Not Forgotten

by Donna M. Zadunajsky

Twenty-six years later, Deanna Iris and her son move back to the town she grew up in, back where her secret began and where her life changed forever.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

Donna M. Zadunajsky started out writing children’s books before she accomplished and published her first novel, Broken Promises, in June 2012. She since has written several more novels and her first novella, HELP ME! Book 1 in the series, which is about teen suicide and bullying.
HELP ME!, won Awards in:
The Great Northwest Book Festival-Winner
Global EBook Awards- Gold Medal Winner
The Great Southeast Book Festival-Winner
IPA Award- Winner in Grief Category
Reader Views Awards- In 3 different categories:
*Children-Teen 12-16 year olds
*Children-Young Adult 16-18 years old
*Best Teen/YA Book of the Year
eLit Awards- Silver Winner

Talk To Me, Book 2 was a Finalist in the Author U unpublished contest, 2016.
IPA Award- Winner in Death and Dying

The author is available for speaking on the matters of teen suicide, bullying and for author events.

Reviews

[Jola · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quick read, one that I have enjoyed. Slowly putting the pieces to uncover secrets from Deanna Iris' past was a very thrilling ride. The things she went though in her teenage years were truly painful to read about. And all tough at some point I started suspecting that her father's somehow involved, I didn't anticipate this .

The writing was very good, the author knew just how to captivate her readers enough to keep turning the pages. I'll definitely recommend this book to my friends.

Thanks to Donna M. Zadunajsky for sending me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Forgotten is 334 pages of twists and turns that delight the reader to the very end. Donna M. Zadunajsky caught my attention from the very first chapter. I could not put this book down once I started it and finished it in one reading. I look forward to reading more works from this author.

We all have events in our life where we are not sure of exactly what is truth and what is cover up. When Deanna returns to her childhood home, she finds out that those she trusted in her youth have been keeping a very big secret from her. The questions start after her sister and her son are in a car accident and admitted into the emergency department. There she meets a doctor that reminds her of someone from her past. This should not be possible.

As Deanne starts asking questions, bad things start happening. She is notified that one of her friends has been murdered and then she receives a note that if she does not leave, she will be next. Old memories and new stresses are making her feel like she is imagining things that are not there. With the help of a friend, she is starting to put the pieces together. Will her family pull together or will they be torn apart once this big secret is revealed?

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. This is because of some formatting issues and some grammatical errors. It seemed that on every page there was a page break in the middle of a sentence. While this did not take away from the story, it was annoying. I would and am still planning on recommending this book to my friends. I found it to be a very good read.

Donna M. Zadunajsky is a great beginning author. Every time I felt like I had the story figured out, there was a new twist to boggle my mind. I was not prepared for the last twist and it totally threw me for a loop. I can safely say “I did not see that one coming”.

[Majanka · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...

Not Forgotten had a good premise, but failed to deliver in almost every way. This book needs some serious editing.

As for the plot, main character Deanna moves back into the house she grew up in. Ever since a faithful nigth when she was a teen, her family has never been the same, and she wants to get to the bottom of what happened. There’s some murder and mayhem, and terrible secrets in the past. So far, so good.

But the characters are flat and one-dimensional. We never get a good descrption of any of them, and we never figure out a lot of personality traits about them. Deanna is about as interesting as cardboard figure. The dialogue is unnatural, stiff, and sometimes completely unfitting.

But the absolute worst has to be the editing. The book reads like a first draft, like nobody ever bothered to polish it up. The tenses switch every other sentence. Example:

The kitchen sat in the far rear of the house, with the garage off to its side. I can picture my mother cooking us meals aand baking cookies and pies.

About a page later:

“He’ll love our school”. Her smile faded, becoming a frown. I know she still blames me for our moving, but hope one day she will forgive me. I nodded.

Then there’s all the telling instead of showing. Usually I barely notice these, but they’re so bad I had no choice but to notice them here. Some examples:

I could feel the heat against my skin.

I heard the car door slam shut.

I felt as if someone was watching me so I began to search the room and then looked out the window above the sink.

I watched her wipe the tears sliding down her face.

Then there’s the overload of passive verbs, and the overuse of ‘said’.

I was shaking. “I can’t lose him,” I said.

“No, I said shaking my head, in part to clear the haze of despair that was beginning to set in.

All those examples are from the first 20 pages, so you know what you’re up against. It goes on like this through the rest of the book. Telling instead of showing, passive verbs, some weird verb use, tense confusion, etc.

I wish I could’ve enjoyed the story, but the lack of editing kept me from fully focusing on it. Every time I became emerged into the story, I was thrown out of the narrative by one of the aforementioned editing flaws. These flaws, along with the flat characters, make the story impossible to read.

After three years of reading and over 300 reviews, this is the first book I had to give up on. It pains me to say so, because I don’t like giving bad reviews, and because the story definitely had potential. But this one was a “did not finish” for me.

If the author finds a good editor and has the book edited again, I’d gladly take a look. Until then, definitely not recommended.

[Stephanie Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deanna had something so life changing happen to her 26 years ago, and because of that, was very reserved about opening up to anyone.

After years of researching keeping an eye out, the house she grew up in was listed on the market. She bought it and began to move in. That’s when so many occurrences began to happen. Her son and her sister were in an accident and that’s when her life began to become unraveled. It was difficult for Deanna to believe these situations were related at first. The more she began to ask, search and dig, the more things became more unbelievable. Who could she trust, who could she open up to. Her son, her sister, her old neighborhood and town. So many questions, so many confusing situations.

Fast paced page turner. The more you read, the more you want to read. You’ll want to see Deanna find the answers to the questions. The cast of characters will keep you interested. No grammar, spelling or writing issues made it enjoyable to read.

I feel a cover with a headstone in the cemetery peaks your interest even more as to what type of story includes a cemetery headstone.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deanna and her son have moved back to her hometown 26 years after a traumatic event caused her family to move away. Her parents both passed away in a fire 10 years previously and she has never been close with her older sister but is hoping her move back will change that. Deanna's son and her sister Sheila are in a tragic car accident and both in the hospital when she meets a doctor who seems incredibly familiar, almost as though she is looking at her daughter who died shortly after birth. Odd events continue to happen, but Sheila is in a coma and can't answer any of Deanna's questions. She no longer thinks she knows who she can trust, and doesn't feel safe.
I found this story to be very intriguing, the writing is a bit matter of fact and sparse, but the story line kept me engrossed and turning pages quickly to see what would happen. I would happily read another novel by this author!

Disclaimer: I received this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW-

This book was definitely a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. It kept my interest, I wanted to know what would happen in the end. I read the author's first book "BROKEN PROMISES" and it was another good book. The more you read the more questions you have and you keep reading to find the answers Will Deanna find her daughter alive? Will she let herself love again? So many questions. Turn those pages as fast as you can to find your answers. I feel the book had a good plot and the characters were true to life. It will put you on the edge of your seat. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves mystery, a little romance with wanting answers to your questions.

I would give this book 4 STARS.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, NOT FORGOTTEN by the author, Donna M. Zadunajsky for this honest review.

[Angela Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense Suspense, January 1, 2014
By Angela Ford "Author of Closure" (Canada)
This review is from: Not Forgotten (Kindle Edition)

Deanna Iris returns to her home town years later to buy the home she grew up in. Her parents had died in a fire ten years before and did not have a close relationship with her sister. Not only does Deanna unlock the door to the home she remembered, she unlocks one secret after another. The past creeps up.Surprises continuously appear as she uncovers the truth about her daughter she had twenty-six years before. A daughter she had been told died after birth.

Ms. Zadunajsky delivers a gripping suspense that keeps you turning the page. The continuous twists and turns kept it unpredictable. I was given this read for an honest review. I loved it and highly recommend it. I read it in one day...I couldn't put it down.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a review copy of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's packed with mystery and twists and turns and I loved it.

Deana has many unknowns in her life - her past is clouded, her present is strained. Then her sister and son are in an accident, after which, things begin to unfold.

I liked the writing style, the fast pace and certainly the suspense about what was going to happen - who is the villain, who is truthful, who to trust...

This was an entertaining and great read and would recommend it to those who enjoy mystery and suspense.

[Brian O'Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS

‘Not Forgotten’ by Donna Zadunajsky is an enthralling story that keeps the reader guessing on every front. From the very first line of the opening it is clear that the main protagonist, Deanna Iris, has a mysterious past and while hints are provided consistently, the reader does not quite learn what this woman’s mysterious background is. Because of this the reader is hooked early but when one set of questions is answered, even more mysteries ensue. So much of what appears to be real is, in fact, not real at all. It begins to look as if Deanna’s life is as fragile as a house of cards just waiting to be scattered. Yet while, for a time what is happening might seem to be smoke and mirrors, the explanations that come towards the end are satisfactory and convincing.

Perhaps answers might have arrived earlier were it not for the reluctance of some of the other characters – Deanna’s mother, Hank the caretaker of the cemetery, and even the friendly policeman, Officer Bates – to answer Deanna’s questions. There might be irritation in this for some readers who might be prompted to think, ‘For goodness, sake, why don’t you just come out with it!!’ but given the delicate nature of the truth, it can easily be understood that these people had only Deanna’s interests at heart and they were trying to protect her from a truth that could be full of hurt.

I have one little niggle. When Deanna goes through a series of events and is reporting what happened to another character, the author allows her to go over the whole thing again in dialogue. This, of course, is what would happen in real life but in a novel it is unnecessary as far as the reader is concerned. It is time wasting and slows down the action. That said, Donna Zadunajsky possesses excellent writing skills. She has a superb feel for words and her sentences are beautifully constructed. Best of all, unless you are looking for them, these skills are nicely unobtrusive as the reader is pulled along, word after word, page after page, knowing only that he wants to keep reading.

‘Not Forgotten’ is a fascinating story, with a full complement of romance, mystery, suspense, and dark intrigue. I recommend it strongly to readers

[Michelle Lofton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Mary Higgins Clark fan, you will love Not Forgotten, by Donna M. Zadunajsky. A page-turner, Not Forgotten draws you in right from page one, and holds your interest until the last word of the final chapter. I could not stop reading this book! It is written in a clear, descriptive language, and told in the first-person from the point of view of the protagonist, Deanna.

Deanna has lived a troubled past. Her childhood has been one built on deception and lies. Deanna moves back to her small hometown of Mendota after purchasing the house which once belonged to her parents. The day of the move, Deanna’s son, Brent, and her sister, Sheila are involved in a car accident which leaves Brett unconscious and Sheila in a coma. Through a series of twists and turns, Deanna begins seeking answers about her past, which brings her close to death as chilling facts come to light in this suspenseful novel.

I enjoy a suspense novel that includes some romance, and Not Forgotten fits that bill. Throughout the novel, Deanna re-establishes and solidifies her relationship with long-time boyfriend, Brice. This storyline adds depth to the characters, allowing readers a chance to see Deanna’s softer and more vulnerable side. Minor characters also add interest to the storyline. Questions of ethics come into play in the novel, too. More than once, while reading the book, I asked myself if Deanna’s mother’s actions throughout the book were a sign of weakness or strength. I also had to question Hank’s motives and actions as well as those of Officer Bates. Were their actions and lies justified? These are just some of the questions that, for me, made Not Forgotten an intriguing and thought-provoking suspense thriller.

The cover of Not Forgotten, by Donna M. Zadunajsky is dark and foreboding. The eye is immediately drawn to the cross-shaped headstone on the bottom left of the cover, and then to a row of crosses and headstones in the shadow of an old wood and stone house. The artwork draws you in and makes you want to know more about Kimberly Rose Iris, the name on the headstone in the foreground.

[Myreadingzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last several chapters left me reading well now into the early hours of the morning forcing me and leaving me just having to know how it all ends. Though I have to admit, through the second and the beginning of the third part of the book I did have my suspicions, finding myself trying to piece all of the puzzles together in my own mind much like the main character Deanna was herself. The ending however, I did not see coming! Early on I had figured out some main things, yet the who, why and the how, blew me away. To say the least, it was not exactly what I had expected. The person responsible, I did wonder where they would show up some how knowing they would, but never expecting it to be as it is. Having won this book through the good-reads giveaway, never have heard or read any of her books before now, in the end I'm happy I had both the chance of winning and reading, “Not Forgotten.”

Yet, over all I think the book was very good and would read another book or would enter another contest from Donna M. Zadunajsky. The only thing that really at first for a while some what bothered me was the constant use of the word, “I” throughout the book. Other then that, it was a quick and compelling read filled with many twists and turns leaving you wanting to know the ending. As someone else said in their own review, “Not Forgotten is 334 pages of twists and turns that delight the reader to the very end.” To that I agree!

Therefore, I gave it a 4 out of 5 rating.

* Received the book for free through," Goodreads First Reads."*

[Maggie Bermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

she has moved back to the town where it all started with her 13 year old son Brent.

Busy unpacking her elder sister offers to pick Brent up from school and on the way home they have a car accidnet, leaving both of them in badly injured. When Deanna meets their doctor it stirs the memory even more of her first child, who had died shortly after bring born...or had she?

The book depicts Deanna trying to find the truth about what happened when she was only 15. The story is told from Deanna's point of view and at at first I struggled with it, but soon..very soon the story pulled me right in, and I couldnt put this book down!

So much so I read it in one night , sitting up to 5am, as I just had to find the answers. They are so many twists and turns. Nothing is at it seems and the author has done an outsanding job or pulling you to one conclusion and then completley catching you unawares when proved wrong!

The authors writing style is unique and refreshing to recent books I have read, with this mystery novel being written in the first person. By the end I was delighted to have found a new author, and would highly recommend this book.

It also contains a couple of chapters of her other book Broken Promises at the end.

The cover for the book, is quite dark..and at first you wonder what it really has to do with the storyline, but it does makes sense when you start to wonder who is in the baby's grave.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Forgotten by Donna M. Zadunajsky

Deanna Iris and her son move back to her hometown. When her sister and son are in a car accident and in the hospital her life changes. The doctor reminds her of someone, someone she never forgot about. Her infant (daughter) who died at birth twenty six years earlier.

Soon one of her close friends ends up dead, and her past comes back to haunt her. She sees a mysterious woman while passing her sisters house, then the sense of knowing this young doctor. She is determined to find out the truth of her past. But will she find all the answers she seeks or will she end up dead.

A fast paced thriller, with a lot of surprises, shocking secrets and drama. I enjoyed the story, it had a lot of suspense. I liked Deanna, she was easy to relate to and the story was original. I feel that those who like psychological/suspense/drama will like Not Forgotten.

[Julie Baswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Deanna buries her newborn daughter and moves away, it takes her many years to put it behind her. Now that she has returned to her hometown, an accident causes a chance meeting with her teenage son’s doctor, who she believes, on impulse, is the daughter that she buried so long ago. This sets off a chain of events that uncovers more than a few family secrets.

I really liked Deanna’s character, and how independent she had become by the end of the book. The many twists kept me guessing and trying to figure the mystery out. I was beyond shocked when I found out the truth about Deanna’s past trauma. I don’t know that I would be able to handle her life, or the aftermath. This story will stay with you for a long time.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really like this story! It was a very fast read. I started it last night and had a hard time putting it down. There were so many things that made me want to keep turning pages to see what was going to happen or to see what had already happened in the past. There were things that were a bit unbelievable and somewhat like a Lifetime Movie Network movie but it was a definite page turner to see what the whole story was. I did really like the book and would probably read another by this author. There was no plodding along in this book! My copy was an ARC and there were some mistakes that I hope have been fixed. But it was a very good read!

[Melanie Ransome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book on Goodreads giveaways and I'm so glad that I did.

The author had me hooked in the first chapter and didn't let go till I finished the book. This book is full of twists and turns and secrets and lies. The author kept me guessing what was going to happen next, or what new bit of information from the past was going to be revealed.

Overall, this was a great read. I do think that there could have been more to the story and would have liked to find out a bit more on the loose ends, but once again, overall a great book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller coaster of a read. This book had twists and turns that you never see coming and an ending that leaves you satisfied. I could not put this book down and read it in 5 hours and even though I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out the conclusion I was sad when I finished because that meant I was done with the story. If you like mysteries that keep you guessing till the very end then this is the book for you. The characters are well written and I loved the relationship between Deanna and her son. If this is any indication that every book that Donna Zadunajsky writes is better that her last then count me as a fan. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

[Jennifer Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a new read, this book is not to be forgotten!!

This was a fast read because I couldn't put it down. You will find the characters to be endearing and written as easy as talking with a good friend over coffee on a lazy afternoon. The author tells her story just as smoothly. Each character has such depth that they seem like friends you can't wait to see after a long time. I felt myself experiencing emotions I imagine Deanna, the protagonist, to be feeling as she struggles with the unexplainable. If you like fast-paced mystery that pulls you into the storyline, don't miss this read!! I can't wait for her next book!!

[Crystal Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The only reason I am only giving it a 4 instead of 5 is because of format issues in the paperback, sentences were cut off and moved to the next line ect. As for the story line I give it a 5 :-) Every time I thought I had it figured out a new twist would come about, it kept me guessing right to the end. I could not put this book down (other than to go to work), I finished it within 24 hours of starting it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery!

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this in exchange for a review. Thank you.
I want to get the good stuff down first. The book was well written and yes, it was a page turner. I wanted to keep with it and read it till the end.
The mystery part was compelling, and lots of twists and turns.
However, I found the final BIG reveal over the top and convoluted. Too many holes in the story that could not hold up in this day of instant information.
For me the story had so much promise. Maybe there will be a next book to my liking

[Satomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was on sale, and I downloaded it. When I started to read it, I have forgotten what it is about. First I thought this is a "Women Fiction" book, but later I noticed that this is a mystery!! One word - "Crazy". It was a rather short read, but had contained a good amount of suspense. Overall I liked it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a Good Reads give away. Wow hooked me the first few pages. I could of stayed up all night to find out who the villain was in this book of twists and turns. A quick easy read I read this book while on vacation and couldn't put it down.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyed this book. Will look into more books from this author.

[Necole Moreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that kept you guessing the whole time. I never saw the ending coming the way it did. Once you start, you can't put it down.

[ETHEL KINSLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read.

Awesome read.

one of the best books I have read in a long time. I loved all the twists and turns. I loved it.

[barbara Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth reading.

It kept you guessing as to who was really the true villain. I did not think about her father until the last few chapters.

[Mac Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced!

Wow. I couldn't put this book down!!! very fast paced and no dull moment. there are moments in the book that I feel rushed but I love that it keeps coming at me.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held my interest all the way. Very nice ending.

Enjoyable book .I would recommend that you read it. It was a good book. Very well written. Won't be forgotten.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me interested the whole way thru.
Twists & turns & interesting characters.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is the mystery Breanna senses in her old hometown?

Breanna and her son Brent move back to her hometown, a place she left as soon as she could. Because of a deep secret, she had become the pariah in her family. She and her sister hadn’t spoken in years and her parents died before they made up. Suddenly, all kinds of things happen—her sister and son have a life-threatening accident, a friend dies, and she receives a message warning her to get out of town. Both a police officer and doctor look familiar and no one seems willing to share any answers. Will she make sense out of all this, or run back to the town they’d moved from?

I liked this book but I didn’t love it. At times it felt a little slow. It needed to be edited (I know Ms Zadunajsky credits someone for helping her polish the book, but maybe find someone to really edit it?), and some of it didn’t make sense to me. Why did Breanna and Brent return to a place (and a house) where she’d been so unhappy? And there’s more I wondered about that I don’t want to say here for fear of spoiling the plot. I think the idea behind the book is good and the author has a real talent for storytelling. Maybe I was too picky, but I think with some serious editing her storytelling will be so much better. Sorry!