Loss

by Jane Lightbourne

‘Beautifully written. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’ The International Review of Books (awarded a badge of excellence)

‘Absorbing, elegantly written, and plenty to think about after reading. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’ The Bookbag

‘Raw & beautiful⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’ Blackheath Books & Bubbles

‘The characters are the main force in this story with the exquisite and lyrical writing being the star. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I read it in two nights and a profound sense of its depth remains with me still. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’ Amazon reviewer

‘It was the exact same shocking sound a body makes when it hits a car screen. I knew the sound, remembered it well. I started, heart pounding - but it was only the thud of the girl’s fist on the glass, her knuckles pressed white against it…’

A charismatic hitchhiker haunted by a dark secret. A flawed man who is no stranger to life's burdens of loss and guilt. When they collide on a road trip to Scotland, Jamie is mesmerised by the volatile, alluring Katy, until the darkness that spills from the core of his new companion moves from her life to his own and threatens to overturn it entirely.

Loss is a compelling love story that uses the evocative backdrop of the Scottish Highlands to explore the redemptive power of relationships and the limits of humanity against a chilling backdrop of mystery and suspense.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

About the author

Jane lives in London with her three children and two rescue cats. She has worked as a lawyer as well as writing fiction and poetry.

Jane’s first poetry collection, Bright Dust, is described by the International Review of Books as ‘Beautiful and profound but also tender and enigmatic.’ Her second collection, Light Beneath the Lids, is out now

Jane’s other titles include Loss and Hannah for adults, and for children 7 to 11 A Tale of Three Tabbies, described by LoveReading4Kids as ‘a heart-warming survival story – a tale of hope, humanity, triumph over danger and adversity, and winning against all the odds,’ and My Cat Called Red, described by Blackheath Books & Bubbles as ‘a book that really moves you & touches your heart & soul.’

Nevada Street Press was shortlisted in the Made in Greenwich category for the Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2023, awarded Best Emerging Independent Publisher 2024 (UK Enterprise Awards 2024) and Emerging Independent Publisher of the Year 2025 - UK (Business Excellence Awards).

Reviews

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has lots of twists and turns and it is full of unpredictable surprises. The characters are strong and the story line will keep you engaged till the very end. A fantastic first Adult book by this author.

[Wendy Del Toro · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, the "plot" was incidental. The characters are the main force in this story with the exquisite and lyrical writing being the star. Fully realized and fleshed out people with the ineffable qualities that draw two people together like magnets, regardless of age and circumstance. The heart needs what the hart needs (and wants).

[Georgiana R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have tried many, many times to really get into this book’s depths but found I couldn’t feel any empathy for the characters. Much of the writing is quite lyrical and pleasing, yet the actual storyline lacks in depth and strength.

Seriously, I think the author could rework this book herself and add more to the characters than their mere emotional issues. Loss is a book worth saving because the writers gift of style is quite beautiful.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Boardman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent novel- well written and gripping.i could not stop reading(which is v unusual for me!)