Forgetting to Remember

by M.J. Rose

Discover a spellbinding love story in this dazzling time-travel adventure from the NYT bestselling author of The Last Tiara, M.J. Rose.Setting aside grief from the fallout of the second World War and putting her energy into curating an upcoming show critical to her career as the Keeper of the Metalworks at London’s renowned Victoria and Albert Museum, Jeannine Maycroft stumbles upon a unique collection of jewel-framed miniature eye portraits—a brilliant romantic device and clandestine love token of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.One piece among the assembly intrigues her more than all the a twilight-blue man’s eye framed by opals shimmering with enchanting flashes of fiery color. But the beauty is just the beginning. Not only is the painting a self-portrait of one of her favorite Pre-Raphaelite artists, Ashe Lloyd Lewis, but the brooch itself is a portal eight decades into the past.Despite being cast into an era she was never meant to be in, Jeannine and Ashe develop an immediate and passionate bond, complicated by the undeniable fact that she does not belong in 1867, and the disaster about to destroy her family and reputation in her time.Striving to live a dual life and dangerously straddling two time periods, Jeannine fights to protect her career and her father from scandal in the present while desperately trying to save her lover’s life in the past.Forgetting to Remember—richly embroidered with historical detail and heartbreaking conflict—is another luscious and thrilling masterpiece by M.J. Rose. A beautiful and compelling story of art, war, magic, and survival, wrapped in a love that defies time.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance, Time Travel, Fiction, Magical Realism, Historical

266 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2024

About the author

New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

Her most recent novel, The Last Tiara, will be published Feb 2, 2021

Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com

The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization's co-president..

Reviews

[Magdalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong 3 stars. I loved the characters and how the story connects to the other books, it made me want to reread the previous books.

Tavia Gilbert’s narration 🎧 was fantastic and really enhanced the experience.

But the ending didn’t work for me. I’m fine with time travel, but changing the past that much broke the logic of the future.

Still, a touching and well-written book by an author I truly admire.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I always love me an M.J. Rose book and Forgetting to Remember is the epitome of all things I love about her. There is magical realism, time travel, romance, and a hint of mystery all rolled into one and I loved every minute of it. I did think the beginning moved a little slow (hence my half-star off), but once we got into the time travel bit, I was completely hooked, and it made the story come alive. I enjoyed all of the characters, especially our FMC Jeannine and I loved how the females in her family have certain magical powers.

There is no way I will be able to do this book justice with anything I say, and it is such a beautiful tale of love, art, war, and magic. The audiobook makes the story come alive even further, and Tavia Gilbert did a terrific job as per usual. I love her narration every time I hear it, and she was the perfect person to be the voice of Jeannine. Forgetting to Remember also taught me more about art in general, and I had never heard of a lover's eye in my life. If you enjoy a touch of magic, art, historical fiction, and time travel books I highly recommend picking this up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kristina Stangl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting and lovely tale. This fantasy escape novel is about a woman who’s captivated by a lover’s eye portrait and suddenly finds herself transported into the distant past. A real swoon worthy romance. Highly recommend.

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and keeping my attention to the end though the sort mystery in the second part is fairly obvious but the ending is very good.

[Kate Vocke (bookapotamus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you believe it is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all?⁣
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I’m always transported to the most magical places in M.J. Rose’s stories… places that truly fascinate and intrigue the artist in me. They follow great wonders of the art world - from Tiffany to Cartier, through jewels heists to missing paintings - and I’m always drawn in to these compelling historical novels that weave fictional elements with real life masterpieces.⁣
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Forgetting to Remember is her most magical story I’ve read so far. It’s a time travel romance that unearths the mystery of a Lover’s Eye painting of the past and a stolen piece of art in the present. The connections are woven through time and place and follow a woman in 1947 fighting to save the career she deserves, while trying to also hold on to the man she loves… a man who lived almost 100 years before.⁣
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Deeply immersed in this beautiful story from the very start through rich detail and heartbreaking storytelling, I was consumed in the mystery and the magic with every word.⁣

[Raisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgetting to Remember is a story about Jeannine, Keeper at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. The story takes places in 1947 and everyone is recovering from WWII some people are still grieving the lost of loved ones during the war. One day while working on some artifacts to display for an exhibition she pricked her finger by a pin of a “lover’s eye” miniature. She is transported to 1867 where she meets an artist. No spoilers!

The story was captivating! The ending was bittersweet. Recommend to anyone who enjoyed romance or historical fiction.

Thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review of the book received.

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

"M.J. Rose's novel, 'Forgetting to Remember,' offers an engaging exploration of two intertwined timelines: the period following World War II and the year 1867. The story follows Jeannine Maycroft, who works as a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. She stumbles upon a brooch that acts as a gateway to the past. As the story progresses, Jeannine balances her modern-day duties with her growing bond with Ashe Lloyd Lewis, a Pre-Raphaelite artist from the 19th century. The narrative is intricately laced with historical elements and presents a poignant love story that challenges the constraints of time.

The book stands out for its intricate plot, dynamic characters, and the seamless integration of romance with the concept of time travel. It is recommended for those who have an affinity for historical richness, artistic themes, and enduring love stories that span across ages.

To summarize, 'Forgetting to Remember' by M.J. Rose is a notable work that leaves a lasting impression, inviting contemplation long after one has finished reading."

[Linda S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgetting to Remember is a time travel story that begins in 1947 - the main character, Jeannine, is a keeper at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, planning a Valentine's Day exhibit which includes "lover's eyes," miniature paintings which were popular in the 1800s. After touching and getting pricked by the pin of one of the miniatures, she finds herself in 1867 and meets an artist whose paintings she loves. Did I mention that she comes from a family where all the women have some kind of magic? No spoilers, but I just loved this book and even the bittersweet ending. This is the third book I have read by M.J. Rose and she has an easy-t0-read style with likeable, interesting characters. I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a time travel historical romance that had a timeless love and interesting historical value. I had never heard of eye miniatures or Lover’s eyes! I was intrigued and found the story delightful. FYI, I would not consider this a clean romance but it wasn’t spicy either.
Thanks Blue Box Press via NetGalley.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeannine’s job is on the line. Not only that, her father’s reputation is about to take a hit! Jeannine knows she has to stop all of this from happening. She is reviewing some antique pins for a display when she accidentally pricks her finger. This sends her falling through time and this changes her whole world. It also gives her the opportunity to develop a plan to save her job and her father’s reputation.

I love Jeannine in this story! She is a go getter! She is the only female that has ever been the “Keeper of the Metalworks” at the Victoria and Albert Museum. So, this is full of historical artifacts that I had no idea about. I mean, miniature eye portraits! Geez, never heard of this! And when she falls through time…I was really hooked!

To say I love this author is an understatement. I have been reading her books for years! I love her Reincarnationist series and, of course, this series, The Daughters of La Lune! My favorite book in this series is The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams.

I originally had this as a 4 star read in my head. But, as I was writing this review, I realized how much I truly loved this mystical tale! I upped it to 5 stars in a snap! You do not have to read these books in order. But, I would read them! Like NOW!

Need a good mystical, historical fiction…THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Megan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in a beautiful lyrical way as we traverse the time-travelling romance of Jeannie and Ashe, M.J. Rose writes a stunning love story that mixes time travel and the wonderful world of art.

I fell in love with M.J. Rose's Forgetting to Remember, an enchanting and haunting love story connecting two eras through a transcending romance. M.J. Rose enforces my love for Historical Fiction and has me rethinking time travel fiction. I've never been the biggest fan of time travel in stories, but her novel's complex and beguiling love story makes me curious if other time travel-infused stories are this good. The ending had such a beautiful, bittersweet, hopeful ending that almost had me crying (in a good way).

If you love an amazing Historical Romance story with a time-travelling twist, then M.J. Rose's Forgetting to Remember is the best book to read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Blue Box Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Callie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgetting to Remember is a blend of historical romance and magical realism that evokes a variety of emotions from the reader. Following Jeanine Maycroft from her job at an Art museum in London in the 1940s to the life of an Artist in the 1860s, M.J. Rose introduces a number of characters ranging from friends/family to a captivating stranger. Enchanted from the beginning, I felt a connection to each character despite the length of time spent with them and loved being in a historical setting without the anxiety of conflict. Selfishly I wanted a slightly different ending, but I really enjoyed this book overall.

This book is perfect for fans of low conflict historical romance, time travel, or magical realism.

Thank you to Blue Box Press and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Book.Dragon.Page1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a book of M.J. Rose years ago that wasn't really for me but when I read the blurb of this book I had to read it and I was not dissapointed! This book has amazing cozy romance vibes which I'm there for! I love historical fiction and WW2 is one of my favorite periods to read about. This book was mostly set a few years after the war but the story of Jeannine was greatly influenced by the war. She is a great FMC. She is stubborn, in her 30s , a careerwoman but also a romantic at heart eventhough she doesn't think so herself. It was a pretty slow read but I loved the flow of the book. The romance part of the story started very late and that's the only thing I liked a little less but it still is an amazing story!

Thank you NetGalley and AuthorBuzz for the e-ARC!

[Dione Hanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great, entertaining story! Forgetting to Remember is full of fun stuff - time travel, history, war, art, romance, competition, mystery, family, strong characters and bad guys.

The story begins in a museum in London in 1947, so the characters are dealing with the aftermath of WWII. The main character is intrigued with some art that she is preparing for an exhibition and ends up time traveling to London in 1867. She meets some of her favorite painters while she is in 1867. and falls in love with one of them. The love story is really amazing and powerful. The descriptions of architecture and fashion from 1867 and 1947 are intriguing - she spends time in the museum and a house in both time frames.

This is my first book by M. J. Rose but will not be my last.

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to getredpr and M.J. Rose for my complimentary copy of Forgetting to Remember. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this time traveling love story very much! It had just the right amount of historical fiction and mystery to keep me on the edge of my seat. It was very interesting learning about the eye portraits, I did not know such a thing existed.

The love between Jeannine and Ashe is evident from their first meeting and only grows in intensity as time passes. I was teary eyed when Jeannine was able to meet her grandparents. What a lovely gift time travel had given her when her world was turned upside down.

Perfect if you enjoy
Time travel
The possibility of Reincarnation
Heart wrenching love stories

[Eugenea Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline grabbed me almost immediately and held on until the very end, which was satisfying in a way that I did not foresee. Time travel triggered by a plausible device, art history a la the Pre-Raphaelites, lovers whose passion transcended historical limitations, an appealing writing style, an art theft by whom(?)— all ingredients for a compelling literary adventure. Well done!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Forgetting to Remember is a wonderful time travel novel that begins in 1947. Jeannine is the Keeper of Metalworks at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Jeannine also comes from a family who have magical powers and Jeannine’s happens to be time travel. This is a beautiful and captivating love story with great characters. Thank you Amazon for this advanced readers ebook. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone that enjoys reading time travel novels.

[Pat Chrivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. It was a new take on soul mates and time travel.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was spellbound and captivated by M.J.Rose, Author “Forgetting to Remember You”. M.J.Rose is a master storyteller and describes the beauty of Art in her novels. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Time-travel, and Romance. There are two time-lines in this novel. One is set approximately in 1867, and the other is set after World War Two. The story goes to the past or present when it pertains to the characters or events, I appreciate the author’s research into both time periods, and the art. The author describes the enchanting artistic creations of the earlier time period, and vividly describes the scenery, the landscape and her colorful and dramatic characters.

The female protagonist in the story, Jeannine Maycroft is the “Keeper of the Metalworks at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London” Jeannine comes from a family that had “unique” talents. Jeannine is searching for what her special talent is. As she is examining older pieces of art, she is magically drawn to an exquisite brooch of a man’s eye surrounded by opals. Little does she know what this will mean to her. At this time in history, as men are coming home from the War, she is required to share her position with a man that she had bad history with. To save her career, she has to enter and win a special event.

When she accidentally sticks herself with the brooch of the eye portrait, she is transported back in time to 1867, where she meets the artists of the time, and the man, Ashe she was attracted to. Jeannine and Ashe fall in love. Jeannine has to find a way to go both forward and back in time. Jeannine knows that she can change Ashe’s history, but will she be able to. At the same time, can she save her job in the present, and help her father is in trouble? Does Jeannine have a special talent?

I highly recommend this memorable, beautiful, and thought-provoking story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

FORGETTING TO REMEMBER
BY: M. J. ROSE

What an incredible imagination author, M. J. Rose has to keep writing stunning artistic and beautiful novels such as this one called, Forgetting to Remember. This was such a delightful reading experience that I enjoyed every minute I spent immersed in it while reading. You can tell this author has an extensive background with jewels, Art history and a multitude of museums the world over. In this dual timeline one of which takes place in the present in 1947. In the other timeline it precedes the present timeline by eighty years in 1867. I'm probably incorrect in describing this terrific historical novel as a dual time line, because now that I'm reflecting over what I just read I think the most accurate moniker is to say it's a time travel novel.

It features the same main female protagonist in both 1947, and 1867, with the focus of a widow who is named Jeannine Maycroft. She works at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as having risen up through the ranks to have a prestigious job there as Keeper of the Metalworks. Jeannine has to be somewhere in her mid thirties to maybe late thirties. I'm guessing since the novel doesn't say. Her love interest which thankfully M. J. Rose portrays it as a clean romance which is passionate and deep that is extremely rare. Jeannine has suffered too much loss in her recent years. She lives in London and her mother, both sets of grandparents, her brother and only sibling, and her husband have all died. Her job is important to her and her position at the Victoria and Albert Museum gives her access to most of the museum. Her father is often away on digs in Egypt as an archaeologist making him the only family member left to her. Jeannine straddles two timelines in which I've left the reader to discover how she is able to do so. This novel sparkles with magic, love, passion, war and Art history of famous art, literature and poetry depicting enormous charm and intrigue.

It's Halloween in London in 1947, when Jeannine and a male colleague are summoned by their boss Mr. Gibbons. He calls Jeannine into a 4:00 P.M. meeting informing her that another employee who she used to date is going to be taking her position and she'll be demoted. I loved how assertive Jeannine was about not accepting a demotion simply because she has done excellent work earning her position in a job she loves. I loved how Jeannine stood her ground feeling she didn't deserve to be replaced by a soldier who returned from World War II, needing a position and taking her job. She finds it unfair that this colleague has wanted to undermine her to gain her position. After possibly jeopardizing her job her boss comes up with a solution. Jeannine and the male colleague both will compete by curating a themed art exhibit and whichever one wins gets to have her current job.

Jeannine goes down in the museum's basement to search a locked vault where she discovers miniature portraits of eyes encased in jewels brooches and knows that she will pick fourteen of her favorite ones since the contest is on February 14, 1947, on Valentines day. These miniature eye portraits she discovered with her knowledge gained from studying at Oxford in history, with an additional education in Art history. She discovered these were brooches that lovers would've commissioned to be painted and given as tokens of love with the miniature eye portraits to their secret lovers. There is one of about forty-two that Jeannine feels drawn to with a purple sapphire blue eye surrounded by opals that dazzle like fire in their striking colors variegation that dazzles like fire. As she is opening up the clasp in the back of this particular brooch, she mistakenly sticks her finger and drops of blood fall onto her stiff white blouse. She locks up the vault and realizes that everyone has left the museum for the day except her. She decides to go into the gallery to view her favorite Pre-Raphaelite painting and notices some of the other paintings have been replaced on the other walls.

As Jeannine is viewing her favorite Victorian era painting she quietly sheds a few tears when this gentleman offers her his hanker chief. It's Halloween so she thinks that this man who is dressed up in Victorian era clothing must have gone unnoticed by the security guards since the museum is closed. There's something familiar about his eyes. They are an uncanny match to the violet blue eye she just looked at downstairs with the eye portraits encased in jewels. As she leaves she notices the streets empty, but notices more people dressed up in Victorian era costumes. She is supposed to be meeting her friend at 7:00 P.M. and with an hour to kill she decides to drop by a customer's house who dug up her garden and found a ruby bracelet which she dropped off earlier that day to be appraised. As she is walking she also thinks it's odd that a carriage pulled by horses is out on the deserted street. The address she's dropping by happened to be the home of some Pre-Raphaelite artists and his muse in the Victorian time period. It's raining and as she opens the gate she twists her ankle and falls down.

As a young woman in the house comes out to help Jeannine out of the rain into her home. Jeannine once inside the house notices that the furniture is from the Victorian era in style. The young woman who helped her up and in the house is dressed in Victorian era clothing. It has dawned on her when the Pre-Raphaelite artists come home who live there it strikes her that one of the artists is the same man from the museum earlier with the Sapphire blue eyes. He is the artist that painted the portrait they both were viewing in the gallery and they recognize each other. Furthermore, she is told that her customer that lives at that address that found the ruby bracelet and dropped it off looking for an appraisal doesn't live there. Jeannine asks them for a newspaper so she can read the date and it's eighty years earlier in 1867. She produces a playbill ticket and receipt date stamped 1947, from her pocketbook. She is perplexed along with her hosts and they debate about what year it is with all of them curious as to how a woman claiming it's 1947 and her hosts being just as surprised the way Jeannine is dressed. With her swollen ankle she can't walk so they decide she can try to find out in the morning how she can return to her life. In the meantime there is a magnetic pull between Jeannine and the artist she met viewing his painting who she now recognizes from her education and from working in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

At this point after much back and forth about the date of what year it is it becomes obvious that Jeannine has slipped through a portal to 1867 from her life in 1947. How is this possible? How did she time travel eighty years back in the past to 1867 to meet the artist who painted one of her favorite portraits? How can she return back to her life in 1947? She doesn't know how to return but has an idea who might help her which she will seek in the morning. She has an intriguing dinner with these Pre-Raphaelite painter artists with a muse who is also the mistress of the owner of the property. There's nothing that can be done for the evening so the muse gives her some sleep wear and shows her to her room. You'll have to read this outstanding historical novel to find out how Jeannine can be the only one who can straddle both timelines. Each timeline of which has different significance with meaning for which she is drawn to. You will learn about the artists of the Pre-Raphaelite Victorian era and their gorgeous art and artists that are famous throughout the past and present. You will learn about the history in regards to the beautiful jewelry encased eye portraits and other precious artifacts on exhibit in the Victoria and Albert Museum. There is so much to love about this story that I have left out not to spoil it and also for the sake of this review being long. I will say that it hooked me from the beginning and I highly recommend it. I'll leave you with one last thought and it is that Jeannine has reasons for wanting to stay in both of the time-frames, but will she choose or will the choice be made for her? I can't say enough great things about this masterpiece of a historical novel. I LOVED IT! This story is enchanting and was like reading an enjoyable adult fairy tale.

Publication Date: March 26, 2024! Available to Purchase Now for just $1.99

Thank you to Net Galley, M. J. Rose and Blue Box Press for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. And yes! M. J. Rose you absolutely wrote an intriguing novel, and you did do this novel justice.

#ForgettingtoRemember #MJRose #BlueBoxPress #NetGalley

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story of love across time by M.J. Rose has the sensuality and mysticism we love in her books with the added twist of traveling through time. Jeannine Maycroft is a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Her section is know as Metalworks and her title is Keeper of the Metalworks. As she is pulling together a special exhibition for Valentines Day, she stumbles across portraits of…eyes. Apparently in the 1800’s it was a thing to give a loved one a portrait of your eye. Because it’s just the eye, it was popular as a keepsake between lovers (those not necessarily married to each other, or perhaps not married at all) because only the recipient would know who the portrait is of. As Jeannine is going through the varied miniature eye portraits, she comes across one that grabs her attention and takes her to a different place. Literally! The artist, Ashe Loyd Lewis,has a very small remaining portfolio of work but is a favorite of Jeannines. As she struggles to accommodate to Ashe’s time frame, she meets many other artists she’s only read about. But back at home there is a power struggle going on and she needs to clear her father’s name, so she must return to her time, leaving Ashe, who she has come to have feelings for, behind.

Forgetting to remember is lovely love story with lots of interesting things to ponder about the strength of love across adversity.

[Whitney Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm wavering between 3 stars and 4 stars, so I'll call it 3.5 in this review. I was compelled enough to continue reading and definitely wanted to see what happens next, but there were some things that were lacking in my opinion.

First, the pacing seemed off. Jeanine's magical abilities weren't referenced until about 1/4 of the way through the book, and it was unclear whether this was a world where magic was accepted or if this was a secret in society.

Second, the big mystery of the missing painting didn't occur until 2/3 of the way through the book, making it feel like not as big of a mystery.

Third, the love story was lacking for me. I'm all for love at first sight, but I did not feel the love nor attraction, really, just that the Jeanine and Ashe were together from the time they met, then Jeanine and Ashe's reincarnation would be together.

The final thing I will bring up was that early on in the description of Jeanine's (lack) of magical abilities, it was mentioned that there was a "curse" that the La Lune family members would only have one true love. This seems to have been a thought that was left behind. I can see where Ashe & his reincarnation could mean that Jeanine has 2 true loves, but aren't they really the same soul?

This book was received as a GoodReads Giveaway - thank you to M.J. Rose and Blue Box Press for the copy!

[JoyReaderGirl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Forgetting to Remember,” is another powerful historical dual timeline mystery by M.J. Rose featuring my all-time favorite art movement, The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, that focused on themes of chivalry, courtly love, the divine feminine, and spirituality.

This intriguing group of English painters, poets, and art critics was founded around 1848 by greats like William Holman Hunt, John Ruskin, William Morris, John Everett Millais, Edward Burne-Jones, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti—who is featured in this novel, along with a fictional character, Ashe Lloyd Lewis, along with time traveling protagonist, Jeannine Maycroft, a rare female department head at London’s Royal Victoria and Albert Museum following WWII.

Try to unravel the Gordian Knots in Jeannine’s present day and figure out who wants to sabotage her career and life in every turn she makes. As well as find out who 80 years in her past show themselves.

Could these 19th C. interactions be for good or bad? Will they become paradoxes that could change the outcomes for their futures? Read and see. This is a terrific book from the teaser open to the satisfying end.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author M.J. Rose, and Publisher Blue Box Press for this advance reader’s copy for review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgetting to Remember by MJ Rose is a wonderful, if somewhat different romance, mostly taking place in London in 1947 but parts of it in London in 1867. It is a time travel story and done very well, with only a few questionable situations. Jeanine Maycroft is the Keeper of the Metalworks at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. She had assumed the post when her friend and mentor was killed in a bombing during the war. Now, a man she had known earlier in her career has returned and the head of the museum can’t seem to find him a job, except hers. He develops a contest: each will have a room in the Valentine’s Day Exhibit. The one with the highest scores on a list of criteria will have the job, the other as his/her assistant. Jeannine is furious but determined and wonders what to do, but remembers a hidden vault that might contain just the thing: a collection of eye portraits, an artistic representation of a lover’s eye, often an illicit lover, made into a brooch. The first had been requested by Marie Antoinette for her Swedish lover. An odd thing happened, though. So full of rich history. She pricked her finger on one of the pins and found herself in the London home of several artists, including her favorite, Ashe Lloyd Lewis, with whom she fell in love. After meeting her grandmother (much younger at the time) and devising a way to return to her own time, she has to leave.

A true romance, a little understated sex, but mostly romance. A terrific plot, delicately interwoven with family, friends, ex-lovers, and so much more, Rose has written a truly beautiful novel. Jeannine’s family has traditionally been been made up of women with special powers. The powers skipped the men and seemingly, her. Her father was a noted archeologist, she a historian. Both of the highest caliber. The head of the museum seemed to have it out for her; she had no idea why and that vendetta had raised its head several times in her career. She had planned to return to Ashe and live her life with him, but circumstances prevented it. She made her way through the fog of days. There were plenty of other characters in this book, and situations. It is not straightforward at all, but lovely. Thanks, MJ Rose!

I was invited to read Forgetting to Remember by Blue Box Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BlueBoxPress #MJRose #ForgettingToRemember

[Ashley Cloninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgetting to Remember was an intriguing time-slip romance/mystery novel that I could not put down.

In 1947 Jeannine Maycroft is a widow, working at the V&A museum as the Keeper of Metalworks, the only female keeper of the time period. She is also a member of an illustrious family, a descendant of La Lune a 16th century courtesan with magical powers. All the descendants of La Lune have some sort of magical power except for Jeannine, or so she thinks. Jeannine’s boss Mr Gibbons tells her that she is iin danger of losing her job to an old co=worker Hugh Kenward, back from the War as a War hero and wanting a place at the V&A . Jeannine and Hugh have a romantic history that ended badly and Jeannine does not want to lose her job to him. Mr. Gibbons gives them a contest to have the best Valentine’s Day exhibition with the winner having the title and job of Keeper of Metalworks. Jeannine decides to do an exhibition of miniature eye portraits, a form of love token that was popular in the 18th and 19th century, with one of the most famous ones a portrait Marie Antoinette had created for her lover Axel Fersen, though that eye is missing. While currating the exhibition Jeannine comes across an eye portrait that she is drawn to, when she accidentally pricks herself with the portrait she is transported to 1867 and into the life of her favorite Pre-Raphelite artist Ashe Lloyd Lewis. Jeannine has found her magic, she can time travel, she falls in love with Ashe, but she knows he tragically is killed in a fire in his studo in 1868, can she tell him of his fate or would changing his fate change the future too much? Then there is the sub-plot of Jeannine and her father being accused of stealilng a Botticelli painting that they helped hide during the War.. With her job and reputation in jeopardy and her love for a man that has been dead 80 years in her timeline, Jeannine has a lot on her plate.

I really enjoyed the story, there was romance, mystery, time travel and beautiful artwork. All in all this was a wonderful read. I think I will go back and read some of the other La Lune novels as I now realize this is a series

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Blue Box Press and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye miniatures or Lovers' eyes were Georgian miniatures, normally watercolour on ivory, depicting the eye or eyes of a spouse, loved one or child. These were usually commissioned for sentimental reasons and were often worn as bracelets, brooches, pendants or rings with richly decorated frames, serving the same emotional need as lockets hiding portraits or locks of hair.This fad started in the late 1700s and miniaturists such as Richard Cosway and George Engleheart were responsible for some of the first pieces.Eye miniatures are believed to have originated when the Prince of Wales (later George IV) felt the need to send the widow Maria Fitzherbert a token of his love. This gesture and the romance that went with it was frowned upon by the court, so a miniaturist was employed to paint only the eye and thereby preserve anonymity and decorum.

Claude Blair, (30 November 1922–21 February 2010) was a British museum curator and scholar, who worked at the Department of Metalwork at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where he remained until his retirement as Keeper of Metalwork in 1982.The Victoria and Albert Museum (abbreviated V&A) in London is the world's largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design.It was founded in 1852.It used to be called the Museum of Manufactures and South Kensington Museum.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti was an English poet, illustrator, painter, and translator.He founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848 with William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais. Rossetti's work influenced the European Symbolists and was a major precursor of the Aesthetic movement.

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, was a French painter who mostly specialised in portrait painting, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.Vigée Le Brun created a name for herself in Ancien Régime society by serving as the portrait painter to Marie Antoinette. She enjoyed the patronage of European aristocrats, actors, and writers, and was elected to art academies in ten cities.

Hans Axel von Fersen was a Swedish count, soldier, diplomat, statesman and and a close friend of Queen Marie-Antoinette of France.There were rumours that he and the Queen were lovers.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to receive this ARC from the publisher from one of my very favorite Net Galley authors. This is a enchanting read that captures the reader and transports you in time travel with the author's trademark rich characters and atmospheric settings. I was unable to put it down and read it cover to cover in one sitting. So beautifully told with each detail done to perfection. This book has historical mystery, time travel, forbidden love at first sight and family drama. The adventure begins on the first page to conclusion.
Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley and the author for the opportunity. My review opinon is my own.

Jeannine Maycroft is the Keeper of the Metalworks at London's famous Victoria and Albert Museum, She is trying to keep her job in the aftermath of WWII and the economic hardships the country is facing., She finds in the collections a very beautiful set of jewel-framed miniature eye portraits. These were used for romance and gifts to secret lovers in the eighteenth century. ( You will love researching these after you read the book ). One is a painting of a Pre-Raphaelite artist, Ashe Lewis, She is fascinated and attracted by its rare beauty, the jewels inside it and the fact its of the artist himself. When she examines the item she is drawn into its portal to the past and enters the period of 1867. She meets Ashe and they have a immediate passion both will fight for. The romance is beautifully written, the atmospheric setting of the late 1800's is written in detail to perfection.. This is enchanting in ever detail throughout the story.
I loved this story and highly recommend this for all time travel, historical women's fiction readers to enjoy.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgetting to Remember by MJ Rose

269 Pages
Publisher: Blue Box Press
Release Date: March 26, 2024

Fiction, Historical Fiction, Time Travel

It is 1947 and Mrs. Jeannine Maycroft is the Keeper of Metalworks at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Her boss, Mr. Gibbons, the director of the museum, asks her to take a voluntary demotion so that Mr. Hugh Kenward can have her position now that he has returned from the war. Jeannine says no since she has more experience and has a bad history working with Hugh. He calls the two of them into his office and makes a challenge for them. Whoever makes the most successful Valentine’s Day display will have the position and the other will become head researcher.

Jeannine finds miniature eye portraits and believes they will help her win the challenge. Before she leaves the museum for the evening, she stops by her favorite painting. A man speaks to her. She was initially surprised by his presence. He claims to be Ashe Lloyd Lewis the actual painter but that is not possible. The painting was painted in 1864 and it is 1947. Jeannine does not know what is happening.

The book has a fast pace, the characters are somewhat developed, and it is written in the first-person point of view. There are mentions of the La Lune line of women that began with the author’s book, “The Witch of Painted Sorrows.” I loved that book and did not realize there were two others in the series before this book. Looking forward to reading those two soon. If you like time travel books like the Found Things series by Paula Brackston or the Rip in Time series by Kelley Armstrong, you will enjoy reading this book.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I read a historical romance and I was excited to start this book! I went into it blind and was immediately hooked on this story. I really enjoyed how different legends and mythology were woven throughout the book.

I loved the scene where Jeannine and Ashe meet and how she tries to reconcile what she is seeing. They have this intense connection and maybe have in each other’s lives more than they thought…Ashe was an amazing artist and passionate and was all in with Jeannine.

Jeannie gets to meet someone from her past and it leads to beautiful and bittersweet scenes! I loved learning about the Daughters of La Lune and Jeannie really learns more about herself.

I really felt for Jeannine and her struggle with trying to protect her loved ones and being in a time she shouldn’t be in.

I loved the descriptions of the art and the jewels and it makes me want to go and visit a museum this weekend. I loved how the story ended - it was emotional and beautiful and had me all in my feels!

“I would know you anywhere, our souls—yours and mine—are made of the same stuff. The stuff, as Shakespeare said, that dreams are made of.”

I’ll definitely be looking for more books by this author!

✨Genre/Tropes
❤️Historical Romance
💜Strong FMC
🌙Magic
🕰️Time Traveling
🔎Mystery & Suspense

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible version narrated by Tavia Gilbert
Rate 3 - 3.5 stars

Forgetting to Remember is my first M.J. Rose book, so I went in without expectations, but from the early reviews, I would have expected more...

Unfortunately, in the end, all I could think to equate it with is a Scooby Doo episode. But that sounds worse than it is. I was engaged enough to keep reading until the end. I enjoyed it, just enough for a light, easy read. And if that's what you're looking for, then this might be a good one. If you like magic and time travel with a little mystery, angst, and love...this may be a perfect combo for you. But, unfortunately, it just wasn't robust enough for me.

There is another 3-star review here (written on March 29, 2024, by Whitney Morris) that I agree with on all points. The details and the overall story seem disjointed. The characters are not fleshed enough, and I never cared one way or the other for any of them, which means I was not invested in the love story. It also means I didn't care who won the V-day competition. The mystery felt like an afterthought and was way too apparent and ridiculous (hence the Scooby Doo reference). And there were way too many convenient coincidences to bridge the gaps.

I will give credit to the Audible narrator, Tavia Gilbert. She did an excellent job and I enjoyed listening to her.