What do you think?
Rate this book
The Love We Found
The long-awaited follow-up to the Reese’s Book Clubpick 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?
352 pages, Hardcover
Published March 18, 2025
685 people are currently reading
21.1k people want to read
About the author
Jill Santopolo
29books3,260followersJill 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
March 18, 2025
*SPOILER FREE* WILL NOT RUIN THE FIRST BOOK
In “The Light We Lost�, Lucy is faced with a life-altering decision.
But, before she can make that decision, she will reexamine her love story with Gabe-one SHE feels is Epic.
Lucy and Gabe met as seniors at Columbia University on 9/11. And, on that day, they decided that they wanted their lives to mean something, no matter what�
EVEN AT THE EXPENSE OF BEING TOGETHER
Now, it’s ten years later, and we get to find out what has happened in Lucy’s life after the DECISION. (No spoilers here!)
Has it turned out as you may have imagined when the first book ended? Now, you will get the chance to find out.
Have you ever read a sequel and felt like the main character didn’t feel like the same person? I have, but thankfully that is NOT the case here! Jill Santopolo has written Lucy with the SAME Voice as before-and has written what I feel would be a very AUTHENTIC life trajectory for her. I was immediately drawn back into her World from page one!
Life is MESSY, and people are IMPERFECT, and this sequel will give you much to discuss. I never expected we would get to see what happened next-but, I am glad we did!
A buddy read with DeAnn-who may have felt differently! Be sure to watch for her review for additional insight!
If you enjoyed the first-you won’t be disappointed! If you haven’t read it yet- you will want to start there! Review for “The Light We Lost�: /review/show...
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
In “The Light We Lost�, Lucy is faced with a life-altering decision.
But, before she can make that decision, she will reexamine her love story with Gabe-one SHE feels is Epic.
Lucy and Gabe met as seniors at Columbia University on 9/11. And, on that day, they decided that they wanted their lives to mean something, no matter what�
EVEN AT THE EXPENSE OF BEING TOGETHER
Now, it’s ten years later, and we get to find out what has happened in Lucy’s life after the DECISION. (No spoilers here!)
Has it turned out as you may have imagined when the first book ended? Now, you will get the chance to find out.
Have you ever read a sequel and felt like the main character didn’t feel like the same person? I have, but thankfully that is NOT the case here! Jill Santopolo has written Lucy with the SAME Voice as before-and has written what I feel would be a very AUTHENTIC life trajectory for her. I was immediately drawn back into her World from page one!
Life is MESSY, and people are IMPERFECT, and this sequel will give you much to discuss. I never expected we would get to see what happened next-but, I am glad we did!
A buddy read with DeAnn-who may have felt differently! Be sure to watch for her review for additional insight!
If you enjoyed the first-you won’t be disappointed! If you haven’t read it yet- you will want to start there! Review for “The Light We Lost�: /review/show...
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
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
March 26, 2025
It has been nearly ten years since Lucy's decision at the end of The Light We Lost. Now, she is making another decision—an impulsive one...
After looking through a box of Gabe's photographs, Lucy finds a small slip of paper with an address in Rome. Why did he keep this scrap of paper? And why was he in Italy?
Without a second thought, Lucy books a flight from New York City to Rome, not knowing what awaits her when she lands. Or how much her life will change afterward...
The Love We Found feels more family-centric, the characters more mature and settled, and I loved it more. Ten years can make a difference in how one views almost everything, and I found that to be true here with these characters.
A lot of life has happened since the end of The Light We Lost, and Lucy once again speaks to the reader in a first-person narrative, recounting her experiences. Lucy is a beautifully drawn character with strength, empathy, and resilience. She carries the emotional weight of her family on her shoulders. Rarely considering her own needs.
This sequel is packed with prominent themes of hidden truths, family dynamics, confronting the past, and embracing the future. I felt more emotionally connected to the story and its characters this time and cried happy tears more than once.
The Love We Found is an almost perfect sequel to the first book. Be sure to read the first book before you dive into this one to get the full impact of Santopolo's beautiful series.
4.5�
Thank you to Shelf Awareness Sweepstakes, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and Jill Santopolo for the DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
After looking through a box of Gabe's photographs, Lucy finds a small slip of paper with an address in Rome. Why did he keep this scrap of paper? And why was he in Italy?
Without a second thought, Lucy books a flight from New York City to Rome, not knowing what awaits her when she lands. Or how much her life will change afterward...
The Love We Found feels more family-centric, the characters more mature and settled, and I loved it more. Ten years can make a difference in how one views almost everything, and I found that to be true here with these characters.
A lot of life has happened since the end of The Light We Lost, and Lucy once again speaks to the reader in a first-person narrative, recounting her experiences. Lucy is a beautifully drawn character with strength, empathy, and resilience. She carries the emotional weight of her family on her shoulders. Rarely considering her own needs.
This sequel is packed with prominent themes of hidden truths, family dynamics, confronting the past, and embracing the future. I felt more emotionally connected to the story and its characters this time and cried happy tears more than once.
The Love We Found is an almost perfect sequel to the first book. Be sure to read the first book before you dive into this one to get the full impact of Santopolo's beautiful series.
4.5�
Thank you to Shelf Awareness Sweepstakes, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and Jill Santopolo for the DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 21, 2025
4.5 “I’m not crying� stars, rounded down. I sure didn’t expect this one to be so moving! I barely even remember “the Light we Lost� and see that I only gave it 3 stars years ago. So, I was very surprised that I really enjoyed this story of Lucy without Gabe and her life & kids, but I really, really did. I read it pretty quickly too & I also really appreciated the short chapters. My only negative was the spice 🌶� between Lucy & new man Dax, but that was easy to skip past, but I did dock a half star for it. Overall, a really good story and a sequel I didn’t even think I needed, LOL!
Want to read
March 20, 2025
Oooh. Seeing this follow-up on my feed took me by surprise, for I never thought there would be a continuation to Gabe and Lucy's story that felt so real. Seeing who the author was I looked closer on the cover and yes it has had the similarity with the first book and yes the synopsis did confirm my assumption. I hope we have this one here.
A page from the first book The Light We Lost
April 3, 2025
I had just finished a delicious rom-com called “First-Time Caller� by BK Borison with a character named Lucie that I absolutely loved. Review here: /review/show...
And, I wanted to read this one, because I loved the pre-quel, “The Light We Lost.� Review here: /review/show...
And, as I was reading this one, I am reminded that the main character’s name is Lucy, too and she is still in the throes of grief over the loss of Gabe, almost 10-years later. So, what is happening here? To me. As I read this one.
Is reading 2 rom-coms in a row a good thing? Or not?
Well, I am grateful for short chapters as I read on. But I keep asking myself�
How am I really feeling about this one?
To be honest, I am feeling dreadful.
Lucy begged to “heal me, please.� And, yes maybe we wanted that for her, too. But her healing journey didn’t come naturally. For me.
I wanted to connect to this novel, because I loved the first story so much. And, it seemed like it was the author’s intention to have readers feel Lucy’s life through ‘love, loss, birth, death, marriage, divorce, success, and the character’s perceived failures.�
But for me, everything felt forced. Her actions. Her reactions. Even her endless discussions with “dead� Gabe. And, even the moment she met Dax, and what came after, didn’t feel natural and meant to be, but instead felt expected. Like, we as readers were just supposed to go along with it. And, be happy and excited and gushy for Lucy. And, that just didn’t happen for me.
I didn’t feel the chemistry. Or the heart. Everything just felt like words tumbling together, that we are supposed to swoon over. And, no matter how hard I tried to get in to those words, I couldn’t feel any of it. The “feels� just weren’t there for me.
With this book, I found myself detached, disappointed, disinterested and anxious to leave. I know I am an outlier here, so please read other reviews.
And, I wanted to read this one, because I loved the pre-quel, “The Light We Lost.� Review here: /review/show...
And, as I was reading this one, I am reminded that the main character’s name is Lucy, too and she is still in the throes of grief over the loss of Gabe, almost 10-years later. So, what is happening here? To me. As I read this one.
Is reading 2 rom-coms in a row a good thing? Or not?
Well, I am grateful for short chapters as I read on. But I keep asking myself�
How am I really feeling about this one?
To be honest, I am feeling dreadful.
Lucy begged to “heal me, please.� And, yes maybe we wanted that for her, too. But her healing journey didn’t come naturally. For me.
I wanted to connect to this novel, because I loved the first story so much. And, it seemed like it was the author’s intention to have readers feel Lucy’s life through ‘love, loss, birth, death, marriage, divorce, success, and the character’s perceived failures.�
But for me, everything felt forced. Her actions. Her reactions. Even her endless discussions with “dead� Gabe. And, even the moment she met Dax, and what came after, didn’t feel natural and meant to be, but instead felt expected. Like, we as readers were just supposed to go along with it. And, be happy and excited and gushy for Lucy. And, that just didn’t happen for me.
I didn’t feel the chemistry. Or the heart. Everything just felt like words tumbling together, that we are supposed to swoon over. And, no matter how hard I tried to get in to those words, I couldn’t feel any of it. The “feels� just weren’t there for me.
With this book, I found myself detached, disappointed, disinterested and anxious to leave. I know I am an outlier here, so please read other reviews.
November 14, 2024
If you haven’t read the first of this series, , stop reading 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
December 30, 2024The way “The Light We Lost� just ended 😭 I need to start this one immediately. I’m so happy I got this arc just in time lol
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Penguin Group Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review�
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Penguin Group Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review�
March 18, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧
I find myself in a very strange position here. I hadn’t realised that this title was a sequel, i haven’t read the first book 😩I know I know, where have I been, it’s been added to the tbr, however I felt that the story and the emotion was palpable from the first book. Infact, I was only a couple of chapters in when I knew I’d missed a book. It was like raw grief, I don’t know how else to describe it, and perhaps in missing the first book my words won’t give the author enough credit in that while I obviously now know the outcome of the story, i felt I’d lost out, yet I also felt its spirit entirely.
I’m very unsure on whether I’m adding spoilers, so I’m going to add them just incase.
I can’t speak on how it ties up obviously, but nonetheless I loved The Love We Found, I loved the way it was presented as an anniversary piece, the journey to get to the anniversary was breathtaking and god help me I have two book boyfriends, one from the beyond. I loved the way the story was written conversationally from Lucy to Gabe. I loved how Dax helped Lucy to mend. The person she is, the mother she is, her honesty in her never diminishing love for Gabe. In all honesty I was brimming tears often and I kept forgetting these were fictional characters.
If I hadn’t missed the first book I’m pretty positive this would’ve been a 5 🌟 which is totally on me.
Jill Santopolo writes and narrates this novel with such heart, tenderness and love, genuinely beautiful in every way.
Huge thanks to Harper Collins U.K. audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ELC 🎧
I find myself in a very strange position here. I hadn’t realised that this title was a sequel, i haven’t read the first book 😩I know I know, where have I been, it’s been added to the tbr, however I felt that the story and the emotion was palpable from the first book. Infact, I was only a couple of chapters in when I knew I’d missed a book. It was like raw grief, I don’t know how else to describe it, and perhaps in missing the first book my words won’t give the author enough credit in that while I obviously now know the outcome of the story, i felt I’d lost out, yet I also felt its spirit entirely.
I’m very unsure on whether I’m adding spoilers, so I’m going to add them just incase.
I can’t speak on how it ties up obviously, but nonetheless I loved The Love We Found, I loved the way it was presented as an anniversary piece, the journey to get to the anniversary was breathtaking and god help me I have two book boyfriends, one from the beyond. I loved the way the story was written conversationally from Lucy to Gabe. I loved how Dax helped Lucy to mend. The person she is, the mother she is, her honesty in her never diminishing love for Gabe. In all honesty I was brimming tears often and I kept forgetting these were fictional characters.
If I hadn’t missed the first book I’m pretty positive this would’ve been a 5 🌟 which is totally on me.
Jill Santopolo writes and narrates this novel with such heart, tenderness and love, genuinely beautiful in every way.
Huge thanks to Harper Collins U.K. audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ELC 🎧
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
The Light We Lost completely stole my heart so when I saw The Love We Found and learned it was the sequel, I couldn’t wait to read it!
For people who also read and fell in love with the first book, this one is ten years later and we get a glimpse into the current life of Lucy-and it’s a roller coaster.
Although this second book doesn’t top the emotions I went through while reading the first, I did still cry while reading this one-like a lot. The way Jill wrote each chapter was so beautiful. And any author that can make me ugly cry with only their words is a winner in my book. So bravo Jill!
I don’t want to give away too much especially for the ones that haven’t read the first and if you haven’t stop what you’re doing now and read it! So I’ll leave you with this, read The Love We Found. That’s it. That’s the review.
The Love We Found is releasing March 18th and I can’t wait to grab my copy to place next to The Light We Found on my bookshelf.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
For people who also read and fell in love with the first book, this one is ten years later and we get a glimpse into the current life of Lucy-and it’s a roller coaster.
Although this second book doesn’t top the emotions I went through while reading the first, I did still cry while reading this one-like a lot. The way Jill wrote each chapter was so beautiful. And any author that can make me ugly cry with only their words is a winner in my book. So bravo Jill!
I don’t want to give away too much especially for the ones that haven’t read the first and if you haven’t stop what you’re doing now and read it! So I’ll leave you with this, read The Love We Found. That’s it. That’s the review.
The Love We Found is releasing March 18th and I can’t wait to grab my copy to place next to The Light We Found on my bookshelf.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2024
What an amazing sequel to "The Light We Lost!" The story continues with Lucy, her marriage, her kids, and her life after Gabe. This one is equally as emotional!
In the larger sense, for me there was a time for school, a time for romance, a time for mothering. In the smaller sense, month by month, week by week, or day by day, there's a time for work, for play, for creation, for relaxation. the next few weeks really felt like time to concentrate on healing.
This book is so good and will stay with me for some time. I hope the story continues for a third book!
Romance, Beautiful Journey, and Emotional!
4.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 3/18/25.
In the larger sense, for me there was a time for school, a time for romance, a time for mothering. In the smaller sense, month by month, week by week, or day by day, there's a time for work, for play, for creation, for relaxation. the next few weeks really felt like time to concentrate on healing.
This book is so good and will stay with me for some time. I hope the story continues for a third book!
Romance, Beautiful Journey, and Emotional!
4.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 3/18/25.
January 6, 2025
4.5/5
This book was great. I re-read The Light We Lost before reading this one so I was fully remembered everything. This was the perfect follow up for Lucy. It’s well written and I couldn’t put it down. I loved seeing how Lucy’s life progressed and how she was able to get through her grief and find love again. I liked how she stood up for herself to Darren when dealing with a tough subject.
If you liked the first book. You’ll like this book!!!!!
This book was great. I re-read The Light We Lost before reading this one so I was fully remembered everything. This was the perfect follow up for Lucy. It’s well written and I couldn’t put it down. I loved seeing how Lucy’s life progressed and how she was able to get through her grief and find love again. I liked how she stood up for herself to Darren when dealing with a tough subject.
If you liked the first book. You’ll like this book!!!!!
Want to read
June 25, 2024I am SO SO Excited!!!
March 25, 2025
This book struck me as oddly calm. If this had been my own personal story, I would have been anything but calm.
Having adored The Light We Lost, I’m very grateful for this sequel.
Jill Santopolo never disappoints.
Having adored The Light We Lost, I’m very grateful for this sequel.
Jill Santopolo never disappoints.
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 ❤️
March 15, 2025
Keeping this spoiler free for those that have not read the first book!
The Love We Found is the highly anticipated follow up to The Light We Lost. It has been ten years since Lucy had to make a life altering decision. In the past 10 years, she has changed and grown up in ways that she never could have imagined. Faced with more hard decisions, Lucy is thrown back into her past. But with those hard decisions comes a light at the end of the dark tunnel.
Review:
4.5 stars
I loved The Light We Lost so much, so when I heard about the publication of The Love We Found I was absolutely thrilled! This simply did not disappoint. There is just something about Jill's writing that sucks me in. Her characters are reliable, their lives are messy, they make bad decisions, and great decisions. I am drawn to the characters in a way that makes me connect to them and feel their emotions so profoundly. Both books in this duet are highly emotional. They are high stakes. They are real. And they are absolutely fantastic. I would read about their lives in 10 plus more books if Jill wrote them.
The Love We Found publishes on 3/18 and is an absolute MUST read!!! I would suggest pushing it to the very top of your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jill Santopolo and Penguin/Putnam's Sons for this ARC of The Love We Found in exchange for an honest review.
The Love We Found is the highly anticipated follow up to The Light We Lost. It has been ten years since Lucy had to make a life altering decision. In the past 10 years, she has changed and grown up in ways that she never could have imagined. Faced with more hard decisions, Lucy is thrown back into her past. But with those hard decisions comes a light at the end of the dark tunnel.
Review:
4.5 stars
I loved The Light We Lost so much, so when I heard about the publication of The Love We Found I was absolutely thrilled! This simply did not disappoint. There is just something about Jill's writing that sucks me in. Her characters are reliable, their lives are messy, they make bad decisions, and great decisions. I am drawn to the characters in a way that makes me connect to them and feel their emotions so profoundly. Both books in this duet are highly emotional. They are high stakes. They are real. And they are absolutely fantastic. I would read about their lives in 10 plus more books if Jill wrote them.
The Love We Found publishes on 3/18 and is an absolute MUST read!!! I would suggest pushing it to the very top of your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jill Santopolo and Penguin/Putnam's Sons for this ARC of The Love We Found in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2025
A lot of the same emotions. I loved the exploration of challenges of a blended family and raising children. A worthwhile sequel!
October 11, 2024
Let me first say that The Light We Lost holds an honored spot on my favorites shelf. I have recommended it multiple times and have gifted it as well. I LOVE that book. I was actually rereading it via audio this summer (and Jill does a stellar job narrating) when I saw the news of this sequel and I smashed preorder with zero hesitation. My jaw hit my counter when I was approved for the ARC. And then it sat on my kindle for several weeks because I was afraid it would not live up to TLWL. And unfortunately, I was right to be hesitant.
This was...not good. I connected with literally zero characters. The entire story seemed forced. Insta-love is probably my least favorite trope, and there was absolutely no build-up to the relationship with Lucy and Dax. The conflict at the end was completely unnecessary. Absolutely nothing was fleshed out and out of nowhere Lucy brainstorms a new TV show? I'm giving two stars because I did finish it, and I do love Jill Santopolo, but it really could have been a DNF. Once I finished I actually canceled my pre-order.
Also - I never liked Darren and still don't.
This was...not good. I connected with literally zero characters. The entire story seemed forced. Insta-love is probably my least favorite trope, and there was absolutely no build-up to the relationship with Lucy and Dax. The conflict at the end was completely unnecessary. Absolutely nothing was fleshed out and out of nowhere Lucy brainstorms a new TV show? I'm giving two stars because I did finish it, and I do love Jill Santopolo, but it really could have been a DNF. Once I finished I actually canceled my pre-order.
Also - I never liked Darren and still don't.
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.
December 10, 2024
Not as good as The Light we Lost, but still a nice follow up - sure wish I remembered the first one better
December 2, 2024
I read this so fast!! I was so eager to see how Lucy's story would end
I was a little disappointed overall it just felt there was such a rush to finish off her story line and give her a happy ending. I wanted complex and depth and it was just a tad flat for me and my expectations.
It was very well written and I love the themes that Jill has included in her books to make them relevant to todays world.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was a little disappointed overall it just felt there was such a rush to finish off her story line and give her a happy ending. I wanted complex and depth and it was just a tad flat for me and my expectations.
It was very well written and I love the themes that Jill has included in her books to make them relevant to todays world.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published March 18, 2025.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. “The Light We Lost� was published back in 2017. It introduced us to Lucy and Gabe. I gave it 5 stars. This book continues the story, 10 years later. But it can definitely be read independently.
Themes include grief, secrets, modern families, photography and finding love. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. “The Light We Lost� was published back in 2017. It introduced us to Lucy and Gabe. I gave it 5 stars. This book continues the story, 10 years later. But it can definitely be read independently.
Themes include grief, secrets, modern families, photography and finding love. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
February 21, 2025
My heart is just beyond happy that I got more time with Lucy and the kids 🥺🥺 Jill is a master at bringing out real emotions in her readers. Wow.
Make sure you read the Love we Lost first, this book won’t be impactful without it. Know that book one is a hard read but this second installation brings some closure and a new meaningful journey for Lucy in the sky with Diamonds.
I love how relatable Jill writes her characters. You see their flaws and feel like they could be your friends. Sometimes you judge their decisions but you’re still in their corner. Maybe because I’m almost Lucy’s age, I just really connected to the story, even though, thankfully,I have not had to deal with some of what she has.
Anyways I am a huge fan.
If you like emotional contemporary lit fic centered around women in the middle phase of their lives, this is a powerful read.
Thank you to PRH audio for the free preview arc of this beautiful tale, five stars from me. I loved it.
Make sure you read the Love we Lost first, this book won’t be impactful without it. Know that book one is a hard read but this second installation brings some closure and a new meaningful journey for Lucy in the sky with Diamonds.
I love how relatable Jill writes her characters. You see their flaws and feel like they could be your friends. Sometimes you judge their decisions but you’re still in their corner. Maybe because I’m almost Lucy’s age, I just really connected to the story, even though, thankfully,I have not had to deal with some of what she has.
Anyways I am a huge fan.
If you like emotional contemporary lit fic centered around women in the middle phase of their lives, this is a powerful read.
Thank you to PRH audio for the free preview arc of this beautiful tale, five stars from me. I loved it.
March 31, 2025
This poignant sequel revisits Lucy Carter Maxwell a decade after the events of the first book, The Light We Lost. In this story, Lucy meets Gabe after 9/11. Ten years later, we find Lucy older and more grounded, yet emotionally and spiritually tethered to Gabe, whose presence continues to influence her life. When she discovers a slip of paper with a Roman address among his belongings, it ignites a spark of curiosity within her. Despite knowing that this journey could uncover things she wants to keep buried, she can't resist going. Set in Rome, the narrative is lush and evocative, reflecting the city’s geography and Lucy's inner journey, which is layered with history, beauty, and unanswered questions.
What resonated with me most was the exploration of "what-ifs." This story does not present a traditional love triangle or a dramatic, twisty romance. Instead, it focuses on the small decisions that echo through the years, the evolution of relationships, and how love endures even after someone is gone. It is not about falling in love for the first time; instead, it delves into what happens afterward—the ripples of choices, the weight of memories, and the enduring question: What if?
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
What resonated with me most was the exploration of "what-ifs." This story does not present a traditional love triangle or a dramatic, twisty romance. Instead, it focuses on the small decisions that echo through the years, the evolution of relationships, and how love endures even after someone is gone. It is not about falling in love for the first time; instead, it delves into what happens afterward—the ripples of choices, the weight of memories, and the enduring question: What if?
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
March 21, 2025
The Love We Found was a genuinely emotional exploration of our secret lives, innermost desires, and the mistakes that change families forever. After patiently awaiting its release I am so delighted that this was just as moving of a story as its predecessor, The Light We Lost.
There were many elements I savored. One was the multilayered storyline. Santopolo brought the protagonist, Lucy’s, voice to life. She offered the perfect blend of hope and heartache.
Jill Santopolo wrote an exquisitely breathtaking love story. If you haven’t read her novels yet, I encourage you give her novels a read, especially if you relish in heartening tales of resilience and finding peace, joy and love after devastating grief and loss. I am mostly certain you will be appeased with Santopolo’s sophisticated work. (Audio)
A Favorite Quote:
“…when you look at the details, we are all so different. But when you take a step back, we are all essentially the same. You just need that larger view. �
There were many elements I savored. One was the multilayered storyline. Santopolo brought the protagonist, Lucy’s, voice to life. She offered the perfect blend of hope and heartache.
Jill Santopolo wrote an exquisitely breathtaking love story. If you haven’t read her novels yet, I encourage you give her novels a read, especially if you relish in heartening tales of resilience and finding peace, joy and love after devastating grief and loss. I am mostly certain you will be appeased with Santopolo’s sophisticated work. (Audio)
A Favorite Quote:
“…when you look at the details, we are all so different. But when you take a step back, we are all essentially the same. You just need that larger view. �
February 23, 2025
Many, many thanks to NetGalley & G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read an early eARC in exchange for my honest opinions. When I saw that this book was coming out this year, I was beside myself, so thank you for the advanced copy!
I absolutely loved “The Light We Lost.� I loved Lucy & Gabe’s story and was so excited to see how their story progressed 10 years later. Lucy’s love for Gabe is still as strong as it ever was. She is at a crossroads in her life where she wants to tell her son, Sam, the truth about who Gabe is. She is also very reluctant to open herself up to romance again, as she doesn’t feel deserving of it. This book had my heart just like the first one did, and I’m so glad Jill Santopolo revisited Lucy & Gabe’s love story.
I absolutely loved “The Light We Lost.� I loved Lucy & Gabe’s story and was so excited to see how their story progressed 10 years later. Lucy’s love for Gabe is still as strong as it ever was. She is at a crossroads in her life where she wants to tell her son, Sam, the truth about who Gabe is. She is also very reluctant to open herself up to romance again, as she doesn’t feel deserving of it. This book had my heart just like the first one did, and I’m so glad Jill Santopolo revisited Lucy & Gabe’s love story.
March 21, 2025
I didn't think a sequel could live up to the beauty and romance of The Light We Lost, but I was wrong! The Love We Found is set 10 years later, when Lucy travels to Italy to look up an address she found in Gabe's box of photos. What she finds there is full of surprises which will affect her life at home in the US as well. This is an entirely new story but it evoked the same depth of feelings as the first one in the series and I was just as invested in the new characters as in the original ones. Jill Santopolo is such a powerful storyteller, and she also did a fantastic job of narrating her own audiobook, I could feel the emotions in her voice!
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 30, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy. I enjoyed this sequel a lot. Looking forward to reading other books by Santopolo.
March 19, 2025
The Light We Lost was a book that touched me and broke me. I was left drowning in a puddle of my tears by the end. Once again, Santopolo left me in tears, but this time, they were happy tears.
The Love We Found picks up a decade after Gabe's death with his editor reaching out to Lucy regarding the re-release of Gabe's book forcing Lucy to finally open the boxes. Gabe's boxes had been tucked away in Lucy's closet for years and opening them unleashed a lot of emotions. She also discovered something therein that sent her on a journey, a healing journey and one where Lucy learned to forgive herself.
Though this book was set ten years later, there were visits to the past as Lucy recounted her life with Gabe in an attempt to cope with her present and make decisions about her future She had endured a decade of mourning and keeping secrets which was isolating. It took its toll on Lucy, and she was ready to move forward. I have to admit, I was rooting for her. I know she made mistakes in the past, but it was time for Lucy to free herself from the pain, the grief, the guilt, and the weight of the secrets she was keeping.
This was one of those sequels that I didn't think I needed until I read it. I really DID want to know what happened to Lucy, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to take this journey with her as it was a wonderful and emotional journey that touched my heart.
*ARC provided by publisher
| | | | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
The Love We Found picks up a decade after Gabe's death with his editor reaching out to Lucy regarding the re-release of Gabe's book forcing Lucy to finally open the boxes. Gabe's boxes had been tucked away in Lucy's closet for years and opening them unleashed a lot of emotions. She also discovered something therein that sent her on a journey, a healing journey and one where Lucy learned to forgive herself.
Though this book was set ten years later, there were visits to the past as Lucy recounted her life with Gabe in an attempt to cope with her present and make decisions about her future She had endured a decade of mourning and keeping secrets which was isolating. It took its toll on Lucy, and she was ready to move forward. I have to admit, I was rooting for her. I know she made mistakes in the past, but it was time for Lucy to free herself from the pain, the grief, the guilt, and the weight of the secrets she was keeping.
This was one of those sequels that I didn't think I needed until I read it. I really DID want to know what happened to Lucy, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to take this journey with her as it was a wonderful and emotional journey that touched my heart.
*ARC provided by publisher
| | | | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.