Nicole Deese never ceases to deliver poignant, emotionally rich stories with strong, well-developed characters that have a way of settling into my heart and blossoming to life in my mind. As a long-time fan of her masterpieces, I am happy to recommend The Words We Lost as a five star read!

This novel is a stirring, deeply emotional tale with a creative plot, a charming, seaside setting in the PNW, and a significant, rewarding journey of finding hope and healing, only to discover romance and redemption along the way.

I found this story to be one that spoke to my heart. The pace was melodic, gentle and stirring, allowing me to absorb and process the grief Indy is encountering as she grieves her father and her best friend, plus the loss of her hopes and dreams. I enjoyed her development and the way her story unfurled with surprising revelations.

I absolutely loved the premise of a “book within a book” through CeCe’s perspective via her manuscript and the many letters she left behind. Her character is strong and I simply adored her personality and the bond of friendship she, Indy and Joel had. Her love for scavenger hunts (and pirates!) was something that really stood out to me and is a marvelous way to describe this story - Deese, in a way, takes readers on a scavenger of her own, revealing little bits and pieces of the story, creating an intense desire to know and learn more.

I felt the tension in this story so well, a true hallmark of the masterful way Deese crafts her stories. I loved Indy and Joel together and their second chance romance. I enjoyed the secondary characters such as Alli, Chip and Wendy, among others. There are beautifully woven moments of tenderness and joy, moments of deep friendship and familial bonds, moments of brokenness and pain and moments of rewarding memories and true freedom found in faith. Overall, a well done story that readers who enjoy stories of imagination, literature and the Pacific Northwest will enjoy!

TW & CW: Alcoholism, Grief, Brain Cancer, Depression, Loss of a Parent/Loved One

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.