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The Light We Lost

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( 194,340 ratings, 16,887 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo is a poignant romance novel that explores the complexities of love and fate over the years. The story follows two college students whose lives are forever changed by a chance encounter, setting them on a path of passion and longing. As they pursue their dreams and navigate life’s unexpected turns, their deep connection is tested by distance and decisions that could alter their futures forever.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy poignant romances that explore the complexities of love, destiny, and decision-making. Set against the backdrop of significant world events, it captures the emotional intensity of a relationship over the years, making it perfect for readers who appreciate a mix of emotional depth and dramatic storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Pre-order the heart-wrenching follow-up, The Love We Found, now!

‘Santopolo is a true master of matters of the heart.’ Taylor Jenkins Reid

'This book kept me up at night … did not disappoint' Reese Witherspoon

***

The emotional, sweeping, and heartbreakingly romantic Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and TikTok sensation, perfect for fans of One Day!

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Pre-order the heart-wrenching follow-up, The Love We Found, now!

‘Santopolo is a true master of matters of the heart.’ Taylor Jenkins Reid

'This book kept me up at night … did not disappoint' Reese Witherspoon

*

EVERY LOVE STORY HAS A BEGINNING…

11th September 2001. Lucy and Gabe meet in New York on a day that will change their lives – and the world – forever. As the city burns behind them, they kiss for the very first time.

Over the next thirteen years they are torn apart, then brought back together, time and time again. It’s a journey of dreams, of desires, of jealousy, of forgiveness – and above all, love.

And as Lucy is faced with a devastating choice, she wonders whether their love is a matter of destiny or chance.

…WHAT IF THIS IS HOW THEIR STORY ENDS?

This devastatingly romantic novel about the enduring power of love, with its shocking, unforgettable ending, is perfect for fans of One Day and Talking at Night.

Readers can't stop thinking about The Light We Lost:

'One of the best books I have ever read … keep your tissues handy' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Astonishingly good' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A love story of epic proportions' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Beautifully written, an emotional journey about first love' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'WOW! Just wow!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews highlight The Light We Lost as an emotional and engaging read, praised for its powerful love story and gripping narrative. It's described as stunning, heart-wrenching, and likened to One Day and Me Before You for its elegance and emotional depth. The book captivates readers with its exploration of love, loss, and the impact of significant events on personal lives.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008224608

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 February 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HQ

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 416

About the Author

Jill Santopolo received an MFA in fiction writing, is the author of three successful children's and young-adult series, and works as the editorial director of Philomel Books. An adjunct professor in The New School's MFA program, she travels the world to speak about writing and storytelling. You can visit her online at www.jillsantopolo.com or follow her on Twitter at @jillsantopolo. She lives in New York City.

Also by Jill Santopolo

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  • On Sale
    18% off
    The Love We Found
    TEN YEARS. TWO LOVES. ONE LAST CHANCE. Santopolo is a true master of matters of the heart – Taylor Jenkins Reid No one writes about love, in all its beautiful mess, the way Santopolo does – Carley Fortune The Light We Lost broke my heart, The Love We Found mended it – Paige Toon * FATE BROKE HER HEART …...
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  • Stars in an Italian Sky
    From the New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost comes a sweeping and achingly romantic story of the course of fate, the meaning of family and the power of love... Genoa, Italy, 1946. Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love the moment they set eyes on each other. The son of a count and the daughter of a...
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  • The Love We Found
    Pre-order
    The Love We Found
    TEN YEARS. TWO LOVES. ONE LAST CHANCE. 'Santopolo is a true master of matters of the heart’ Taylor Jenkins Reid 'Unsurprisingly, I am emotionally unwell!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Light We Lost broke my heart, The Love We Found mended it' Paige Toon 'This book wrecked me in the best way possible' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fate broke her heart … It’s been ten years...
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    Out 1 Sep 2026

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