Book Review: The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

About the Book:

Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing manuscript.

As a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Books in San Francisco, Ingrid Erikson has rejected many a manuscript for lack of defined conflict and dramatic irony--two elements her current life possesses in spades. In the months following the death of her childhood best friend and international bestselling author Cecelia Campbell, Ingrid has not only lost her ability to escape into fiction due to a rare trauma response, but she's also desperate to find the closure she's convinced will come with Cecelia's missing final manuscript.

After Ingrid jeopardizes her career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But then Joel Campbell--the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters--offers her a sealed envelope from his late cousin, Cecelia, asking Joel and to put their differences aside and retrieve a mysterious package in their coastal Washington hometown.

Honoring Cecelia's last request will challenge their convictions and test their loyalties, but through it all, will Ingrid and Joel be brave enough to uncover a twice-in-a-lifetime love?

Read an excerpt from The Words We Lost on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

I loved everything about The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese. The second-chance romance trope in this novel delivered plenty of depth, a heartbreaking backstory, steady attraction between Ingrid and Joel, plus a side helping of enemies-to-lovers tension. I was hooked from the beginning. It was a delight to watch Joel and Ingrid tiptoe around each other as they searched for Cecelia Campbell’s lost manuscript and honored her final request. The questions surrounding their past and the missing manuscript kept me flipping pages, but the swoony moments and delectable romance made me want to read slowly and savor the interactions between Joel and Ingrid. I am ready to read it again. 

I marked many quotes as I read through The Words We Lost. More than a great romance, this was a story of grief over lost loved ones, a father and a best friend in Ingrid’s case. Readers dealing with grief may recognize the stages and truths presented. The book was deep, but not hard to read because of all the hope it set forth. The author seamlessly integrated spiritual themes that were honest, not overly convenient or awkwardly preachy. The author’s note tells of her own journey with unexpected grief which undergirded the profound authenticity found in the story.

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese starts the Fog Harbor Romance series, and I am eager for book two. Doubtless, this novel will make my list of favorite reads in 2023. Five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: All That It Takes by Nicole Deese

About the Book:

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she'd planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects--not the least of which is pursuing Val--without stopping to consider the future.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

Read an excerpt from All That It Takes by Nicole Deese on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Theoretically, All That It Takes by Nicole Deese lines up with my bookish ideals. The flowing prose evidenced the author’s skill with words. The novel bravely tackled heavy topics (disillusionment, unplanned pregnancy, sharing one’s story, etc.) with compassion. Occasional wisdom-filled statements made me stop and consider a spiritual truth. Yet, it took me over three weeks to read All That It Takes. The plot felt slow to me. I didn’t connect with Val until around page 200, when she explained partial details surrounding her pregnancy to both Miles and the reader.

All That It Takes by Nicole Deese possessed positive qualities and concluded with a stunningly beautiful ending. I know many fellow readers love this book, but it is not a favorite of mine. 3.5 Stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

About the Book:

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver. 

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

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My Thoughts:

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese sports an eye-catching cover that reflects the lovely story in its pages. The story held my attention from the beginning and I enjoyed Lauren’s journey, even in the hard moments. Though the story deals with tough issues – difficult life choices, family dysfunction, etc. – it maintained a light feel and pointed to the Christian’s true source of hope -- God.

Before I Called You Mine mixed women’s fiction with a contemporary romance. Both Lauren’s adoption journey and family relationships receive plenty of attention. The story explored various aspects of following God’s will for one’s life. However, on the romantic side, Joshua (Lauren’s romantic interest) stands as an amazing male lead. He’s supportive, respectful, and willing to do what’s best for others even if it hurts. In short, he reflects the character of the Jesus he follows.

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese is a heartwarming novel that will appeal to inspirational fiction readers. It earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.