The Words We Lost

by Nicole Deese

Book Overview

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 Cece Campbell, Ingrid has not only lost her ability to escape into fiction due to a rare trauma response, but she's also desperate to...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764241184
• ISBN13: 9780764241185
• Release Date: April 2023
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.7" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

top 20 reads of 2023

"We can't change the time we've spent, just how we choose to spend the time we have left." Wow. I've been a fan of Nicole Deese's writing for some time now, but every time I read a new book from this fabulous author, I'm astounded all over again how beautifully she weaves raw, aching human emotions into a masterpiece. The magic she wields with her written words is beyond descriptors and I loved the contrast between Ingrid's first-person, present tense narrative and Cece's third-person, past tense journey of their friendship. The author stitches overwhelming grief, guilt, regret, anger, hopelessness, and despair alongside loyalty, undying friendship, faith, love, hope, and second chance to create an unforgettable quilt of forgiveness and redemption. It's a must-read for all women's fiction and contemporary romance fans everywhere. Ingrid was an easy heroine to love, even in her utterly broken state. Her past was difficult but the reader doesn't know the depth of her pain and shame until halfway through the book. I loved how the author drew me in and pieced together Ingrid's story one event at a time, wrapping each hurt with love and care from Cece and Joel. And Joel.....he's a completely sigh-worthy hero. Though he doesn't have a voice in the storyline, his loyal, steadfast, compassionate heart shone clearly through his actions. And Cece is a mighty force in both of their lives, even if we don't actually get to meet her. This book definitely goes in my Top 20 reads of 2023 list. I received the book from Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.