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Fog Harbor #1
The Words We Lost
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?
" The Words We Lost is thought-provoking and tender, capturing the transformative beauty of surviving." --T.I. LOWE, bestselling author of Under the Magnolias
"A poignant, masterful exploration of the enduring power of friendship and love." --IRENE HANNON, author of the bestselling Hope Harbor series
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?
" The Words We Lost is thought-provoking and tender, capturing the transformative beauty of surviving." --T.I. LOWE, bestselling author of Under the Magnolias
"A poignant, masterful exploration of the enduring power of friendship and love." --IRENE HANNON, author of the bestselling Hope Harbor series
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 11, 2023
519 people are currently reading
18607 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Deese
19 books2,213 followersNicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning, bestselling author of hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. When she's not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
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October 5, 2025I only have one regret about picking up this book: that I would have to set it down at its end. The Words We Lost is the kind of book you want to go on forever, because it’s the kind of story that makes a long-lasting impact on your heart.
I don’t even know where to start except by saying that The Words We Lost is easily one of my top favorite reads of 2023–if not one of my top favorites ever. The themes in this book packed an emotional punch in the most heartbreaking yet healing way as we get a front row seat to how Indy and Joel grieve the loss of Cece. The way the author wrote about grief and guilt and how it makes us build up walls and blame those we love most was so, so powerful. Every moment of tension, climax, and resolution was written by a skilled hand.
This book doesn’t dish up happily-ever-after’s and end with a rainbow in a blue sky. It’s raw and relatable and real, and it’s only with a book like this can you truly see the beauty in a gray sky and how God never wastes a moment of pain—not one.
After reading the author’s note and getting a glimpse of her personal experience with grief after losing her younger sister, I have even such a deeper respect for the author. It’s not easy to go back to those places of loss, trauma, and grief and feel those emotional triggers, that aching sting of loss, and turn it into fiction. It’s incredibly brave, and incredibly hard, and incredibly moving. The author’s words hold an emotional depth that’s rare to find in fiction. And, I just also need to state that her writing skills—storyline, character arcs, plot and themes—were some of the best I’ve read.
Everyone needs to read this book. Cannot recommend it highly enough. 🥺🤍
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Words We Lost. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
I don’t even know where to start except by saying that The Words We Lost is easily one of my top favorite reads of 2023–if not one of my top favorites ever. The themes in this book packed an emotional punch in the most heartbreaking yet healing way as we get a front row seat to how Indy and Joel grieve the loss of Cece. The way the author wrote about grief and guilt and how it makes us build up walls and blame those we love most was so, so powerful. Every moment of tension, climax, and resolution was written by a skilled hand.
This book doesn’t dish up happily-ever-after’s and end with a rainbow in a blue sky. It’s raw and relatable and real, and it’s only with a book like this can you truly see the beauty in a gray sky and how God never wastes a moment of pain—not one.
After reading the author’s note and getting a glimpse of her personal experience with grief after losing her younger sister, I have even such a deeper respect for the author. It’s not easy to go back to those places of loss, trauma, and grief and feel those emotional triggers, that aching sting of loss, and turn it into fiction. It’s incredibly brave, and incredibly hard, and incredibly moving. The author’s words hold an emotional depth that’s rare to find in fiction. And, I just also need to state that her writing skills—storyline, character arcs, plot and themes—were some of the best I’ve read.
Everyone needs to read this book. Cannot recommend it highly enough. 🥺🤍
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Words We Lost. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
April 19, 2023
The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese🩵
This story follows Ingrid who works as an acquisitions editor in San Francisco. Her best friend, Ceci, wrote a national best-selling fantasy series, but died from a brain tumor before the last book of the series was published. Ingrid sinks deeply into grief. She ends up being contacted by Joel, Ceci’s cousin and Ingrid’s old flame, about a manuscript that Ceci left for them.
I was immediately captured by Nicole Deese’s writing. She writes characters and emotions so realistically, which made the grief plot line very intense sometimes.
I also really enjoyed the resolution of this story. If you like books about books, publishing and manuscripts, this is for you!
If you appreciate books about grief, this is for you! If you like a story within a story, this is for you!
Clean, faith-filled, character study on responses to death and broken relationships. Definitely recommend!
This story follows Ingrid who works as an acquisitions editor in San Francisco. Her best friend, Ceci, wrote a national best-selling fantasy series, but died from a brain tumor before the last book of the series was published. Ingrid sinks deeply into grief. She ends up being contacted by Joel, Ceci’s cousin and Ingrid’s old flame, about a manuscript that Ceci left for them.
I was immediately captured by Nicole Deese’s writing. She writes characters and emotions so realistically, which made the grief plot line very intense sometimes.
I also really enjoyed the resolution of this story. If you like books about books, publishing and manuscripts, this is for you!
If you appreciate books about grief, this is for you! If you like a story within a story, this is for you!
Clean, faith-filled, character study on responses to death and broken relationships. Definitely recommend!
June 1, 2024
“I can’t erase the darkness for you, but I can be the one to hold the light when you’re ready to come home.”
Ingrid “Indy” Erikson is struggling as a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Publishers. In the past year she’s lost her bff, Cecelia Campbell, who also happens to be a best-selling author who Indy helped launch from the beginning. At the time of Cece’s passing, she was writing a novel which was part of a multi-novel series. It was never turned in before her death.
Not only is Ingrid suffering from a lack of closure, emotionally and in her career, she’s also suffering from a trauma response that has made her a liability. Her job is on the line. A surprise visit brings news that requires her to meet with Joel Campbell, the third person in the tight friendship trio. Can she put aside her feelings for one appointment? Even though she hasn’t spoken to him for five years?
Why I loved it:
✔️Peek behind the curtain into the publishing industry
✔️examination of intellectual property after someone passes away
✔️unique format
✔️unique friendship bond
✔️matchmaker from beyond the grave; 2nd chance romance
✔️mystery that builds throughout
✔️learning to live with grief
New-to-me author Nicole Deese has crafted a deeply affecting story about the things that connect three best friends and the grief that has pulled them apart. Despite this pull, the synchronous connection they share has never severed in the five years they’ve been broken apart. There’s something worth saving in their raw history.
Adding to this are subplots showing how grief affects each of us differently; a mother who’s lost her daughter, a cousin who’s lost his best friend, and a daughter who’s lost her father. Deese shows the complications and highlights the need to work through grief and learn to coexist with it. This has been a timely read and a comfort to me this week as I grieve the sudden loss of my 54-year-old brother-in-law. This book met my broken heart this week and patched it together so I could carry on.
Just some of the amazing quotes:
💜"We can't change the time we've spent, just how we choose to spend the time we have left."
💜“No heartache has ever gone unseen, and no darkness is ever too solid for light to overcome.”
💜“There are no winners in grief- only survivors.”
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to start ‘The Roads We Follow’ tonight.
Ingrid “Indy” Erikson is struggling as a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Publishers. In the past year she’s lost her bff, Cecelia Campbell, who also happens to be a best-selling author who Indy helped launch from the beginning. At the time of Cece’s passing, she was writing a novel which was part of a multi-novel series. It was never turned in before her death.
Not only is Ingrid suffering from a lack of closure, emotionally and in her career, she’s also suffering from a trauma response that has made her a liability. Her job is on the line. A surprise visit brings news that requires her to meet with Joel Campbell, the third person in the tight friendship trio. Can she put aside her feelings for one appointment? Even though she hasn’t spoken to him for five years?
Why I loved it:
✔️Peek behind the curtain into the publishing industry
✔️examination of intellectual property after someone passes away
✔️unique format
✔️unique friendship bond
✔️matchmaker from beyond the grave; 2nd chance romance
✔️mystery that builds throughout
✔️learning to live with grief
New-to-me author Nicole Deese has crafted a deeply affecting story about the things that connect three best friends and the grief that has pulled them apart. Despite this pull, the synchronous connection they share has never severed in the five years they’ve been broken apart. There’s something worth saving in their raw history.
Adding to this are subplots showing how grief affects each of us differently; a mother who’s lost her daughter, a cousin who’s lost his best friend, and a daughter who’s lost her father. Deese shows the complications and highlights the need to work through grief and learn to coexist with it. This has been a timely read and a comfort to me this week as I grieve the sudden loss of my 54-year-old brother-in-law. This book met my broken heart this week and patched it together so I could carry on.
Just some of the amazing quotes:
💜"We can't change the time we've spent, just how we choose to spend the time we have left."
💜“No heartache has ever gone unseen, and no darkness is ever too solid for light to overcome.”
💜“There are no winners in grief- only survivors.”
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to start ‘The Roads We Follow’ tonight.
April 19, 2023
The Words We Lost is a special book.
"That woman had found her home only after she had been found by love"
This book let down a permanent anchor into my heart, and i'm ok with that.
If you like:
-the right amount of summer atmosphere
-a quaint coastal setting
-the mystery behind a missing manuscript
-the power of words and imagination
-rich unconditional friendship
-second chance at love
-how complex and consuming grief can truly be
-beautiful faith filled message
When a book is this good, it's hard to find the right words to persuade everyone to read it. I felt enchanted by this book. These characters jumped right off the page. I felt their sorrows alongside their happy highs. I wanted to be in this book, to know what it feels like to experience this type of unconditional sisterhood.
The romance was beautiful -- full of honesty and vulnerability. Joel has my heart and gave Ingrid space to grief and be herself.
This book was incredibly well paced, I highlighted dozens of lines and now its a new favorite. I want to read it all over again. The author's experience with grief brought me to tears and made this book come alive due to her vulnerability.
"no heartache has ever gone unseen and no darkness has ever been too dark for light to overcome."
Read this book. all the stars. THE book for your summer/spring TBR.
"That woman had found her home only after she had been found by love"
This book let down a permanent anchor into my heart, and i'm ok with that.
If you like:
-the right amount of summer atmosphere
-a quaint coastal setting
-the mystery behind a missing manuscript
-the power of words and imagination
-rich unconditional friendship
-second chance at love
-how complex and consuming grief can truly be
-beautiful faith filled message
When a book is this good, it's hard to find the right words to persuade everyone to read it. I felt enchanted by this book. These characters jumped right off the page. I felt their sorrows alongside their happy highs. I wanted to be in this book, to know what it feels like to experience this type of unconditional sisterhood.
The romance was beautiful -- full of honesty and vulnerability. Joel has my heart and gave Ingrid space to grief and be herself.
This book was incredibly well paced, I highlighted dozens of lines and now its a new favorite. I want to read it all over again. The author's experience with grief brought me to tears and made this book come alive due to her vulnerability.
"no heartache has ever gone unseen and no darkness has ever been too dark for light to overcome."
Read this book. all the stars. THE book for your summer/spring TBR.
March 9, 2023
If you're looking for a deep contemporary romance, The Words We Lost is it!
This is the third book I've read by Nicole Deese. Unlike the other two I've read by her, The Words We Lost contained a split-time element and a prevalent theme of grief and its effects on the characters' lives. At first, I wasn't sure what to think, but The Words We Lost drew me in. Ingrid was such a well-developed, sympathetic character. Even though she didn't always make good decisions, I felt for her. I did have a little trouble connecting Ingrid in the present section of the story with Ingrid in the past section, but that got better as I read on.
A missing first draft and an unfinished series gave the plot an intriguing twist for a reader like me. I appreciated that Nicole Deese kept the romance and language clean, and I thought her descriptive yet clear writing style worked great for this novel.
Overall, The Words We Lost was an enjoyable read that I'd recommend to those who like Christian fiction and contemporary romance. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series!
Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is the third book I've read by Nicole Deese. Unlike the other two I've read by her, The Words We Lost contained a split-time element and a prevalent theme of grief and its effects on the characters' lives. At first, I wasn't sure what to think, but The Words We Lost drew me in. Ingrid was such a well-developed, sympathetic character. Even though she didn't always make good decisions, I felt for her. I did have a little trouble connecting Ingrid in the present section of the story with Ingrid in the past section, but that got better as I read on.
A missing first draft and an unfinished series gave the plot an intriguing twist for a reader like me. I appreciated that Nicole Deese kept the romance and language clean, and I thought her descriptive yet clear writing style worked great for this novel.
Overall, The Words We Lost was an enjoyable read that I'd recommend to those who like Christian fiction and contemporary romance. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series!
Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 27, 2023
4.5 rounded up.
I would be remiss if I didn't express my disappointment that the faith arc was very light and weak. I know authors and publishers just roll their eyes when we say this, especially when it's not like they left it out altogether, but the climax of the faith arc was the protagonist on the beach looking back at her life and saying, hey, maybe God was there all along. No Jesus, no actually turning to the Lord. And for the male MC, we only got one conversation where he shared with minor characters part of his faith journey and how he needed to reach for God himself instead of ride on his parents' coattails.
This was a sad, heavy book about grief and unforgiveness. I'm not typically a fan of stories told this way, the past interspersed in written form with the present. It was a compelling story anyway, unfurling the truth about what drove the characters apart and watching them grow back together in the present. This is very much like Deese's other books, just with heavier subject matter. Joel is very similar to her other male MCs, but we like Joshua and Silas, so we like Joel too.
I really enjoyed the author and publishing aspect of this story and how relatable it was, and also loved the cast of supporting characters.
Overall, this was a wonderful book, but I continue to be sad any time a faith message is barely there when there's so much opportunity to point the reader back to Jesus.
I would be remiss if I didn't express my disappointment that the faith arc was very light and weak. I know authors and publishers just roll their eyes when we say this, especially when it's not like they left it out altogether, but the climax of the faith arc was the protagonist on the beach looking back at her life and saying, hey, maybe God was there all along. No Jesus, no actually turning to the Lord. And for the male MC, we only got one conversation where he shared with minor characters part of his faith journey and how he needed to reach for God himself instead of ride on his parents' coattails.
This was a sad, heavy book about grief and unforgiveness. I'm not typically a fan of stories told this way, the past interspersed in written form with the present. It was a compelling story anyway, unfurling the truth about what drove the characters apart and watching them grow back together in the present. This is very much like Deese's other books, just with heavier subject matter. Joel is very similar to her other male MCs, but we like Joshua and Silas, so we like Joel too.
I really enjoyed the author and publishing aspect of this story and how relatable it was, and also loved the cast of supporting characters.
Overall, this was a wonderful book, but I continue to be sad any time a faith message is barely there when there's so much opportunity to point the reader back to Jesus.
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November 4, 2022Deeply romantic and wonderfully emotional, Nicole Deese’s effortlessly exquisite voice sings in another book that evokes All The Feels. Deese's books always make colours seem brighter and the sky clearer and The Words We Lost is no exception --- save for its own special kind of gift: that of a book and story lover's dream.
June 13, 2023
The Words We Lost is a poignant tale of loss and the way our childhoods shape us. The depths of who we are and our actions and reactions are built and informed by everything from the way we were raised and the people we spent time with, to our gifts and the way those are spoken over as we grow.
The characters were so real, they felt like living, breathing people that I could touch if I tried hard enough. My heart ached through this story as I saw myself and some of my own journey reflected in elements of each character.
Nicole Deese has a way of transporting the rawest and most personal of experiences into characters that mirror who we are at our core. There is an ability to relate with a fictional character and somehow feel safe to process what is in our hearts.
The story was one that had me turning pages, held my interest late into the night and kept me coming back for more. The emotional intelligence and development was off the charts and the story, while hard and heavy at times, was also one infused with so much hope, light, truth and beauty.
The ways scars form into beautiful things, how thorns protect the roses and the pains create depth and strength of healing.
Truth was found in this story. Hope was found in this story. Healing was found in these words.
Highly recommend. Five shining stars.
*This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
The characters were so real, they felt like living, breathing people that I could touch if I tried hard enough. My heart ached through this story as I saw myself and some of my own journey reflected in elements of each character.
Nicole Deese has a way of transporting the rawest and most personal of experiences into characters that mirror who we are at our core. There is an ability to relate with a fictional character and somehow feel safe to process what is in our hearts.
The story was one that had me turning pages, held my interest late into the night and kept me coming back for more. The emotional intelligence and development was off the charts and the story, while hard and heavy at times, was also one infused with so much hope, light, truth and beauty.
The ways scars form into beautiful things, how thorns protect the roses and the pains create depth and strength of healing.
Truth was found in this story. Hope was found in this story. Healing was found in these words.
Highly recommend. Five shining stars.
*This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.
November 3, 2022
The Words We Lost is a poignant tale of grief, healing, and all that falls in between. Ms. Deese left her heart on every single page and I'm not sure a story has ever touched me as much. She's a master at getting to the heart of emotion and letting the reader experience it as well. This novel is a testament to the power of fiction and a must-read.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for endorsement.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for endorsement.
September 26, 2024
I finally found a Christian fiction to give my heart to. I've never been able to give 5 stars to a book in this genre till now.
The writing was good. Hallelujah. I have no doubt I'll be rereading this one day, with the physical book, and making note after note and filling it with annotations.
I've read an obscene amount of fiction books on grief, and she managed to give me a story and sweet perspective I've never seen done before. It was clever, adorable and touching.
The plot and characters were given equal page time, and I ADORED the author's attention to detail and raw appreciation for grief, loss, acceptance and forgiveness. It was beautifully done.
The religious Christian moments weren't exaggerated and felt organic to the story and characters.
THOUGHTS:
The audiobook was terrible. The narrator had ridiculous, over the top inflections and every character sounded the same. The only exception was the captain, and he wasn't done well. Even with the mediocre audio, the book STILL shined through and that deserves high praise. I have a feeling the audio is also a contributing factor to why I didn't cry once.
The ending wrapped up a bit too quickly and perfectly. Like a hallmark ending, but I didn't let that Influence my rating because it made me happy.
OVERALL:
I'm thrilled to finally have a Christian fiction book I can joyously recommend. This would be Ideal for anyone experiencing loss or grief. It struck that perfect balance of light fun with thoughtful and emotional.
The writing was good. Hallelujah. I have no doubt I'll be rereading this one day, with the physical book, and making note after note and filling it with annotations.
I've read an obscene amount of fiction books on grief, and she managed to give me a story and sweet perspective I've never seen done before. It was clever, adorable and touching.
The plot and characters were given equal page time, and I ADORED the author's attention to detail and raw appreciation for grief, loss, acceptance and forgiveness. It was beautifully done.
The religious Christian moments weren't exaggerated and felt organic to the story and characters.
THOUGHTS:
The audiobook was terrible. The narrator had ridiculous, over the top inflections and every character sounded the same. The only exception was the captain, and he wasn't done well. Even with the mediocre audio, the book STILL shined through and that deserves high praise. I have a feeling the audio is also a contributing factor to why I didn't cry once.
The ending wrapped up a bit too quickly and perfectly. Like a hallmark ending, but I didn't let that Influence my rating because it made me happy.
OVERALL:
I'm thrilled to finally have a Christian fiction book I can joyously recommend. This would be Ideal for anyone experiencing loss or grief. It struck that perfect balance of light fun with thoughtful and emotional.
April 16, 2023
“No heartache has ever gone unseen and no darkness has ever been too dark for light to overcome.”
The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese will take you on a journey of emotions. This is the third book by Nicole Deese I have read and she truly knows how to touch your heart in her books. It touches on grief in such a way that leaves you filled with hope. If you enjoy books that have a publishing, writing, manuscript vibe - you will love this!
This book is all about Ingrid, who is an editor in California. She is having such a hard time in her job reading manuscripts since the death of her best friend, Cece. Cece had a brain tumor and passed away before she could publish the last installment of her famous fantasy book series. Because of all the trouble Ingrid is having in her job, her boss is about to let her go when she offers her a deal to try and find the missing manuscript of the final installment of the popular series everyone wants to see finished. Throughout this process, she meets back up with Joel, from an old relationship and Cece's cousin. Joel says Cece left them a manuscript she wanted them to read together (she is matchmaking even after she is gone, my heart ya'll!). They start to read through this manuscript, rekindling old emotions, working through their grief together and learning about things of the past. The story kicks off from here.
I truly appreciated this story where we got to see the actual manuscript / story of the past of Cece on page before she passed away with her best friend and cousin. It's almost like a story inside a story - which was so interesting! We see both perspectives as they are reading the manuscript and then dealing with the grief of her no longer being there and other items in their past. I loved seeing this added in too because it gave a lighter element of friendship added in with the grief that I felt like was needed.
Thank you Bethany House/Baker Publishing for a copy to honestly read and review. The ending made me cry and the author’s note is a must read y’all. My heart.
The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese will take you on a journey of emotions. This is the third book by Nicole Deese I have read and she truly knows how to touch your heart in her books. It touches on grief in such a way that leaves you filled with hope. If you enjoy books that have a publishing, writing, manuscript vibe - you will love this!
This book is all about Ingrid, who is an editor in California. She is having such a hard time in her job reading manuscripts since the death of her best friend, Cece. Cece had a brain tumor and passed away before she could publish the last installment of her famous fantasy book series. Because of all the trouble Ingrid is having in her job, her boss is about to let her go when she offers her a deal to try and find the missing manuscript of the final installment of the popular series everyone wants to see finished. Throughout this process, she meets back up with Joel, from an old relationship and Cece's cousin. Joel says Cece left them a manuscript she wanted them to read together (she is matchmaking even after she is gone, my heart ya'll!). They start to read through this manuscript, rekindling old emotions, working through their grief together and learning about things of the past. The story kicks off from here.
I truly appreciated this story where we got to see the actual manuscript / story of the past of Cece on page before she passed away with her best friend and cousin. It's almost like a story inside a story - which was so interesting! We see both perspectives as they are reading the manuscript and then dealing with the grief of her no longer being there and other items in their past. I loved seeing this added in too because it gave a lighter element of friendship added in with the grief that I felt like was needed.
Thank you Bethany House/Baker Publishing for a copy to honestly read and review. The ending made me cry and the author’s note is a must read y’all. My heart.
April 10, 2023
Story Enjoyment Rating: 10/10 Christian Faith Rating: 2/3 (Medium)
The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is a Christian, contemporary romance novel.
This story sent me on a real rollercoaster of emotions! It deals in-depth with grief and the loss of loved ones, which is a heavier topic than I usually like to read about. However, I appreciated that Nicole Deese balanced these intense, emotional scenes with lighter moments of friendship and fun.
I requested this book from NetGalley because I had heard so many good things about the author’s books. Bethany House kindly let me have an advanced copy of the ebook to read and review. All thoughts on the book are my own.
This book follows Ingrid, an editor with a publishing house. Sadly her best friend, a writer called Cece, has passed away. Ingrid had helped Cece publish four books in a fantasy series, but the final book was still missing. Ingrid's boss told her that if she didn't find the book, then she would lose her job. In order to find it, she had to return to the place she had been hiding from and face up to the memories, emotions and people she had avoided for so long.
The book was told from two perspectives. Ingrid’s perspective was written in the first person present tense. The other was written in the third person past tense. The pacing was good, and the story did not drag.
I felt that the main aim of the story was to follow Ingrid’s inner journey through her memories and emotions. However, I also enjoyed the romantic plot line and the different mysteries the characters faced.
The narrative swung back and forth between intense emotions of grief, loss and a painful past and lighter moments of friendship, fun and hope.
The characters were clearly Christian. The main point of the story was Ingrid’s inner emotional journey. However, her faith, and the faith of other characters, did play an important role in the story.
Overall I thought the story was very well written and I was emotionally invested in the characters.
I own some of Nicole Deese’s earlier books, so I will definitely read more by her in the future.
The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is a Christian, contemporary romance novel.
This story sent me on a real rollercoaster of emotions! It deals in-depth with grief and the loss of loved ones, which is a heavier topic than I usually like to read about. However, I appreciated that Nicole Deese balanced these intense, emotional scenes with lighter moments of friendship and fun.
I requested this book from NetGalley because I had heard so many good things about the author’s books. Bethany House kindly let me have an advanced copy of the ebook to read and review. All thoughts on the book are my own.
This book follows Ingrid, an editor with a publishing house. Sadly her best friend, a writer called Cece, has passed away. Ingrid had helped Cece publish four books in a fantasy series, but the final book was still missing. Ingrid's boss told her that if she didn't find the book, then she would lose her job. In order to find it, she had to return to the place she had been hiding from and face up to the memories, emotions and people she had avoided for so long.
The book was told from two perspectives. Ingrid’s perspective was written in the first person present tense. The other was written in the third person past tense. The pacing was good, and the story did not drag.
I felt that the main aim of the story was to follow Ingrid’s inner journey through her memories and emotions. However, I also enjoyed the romantic plot line and the different mysteries the characters faced.
The narrative swung back and forth between intense emotions of grief, loss and a painful past and lighter moments of friendship, fun and hope.
The characters were clearly Christian. The main point of the story was Ingrid’s inner emotional journey. However, her faith, and the faith of other characters, did play an important role in the story.
Overall I thought the story was very well written and I was emotionally invested in the characters.
I own some of Nicole Deese’s earlier books, so I will definitely read more by her in the future.
November 2, 2022
Nicole has penned a love letter to anyone who has ever experienced the depths of grief.
January 13, 2026
Wow what a beautiful story! This book definitely took me longer than usual (about two weeks) but I’m so grateful for it. This book is definitely not to be rushed but absorbed and chewed on slowly. It was beautiful and touching. I listened to it via the audiobook and I really enjoyed it!
I think Cece was probably my favorite character! She reminded me a bit of myself. Her story, Ingrid, and Joel’s were all difficult and I love seeing the character development and how they wrestled with the storms of life and seeing the beauty in loss and grief.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is very unique and I’ve never quite read anything like it. It’s definitely a gem in this genre.
The one thing I did want to flag was that although beautiful Joel’s dedication to Ingrid could be unhealthy in a relationship similar to theirs. He also was committed in a way a married couple should be and not necessarily a dating couple, leading to a similarity in the savior complex. So although I definitely enjoyed the romance I did want to flag it as younger audiences and especially a male could be influenced by this and not understand that it might not be that healthy. As well as with how they dealt with Ingrid’s father, it borderlined codependency which again certain audiences might not understand that. So just a flag that it would probably be better read from an older age and possibly an older person with mental health knowledge/awareness/experience pertaining to relationships.
I think Cece was probably my favorite character! She reminded me a bit of myself. Her story, Ingrid, and Joel’s were all difficult and I love seeing the character development and how they wrestled with the storms of life and seeing the beauty in loss and grief.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is very unique and I’ve never quite read anything like it. It’s definitely a gem in this genre.
The one thing I did want to flag was that although beautiful Joel’s dedication to Ingrid could be unhealthy in a relationship similar to theirs. He also was committed in a way a married couple should be and not necessarily a dating couple, leading to a similarity in the savior complex. So although I definitely enjoyed the romance I did want to flag it as younger audiences and especially a male could be influenced by this and not understand that it might not be that healthy. As well as with how they dealt with Ingrid’s father, it borderlined codependency which again certain audiences might not understand that. So just a flag that it would probably be better read from an older age and possibly an older person with mental health knowledge/awareness/experience pertaining to relationships.
July 3, 2023
I love this book. I don't knowingly read books that will make me cry, but this book is both painful and beautiful. A captivating tale of regret, grief, and love in a masterful story.
"I can't erase the darkness for you, but I can be the one to hold the light when you're ready to come home.
Deeply romantic and emotional. Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing 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 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.
If you're looking for a deep, heartfelt story that tug on your heartstrings and bring the reader along for a life-changing story, The Words We Lost is it! This story and the Author's Note are a Must Read.
"I can't erase the darkness for you, but I can be the one to hold the light when you're ready to come home.
Deeply romantic and emotional. Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing 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 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.
If you're looking for a deep, heartfelt story that tug on your heartstrings and bring the reader along for a life-changing story, The Words We Lost is it! This story and the Author's Note are a Must Read.
Read
April 19, 2023Soul-stirring. That's the best way I can describe this story. Ms. Deese shares in her author's note that this particular story had a deeper meaning than just penning words on a page. It was personal--and it read like someone intimately familiar with grief, loss, and the lack of control those feelings drown you in when you lose someone you love. Ms. Deese takes readers on a sentimental journey that has a bit of a mystery element, redemption of loss love, and forgiveness. This is not a light read IMO, but a story that can be savored with whispers of hope that there's promise of light through the tunnel of grief--especially if it's shared with those on the journey with you.
January 30, 2024
Wow! Nicole Deese has written another beautiful, can’t-put-down novel. These characters had me from the first page and their journey through loss felt so authentic. We could see the way Ingrid suffered through her loss and Joel as well, and how it drove them apart in an understandable way. The journey to healing was so beautiful. The second chance romance was such a beautiful love story. Highly recommend!!
April 25, 2023
4.5⭐
I wasn't sure going into this book how I would feel reading it, there was definitely some very hard moments in the book. But I am so happy that I read it and loved the message of hope and throughout this book and seeing how each character went through their greiving process over losing a loved one.
Ingrid works for a Publishing company where her best friend Cece got her fantasy series published. Unfortunately her best friend passes away and leaves her with a gaping hole in her heart and a gaping hole in her book series. When Ingrid gets a message in person from Cece's cousin asking her to come back to the coastal town they were all friends at, she is adamant that she isn't going back. But circumstances force her to go, and when she gets there a mysterious package is waiting for her that will change her entire life.
I loved the characters, and as a collector of beach glass I loved seeing that as part of the story as well (even though I've never found a piece of black).
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and honestly review.
I wasn't sure going into this book how I would feel reading it, there was definitely some very hard moments in the book. But I am so happy that I read it and loved the message of hope and throughout this book and seeing how each character went through their greiving process over losing a loved one.
Ingrid works for a Publishing company where her best friend Cece got her fantasy series published. Unfortunately her best friend passes away and leaves her with a gaping hole in her heart and a gaping hole in her book series. When Ingrid gets a message in person from Cece's cousin asking her to come back to the coastal town they were all friends at, she is adamant that she isn't going back. But circumstances force her to go, and when she gets there a mysterious package is waiting for her that will change her entire life.
I loved the characters, and as a collector of beach glass I loved seeing that as part of the story as well (even though I've never found a piece of black).
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and honestly review.
June 2, 2024
I did not get as involved with this one as I did with the previous book I had read by Nicole Deese.
BUT it was very good, and I think I was just distracted by everything going on in life at the time I read it. It deals with very heavy topics of grief and betrayal, forgiveness and the restoration of relationships, and it handles them - in my opinion - very well.
I really loved the story-within-a-story, the "memoir" written by one of the characters. That was probably my favorite part and it made this book very special. The ending was maybe a little convenient, but I also loved that part. There was some sweet justice there.
BUT it was very good, and I think I was just distracted by everything going on in life at the time I read it. It deals with very heavy topics of grief and betrayal, forgiveness and the restoration of relationships, and it handles them - in my opinion - very well.
I really loved the story-within-a-story, the "memoir" written by one of the characters. That was probably my favorite part and it made this book very special. The ending was maybe a little convenient, but I also loved that part. There was some sweet justice there.
August 27, 2023
CRIES because it's over, CRIES because it was so good. Beautiful book.
April 9, 2023
Emotional and engaging!
The talented Nicole Deese has penned another hit of a novel. While the main theme is walking through grief and that alone is a lot, there other themes such as forgiveness and deception neatly woven into the pages.
The presentation is expertly done. Events from the past are told though an unpublished manuscript. Previously unknown details come to light which alter main character Ingrid's point of view. Her point of view about her father and two childhood best friends: Joel and CeCe.
I love when a book title is meaningful to pages within. The Words We Lost is a perfect title for Ingrid's story.
And gasp of elation! This is going to be the start of a series. I'm delighted! Surely Chip will be the star of the next one.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The talented Nicole Deese has penned another hit of a novel. While the main theme is walking through grief and that alone is a lot, there other themes such as forgiveness and deception neatly woven into the pages.
The presentation is expertly done. Events from the past are told though an unpublished manuscript. Previously unknown details come to light which alter main character Ingrid's point of view. Her point of view about her father and two childhood best friends: Joel and CeCe.
I love when a book title is meaningful to pages within. The Words We Lost is a perfect title for Ingrid's story.
And gasp of elation! This is going to be the start of a series. I'm delighted! Surely Chip will be the star of the next one.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
December 14, 2023
4.5 stars ✨
This book is so much deeper than the cover implies. I loved it so much. It took a little bit to get into and I did feel like the ending was a tad rushed and conveniently wrapped up. But overall, one of the best contemporaries I’ve read in ages.
This book is so much deeper than the cover implies. I loved it so much. It took a little bit to get into and I did feel like the ending was a tad rushed and conveniently wrapped up. But overall, one of the best contemporaries I’ve read in ages.
April 11, 2023
Whew this book was so good! Highly recommend for readers of quality Christian fiction, and especially those who are ultra bookish! The Words We Lost is a deep, contemporary romance that also has an emphasis on an incredibly beautiful friendship. I was repeatedly struck by the sisterhood of Cecelia and Ingrid on the page, and once I read the author's poignant author's note I understood why their bond was so impactful ❤️🩹
I truly think it is best to go into this one completely blind and just let it run away with your heart completely, but I'll give a few tidbits: a missing manuscript, fantasy fiction, a career on the line, and a second chance at love ❤️ if any of that sounds up your alley, don't wait on this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I truly think it is best to go into this one completely blind and just let it run away with your heart completely, but I'll give a few tidbits: a missing manuscript, fantasy fiction, a career on the line, and a second chance at love ❤️ if any of that sounds up your alley, don't wait on this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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May 2, 2024I read this book while on vacation, and it was easy to picture what Nicole Deese describes. And now that I am done, I understand why so many people have recommended it.
Don't you love words? The title intrigued me, and I find it totally spot on for the book. The story delves into characters who have a place in today's publishing arena. It's a difficult place to be the victor, and the main character in the book is about to be devoured by the lions.
Great plot and lovable characters, this novel covers topics like grief and lost love. Absolutely wonderful!
Don't you love words? The title intrigued me, and I find it totally spot on for the book. The story delves into characters who have a place in today's publishing arena. It's a difficult place to be the victor, and the main character in the book is about to be devoured by the lions.
Great plot and lovable characters, this novel covers topics like grief and lost love. Absolutely wonderful!
April 11, 2023
I knew this would be a 5 star. Nicole Deese's books almost always are. She is an incredible author who writes beautiful Christian fiction with a side of romance. The love story in this book was probably my favorite so far. I loved everything about this book. I loved the creative way she made the book a dual timeline by presenting the past in a memoir. There was such raw and real emotion throughout the whole book. This will be a favorite this year for sure.
July 17, 2023
This is my favorite book for Nicole Deese that l have read can’t wait for her to come out with her next book in the Fog harbor series!!😍 10⭐️ all the way!!🥰
August 23, 2023
This was such a moving story about grief from various perspectives. "There are no winners in grief - only survivors". I absolutely loved this book and identify w/ the author who also had a sister die much too young. HIGHLY recommend!
February 13, 2024
Wow! One of the best books I've read this year!! The story gripped me from the very beginning, and I had a hard time putting it down, despite the heart-wrenching parts. I loved the characters. I loved the setting (I've been to Port Townsend and I have a cousin who collects sea glass!). I just wish Deese would now write those pirate romances so we can read them too :-)
April 5, 2023
Gave me all the feelings. Full review coming soon.
January 27, 2024
Phenomenal. The Words We Lost is a gut-wrenching, hope filled story. I only regret not finding this author sooner!
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