Book Review: Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter

I am so glad I decided to read this book! I'm usually drawn to historical fiction, but I've found quite a few authors that write contemporary fiction that I enjoy reading very much. Denise Hunter has become one of them. I have a few more books of hers on my shelves that I plan to read in 2026 and many on KU that have caught my eye.

Her character development drew me in pretty quickly and I didn't have any issues with going back and forth from present to the past. It was easy to follow, and I enjoyed the gaps it filled in. It was hard to see how Lauren's attitude changed towards Jonah after the accident but it felt real and honest especially when we get to see how it felt when they first met. Jonah was so patient and caring despite being rejected by the love of his life. We get to see just how quickly things changed when we get the glimpses of the past months that she doesn’t remember.

There was a natural progression in their relationship as she got to know him all over again. It made perfect sense for her to make sure she kept her plans for the future once she found out she wasn't going to before the accident. Her past put preconceived ideas into her head about relationships and what a fulfilled life could be.

I didn't want to stop reading because I became invested in the characters so quickly. I wasn't a story where everything just fell into place perfectly. It was work and real-life situations that shaped and molded the characters.

This is a great stand-alone, but I'd love to visit Pinehaven Resort again if Denise Hunter decides to give Jonah's sister, Meg her own story.

Check out the authors website for more information about her books: DeniseHunterBooks.com