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Memories
Do you believe in second chances at love?Michael DeCara came home from the Vietnam War a wounded man, both physically and emotionally. He tried putting his life back together, but found civilian life difficult after all he'd experienced in Nam. Raising his young daughter, Vanessa, by himself after his wife left, he found it difficult to commit to one job or one woman for any length of time. Then he met a young woman who made him feel good about himself again and who fell in love with Vanessa as well. But a life-changing event occurred and he had to choose between his past and the present. He chose to leave without a word to the young woman, believing he was doing what was best for her. Now, years later, she has walked back into his life and he believes they may have a second chance at love-except she hates him and he doesn't understand why.Danielle Westerly fell in love when she was only eighteen and her heart was broken when he left her without a word. Her heartache was increased when she made a fateful decision that would alter her future, and she blamed him for her loss. Years later, she is single and has built up a successful career when she accidently runs into the man who was responsible for her past pain. Yet, their chemistry is undeniable. Can Dani give up her anger and let go of the pain of the past and fall in love again with the man she has hated all these years?Dani and Michael share a journey of heartache, loss and painful memories which threaten to keep them apart. Can they forgive the past and finally find love again?What readers are saying about "I was mesmerized by this story from the beginning - an emotionally-charged story which had me wondering what would happen as each chapter unfolded." -Norma Budden, Author"Sletten is definitely a rising star with her work, move over Danielle Steel, you have company." -Pat Kyle, Reader"I won't compare her to Nicholas Sparks (one of my favorites) because I believe she is even better! Very well written and engaging." -Billie Jo Copas, Reader
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2012
351 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Lynn Sletten
39 books627 followersDeanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 21, 2012
I really enjoyed reading Memories. The author has such a smooth writing style I just wanted to turn off all the phones, curl up in my quilt, and read. Miguel was a young Vietnam veteran dealing with symptoms of posttraumatic stress when he met Dani. She stood by him through it all until he finally pushed her away just when she needed him most. Years later they accidentally discover each other again, but is it too late? Even though he claims to love her, can Dani trust him? Or will he break her heart like before? This was a very satisfying book. I think anyone who has ever been in love will enjoy this story.
March 19, 2012
This is a beautifully written book that shares a wonderful story of lost and found love with a lot of misunderstandings. It has moments that will make you smile and moments that will make you cry. Miguel/Michael DeCara is a Vietnam vet with actual physical scars, as well as, deep emotional scars that haunt him from the war. He meets Dani when she is only 18 and develops a strong connection with her. She understands and comforts him unlike any other woman he's been with. She is also wonderful with his daughter, who is his main purpose in life. For reasons unknown to Dani, he disappears from her life, leaving her heartbroken. Fate accidentally brings them back together 18 years later, through Dani's best friend from college. Michael doesn't understand why Dani has such hatred for him and reaches out to her to explain what happened. This book has plenty of tragedy in it, but it also has a lot of love in it. Michael is such a tortured soul, but has such a kind heart. I fell in love with him. Dani is a strong female lead, but very likeable. Will Michael be able to gain Dani's trust again? Will they get over their hardships together? This book has the answers in it, you just have to read it to find out what transpires. Caution: You may need an occasional tissue, but it's worth the read.
dnf
June 17, 2017I can't read stupid heroes/heroines...
I tried to read another one of this author's books and didn't like that one either. Don't think this is an author for me.
I tried to read another one of this author's books and didn't like that one either. Don't think this is an author for me.
September 26, 2012
Love found ... love lost ... an emotional journey that brings a man and a woman together again for a second chance at love.
Danielle "Dani" Westerly was only eighteen years old when she met and fell in love with twenty-five year old Vietnam Vet Miguel "Michael" DeCara, a single father with a six year old daughter named Vanessa. Miguel had come home from a traumatizing tour in Vietnam to a wife who couldn't deal with his nightmares and didn't want to be a wife or mother any longer. Addicted to women, Miguel went from one woman to another until he meets Dani, who was spending the summer before starting college as a waitress in a California coffee shop. Dani was able to soothe his fears by holding him in her arms until he calmed down. They had a loving relationship for a few months until a sudden event occurred in his life and without saying a word, he left Dani behind. Dani's heart was broken and filled with hatred for a man who took her youth away, and she blamed him for a fatal decision that would change her future.
Nineteen years later a chance meeting in Chicago brings Dani and Michael together again. Dani is a retail clothing merchandise buyer for a large Minneapolis department store. Michael is the owner of a family coat manufacturing business, Regal Coats, with divisions in Chicago and New York. Electricity sparks between them, but Dani's hardened heart leaves Michael confused and wondering what he did to make her despise him so much.
A trail of memories will send Dani and Michael on a journey to reignite a lost love, seek forgiveness and redemption, and provide them a second chance at love.
Memories is a poignant tale of love found, love lost, and second chances that will captivate your heart and soul. The author weaves a beautiful and dramatic tale written in the third person narrative with alternating perspectives on Dani and Michael's love story.
The story opens up with Dani at Michael's funeral, then flashes back to the beginning of their relationship, leading up to their chance meeting nineteen years later and how their relationship was renewed. This touching love story takes the reader along on Dani and Michael's emotional memory woven journey, it will draw you into their lives and will pull at your heartstrings. The story is rich in detail and descriptions of the retail merchandising business and the various settings, the author easily transports the reader to California, Minneapolis, Chicago and New York. The author's descriptive writing style is phenomenal, she simply captivates your imagination and engages you to come along on the emotional roller coaster ride that is Dani and Michael's love story.
The author has created an intriguing cast of characters who are realistic and complex people that the reader can relate to. Their engaging personalities grab a hold of you with dialogues and interactions that leap off the pages. The emotions and passion between Dani and Michael are palpable, you can't help but feel for them as they deal with their past demons and relationship issues. Dani's revelation of why she despised Michael and Michael's Vietnam nightmares that still haunt him was simply heart wrenching, author Deanna Lynn Sletten sure knows how to draw out the emotions from her readers! The supporting cast of characters: Catherine and Vanessa are both wonderful additions to the storyline as their lives are intricately interwoven with Dani and Michael. This emotionally charged story is one that everyone who believes in love should read, it is a powerfully compelling story that will leave you satisfied, I could easily see this novel becoming a movie.
Memories is a beautiful story of a couple's journey to rekindle a lost love through old memories and a painful past brought to the surface and healed through the power of communication, compassion, forgiveness and redemption. This love story is one for the ages, it will resonate with you long after the last word has been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Danielle "Dani" Westerly was only eighteen years old when she met and fell in love with twenty-five year old Vietnam Vet Miguel "Michael" DeCara, a single father with a six year old daughter named Vanessa. Miguel had come home from a traumatizing tour in Vietnam to a wife who couldn't deal with his nightmares and didn't want to be a wife or mother any longer. Addicted to women, Miguel went from one woman to another until he meets Dani, who was spending the summer before starting college as a waitress in a California coffee shop. Dani was able to soothe his fears by holding him in her arms until he calmed down. They had a loving relationship for a few months until a sudden event occurred in his life and without saying a word, he left Dani behind. Dani's heart was broken and filled with hatred for a man who took her youth away, and she blamed him for a fatal decision that would change her future.
Nineteen years later a chance meeting in Chicago brings Dani and Michael together again. Dani is a retail clothing merchandise buyer for a large Minneapolis department store. Michael is the owner of a family coat manufacturing business, Regal Coats, with divisions in Chicago and New York. Electricity sparks between them, but Dani's hardened heart leaves Michael confused and wondering what he did to make her despise him so much.
A trail of memories will send Dani and Michael on a journey to reignite a lost love, seek forgiveness and redemption, and provide them a second chance at love.
Memories is a poignant tale of love found, love lost, and second chances that will captivate your heart and soul. The author weaves a beautiful and dramatic tale written in the third person narrative with alternating perspectives on Dani and Michael's love story.
The story opens up with Dani at Michael's funeral, then flashes back to the beginning of their relationship, leading up to their chance meeting nineteen years later and how their relationship was renewed. This touching love story takes the reader along on Dani and Michael's emotional memory woven journey, it will draw you into their lives and will pull at your heartstrings. The story is rich in detail and descriptions of the retail merchandising business and the various settings, the author easily transports the reader to California, Minneapolis, Chicago and New York. The author's descriptive writing style is phenomenal, she simply captivates your imagination and engages you to come along on the emotional roller coaster ride that is Dani and Michael's love story.
The author has created an intriguing cast of characters who are realistic and complex people that the reader can relate to. Their engaging personalities grab a hold of you with dialogues and interactions that leap off the pages. The emotions and passion between Dani and Michael are palpable, you can't help but feel for them as they deal with their past demons and relationship issues. Dani's revelation of why she despised Michael and Michael's Vietnam nightmares that still haunt him was simply heart wrenching, author Deanna Lynn Sletten sure knows how to draw out the emotions from her readers! The supporting cast of characters: Catherine and Vanessa are both wonderful additions to the storyline as their lives are intricately interwoven with Dani and Michael. This emotionally charged story is one that everyone who believes in love should read, it is a powerfully compelling story that will leave you satisfied, I could easily see this novel becoming a movie.
Memories is a beautiful story of a couple's journey to rekindle a lost love through old memories and a painful past brought to the surface and healed through the power of communication, compassion, forgiveness and redemption. This love story is one for the ages, it will resonate with you long after the last word has been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 13, 2012
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com...
Memories is a love story - love found, lost, and rediscovered. It is the story of Michael and Dani. The book starts at the end of Dani and Michael's story - at Michael's funeral. Dani is reflecting on their lives. They met. They loved. They lost each other. They reconnected.
The book then goes back to the middle of Dani and Michael's story - to the the time that they rediscover each other. At that time, Dani is a woman living with a devastating memory. She found love once in her life and then lost it. The memory of that love impacts her entire life, present and future. Michael is that love and the one responsible for Dani's sad memories. He is the Vietnam veteran whose memories of war haunt and torment him. When they first met, Dani was the one person who could calm his torment. They found each other once, only to be driven apart by circumstances. For each, the memories of the other remained. As they meet again, the question is if both can reframe the memories of the past and find each other again even though difficult circumstances threaten to drive them apart again.
The story of this book is not an unusual one. The way it's told, however, adds movement and depth to the book. It goes from the middle out in both directions - into the past to see their memories of their relationship and into the future as they rebuild their relationship. It is interesting to see how the memories of their past influence their assumptions, actions, and understanding as they rebuild their relationship.
A well told story.
Memories is a love story - love found, lost, and rediscovered. It is the story of Michael and Dani. The book starts at the end of Dani and Michael's story - at Michael's funeral. Dani is reflecting on their lives. They met. They loved. They lost each other. They reconnected.
The book then goes back to the middle of Dani and Michael's story - to the the time that they rediscover each other. At that time, Dani is a woman living with a devastating memory. She found love once in her life and then lost it. The memory of that love impacts her entire life, present and future. Michael is that love and the one responsible for Dani's sad memories. He is the Vietnam veteran whose memories of war haunt and torment him. When they first met, Dani was the one person who could calm his torment. They found each other once, only to be driven apart by circumstances. For each, the memories of the other remained. As they meet again, the question is if both can reframe the memories of the past and find each other again even though difficult circumstances threaten to drive them apart again.
The story of this book is not an unusual one. The way it's told, however, adds movement and depth to the book. It goes from the middle out in both directions - into the past to see their memories of their relationship and into the future as they rebuild their relationship. It is interesting to see how the memories of their past influence their assumptions, actions, and understanding as they rebuild their relationship.
A well told story.
October 13, 2024
The book begins as a woman stands at her husband's funeral, reminiscing over their marriage. Then it jumps back to when they met eighteen years before. But this wasn't the first time they had met. So the story of their first meeting is interwoven into the second story.
Michael wasn't the same after returning from Vietnam War. He jumped from woman to woman until he finally found a woman who could understand. But then when tragedy strikes he abandons her. Years later Danielle and Michael meet again and must learn to forgive and forget the past in order to move forward.
The story is written in such a way that the reader knows how it will end. There are no surprises. This was alternately good and bad. I didn't really like knowing that he was going to die from the very beginning. It set a rather sad tone to the book. The love story was beautiful, but since the book was about getting to the love story it was mostly filled with conflict and misunderstanding. I would rather have read more of their story instead of how they got to their story. The character development was good. I found myself liking the characters and getting frustrated with their many attempts to connect. It was a sweet book that I enjoyed reading. The blub in the back of the book about her next book was intriguing enough that I want to read it was well.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
Michael wasn't the same after returning from Vietnam War. He jumped from woman to woman until he finally found a woman who could understand. But then when tragedy strikes he abandons her. Years later Danielle and Michael meet again and must learn to forgive and forget the past in order to move forward.
The story is written in such a way that the reader knows how it will end. There are no surprises. This was alternately good and bad. I didn't really like knowing that he was going to die from the very beginning. It set a rather sad tone to the book. The love story was beautiful, but since the book was about getting to the love story it was mostly filled with conflict and misunderstanding. I would rather have read more of their story instead of how they got to their story. The character development was good. I found myself liking the characters and getting frustrated with their many attempts to connect. It was a sweet book that I enjoyed reading. The blub in the back of the book about her next book was intriguing enough that I want to read it was well.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2012
Life is the amount of memories we collect through the years, and this books is the perfect example of it. This is a story about love, forgiveness, family, sorrow, grief, it will be simple to say that is a story about life, but this is not a simple story. It's one of the best stories you will ever read.
This book leads us throught the path of two people destined to find themselves more than once during their lives. A story that show us how every decision we make affects us and others, and determined who we are.
The book presents us to Danielle and Michael (or Miguel) in a moment of their lifes when they think they have grown up, and that the past is just a memory. But when they met again all the past resurges and we discovered what happened eighteen years ago. Then, during the course of the months we see the comes and goes of their relationship. And like everything in lifes, it doesn't come easy.
A man who is a Veteran of Vietnam and a girl who helps him faces his demons, a girl that was the only woman capable of truly understanding him.
Deanna has the great ability of describe characters with such deepness that you really feel you know them. You cry and laugh along them, and feel everything they face. Every dialogue, every scene is described in an excellent way! She really know how to make a girl cry.
This book leads us throught the path of two people destined to find themselves more than once during their lives. A story that show us how every decision we make affects us and others, and determined who we are.
The book presents us to Danielle and Michael (or Miguel) in a moment of their lifes when they think they have grown up, and that the past is just a memory. But when they met again all the past resurges and we discovered what happened eighteen years ago. Then, during the course of the months we see the comes and goes of their relationship. And like everything in lifes, it doesn't come easy.
A man who is a Veteran of Vietnam and a girl who helps him faces his demons, a girl that was the only woman capable of truly understanding him.
Deanna has the great ability of describe characters with such deepness that you really feel you know them. You cry and laugh along them, and feel everything they face. Every dialogue, every scene is described in an excellent way! She really know how to make a girl cry.
July 24, 2012
This is a "Nicholas Sparks" type of a book about the relationship between Danielle and Michael, a tortured war veteran. Their relationship began when Danielle was eighteen and Michael suddenly disappeared since he was still trying to straighten his life from the war trauma. About twenty years later, they crossed paths again and Danielle was faced with the decision of whether she could forgive Michael. The book was a chronology of the relationship between Danielle and Michael, a relationship filled with forgiveness, understanding, caring and love.
May 4, 2013
Great story, well written- nice character development! This is the first book by this author that I've read - great writing style, will definitely read more of her work.
November 12, 2012
Deanna Lynn Sletten's Memories is a novel full of love, sadness, friendship, regret, laughter, second chances, and real life issues. Memories begins in the present day but quickly flashes back to tell Dani and Michael's love story that took place nineteen years earlier. Dani fell in love with an older man when she was eighteen. Expecting happily ever after, she was devastated when Michael suddenly fled without a goodbye. What happened next changed Dani's life forever.
Dani was never able to get over the tragedy that occurred after Michael left and blamed him for how her life turned out. Years later, Dani unexpectedly runs into her former lover. While he is delighted to see her, his excitement is quickly diminished because of her icy behavior. Determined to get to the bottom of it, Michael makes it his mission to figure out just what went wrong and why Dani holds a grudge. Slowly, years worth of secrets, regrets, and love is brought to the forefront. Dani must decide if she can forgive the man she has hated her entire adult life and begin a second time.
Memories deals with several sensitive subject matters. One of which is emotional and mental affects from being a soldier in war times. Michael was a Vietnam Veteran who never quite moved beyond that chaotic part of his life. Decades later, Michael was still awakened with nightmares of his time in Vietnam. Like many Veterans, Michael felt guilty for being alive when his friends perished. He dealt with many tough emotions, including that of feeling responsible for his friends deaths and not doing enough to save them. Luckily, Michael met a fellow vet who encouraged him to attend a Veteran's Support Group which helped him cope with pent up memories and emotions.
Memories also deals with women's reproductive issues including abortion and being unable to conceive a child. I believe that Memories will touch a chord with many women, be it from the regret of an abortion or the pain of not being able to conceive. Sletten does a terrific job in giving these controversial issues that women face a voice.
In Memories, Deanna Lynn Sletten skillfully wrote about a strong, professional woman. Dani had a successful career and was an independent woman who provided for herself. I love that Dani didn't need Michael. She was successful without him, but felt complete with him by her side. Too many novels make the heroine weak without her knight and shining armor there to support her. In Memories, Dani was capable of taking care of herself.
Deanna Lynn Sletten's Memories is a wonderfully realistic and poignant story. I recommend Memories to all romance lovers or fans of fiction. Slatten does a great job in not only writing a love story but also of weaving a story full of decades full of secrets, old and new friendships, PTSD, tragedy, and forgiveness. Memories is a touching story that will leave you fulfilled.
Deanna Sletten provided me with a copy of 'Memories' for review.
Dani was never able to get over the tragedy that occurred after Michael left and blamed him for how her life turned out. Years later, Dani unexpectedly runs into her former lover. While he is delighted to see her, his excitement is quickly diminished because of her icy behavior. Determined to get to the bottom of it, Michael makes it his mission to figure out just what went wrong and why Dani holds a grudge. Slowly, years worth of secrets, regrets, and love is brought to the forefront. Dani must decide if she can forgive the man she has hated her entire adult life and begin a second time.
Memories deals with several sensitive subject matters. One of which is emotional and mental affects from being a soldier in war times. Michael was a Vietnam Veteran who never quite moved beyond that chaotic part of his life. Decades later, Michael was still awakened with nightmares of his time in Vietnam. Like many Veterans, Michael felt guilty for being alive when his friends perished. He dealt with many tough emotions, including that of feeling responsible for his friends deaths and not doing enough to save them. Luckily, Michael met a fellow vet who encouraged him to attend a Veteran's Support Group which helped him cope with pent up memories and emotions.
Memories also deals with women's reproductive issues including abortion and being unable to conceive a child. I believe that Memories will touch a chord with many women, be it from the regret of an abortion or the pain of not being able to conceive. Sletten does a terrific job in giving these controversial issues that women face a voice.
In Memories, Deanna Lynn Sletten skillfully wrote about a strong, professional woman. Dani had a successful career and was an independent woman who provided for herself. I love that Dani didn't need Michael. She was successful without him, but felt complete with him by her side. Too many novels make the heroine weak without her knight and shining armor there to support her. In Memories, Dani was capable of taking care of herself.
Deanna Lynn Sletten's Memories is a wonderfully realistic and poignant story. I recommend Memories to all romance lovers or fans of fiction. Slatten does a great job in not only writing a love story but also of weaving a story full of decades full of secrets, old and new friendships, PTSD, tragedy, and forgiveness. Memories is a touching story that will leave you fulfilled.
Deanna Sletten provided me with a copy of 'Memories' for review.
November 25, 2012
Memories by Deanna Lynn Sletten is an emotional and gripping read. Michael DeCara came home with physical and mental scars from Vietnam. After a failed marriage he lost himself in caring for his daughter and a string of short term relationships. Danielle Westerly has lost herself in work and a few close friendships, ever since a relationship that left her deeply wounded. How could a mutual friend know that the cause of Danielle's pain and Michael could be related? After they are back in each other's lives they each need to come to terms with the past, and just maybe look toward the future. They each journey through heartache, tragedy, and understanding.
Memories begins with a look into the future, so while reading, I already knew how the big picture would come together. However, the journey was no less emotional because of knowing the final destination. Danielle is a character that I can relate to, in that she losses herself in the day to day life rather than looking towards her personal future. Micheal has spent so much of his life running from his family and war wounds while caring for his daughter that he is just getting back into looking for his own happiness again. The reunion of the two, and the still present feelings, set both on paths that require self reflection and looking back at how they effected each other. Their story really grabbed me and would not let me go.
Memories is not my typical read. While it has romance, it is an emotional story rather than something fun and easy to get lost in. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone! I literally read the book in one sitting, reading long after I should have been asleep simply because I had to read to the end. It is no surprise to me that Memories has been chosen as a Semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Book of 2012 Contest.
I highly recommend Memories to readers that enjoy books that deal with deep emotional understand of the main character, and those around them.
Memories begins with a look into the future, so while reading, I already knew how the big picture would come together. However, the journey was no less emotional because of knowing the final destination. Danielle is a character that I can relate to, in that she losses herself in the day to day life rather than looking towards her personal future. Micheal has spent so much of his life running from his family and war wounds while caring for his daughter that he is just getting back into looking for his own happiness again. The reunion of the two, and the still present feelings, set both on paths that require self reflection and looking back at how they effected each other. Their story really grabbed me and would not let me go.
Memories is not my typical read. While it has romance, it is an emotional story rather than something fun and easy to get lost in. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone! I literally read the book in one sitting, reading long after I should have been asleep simply because I had to read to the end. It is no surprise to me that Memories has been chosen as a Semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Book of 2012 Contest.
I highly recommend Memories to readers that enjoy books that deal with deep emotional understand of the main character, and those around them.
April 12, 2013
When Dani was eighteen she fell in love with Vietnam War veteran Michael. At the time he was bringing up his little daughter, Vanessa, alone and struggling to cope with civilian life. Nineteen years later Dani has a successful career, but hates Michael for leaving her and being responsible for her subsequent heartache. When chance brings Dani and Michael together again will they find happiness together?
Starting the book with Michael’s funeral is unusual, but it neatly takes us away from the usual ‘Will they, won’t they get together?’ question and brings us to the more interesting issue of ‘How do they get together?’ The carefully crafted revelations regarding Dani and Michael’s past relationship develop the plot further. But this skilful plotting would mean very little unless we care for the characters, and the author ensures that we do. I love how we get to know Dani and Michael as their young and older selves, and so we feel invested in their relationship. Having got under the skin of these two sympathetic characters we come to understand the reasons behind their decisions. However, there is one choice that Michael makes which I do have a problem with, but to specify it here would be a spoiler.
This is a moving and romantic story with many episodes that tug at the heartstrings. Their visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall had me in tears. The depth of Dani’s hurt, the touching (eventual) reunion between Dani and Michael, the tender family scenes with Vanessa, and later Vanessa’s daughter, are described with genuine emotion. The popular cultural references to things such as The Eagles’ ‘Hotel California’ and the film ‘Casablanca’ work well to fully engage our feelings.
Definitely a book to enjoy wrapped up in a duvet with a box of chocs beside you.
Starting the book with Michael’s funeral is unusual, but it neatly takes us away from the usual ‘Will they, won’t they get together?’ question and brings us to the more interesting issue of ‘How do they get together?’ The carefully crafted revelations regarding Dani and Michael’s past relationship develop the plot further. But this skilful plotting would mean very little unless we care for the characters, and the author ensures that we do. I love how we get to know Dani and Michael as their young and older selves, and so we feel invested in their relationship. Having got under the skin of these two sympathetic characters we come to understand the reasons behind their decisions. However, there is one choice that Michael makes which I do have a problem with, but to specify it here would be a spoiler.
This is a moving and romantic story with many episodes that tug at the heartstrings. Their visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall had me in tears. The depth of Dani’s hurt, the touching (eventual) reunion between Dani and Michael, the tender family scenes with Vanessa, and later Vanessa’s daughter, are described with genuine emotion. The popular cultural references to things such as The Eagles’ ‘Hotel California’ and the film ‘Casablanca’ work well to fully engage our feelings.
Definitely a book to enjoy wrapped up in a duvet with a box of chocs beside you.
August 12, 2012
This is another weekend read of mine and I am only too glad that I did..Breaking up the suspense of the hero's death right in the beginning with the quotes " She was burying the man she loved and no amount of sympathy or prayer would comfort her today"
got me interested in reading , I knew at least they would get married which only meant there were no heart breaks, this only encouraged me to pursue my reading faster... Dani is successful,ambitious , so much control of life yet with a melancholy of her past lingering her, on the other hand Michael is too much for a charmer,debonair to the core who has aged elegantly, a sensible businessman and a devoted father...I loved the chemistry between them, her loathing matched with his charm..Nightmares of a soldier is so amazingly written, most of the time we tend to take it for granted about, a soldier's war experience, but its a sad tale that we hardly realise that they need much love, care and trust even when they tend to back away from it..I had immense respect for the author for keeping the intimate scenes crisp yet sensual, because off late I was tired for reading to many details running to pages.. The book as the title suggests is the nostalgic account of the protagonist Danille Westerly...Its a romantic fiction with class..Sletton's writing is peppy , sunny and quite vivacious, its a great weekend book to sit and relax with, feel good about everything around you...This is the right book for a lazy cuddle only to break to enjoy the day from balco..It was perfect for me to read it listening to the pitter patter of rain on my window as the backdrop..
got me interested in reading , I knew at least they would get married which only meant there were no heart breaks, this only encouraged me to pursue my reading faster... Dani is successful,ambitious , so much control of life yet with a melancholy of her past lingering her, on the other hand Michael is too much for a charmer,debonair to the core who has aged elegantly, a sensible businessman and a devoted father...I loved the chemistry between them, her loathing matched with his charm..Nightmares of a soldier is so amazingly written, most of the time we tend to take it for granted about, a soldier's war experience, but its a sad tale that we hardly realise that they need much love, care and trust even when they tend to back away from it..I had immense respect for the author for keeping the intimate scenes crisp yet sensual, because off late I was tired for reading to many details running to pages.. The book as the title suggests is the nostalgic account of the protagonist Danille Westerly...Its a romantic fiction with class..Sletton's writing is peppy , sunny and quite vivacious, its a great weekend book to sit and relax with, feel good about everything around you...This is the right book for a lazy cuddle only to break to enjoy the day from balco..It was perfect for me to read it listening to the pitter patter of rain on my window as the backdrop..
September 24, 2012
I received a copy of Memories for Deanna Sletten’s CLP Blog Tours stop. The book starts off with
Michael DeCara’s funeral, and then backtracks to tell the love story between him and
Danielle Westerly. I thought this was an interesting way to start a book, and it immediately reeled me in. I understand the title of the book, because the entire novel is made up of the memory of their journey, and the love they shared for one another. Michael was a wounded Vietnam War vet, and raised his daughter on his own when his wife left shortly after his hero’s return. Danielle fell in love with Michael when she was just eighteen, but he broke her heart – and hardened it for others. When they meet by chance years down the road, the sparks are still there. But the beginning of their love story isn’t smooth sailing – and will it all be worth it?
This book was quite the tear-jerker for me. At times I just wanted to pull my hair and say “just be together already!” There was a lot of miscommunication and incredibly sad situations that kept Michael and Dani apart, and it literally hurt me to watch them go through it. I credit that all to Sletten’s writing skills; making me feel I was a part of their world. Even though Memories could be incredibly sad at points, I appreciated this unique love story and really loved reading this book. I highly recommend it!
**4.5 stars**
Michael DeCara’s funeral, and then backtracks to tell the love story between him and
Danielle Westerly. I thought this was an interesting way to start a book, and it immediately reeled me in. I understand the title of the book, because the entire novel is made up of the memory of their journey, and the love they shared for one another. Michael was a wounded Vietnam War vet, and raised his daughter on his own when his wife left shortly after his hero’s return. Danielle fell in love with Michael when she was just eighteen, but he broke her heart – and hardened it for others. When they meet by chance years down the road, the sparks are still there. But the beginning of their love story isn’t smooth sailing – and will it all be worth it?
This book was quite the tear-jerker for me. At times I just wanted to pull my hair and say “just be together already!” There was a lot of miscommunication and incredibly sad situations that kept Michael and Dani apart, and it literally hurt me to watch them go through it. I credit that all to Sletten’s writing skills; making me feel I was a part of their world. Even though Memories could be incredibly sad at points, I appreciated this unique love story and really loved reading this book. I highly recommend it!
**4.5 stars**
April 28, 2012
Excellent! Very well written and engaging. The characters grab ahold of you and refuse to let go! A very heart-warming and emotional book. It really makes you stop and think, and to feel. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer! I wasn't ready for the book to end.
April 21, 2012
A wonderful book of love and loss. One I will read over again and again.
May 14, 2022
I have read several books by this author and have enjoyed them. Memories is, however, just too heavy for me. The sadness outweighed the romance. This is just my personal opinion and perhaps it is somewhat shaped by knowing people who did go to Vietnam and came home “scarred”. I will continue to read and follow Deanna Lynn Sletten.
January 14, 2024
A love story
Deanna Lynn Sletten never disappoints me. Memories is another 5 star read! A love story originally started some 30 years ago but got derailed. When it finally came to be, it took forever to get back together. When it did, it was a beautiful love story that would last for 18 good years. I absolutely loved reading this book!
Deanna Lynn Sletten never disappoints me. Memories is another 5 star read! A love story originally started some 30 years ago but got derailed. When it finally came to be, it took forever to get back together. When it did, it was a beautiful love story that would last for 18 good years. I absolutely loved reading this book!
November 19, 2020
On again, off again
I've enjoyed other books by this author more. I was annoyed with male character for being so self-centered that he never thought about feelings of female character. Over and over! It made their happy ever after less believable.
I've enjoyed other books by this author more. I was annoyed with male character for being so self-centered that he never thought about feelings of female character. Over and over! It made their happy ever after less believable.
August 15, 2021
Beautiful story of love found again.
Beautiful picture of true and lasting love between a man and a woman. Life can sure turn in many directions with ups and downs. Deanna did a beautiful job of telling this incredible story as always.
Beautiful picture of true and lasting love between a man and a woman. Life can sure turn in many directions with ups and downs. Deanna did a beautiful job of telling this incredible story as always.
December 28, 2021
Memories:
I almost always give 5 stars on books that I have read on Amazon! I was surprised to find that alot of people don't leave reviews about the books they have read. I don't understand why? Thanks, Kit Ryan
I almost always give 5 stars on books that I have read on Amazon! I was surprised to find that alot of people don't leave reviews about the books they have read. I don't understand why? Thanks, Kit Ryan
January 21, 2023
I loved this book as I have loved all her books!!!! She puts so many twists and turns in the book. I cried a few times while reading this book. I only wished the author would have left out the ending with cancer. They deserved to live happily ever after!!
October 17, 2023
Review of Memories
Such a beautiful story. I cried through it and was sad when I read the last sentence because I was finished. I just recently found this author and looking forward to reading more of her novels.
Such a beautiful story. I cried through it and was sad when I read the last sentence because I was finished. I just recently found this author and looking forward to reading more of her novels.
August 17, 2019
8/16/19
November 15, 2020
It was ok. Longer review on amazon.
April 19, 2021
A wonderful novel
I enjoyed this book, the emotions evoked were felt. Tearful, happy and loved. The author created a strong and capable woman.
I enjoyed this book, the emotions evoked were felt. Tearful, happy and loved. The author created a strong and capable woman.
July 9, 2021
This book was great, I have read 8 books from her in the past 4 weeks and loved each one, can't wait to read more of Deanna's books
November 1, 2021
Excellent book. Could not put it down. First time I have read anything by this author but now reading Sara’s Promise by same author.
January 8, 2022
Very emotional book
Loved this book will definitely be reading more books written by Deanna she tells the story so beautifully and from the heart.
Loved this book will definitely be reading more books written by Deanna she tells the story so beautifully and from the heart.
March 16, 2022
Love it ! But I hate having one died
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