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Forgotten Identity

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Who is he really? And why is someone after him?

Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.

Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.

The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

Please note: Forgotten Identity is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense novel.

349 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2025

279 people are currently reading
2791 people want to read

About the author

Penny Zeller

46 books946 followers
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks where she posts faith, funnies, writing updates, and encouragement. All of her socials can be found at https://linktr.ee/pennyzeller.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,472 reviews216 followers
January 21, 2025
Amnesia, if written correctly, can be a powerful storytelling tool…and author Penny Zeller uses it like a boss! The genius part of her skill is that (1) the amnesia suffered by her protagonist has consequences and (2) the amnesia is used not just to keep secrets from her readers - it drives 65% of the story!!!!

This new-to-me author weaves an incredible web of suspense and intrigue, adeptly combining heart-stopping suspense with the fragility of memory. Zeller examines who we really are when we’ve lost our sense of self and keeps her readers eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth.

As ‘George’ works on finding out who he is, how and why did he find himself near death in Mountain Springs during a blizzard, readers become part of the mystery. Zeller doesn’t just hide what the protagonist knows, but also what they had known at some point. She pulls in other characters and readers with ‘George’s’ fractured, blocked and inaccurate memories begging us to believe each clue in an effort to lead us closer to the truth. Zeller is king at controlling how much information she portions out to her readers, expertly toying with our expectations and assumptions. I’m looking forward to reading another book by this author.
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
799 reviews369 followers
January 7, 2025
Mariah is a single mom with two kids living with her mom. When her dog leads her and her son, to a man who is unconscious and badly wounded in the snow. With a blizzard beginning, they struggle to get him back to their cabin. Luckily Mariah’s mom is a nurse so she helps him. Unfortunately, with the blizzard they lose all communications and the roads are closed. When the man, wakes up he doesn’t remember anything, even who he is. They call him George Washington. During his recovery he gets to know the kids, Mariah and her mom. But danger keeps lurking at the door, when dangerous drug criminals come looking for a missing man. Are they looking for George and is he a good guy or a bad guy too?
This was a great suspense romance! I loved it so much! And it’s hard not to give away spoilers so I’m trying to be careful. That being said, I loved Mariah and Grant! They had an instant connection that i just loved and I loved how they were cautious with their feelings. I also loved the kids they were a great addition to the story. There is great Christian content throughout and I just love the writing in this story! It’s so good! Overall a fantastic read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Penny Zeller.
Author 46 books946 followers
Read
January 15, 2025
Happy release day to Forgotten Identity!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLVJK3NZ/

Who is he really? And why is someone after him?

Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.

Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.

The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

**Please note: Forgotten Identity is a faith-filled Christian romantic suspense novel.**
Profile Image for Courtney Ranger.
Author 2 books68 followers
April 4, 2025
I don't mood read contemporary. I DON'T. But I did mood read this one, and it was SO WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!

In addition to not mood reading contemporary, I don't read suspense either. Or at least I didn't. This book was so good, though.

First of all, Mariah. She's a single mom of two adorable children. She's level-headed, resourceful, and eager to help those in need -- including a nearly-dead man she finds in the snow. She values her family and sacrifices a lot to make sure she prioritizes them. I love that she homeschools her kids!!!! (I want to homeschool mine whenever I'm blessed with children...........) I love how Mariah is able to rely on her faith and those around her when she needs support.

George, aka George Washington (because Mariah's kids are hilarious), doesn't have a memory. He just knows he hopes he's a good person. Grant is so good with small children, even when recovering from an attempt on his life. It's so cute!!!!!! I love how protective he is and how much he wants to help those around him!

Penny can write a suspense novel. The plot was so intriguing, and I could not put the book down. I love how she wove in little bits of foreshadowing throughout her book. I especially enjoyed how she wrote the action-y scenes!!!! Also, the villains were written perfectly.

Overall, this book was just INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!! I didn't expect to love it nearly as much as I did. I can't wait to see more Christian suspense from Penny!!!!!!!!!!!!

I received an advance copy of this book. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
Profile Image for DevotedToHope.
668 reviews98 followers
January 14, 2025
A whiteout blizzard sets the stage for a story as intense and unpredictable as the storm itself in Forgotten Identity. Penny Zeller pulls readers into a world of amnesia, escalating danger, and unshakable faith. Each moment crackles with suspense, leaving no room to catch your breath—or put the book down.

One of my favorite quotes from the book perfectly captures its heart: “If they made it to the cabin alive, it would be only by God’s grace.” Grace isn’t just a word here—it’s the lifeline that Mariah and Grant cling to as threats close in around them. With every turn of the page, I found myself rooting for their survival—and their faith.

Zeller’s storytelling strikes a beautiful balance between edge-of-your-seat danger and quiet, faith-filled moments. The atmosphere she creates is palpable—the isolation of the snow-covered cabin, the looming shadows of those who would do harm, and the mystery of Grant’s identity. The tension is so thick, you’ll feel like you’re right there with Mariah, praying alongside her.

Grant’s struggle with memory loss adds a unique layer of depth to the suspense. The fractured pieces of his past mirror the internal turmoil he faces as he struggles to reconcile who he was with who he hopes to become. The stakes here aren’t just physical; they’re also spiritual. Watching Grant and Mariah navigate these turbulent waters together was inspiring. A few other reasons to read Forgotten Identity is Nosy, the dog, and Jordan and Presley, Mariah’s children, who bring warmth, joy, smiles, and much-needed lightheartedness to the chaos.

This book captured both my attention—and my heart. As Mariah reflects, “How could she not be afraid at a time like this? Yes, Mariah had full confidence in where she’d spend eternity since she’d long ago placed her faith and trust in Christ Jesus. But her heart was troubled.” This raw honesty is what makes Forgotten Identity stand out. It’s not about fearless faith; it’s about courageous faith, even when the outcome feels uncertain.

Penny Zeller’s smooth and captivating writing shines in Forgotten Identity. From the complex, relatable characters to the relentless suspense, it’s clear that every detail was crafted with care. If you’re a fan of Christian romantic suspense that keeps you turning pages long past bedtime, this book is a must-read.

Faith-filled, thrilling, unforgettable, and impossible to put down, Forgotten Identity reminds us that even when we feel lost, God’s grace is always within reach.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Profile Image for Judith McNees.
Author 7 books69 followers
January 20, 2025
Great read

A nice mix of heart-pounding action and sweet moments of family life and romance. Contained actual faith elements rather than offhand mentions of God and prayer. Highly recommend this Christian romantic suspense novel.
Profile Image for Karen.
510 reviews43 followers
January 15, 2025
I absolutely loved Forgotten Identity By Penny Zeller. Awesome suspense.
Being a homeschool mom, I loved that the female protagonist was also a homeschool mom of two young children. The story opens with their dog Nosy leading her and her son to an injured man who was near death. A severe snow storm was just beginning, which left Mariah, her mom, and the two children stranded with no way to contact the authorities, so they did their best to care for this strange man.
"George," as he was known for a good portion of the story, regained consciousness and discovered he had no memory. Was he a good guy or a bad guy? Should Mariah trust him or not? And just who were the people who started coming around asking about a missing person?
The author did a wonderful job keeping the suspense coming while developing the relationship between Mariah and "George." And I loved all the interactions with the children. Mariah's mom and the ex-cop neighbor also played important roles in the story.
And yes, I sort of figured out early on whether "George" was a good guy or bad guy, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story. And there was plenty of suspense left even after that was made clear.
I'm really loving this author's romantic suspense, and love that she is able to write wonderful stories in multiple genres.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
796 reviews33 followers
March 28, 2025
Penny Zeller’s Forgotten Identity transports the Reader into a world of intrigue and suspense, smackdab in the middle of a snowstorm in small-town Montana. It all begins when Mariah and her son, Jordan, take their dog Nosy out and they come across an unconscious man who is severely injured. Mariah’s Family take the man in, naming him “George”, caring for him until the snowstorm subsides. As George comes to, George wakes up with amnesia. With no way to get George the proper care he needs until the roads are clear and phone services are up, Mariah and her Family care for George. Questionable people begin showing up on their property looking for someone, putting Mariah’s entire Family’s life, as well as George’s life, in danger. As George is being taken care of by Mariah’s Family, George sees first hand the Love of Christ being extended to him and begins to wonder where he stands with The Lord and which side of the law he is truly on.

I loved Penny Zeller’s Forgotten Identity from the get-go! In my opinion, the way Ms. Zeller packed the suspense into Forgotten Identity puts Ms. Zeller’s book in the same League of Christian Suspense as Lynette Eason, Dee Henderson, Colleen Coble, Irene Hannon, Mary Alford, Sarah Hamaker, and Elle E. Kay, to name a few. I love that Forgotten Identity was packed entirely with suspense and soaked in God’s Truth! I love meeting George (who later finds out that his name is Grant) and Mariah! While the amnesia element is nothing new in suspense books, I appreciated the spin Ms. Zeller put on the element in Forgotten Identity, because to me, it was more about being the Hands and Feet of Jesus to someone in need, thus making the suspense element secondary at times in the book. I thought Mariah’s children were adorable in the book and I loved the lessons that the adults gleaned from them. Mariah is a wonderful Mother in the book! I loved Mariah’s parenting style and the way Mariah taught her children beforehand safety skills and drills. Those safety skills and drills definitely paid off in the book! I felt for George in the desire and determination he had to get better as soon as possible. I was proud of George that when he realized he was Grant and went back to his life, Grant held onto to God’s Truth that Mariah’s Family modeled for him and walked God’s Truth out himself. Forgotten Identity is the first book that I have read by Ms. Zeller and it will not be my last because Ms. Zeller has made a fan out of me! If you are looking for a suspense read that keeps you on the edge of your seat while showing you God’s Love being lived out, then I highly recommend Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller!

Have you read Forgotten Identity? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of Forgotten Identity to review, for letting me be a part of the Forgotten Identity Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
Profile Image for Becky Lewis.
1,061 reviews59 followers
March 19, 2025
“Lord, help me. Help me not be the man I think I am. Please.”

I knew Penny Zeller pens historical westerns, but before reading Forgotten Identity, I didn’t know she writes and excels at romantic suspense! Don’t miss this one, if you like romantic suspense!

What’s so great about this novel? So many elements. The first line, for starters. “Of all the days for the dog to run off.” Immediately, the reader feels sympathy for the overburdened heroine, Mariah Holtzman, and you want to see why it’s such an awful day.

I would be lying if I didn’t say that the children and the dog play an important part of the story. Zeller uses the children she creates for Mariah to show us Mariah’s character and George(Grant)’s as well. She also uses them for humor, and boy, do they come through!! The kids decide to call their rescued unidentified visitor, “George Washington.” Since Presley, 4, and Jordan, 7, like to talk to George, George asks Presley if she knows his last name. ( He can’t remember anything.) To which she replies, “You mean like I have three names. Presley Ann Holzman. Your three names are George Ann Washington.” “George Ann Washington?” The girl bobbed her head. “Yes. We will only use your second name for when you’re in trouble.” I was laughing up a storm, always glad when the children brought humor into the dangerous situation.

The story is very realistic. Mariah is a divorced, single mom, living with her mother and two young children. She edits books for a job, so she seems very relatable. A bad snowstorm occurs on the mountain, causing the cell and internet service to be lost, just about when Mariah and Jordan find George. Mariah’s and her mother’s cabin is totally isolated by the storm from town.
When various and threatening visitors come to their house looking for their “brother” or their “friend,” how long can Mariah hide their very sick visitor? Mariah’s neighbor is an ex-policeman, who is very suspicious of George as little details emerge. Who is George? Is he as dangerous as the people looking for him? Can he and Mariah guard their hearts until they know his true identity and character? A thrilling story till the end!

I especially loved the way that faith is ensconced in the story. I love the way George seems influenced by Mariah’s faith. I also love the way that in an impossible situation, God brings comfort to Mariah through His Word.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“George compared his mind to a web of wires that had become unhooked from their power source.”

“His life was about to change and he knew not one ounce of what his future held. But God did. And he would have to rest in that, as difficult as it was.”

“What did people do without the Lord to get them through the crazy, evil times of the present culture?”
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,593 reviews49 followers
January 9, 2025
Once again, Penny Zeller has penned an extraordinary book! The suspense and intrigue had me on the edge of my seat! There's also a very sweet love story.

The characters are written brilliantly! Mariah is relatable and easy to like. She's independent and loves her family fiercely. Grant is a mystery at first. As his memory returns, his stellar character is revealed. Presley and Jordan are super adorable, and Nosy lives up to his name! The names of the perpetrators are very creative!

This book reminded me that we should be thankful for those who serve as law enforcement. They literally put their lives at risk every day for us.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,593 reviews49 followers
January 9, 2025
Once again, Penny Zeller has penned an extraordinary book! The suspense and intrigue had me on the edge of my seat! There's also a very sweet love story.

The characters are written brilliantly! Mariah is relatable and easy to like. She's independent and loves her family fiercely. Grant is a mystery at first. As his memory returns, his stellar character is revealed. Presley and Jordan are super adorable and Nosy lives up to his name! The names of the perpetrators are very creative!

This book reminded me that we should be thankful for those who serve in law enforcement. They literally put their lives at risk every day for us.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books48 followers
January 9, 2025
Wow, This is such a great story! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Each turn of the page had me holding my breath at what would happen next. The characters are very well written and pull your emotions in as if they are your own family. With all the danger and unknown answers this action packed story keeps your senses all fired up. The romance was a slow build and by the end of the story I thought I would bust from Grant not knowing who he was, or if there was a chance with Mariah. So many fantastic characters, I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite. My mind is still whirling from reading this book! Definitely 5 star worthy.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books140 followers
January 5, 2025
Mariah Holzman and her seven-year-old son, Jordan, are searching for their dog, Nosy. A storm is on the horizon, and what they find shocks them!

The storyline had me from the beginning. The suspense, mystery, and budding romance kept me going. I couldn't put it down—I finished it in one sitting. The characters were well-developed with many layers, and they kept me engaged. Recommended.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Terri Harr.
242 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am really enjoying Penny’s new romance suspense books.

It didn’t take me long to love some things together but I still had to keep reading to find out how they were going to catch the criminals and wrap the story up AND find out all the things I didn’t know about his backstory!

The character development was well done. I loved the kids in the story and the life they had in the mountains. It was easy to fall right into the story from page one. As she’s chasing after her dog in a blizzard, Moriah finds a man in the snow and has to get him out of the elements and back to her cabin or he will die. Once back at the cabin, she and her mom discover how badly he’s hurt and that it wasn’t a simple accident. Someone wanted him dead.

Grant has no memory when he wakes up but quickly comes to care about the family who is doing their best to save his life while they wait for the roads to open and the cell towers to work.

Doesn’t take long for trouble to come knocking but Moriah is smart enough to keep her guest a secret from those looking for him. Danger grows as they all learn to care for each other.

This is a great read. It’s not super long and it’s got just enough mystery and details for someone who doesn’t want something that is too complex and heavy. It is faith filled and I love that. I want to read how the characters expressing their faith during challenging situations. Then I can use those verses or words in my own situations.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
917 reviews79 followers
January 10, 2025
Another A+ romantic suspense offering from remarkably talented storyteller Penny Zeller! The fast-paced plot steeped in faith and suspense nabbed me from the beginning and kept me invested in the outcome. The author convincingly taps into the emotions of her richly drawn characters, lead and supporting, making them come alive. I admired Mariah’s strength and courage. I could feel Grant’s frustration as he struggled with physical injuries and loss of memory and the fear that Mariah and her family experienced when the “bad guys” invaded their home. I loved watching Mariah and Grant navigate their developing feelings for one another amidst the peril and uncertainty. A vividly sketched, daunting mountain winter setting heightens the sense of danger and suspense. I especially appreciate the inspiring, encouraging spiritual moments sprinkled throughout the story. This book has everything you’re looking for in a romantic suspense read. I highly recommend it!
I received a 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 Brooke Hannah .
38 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2025
Mariah is just trying to homeschool her kids and live quietly after a divorce and losing her dad in the laat year. Unfortunately, hee dog finds an badly injured man in the snow right as a blizzard rolls over the mountains. Now she is stranded with her family and a stranger with amnesia. There are also strangers in the area asking about a missing man and harassing Mariah and her family. Just who is the injured man in her guest bedroom?
"George" is not sure who he is. Not sure what he was. Fortunately, he was found by a kind family who seem willing to trust he wasn't a bad guy.
When they finally are able to get to town, who will "George" actually be? Is he a criminal or a good man? Does God have a plan in place for Mariah and George's future?

With adorable kids, a Nosey dog, creepy criminals, a leading lady with a strong belief in the power or prayer, and a hero who is literally starting fresh, this book was a page turner from the beginning. With suspense that won't keep you from sleeping, unless it is because you can't put it down, and a sweet romance that slowly develops, this is a great book for a variety of readers.



I received an advance copy in exchange for my review
Profile Image for Michele Kerlin.
72 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2025
Mariah and her son Jordan were on an innocent walk in the woods with their dog Nosy when they found a stranger that changed their life. He was unconscious and they could not just leave him. Mariah her mother and two children live in a cabin in the woods. With a blizzard, no internet and no phone to contact anyone they have to take care of him.
Then strangers started showing up at their house and the mystery begins! This book was a can’t put down as I wanted to know what happened. Penny Zeller has done it again! Another great mystery
946 reviews23 followers
January 14, 2025
A wonderful story! Original with believable characters. Perfect book for those who like Christian suspense and romance. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
946 reviews23 followers
January 10, 2025
A wonderful story. Original with believable characters. Perfect book for those who love Christian suspense and romance. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
1,999 reviews56 followers
August 13, 2025
The story opens with a woman and dog walking in a bitterly cold, snow covered landscape far off the beaten track but near her home nestled in the woods. The dog discovers a man unconscious, badly hurt, and in need of immediate moving to a safe, warm place. So the struggle begins and she drags him home where she and her mother tend his wounds. He eventually awakens to full blown amnesia.

The mystery of his situation and the warmth and care of this household are the gold thread woven though this novel. Mariah has two young children whom she homeschools and who bring delight to the story.

Eventually the plot thickens and the criminal element takes the focus.

Zeller has written a good book that is squeaky clean (even with the budding romance) and has Christian focus. The book is not "preachy." At times the story takes an intense, fearful development that moves at an exciting pace. At other times the sweetness of a family home with gentle, kind, caring children is the focus.

I found the book to be a joy to read. A good story. A good bit of crime and suspense. A good bit of good folks and the "bad guys."

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
1,888 reviews
March 30, 2025
"Forgotten Identity" by Penny Zeller is a Christian Romantic Suspense novel. What would you do if you found a severely injured man and knew a blizzard was about to affect your area? For Mariah Holzman, mother of 2 and Christian book editor, the answer results in her taking him into her home. However, she failed to realize the danger it would put herself, her mother, and her two children in over time.

Grant MacGuire can not remember his name or anything about his past. When Mariah and her family take him in, he starts healing from his physical injuries, but his memory takes longer to return. As he begins to remember bits and pieces of his past, he wonders what type of person he was before the injuries.

Having read several of Penny Zeller’s books, I expected to be drawn into this one, and I was. The author does an excellent job of building memorable characters and riveting storylines. I found myself unable to put this book down.

So, if you want a Christian Romantic Suspense novel, check out "Forgotten Identity" by Penny Zeller.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books413 followers
March 28, 2025
In an unusual story and plot, an injured man with no memories turns up in a rural area during a snowstorm. A nurse mother and her daughter and her two young homeschooled grandchildren take in the stranger, only to risk their own lives by doing so. Is he a criminal who double-crossed his gang or someone on the run from trouble and danger? I figured out his likely identity before it was revealed. The author did a good job blurring the evidence about him and making readers think he must be a bad man. But since he has amnesia, will we ever know? The realistic characters, both evil and kind, come to life on the page. The precocious boy and girl offer an endearing addition to the drama. I didn’t like the romance blooming between the main characters since I don’t believe the divorced woman is free biblically to pursue this. Warning: The tale contains violence and drug users. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
1,290 reviews
March 22, 2025
Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller is a fast paced Christian romantic suspense story that is filled with action and suspense that takes many twists and turns. This is a story that contained nice caring characters. I found this story to be very well written, easy to read, easy to imagine and hard to put down. Mariah is a work from home mom of two young children with a dog that alerts her to danger. On one of these events, she finds a badly beaten man during a blizzard, takes him home and with her mother's help, cares for him until they are able to get him medical care.
This is such a good story. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the man Mariah found. I especially enjoyed her young son and how quick he was to give the man a name when he couldn't remember. I enjoyed reading of how Mariah's father taught her so many useful survival skills. I appreciate how she was quick to turn to prayer and relied on faith to get her through difficult situations. The suspense around Grant, who he was, who was after him and why quickly drew me into the story and kept me reading to find out the answers.
This is a great story of which I voluntarily received a complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
106 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2025
Good Storyline

More violence than I prefer. Inspirational romance was woven well into the suspense. This book was hard to put down!
Profile Image for Sarah Vanscoyoc.
344 reviews
March 23, 2025
Have you ever read a book that was okay? This one fell into that category for me. I typically enjoy the amnesia trope (though I’m sure in real life it’s quite terrible) and thought I’d give this new-to-me author a go. And the book was okay! I can’t honestly say that I loved it or couldn’t put it down, but the story was fairly interesting and it really picked up about two-thirds of the way through the book.
I so want to be fair to Ms. Zeller with everything I say here. Because this is simply one person’s opinion and I can tell that she worked very hard writing this book . . . but I found the characters very one-dimensional for most of the story. Characters really make or break a book for me and these weren’t the vibrant, compelling new friends I was hoping for. As the reader, I understood that Mariah was a great mom and daughter. We see her loving her family and friends. She takes in a complete stranger, all the while hoping he isn’t actually someone to fear. But I didn’t “feel” any of it with her. The same is true for “George” (as Mariah’s kids dub him). Though I’m sure it’s very hard to write a character who remembers absolutely nothing about themselves, I couldn’t seem to find a point of connection with him. It wasn’t until nearly the end of the book that the characters seemed to finally come alive. I finally felt invested in them and cared about them and then it was over!
I also found their romance a little far-fetched, as there’s not really a lot of personal dialogue between Grant and Mariah. Most of their conversations revolve around his situation or her children. Or the case, as they begin to know more about Grant’s past.
Overall, if you asked me specifically about this book, I would be happy to say that it was good and if you’re looking for a clean, pretty low-stress read, I would recommend it. If you asked me for a book with an amnesia-trope, I’d probably consider recommending a few other books before this one came to mind.
*My thanks to the author for my copy of this book! I received it through CelebrateLit and have not been required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
Author 3 books30 followers
March 26, 2025
"Mariah inclined toward him. “Are you from there, maybe?” If he was, that would certainly narrow down their search in determining his identity. “I don’t know. I can’t remember.” “That has to be frustrating, but Mom says it’s good news that you are pretty coherent overall. You’re actually doing quite well, considering what you went through. We weren’t sure you’d make it at first. And now you’re talking, eating, and your eye looks a lot better.” All the truth. God was healing George."

When her dog discovered a shoe when they were out for a walk, Mariah was surprised that an unconscious man was almost hidden in the snow. When she manages to get him home, she and her family try to keep him safe. But that proves to be a struggle since they might need to keep themselves safe from this unknown man who had lost his memory. How can they find out the truth?

This story revolves around a single mom, her precocious (and enjoyable children), her mom, some neighbors and an unknown stranger. The situation seemed plausible. The love story that slowly developed still felt a bit quick at the end since the two were strangers. But that was fine. The suspense aspects were strong since one was never quite sure what was going on. Because kids were involved, that also raised the intensity. The faith element was strong and satisfying.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would say that some of the plot did get a bit repetitive. Similar situations happened over and over again. I think if one could cut out about 50 pages, the book would be better. The book might be loosely connected to other titles by the author, but it could be read as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,785 reviews47 followers
March 31, 2025
I really enjoy Christian Romance Suspense Novels. I have been a fan of Penny Zeller for quite awhile. Romance Suspense is a new venture for her, but I have read her other 2 books for Romance Suspense. Forgotten Identity is the latest book by Penny Zeller that I have read.

WOW, I jumped right into this book and kept reading until I finished the book 4hrs later. The 2 main characters in this story are Mariah Holzman and Grant MacGuire, Mariah becomes a heroine when she rescues a man outside her home in the midst of a blizzard. She is bewildered that she has no way to communicate to anyone as power is out because of the storm. Mariah takes him into her home to help care for him and his injuries. Grant is out for sometime and is very confused when he awakes to being in a strangers home. He has no recollection of what happened to him and even more confused by those around him taking care of him. Mariah becomes worried when she begins receiving threats because she is taken care of Grant. Danger lurks for her and Grant is very worried for the Holzman family. The book is PACKED with Action and Suspense from the very beginning. I LOVE how Mariah and Grant realize that through the danger lurking, they are falling in love with one another. Mariah really wishes she could figure out who Grant really is, as he cannot remember his own identity. I really enjoy watching the relationship build between them and how Mariah's Mom and 2 children play a role in helping Grant recover and the romance that ensued. The book is filled with Action, Suspense, Faith, and Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance Suspense. FANTASTIC BOOK!
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,545 reviews177 followers
March 23, 2025
Forgotten Identity is an exciting new inspirational romantic suspense from Penny Zeller! This is my first book from this author & definitely won’t be my last! This book kept my on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Mariah’s a newly divorced, single mom whose dog leads her to an injured man in the middle of a blizzard near her family’s cabin. The handsome stranger’s been severely wounded & left for dead, but thanks to Mariah & her mother he’s on the road to recovery. Unfortunately he can’t remember who he is or who did this to him. As the memories start to return, George/Grant has to determine if he’s a hero or one of the bad guys. And, what happens when the ones who tried to kill him discover his identity?

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming, fast-paced romantic suspense! Mariah, her mom, and her darling kids quickly wove their way into my heart. I loved the way they all helped Grant recover. I appreciated Grant’s struggles to remember who he is & there are some definite surprises once his identity is finally revealed.

The suspense is non-stop as the people who tried to kill Grant come not only after him but Mariah & her family too. I was definitely on pins & needles the whole time. I also loved the sweet romance between Mariah & Grant & the faith thread shared throughout.

Highly recommend! Can’t wait to read her other books! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,086 reviews135 followers
March 27, 2025
What an an amazing story of faith, trust and survival. The author does a great job of keeping the suspense going when Mariah and her son find a man unconscious in the snow. I loved how they were determined to get him to safety without knowing if he was dangerous. Would you rescue a stranger ? Their faith is strong and carries them throughout the adventure.

Mariah has gone through some difficult times facing a divorce and a death in the family. She is strong yet vulnerable at times. Her children add laughs and tender moments which for me showed compassion. Her dog is named correctly as you will discover. Oh how I loved Nosey and his shenanigans. Protection and curiosity keep this dog from and center as danger comes too close to Mariah and her family.

Grant has no memory of who he is yet but is grateful that he was rescued. His injuries will take time to heal. I sensed that his attraction to Mariah would slowly grow as he becomes protective over her. He gets along well with the children and I liked his ability to pick up that the kids longer for a father figure in their lives.

The author delivers an edge of your seat suspenseful story as Grant realizes that he is being hunted. Will he remember who he is in time? What caused him to be alone out in a snow storm? The people looking for him seemed dangerous and I had to read faster to find out who Grant was. Get ready for an adventure that captures the essence of trust .

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.


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