately has discord with Jonah, her new boss. Is Jonah truly such a bad person though?

This book will take you on a journey through so many ups and downs for the two and some heart wrenching moments. Will Lauren follow her heart or will she choose a path away from Pinehaven?

A beautiful love story!!!! I truly enjoyed this book. To me it served as a great representation of God’s love for us in the form of romantic love between Lauren and Jonah. Although Lauren lost her memory and rejected Jonah he didn’t stop showing her love and being there for her hoping one day she will once again love him.

This author was new to me but she will be added to my list of favorites. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good love story.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Lauren Wentworth accepted a nine-month managerial position at a resort in New Hampshire to advance her career. Upon her return to the city, she is poised to land her dream job. From the beginning, she butts heads with Jonah Landry, the owner's son and her boss, as they take an instant dislike to each other. Over time, Jonah recognizes the need to adjust his behavior, offers an apology to Lauren, and they strike up a friendship.

Their relationship deepens, and they eventually fall in love, but a just as it all seems to being working out an accident causes Lauren to fall and lose her memory of the summer, including her feelings for Jonah. Just as Jonah is ready to propose, Lauren's memory only recalls their initial problems

Undeterred, Jonah is determined to win her love once more. It's a tender opportunity for a second chance, provided Lauren allows him back into her heart.

I enjoyed this book . It's a nice, easy read that carried my interest. We meet our main characters, and so after something bad happens to cause on amnesia. The story then goes to the past when they met, to the present when one is forgotten and they have to start over again. It's hard when someone has feelings and the other does not due to the memory issue. They slowly reacquaint and the reader gets to follow along and see it unfold. A nice story, with a bit of a different perspective.

I loved setting of a lodge, cabins, and lake in remote New Hampshire. The author described it so well, one would want to visit.

I recommend for those who like a light romance, a Christian read and just enjoy a good story.

In “Before We Were Us”, Denise Hunter takes the reader through a host of emotions as one of the main characters, Lauren, wakes up in the hospital after a fall from a ladder and she cannot remember anything from the previous four months of her life. Which means, the reader also walks through all the emotions of her boyfriend, Jonah, as he faces life with a girlfriend who no longer remembers that they had a relationship at all. This was a great story: well-plotted, strong characters, believable events, good conflict, good timing, and good resolution. What a great way to enjoy a literary escape. Be sure to grab a cozy chair, a tasty beverage, and travel to a lovely New England resort.

I requested a complimentary copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

This book was incredibly compelling.

The story revolves around Jonah and Lauren, who are in love but are separated by an accident that causes Lauren to lose her memory of ever loving Jonah. It explores how they navigate this challenging season.

The narrative tugged at my heartstrings. It was beautiful, deep, and sad, but ultimately rewarding. My heart went out to the characters, and their tenacity in achieving their goals was both admirable and comforting.

I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

This is one of my favorite reads so far this year! It was such a good, although predictable, story. I liked the dual timeline aspect although it was a little difficult to keep track of at times. My only disappointment is that this is a stand-alone book! Put this on your list if you like Hallmark stories.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The formatting of the file provided made this impossible to read. Sending only as feedback and will not leave an inaccurate or incomplete review.

When city girl Lauren Wentworth moved from Boston to New Hampshire for a temporary manager role at Pinehaven Resort, she never expected to fall for the resort owner’s son, Jonah Landry. Despite the rocky start to their relationship, Lauren and Jonah became friends, which eventually became so much more. But when an accident leaves Lauren with no memory of the entire summer or her romance with Jonah, she must decide if she will return to the city for her dream job or let herself fall for Jonah Landry again.🌲

If you enjoyed the movie, The Vow, then you’re going to love Denise Hunter‘s newest book, Before We Were Us! This sweet romance was rife with tension as Lauren found herself reluctantly falling for Jonah not once, but twice. Though there are flashbacks from the spring and summer, most of this book takes place in the fall, and the autumn vibes at Pinehaven Resort make this the perfect romance to read in the upcoming fall season. I really liked this book, and I think you will, too!🧡

Release Date: September 10, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.📒

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter

What a beautiful story! I could not put it down! Lauren Wentworth takes a job at a restricted resort to gain experience needed for her dream job. One day she takes a spill from a ladder and wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the entire summer. Her nemesis, Jonah, is there acting like a love sick boyfriend and she is at a loss as to how that happened or if it is real. Meanwhile, Jonah is patient, kind and heartbroken. He gives her space. The two continue working together and her memories remain hidden.
As her time to leave approaches, can he stand to let her go and can she bear to leave? His family and the whole package of “home” calls to her, It is something she longs for. Can she measure what she has with Jonah against the dream job of a lifetime in Boston? Will her past guide her or will her heart?
This was a phenomenal love story with so many layers. The char@caters are expertly crafted and the story draws you in from start to finish.
I give it 5/5 ⭐️s.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to offer my honest opinion.

Lauren has fallen off a ladder resulting in a concussion and amnesia. She cannot remember that she was in love with Jonah, nor can she remember anything that happened the six previous months. All she can remember is that she arrived in New Hampshire to be a temporary manager at the Pine Haven Resort until her dream job of being an event planner back in Boston becomes available. Both heartwarming and sad, the book relates the past and how she and Jonah navigate the present. This review is my honest opinion of this delightful book with such engaging characters, including the dog Graham! Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the early copy.

I was completely captured by this Denise Hunter charmer! I was so invested in these characters, almost from the start, I was sucked in before I even knew what was happening. And then, I had to keep going because I couldn’t stand not knowing how things would ever work out. What a premise this book has! You’d think the forgotten memories trope would feel contrived but it absolutely doesn’t. Lauren only loses four months due to her head injury- but they were four months that completely changed her life. I loved how Hunter dealt with this trope- nothing was how I (or Lauren, for that matter) expected things to turn out. A lot of faulty assumptions were made, corrected with a lovely plot twist! There’s so much I want to say but I refuse to give spoilers!

And can I just say Jonah is seriously such a sweetheart? Oh, my heart probably broke about 6 or 7 times just hurting for him. It’s been awhile since I’ve cried reading, but my emotions were just so invested, I cried with Jonah, I cried with Lauren, and I regret nothing. I couldn’t WAIT to get to the happily ever after, and now I sit in a puddle of happiness called a book coma, wishing for more.

Contains detailed kisses, the sweetest man ever, and no spice. Prayer from characters and church attendance mentioned, but not a lot of faith content. Lauren had a pretty lousy childhood, discussed in detail.

I was given a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.

Such a difficult subject written with such empathy is Denise Hunter's new story. Jonah and Lauren start out as strangers, but once they get to know each other the relationship changes. In a few short months they've fallen in love. On the eve of proposing, Lauren suffers a severe injury resulting in memory loss.

Jonah doesn't push or try to make her remember, he treats her with love and friendship hoping her memory returns. What she imagined happened in the past was all wrong. Can she embrace her new feelings and face the future, even with the unknown lurking in the background?

This is a wonder story of resilience , patience, and giving love a chance. Another great story by Denise Hunter that makes you question how you would handle the situation if it happened to you.

Although I received a free ARC ebook from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wonderful story!

When an accident causes Lauren to have memory loss of the last few months, which includes the time period that she fell in love with Jonah, can they find the way to each other again? Things look awfully bleak, and it is heartbreaking to read, but I know this is a romance, so all will end well.

This is a story of true love, when Jonah is suffering so much from Lauren not remembering what they shared, but wants the best for her, even if it includes her leaving him.

I am a huge fan of Denise Hunter and this is another of her amazing creations. I am so glad I found her at a reader event years ago. Her writing is very special. Blending joy with sadness and bringing out so much emotion in the reader. She writes with a Christian background and creates characters and their stories that I care so much about.

I want to thank Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading a complimentary advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

5 ⭐️
when lauren suffers a brain injury she can't remember her relationship with jonah. will they ever be the same? i absolutely loved everything about this book- from the romance to the found family. i literally couldn't put this book down.

thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this ARC!

This is a book to grab when you need to slow down and refresh yourself with a good love story. Jonah longs for Lauren to regain her memory of their love and they have for each other but it doesn’t seem to be returning anytime soon. Lauren launches herself back into the life she knew while Jonah waits for her. This was a perfect novel about the heart’s true desire.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Before We Were Us swept me away. I read this book on vacation in just over day. I've read a LOT of Denise Hunter stories and this might be my very favorite.

The premise is how a very happy couple is ripped apart by memory loss on the day a proposal was planned. The story then splits to when they first met and disliked each other instantly, through their relationship to the point of the memory loss. A second thread shows us the pain for both sides when Lauren can't remember ever liking Jonah, much less loving him.

I loved many things about the book. First of all the setting. There's something clever about the way the resort is part of the characterization in the book. With just a few deft statements, I placed myself on the jetty or at the fire pit eating s'mores. Both main characters had me pulling for them instantly. Jonah is easier to like because Lauren become defensive and guarded. But then I put myself in her shoes and understood her perspective.

The best part is the romance, or really double romance. Because very cleverly, Hunter allows us to see this couple fall in love twice under the same yet very different circumstances. If you like contemporary romances, this one is at the top of my highly recommended list.

I received a copy of Before We Were Us from the publisher via NetGalley. The joy of reading it is all my own

Before We Were Us
Denise Hunter
September 10, 2024

Lauren Wentworth was just graduating college searching for that perfect job. She blissfully discovered that one of her favorite businesses would be in need of a new manager for Glitter when the present one retired come January. After applying she was told the job would be hers but she needed the following months in a smaller hotel/inn to provide more experience. Her new boss set her up in a friend’s small lodge in rural New Hampshire. Not really knowing what her next location would be like, she accepted the position and drove from Boston. She will certainly miss all the glamour of Boston’s large city, her sweet apartment and wonderful places to shop. When she drove into the rough lane of the inn she started to realize what a huge contrast she was facing.
Before We Were Us will be published by Thomas Nelson on September 10, 2024. This latest novel by Hunter follows in her line of delightful romances. I was able to read and review Hunter’s latest novel via NetGalley.
Throughout the first months in Lauren’s journey, she found herself managing the lodge, cleaning up cabins, while working side by side with the owners and their adult children Meg and Jonah. It is such a fun ride. Her tour included all the learning experiences from the lowest position to suggestions for the expansion of the business. This is another excellent book by Hunter. The story has ups and downs for the protagonist. Readers come to wonder what could happen next. Truly this was another outstanding novel. Do enjoy!

I have always been a huge fan of Denise Hunter, and this book just was incredible! She always amazes me with her beautiful writing. Highly recommend.

Oh my word, where to start? Denise Hunter has outdone herself…again. Her newest work, Before We Were Us, is a splendid story of heartbreak, love, loneliness and dreams of success. But family and home are what’s most important. I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of reading it yet. It holds a uniqueness about it that’s still whirling and reeling in my mind. I would love to see this fabulous tale go to movie. Just saying…😁

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

I really liked this book. It gives you a glimpse into what regular people deal with in relationships and the struggles people sometimes face.

This book makes me so happy! Definitely one of Hunter's best (and that's saying something).

When I started reading it, I panicked for a mo' that I'd done my usual: start book 2 or 3 in a series without having read book 1. It felt like I came into the middle of a story already happening (which, granted, is true); I also hadn't read the back-cover copy in a hot minute, which would have clued me in as to what the plot and conflict might be. LOL. So there's that.

Once I figured that out, I was hooked on both the characters and the story. Even when the MCs annoyed me a bit, it fit in with the story and how they might be feeling/reacting to plot events. And everyone needs a Jonah Landry in their lives, truly. #swoon

Fans of Hunter's other books, especially the Riverbend Gap and Bluebell Inn Romance series, will undoubtedly enjoy this read.

A very, very good read, and a perfect way to finish out the summer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Before We Were Us” by Denise Hunter was a sweet and beautiful story about Jonah and Lauren love story and how they came together. I loved the different writing story of going back-and-forth between past and present time. It kind of gives you perspective as Lauren losses her memory of the past 4 month due to an injury. Beautiful sentimental ending to their love story.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and Denise Hunter for an eARC copy of “Before We Were Us”.

I enjoyed reading Before We Were Us, set in a small town in New Hampshire. Lauren’s mother abandoned her when she was young, which led to Lauren growing up in different families in the foster care system and not feeling like she belonged anywhere. Her childhood experiences made her fiercely independent and slow to trust.

Jonah’s family own the lakeside cabins and resort where Lauren is working while she waits for her dream job to start at a corporate events management company in Boston.

The story opens with Jonah and Lauren madly in love and planning their future life together. Lauren’s accident steals her memories of her relationship with Jonah and she’s confused when he behaves like he’s her doting boyfriend.

I love how the amnesia trope plays out in the story. We experience the depth of emotions and angst as Lauren deals with the consequences of her head injury and Jonah struggles with being rejected by the woman he loves. The story isn’t predictable and I kept turning the page all the way through to the satisfying and romantic story ending.

I recommend Before We Were Us to contemporary romance readers who like second chances amnesia stories with a twist on the enemies to love trope and a light faith element in the story.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Denise Hunter never disappoints. She had written another novel about temporary traumatic amnesia a while ago but this book definitely has a different feel to it. I loved Jonah and his steadfast, unwavering, sacrificial love for Lauren. Lauren was quite prickly for most of the book but, given her ugly past and her unrelenting climb out of helplessness, this was to be expected. Just like Jonah, I admired Lauren's determination, grit, drive, work ethic, and incredible creativity. I fell in love with Pinehaven resort and the beauty of New Hampshire, as well as Jonah's lovely parents and younger sister. The story had chapters of flashback to give the readers a detailed backstory of how Jonah and Lauren started as enemies and fell in love. Their friendship and subsequent romance were sweet, tender, thoughtful, and delightful.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Before We Were Us is a beautiful story that pushes the boundaries of love, patience, and the limitations we sometimes put on ourselves. The New England setting made the perfect backdrop for Jonah and Lauren’s second chance romance (with a twist). This novel takes readers into the deeper layers of true love and the definition of family. Another great hit from Denise Hunter.

Very good story. Lauren wanted to be an event planner and she was promised a job at the first of the year but she needed some experience first. She went to work at a very small resort and worked for Jonah who she clashed with immediately. Gradually, they fell in love. On the day he was planning to propose, she fell from a ladder and lost all memory of him and their love. She remembered him as her ill tempored boss, but didn't want anythin to do with him. He was heartbroken, but understood and hoped she would get her memory back. They started working together again and became friends. She went back to Boston and got her dream job but it didn't take long for her to realize she loved him still (or again). The story had some sweet parts, some romance, some tales of foster care and a wonderful HEA

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Another wonderful book by Denise Hunter. It is a good clean romance that was hard to put down. I will definitely read from this author again. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Before We Were Us definitely made it to my top favorites list for this year. This is a spin on a second chance romance and I'm here for it. Denise Hunter ripped my heart apart and slowly pieced it back together. This is one that will stick with me for a long time coming.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An achingly beautiful story about love lost and found.

Jonah and Lauren are deeply in love and looking towards a life together forever. That is, until an accident leaves Lauren with no memories of their love - only the memories of when they first met and despised each other.

I think this might be my favorite Denise Hunter book yet.

Jonah was such a wonderful MMC. He was hardworking, devoted to his family, thoughtful, and only wanted what was best for Lauren. My heart ached for him, having to navigate through loving a woman who didn't remember him as anything more than someone who rubbed her the wrong way.

I loved Lauren as a FMC. She was passionate and hard-working, always striving for her dreams. She had a lot of baggage, not just relating to her accident, and she grew so much throughout the book.

I loved the setting in New Hampshire. It gave me all the cozy fall feels.

This book literally had me smiling and crying throughout. And the part where the title of the book comes into play...so good! Highly, highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the eARC.

This is a sweet book, as usual from Denise! I really enjoyed the dual timelines as their love story was told and unfolded along with the memories lost due to an accident. It was very interesting to have questions linger as a reader along right along with Lauren. I adored Jonah's patience and how he loved Lauren well no matter what. An enjoyable read for fall!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction, NetGalley and Denise Hunter!

Oh my gosh I did not see the first twist coming! Do you believe in fate? True Love? You will definitely love this story! I was hooked right away with Jonah and the resort. Lauren was perfect even though it was just a summer thing. Then in the blink of an eye the summer was gone. This is such a well written story with lots of twists, turns, ups and downs. Well done! I highly recommend this book.

I’m alway excited to hear when Denise Hunter has a new book coming out. Before There Was Us is one I was looking forward to reading. There were parts after Lauren lost her memory and four months of her life that I thought she doesn’t deserve Jonah. He was so understanding and kind and she was downright rude to him. I understand her upbringing played a part in her trust issues but I wanted to like her more because of what she’d been through but at times she just seemed mean. She did redeem herself and I’m glad it ended the way it did.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc and getting to read this story early.

Before We Were Us is an Interesting title and a wonderful book by Denise Hunter . Her books are also ones that I want to read!

The blurb: She can't remember. He can't forget.

Lauren had the world at her feet. Newly graduated, Working at her dream job in the city and looking to her future position as a project manager after a summer as a temporary manager at a rustic cabin resort. She will be headed back to her new position with a wealth of experience, a new fur baby (Graham) and affirmation that her people skills have been appreciated by the owners and guests at the resort. With only a few weeks to go completing this assignment, a bad fall from a ladder stops everything.

Lauren has lost her memory of the last months at the resort. She doesn't remember falling in love with Jonah. In the hospital, she remembers she had a crush on the handsome intern, Carson, but nothing else. Carson encourages her to let the memory come back on its own. Jonah struggles, with this loss. She doesn't remember falling in love with the owners of the resort and yes, their son Jonah. And Jonah knows it all but how does he help the woman he loves? And does he really know all the story?

How she processes and moves forward, remembering the romance, the story draws you in. And even if you expect that happy ending, how does it unfold?

For an ARC of this book by Denise Hunger and a copy from Netgalley, this is my honest review.

Love conquers all! Including amnesia that makes the person who hated you then fell in love with you hate you again.

WOW. This book was so creative. Such a fun idea and a really great book. The writing was sweet, the romance was great. I loved the flashbacks that showed their love story the first time around even as they were on this second journey together. The female MC was so hard to like at times because it was CLEAR that this guy was trying to be there for you and she had zero intention of giving him a chance. But as the backstory unfolded, it was understandable why she was a little guarded. I still think she should have tried harder. But I loved how Denise Hunter drew us into their emotions and showed their faith coming in handy in the hard moments of life. Great book that kept you guessing until a VERY SATISFYING conclusion.

This is a really good book. I enjoyed it so much! This book is a love story about Lauren and Jonah who meet at Jonah's family's rustic resort when Lauren comes to work for them for 9 months before she starts her dream job in Boston. When they first meet, they can't stand each other. Then, over time, they fall in love. Lauren is involved in an accident and her memories are lost to her. She doesn't remember falling in love with Jonah. She only remembers before they fell in love when they didn't like each other. Jonah is crushed. Unbeknownst to Lauren, the accident happened on the day Jonah was going to propose marriage. Lauren finishes her time at the resort then moves to Boston for her dream job. A lot of things happen after she leaves. Will Lauren's memory come back? Will Lauren and Jonah get back together? Read this book to find out. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

This is a delightful escape into charming small-town New Hampshire, where city girl Lauren finds more than she bargained for during a summer job at a family-owned resort. As she waits for her dream job opportunity in Boston, she unexpectedly falls hard and fast for Noah, who is also the resort owner’s son. But when an accident leaves her with amnesia, Lauren's feelings for Noah are anything but romantic, so he has to find a way to win her heart all over again. This heartwarming, closed-door romance is an emotional story. To me, it's all about second chances and bravely facing the challenges in our past. I thought the amnesia subplot was skillfully written and I felt like I was experiencing the picturesque setting in real life. Before We Were Us is a must-read with a happy ending! Loved it!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

this was such a unique love story. This book shows two people who at first don't like each other. but as time goes on their feelings slowly start to change for each other and they fall madly in love. Until the main character hits her head and can't remember any of the last 4 months (aka the time they spent falling in love with each other) what she does remember is when she didn't like him. so when she finds out they were in love, she's understandably confused. this was a lovely story. it showed how deep his feelings were for her and how deep their love was for each other.

"Jonah Landry elected to stay busy on the day his entire future hung in the balance."
What a great way to grab your reader and swing them right into the story! Denise Hunter has spun a tale so engaging you will not want to put it down until you reach the last page, last paragraph, last sentence, last period!
Jonah is a strong willed yet sincere and somewhat insecure individual trying to find his place in his world and in his family. Oh he has a family and is loved dearly but he still is trying to find that spot for him.
Lauren is a go getter and what she wants is to get through the nine months as temporary manager of Pinehaven Resort and get her covered position at Glitter. That was her dream job, not some place in the wild, without all the city amenities she was used to.
Jonah and Lauren don't hit it off too great as coworkers and things get even more complicated after Lauren has an accident and suffers a traumatic head injury
Hunter really tugs at the heart with the emotional battle both Jonah and Lauren embrace. Is it harder to remember and let go of the one you love or harder to not remember and not fight for the one you used to love?
Poignant and emotional!

It was only supposed to be a summer job- a job before her real job in Boston-but now Lauren has to rethink her life. This is a sweet romance about two young people and their thoughts about the future, Lauren loses 4 months of her memory when she falls off a ladder at Joshua's parents' resort in New Hampshire. She doesn't remember that they become good friends and she doesn't know the depth of his feelings for her. This is all about how they work things out. While these two are, ahem, young, they are well drawn relatable characters, Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me about the ending.

5 stars!

The book follows Lauren and Jonah who work at Pinehaven resort in rural New Hampshire. Lauren falls and loses the last several months of her memory and she doesn't remember falling in love with Jonah and wants nothing to do with him. Follow their journey to learn if they can survive this, or if Lauren decides to move on.

I loved the dual POV between Jonah and Lauren, and the flashbacks to the memories than Lauren lost so that we as readers get the whole story.

This was such a feel good, Hallmark movie vibe book, but there were still so many emotions and serious things happening. This book makes me so excited to head up to Vermont/ the NE this fall! Highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the chance to read this book!

This was such a great book! The storyline was so much fun. Being from New England originally myself, I loved the setting being in NH.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Beautifully written story of love - found and lost - lost and found. Memorable characters set in a wonderful place add to this story. Another sigh worthy inspirational love story. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the author Denise Hunter and publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is a carefully plotted romance about a young woman who loses her memory and breaks the heart of the man who loves her because she doesn’t remember him at all. Lauren Wentworth is a newly graduated events planner and goes to New Hampshire to work at a small family camp while she waits for her the date when she will report to her dream job. She never counted on the fun and flirty relationship that started with the owners’ son, Jonah Landry. The novel goes back and forth in time between the current time after Lauren got injured and lost her memory and the past when she and Jonah were getting to know each other and courting. The conflict is very realistic in that Lauren cannot remember Jonah but she does recall that she has a dream job waiting for her in Boston after the first of the year. This is a slam dunk great love story, with a well-crafted plot and appealing characters characters. I really enjoyed the dog Graham, too, who acted as a buffer of sorts between the couple who seem to be fated to separate. The story is satisfying, engaging and heartwarming, with family and relationships that matter front and center.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This story is set in New Hampshire at an older cozy resort. Lauren is brought on to give new life to the resort and get some experience for her dream job that she starts in 9 months. Jonah is the owners son and is looking to take over the reins once he graduates from college, something his parents insisted on. The story really starts in September, but after Lauren's fall and subsequent memory loss of the last 4 months, we are taken back to April, when she first arrived in town. Jonah is very patient and considerate of her needs, while still worrying about losing her due to her memory loss. Solid plot and writing. A very enjoyable story and hard to put down. Loved the resort and the upgrades Lauren did, as well as learning about these two characters.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a very sweet and inspirational story. It is told in alternate timelines from the points of view of the two main characters Jonah and Lauren. It is a romantic story but also one of family and resilience. The plot is very well thought out and gives the reader an opportunity to get to know the characters well. The characters are wonderful and rely on the strength of their faith and friends and family to get them through the difficult times. This will be a great book to relax with and read.

In one day, two worlds were shattered. One has no memories and has completely forgotten the past four months of her life. The other remembers everything in vivid detail, which only causes pain now due to the loss of something so precious.

City girl Lauren Wentworth is moving to New Hampshire to be the temporary manager of Pinehaven Lodges. It is quite a shock to Lauren's system going from Boston to this small little town in New Hampshire where her designer clothes and shoes are not even given a second glance. She decides she can make it. After all it is only temporary so she can earn her big chance at her dream job back in Boston. She does not count on falling in love.

Jonah Landry is the owners' son, and he is definitely not Lauren's type of man. That's just what she thinks. They do end up in love, but everything changes overnight when Lauren falls and has a concussion. When she wakes up she remembers nothing of their relationship. The last memory she has is when she arrived in town. She only remembers Jonah as being the guy who got on her nerves when she first arrived at the lodge. Needless to say Jonah is crestfallen, but he vows to give her time.

This book was deeply emotional. Jonah was heartbroken and tried so hard to make her remember. I wanted to cry for him. Lauren was more than a little rough on him. I really wanted to pinch her, but I had to remember that losing her memory was more scary than she wanted to admit. She was also carrying around some major baggage from her past that needed to be dropped off and never picked up again. Jonah's patience and understanding with Lauren was the stuff of a fairy tale romance. This was more than a second chance romance. It was a chance to wipe the slate clean and learn from your mistakes. You may want to have a few tissues on hand. The sweet dog named Graham added another layer of charm and sweetness to this story.

The vibrant descriptions of the property and landscape where the lodge was located sounded breathtaking, which just added more to experiencing this book in full, living color. This book would make an awesome movie.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved the setting of this story. I don't usually consider the seasons much when I read, but it played an important part in this story, and I enjoyed it!

I don't think I have ever cried so much for a male character. The emotional pain he was experiencing was heartbreaking for me, too.

I love when a romance novel can incorporate more than one trope, and this one did. I love these characters and recommend this book!

I received this eARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

NOTE: I previously sent this same review for the audiobook. I had applied for both. I left out the part where I mention the stellar narrator in this one.

REVIEW: I’ve read many novels by this author but this is my favourite. It is her BEST work, in my opinion and it releases September 10, 2024. From the gorgeous autumn cover to the epilogue that makes your heart feel like it will stretch right out of your body, this book is a must-read.

This novel has joy and heartbreak, beauty and ugliness, tears and laughter, emptiness and fullness, strengths and weaknesses, low valleys and mountain-top moments. And she does it all with the reader feeling fully invested and immersed in the characters and community. 

They are not perfect characters with a Cinderella story. There are flaws. There are missteps. There are moments you want to scream in utter frustration, cry in despair, and cheer with jubilance. And swoon??? Oh, YES, there is heart-palpitating swoon that is so full of depth and meaning.

There are so many layers to this story and it keeps you reading as you peel them back one by one. I would love to see this become a series (hint-hint!!!) because I love the people and community of Pinehaven. I am, therefore, firmly invested in what comes next: 
- Jonah’s sister? 
- The handsome doctor returning home? 
- Lauren’s best friend visits or takes a job there? (Maybe her AND the doctor!)

Two or three more books would be juuuuust right! After all, that stunning barn venue is just waiting expectantly, in all its splendor, to be the amazingly romantic setting for endless weddings to come!

*** HUGE thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson (publisher) for an advanced copy of the audiobook. My honest review is voluntary and in my own words.  #BeforeWeWereUs

This is a heart wrenching story. Lauren Wentworth has been on a path to getting her dream job. When the opportunity arises, she is told that if she can help this old friend get her hotel in the wild back on track over the next 9 months, she would get the job. This city girl had no idea what she was getting into. Jonah Landry is the son of the owners. He feels he should be running the place and he acts accordingly. The first meeting goes wrong. So Jonah has decided to make amends. They had a Summer of falling in love. A freak accident leaves Lauren with no memory of the past four months, Can the person you love give you another chance or will you end up letting her go? In the end, she is back in the city, working her dream job. Only little pieces of her memory keep coming to her. Where does she belong? Her dream job that she has worked towards her whole life or the life she was making with Jonah? A beautifully written book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
.

This moving, heartfelt novel explores love, friendship and the complexities of relationships. Lauren struggles emotionally to navigate her amnesia and her forgotten love/relationship with Jonah. The narrative delves into their emotional struggles as they confront both their current personal challenges as well as their relationship prior to the accident. I smiled and cried simultaneously many times throughout this story. An incredible novel and a must read.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loved this book! The story was so sweet. I loved the dual timeline as the stories came to the accident. The way it came together in the end was so good. I couldn’t hold back the tears! Great read!

What a great book! Imagine waking up in the hospital and despising the man that everyone says was your perfect match. All you can remember of him is animosity. That is the story of Jonah and Lauren. After a fall, she wakes up and has lost months of memories--memories that were supposedly good ones with Jonah. All she can go by is her feelings how and her plans to move on after her stint at his parents' resort is up. Jonah is helpless and he's not used to that. What can he do but let her go?

This book has all the feels written into an emotionally charged story. It was wonderful!

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts are my own.

After a difficult childhood, Lauren's dream job is within her grasp - she just has to put in nine months in a country town managing a rustic resort. Unfortunately, she doesn't hit it off with her boss, Jonah, at least at first. But over the next four months, spending time together sparks a relationship, to the point where Jonah's ready to propose. Then, a fall results in the loss of all Lauren's memories since the early days, when they were still enemies. When she wakes, she can't understand what he's doing in her hospital room - and he can't comprehend how a love such as theirs can be forgotten. She has three months left at Pinehaven before returning to Boston, but she's got her walls back up, stronger than ever. Will her memories come back before she leaves - or if not, can he make her fall for him a second time?

A deeply touching story of a most unusual type of loss - loss when the loved one is still there, hale and hearty, but has forgotten the shared love. At the start I was wondering whether there was an earlier book I hadn't read, but it soon became clear that no, we're just jumping into the middle of the story and will get earlier parts later, intertwined with the ongoing story. It's beautifully done and really does work much better than telling the story in order would. I felt a lot of sympathy for both of them in their plight, but loved watching them find their way back together, however much Lauren fought it! And the thread with her mother was a lovely touch. The result of it all is a beautiful story of love regained, including the need to let the loved one go at times. Throw in a very satisfying ending, and you've got the perfect read - though if you don't like crying around others, you might want to read parts it in private! Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’m always excited when I see that Denise Hunter has a new book, so I had to read Before We Were Us! It was wonderful! It’s a sweet, clean romance with an amnesia trope.

I loved Lauren and Jonah so much! Lauren was a strong character whose dreadful childhood made her into the young woman she was now. She had trouble trusting people, but Jonah slowly made her fall in love with him despite their promise to not fall in love with each other!

Then she fell and forgot falling in love. Forgot that Jonah was her world. Forgot her dream. Jonah had so much strength and patience after Lauren forgot their love. Of course, he was devastated, but he tried so hard to hide it from Lauren.

This dual-timeline novel flips back and forth from before her fall and after her fall. I loved watching them fall in love and felt so much pain for Jonah after. I know the pain of loss, but having the person still alive and standing in front of you not remembering the love you shared? Horrible. Yet Jonah never changed. His character and strength begin showing Lauren the man she fell in love with.

The supporting characters like Jonah’s sister and parents made this novel even better. It’s crazy when you get to the age where you identify more with the parents than the heroine of the story, but I totally could identify with Jonah’s mom! You hurt when your kids hurt!

I loved the New Hampshire setting. I’ve never been there, but Hunter’s beautifully descriptive writing allowed me to picture its beauty.

I couldn't put this novel down. Seriously, I read almost the entire thing in a day. I highly recommend Before We Were Us for its gorgeous setting, amnesia trope, sweet love story, and well-written characters.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

If you had to start all over, with no memory of what came before, would you still fall in love with the same person?
That’s the question posed in Denise Hunter’s latest novel. With its engaging characters, a beautiful setting, the heartbreak of unrequited love, and the hope that somehow, some way love just might win the day . . . again, this book is the perfect, curl-up-and-read book for fall—or any time of year.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’m such a big fan of Hunter.
Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter is a wonderfully written love story.
Once again Denise Hunter has written a beautiful story that captured my attention from the very beginning.
The characters are engaging and well written.
Her writing was amazing. She left me wanting more!

Denise Hunter is the queen of contemporary romance. Her books never fail to captivate with endearing characters and expertly crafted plots teeming with tension and romance. In Before We Were Us, Hunter engulfs her readers in a story of love found, only to be seemingly lost forever. This book is a journey of discovery, of personal growth, and of second chances. Truly, it is the perfect fall read! Hunter is not an author to miss!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This was a beautiful story about sacrificial love, trust, patience and above all faith.

I loved how the author took the reader from present to past to fill us in on the lost memories of Lauren. I loved seeing how Lauren and Jonah’s relationship grew and felt the loss with Jonah when Lauren forgot her memories but did not even want to remember.

Jonah was a strong hero, but had his uncertainties due to his past, but was also not afraid to be vulnerable. The love he had for Lauren was very strong and my heart broke with him throughout this experience.

Yes, there is a happy ending, and a very good one, but you need to go get the book and read it.

This is one of my favourite books I have read by this author.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Denise Hunter's Before We Were Us is a heartwarming and engaging novel that explores themes of love, memory, and personal growth through the lens of a compelling romantic drama. In this touching story, Hunter delves into the complexities of relationships and the profound impact of memory on our perceptions of those we love.

The plot centers around Lauren, who suffers a head injury and experiences amnesia, erasing the last few months of her life from her memory. This loss of recollection is particularly poignant as it includes her recent and turbulent feelings towards Jonah, her partner. When Lauren wakes up, her last memory of Jonah is one of disdain, creating a chasm between their past and present selves. Jonah's journey to win back Lauren's trust and affection forms the heart of the novel.

Hunter excels in creating a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and well-paced. The story unfolds with sensitivity and depth, capturing the nuances of how memory and emotion intertwine. The characters are exceptionally well-developed; Jonah and Lauren are portrayed with genuine complexity, making them relatable and endearing. Their struggles and triumphs are depicted with authenticity, allowing readers to invest deeply in their journey.

Jonah's character is particularly notable for his patience and unwavering dedication. His efforts to rebuild their relationship, despite the hurdles posed by Lauren's amnesia and her lingering negative feelings, demonstrate a profound commitment that adds layers to his character. Lauren's internal conflict and gradual rediscovery of her feelings are portrayed with nuance, reflecting her growth and the healing power of love.

Hunter's writing is fluid and engaging, with a narrative style that draws readers into the emotional landscape of the characters. The dialogues are natural, and the pacing ensures that the story maintains its momentum without feeling rushed or drawn out.

Overall, Before We Were Us is a solid read that combines a compelling premise with well-crafted characters and an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Denise Hunter has delivered a novel that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, making it a worthwhile addition to any reader's collection. If you're a fan of romance that explores the intricacies of relationships and personal transformation, this book is definitely worth picking up.

Another great story from Denise Hunter. This one drew me in and held my attention from the very first chapter.
Lauren is deciding to give up a big city job for doing a makeover of a rustic resort. Of course, it's in a town where Jonah is and these two have a past they aren't sure they can get over. After awhile, they renew their feelings for each other until......an accident leaves Lauren with a memory problem and she can't remember the last four months. Will her memories of the last summer, finally come back to her and will she remember how wonderful Jonah is? You'll have to read the story to find out.
Emotional, heartwarming, sweet romance, friendships and beautifully written scenery makes this such a great story that I enjoyed.
I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this book.

This may be my favorite Denise Hunter novel! At the beginning I was like “the hero and heroine are in love, actually they are like star-crossed lovers in love. Where’s the story?” Then the heroine has a fall resulting in a concussion that made her forget she had fallen in love with a guy she used to hate. The premise made the story that much better—though I felt sorry for Jonah because he’d already worked hard to get her to fall for him, once, now he had to do it all over again. And Lauren was SO determined to return to Boston and her dream job, she fought her feelings hard. It was such a sweet story with such strong conflict that I really wondered if Jonah would get his HEA.

Fantastic book! Lauren has had an accident and now forgets falling in love with Jonah when Jonah was about to propose marriage. Such a creative and intersting storyline. I was more heartbroken for Jonah honestly. He was so patient and tried so hard to make things right again. Lauren seemed to only want the life she remembered and didn't want to remember loving Jonah. These characters were exceptional and this book took me on quite the emotional journey. This heartfelt, entertaining and heartwarming story with incredible writing draws you in, keeps you invested and interested until the very end. This is a must read!

I loved this book! This was my first Denise Hunter book and I'm excited to read more of her books. This is a heartwarming story that was hard to put down. Highly recommend!

I enjoyed reading Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an amazing love story Between Jonah and Lauren before her accident that lady her with memory loss. My heart broke for Jonah every time Lauren pushed him away. But Jonah refused to give up on her even after she left him for good. Or did she?? I guess you'll have to read it for yourself to find out.

My favorite Denise Hunter book thus far.


Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I love Denise Hunter. This book was almost like a play on while you were sleeping except the heroine hates her boyfriend. But seeing him woo her and win her over for the second time had my eyes leaking a little bit. Ok a lot. Such a great story about how Love sticks around and fights.

This was a beautiful, emotional, and uplifting book about a young couple, Lauren and Jonah, who started out as enemies and then fell in love. Just before Jonah was about to propose, Lauren had an accident that caused amnesia and all she could remember was the rocky start to their relationship. The majority of the book is about how Jonah tried to win Lauren’s heart a second time. This book ran the gamut of emotions for me from tears to laughter and a whole lot in between. I especially loved Jonah’s steadfast love for Lauren that never quit even when it seemed all was lost and how he put her happiness above his own. Even the secondary characters were wonderful. So inspiring! Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson - Fiction, via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This was a beautiful story set in picturesque New Hampshire. The Pinehaven Resort on Lake Loon with its cabins and lodge sounded like a fun place to stay. I liked how this book felt like a Hallmark movie. Maybe someday it will be. The characters of Jonah and Lauren pulled me into their love story and it was a remarkable one full of love, angst, happiness, and sorrow.

The ending was so beautiful, perfect, and special. I really enjoyed reading this book about amnesia and the significance of the title. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

"His bruised heart gave a pitiful thump. Sure, she couldn't recall what they'd had before, but it hurt just the same. Surely there was some part of her, deep down, that remembered the love they'd shared. He couldn't imagine all those amazing feelings and wonderful memories being completely eradicated as hers apparently had. It was impossible not to take it personally."

Jonah found the love of his life. But after a head injury, Lauren no longer remembers him. At least not the falling in love part. 4 months of her memories are gone. In her mind, Jonah is obnoxious and wearisome. His only option ...trying to get her to fall in love again.

This is a sweet stand-alone contemporary romance. Jonah demonstrates such unconditional love. I wasn't sure about Lauren at first. But the characters and storyline gradually drew me in to the point that I couldn't stop reading. I highly enjoyed this book.

I was able to read an early copy through @netgalley I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

I don't usually read Christian fiction or contemporary romance. This was also a first one for me by this author.

I enjoyed the book. It didn't wow me but it was good. Good enough to warrant a five star rating. I could not put less as I found nothing wrong with the book except that it was one I could put down and come back to multiple times. It's well written and all of the characters are likable. It did give me feelings and that is always a plus. I had sad and happy tears with this book. Sad when things went bad and so happy with the way it all worked out. This is a sweet story. A love story. A story with hope. Also amnesia...

Lauren and Jonah have a beautiful story and how he presents that to her later was the best. They are so in love but only after a rocky start. Of course there is the rocky start. But when an accident befalls Lauren and she forgets things then it's not so great. She can't remember ever liking Jonah much less being in love with him.

Can Jonah win Lauren's love back? Will she leave and stay gone? What is to happen between these two? It's a love story with a few ups and downs. Big moves and returns. Finding a lost soul along the way and maybe having a relationship with said lost person. I can't say more than that. I won't give anything away. That is where forgiveness comes in though.

Thank you #NetGalley, #ThomasNelsonFiction for this arc.

Five stars.

One thing I always know when I sit down with a Denise Hunter Novel is that I am in for an enjoyable read. Before We Were Us did not disappoint. She has always provided me with stories that fill my heart and give me warm fuzzies. I enjoy books that can do that to me. I admit I’m a sucker for a good love story. I prefer the ones that are not the typical love story and Denise’s books are not typical. There is always something a little different about them.

This book has a main character named Lauren that suffers a fall and loses about 4 months of her memories. Her then boyfriend Jonah can’t forget the time they spent together and Lauren doesn’t want to remember. She is by nature a go-getter and has big plans for her life. She is not about to give them up for just any man! Would you?

I loved the ride this story took me on. It is a good clean romance and I found myself rooting for Jonah and their love story. His parents and sister are all characters that you learn to care for as they run the small rustic resort where Lauren is working for the summer. Her being there is a condition of her dream job in the big city.

Denise Hunter writes clean romances and if that is in your wheelhouse, you will definitely want to put this one on your nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #Netgalley, #ThomasNelson. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. After Lauren falls from a ladder and suffers a traumatic brain injury, she has no memory of her relationship with Jonah and the life they have running a rustic resort. I loved this storyline and the characters. even the dog Graham. Totally recommend this book.

Even though one can assume a happy outcome in a Denise Hunter story, the skill of this brilliant writer takes us on a journey where we can discover that outcome with our own heart and mind. The story of Laura Wentworth and her empty life that is filled by the Landry family, and particularly by Jonah is a beautiful and heartfelt story that stays with you. As Laura is changed by love she suffers a traumatic brain injury in a fall, and can't remember months of her life. Her love for Jonah is erased in her mind, and opportunities in her career motivate her non-interest in re-establishing a relationship. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Another beautiful story by Denise Hunter that did not disappoint! She has a wonderful gift for addressing difficult scenarios and topics in a way that is so realistic but grace-filled and tender. This story was definitely reminiscent of The Vow (which I am also aware was based on the true story of a Christian couple), in that we are introduced to a young couple who are very much in love and full of hope for the future on the very evening that the Jonah plans to propose. These plans are interrupted when Lauren takes a nasty spill from a ladder and suffers a traumatic head injury, resulting in the loss of all short term memory- so her entire relationship with Jonah of the previous months. She only remembers things from when she first arrived in that small town, when her dreams and aspirations were very different, she had a crush on another man, and most importantly perhaps- that she and Jonah HATED each other. As she recovers from her injury, Jonah must win her over again. As with any of this author's books, I adored the story, the characters and the development of said characters. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a clean, inspirational, faith-filled romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

A beautiful story of love lost and found again.... all with the same person! After a blow to the head on the day her boyfriend planned to propose to her, Lauren loses all of her short term memories, meaning that as far as she remembers, she and Jonah HATE each other. Jonah has to win the woman he loves all over again, or risk losing her to circumstances and to the man she had a crush on months prior. I love that with this author, I can always trust that it will have a sweet, happy ending. Highly recommend for lovers of sweet, inspirational romances.

I loved the farm like setting of this book. This book brought out so many emotion .. The 2 main characters had such great love for each other until an unfortunate event happened… Testing how far one town will work to help restore the love between 2 people … A very heart felt read .. Can’t wait to read more from this author…

Before We Were Us
by Denise Hunter
5/5 stars

Lauren Wentworth, is a city girl who takes a job managing a cozy resort in New Hampshire while waiting for her dream career in Boston. She quickly bonds with Jonah, the owners' son, and dreams of transforming a barn into a wedding venue.

But when an accident causes her to lose memories of the past four months, including her relationship with Jonah, things get complicated. With only texts and photos to help her remember, the emotional stakes rise for both of them.

Denise’s writing captures the romance and charm of the resort beautifully. This is my second book by her, and I'm definitely going to read more!

I really enjoyed this emotional amnesia story from Denise Hunter. The characters are great, the setting makes me want to go to New Hampshire, and the plot twists add a lot. There are fun, humorous incidents interspersed with the discouraging times. And then there’s the dog!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #BeforeWeWereUs #NetGalley

Oh I loved this story! Such a unique story line for amnesia. It held my attention all the way through the book. I listened to the audiobook as well and the narrator was easy to listen to for hours. Such a good book! I am so glad I was allowed to read it.

Before We Were Us, by Denise Hunter, is a heartwarming story that is very enjoyable to read. The story has wonderful characters. Lauren took the position as the Landry resort as a stepping stone toward her dream job, but something changed her mind. After a terrifying accident, she has no memory of changing her mind. As Jonah works to help her regain her memory, hurts for her and what could have been.

This is an enjoyable story to read. I loved the characters and felt so sorry for Lauren and especially Jonah as he sat along the sidelines and watched her struggle to regain her memory. I found his mother to be a fun character as she forces them to spent time together and hopes for the relationship to return. This is such a sad yet heartwarming story to read. I especially found the changed Lauren made to the resort and how the family accepted them interesting.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

Before We Were Us, by Denise Hunter, is a well plotted story relating the repercussions to one’s life after experiencing a traumatic brain injury. Lauren Wentworth is working as manager of the family owned lakeside Pinehaven Resort in Pinehaven, New Hampshire. Having had dreams of working for the elite corporate event planning company in Boston, Glitter, when Lauren is offered a paid internship by the company owner working at the resort to get management experience after owner Tom Landry suffers a heart attack.

Lauren quickly takes the opportunity given her expecting a fancy resort. When Lauren arrives at the resort, however, she finds more of a family fishing camp. She tries to make the most of it with Glitter in her sights at the end of the year. While Tom and Tammy are lovely, and their daughter Meg is delightful, their son Jonah is an enigma that rather brings out the hate at first sight reaction until it doesn’t.

On the day Jonah plans to propose at a fancy dinner, they first go to the old barn on the property that they are renovating as an event space. Taking in the view below the old loft affords, Lauren and Jonah are already making future plans. That is until a misstep on the loft ladder finds Lauren crumpled on the barn floor unresponsive. With a quick 911 call it still seems like forever before emergency services arrives and transports Lauren, accompanied by Jonah, to the hospital. However, when Lauren finally awakes it is determined that she has lost the last several months of memory and remembers nothing of her relationship with Jonah and is still in the time before they were together. From there, the story evolves to tell what happens as Lauren returns to the resort as well as how she plans to leave at the beginning of the year.

This is another well written and heartfelt story by Denise Hunter. With wonderful characters, a lovely, well described setting, and a focus on the seriousness of head injuries, this is one more must read from this author. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

We have ourselves a book of the year contender....

Drum roll please...

Before We Were Us

Im sure you can see from my reading history, I don't typically read contemporary romance but the book gods had aligned and this stunning cover ended up in front of me and well, I just couldn't say no and Im so happy I didn't!

I absolutely loved every bit of Jonah, ugh, if its a book boyfriend, it's not cheating right ?

Before We Were Us, is the PERFECT book club pic, I promise, you will have so much to talk about!

Both Jonah and Lauren feel SO real that when you conclude you will just want a life update, like, hey, how's it going?

I want to be their friends!!!

I can't sing enough praise, Denise Hunter, slayed and I can't wait to see what is next

Check out this teaser :

She can’t remember. He can’t forget.

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

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! 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.

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.

Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital to be told she took a bad fall from a ladder and hit her head. Fortunately, she will be okay. Unfortunately, she can't remember the past several months of her life. She's told that she's in a serious relationship with Jonah Landry. What?!!! All she can remember about Jonah is her great dislike for him when she came to work for his parents at their resort in New Hampshire. This is her first job out of college to give her some experience so she can go back to the city and have her dream job at Glitter that is waiting for her.
Jonah's parents and his sister, Meg, are all very warm towards her so she must have had a close relationship with them, but she can't remember any of it. She's not sure she wants to remember as it can jeopardize her dream job. Better to keep distance between everyone here. Especially, Jonah. Understandably, Jonah is devastated, but tries to give her space and hopes and prays her memory will return.
Lauren has abandonment issues. Jonah was adopted by the 'parents' who raised him and has insecurities that they truly want him to run the resort. Surely, they want 'blood' to be the one taking over upon their retirement.
Great story by Denise Hunter, one of my favorite authors! Wonderful characters! Her description of the resort makes me lont to visit it in New Hampshire!
I was given an advance ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

I loved this book!! Every single book that Denise Hunter writes just gets better and better. It was very emotional and inspiring. The MMC & FMC were perfectly written. The MMC was so caring and supportive. Thank you thank you thank you Denise for this amazing book!!!

What a beautiful story.
The relationship and love between Jonah and Lauren was tested when Lauren had an accident and could no longer remember what they had shared. Jonah lived out the bible verse love is patient and kind as He helped Lauren fulfill her dreams even though it was tearing him apart as they no longer included him. However in the process He was causing Lauren to fall in love with him all over again.
Neither of them had an easy up bringing Lauren more so than Jonah so they both had pasts to deal with but found they belonged with each other. So well written and would highly recommend. Thank you to Denise Hunter and Net Galley for an ARC copy to honestly review.

This book read like a really cute hallmark movie with lots of hope and aspirations. I loved these characters and this small town, and especially Graham the dog!

Lauren and Jonah have the perfect summer together and fall in love. Then Lauren gets into an accident and can’t remember the summer. She wants to return to her old life in the big city. Joanne has to try and remind her about their love. This was such a romantic story, I couldn’t help but for the characters and I really didn’t want this to end.

Seven months ago Lauren Wentworth graduated with her degree in hospitality. She had her eye on her dream job, but the boss wanted her to have more experience. She travelled to rural New Hampshire to become temporary manager of Pinehaven Lodge, a rustic family-owned resort. When she arrived, she had an extremely adversarial relationship with the owners' son, Jonah. The more they worked together, that wall came down and they fell in love. He asked her to marry him, and she agreed, giving up the job in Boston and staying in New Hampshire. While working in the barn venue, she falls from a ladder and hits her head. When she comes to, the last five months are gone, and she only remembers the adversarial part of her relationship with Jonah. He is heartbroken and will do whatever she needs to get her memory back and make her happy, including letting her go. She calls Boston to check in and finds out that she forfeited the job, but they agree to give her one more chance. After talking to everyone around her, she finally believes that she fell in love with Jonah, but those feelings are gone. As she finishes out her year at the family lodge, can Johan get her to fall in love with him again.

I really enjoyed this story, although I am not a big fan of the amnesia trope. Denise Hunter does a good job with this story and made me love both Lauren and Jonah. He stole my heart and I was so sad for him, thinking that he had lost Lauren. She was career driven and very good at her job, but I wanted her to either get her memory back or fall in love all over again. Jonah was so sweet and patient with Lauren, only wanting her to remember the happy times that they had. I liked that both of them had issues and past hurts that affected their behaviour before they fell in love, and that is what Lauren remembers. I loved the setting of the family lodge in the woods of New Hampshire. I also enjoyed seeing Lauren work with the family to build up their business. Jonah's family were wonderful to Lauren and had welcomed her to their family. I enjoy Denise Hunter's writing and this was another winner.

Before We Were Us was an amazing read! I'm a fan of amnesia stories and this was such a unique storyline!

I loved how she lost her memory of the summer and therefore her romance with Jonah. It was sad to see him missing their connection, but I loved how he kept trying to win her back.

The book was written in a fast-paced way and I could hardly put it down. I loved the romance and setting.

All in all, Before We Were Us was such a good read and I think fans of contemporary romance will enjoy it. I wouldn't consider it Christian fiction, as the faith element was minimal (I can't recall any). Still a great clean read.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I can’t tell y’all how excited I was to read this latest release from Denise Hunter! The New Hampshire setting was perfection, along with the twists Denise takes readers on with this lovely inspirational romance. Grab a cozy blanket and cup of hot chocolate. You just found the perfect feel-good fall read.

This was such a good read! I read it in one sitting! I have always loved Denise Hunter's books. I would definitely recommend this one.

I really enjoyed this - but then again, I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Denise Hunter.

This heartfelt read takes you to New Hampshire and a resort where Lauren (a resort manager hired for the year) and Jonah (the owners son) have fallen in love and are looking forward to their future together. That is, until an accident causes Lauren to lose her memory. And she loses only the last 4 months - when Lauren and Jonah went from almost-enemies to true loves. Jonah cannot believe that the love of his life cannot remember falling in love with him. And worse, it doesn’t seem like she wants to remember.

It’s an emotional ride for sure - all Lauren can remember is not getting along with Jonah, which is devastating to him. We as the readers get to relive the last summer. We get to see how, reluctantly, Lauren falls for Jonah, the Landry family, the resort and New Hampshire. Now, all she can remember is the new job she is supposed to take in Boston after the holidays. We sit on the edge of our seats wondering if Jonah can make her fall in love with him again or if Lauren is joining her new company as an event planner.

Highly recommend. The characters are relatable. The story, while tragic, is engaging. I would watch this on a Hallmark movie.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.