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The Love We Found
The long-awaited follow-up to the Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestselling global phenomenon The Light We Lost: a thrilling love story about the roles fate and choice play in shaping a life
It’s been ten years. In case you’re out there somewhere—in case you’re listening, I’m here. And I have so much to tell you.
It’s been nearly ten years since Gabe’s been gone when Lucy finds a tiny piece of paper in a box of his old photos. An address in Rome. Why did Gabe keep it, and what was he doing in Italy? Lucy buys a last-minute ticket. Impulsive, but Gabe always brought that out in her.
Lucy’s journey to uncover Gabe’s secret leads her to Dr. Dax Amstrong, a New Yorker in Italy working with an NGO. His broad shoulders and sad, intense eyes draw Lucy in. His touch reaches her in a forgotten place—one that no one has neared since Gabe.
But her old life awaits, along with an earth-shattering decision—whether she and Darren should tell their son Samuel the truth about his real father. How can Lucy move forward while she’s rooted in regret? Fate broke her heart in the past. Can finding new love set her free?
It’s been ten years. In case you’re out there somewhere—in case you’re listening, I’m here. And I have so much to tell you.
It’s been nearly ten years since Gabe’s been gone when Lucy finds a tiny piece of paper in a box of his old photos. An address in Rome. Why did Gabe keep it, and what was he doing in Italy? Lucy buys a last-minute ticket. Impulsive, but Gabe always brought that out in her.
Lucy’s journey to uncover Gabe’s secret leads her to Dr. Dax Amstrong, a New Yorker in Italy working with an NGO. His broad shoulders and sad, intense eyes draw Lucy in. His touch reaches her in a forgotten place—one that no one has neared since Gabe.
But her old life awaits, along with an earth-shattering decision—whether she and Darren should tell their son Samuel the truth about his real father. How can Lucy move forward while she’s rooted in regret? Fate broke her heart in the past. Can finding new love set her free?
- GenresRomance
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 18, 2025
About the author
Jill Santopolo
30 books3,029 followersJill Santopolo is the author of the The Light We Lost, the Alec Flint Mysteries, the Sparkle Spa series, and the Follow Your Heart books. She holds a BA in English Literature from Columbia University, an MFA in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU. Jill is also the Editorial Director of Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. When she’s not writing or editing, Jill is a thesis advisor at The New School in their MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and is on the faculty of the Columbia Publishing Course. Jill has traveled all over the U.S.—and to Canada and Europe—to speak about writing and storytelling. She lives in New York City.
Twitter: @jillsantopolo
Instagram: jillsantopolo
Facebook: /jillsantopoloauthor
Twitter: @jillsantopolo
Instagram: jillsantopolo
Facebook: /jillsantopoloauthor
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 2, 2024
Imagine my excitement and surprise when I saw this was the sequel to “The Light We Lost” by Jill Santopolo (which if you haven’t read that book, please do yourself a favor and have tissues ready 😭). With that being said, I went into this book with super high expectations and if I’m being honest, I still enjoyed the first book better.
In this story it is ten years later, and Lucy receives a call from Eric Weiss (Gabe’s former editor), to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Gabe’s death. In doing so, Eric wanted some old photos that Gabe took to put into a new book to be published. While going through some of Gabe’s belongings that Lucy kept, she found an address in Italy with a drawing of a young boy on it, and she wasn’t sure why Gabe would have kept this address. With this new information, Lucy flies to Italy to do a little research of her own…
Essentially this book deals with what has been going on in Lucy’s life since the previous book, up to the present day. We learn how Lucy has coped with life, loss, grief, and secrets. I still loved Lucy’s character- but… I just feel that no book can top “The Light We Lost” (so that just might be a me thing).
The chapters in this book were nice and short (my favorite), and I was still left in tears 😭. In fact, I’m starting to think this is the only author who can make me cry ugly tears every time I read one of their stories. So for that, I definitely recommend reading this book (and The Light We Lost).
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and the author for an ARC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: March 18, 2025
In this story it is ten years later, and Lucy receives a call from Eric Weiss (Gabe’s former editor), to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Gabe’s death. In doing so, Eric wanted some old photos that Gabe took to put into a new book to be published. While going through some of Gabe’s belongings that Lucy kept, she found an address in Italy with a drawing of a young boy on it, and she wasn’t sure why Gabe would have kept this address. With this new information, Lucy flies to Italy to do a little research of her own…
Essentially this book deals with what has been going on in Lucy’s life since the previous book, up to the present day. We learn how Lucy has coped with life, loss, grief, and secrets. I still loved Lucy’s character- but… I just feel that no book can top “The Light We Lost” (so that just might be a me thing).
The chapters in this book were nice and short (my favorite), and I was still left in tears 😭. In fact, I’m starting to think this is the only author who can make me cry ugly tears every time I read one of their stories. So for that, I definitely recommend reading this book (and The Light We Lost).
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and the author for an ARC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: March 18, 2025
Want to read
June 25, 2024I am SO SO Excited!!!
September 23, 2024
I never thought I’d ever cry over a book like I did with The Light We Lost and this sequel brought a totally different type of tears. The Light We Lost still holds up as one of my favorites today (it was the first book I ever annotated outside of school and my copy looks way older than it is) and this was no different. I have a lot of thoughts about this one and I’ll write about it more when I can discuss spoilers.
One thing I thought when I finished however was “I can’t wait to reread these when I’m older.” The Light We Lost was the first book I read when I moved to New York and I’ve just now reached the age Lucy was at the beginning of that book. Now, I’m a college graduate and entering a new stage of my life. It’s strange and beautiful and so different to what I once thought. Both novels cover a timeline of over twenty years and I’ve only scratched the 1% of life that I discovered through Lucy.
Lucy as a character stayed with me for weeks, months, years after reading. She was someone I felt deeply connected to as a naive 18 year old. Now, I can see it wasn’t direct connection, but rather an abundance of empathy and seeing what could be a version of me in the future. But I see the now-version of me in her more than I ever did before. I’m struggling to find where I’ll land, tv or book production, but children’s stories is a goal. I have my own doubts when it comes to relationships; the fear that holds me back but knowing it could be something good. The friends in my life that I can rely on and hope to have for decades. New York City and how it became my home.
I’m writing more than I expected to and my notes app is getting a reallllllly long spoiler rant. Anyway, if you couldn’t tell, I loved it.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!!! I cried when I got it ❤️
One thing I thought when I finished however was “I can’t wait to reread these when I’m older.” The Light We Lost was the first book I read when I moved to New York and I’ve just now reached the age Lucy was at the beginning of that book. Now, I’m a college graduate and entering a new stage of my life. It’s strange and beautiful and so different to what I once thought. Both novels cover a timeline of over twenty years and I’ve only scratched the 1% of life that I discovered through Lucy.
Lucy as a character stayed with me for weeks, months, years after reading. She was someone I felt deeply connected to as a naive 18 year old. Now, I can see it wasn’t direct connection, but rather an abundance of empathy and seeing what could be a version of me in the future. But I see the now-version of me in her more than I ever did before. I’m struggling to find where I’ll land, tv or book production, but children’s stories is a goal. I have my own doubts when it comes to relationships; the fear that holds me back but knowing it could be something good. The friends in my life that I can rely on and hope to have for decades. New York City and how it became my home.
I’m writing more than I expected to and my notes app is getting a reallllllly long spoiler rant. Anyway, if you couldn’t tell, I loved it.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!!! I cried when I got it ❤️
September 26, 2024
5/5 stars. Such an incredibly beautifully written story. The Light We Lost was such a heartbreaking yet beautiful story, and also one of my favorites. The Love We Found was the perfect sequel. I love Jill Santopolo’s engaging style of writing - especially the realistic themes she includes in her stories. Truly one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more of her stories.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Want to read
June 29, 2024I can’t believe we are getting a second book😭 my favorite book ever
September 27, 2024
If you haven’t read the first of this series, The Light We Lost, stop now.
3.75 stars rounded up.
This is a continuation, ten years later with main character Lucy still reeling from the loss of Gabe.
Three kids later, Lucy is divorced with shared custody of her kids in Brooklyn. She finds in Gabe’s belongings an address in Rome and after a spur of the moment, decides to find out what this mysterious address is.
Along the way in Italy, she meets Dax, a doctor who works with refugees coming into Italy. It’s an instant love affair, naturally.
The entire book we see Lucy speaking to Gabe as if he’s never left. It’s an essential love letter to the man she misses more than anything. We are also reminded that Sam, her youngest is actually Gabe’s kid, when she cheated on her then husband, Darren nine years ago. We don't get to see too much of Lucy's career, which we did in the first book, it's almost an afterthought.
My main caveat of this book was the character development of Lucy’s three kids - Violet, Liam, and Sam, all seemed to be eight years old. They acted like kids most of the time, despite Violet being 14. They were never full fleshed out children, instead they were just general kids, if you get my gist.
While this book will never carry as much weight and depth as its predecessor, it’s simply an easy breezy love story. I wish more of it took place in Italy, as she explores this newfound love with Dax. The question isn't whether she found love, or if love has finally found her.
The Light We Lost explored so much of this unrequited love, taking place over decades. It was as if we were watching these two characters come to life. This sequel takes a step back and is more of a quiet story of how Lucy overcomes her never ending grief. It’s simply closure, not just for Lucy, but for us, the readers who fell in love with the first book.
3.75 stars rounded up.
This is a continuation, ten years later with main character Lucy still reeling from the loss of Gabe.
Three kids later, Lucy is divorced with shared custody of her kids in Brooklyn. She finds in Gabe’s belongings an address in Rome and after a spur of the moment, decides to find out what this mysterious address is.
Along the way in Italy, she meets Dax, a doctor who works with refugees coming into Italy. It’s an instant love affair, naturally.
The entire book we see Lucy speaking to Gabe as if he’s never left. It’s an essential love letter to the man she misses more than anything. We are also reminded that Sam, her youngest is actually Gabe’s kid, when she cheated on her then husband, Darren nine years ago. We don't get to see too much of Lucy's career, which we did in the first book, it's almost an afterthought.
My main caveat of this book was the character development of Lucy’s three kids - Violet, Liam, and Sam, all seemed to be eight years old. They acted like kids most of the time, despite Violet being 14. They were never full fleshed out children, instead they were just general kids, if you get my gist.
While this book will never carry as much weight and depth as its predecessor, it’s simply an easy breezy love story. I wish more of it took place in Italy, as she explores this newfound love with Dax. The question isn't whether she found love, or if love has finally found her.
The Light We Lost explored so much of this unrequited love, taking place over decades. It was as if we were watching these two characters come to life. This sequel takes a step back and is more of a quiet story of how Lucy overcomes her never ending grief. It’s simply closure, not just for Lucy, but for us, the readers who fell in love with the first book.
Want to read
September 15, 2024I just saw someone on my feed mention this book as a follow up to The Light We Lost. Thank you to that person! I shed a few tears thinking about revisiting this world. That book broke me. I sobbed, and I cannot wait for more!
September 22, 2024
read if you like:
📚 THE LIGHT WE LOST
💔 post divorce life stories
❤️ heartbreaking romances
summary:
If you thought you cried a lot during THE LIGHT WE LOST, buckle up. This book follows Lucy, recently divorced and moving into the next chapter of her life as a single mother and television executive, when she gets a phone call from Gabe’s editor, looking to do a tribute book for the ten year anniversary of his death. This allows Lucy to revisit her relationship, and the only remaining vestige of her time with Gabriel — their son, Sammy, who does not know who his real father is. As Lucy explores some of Gabriel’s final projects for the anniversary tribute, she realizes telling Sammy about his real father — and the legacy he left — is important for her to find closure.
This story allows us to get to know Lucy better as she’s grown older, more mature and wiser. It’s fun to read about her growth and the comfort she now has looking back at her relationship with Gabriel. You also learn so much from her relationships with the other people in her life, especially her friend Kate and Darren’s new wife, Courtney. Through these, it’s comforting to see the peace she’s found through greater clarity and wisdom, and her ability to channel that into her friendships.
I’m not always a fan of sequels, but this one hits every note. It maintains the story and tone of the original book, builds upon the growth of the characters, and keeps you gripped as you go along the journey with Lucy to find closure. If you loved THE LIGHT WE LOST, I HIGHLY recommend this! While it still made me sob, it was more happy tears than sad, which is always a relief!
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and make sure you preorder this for its release on March 18, 2025!
📚 THE LIGHT WE LOST
💔 post divorce life stories
❤️ heartbreaking romances
summary:
If you thought you cried a lot during THE LIGHT WE LOST, buckle up. This book follows Lucy, recently divorced and moving into the next chapter of her life as a single mother and television executive, when she gets a phone call from Gabe’s editor, looking to do a tribute book for the ten year anniversary of his death. This allows Lucy to revisit her relationship, and the only remaining vestige of her time with Gabriel — their son, Sammy, who does not know who his real father is. As Lucy explores some of Gabriel’s final projects for the anniversary tribute, she realizes telling Sammy about his real father — and the legacy he left — is important for her to find closure.
This story allows us to get to know Lucy better as she’s grown older, more mature and wiser. It’s fun to read about her growth and the comfort she now has looking back at her relationship with Gabriel. You also learn so much from her relationships with the other people in her life, especially her friend Kate and Darren’s new wife, Courtney. Through these, it’s comforting to see the peace she’s found through greater clarity and wisdom, and her ability to channel that into her friendships.
I’m not always a fan of sequels, but this one hits every note. It maintains the story and tone of the original book, builds upon the growth of the characters, and keeps you gripped as you go along the journey with Lucy to find closure. If you loved THE LIGHT WE LOST, I HIGHLY recommend this! While it still made me sob, it was more happy tears than sad, which is always a relief!
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and make sure you preorder this for its release on March 18, 2025!
September 29, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Group for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. The Love We Found picks up 10 years after The Light We Lost and follows Lucy, who is still reeling from the loss of Gabe and navigating hers and her children’s lives. The Light We Lost is one of my favorite books and so, I had very high hopes for a strong sequel. It did not disappoint!
One of my favorite things about The Light We Lost was the narrative style of the book, with Lucy speaking to an unnamed person, who we later learn to be her unborn son, Sam; The Love We Found continues in this same narrative style, with Lucy speaking to Gabe, as she works through her complex web of emotions and tries to move forward in her life. I think this style worked so well in both novels and in this book, really helped the reader better understand Lucy; this is because not only was she sharing about the events in her life but, she was also working through her questions about life, her fears, her excitement, etc. One of my favorite themes in this book were the continued questions about fate and how our choices affect our lives— whether they do and to what extent. This type of introspective thinking and vulnerability is what separates this series/book for me from others that I’ve read.
In my opinion, this is one of the stronger sequels that I’ve read, with a consistent narrative voice, a strong plot, and characters that you remain invested in until the end. I was sad to finish this book but, know that I will definitely be returning to it. This book for me, was the right blend of emotion, swift pace, and depth for me and I know other readers will enjoy this one! I would definitely recommend this romance and contemporary fiction fans, especially those who loved The Light We Lost!
One of my favorite things about The Light We Lost was the narrative style of the book, with Lucy speaking to an unnamed person, who we later learn to be her unborn son, Sam; The Love We Found continues in this same narrative style, with Lucy speaking to Gabe, as she works through her complex web of emotions and tries to move forward in her life. I think this style worked so well in both novels and in this book, really helped the reader better understand Lucy; this is because not only was she sharing about the events in her life but, she was also working through her questions about life, her fears, her excitement, etc. One of my favorite themes in this book were the continued questions about fate and how our choices affect our lives— whether they do and to what extent. This type of introspective thinking and vulnerability is what separates this series/book for me from others that I’ve read.
In my opinion, this is one of the stronger sequels that I’ve read, with a consistent narrative voice, a strong plot, and characters that you remain invested in until the end. I was sad to finish this book but, know that I will definitely be returning to it. This book for me, was the right blend of emotion, swift pace, and depth for me and I know other readers will enjoy this one! I would definitely recommend this romance and contemporary fiction fans, especially those who loved The Light We Lost!
September 22, 2024
PLEASE NOTE: if you have not read The Light We Lost, this will have spoilers for you. You must read that first. I try not to do spoilers, but this one cannot be helped.
For those who have read and loved The Light We Lost as much as I did, mark March 18, 2025 on your calendar. Take a mental health day from work. You will not want to out this book down. It is every bit as incredible as The Light We Lost.
The Love We Found is 10 years after Gabe’s death. Lucy and Darren are now divorced, and Lucy feels as though she is stuck in limbo. Gabe’s publisher is working on a tribute to him, and enlists Lucy’s help.
After finding a picture that has her wondering about Gabe’s time in Italy, she decides to take a trip on her own. While there, she meets Dax, who is doctor without borders physician. Meeting Dax sets a whole new set of emotions into place for Lucy.
This book was so emotional. Even if you don’t agree with how Lucy and Darren handled things, you can’t help but feel your heart tugged. Jill’s writing is so engaging, and it will transport you directly into the pages of the book.
Another grand slam for this author. Incredible sequel.
For those who have read and loved The Light We Lost as much as I did, mark March 18, 2025 on your calendar. Take a mental health day from work. You will not want to out this book down. It is every bit as incredible as The Light We Lost.
The Love We Found is 10 years after Gabe’s death. Lucy and Darren are now divorced, and Lucy feels as though she is stuck in limbo. Gabe’s publisher is working on a tribute to him, and enlists Lucy’s help.
After finding a picture that has her wondering about Gabe’s time in Italy, she decides to take a trip on her own. While there, she meets Dax, who is doctor without borders physician. Meeting Dax sets a whole new set of emotions into place for Lucy.
This book was so emotional. Even if you don’t agree with how Lucy and Darren handled things, you can’t help but feel your heart tugged. Jill’s writing is so engaging, and it will transport you directly into the pages of the book.
Another grand slam for this author. Incredible sequel.
September 29, 2024
An amazing story. Beautiful, sad, hopeful, loving, and more. All the stars for this gem!
September 30, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy. I enjoyed this sequel a lot. Looking forward to reading other books by Santopolo.
Want to read
July 2, 2024OMG I CANT WAIT
September 29, 2024
THE LOVE WE FOUND is another beautifully-written story by this author filled with love, grief, serendipity, healing and destiny. Even though it had been a while since I read the first book THE LIGHT WE LOST, when I started reading the second, it all came back to me and felt so good to be back in Lucy's world. I love how throughout the entire book it's Lucy talking to her Gabe, her first love who passed tragically. And it was so moving and emotional to see Lucy heal her lonely heart and invite more love in to her life. Having experienced two great loves, Lucy believes there's no chances of her finding love again so why bother trying moving on from her love and grief for Gabe?
This story masterfully shows how secrets had affect families... even if kept for best intentions, once exposed can alter dynamics and relationships forever. Lucy and Darren have kept a secret from their son Samuel, and we learn that it doesn't just affect Samuel but his siblings as well and Lucy's parents and brother. And with Lucy's family foundation is already fragile, how can she invite a certain someone (even though it's the first man that has made her feel something in almost ten years), risking it by making it even more unstable?
So real, honest, and emotionally believable. I really admired how the philosophical and spiritual themes made the story that much more meaningful, and adding that much more depth to the characters. As the story goes on, I appreciated the reminder that occurrences have to happen in life in order for things to take place. That may seem confusing to read and like it doesn't have much weight.. but for things to happen, stuff has to happen and that stuff is choices, steps, leaps we have to and end up making...and we almost find out the reason why certain things had to happen until we're lead to what it was we were looking for, or a surprise of something better. And I also really loved how it was Gabe that lead Lucy to her next love and how Gabe is still very much apart of her life.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
This story masterfully shows how secrets had affect families... even if kept for best intentions, once exposed can alter dynamics and relationships forever. Lucy and Darren have kept a secret from their son Samuel, and we learn that it doesn't just affect Samuel but his siblings as well and Lucy's parents and brother. And with Lucy's family foundation is already fragile, how can she invite a certain someone (even though it's the first man that has made her feel something in almost ten years), risking it by making it even more unstable?
So real, honest, and emotionally believable. I really admired how the philosophical and spiritual themes made the story that much more meaningful, and adding that much more depth to the characters. As the story goes on, I appreciated the reminder that occurrences have to happen in life in order for things to take place. That may seem confusing to read and like it doesn't have much weight.. but for things to happen, stuff has to happen and that stuff is choices, steps, leaps we have to and end up making...and we almost find out the reason why certain things had to happen until we're lead to what it was we were looking for, or a surprise of something better. And I also really loved how it was Gabe that lead Lucy to her next love and how Gabe is still very much apart of her life.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2024
You probably wouldn't expect, "I spent the entirety of this book in tears" to be the start of a 5-star review. Then again, if you're a reader - especially of Jill Santopolo, specifically of the prequel The Light We Lost- you might.
The Light We Lost is not even my favorite Santopolo novel; it was harder to relate to the Lucy of a decade ago. The story of Lucy and Gabe, however - that held up, and that is what follows us into The Love We Found.
It's been 10 years since the love of Lucy's life, Gabe, died while on assignment and his editor calls Lucy about a special retrospective - then and now. Lucy narrates her life now to the Gabe of her past. She's divorced with 3 kids - Violet, Liam, and Gabe's son, Sam. Sam does not yet know who his biological father is, but the deep dive into Gabe's art, into discovering stories and photos she had not previously seen, awakens something in her. Lucy travels to Italy and to her past, slowly healing as she lets her secret go.
When Lucy meets Dax in Italy, she must decide whether she can let love into her life again. She's grown and she's learned, she will not repeat the same mistakes; but is she ready, and, she asks - is she worthy?
She turns to her confidant and friend, Eva, a Holocaust survivor who has seen it all, including forgiveness. The reader knows what she wants Lucy's choice to be, but in Santopolo's world of love and loss, nothing is a given.
Thank you Netgalley for this preview!
The Light We Lost is not even my favorite Santopolo novel; it was harder to relate to the Lucy of a decade ago. The story of Lucy and Gabe, however - that held up, and that is what follows us into The Love We Found.
It's been 10 years since the love of Lucy's life, Gabe, died while on assignment and his editor calls Lucy about a special retrospective - then and now. Lucy narrates her life now to the Gabe of her past. She's divorced with 3 kids - Violet, Liam, and Gabe's son, Sam. Sam does not yet know who his biological father is, but the deep dive into Gabe's art, into discovering stories and photos she had not previously seen, awakens something in her. Lucy travels to Italy and to her past, slowly healing as she lets her secret go.
When Lucy meets Dax in Italy, she must decide whether she can let love into her life again. She's grown and she's learned, she will not repeat the same mistakes; but is she ready, and, she asks - is she worthy?
She turns to her confidant and friend, Eva, a Holocaust survivor who has seen it all, including forgiveness. The reader knows what she wants Lucy's choice to be, but in Santopolo's world of love and loss, nothing is a given.
Thank you Netgalley for this preview!
October 6, 2024
I loved The Light We Lost, and for so many reasons felt I could relate to Lucy’s story. So of course I was so excited to read The Love We Found! Ten years after Gabe’s death Lucy has a call that sends her on a path that revisits her choices the last 10 years, her love forGabe, and what life has been without him there.
While I loved the story, I did feel this was a touch slower than the first. I loved the kids characters, and how Jill Santopolo wrote those subtle differences that mothers notice in each of their children. I felt as though we could truly see the families sweet routine. I don’t know that this was the closure I expected for Lucy, but it did feel right, and I enjoyed seeing her ten years later! I’d recommend to anyone who wants to know how Lucy’s doing these many years later!
Thank you to @NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy!
While I loved the story, I did feel this was a touch slower than the first. I loved the kids characters, and how Jill Santopolo wrote those subtle differences that mothers notice in each of their children. I felt as though we could truly see the families sweet routine. I don’t know that this was the closure I expected for Lucy, but it did feel right, and I enjoyed seeing her ten years later! I’d recommend to anyone who wants to know how Lucy’s doing these many years later!
Thank you to @NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy!
October 2, 2024
This was the perfect follow up to the light we lost.
Still heart wrenching and lovely and emotional and real like TLWL but we get to see Lucy at a different point in her life, post Gabe but still very much stuck in Gabe in a lot of ways. She’s truly only human and that was very evident following her entire story. (In the best way)
I loved this 10 year fast forward. I loved reading about Lucy’s relationships with her children and how insightful the children were.
Rereading TLWL and then reading this at this current time in my life brought up a lot of emotion, making me so happy, sad and everything in between.
I can’t say much else without spoiling it but THANK YOU Jill Santopolo for this sequel.
And thank you NetGalley for this arc, truly loved this one.
Still heart wrenching and lovely and emotional and real like TLWL but we get to see Lucy at a different point in her life, post Gabe but still very much stuck in Gabe in a lot of ways. She’s truly only human and that was very evident following her entire story. (In the best way)
I loved this 10 year fast forward. I loved reading about Lucy’s relationships with her children and how insightful the children were.
Rereading TLWL and then reading this at this current time in my life brought up a lot of emotion, making me so happy, sad and everything in between.
I can’t say much else without spoiling it but THANK YOU Jill Santopolo for this sequel.
And thank you NetGalley for this arc, truly loved this one.
September 18, 2024
The Love We Found by Jill Stanopolo is a beautifully written exploration of love and the enduring pull of the past. A follow up to The Light We Lost, this novel follows Lucy as she embarks on a journey to uncover a secret tied to Gabe, the love she lost nearly a decade ago. A mysterious address in Rome leads her not only to Gabe’s past but also to Dr. Dax Amstrong, a man who reignites emotions Lucy thought she’d buried. The story delves into themes of fate, choice, and the complexities of moving forward. Both captivating and bittersweet, this book is a powerful reflection on the nature of love and healing.
September 27, 2024
Thank you Netgalley, Putnam Books and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!! I was so excited to get this as this was a sequel to The Light we Lost, which is one of my very favorite books. This begins 10 years after Gabriel died, and we see how Lucy tries to navigate life with her children, and ex-husband, still crippled with grief. This author paints beautiful scenes in far-off places Lucy goes on her journeys. My favorite line in the book: 'Secrets work their way into relationships like moths chewing holes in fabric, until you realize that your favorite coat has been destroyed.' Pub date is 3/18/25!!
October 3, 2024
*3.5 stars*
I remember the first book DESTROYING me so I was excited to see how she got on after Gabe. This was emotional but heartwarming. It was more s story of self discovery than a second romance but the romance we got was cute but wished it had been more. It almost felt too instant love once they did meet. I found this one to be quite slow and I was losing interest which some of that maybe due to my mood and life stuff going on. But it was sweet "recovery" story just not a ton to the plot. I didn't have me sobbing like the first one thankfully??! I remember being so mad at the ending to the first book so it was nice to get some closer.
I remember the first book DESTROYING me so I was excited to see how she got on after Gabe. This was emotional but heartwarming. It was more s story of self discovery than a second romance but the romance we got was cute but wished it had been more. It almost felt too instant love once they did meet. I found this one to be quite slow and I was losing interest which some of that maybe due to my mood and life stuff going on. But it was sweet "recovery" story just not a ton to the plot. I didn't have me sobbing like the first one thankfully??! I remember being so mad at the ending to the first book so it was nice to get some closer.
September 24, 2024
Another installment to The Light We Lost, and man was this a perfect book two.
10 years after Gabe's death, Lucy finds a clue to his life and honestly, I think she was an auditor in a past life - pulling all the strings to see what it is.
This was beautifully written (similar style to the first book), light writing but heavier topics.
I am so glad that Lucy developed as much as she did, and so happy for the ending.
Overall, this was a beautifully written novel, and a perfect installment to the first.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my ARC.
10 years after Gabe's death, Lucy finds a clue to his life and honestly, I think she was an auditor in a past life - pulling all the strings to see what it is.
This was beautifully written (similar style to the first book), light writing but heavier topics.
I am so glad that Lucy developed as much as she did, and so happy for the ending.
Overall, this was a beautifully written novel, and a perfect installment to the first.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my ARC.
September 30, 2024
When I saw the author wrote a sequel to a favorite book of mine I knew I had to read it. The Light We Lost was a great book and it definitely should be read before this one. I love the writing style where she is talking to an unnamed person. ( I don’t want to give anything away.) She tells the story of moving on with her life through her thoughts and feelings of her past. The characters are well drawn and she had me rooting for each individual one. The struggles and growth of her three kids after learning a long held secret was well written. Highly recommend!
October 2, 2024
I remember when someone gave me a copy of “The Light We Lost”. It was not something that I would normally pick up on my own but since it was recommended, I decided to pick it up, and of course I cried the ugliest of tears and ended up loving it. So imagine my surprise when I pop on to netgalley one day and here is the sequel. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to read this ARC of “The Love We Found”, a feel-good journey of life and healing with just as many tears but for different reasons. It was a perfect way to compliment “The Light We Lost” in a new light.
September 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Putman Books for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for a honest review.
The Love We Found is the sequel to The Light We Lost, which I highly recommend you read or re-read first. The Love We Found is a deeply moving emotional story about grief and loss. This sequel also explores secrets and the impact that comes from keeping secrets from those we love the most. I found this novel to be a quick read considering the short chapters.
The Love We Found is the sequel to The Light We Lost, which I highly recommend you read or re-read first. The Love We Found is a deeply moving emotional story about grief and loss. This sequel also explores secrets and the impact that comes from keeping secrets from those we love the most. I found this novel to be a quick read considering the short chapters.
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