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Rancher Nick McGraw had his dreams of teaching shattered and lost his chance for true love in one fell swoop. Years later, he’s finally moved on. The best Christmas gift he can give himself is a chance for a new start—with a mail-order bride of his own choosing.

After he broke her heart, schoolmarm Elsie Atchinson hoped she would never see Nick again. But moments after they come face to face, Nick is attacked and left for dead in the midst of a white-out blizzard. Elsie can’t abandon him in his time of need.

There’s just one problem. The Nick who wakes up with his head wrapped in bandages doesn’t remember leaving Elsie. This Nick only remembers falling in love with her. But Elsie knows that once Nick regains his memory, their fragile reunion will be shattered, leaving her heart broken once more.

And when Nick’s attackers threaten the family ranch, things only get more complicated between them. It may just take a Christmas miracle for them to find their way back to the love they once shared and work together to save everything they hold dear.

This sweet historical romance is perfect for fans of the following
*snowed in/stranded together
*amnesia
*second chance
*wounded hero
*caretaker heroine

Wind River Mail-Order Brides
Book 1: A Convenient Heart
Book 2: A Steadfast Heart
Book 3: A Secret Heart
Book 4: A Dangerous Heart
Book 5: A Forgotten Heart

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2025

353 people are currently reading
4704 people want to read

About the author

Traci Summeril

3 books36 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi.
357 reviews18 followers
August 12, 2025
This story has a second-chance romance, a dash of amnesia, a lot of family, and faith. I enjoyed being back with the McGraw brothers and their families. (This is book 5 in the series.)

Nick always appeared to be the steady, dedicated brother. He is floundering though after his dream is shattered and his heart broken in one fell swoop. His struggle to see himself as an important part of his family was heartbreaking. His strength of mind and character shines as he faces danger more than once. I think my favorite part of the whole book was when the four brothers had their big conversation at the winter cabin. A wonderful conversation full of understanding, compassion, and encouragement.
Elsie is devoted to her teaching position. She is gentle, kind, and caring. She lives with a fear of abandonment. I loved her realization that she belongs to her Heavenly Father and the peace she experienced with that realization. Nick and Elsie’s relationship has some pretty severe ups and downs. I loved when they were open and honest with each other. What a fantastic happily ever after!! A very satisfying ending to this fantastic series!

A few quotes:
“Sometimes, if given a chance, beauty can come from ashes.”

“Elsie, even if your mother stops, I love you. Darcy loves you. Nick loves you. God loves you. Enough to adopt you as His daughter. You are a child of the King. Isn’t it time you started loving yourself?”

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Deena.
1,183 reviews
August 26, 2025
Wonderful story! I’m in awe of how seamlessly each book fits with all of the others in this series.

Elsie and Nick used to be something once upon a time. Now? They’re sworn enemies. A confrontation on the boardwalk in a violent snowstorm forces them into a close proximity situation.

He’s the youngest McGraw brother with something to prove. She’s been searching for a place to belong for the longest time. Will danger bring them together or drive them more apart than ever?

Questions abound in this story.

Who was shooting? Who was the target? And why are his memories all jumbled?

You’re going to have to read it to find out! And it’s going to be a fun journey—take my word for it!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited.
Profile Image for Natasha.
366 reviews
July 28, 2025
Faith-filled, beautiful story of seeing a loving God working everything out for good.

What a wonderful addition (and finish!) to the series! This is my first foray into the author’s work but I find it quite enjoyable. The faith-filled plot is well-developed and action-packed, the characters are real and fantastic (as well as supporting characters introduced in the previous books), and the prose is very engaging. We finally get to see the end of the feud, with truth and good triumphant over evil.

We also get to follow Nick this time and learn how his heartaches, mistakes, and insecurities have shaped him and led him to believe not fit to be a part of his family, to stop chasing his dreams, to forget and forgive the one true love. As God thaws Nick’s heart in a very unexpected way through Elsie who in turn comes to understand how her difficult past has shaped her decisions, blinding her to the truth of the everlasting love of her Heavenly Father, it is their rekindled love that shows God’s grace in second chances after betrayals and life disappointments.

One of my favorite things here is the truth of how our different gifts and talents are given by God and shaped by life for the purpose of serving others. And how wonderful it is to have a supportive family who loves, forgives, and encourages you to walk with God.

Possible triggers: amnesia, adoption, abandonment

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
937 reviews23 followers
August 27, 2025
A wonderful story of second chance romance . I have enjoyed this series. Great characters in Nick and Elsie. Those who enjoy Christian historical fiction will love this book. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
651 reviews80 followers
July 24, 2025
Such a sweet second-chance romance with a touch of amnesia and a dash of suspense! And I was so happy to be back visiting the McGraw family again!

Nick gave up his dream of teaching to help on the family ranch, but running into Elsie, his old flame, rekindles more than just forgotten ambition. After an accident leaves him with no memory, he assumes he and Elsie are still together. She can’t bring herself to tell him they weren’t, not really, not when they had fought before the injury. So she plays along, putting her heart on the line all over again...

Their past is messy, but the slow rebuild of trust and connection is heartfelt and emotional. I loved how both characters struggled with feeling not enough for their families, only to discover they were always enough for each other. A tender, emotional read with just the right mix of drama and healing.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
353 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2025
Another great book in this series with unexpected events occurring to keep you reading to the end. This is the story of the last of the brothers to find his bride. The story begins with with a blizzard beginning and the H is in town. He comes upon the h who is his nemesis, from college. They start fighting and get caught together in the storm which has almost reached white out conditions. Suddenly they are dodging bullets. The H is shot and when falling hits his head. The h manages to get him to the doctor who takes care of his head wound and removes the bullet and dress both wounds. Then he tells the h that she will have to care for him because he has to go deliver a baby. The h is given the briefest instructions on how to care for the H and then is left alone. One of the instructions was to keep the H com because h has a concussion. In following the instructions the h gets caught in what for her is an untenable situation. When the blizzard is over more excitement begins, when the shutter tries again to kill the H and the h inadvertently becomes the target. What happens then results in the H and h healings their relationship with time. When they believe that the h is out of danger they begin to live their normal lives. It is then that the shutter again attacks the h but he is caught in the act. The H and h get their HEA and the life they both desired. As the H and h move from enemies who can’t stand each other to people who tolerate each other to friends and then fall in love again makes you keep routing for their relationship to develop. You can’t help but love the characters and care what happens to them. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone who has been reading this series but also to anyone who loves a great romance with excitement and a great family’s involvement. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
September 1, 2025
My review today is on the Christian Western Romance Forgotten Heart. This is book five in the series, Mail-Order Brides. I'm a huge fan of Lacy's work so I was excited to get this next book in the series. I really enjoyed this one although all of them have been awesome. You will laugh and you will cry. to me that's a sign of a good book.
Nick McGraw has watched all of his brothers find their true love. He decides he wants that too. When he goes to his cousin's home to see if he has any answers to his ad he find the woman who broke his heart and stole his dreams. He storms after her as she takes off.
Elsie Atchinson Had once loved Nick but it's obvious he hates her. Can she stay in this town knowing that? As she flees from him into the blizzard shots are fired and Nick is shot. He falls and hits his head when he wakes up all he remembers is his love for her. She is forced to care for him.
An exciting journey where they are both targets of a killer while trying to figure out their relationship. God has a plan for them, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for harm. Give Him your heart and let Him show you the path He made for you.
Profile Image for Rebekah Sweet.
Author 8 books6 followers
August 25, 2025
“A Forgotten Heart” is the fifth book in the Wind River Mail-Order Brides Series. It is based on the one brother who brought curiosity to some at who he was and what his story was.

Nick is wanting a wife, which is why he thought he would try the same thing his brothers did. Yet again, he has a long lost dream that he does not think will ever be possible.

Elsie is getting ready for Christmas break, but her whole world will change and her plans after her nemesis appears and then she is forced to help him in the sudden disaster.

This was a good story. I love how it was closer to Christmas time and loved the backstory of this brother. It had some great lessons on different things we can learn when we may find ourselves in similar situations. The only thing I did not care for was some of the love stuff. While the writers still kept it clean, it’s not a favorite of mine to read. Just a bit too sappy for me.

Would I still add it to my collection? Definitely!
Profile Image for Ari's library.
136 reviews
December 20, 2025
3 ⭐️

Theses are tiny stars, I suppose ? I loved the mail-order bride series but I have to say that this one was my least favorite volume. The Christmas vibes at the ranch formed a nice setting but I did not find the chemistry that was present in other volumes between the characters and the action did not leave me on the edge of my seat as it usually does. I suppose that it is because Nick and Elsie did not have the maturity that the others did ? There were far too many misunderstandings and I did not particularly like their past relationship (I did not find it very appropriate). I also found that their past casted a shadow that made their present relationship less wholesome and that had not been the case for Rebekah and Ed.

All in all I still do recommend this series for it was a good one even if I am a bit disappointed by this last volume.
1,000 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2025
A Forgotten Heart by Lacy Williams and Traci Summeril is a sweet Western romance. The Wind River Mail-Order Brides #5 is the last and youngest McGraw brother’s story so the overarching theme is concluded, in a quite satisfactory manner I might add. I was surprised by how Nick came to find out who was the schoolteacher in town. From there their situation escalated until Nick could work his way through all his emotions, seeing actions in proper perspective.

While I knew it would have a happy ending, I wasn’t sure how that was going to be. The relationship between Nick, Elsie and the rest of the McGraws couldn’t have finished better. When God leads as in this story all will be for the best. I hope to see this family again in the future. Perhaps Isabella and her sisters will receive a close look with their own stories.
Profile Image for Courtney Dawn.
731 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2025
What an incredible way to wrap up this series! Ending on Nick’s story felt like the perfect full-circle moment, and I couldn’t put it down.

Nick has always been the steady, dependable McGraw brother, but here we get to see the heartbreak and insecurities that have shaped him. Watching him wrestle with his sense of purpose—and his place in his family—was both tender and powerful. His resilience shines through in every trial, and I especially loved the moving conversation between all four McGraw brothers at the winter cabin. It was full of compassion, understanding, and encouragement—a true highlight of the book.

Elsie is such a gentle, kind, and devoted heroine. Her quiet strength and her struggle with belonging made her so relatable, and her realization of her Heavenly Father’s love brought such a beautiful depth to her journey. Her dynamic with Nick is full of ups and downs, but when they finally open their hearts to honesty and healing, their love story becomes absolutely unforgettable.

This romance brings together family, faith, and forgiveness in such a heartfelt way. The action, the suspense, the deep family bonds, and the powerful reminder of God’s grace in second chances made this not just a satisfying conclusion, but an exceptional one.

A fantastic happily ever after that ties the whole series together beautifully. I’ll miss the McGraw brothers dearly!

I was honored to receive an ARC—thank you to the author and publisher! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,913 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2025
Really Great Series/Loved it

I'm so enjoyed this series and getting to know all the McGraw's. I absolutely loved Nick and Elsie's story. These two needed each other but it takes them some time to figure it all out. Theirs is a second chance romance filled with danger and many challenges. Their story grabbed my attention from the beginning and left me with a smile. I hope to read more about this family.
449 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2025
What a wonderful book to conclude the Wind River Mail-Order Brides series!
There is action, drama, amnesia, second chances, found family, faith & romance. The combination of these elements makes this a book that is difficult to put down. I was captured from the first page.
If you like Christian driven historical, western romantic suspense, you will love this book.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for the advance review copy. This is my honest, voluntary review.
33 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2025
I will admit Nick surprised me. He seemed so carefree in the previous books. He was the fun uncle but yet there for his family when needed. There was a sweet kindness about him. Who knew he was hiding his hurts and disappointments. While the path wasn’t in the order he planned, God directed the plan in a way Nick never expected. I enjoyed the outcome, enjoyed seeing the tender side that was still there and I loved his brothers did “see” him and called him out on it. Elsie needed that assurance she mattered and someone would fight for her. In the end, she realized she had God’s unconditional love and Nick’s as well. I have enjoyed the series and hate to leave them behind.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,572 reviews47 followers
July 7, 2025
Another exciting book about the McGraw family adventures! I enjoyed Nick and Elsie's story. Hurt feelings and miscommunication almost tear them apart. But even dodging bullets and nosey brothers their love finds a way to bloom!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
59 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2025
Forgotten Heart was a sweet romance with all the Christmas feels. This cozy, Christian fiction will be perfect for your Christmas season!! I give this book 5 stars. I received a complimentary review copy of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tina.
241 reviews10 followers
August 29, 2025
This is the first book I have read in the Wind River Mail-Order Bride series. It may be read as a stand-alone story, but after reading this one, I plan to go back and read the others. This story is about a rancher, Nick McGraw, who wants to be a teacher and was involved with a teacher, Elsie Atchison. They may now have a second chance. I really enjoyed this story even as my heart ached and was hopeful for Nick and Elsie. They both live with childhood memories that have lasting impacts. Besides romance and conflict, there is suspense, temporary memory loss, and a female sheriff (I love that). I voluntarily read an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2,221 reviews12 followers
August 28, 2025
A Forgotten Heart

Nick McGraw and Elsie Atchinson have such a wonderful second chance story. Nick’s has wanted to become a teacher since he had attended school as a boy. He even went to school to receive a teaching certificate but left just before finishing. None of his family was aware of the reason for his return. While at school he and Elsie had fallen in love but when he left school, they angrily parted ways never to speak again. Imagine Nick’s surprise when he discovers Elsie is in town. Nick then suffers a tragic event which takes his memory of anything past their time at school. Elsie seems to be the only one available to care for him. She does not correct his memory to keep him from being agitated. What will happen when he discovers the truth she has been keeping from him? I recommend you read the book to find out.
927 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2025
very nice

A very nice book to read written by Lacy Williams and Traci Summeril. ‘This was a very enjoyable book to read. Each of the characters are strong with such a fighting strength. I loved reading this book plus the previous series of book. Enjoyable
Profile Image for Sharon.
678 reviews
August 18, 2025
A great ending to a beautiful book. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review .
Profile Image for Rhonda Cooper.
249 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2025
Oh my goodness, such a heart capturing story. Pain from past hurts mix with sweet and fun moments that I couldn’t put it down! This was my favorite truth: “To simply be who she was created to be, to stop trying to earn her way - it tore away the burden weighing on her heart.” “God didn’t make a mistake.”

Profile Image for Alyssa Amey Madjeski.
307 reviews21 followers
July 31, 2025
I’m so happy to conclude this series about the McGraw brothers, but I’m also so sad. This series has been a delight to read.

This final installment is Nick’s story, which I’ve been looking forward to because poor Nick doesn’t feel like he quite measures up because his heart has always been that of a teacher, preferring academics to ranching. But he has always done his part, spoken truth over his brothers, dotes on the kids in his life… but we don’t know what happened to derail his plans.

Imagine getting shot and clunked on the head and snowed into the doctor’s office alone with the woman who broke your heart when your jumbled memories are convinced she’s your wife? Poor Nick. So many good tropes to unpack, but the star is the second chance romance. And the epic conclusion to the Quade storyline we’ve all been eagerly awaiting, complete with happily ever after. So well done. I was so invested in these characters and the story.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.
21 reviews
August 16, 2025
Nick and Elsie used to be in love and were planning for their future until they walked away from each other. Five years later, they run into each other in a freak storm. Nick gets shot at and Elsie takes care of him while the Dr is gone. When Nick wakes up he doesn’t remember their break up and professes his love for Elsie.
I loved this second chance at love novel. This book is book five in the series and nicely wraps up the evil neighbor feud. Traci Summeril is a talented writer, I will definitely read more of her books. If you like amnesia, second chance, snowed in stories you will want to buy this one!
The plot was fast paced and hard to put down. I read this in one day!
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,891 reviews29 followers
August 1, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

Five years ago they were still dealing living with the hurt from their childhoods.
Perhaps now they are ready for a second chance at a HEA.

I really liked the characters in this action-packed story.
Profile Image for April Wilson.
388 reviews18 followers
July 8, 2025
The heart doesn’t forget its first love!

Nick is the youngest McGraw, and great uncle, and a strong ranch hand. But he has secret dreams that he left behind. And he never expected to see Elsie again, especially in his town. Elsie didn’t realize he lived with his family and seeing him again awakened memories. A dangerous man with a rifle in a moment of time makes Nick lose some memories and Elsie is the only one to help.

As danger closes in, they fight together to survive. They have to learn to communicate instead of reacting first. Their future is hard fought for on many levels, but it is so worth it.

I enjoyed each story in this series. This one brings an end to the feud with Quade and sees all the brothers happily married. Could easily revisit this series again. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
903 reviews80 followers
July 10, 2025
A Forgotten Heart, a touching addition to the Wind River series set in 1890s Calvin, Wyoming, satisfyingly wraps up the McGraw brothers' saga. This is the youngest McGraw brother Nick's story. Although the focus is on romance, there is also plenty of action and danger. Nick and Elsie, who have a complicated past, must learn to accept themselves for who they were created to be not what others expect them to be. Only then can they follow their dreams. I loved the heartwarming unfolding of their love story. I totally enjoyed this story of forgiveness and second chances and highly recommend it.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Joyce Marion.
490 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2025
Nick is the youngest of the McGraw brothers. He always wanted to be a teacher, but was expelled in his last semester of normal school. He's home in WY working the family ranch. He's in town when a blizzard hits. He is at his cousin's house when he meets the new teacher, Elsie. He and Elsie had secretly courted while in school. Secretly because if they married, she would be expected to quit. She wanted to be married and still teach. They are walking through town in a blizzard, someone starts shooting at them. Nick is hit. Elsie gets him to the doctor's. Nick has lost part of his memory and just remembers how much he loves her. When the blizzard ends, they must work together to find out who shot Nick. Such a great book on healing.
Profile Image for BlueJeansAndTeacups.
668 reviews24 followers
December 23, 2025
I was fully entertained by this latest Western romance installment from Wind River Mail Order Brides. Nick and Elsie have a history of heartbreak and hurt, but the circumstances that throw them back together are eventful and pick at those old wounds. The McGraw family is tightly knit and steadfast in protecting one another as danger threatens once again. A blizzard, shoot outs, amnesia, romance, anf a bit of faith all make for a wonderful tale. I especially enjoyed downloading the bonus epilog at the end!

I purchased this eBook. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read August 26, 2025
ReRead December 23, 2025
So good I wanted to read it again and the book did not disappoint!
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,139 reviews47 followers
May 2, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Nick and Elise's story. Nick and Elise have a past. There has been a misunderstanding between them, which they have to resolve. A Forgotten Heart is a story of forgiveness, showing mercy and grace, second chances, navigating parents' expectations, and God's love. This story also includes the ongoing challenges the McGraws have been facing since book 1.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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