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The Lost Book of First Loves
From New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne comes a brand-new story about two women, a family secret and a lost manuscript that changes everything…
Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Alison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister she never knew about, it’s clear there are things her father didn't tell her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next…
Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently fired—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives, her life will never be the same.
Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they'll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters.
Don’t miss SNOW KISSED by RaeAnne Thayne—a cozy holiday romance about a single mom, a borrowed date, and the kind of Christmas magic that turns a simple deal into something real
More stories by RaeAnne Snow KissedThe December Market15 Summers LaterChristmas at the Shelter Inn
Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Alison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister she never knew about, it’s clear there are things her father didn't tell her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next…
Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently fired—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives, her life will never be the same.
Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they'll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters.
Don’t miss SNOW KISSED by RaeAnne Thayne—a cozy holiday romance about a single mom, a borrowed date, and the kind of Christmas magic that turns a simple deal into something real
More stories by RaeAnne Snow KissedThe December Market15 Summers LaterChristmas at the Shelter Inn
Audible Audio
First published June 3, 2025
345 people are currently reading
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About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,836 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
July 7, 2025
While this started off with a very exciting first scene, it then became quite slow in my opinion. I also didn’t like Juniper’s attitude throughout a lot of parts of this book.
There were some interesting storylines and romances, but overall I was not blown away by the execution of the plot-lines within the book. The connection of them being sisters was just a repetitive “should I tell her?” type of issue that got a little old. Also, the ending didn’t really feel like it wrapped up the story just right.
I know the father, Carson, had passed away, but I felt that it would have been more interesting if this story was actually flashbacks of him meeting and falling for both of their moms mixed in with the present. I just felt like Carson’s story would have been a better one to tell.
Overall, this book was just so-so in my opinion.
There were some interesting storylines and romances, but overall I was not blown away by the execution of the plot-lines within the book. The connection of them being sisters was just a repetitive “should I tell her?” type of issue that got a little old. Also, the ending didn’t really feel like it wrapped up the story just right.
I know the father, Carson, had passed away, but I felt that it would have been more interesting if this story was actually flashbacks of him meeting and falling for both of their moms mixed in with the present. I just felt like Carson’s story would have been a better one to tell.
Overall, this book was just so-so in my opinion.
June 18, 2025
The Lost Book of First Loves is an exploration of sisterhood and found family. It's also about realizing what you want in life in terms of career, love, and health and how to balance it. Juniper and Allison both find love under the Wyoming sky. This is a sweet story, but there was little bonding between the sisters and the newfound family. There isn't a lot of resolution with the romances either, and the found manuscript is only mentioned in passing with little significance.
This will make a fun light read, but the characters aren't memorable.📚
This will make a fun light read, but the characters aren't memorable.📚
July 12, 2025
Better than her last few! Felt like old RaeAnne! 3.5
*don’t do the audio, narration was bland
*don’t do the audio, narration was bland
July 5, 2025
Cheesy and predictable in all the right ways, The Lost Book of First Loves is a perfect, light read for those looking for easy to like characters in a beautiful setting. While the characters and plot aren’t terribly memorable and there are loose ends, it’s still a quick and cute read.
June 16, 2025
RaeAnne Thayne delivers a tender exploration of family bonds and unexpected sisterhood in The Lost Book of First Loves, weaving together themes of identity, loss, and the healing power of love. This latest offering from the New York Times bestselling author showcases her mastery of emotional storytelling while grappling with complex family dynamics that feel authentically human.
The novel centers on two women whose lives intersect through a DNA revelation that reshapes everything they thought they knew about themselves. Juniper Connelly, a driven tech executive recovering from cardiac arrest, discovers she has a half-sister she never knew existed. Meanwhile, Alison Wells grapples with the knowledge that her beloved late father, literary icon Carson Wells, had a secret daughter he apparently never knew about.
Character Development: Complex Women Finding Their Way
Juniper Connelly: A Heart Worth Healing
Thayne crafts Juniper as a compelling protagonist whose physical heart condition mirrors her emotional barriers. The author skillfully balances Juniper's professional competence with her vulnerability, creating a character who feels fully realized rather than simply defined by her illness. Her journey from corporate isolation to accepting love and family connections forms the emotional backbone of the story.
The portrayal of someone living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is handled with sensitivity and accuracy, avoiding both melodrama and minimization. Juniper's fears about her future, her worth, and her ability to be loved feel genuine rather than manufactured for sympathy.
Alison Wells: The Sister Seeking Connection
Alison's character arc from uncertain intern to confident sister provides satisfying growth. Her decision to infiltrate Juniper's company as an intern to learn about her half-sister demonstrates both resourcefulness and compassion. However, this premise occasionally strains credibility—would someone truly maintain such an elaborate deception for weeks?
Thayne captures the awkwardness and genuine affection of developing sibling relationships beautifully, particularly in scenes where both women navigate their shared grief for parents they've lost and the father one never knew.
The Wyoming Setting: More Than Just Scenery
The Painted Sky ranch and the fictional town of Bridger Peak serve as more than mere backdrops—they become characters in their own right. Thayne's descriptions of the Wyoming landscape are vivid without being overwrought, creating a sense of space and possibility that mirrors the characters' emotional journeys.
The ranch setting allows for natural moments of reflection and healing, though occasionally the pace slows when the characters spend too much time contemplating the mountains. The author's familiarity with small-town dynamics shines through in her portrayal of Bridger Peak's interconnected community.
The Romance Element: A Careful Balance
The developing relationship between Juniper and Beckett Hunter provides romantic tension without overwhelming the central sister story. Beck's background as a former prosecutor carrying his own emotional scars adds depth to what could have been a conventional romance subplot.
Thayne handles the physical limitations imposed by Juniper's condition thoughtfully, showing how love can flourish even when health challenges create uncertainty. The romantic elements feel organic rather than forced, though some readers may find the resolution somewhat predictable.
Literary Mystery: The Heart of the Plot
The search for Carson Wells' lost manuscript, "The Forgotten Road," provides narrative drive while exploring themes of artistic legacy and family secrets. The revelation that the manuscript was dedicated to Juniper's mother creates a powerful emotional moment that validates both sisters' journeys.
However, the mystery element feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to the character relationships. More exploration of Carson's motivations and the circumstances surrounding his relationship with Elizabeth might have strengthened this aspect of the story.
Thayne's Writing Style: Accessible Yet Evocative
Thayne's prose style reflects the Western setting with its clean, unadorned sentences that occasionally bloom into lyrical descriptions of landscape and emotion. Her dialogue feels natural, capturing the rhythms of how people actually speak while avoiding the pitfall of overly formal or stilted conversation.
The author excels at small, revealing moments—a gesture, a glance, a hesitation—that illuminate character relationships. Her handling of grief, both fresh and long-standing, demonstrates emotional intelligence and avoids easy sentimentality.
Strengths That Elevate the Story
Authentic Family Dynamics: The awkwardness and gradual warming between Juniper and Alison feels genuine, avoiding the trap of instant sisterly bonding.
Medical Realism: The portrayal of cardiac issues and recovery shows research and sensitivity without becoming clinical or preachy.
Emotional Honesty: Characters grapple with real consequences of their choices, and healing takes time rather than happening through simple revelations.
Secondary Characters: Loretta, Carson's mother, provides wisdom and humor while Beck brings complexity beyond typical romance hero requirements.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues: The middle section drags slightly when characters engage in lengthy introspection rather than action or dialogue.
Convenient Coincidences: Some plot developments, particularly Beck's presence in Wyoming and his connection to Juniper's past, feel overly convenient.
Underdeveloped Mystery: The literary manuscript storyline could have been explored more thoroughly to match the emotional weight given to family relationships.
Predictable Elements: Experienced romance readers will anticipate several plot developments, though the execution remains satisfying.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to Contemporary Romance
The Lost Book of First Loves succeeds as both family drama and contemporary romance, offering readers emotional satisfaction without artificial drama. While not groundbreaking, it represents solid storytelling that honors its characters' journeys toward healing and connection.
Thayne demonstrates why she remains a reliable voice in contemporary romance, delivering a story that feels both intimate and universal. The book works best for readers seeking character-driven narratives about second chances, family bonds, and the courage required to open oneself to love after loss.
The novel centers on two women whose lives intersect through a DNA revelation that reshapes everything they thought they knew about themselves. Juniper Connelly, a driven tech executive recovering from cardiac arrest, discovers she has a half-sister she never knew existed. Meanwhile, Alison Wells grapples with the knowledge that her beloved late father, literary icon Carson Wells, had a secret daughter he apparently never knew about.
Character Development: Complex Women Finding Their Way
Juniper Connelly: A Heart Worth Healing
Thayne crafts Juniper as a compelling protagonist whose physical heart condition mirrors her emotional barriers. The author skillfully balances Juniper's professional competence with her vulnerability, creating a character who feels fully realized rather than simply defined by her illness. Her journey from corporate isolation to accepting love and family connections forms the emotional backbone of the story.
The portrayal of someone living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is handled with sensitivity and accuracy, avoiding both melodrama and minimization. Juniper's fears about her future, her worth, and her ability to be loved feel genuine rather than manufactured for sympathy.
Alison Wells: The Sister Seeking Connection
Alison's character arc from uncertain intern to confident sister provides satisfying growth. Her decision to infiltrate Juniper's company as an intern to learn about her half-sister demonstrates both resourcefulness and compassion. However, this premise occasionally strains credibility—would someone truly maintain such an elaborate deception for weeks?
Thayne captures the awkwardness and genuine affection of developing sibling relationships beautifully, particularly in scenes where both women navigate their shared grief for parents they've lost and the father one never knew.
The Wyoming Setting: More Than Just Scenery
The Painted Sky ranch and the fictional town of Bridger Peak serve as more than mere backdrops—they become characters in their own right. Thayne's descriptions of the Wyoming landscape are vivid without being overwrought, creating a sense of space and possibility that mirrors the characters' emotional journeys.
The ranch setting allows for natural moments of reflection and healing, though occasionally the pace slows when the characters spend too much time contemplating the mountains. The author's familiarity with small-town dynamics shines through in her portrayal of Bridger Peak's interconnected community.
The Romance Element: A Careful Balance
The developing relationship between Juniper and Beckett Hunter provides romantic tension without overwhelming the central sister story. Beck's background as a former prosecutor carrying his own emotional scars adds depth to what could have been a conventional romance subplot.
Thayne handles the physical limitations imposed by Juniper's condition thoughtfully, showing how love can flourish even when health challenges create uncertainty. The romantic elements feel organic rather than forced, though some readers may find the resolution somewhat predictable.
Literary Mystery: The Heart of the Plot
The search for Carson Wells' lost manuscript, "The Forgotten Road," provides narrative drive while exploring themes of artistic legacy and family secrets. The revelation that the manuscript was dedicated to Juniper's mother creates a powerful emotional moment that validates both sisters' journeys.
However, the mystery element feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to the character relationships. More exploration of Carson's motivations and the circumstances surrounding his relationship with Elizabeth might have strengthened this aspect of the story.
Thayne's Writing Style: Accessible Yet Evocative
Thayne's prose style reflects the Western setting with its clean, unadorned sentences that occasionally bloom into lyrical descriptions of landscape and emotion. Her dialogue feels natural, capturing the rhythms of how people actually speak while avoiding the pitfall of overly formal or stilted conversation.
The author excels at small, revealing moments—a gesture, a glance, a hesitation—that illuminate character relationships. Her handling of grief, both fresh and long-standing, demonstrates emotional intelligence and avoids easy sentimentality.
Strengths That Elevate the Story
Authentic Family Dynamics: The awkwardness and gradual warming between Juniper and Alison feels genuine, avoiding the trap of instant sisterly bonding.
Medical Realism: The portrayal of cardiac issues and recovery shows research and sensitivity without becoming clinical or preachy.
Emotional Honesty: Characters grapple with real consequences of their choices, and healing takes time rather than happening through simple revelations.
Secondary Characters: Loretta, Carson's mother, provides wisdom and humor while Beck brings complexity beyond typical romance hero requirements.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues: The middle section drags slightly when characters engage in lengthy introspection rather than action or dialogue.
Convenient Coincidences: Some plot developments, particularly Beck's presence in Wyoming and his connection to Juniper's past, feel overly convenient.
Underdeveloped Mystery: The literary manuscript storyline could have been explored more thoroughly to match the emotional weight given to family relationships.
Predictable Elements: Experienced romance readers will anticipate several plot developments, though the execution remains satisfying.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to Contemporary Romance
The Lost Book of First Loves succeeds as both family drama and contemporary romance, offering readers emotional satisfaction without artificial drama. While not groundbreaking, it represents solid storytelling that honors its characters' journeys toward healing and connection.
Thayne demonstrates why she remains a reliable voice in contemporary romance, delivering a story that feels both intimate and universal. The book works best for readers seeking character-driven narratives about second chances, family bonds, and the courage required to open oneself to love after loss.
July 1, 2025
I received a free copy of The Lost Book of First Loves, by RaeAnne Thayne, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Allison Wells, decides to take dna test, and finds out she has a sister she never knew about, is there anymore secrets her father is hiding? This book has secrets, sisters, friendship, relationships, authors, and so much more. This was a good read, I liked Allison and Junes story.
June 3, 2025
Okay, so The Lost Book of First Loves is one of those books that starts with “I took a DNA test on a whim” and ends with “surprise family AND emotional healing,” which honestly feels like something that should come with a user manual. Or at least a flowchart.
Let’s set the scene: Alison finds out she has a secret sister thanks to the magic of 23andMe (shout-out to impulsive decisions with long-term consequences), and her next logical move is to infiltrate her half-sister’s professional life as an intern. Because confronting long-lost siblings through LinkedIn would just be too boring, apparently.
Then Juniper, the sister in question, has a cardiac arrest, because this book said, “You know what would really bring these two together? Sudden organ failure.” So Alison saves her life, despite being fired, because that’s just how chaotic good characters roll. And to de-stress, Juniper agrees to go stay in the Wyoming wilderness with the intern who is absolutely not hiding a major secret. Nothing suspicious here.
But let’s talk about the titular “Lost Book.” This mysterious manuscript is teased like it’s going to be earth-shattering, full of revelations, confessions, and maybe a hidden treasure map. Instead, it shows up late, says a few cryptic things, and then everyone moves on like, “Cool, anyway let’s bake a pie.” I HAD QUESTIONS. Like, what exactly did this manuscript say? Was it a memoir? A barely disguised piece of literary therapy? Why was it so game-changing if no one actually seems to… change?
Also, the ending. Look, I was strapped in for emotional closure, possibly some ugly crying, and maybe a group hug under the Wyoming stars. What I got was… vague resolution and an open-ended vibe like the author just sort of waved gently at the plot and whispered, “That’s enough.” No real confrontation, no big emotional breakdown, just a “We’re sisters now!” shrug and a closing credits roll.
That said, the writing is solid, the characters are likable, and the setting makes you want to go live in a rustic cabin with a secret manuscript and a surprise sibling too. So yeah—it was fine.
Let’s set the scene: Alison finds out she has a secret sister thanks to the magic of 23andMe (shout-out to impulsive decisions with long-term consequences), and her next logical move is to infiltrate her half-sister’s professional life as an intern. Because confronting long-lost siblings through LinkedIn would just be too boring, apparently.
Then Juniper, the sister in question, has a cardiac arrest, because this book said, “You know what would really bring these two together? Sudden organ failure.” So Alison saves her life, despite being fired, because that’s just how chaotic good characters roll. And to de-stress, Juniper agrees to go stay in the Wyoming wilderness with the intern who is absolutely not hiding a major secret. Nothing suspicious here.
But let’s talk about the titular “Lost Book.” This mysterious manuscript is teased like it’s going to be earth-shattering, full of revelations, confessions, and maybe a hidden treasure map. Instead, it shows up late, says a few cryptic things, and then everyone moves on like, “Cool, anyway let’s bake a pie.” I HAD QUESTIONS. Like, what exactly did this manuscript say? Was it a memoir? A barely disguised piece of literary therapy? Why was it so game-changing if no one actually seems to… change?
Also, the ending. Look, I was strapped in for emotional closure, possibly some ugly crying, and maybe a group hug under the Wyoming stars. What I got was… vague resolution and an open-ended vibe like the author just sort of waved gently at the plot and whispered, “That’s enough.” No real confrontation, no big emotional breakdown, just a “We’re sisters now!” shrug and a closing credits roll.
That said, the writing is solid, the characters are likable, and the setting makes you want to go live in a rustic cabin with a secret manuscript and a surprise sibling too. So yeah—it was fine.
October 2, 2025
Book Title: The Lost Book of First Loves
Author(s): RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher(s): Canary Street Press/Harlequin Audio
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I am a huge fan of RaeAnne Thayne’s Cape Sanctuary series, so I jumped at the chance to read a standalone by her. The Lost Book of First Loves is a beautiful story about hidden love, family secrets, and two women who don’t know they are related… until they do.
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: This book is jam packed with lovely characters, and I couldn’t help but love every single one of them. Thayne’s writing never ceases to impress, and it’s very emotional and engaging. There are multiple viewpoints which I enjoyed, and I loved that I got to know each character so well. She also did an excellent job bringing the summer in Wyoming setting to life.
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: I thought Vanessa Johansson did a great job overall, however, I do think this is a scenario where there should have been a full cast. I found myself getting confused during Ali’s and Juniper’s viewpoints since she didn’t really change her voice to differentiate them. Plus, I really wanted someone for the male viewpoint, and I think that would have made it hit even better. That being said, Johansson is a fantastic narrator, and I would still recommend the audio.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: The Lost Book of First Loves definitely got me a little misty eyed, and there is a bit of romance on top of a minor mystery. This was a great blend of genres, and it made for an entertaining but moving read. While it does tackle some sensitive subjects, it is mostly a lighter read that will leave you with the warm and fuzzies.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 💌🪵✍🏼🔐
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🙅🏼♀️ (None)
I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as an advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author(s): RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher(s): Canary Street Press/Harlequin Audio
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I am a huge fan of RaeAnne Thayne’s Cape Sanctuary series, so I jumped at the chance to read a standalone by her. The Lost Book of First Loves is a beautiful story about hidden love, family secrets, and two women who don’t know they are related… until they do.
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: This book is jam packed with lovely characters, and I couldn’t help but love every single one of them. Thayne’s writing never ceases to impress, and it’s very emotional and engaging. There are multiple viewpoints which I enjoyed, and I loved that I got to know each character so well. She also did an excellent job bringing the summer in Wyoming setting to life.
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: I thought Vanessa Johansson did a great job overall, however, I do think this is a scenario where there should have been a full cast. I found myself getting confused during Ali’s and Juniper’s viewpoints since she didn’t really change her voice to differentiate them. Plus, I really wanted someone for the male viewpoint, and I think that would have made it hit even better. That being said, Johansson is a fantastic narrator, and I would still recommend the audio.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: The Lost Book of First Loves definitely got me a little misty eyed, and there is a bit of romance on top of a minor mystery. This was a great blend of genres, and it made for an entertaining but moving read. While it does tackle some sensitive subjects, it is mostly a lighter read that will leave you with the warm and fuzzies.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 💌🪵✍🏼🔐
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🙅🏼♀️ (None)
I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as an advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 11, 2025
Review coming soon.
May 18, 2025
A moving women's fiction story about half-siblings discovering one another later in life, chronic illnesses, second chance romance and more. I always enjoy RaeAnne Thayne's novels, she manages to write about emotional family situations, tackle important disability conditions all in a heartfelt way. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Debbie Macomber or Sarah Morgan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 10, 2025
The Lost Book of First Loves was a moving, feel-good story of friendship and found family with a bit of romance mixed in!
Still reeling from the death of her beloved father, Carson Wells, a famous literary author, Alison is informed from a DNA search that she has a sister, Juniper Connolly. Why didn’t her father tell her?
In order to get to know her sister and tell her their connection, Alison takes an internship at Juniper’s company, but before Alison shares her bombshell, Juniper collapses. Alison suggests she recuperate at her ranch, The Painted Sky in Bridger, Wyoming.
Juniper’s reeling from the shock of what happened and isn’t sure why Alison would make such an offer. However, the sound of recovering at the ranch of the late Carson Wells, a favorite author, is too good to pass up. She strikes up a reluctant friendship with another rancher, Beckett Hunter.
Alison needs to figure out how to tell Juniper and study for the bar exam, when she’s not sure she wants to be a lawyer. And then there’s Xander Scott, her best friend who’s back in town. Alison’s feelings for him are complex.
Both Alison and Juniper were at a crossroads in their life. I was invested in their journey, as they sorted out the mystery of the past and what they wanted for the future. I soaked in the gorgeous mountain setting, which was almost a character in itself!
I alternately read and listened to The Lost Book of First Loves and recommend either version. I’ve listened to and enjoyed Vanessa Johansson’s narration in the past and she did a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life!
I voluntarily read/listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Still reeling from the death of her beloved father, Carson Wells, a famous literary author, Alison is informed from a DNA search that she has a sister, Juniper Connolly. Why didn’t her father tell her?
In order to get to know her sister and tell her their connection, Alison takes an internship at Juniper’s company, but before Alison shares her bombshell, Juniper collapses. Alison suggests she recuperate at her ranch, The Painted Sky in Bridger, Wyoming.
Juniper’s reeling from the shock of what happened and isn’t sure why Alison would make such an offer. However, the sound of recovering at the ranch of the late Carson Wells, a favorite author, is too good to pass up. She strikes up a reluctant friendship with another rancher, Beckett Hunter.
Alison needs to figure out how to tell Juniper and study for the bar exam, when she’s not sure she wants to be a lawyer. And then there’s Xander Scott, her best friend who’s back in town. Alison’s feelings for him are complex.
Both Alison and Juniper were at a crossroads in their life. I was invested in their journey, as they sorted out the mystery of the past and what they wanted for the future. I soaked in the gorgeous mountain setting, which was almost a character in itself!
I alternately read and listened to The Lost Book of First Loves and recommend either version. I’ve listened to and enjoyed Vanessa Johansson’s narration in the past and she did a wonderful job bringing all the characters to life!
I voluntarily read/listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 24, 2025
The Lost Book of First Loves was a wonderful story.
It's a story about friendship, found family, lost love, and life.
Alison has just discovered she has a half sister she knew nothing about. She has decided to take a internship at her sisters company to get close to her. Then on the day she planned to tell her, she gets fired and saves her sisters life. To allow her more time to get to know her sister, she invites her to stay at her home while she recovers. She's just not sure when she is going to drop the bomb that they're related.
Juniper had no idea she had any kind of heart troubles. She's been athletic her whole life. So having cardiac arrest has just shaken her whole world. She has no idea why her fired intern is being so nice to her, and for some reason she just can't say no to her and heads off to Wyoming to recover. While there she gets involved in the journals of her favorite author/father and what she discovers will rock both of the sisters lives.
Along the way these sisters find true happiness in each other and with the men that love them fiercely.
RaeAnne Thayne always writes memorable characters and storylines. A pure joy to read. I highly recommend The Lost Book of First Loves.
4.5 Stars
It's a story about friendship, found family, lost love, and life.
Alison has just discovered she has a half sister she knew nothing about. She has decided to take a internship at her sisters company to get close to her. Then on the day she planned to tell her, she gets fired and saves her sisters life. To allow her more time to get to know her sister, she invites her to stay at her home while she recovers. She's just not sure when she is going to drop the bomb that they're related.
Juniper had no idea she had any kind of heart troubles. She's been athletic her whole life. So having cardiac arrest has just shaken her whole world. She has no idea why her fired intern is being so nice to her, and for some reason she just can't say no to her and heads off to Wyoming to recover. While there she gets involved in the journals of her favorite author/father and what she discovers will rock both of the sisters lives.
Along the way these sisters find true happiness in each other and with the men that love them fiercely.
RaeAnne Thayne always writes memorable characters and storylines. A pure joy to read. I highly recommend The Lost Book of First Loves.
4.5 Stars
June 3, 2025
This was such a good book!
I was caught up in the story from the first page. The chapters alternate telling the story between Alison and Juniper. It’s an emotional roller coaster that has both dealing with becoming family and finding new romance. You won’t be able to put it down!
I was caught up in the story from the first page. The chapters alternate telling the story between Alison and Juniper. It’s an emotional roller coaster that has both dealing with becoming family and finding new romance. You won’t be able to put it down!
July 4, 2025
It was cute. I grew up in eastern Idaho and spent a lot of time in Western Wyoming so it was fun to read about those locations. I would recommend for fluff, light reading.
July 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this story, it warms your heart with the characters history and new found love..Sisters found out how they were bonded through their father’s history. So well written!
August 19, 2025
My fourth book by Thayne! If you want a sweet romance set in a beautiful setting, her books always hit the mark. Now I want to take a trip to Wyoming…
May 28, 2025
In a world of weighty reads with multiple timelines and complicated plots, there are times when this reader just craves a good love story with characters I can connect to. RaeAnne Thayne is an author I have come to count on to deliver this for me, whether it is a holiday novel or a page turning beach read. In this novel, we meet Juniper, a driven businesswoman who has founded a company called Move with two college friends. When the story opens, she is in the process of firing an intern who is a poor fit for the pressures of the job.However, Juniper suffers a health crisis, and intern Ali steps in to help her. As Juniper heals, Ali offers her an opportunity to relax and recharge at her family’s ranch in Wyoming. The resulting trip uncovers secrets Ali has been hiding, including the real reason she wanted to work for Juniper as an intern. There are couple of love interests including a handsome furniture maker who left his past behind and Ali’s friendship with a travel photographer that might be something more. There is also an intriguing twist in the plot involving Ali’s deceased father, a renowned novelist who just might also have left a few skeletons in his closet. Just in time for summer, pack this book in your beach bag and get ready to escape. You’ll be glad you did! Thank you to Book Funnel, RaeAnne Thayne and her publisher for the galley in exchange an honest review.
June 18, 2025
After receiving the results from a DNA test, Alison Wells discovers she has a half sister she’s never known about, connected through her late father, renowned author Carson Wells. Ali takes a job as and intern for her long lost sister, Juniper Connolly, only to save her life amidst a terrifying health scare, and invite her home to her family’s ranch in Wyoming to recuperate, despite having not shared what she knows about their genetic connection.
I absolutely loved the setting of this book, and felt fully transported to the family’s Wyoming ranch through the author’s beautiful and descriptive writing. This is such a feel-good book, and I loved the relationship that develops between June and Ali, as well as their respective romantic relationships. This is also a book of healing and growth, and I felt for June and she tried to adjust to her new life following a terrifying health scare.
MEMORABLE QUOTE: “A good story becomes part of you, whispering truths and stirring emotions long after the final page is turned.”
Thank you to UpLit Reads, Canary Street Press, and NetGalley for my gifted physical, digital, and audio copies!
I absolutely loved the setting of this book, and felt fully transported to the family’s Wyoming ranch through the author’s beautiful and descriptive writing. This is such a feel-good book, and I loved the relationship that develops between June and Ali, as well as their respective romantic relationships. This is also a book of healing and growth, and I felt for June and she tried to adjust to her new life following a terrifying health scare.
MEMORABLE QUOTE: “A good story becomes part of you, whispering truths and stirring emotions long after the final page is turned.”
Thank you to UpLit Reads, Canary Street Press, and NetGalley for my gifted physical, digital, and audio copies!
November 8, 2025
This was a fun & fast moving story. Yes, it was predictable in some parts as we have come to expect in this genre, but I enjoyed the underlying story of Ali & Juniper & what brought them together.
October 19, 2025
Another solid story from RaeAnne Thayne. I enjoyed the characters and the premise of this book, though I did wish the part of Ali and June exploring their roles as newfound siblings would have been dealt with in a little more detail.
June 21, 2025
4.5 stars. A sweet love story. LOVED the WY setting.
June 9, 2025
The Lost Book of First Loves is another home run for Rae Anne Thayne. I felt immediately connected to the characters and their relationships. Ali’s boss, June, has just told Ali she is being released from her internship as she is not a good fit. At the end of this conversation, June goes into cardiac arrest and Ali saves her life by performing CPR until the EMS staff arrive. Ali offers her Wyoming ranch as a place to recover which seems strange to June since she just fired her and barely knows her. Unbeknownst to June, Ali pursued the internship as she discovered through DNA testing they are 1/2 sisters. Ali’s father, Carson Wells, was a well known author and one June’s mother had always raved about when discussing books. Carson has passed but has his writing cabin a a perfect recovery retreat. What they all discover weaves a wonderfully beautiful story. Enjoy!
June 11, 2025
Wonderful book story of loss, survival, finding and accepting love I highly recommend.
Corporate Executive of high powered firm is firing her intern when she suffers a massive heart attack. She lives and is given an opportunity to get away and heal. During the healing process she finds a half sister she didn't know about, a Grandmother, learns of the Father she never met and falls in love.
Corporate Executive of high powered firm is firing her intern when she suffers a massive heart attack. She lives and is given an opportunity to get away and heal. During the healing process she finds a half sister she didn't know about, a Grandmother, learns of the Father she never met and falls in love.
June 2, 2025
I am a RaeAnne Thayne fan and will read all her books!
In this one, Ali wants to connect with a sister she never knew she had so she becomes Juniper's assistant. Ali is a terrible assistant but on the day she's fired, Juniper has a cardiac event and Ali is the only one to stick by her side. The sisters go to Wyoming to help Juniper recover but they also get to know each other. I loved this story of the sisters coming to know and love each other as well as their love stories with some wonderful local men. This was a great summer read and left me feeling very happy!
In this one, Ali wants to connect with a sister she never knew she had so she becomes Juniper's assistant. Ali is a terrible assistant but on the day she's fired, Juniper has a cardiac event and Ali is the only one to stick by her side. The sisters go to Wyoming to help Juniper recover but they also get to know each other. I loved this story of the sisters coming to know and love each other as well as their love stories with some wonderful local men. This was a great summer read and left me feeling very happy!
May 8, 2025
“A good first chapter is like a secret door that opens the way to a magical world.” Such a great true statement! I totally agree with this quote. RaeAnne Thayne surpassed this goal in The Lost Book of First Loves. Not only did I get sucked in by the first chapter, I was also grabbed by the first sentence, “The day she died, Juniper Connelly had just finished firing her latest intern.” What a pleasure it is to read such a well-written book.
I feel privileged to have received an advanced copy of this book and would love for everyone who likes books to get an opportunity to read it. I have to say I am not surprised that I love the book because I can’t remember ever reading one of RaeAnne’s books that I didn’t enjoy.
I feel privileged to have received an advanced copy of this book and would love for everyone who likes books to get an opportunity to read it. I have to say I am not surprised that I love the book because I can’t remember ever reading one of RaeAnne’s books that I didn’t enjoy.
June 3, 2025
Beautiful story about found family and letting go of the hurts of the past to find happiness again. I really loved the honesty of these characters and the way they didn’t always act as expected. I feel like they surprised me with their maturity in some ways and then in other ways you could see their vulnerability and past hurts come out. Such a great book by an author I’ll definitely be reading more from in the future!
April 25, 2025
Ms. Thayne writes another one you can't put down. Ali is about to get fired from an internship she was never qualified for. She had an ulterior motive. But things quickly change due to circumstances. As fate would have it, Ali and Juniper, the exec who was firing her, a friendship develops. Maybe they both find love down the road with men they never expected to find it with. Maybe they find out something about themselves that can only bring them closer. A great summer read you won't want to miss! I have reviewed an advance copy.
June 13, 2025
RaeAnne does it again with an incredibly heartwarming tale of found family, buried secrets, and second chances, set against the cozy charm of small-town Wyoming! Thank you to NetGalley, RaeAnne & her amazing team at Canary Street Press for the eARC!!! I absolutely loved this!!!
What to Expect:
⭐ Found Family
⭐ Enemies to Lovers AND Best friends to lovers
⭐ Lost story found after loved one passes
⭐ Second Chance Romance
⭐ Secrets From The Past
My Thoughts:
I swear RaeAnne seems to have an unending depth of book ideas that are just so full of love, beautiful characters, and stories! I don't know how after so many years and so many books she is still able to produce something I will still love! The foundation never changes. The depth of each character stays consistent and true to her past stories. The stories that bring the characters together AND their individual stories are always so beautifully written in detail and design that you feel as though you are living it with them next to them. It's hard to continue to find that from an author years in this business.
So I will start by saying just that... like her previous books this is as classic and beautiful as those. The story takes you for a loop with the big event at the beginning! The secrets that fall out as the story unfolds, are what keep you flipping through to see how it unfolds. The location makes me want to pack my bags and head for Painted Sky right now. Just the hiking sounds delightful! I wouldn't mind waking up with my coffee to the porch at the cabin or the views from Painted Sky every morning. Just so dreamy!!!
If you're fan of the clean closed door romance and story telling of Hallmark this is for you!
Synopsis:
Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Allison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister that she’s never heard about before, it’s clear there are things her father never told her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next…
Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently fired—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives in the small town, her life will never be the same.
Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they'll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters.
What to Expect:
⭐ Found Family
⭐ Enemies to Lovers AND Best friends to lovers
⭐ Lost story found after loved one passes
⭐ Second Chance Romance
⭐ Secrets From The Past
My Thoughts:
I swear RaeAnne seems to have an unending depth of book ideas that are just so full of love, beautiful characters, and stories! I don't know how after so many years and so many books she is still able to produce something I will still love! The foundation never changes. The depth of each character stays consistent and true to her past stories. The stories that bring the characters together AND their individual stories are always so beautifully written in detail and design that you feel as though you are living it with them next to them. It's hard to continue to find that from an author years in this business.
So I will start by saying just that... like her previous books this is as classic and beautiful as those. The story takes you for a loop with the big event at the beginning! The secrets that fall out as the story unfolds, are what keep you flipping through to see how it unfolds. The location makes me want to pack my bags and head for Painted Sky right now. Just the hiking sounds delightful! I wouldn't mind waking up with my coffee to the porch at the cabin or the views from Painted Sky every morning. Just so dreamy!!!
If you're fan of the clean closed door romance and story telling of Hallmark this is for you!
Synopsis:
Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Allison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister that she’s never heard about before, it’s clear there are things her father never told her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next…
Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently fired—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives in the small town, her life will never be the same.
Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they'll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters.
August 22, 2025
The Lost Book of First Loves has a beautiful, nostalgic concept that drew me in immediately. The idea of revisiting first loves through the lens of books is both unique and romantic, and I was really hopeful this would be a story I could get swept up in.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into the story, and I struggled to feel truly invested in the characters. While there were some touching moments and thoughtful reflections on love and memory, the emotional connection just didn’t fully land for me.
That said, I can absolutely see how this book would resonate with other readers—especially those who enjoy slower, introspective reads. The writing has a quiet charm, and the literary references are a sweet touch for book lovers.
This one wasn’t quite the right fit for me, but I appreciate the heart behind the story.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into the story, and I struggled to feel truly invested in the characters. While there were some touching moments and thoughtful reflections on love and memory, the emotional connection just didn’t fully land for me.
That said, I can absolutely see how this book would resonate with other readers—especially those who enjoy slower, introspective reads. The writing has a quiet charm, and the literary references are a sweet touch for book lovers.
This one wasn’t quite the right fit for me, but I appreciate the heart behind the story.
June 29, 2025
Book Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s
Thank you to the author @raeannethayne and @Uplitreads for the #gifted book.
I immediately sank into this story and loved it from beginning to end! Set against the stunning backdrop of Wyoming—a place that holds a special spot in my heart—this book brought all the feels.
This heartwarming read is filled with lost love and second chances, found family and strong friendships, and the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to pack your bags and head to Wyoming. It explores grief, healing, and the beauty of new beginnings, all while secrets bubble to the surface and shape the characters’ journeys. Told through multiple points of view, the story unfolds in a layered, emotional way that kept me turning the pages.
The characters were all incredibly likable, and the emotional depth of their stories made the whole book feel so personal and real. It’s a comforting, feel-good read that reminds you it’s never too late to rewrite your story. 💛
Thank you to the author @raeannethayne and @Uplitreads for the #gifted book.
I immediately sank into this story and loved it from beginning to end! Set against the stunning backdrop of Wyoming—a place that holds a special spot in my heart—this book brought all the feels.
This heartwarming read is filled with lost love and second chances, found family and strong friendships, and the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to pack your bags and head to Wyoming. It explores grief, healing, and the beauty of new beginnings, all while secrets bubble to the surface and shape the characters’ journeys. Told through multiple points of view, the story unfolds in a layered, emotional way that kept me turning the pages.
The characters were all incredibly likable, and the emotional depth of their stories made the whole book feel so personal and real. It’s a comforting, feel-good read that reminds you it’s never too late to rewrite your story. 💛
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