Lost And Forgiven: A steamy, second chance, small town romance

by C. Smith

Lily

I'd waited a lifetime for that epic, once in a lifetime kind of love.

I thought I had it once, before it was torn away. And not in the way that relationships usually end, ours was full of pain and betrayal, broken hearts and shattered souls.

My past is a messy one, I went through something horrific with the intention of saving the one person who truly meant everything to me, and I lost him anyway.

Now, I'm invisible.

At least I felt invisible until six months ago when somebody walked into my life with the intention of getting me some justice, little did we know, he ended up giving me a whole lot more than that.



Kit

I’ve travelled the world, putting bad guys away all over, but who knew that the one thing I had been searching for all this time was in the sleepy town of Meadowside.

My intention was to defeat the bad guys, but instead Lily defeated my defences and clawed her way inside my heart.

It was supposed to be a summer fling, but one touch was never going to be enough.

However, I signed a contract to work abroad for the best part of a year and now I have to leave. But I can’t let her go, she’ll live inside my heart forever, but will I still have a place inside of hers when I get home?



Lost And Forgiven is a steamy, second chance, small town romance. It’s the final book in The Finding Forever series which ends with a gorgeous happy ever after.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2026

Reviews

[Just A Girl In Bookworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I okay? No. No, I am absolutely not okay, because this series has ended, and quite frankly, I may never recover.

I’ve been following Chrissie’s writing pretty much since the very beginning, and I’ve loved every single moment spent in Meadowside with these characters. Somewhere along the way, this series crept into my dark-romance-loving heart and did the unthinkable: it turned me into a fully-fledged fluffy romance enthusiast. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t ask for it. And yet, here we are. To be fair, it’s still the only fluffy romance I truly love, which really says everything about just how special this series is.

What makes it even more special is how effortlessly it weaves in such relatable themes: love, loss, healing, friendship, and finding yourself when everything feels like it’s falling apart. These characters gripped my heart from the very first page and made me feel every single emotion written on the page. They are the kind of stories that wrap themselves around your heart and quietly whisper, "You’re not alone." Truly the most wonderful found-family series EVER!

And this final instalment? Lily and Kit’s story is just as beautiful, just as perfect, and just as emotionally devastating (in the best possible way) as the rest. It shows that people can be forgiven, and that people truly do change.

I am genuinely devastated that this series is over. Now excuse me while I go stare into the void and try to figure out what to do with my life without this series.

Romance 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Spice 🌶️🌶️

[The Plot Thickens Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Lost and Forgiven
Author: C. Smith
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
Reviewed by Abbey on behalf of The Plot Thickens Book Club
Thank you to C. Smith for the opportunity to read Lost and Forgiven as an ARC.
This story follows Lily, a character readers have grown to care deeply about throughout the series, as she navigates healing, forgiveness, and finding her place again after everything she’s been through. When Kit enters her life, their connection offers her a chance at something new and something she truly deserves.
The book explores themes of healing, found family, forgiveness, and emotional growth, while bringing together the wider cast of characters that make this series so special. Seeing everyone rally around Lily added an extra layer of warmth and emotional depth to the story.
For me, this was such a strong and emotional conclusion to the series. Lily’s journey felt incredibly impactful, and her relationship with Kit balanced both softness and support in a way that made their story really stand out.
Overall, Lost and Forgiven is a heartfelt and emotional romance that delivers a satisfying and meaningful ending to the Finding Forever series.

[MissWho · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Beautiful End to a Beautiful Series 🖤

I'm so glad that Lilly got her HEA as it just wouldn't sit right if her story wasn't complete. Kit being her MMC was a great hook but the letters...the letters were just perfect, I bawled my ruddy eyes out.

Of course, we got visits from characters gone by throughout the book and I'm glad everyone helped Lilly to heal, it was a soothing balm for the soul and the much-needed full circle moment. I could've done with a little (lot) more Ace though, I love that fictional man with all my heart 😍.

I'm not sure what to do with myself now because I don't want to leave these characters or Meadowside behind but a part of me is glad I won't be sobbing over fictional characters anymore.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

"My bottom lip trembled, because although it was quick, it was as though my soul had recognised his the instant we'd touched. Every look, every caress, every kiss felt like magic. Like the love and affection was literally seeping into my veins and changing my brain chemistry."

[Rhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
I am so devastated that this series is over! I’ve been following Chrissie’s writing pretty much since the beginning and I have loved every moment of being in Meadowside with these characters. It feels so right that Lily’s story was the one to round it off. I love Lily and ehat she went through really broke my heart but seeing her find herself again was incredible. I also loved Kit, our MMC, he was the perfect guy. Their journey together was so touching and definitely had me tearing up. I’m so glad the gang is finally back together completely (that bit definitely had me shedding some tears!)
I’m so excited to read whatever is next for Chrissie!

[Abbey Wales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

Just finished my ARC Lost and Forgiven by C. Smith and wow… five stars 😭

This is the final book in the Finding Forever series, following Lily and Kit, and it was honestly such a beautiful, emotional way to end everything.

Lily’s journey hit so hard, everything she’s been through, finding her way back to herself, and finally getting her happy ending… I was in my feelings the whole time.
And Kit?? Yeah… that man was EVERYTHING 🥹

This one is all about healing, forgiveness, found family, and coming home to your people, and seeing everyone show up for Lily just made it even more emotional.

I’m actually not okay that this series is over… but what a perfect ending 🫶

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily has a plan: Get her life back. The plan doesn't involve meeting a gorgeous detective, falling hard and fast for the man and getting pregnant basically at first sight. But sometimes life has a funny way of working out....

What a finale!! Once again C. Smith made me feel all the feels (didn't cry though, that's a first 😂). I loved that Kit and Lily were basically "all in" from the beginning, trying to make it work despite all the obstacles in their way.
Watching the Meadowside gang pull together to make amends and help out wherever they can was the sweetest ending to this amazing series.
I can't wait to see where Chrissie takes us next!! 🥰

If you like insta-attraction, surprise pregnancy, found family, small town and spice, pick up "Lost and Forgiven"!

[Maria Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read. Sad to see the Meadowside family end. Loved seeing all families pull together, forgiving and moving on. Love that it ended on a happy ever after. Can’t wait to see what comes next. X

The acknowledgement at the end. Well done .
You have definitely shown no matter how many years you’ve struggled. You have come out on top. X

[Cjlibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was a great end to an incredible found family series! Loved this so much, it was so different to any other romance book I have read.

Loved this and would highly recommend!

Thank you to C. Smith for the chance to read and review this early.

P.s if there isn’t a Mav book/novella I WILL riot!

[Kayleigh Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review
Lost and forgiven C.Smith
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chilli 🌶️🌶️🌶️

WOW! Another book that gripped me from the first page. Another book that’s grabbed me by the heart and made me feel every emotion that was written on those pages. The FMC and MMC are made for each other. The story shows people can be forgiven, people do change. Lily was alone and found someone who made her feel like she meant the world! She deserved to find a man like Kit and Kit needed Lily!

I’m so gutted this is the end to the found family series!
I’m so excited to see what’s next!!

[Book.Lover.1986 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book. What a way to finish the series.

I loved being back in Meadowside with this gang of characters.

Once again C.Smith has written a great storyline that flowed really well. I could not put it down. I devoured it in just over 24 hours.

It carries on where book 4 finished so you immediately remember how it was left.

I can't wait to read what you write next C.Smith.

[Danielle Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and spicy small town

I absolutely loved the final book in the finding forever series. This sweet and spicy small town romance is the perfect series for all things firefighters/police and hea. I loved Kit & Lily's story. Especially after everything that happened to Lily, it was great to see her HEA finally happen. C.Smith wrapped this series up perfectly!!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

5th book in the Finding Forever series

Following characters Kit & Lily


I cant believe this series to finally over. I’ve fallen in love with every single one of these characters that C.Smith has so beautifully created and shared with us all.
I'm so glad Lily got her redemption book that she deserved and also got her happily ever after with the very handsome Detective Kit.
It was lovely to see the whole gang rally around Lily when she needed them the most. This was such a bitter sweet book and was also a great end to an even greater series.

I can't wait to see what C.Smith has in store for us next and if its anything like this series we are in for a treat.

[lalibreriadiirene · Rating 4 out of 5]

🩵LOST AND FORGIVEN🩵

Rays of sunshine,
I had the amazing opportunity to ready this book as an arc and honestly was such a good read!
Lost and forgiven is not just a romance novel, touch topics that are pretty heavy and the emotions circulating in me were a lot.
Lily, my god, I just really wanted to hug her and make all of her pains go away🥲. She is definitely not your usual FMC, since page one it was possible to see her vulnerability and I have to say that I really appreciate this because it made me empathise with her quite a lot, and the courage that she had to report is not something that I can’t overlook, especially in today’s society.
Well Kit is definitely fierce and protective with the people he care about and it shows since the start.
Between Kit and Lily is pretty much insta attraction that after develops in insta love and if I could find one small detail that could improve this book was a bit more tension between the two of them a little more yearning for us readers. But other then that the story is catchy and I was hooked up by chapter 3.
The found family in this book is pretty big and being able to have them reunited was so so good, especially after all that happens in previous books, in my opinion they all went too hard on her especially before hearing her side but I have to say that they made up for it in this book.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot and I would definitely recommend you to read it, but start from book 1 in the serie otherwise you will find major spoilers 🫣
Btw they are all on KU so what are u waiting for?

[book_queen_forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

The end of an era and it was absolutely so bittersweet. C.smith has wrote such an amazing and beautiful series. And in the last one we finally see Lily get the happiness she deserves.

Lost and forgiven follows Lily and Kit. He is the police officer who takes the case that involves her and the man she once loved.

This whole book is quick and beautiful. My heart broke for Lily because she was just so lost and she was so alone. When she came home after the events of what drove her away; she felt like she no longer belong especially with the people she thought was her chosen family.

The love story between Lily and kit was sweet, it was fast and there was a connection from the first time they met.
And after that moment there was no going back, they both knew what they felt was real love, only problem kit was leaving, with the promise to come back to Lily.

C.smith wrote a fantastic story, the story was written beautifully. It’s always fun to see the Meadowside gang throughout each book. And it was same in this one as they all step up for Lily. This book was about true friendships, healing, forgiveness and so much love.

Sad that’s it’s over but a beautiful and unforgettable story that will stay with you.

[Megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

🫶🤰🏼ARC Review🤰🏼🫶

Thank you C. Smith for this ARC of Lost and Forgiven!

I’m in awe this was such a beautiful story! We got the answers of what we needed in Ace and Eloise’s book (Lost and Forever) but I desperately needed Lilly to find her way back to her friends/family!

Unbeknownst to Ace when he told Lilly to report what happed to her, that he would be leading Lilly into the arms of Kit, the man that would become her person and home all wrapped into one.

With Kit and Lilly only having weeks together before he left on assignment it was bliss watching him help her forgiven herself and let him in to be there for her in any capacity. Plus the little surprise that Lilly didn’t expect made her and Kits love story complete… she just had to wait for him to find his way home, to her.

I can’t believe this series is wrapped up and done, I absolutely want to do a reread because this friend group, their love it was all everything!

Tropes:
🫶Accidental Pregnancy
🤰🏼Hero MMC
🫶Found Family
🤰🏼Second Chance (of sorts)
🫶Love letters
🤰🏼Found Family
🫶Small Town

[Roberta Kime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am NOT okay…not only is this a great book…but it is the LAST one in the Finding Forever Series! This last instalment follows Lily as she finds redemption and love in the towns visiting detective Kit!
I enjoy Chrissie’s writing style as it is straight forward and very easy to read. The addition of the communication through love letters brought a different dimension to the romance of the story! I liked this as it was old school and romantic!
For me, sadly, the surprise pregnancy trope is not my favourite and it does fall a bit flat for me…however, when we see Kit return from his mission overseas and reunited with his baby momma…damn that makes for swoon worthy reading…the icing on the cake was the name of the baby… IYKYK

Overall, this was a lovely heartfelt ending to an AMAZING series…if you haven’t read it…WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!

[Marie Alker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I think this has got to be the best book of the series. The ups and downs, the tension and shocks had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put the book down.
I’m quite a slow reader but this book had me hooked from the very beginning (I love all of the Finding Forever series and Ace is my all time favourite character but this book really gripped me from the start, Lily deserves her happily ever after).
This is my go to series if I need something to get me out of a reading slump, the storylines, characters and drama are amazing and so easy to fall in love with.
I’ve never cried over a book before but this is the first book I’ve cried once finishing as it’s the end of the meadowside family.
Everyone needs friends like these characters in their life

[Natalie’s_world_in_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to begin….
This book broke my heart and put it back together.
What an emotional rollercoaster! Laughter, anger, tears, shock. You name it I felt it.
Amazing read!
Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down.
I fell in love with Lily & Kit!
Kit is a family man, so protective!
Lily is so strong! Everything she’s been through, she’s amazing.
Knowing this was the last book in this incredible series was bittersweet.
I’ll never forget any of the meadowside family.

Thank you C. Smith for the most amazing series! ♥️

[Megan Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost & Forgiven is an emotional and heartfelt story about forgiveness, healing, and second chances. I really enjoyed the themes throughout and the character growth felt genuine and impactful.

There were a few moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, but overall it still kept me engaged and invested in the outcome.

A meaningful read that delivered both emotion and depth, and one I’m glad I picked up.

[Tamiee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ending to a amazing series. this series has had me laughing, crying and falling in love with every single character.

since Ace's book i always wanted lilly to get her happly ever after.

this book delivered on everything I wanted and needed.

I am so gutted this series has come to a end. but I am so excited for what the author does next. ❤️

[Téa Arney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun way to end a BEAUTIFUL series! I loved every second of it!

I cried more than I care to admit and may have thrown my phone in shock, but I genuinely loved it so so so much. Kit is SUCH a sweetheart and Lily is such a beautiful person!

Hate to see the series end but it’s definitely one I plan to reread one day!

[Amie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a way to finish these series! I absolutely loved this story, it gets better with each one! obsessed with their love story 🥺 Im so sad it's over but what a way to finish it. I read this is one day (which is really unlike me) but I just couldn't put it down!! loved it 😍🥰

[Cat.thebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost and Forgiven, the final book in the Finding Forever series, is an emotional rollercoaster. I was hooked from the very beginning. Sometimes I struggle with e-books after staring at a PC all day at work, but I couldn’t put this one down.

It was another fantastic read. I loved seeing everyone come together for Lily when she needed support the most.

And I have to say—I love Kit. How do you keep writing so many adorable men that I instantly fall in love with? I’m so glad Lily got her happy ending after everything she went through in Ace’s story, Lost and Forever. Kit enters the story as the police officer assigned to her case, and their connection is immediate. Their love is sweet, even if it develops quickly.

This story, like the rest of the series, is about more than just romance. It’s about true friendship, chosen family, forgiveness, and healing together.

I’m sad that this series is over, but I’m also excited to see what else C. Smith has in store.

[Lea Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful end to the series 🥹
Detective Kit was delicious and absolutely Lily’s person and seeing the way her friends rallied around her was so heartwarming.
Loved!

[A Little Book Therapy 🩵 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is last book in the finding forever series and wow what a way to finish. This story was emotional and inspiring. The characters are beautifully written and I couldn't put this book down.
I would highly recommend reading this amazing series.

[Jenlovestoread7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review

I’m honestly so sad to have reached the end of the Finding Forever series. I absolutely adored Lily and Kit’s story, and the ending left me so emotional, especially after reading the acknowledgements, which made it hit even harder 🩷

Being part of the Meadowside family has been such a special experience. This series is, without a doubt, one of the best examples of the found family trope I’ve ever read. Chrissie has this incredible ability to blend deep emotion, angst, and laugh-out-loud humour (yes, I’m looking at you, Ace Bowman) in a way that makes every page feel intense, heartfelt, and completely unputdownable.

Saying goodbye to these characters isn’t easy, but I’m so grateful for the journey, and I already can’t wait for Mav’s book.

[Kindle And A Cuppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost and Forgiven, the last book in the Finding Forever series by C.Smith and boy it’s been a wild ride that I’ve ve been lucky enough to be on since the start. For the last time we return to Meadowside for Lily and Kits story and boy is this story full of redemption, forgiveness and one hell of a love story!
Lily is the most beautiful soul trying trying to right the wrongs of the past for the ones she loves and detective Kit James can’t help but fall for her but what happens when this new found love has an expiration date. This is a beautifully written conclusion to our favourite found family and I am so sad to see them go

[A Wimbleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

BETA read.

I loved Kit and Lily's journey. The added layer of light suspense was also a nice touch and set this book apart from the rest. Forgiveness is at the heart of this story and it's rounded beautifully, bringing the closure needed to end the series with a smile.

There's humour, tears, and spice. what more could you ask for.

[Marie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, gorgeous read.

This book is the perfect ending to an absolutely amazing series full of laughs, heartache, and whilst extra bit of 'it'.

From the very first book, right up to this final release, I've been hooked.

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect story for Kit and Lily.