Anita Ojeda 
I receive free electronic advanced reader copies of these books through an arrangement between the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion on NetGalley’s website. I only review books on my blog that I really love.
Ever Find Yourself Mourning a Friendship?
I’ve found myself mourning a friendship over arguments we couldn’t resolve, distance, separation, but never death. Eventually, I’ve patched up arguments, reached out over distances and separations, and rejoiced in the renewal of a friendship. I’m fortunate, but the brief periods of intense mourning have taught me the value of maintaining my key relationships.
When a do-over seems impossible, sometimes words from the grave (not in a creepy way, more of a P.S. I Love You way) can make the impossible possible.
The Words We Lost: A Fog Harbor Romance
By Nicole Deese, Bethany House Publishers, April 11, 2023, 384 pages.
When the shock and trauma of losing her best friend cause Ingrid Erikson to lose her ability to read, she finds ways to hold on to her dream job as a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Books. A helpful assistant, rehearsing her pitches to the publishing board, and starting counseling have all helped her stumble along. But her luck runs out.
Ingrid’s only hope for keeping her job forces her to do the one thing she promised never to do. Return to the small town on the Washington coast she called home during her tumultuous teen years. The place she found her best friend, Cecilia Campbell; the place she found and lost her true love, Cecilia’s cousin Joel.
When Joel shows up in San Francisco with a letter from Cecilia, Ingrid knows she must return. Her boss agrees to Ingrid’s absence if Ingrid promises to find Cecilia’s last manuscript—the final in Cecilia’s wildly popular fantasy series.
Going home means facing feelings she couldn’t deal with a decade ago. It means spending time with Joel reading a memoir of their lives. Each day reveals clues—clues to the manuscript and clues to the truth of what happened to her father.
If Ingrid and Joel can make it to the memoir’s end, they might gain treasure beyond their wildest imaginations.
What I Loved About This Book
Deese delves into the healing power of friendships, forgiveness, and love in this tender novel. The mystery of the manuscript, avoiding invasive fans, the antics of a loyal assistant, and new friendships keep the reader riveted to the book from beginning to end. We all have regrets in our lives, and The Words We Lost provides a treasure map for relationship do-overs and second chances.
Fans of Erin Bartles, Denise Hunter, and Amanda Dykes will enjoy this book.
I’ll have to watch for this book. I have lost a dear friend through unfortunate circumstances this past year. It’s not totally beyond repair but it looks fairly hopeless at this point. 🙁
Lisa notes recently posted…Will You Say These Three Words More Often?
I just finished my first book by Nicole Deese (All That Really Matters). I loved it so much, I’m already reading the sequel. I have this one in my sights.
Barbara Harper recently posted…Applying God’s Word