The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese is an excellent story that made me feel all the feels. This was one of the hardest stories I’ve ever read in my whole life. Not because the storyline is tedious or boring. Not because the characters are flat and dull. None of that would ever be true with a Nicole Deese novel. In fact, in this story, Deese’s storyline grabs the reader from page one and refuses to let go until the very last page has been devoured. And her characters are impeccable, as per the norm. No, this book was the hardest read of my life because I am Ingrid, and I really, really did NOT want to wade through my grief. You see, I have tricks to get through my day. I pretend, if you will, that my big brother, my step-father, my best friend, and my dad aren’t dead. I pretend every single second of every single day that the last five years hasn’t wrecked me for all time and that my heart hasn’t been ripped out, stomped on, and broken into tiny pieces again and again and again and again. I had a hard time reading this book because it wouldn’t let me pretend. I couldn’t hide my grief and my heartbreak. Instead, this story forced me to look at my grief and heartbreak and admit that I am in deep pain…and probably need a little help. What I love the most about this story is the recognition that grief and loss change people permanently. That the loss of a loved one wounds a person so deeply there is no coming back. I also love how Ingrid comes to understand exactly what family means. That a best friendship can also be a real, true sisterhood. And how it transcends space and time. Just because Cece is gone from this place of existence (earth) doesn’t mean that Ingrid will never see her again and that their bond has been severed. If anything, time apart will make their bond of sisterhood grow even stronger. Even though this book was the hardest book I’ve ever read, it is also one of the most hopeful I’ve read. I am leaving this story changed for sure. I still hurt for my loved ones. I have massive, gaping holes in my heart. But I have the hope of seeing them again one day, and I look forward to that day very much.

The Words We Lost is, hands down, a 2023 #MustRead. This is not a book you want to miss. Be aware, though, that this is not a lighthearted, fluffy read. This story will sucker-punch your heart. So, make sure you have tissues by your side while you read. If you’ve already read this amazing story, then you know what I’m talking about!

I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on April 11, 2023, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.