Wow. What an incredible book. It focusses on such sensitive and deep topics but the way Melissa writes this is beautifully written.

This book is about hope. It’s about dreaming for more but realising there is only one way out. The story follows Jane who runs away from her abusive dad into the hands of an abusive partner. She then ends up heading back home to help her Mum and WOW. I was not expecting some of the things to happen that happened, I was so shocked but in all the best ways.

Jane always believed her mum was weak and did nothing to protect her but as the story unravels we realise that in fact her mum did everything she could and then some. It shows that we see the strength in others in varying forms and what looks to be weakness to some is actually strength.

This story is hard hitting, gut wrenching, sad but beautiful and heartwarming. It broke me and put me back together again. Nik is a beautifully written man (because men written by women always are) and it’s heartwarming to see what women can achieve when they decide they want a better life.

Melissa did a fabulous job of weaving domestic violence into the story in a sensitive and powerful way. No one should ever be allowed so much control over another and no woman should ever have to live in fear because of a man. An incredible story and one that rings true for many women, including myself. This is an absolute must read for every one.

This is not an easy book to read, but it’s inspirational and eye-opening for both those who have experienced domestic violence and those who can’t understand a victim’s perceived lack of action.

I read it in small chunks and was rooting for Jane McCaffrey, a single mom, as she journeyed from surviving to striving with the help of family and friends. Leaving her husband and returning home took fortitude and foresight. I applauded her road to recovery. Nik stole the show for me.

The author warns readers of her focus and offers help for those who need it.

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Wow Jane. I am not sure how to feel about you or about you. Domestic abuse is nasty and Jane went through it twice with her father and her husband. Her resilience, strength and courage come through every decision she makes. Nik is such a doll, supportive in his unabtrusive way. Deeply in love with Jane. Although the reveal in the end was a low blow to Nik.

Overall a highly emotionally volatile book but with a happy ending.

Love and Other Lost Things had me on an emotional rollercoaster! ! I had to force myself to put the book down so I didn’t read it so quickly. Melissa definitely created a love story that would capture and break your heart. This story does contain domestic violence and captures such an accurate depiction of the experiences and the emotions that accompany domestic abuse. This story is about Jane, who is an 18 year old girl who ran from her abusive father. She leaves everything from her childhood to later on find her self in a similar situation as her parents. It tells how Jane goes through her life and tries to create a new life and tries to escape the domestic violence. Definitely a 5 star for me! If you’re a fan a Colleen Hoover books this one would more then likely spark your interest. Definitely looking forward to reading more of Melissa Wiesbers books!

I really enjoyed this story. Jane grew up with struggles and tried escaping them only to face them again. I really liked the speed of this book and that it was a page turner. I enjoyed the flashing back and coming to present today. It all flowed nicely. It was a good story with a good ending.

Jane returns home after years away, but why did she leave in the first place?
Nik Jane’s best friend remained in town and now wonders why she left in the first place. What is the secret Jane is hiding.

It took me a little while to get into this book but once I got into it I was hooked.
The writing style is easy to follow and the story took a twist that I didn’t expect.
Be warned though this story is about domestic violence and does depict some scenes of violence.

Most of the characters were loveable and It made me happy that Jane got her happy ending after all!

Thankyou NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Love and Other Lost Things was an emotional, beautiful book about 18 year old Jane, who flees her abusive home. She finds herself returning after her father dies to help her mother, who she is at times resentful towards due to her childhood. Jane’s childhood friends and first love react to her return and over her time home she realizes how many people truly care for her. I felt like Jane was an extremely well written character. She was mature and strong, someone you could very easily empathize with and root for. This book tackles domestic abuse, the cycles it can follow and the way abusers can manipulate and gaslight you into staying with them. It highlights the lack of resources for victims and really opens your eyes to how a person can easily find themselves trapped in an abusive relationship. The author created a beautiful love story with moments that will break your heart. I very much enjoyed it. My only complaint was I felt like the ending was a little rushed . I would have enjoyed a bit more time with the characters but I definitely give this book 4 stars.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookoutoure, and Melissa Weisner for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts above are my own.

Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC of this book! This was the type of book you can't put down. I could have read it in one sitting. It was very well written and wove together a story with both trauma and love beautifully. If you enjoy books by Mia Sheridan and Colleen Hoover, you would probably enjoy this one. Five stars for me! Highly recommend!See below for a synopsis.

Jane is stuck in a cycle with an abusive relationship after running from the very same abuse that her mother endured at the hands of her father. At 18, Jane runs away after an altercation with her father. While running from him, she falls into a very similar relationship of her own. 10 years pass and she heads back to her hometown after the passing of her father to try and make a new life for herself and her daughter. She has plans to continue running into she runs into Nik, her childhood best friend and love of her life. Watching her navigate how to improve her life and escape the cycle of abuse was very interesting. I was rooting for her the whole time and for her new love story. This was a great one!

Love and Other Lost Things was a deeply emotional book that had me in all of my feelings from start to finish. Nik is one of my favorite book boyfriends! This is certain to be a big hit when it publishes.

Another 5⭐️ by Melissa Wiesner! I had to stop myself from reading this one all in one night! I absolutely loved the characters, and I immediately want more! Sequel?🤞🏼

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Wow, I am torn with the outcome and happenings in this book. Jane truly had a rough life and Nik was supposed to be the love of her life until her father got wind of their relationship.

This story definitely pulled on the heartstrings but the outcome at the end was not at all what I expected. Not sure you can keep something like that from the one you love and if that is even healthy.

Left me conflicted but I did like Nik and the rest of Jane’s friends.

Love and Other Lost Things is an emotional narrative that hightlights themes of domestic violence, generational family trauma, lost love, lost identity and motherhood. The book follows the story of Jane McCaffery who leaves home unexpectedly following a violent incident with her father. Following her departure she experiences a life all alone in new city without any help, support or community. Jane then moves forward repeating the generation curse of her parents. This book so realistically captures the emotions, the rollercoaster and the gaslighting that accompanies domestic abuse. It is rare that authors are able to capture such an accurate depiction of the experiences and the emotions that accompany domestic violence. I felt the themes of this book were incredibly well written and captured through thoughtful prose. I honestly could not put this book down from the moment I began reading! I found about 60% into the book the plot sped up and took off in a way I found confusing and unrealistic and the end had a somewhat predictable ending that I think has been overdone in books depicting this level of domestic violence in the narrative. Overall the book was a well written quick read and I did enjoy the storyline.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for access to an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review

Another 5 star read by Melissa Wiesner! Romance isn't my usual genre, but Melissa Wiesner is on my list of must read authors. Love and Other Lost Things has depth to the characters and complex issues addressed in the story line. It broke my heart and slowly pieced it back together. The story does include some difficult topics, and the author is kind enough to address the readers in the beginning of the book-so make sure to check that out beforehand. This book captivated my attention with suspense, secrets, family bonds, and romance. Grab some tissues and don't miss this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is my third book by Melissa Wiesner, and she’s an autobuy author for me now. Her range is outstanding.

Short Synopsis:
Jane left home quietly and mysteriously when she was 18 years old. It’s now a decade later, and she’s suddenly back with bruises on face. Her former best friend, Nik, just wants to know why she left and why she’s finally back.

My Thoughts:
This book will gut you in the best way. It’s heartbreaking and sad. It’s such a binge read that you won’t want to put down.

And when Melissa says there’s a twist you won’t see coming, boy was she right!!!

Just an excellent book overall for readers who love sad romances like I do!

What You’ll Find:
💕Second chance romance
🥰 Childhood friends to lovers
🏘️Small town
🤕Emotional
👧🏼Single mom/awesome kid
❤️‍🩹Some heartache

TW: Domestic violence. Take care of yourselves first. 🫶

This is a story that revolves around domestic abuse. And the effect that it has on everyone. Jane and Nic grew up together and were best friends. Jane’s dad was the police chief, so the abuse that he did to Jame’s mother got overlooked. And Jane grew up trying not to get in her dad’s way. Jane had turned eighteen and her and Nik decided to take their relationship to more than friends. They had plans to go to college together and start their life away from the town they grew up in. Then the next day after moving forward with their relationship Jane disappears. And doesn’t tell anyone bye or where she’s going. Now it’s been ten years and Jane is back in town. The story goes back and forth from present to past. This is a sad and heartbreaking story. But it does have an hea.

Thanks to Bookouture and Melissa Wiesner for the copy of this book!

A very bingeable and heartbreaking read, LOVE AND OTHER LOST THINGS is a book in the veins of Colleen Hoover and Paige Toon.

Jane left her small hometown of Linden Falls, NY years ago at the age of 18. Now, she’s finally going back, prompted by the death of her father and her mother’s need for help cleaning out the house. Also back home is Nik, the boy Jane fell in love with long ago and hasn’t stopped thinking about.

I don’t want to say too much more about the storyline because it’s best to keep it vague, but I thought this was such a good narrative on generational trauma and cycles, domestic abuse, and single parenting. It is a very emotional read and while some parts are predictable… WHEW not everything is!!! An excellent read.

Read this if you’re looking for:
- heart clenches and tears
- sweet kiddos / single mom rep
- second chance romance
- a small town setting (Western NY)
- a shocking twist

I loved the character of Jane as she lived through the same experience as her mom she quickly realized it’s not so easy to leave when you have a daughter to think about, I enjoyed how Jane’s and her mothers relationship grew and she misunderstood her mother for staying, the high school friendships that she still had after leaving for 10 years and the fact that she wasn’t alone.

Love and Other Lost Things
A totally heartbreaking page-turner
by Melissa Wiesner

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction

At first this seems like a simple, light romance, but there are some deep dark themes going on. Things that can and do happen in real life, things that do leave scars, mental and physical.
I so felt for Jane, a hard choice to make at such a young age. I did have some issues with how quickly she moved in with someone, but she's very young, alone and we don't always make the best choices at the age...
What seemed like a good idea at the time turns out to be anything but, and of course poor Jane is trapped once more.
Then she goes back home after her father's death to help her mum sort things. She's not planning to stay but slowly Nik and she reconnect, each sharing parts of their past but holding back secrets.
I really enjoyed the slow reveal of what happened to each of them while they were apart, meeting Jane's school friends and seeing them reconnect, seeing her mum finally get the strength to help her daughter. That though brought me a total shock, I didn't expect to discover that, though I can see why she did it.
Its a lovely story, great mix of romance, pathos, heartache and hard decisions. Would I have done the same? Who knows, who can say what anyone will do when its backs to the wall time.

Stars: Five, a great read with some startling surprises.

ARC supplied by Netgally and publishers

While I enjoyed the story and learning about the characters I feel like it dragged in some spots and then the ending was rushed. I wish we had more at the ending after finding certain things out.

I knew when I requested this book, it was going to be a page turner, because everything I have read that Bookouture publishes is. I was prepared for what was to come, I thought, But I would never even think about where Melissa Wiesner took me. If you are looking for a book that will capture your attention, has twist and turns, and then it will blow you away, this book is for you. This was beyond amazing, I won't tell you the emotion I had when I was reading toward the end.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.