Before We Were Us
by Denise Hunter
Summary
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?
My Review
I absolutely love Denise Hunter’s stories. She’s one of my go-to romance authors whenever I need a feel-good love story. I always know her books will be clean, no language or spice, and her romances are consistently sweet, charming, and heartwarming. They truly feel like a warm hug to the heart.
This particular story reminded me a bit of The Vow, even though I haven’t read the book, only seen the movie. It has a similar emotional premise with an enemies-to-lovers twist. Lauren and Jonah don’t exactly get along at first due to some complicated history. But as the story unfolds, they form a friendship that slowly blossoms into something deeper—until an accident changes everything. After a fall, Lauren loses her recent memories, including the progress she’s made with Jonah. Essentially, Jonah has to win her heart all over again, and it’s both heartbreaking and beautiful to watch.
This is a tender, emotional story filled with themes of found family, second chances, faith, healing, and love. Both Lauren and Jonah carry past trauma and are navigating their own journeys toward healing. I loved learning more about their backstories and watching their connection grow. Jonah’s patience and kindness in the face of such a difficult situation made him an especially endearing character, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
The small-town setting adds a cozy, comforting backdrop to the story, and I enjoyed the side characters, especially Jonah’s supportive family and Lauren’s loyal friend. It’s the kind of book that pairs perfectly with the changing seasons, especially that transition from summer to fall or during the crisp autumn months.
This was a compelling, feel-good story that managed to be both emotional and uplifting. With its charm, sweetness, and heartfelt moments, it’s one I’ll definitely be recommending.