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The House on the Edge of the Cliff #1
The Life She Forgot
He promised to help her reclaim her forgotten past—no matter what they uncovered.
Until she began remembering another man.
As the memories return, her past life threatens to destroy her new marriage, the sweetest love she's ever found, and the life she thought she could have.
Cornwall, 1913
Merryn has lived three years without a single memory of the life she lost. With no past to guide her, she fears she may never know who she truly is. When AJ Winthrop—a kind, whimsical stranger—offers her a daring escape, she takes a chance, hoping to uncover the life that was stolen from her.
As they follow the windswept Cornish coast, memories begin to surface:
Another man.
Another wedding.
A life that may already belong to her.
Then a hidden portrait reveals her face, and the truth threatens the rare, authentic bond she’s begun to form with AJ.
Cornwall, 1947
Haunted by war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford plans to save her family home by selling the mysterious portrait hidden in his cottage. But the woman captured on the canvas—Merryn Dunn—holds secrets that could unravel everything he thought he knew… or offer the redemption he never dared hope for.
Step onto the windswept Cornish coast and uncover the secrets a single house can hold.
A sweeping dual-timeline tale of identity, memory, and the love that endures—perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Susanna Kearsley, and Kate Morton.
Until she began remembering another man.
As the memories return, her past life threatens to destroy her new marriage, the sweetest love she's ever found, and the life she thought she could have.
Cornwall, 1913
Merryn has lived three years without a single memory of the life she lost. With no past to guide her, she fears she may never know who she truly is. When AJ Winthrop—a kind, whimsical stranger—offers her a daring escape, she takes a chance, hoping to uncover the life that was stolen from her.
As they follow the windswept Cornish coast, memories begin to surface:
Another man.
Another wedding.
A life that may already belong to her.
Then a hidden portrait reveals her face, and the truth threatens the rare, authentic bond she’s begun to form with AJ.
Cornwall, 1947
Haunted by war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford plans to save her family home by selling the mysterious portrait hidden in his cottage. But the woman captured on the canvas—Merryn Dunn—holds secrets that could unravel everything he thought he knew… or offer the redemption he never dared hope for.
Step onto the windswept Cornish coast and uncover the secrets a single house can hold.
A sweeping dual-timeline tale of identity, memory, and the love that endures—perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Susanna Kearsley, and Kate Morton.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2026
49 people are currently reading
2408 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Davidson Politano
9 books1,651 followersJoanna Davidson Politano spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.
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April 23, 2026
4 stars, personally ⭐️ (Light) Christian Fiction - Historical Dual-Time Period
About this book:
“He promised to help her reclaim her forgotten past—no matter what they uncovered.
Until she began remembering another man.
As the memories return, her past life threatens to destroy her new marriage, the sweetest love she's ever found, and the life she thought she could have.
Cornwall, 1913
Merryn has lived three years without a single memory of the life she lost. With no past to guide her, she fears she may never know who she truly is. When AJ Winthrop—a kind, whimsical stranger—offers her a daring escape, she takes a chance, hoping to uncover the life that was stolen from her.
As they follow the windswept Cornish coast, memories begin to surface:
Another man.
Another wedding.
A life that may already belong to her.
Then a hidden portrait reveals her face, and the truth threatens the rare, authentic bond she’s begun to form with AJ.
Cornwall, 1947
Haunted by war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford plans to save her family home by selling the mysterious portrait hidden in his cottage. But the woman captured on the canvas—Merryn Dunn—holds secrets that could unravel everything he thought he knew… or offer the redemption he never dared hope for.
Step onto the windswept Cornish coast and uncover the secrets a single house can hold.”
Series: Book #1 in “The House on the Edge of the Cliff” series.
Spiritual Content- ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God or Jesus; William screams at God in pain over his actions in the war; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches/chapels & denominations (Methodist & Anglican); Mentions of hymns; A couple mentions of a mosaic of Jesus and His disciples; A mention of a miracle;
*Note: Merryn wonders what the “Almighty asks of people” in a marriage that was “wrong to begin with” or one “based on fabrications”; A cat is named “Persephone”; Mentions of places being described as “magical”, being under a “spell” by someone, & being “charmed” or “enchanted” by others or places (not actual magic); A couple mentions of mermaids and sirens; A couple mentions of visions (which someone corrects to be more like dreams); A mention of a seer (which someone corrects as being an observer instead).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘blimey’, a ‘bloody’, a ‘bugger’, a ‘drat’, a ‘dumb’, and two ‘blamed’s; A mention of a curse (said, not written); Some eavesdropping & eye rolling; Almost drowning, Amnesia, Pain, & Injuries (up to semi-detailed); Visiting someone in an asylum (who has military PTSD, up to semi-detailed); A nightmare of being in an asylum (up to semi-detailed); Rescuing a kitten that someone was going to drown (barely-above-not-detailed); Remembering explosions, seeing deaths, nightmares of both, & grief/guilt over it (up to semi-detailed); Remembering a carriage accident, near drowning, & grief (up to semi-detailed); *Spoilers**Major Spoilers* ; *Spoilers* ; Many mentions of World War II, deaths and causing deaths, hearing screams, explosions/bombs, injuries and scars, PTSD, & nightmares of it all (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grief (including a man for his son, a man for his wife, & a man for his whole family including a baby daughter); Mentions of car and carriage accidents, someone being hit by a car, a carriage falling off a cliff, injuries, deaths, & a body (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of possible deaths, possible drownings, & possible murder; Mentions of Merryn’s amnesia; Mentions of asylums, people being committed to one (against their will or because of grief or PTSD), & threats of it happening; Mentions of smugglers; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of children being concerned they are going to be abandoned/left (by an adult); Mentions of a child being berated by adults; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & pubs/bars; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; A few mentions of fires; A few mentions of prisons & arrests; A few mentions of a young boy trying to runaway from school; A few mentions of manipulation; A few mentions of gossip & rumors; A couple mentions of possible robberies & thefts; A couple mentions of fights; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of eavesdropping; A couple mentions of a pipe & tobacco; A mention of revolts; A mention of a train collision; A mention of a pickpocket; A mention of a wife slapping her husband after he did something very wrong;
*Note: William has PTSD after his time serving in World War II & feels like he is broken because of it (seen on-page with nightmares and envisioning deaths through explosions he set, up to semi-detailed); Quotes from & mentions of authors, books, & fictional characters (Emily Barrett Browning, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, C.S. Lewis, & Ernest Hemingway); Mentions of a disease changing a person’s personality and mind (Alzheimer’s); Mentions of a strained mother-daughter relationship (*Spoiler* ); A few mentions of a woman who struggled with “deep, dark depression”; A couple mentions of a father disapproving of his son’s art career.
Sexual Content- a fingers-to-lips touch, four hands/fingers kisses, three head/hair/forehead kisses, six jaw/ear/cheek kisses, two neck kisses, a not-detailed kiss, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, two border-line barely-above-not-detailed / semi-detailed kisses, and four semi-detailed kisses; Remembering kisses & embraces (between married couples, including in bed, up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces & Sitting in someone’s lap, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Tingles, Butterflies, Nearness (including a married couple when sleeping), & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); A married couple sleeps in the same area and cuddle, but not in a bed (a couple times); Blushes, Flirting, & Winks; Mentions of men leering at a young Merryn; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of touches & embraces; Mentions of flirting, winks, & blushes; A few mentions of possible bigamy & bigamy in a book; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of curves; A mention of a woman having a “passionate dislike” for all men.
-Merryn Forsythe (1st person)
-William Crawford, age 43 (3rd person)
P.O.V. switches between them & a couple others
Set in 1913 & 1947 (Epilogue in 1948)
358 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I feel like Joanna Davidson Politano books need to come with a warning: “This book will keep you on your toes. Brace for impact and whiplash over plot twists and reveals.”
Because yep, this book was completely that! I honestly feel a bit in a daze over everything that happened in these pages and enjoyed find clues and hints when I went back through the book to grab my content notes.
I started this book not knowing who to trust—not the main character (Merryn) or her potential love interest. Merryn is a very complicated character. I wouldn’t call her an unreliable narrator as she believes parts of her life she does remember, but she’s definitely missing a lot of pieces to her past which makes her seem a bit like one at times. Because of this, however, it added a mystery to the plot and I eagerly read and tried to connect all the dots—but then more and more was revealed and I was off on some guesses. Some events and plot twists felt a little far-fetched, but then again, it added to the suspense of the story.
I’m usually not one for dual-time period books, but because these two were set in two time periods I like, I actually didn’t notice the typical annoyances I have with dual-time period books.
We do follow two married couples in this book, so I was a little hesitant about reading it because one married couple in a book often adds more sexual tension (let alone two married couples). While there were some kisses and longing to embrace or mentions of curves, it was kept on the cleaner side for a married couple romance book, which I really appreciated.
There were some conversations or mentions of wanting an anchor or a warning someone not to build a house on sand, which can both be connected to Biblical thoughts and Scriptures, but the conversations didn’t quite go that way. I’ll admit I was a bit disappointed in that because there was a major message of marriage being hard or painful in some seasons of life and how a spouse will let you down because they are also an imperfect human. I kept waiting for the comments that Jesus wouldn’t and to trust your future to Him, but there wasn’t any besides a few mentions here and there. Overall, the faith content was pretty light in both time-periods.
This is a very different “romance” book. It’s not the typical formula of a couple meeting and then falling in love—though, to be fair, I don’t think any of this author’s books can be summed up in such a simple way—but a deeper book that shares about the struggles of marriage, what loving someone really entails rather than just butterflies and sparkles, and even shows characters dealing with amnesia and PTSD. Because it’s a bit more serious than a usual fluffy historical fiction book I might review, it’s a bit more difficult for me to put an age suggestion on it. For the age groups I review for, I think older teen girls (17+) and young women thinking about marriage would enjoy this book and get the most out of it. It could work for ages 15/16, but the focus on marriage and loving your spouse through hard times makes me suggest it for older ages.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
About this book:
“He promised to help her reclaim her forgotten past—no matter what they uncovered.
Until she began remembering another man.
As the memories return, her past life threatens to destroy her new marriage, the sweetest love she's ever found, and the life she thought she could have.
Cornwall, 1913
Merryn has lived three years without a single memory of the life she lost. With no past to guide her, she fears she may never know who she truly is. When AJ Winthrop—a kind, whimsical stranger—offers her a daring escape, she takes a chance, hoping to uncover the life that was stolen from her.
As they follow the windswept Cornish coast, memories begin to surface:
Another man.
Another wedding.
A life that may already belong to her.
Then a hidden portrait reveals her face, and the truth threatens the rare, authentic bond she’s begun to form with AJ.
Cornwall, 1947
Haunted by war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford plans to save her family home by selling the mysterious portrait hidden in his cottage. But the woman captured on the canvas—Merryn Dunn—holds secrets that could unravel everything he thought he knew… or offer the redemption he never dared hope for.
Step onto the windswept Cornish coast and uncover the secrets a single house can hold.”
Series: Book #1 in “The House on the Edge of the Cliff” series.
Spiritual Content- ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God or Jesus; William screams at God in pain over his actions in the war; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches/chapels & denominations (Methodist & Anglican); Mentions of hymns; A couple mentions of a mosaic of Jesus and His disciples; A mention of a miracle;
*Note: Merryn wonders what the “Almighty asks of people” in a marriage that was “wrong to begin with” or one “based on fabrications”; A cat is named “Persephone”; Mentions of places being described as “magical”, being under a “spell” by someone, & being “charmed” or “enchanted” by others or places (not actual magic); A couple mentions of mermaids and sirens; A couple mentions of visions (which someone corrects to be more like dreams); A mention of a seer (which someone corrects as being an observer instead).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘blimey’, a ‘bloody’, a ‘bugger’, a ‘drat’, a ‘dumb’, and two ‘blamed’s; A mention of a curse (said, not written); Some eavesdropping & eye rolling; Almost drowning, Amnesia, Pain, & Injuries (up to semi-detailed); Visiting someone in an asylum (who has military PTSD, up to semi-detailed); A nightmare of being in an asylum (up to semi-detailed); Rescuing a kitten that someone was going to drown (barely-above-not-detailed); Remembering explosions, seeing deaths, nightmares of both, & grief/guilt over it (up to semi-detailed); Remembering a carriage accident, near drowning, & grief (up to semi-detailed); *Spoilers**Major Spoilers* ; *Spoilers* ; Many mentions of World War II, deaths and causing deaths, hearing screams, explosions/bombs, injuries and scars, PTSD, & nightmares of it all (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grief (including a man for his son, a man for his wife, & a man for his whole family including a baby daughter); Mentions of car and carriage accidents, someone being hit by a car, a carriage falling off a cliff, injuries, deaths, & a body (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of possible deaths, possible drownings, & possible murder; Mentions of Merryn’s amnesia; Mentions of asylums, people being committed to one (against their will or because of grief or PTSD), & threats of it happening; Mentions of smugglers; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of children being concerned they are going to be abandoned/left (by an adult); Mentions of a child being berated by adults; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & pubs/bars; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; A few mentions of fires; A few mentions of prisons & arrests; A few mentions of a young boy trying to runaway from school; A few mentions of manipulation; A few mentions of gossip & rumors; A couple mentions of possible robberies & thefts; A couple mentions of fights; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of eavesdropping; A couple mentions of a pipe & tobacco; A mention of revolts; A mention of a train collision; A mention of a pickpocket; A mention of a wife slapping her husband after he did something very wrong;
*Note: William has PTSD after his time serving in World War II & feels like he is broken because of it (seen on-page with nightmares and envisioning deaths through explosions he set, up to semi-detailed); Quotes from & mentions of authors, books, & fictional characters (Emily Barrett Browning, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, C.S. Lewis, & Ernest Hemingway); Mentions of a disease changing a person’s personality and mind (Alzheimer’s); Mentions of a strained mother-daughter relationship (*Spoiler* ); A few mentions of a woman who struggled with “deep, dark depression”; A couple mentions of a father disapproving of his son’s art career.
Sexual Content- a fingers-to-lips touch, four hands/fingers kisses, three head/hair/forehead kisses, six jaw/ear/cheek kisses, two neck kisses, a not-detailed kiss, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, two border-line barely-above-not-detailed / semi-detailed kisses, and four semi-detailed kisses; Remembering kisses & embraces (between married couples, including in bed, up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces & Sitting in someone’s lap, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Tingles, Butterflies, Nearness (including a married couple when sleeping), & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); A married couple sleeps in the same area and cuddle, but not in a bed (a couple times); Blushes, Flirting, & Winks; Mentions of men leering at a young Merryn; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of touches & embraces; Mentions of flirting, winks, & blushes; A few mentions of possible bigamy & bigamy in a book; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of curves; A mention of a woman having a “passionate dislike” for all men.
-Merryn Forsythe (1st person)
-William Crawford, age 43 (3rd person)
P.O.V. switches between them & a couple others
Set in 1913 & 1947 (Epilogue in 1948)
358 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I feel like Joanna Davidson Politano books need to come with a warning: “This book will keep you on your toes. Brace for impact and whiplash over plot twists and reveals.”
Because yep, this book was completely that! I honestly feel a bit in a daze over everything that happened in these pages and enjoyed find clues and hints when I went back through the book to grab my content notes.
I started this book not knowing who to trust—not the main character (Merryn) or her potential love interest. Merryn is a very complicated character. I wouldn’t call her an unreliable narrator as she believes parts of her life she does remember, but she’s definitely missing a lot of pieces to her past which makes her seem a bit like one at times. Because of this, however, it added a mystery to the plot and I eagerly read and tried to connect all the dots—but then more and more was revealed and I was off on some guesses. Some events and plot twists felt a little far-fetched, but then again, it added to the suspense of the story.
I’m usually not one for dual-time period books, but because these two were set in two time periods I like, I actually didn’t notice the typical annoyances I have with dual-time period books.
We do follow two married couples in this book, so I was a little hesitant about reading it because one married couple in a book often adds more sexual tension (let alone two married couples). While there were some kisses and longing to embrace or mentions of curves, it was kept on the cleaner side for a married couple romance book, which I really appreciated.
There were some conversations or mentions of wanting an anchor or a warning someone not to build a house on sand, which can both be connected to Biblical thoughts and Scriptures, but the conversations didn’t quite go that way. I’ll admit I was a bit disappointed in that because there was a major message of marriage being hard or painful in some seasons of life and how a spouse will let you down because they are also an imperfect human. I kept waiting for the comments that Jesus wouldn’t and to trust your future to Him, but there wasn’t any besides a few mentions here and there. Overall, the faith content was pretty light in both time-periods.
This is a very different “romance” book. It’s not the typical formula of a couple meeting and then falling in love—though, to be fair, I don’t think any of this author’s books can be summed up in such a simple way—but a deeper book that shares about the struggles of marriage, what loving someone really entails rather than just butterflies and sparkles, and even shows characters dealing with amnesia and PTSD. Because it’s a bit more serious than a usual fluffy historical fiction book I might review, it’s a bit more difficult for me to put an age suggestion on it. For the age groups I review for, I think older teen girls (17+) and young women thinking about marriage would enjoy this book and get the most out of it. It could work for ages 15/16, but the focus on marriage and loving your spouse through hard times makes me suggest it for older ages.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
April 19, 2026
What to expect: Historical mystery, dual timeline, Cornish coast, marriage of convenience, forgotten past, found family, Christian worldview
This book is SO GOOD. I don’t annotate much, but I had to pull out the tabs for this one. The author is an excellent writer with beautiful prose. I cannot think of a single dull moment. I was fully invested in the mystery and felt the suspense. The revelations were devastating but also touching. As far as the dual timeline goes, I loved reading both characters’ perspectives and seeing the parallels between them. I don’t want to go too much into the amazing themes to avoid spoilers, but I will say that it’s not only swoony at times, but also powerful.
I can’t think of anything I didn’t like. What a gripping read. 😭 It’s got grittiness with sprinkles of sweetness, a reminder of what real love looks like, and a lot of wisdom.
📖 content 📖
-Kisses only
-No profanity
-There is nothing graphic. I don’t feel the need to put any “warnings,” because you can pretty much gather what you need to know from the blurb alone.
I received a copy from the author with no expectations for a favorable review.
This book is SO GOOD. I don’t annotate much, but I had to pull out the tabs for this one. The author is an excellent writer with beautiful prose. I cannot think of a single dull moment. I was fully invested in the mystery and felt the suspense. The revelations were devastating but also touching. As far as the dual timeline goes, I loved reading both characters’ perspectives and seeing the parallels between them. I don’t want to go too much into the amazing themes to avoid spoilers, but I will say that it’s not only swoony at times, but also powerful.
I can’t think of anything I didn’t like. What a gripping read. 😭 It’s got grittiness with sprinkles of sweetness, a reminder of what real love looks like, and a lot of wisdom.
📖 content 📖
-Kisses only
-No profanity
-There is nothing graphic. I don’t feel the need to put any “warnings,” because you can pretty much gather what you need to know from the blurb alone.
I received a copy from the author with no expectations for a favorable review.
![Profile Image for Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1778533547i%2F169222098._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 10, 2026
WOW! Mind blown at the end of this book! I’m shocked at the twists and turns that this book took! I didn’t see any of the plot twists coming! This is Joanna Davidson Politano’s best book yet and easily my favorite by her! First off, the cover is absolutely stunning! I loved all of the references to the beach and the water! It made me want to go there and was exactly what I needed to read. It’s going to be hard for me to sum up this book without spoilers. Basically, you just need to read the book! 😉 Marryn had been through a lot in her life. She grew and changed so much throughout the book and I really loved her character. AJ was interesting and I didn’t really know what to think about him. He definitely grew on me! I don’t really want to say too much. The writing of this book was beautiful and elegant! There were many lovely quotes that I could annotate especially about true love. Overall, this was a beautiful love story! I can’t wait for book 2!
May 2, 2026
This book was magnificent: beautifully written, hauntingly atmospheric, wildly romantic and mysterious from beginning to end. I was on the edge of my seat the entire story, and it was hard to put this one down!
I loved going into this book blind, so I don’t want to say anything that will take that experience away from anyone who wants to read this. To give a brief description without ruining it: this is a story about marriage and love and life and memories… and it’s a true gem. A rollercoaster ride in the best way.
Highly recommend if you like mysteries, clean romance, poetic prose and potent settings! Would love to reread this one knowing what I know now, and can’t wait for book two in the series. 5 stars!
❗️Content considerations: war and PTSD storylines, amnesia storyline, mention of murder, turmoil in marriages, Alzheimers storylines, no spice (but brief, non-descriptive reference to marital intimacy), no language
💭 Age recommendation: Older teen and up
Thank you to NetGalley and Grafted Page Press for an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
I loved going into this book blind, so I don’t want to say anything that will take that experience away from anyone who wants to read this. To give a brief description without ruining it: this is a story about marriage and love and life and memories… and it’s a true gem. A rollercoaster ride in the best way.
Highly recommend if you like mysteries, clean romance, poetic prose and potent settings! Would love to reread this one knowing what I know now, and can’t wait for book two in the series. 5 stars!
❗️Content considerations: war and PTSD storylines, amnesia storyline, mention of murder, turmoil in marriages, Alzheimers storylines, no spice (but brief, non-descriptive reference to marital intimacy), no language
💭 Age recommendation: Older teen and up
Thank you to NetGalley and Grafted Page Press for an advanced copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2026
1913 and 1947 Cornwall, England
In 1913 Merryn finds herself not knowing much of her history. This is following an accident in which she saved a young boy from harm. As she searches for clues and pieces to her history, Merryn isn't sure who to trust.
In 1947 William yearns for his wife Helen yet feels he isn't worthy of her love anymore.
This is a beautiful tale of marriage and memories.
In particular I loved the way some chapters ended in 1913 with the same thought that began the next chapter in 1947. The ending of the novel was stunning in wrapping up the two storylines and sharing words of wisdom.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
In 1913 Merryn finds herself not knowing much of her history. This is following an accident in which she saved a young boy from harm. As she searches for clues and pieces to her history, Merryn isn't sure who to trust.
In 1947 William yearns for his wife Helen yet feels he isn't worthy of her love anymore.
This is a beautiful tale of marriage and memories.
In particular I loved the way some chapters ended in 1913 with the same thought that began the next chapter in 1947. The ending of the novel was stunning in wrapping up the two storylines and sharing words of wisdom.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Life She Forgot is filled with unexpected twists that will keep you turning pages. I love how the book includes little romance but ends with a beautiful love story which emphasizes that love is so much deeper and more abiding than romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
April 17, 2026
I received an early review copy of this novel courtesy of the author. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars, rounded up.
The Life She Forgot is a split-time historical novel that, while conventional on the surface, has some unconventional quirks to the craftsmanship that completely captivated me. We follow Merryn (1st person, present tense) in 1913 and William (3rd person, present tense) in 1947. The two are linked by a seaside cottage and the mysterious portrait discovered there, one painted by an artist famous for only producing landscapes.
Merryn has no memories prior to being hit by a car while saving a child three years before we meet her. And she has no desire to recover them. For Merryn, memories are dangerous. For William, memories are safety. As well as the bane of his existence. Because he doesn't merely recall; he relives.
The way the first line of Merryn's perspective echoes the last line of William's, or vice versa, each time we shift between them was a wonderful touch that always gripped me. Sometimes these directly mirrored each other, and sometimes they were inverses. Here’s an example. At the end of one chapter, Merryn leaves us with: “If poor decisions are the poison, memories of truth are the antidote that keeps us safe.” The first line of the following chapter from William’s perspective is: “Memories are a poison, and new, fresh decisions are the only antidote.”
This is a story about coming to terms with the pain in your past, whether that pain was inflicted on you by another or is something that you wrought upon those you love. It’s a story of accepting your brokenness and learning to heal, to find a new normal and realize that life is still worth embracing even when that life looks different than you hoped it would. It’s also an incredibly romantic tale, focusing around the power of love to survive betrayals and hardships and all manner of hurts, if only we can be open and vulnerable enough to accept its resilience when we don’t feel deserving of it.
There are some truly beautiful lines in this novel. It's both a compelling story and a deeply thoughtful, philosophical one. And it abounded with twists. I was surprised by my inability to guess what would happen, or what had happened in the past. The way in which our disparate plot lines were finally woven together was immensely satisfying. And, while this is the first book in a series, it is also a whole story, a wonderfully complete thought that had me sighing in contentment after finishing the final pages.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from the novel:
“Love means shared moments, limping through the rough patches together…”
“That’s what love—simple, authentic love—does for a man. It gently dances across the tension of his life and loosens it, then sits in the soreness with him while he recovers.”
“Truth is a gift wrapped up in trust that you hand to the one you love best.”
“Sometimes the broken wear their cracks a bit differently.”
“That’s one form of love, isn’t it? Giving to the one you love what you believe they want—even if it isn’t.”
“True love should be solid and dependable when nothing else in life is. One should never anchor oneself to anything that might change.”
“Love’s not a contract with her body. It’s with her soul…And her soul’s still in there.”
“Never build your house on sand when rock is available to you. Never build it on anything that can move. Because eventually, it will—including people. Or…your memories.”
“…most people write their bad memories in stone and their good ones in the sand. You have done the opposite.”
“That’s what love is. Promises kept, embraces lavished without reservation, and simple presence.”
“Sometimes we miss love because we don’t recognize it in its purest form. We’re too busy searching for what we believe it is.”
“Second chances are not earned…they’re granted. This is love. A relentless, intentional pursuit. The restraint to wait for permission, and the loyalty to never give up. A laying down of one’s own life and desires for the sake of another.”
“Age has a way of filtering out the important facts to make room for the valuable ones.”
“Love is…two broken people fitted together to hold each other up, to point each other toward God and wholeness and ordinary beauty, to small things that bring lasting joy. And because of brokenness in the world, perhaps all romances do end at marriage. But that’s precisely where a love story begins.”
Actual rating: 4.5 stars, rounded up.
“Dunn Cottage is a singular and remarkable place with an incredible history. It has withstood hundreds of years and thousands of love stories, and there’s exactly one reason why.”
The Life She Forgot is a split-time historical novel that, while conventional on the surface, has some unconventional quirks to the craftsmanship that completely captivated me. We follow Merryn (1st person, present tense) in 1913 and William (3rd person, present tense) in 1947. The two are linked by a seaside cottage and the mysterious portrait discovered there, one painted by an artist famous for only producing landscapes.
Merryn has no memories prior to being hit by a car while saving a child three years before we meet her. And she has no desire to recover them. For Merryn, memories are dangerous. For William, memories are safety. As well as the bane of his existence. Because he doesn't merely recall; he relives.
The way the first line of Merryn's perspective echoes the last line of William's, or vice versa, each time we shift between them was a wonderful touch that always gripped me. Sometimes these directly mirrored each other, and sometimes they were inverses. Here’s an example. At the end of one chapter, Merryn leaves us with: “If poor decisions are the poison, memories of truth are the antidote that keeps us safe.” The first line of the following chapter from William’s perspective is: “Memories are a poison, and new, fresh decisions are the only antidote.”
This is a story about coming to terms with the pain in your past, whether that pain was inflicted on you by another or is something that you wrought upon those you love. It’s a story of accepting your brokenness and learning to heal, to find a new normal and realize that life is still worth embracing even when that life looks different than you hoped it would. It’s also an incredibly romantic tale, focusing around the power of love to survive betrayals and hardships and all manner of hurts, if only we can be open and vulnerable enough to accept its resilience when we don’t feel deserving of it.
There are some truly beautiful lines in this novel. It's both a compelling story and a deeply thoughtful, philosophical one. And it abounded with twists. I was surprised by my inability to guess what would happen, or what had happened in the past. The way in which our disparate plot lines were finally woven together was immensely satisfying. And, while this is the first book in a series, it is also a whole story, a wonderfully complete thought that had me sighing in contentment after finishing the final pages.
Below are some of my favorite quotes from the novel:
“Love means shared moments, limping through the rough patches together…”
“That’s what love—simple, authentic love—does for a man. It gently dances across the tension of his life and loosens it, then sits in the soreness with him while he recovers.”
“Truth is a gift wrapped up in trust that you hand to the one you love best.”
“Sometimes the broken wear their cracks a bit differently.”
“That’s one form of love, isn’t it? Giving to the one you love what you believe they want—even if it isn’t.”
“True love should be solid and dependable when nothing else in life is. One should never anchor oneself to anything that might change.”
“Love’s not a contract with her body. It’s with her soul…And her soul’s still in there.”
“Never build your house on sand when rock is available to you. Never build it on anything that can move. Because eventually, it will—including people. Or…your memories.”
“…most people write their bad memories in stone and their good ones in the sand. You have done the opposite.”
“That’s what love is. Promises kept, embraces lavished without reservation, and simple presence.”
“Sometimes we miss love because we don’t recognize it in its purest form. We’re too busy searching for what we believe it is.”
“Second chances are not earned…they’re granted. This is love. A relentless, intentional pursuit. The restraint to wait for permission, and the loyalty to never give up. A laying down of one’s own life and desires for the sake of another.”
“Age has a way of filtering out the important facts to make room for the valuable ones.”
“Love is…two broken people fitted together to hold each other up, to point each other toward God and wholeness and ordinary beauty, to small things that bring lasting joy. And because of brokenness in the world, perhaps all romances do end at marriage. But that’s precisely where a love story begins.”
April 23, 2026
5 stars. Wow. I did not know what to expect of this book but I enjoyed it so much! The plot had such intense twists—never predictable for me—and I loved the mixture of suspense, romance, and self-discovery! The Edwardian Cornwall setting was gorgeous; the message is so needed & powerful, even for unmarried folks; the characters are vivid; the layering and storytelling and the mesh of storylines is brilliant; and the whole thing is so beautiful and unique—I could barely put it down and I cannot WAIT for the next book!!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
March 26, 2026
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review.
Joanna Davidson Politano is a new-to-me author, but I will certainly seek her books again. In The Life She Forgot, Merryn lost her memory 3 years ago, in 1910, when she saved a young boy from an oncoming car. She has lived with the St. Laurent's ever since, but now Lady St. Laurent has died and her will leaves the house to her daughter Sabine, and the money and guardianship of the boy to Merryn. But Sabine is determined to prove Merryn unfit and seize the money and the boy. Can a hasty marriage to AJ Winthrop and a trip to Cornwall help her retrieve her memory? And what is she to make of vague memories of another man and another wedding?
In 1947, William Thatcher is unsure why a stranger left Dunn Cottage to him, but he is happy to have a small place to live on the Cornish coast. He is intrigued by a portrait in the cottage and hopes to sell it to send the money home to the wife he hasn't seen since he returned, broken, from the war. Can his wife forgive him for mistakes in the past? Can he forgive himself?
Although there are several storylines and characters to keep track of, the two timelines interweave, even to the point of sharing ending and beginning lines in chapters. I enjoyed so many things about this novel. On the one hand, memories can plague a person. On the other hand, losing memory is like losing the essence of yourself. Multiple questions lure the reader and ramp up the plot repeatedly. Merryn is in a race against time to retrieve her memory so she can save herself and Cecil.
This book considers identity, parenting, greed, and marriage. Both William and Merryn have made mistakes in the past that haunt them in the present. Both struggle with their marriages. I loved the line, "Marriage is the Russian Roulette of humanity--deposit yourself firmly in the arms of another and hope they deign to catch you every day of your life." We all enter marriages unaware of what the future holds. Sometimes we wound one another. Sometimes we save one another. If you're looking for a Christian historical novel full of intrigue in a beautiful British setting, The Life She Forgot, will woo you and win you.
Joanna Davidson Politano is a new-to-me author, but I will certainly seek her books again. In The Life She Forgot, Merryn lost her memory 3 years ago, in 1910, when she saved a young boy from an oncoming car. She has lived with the St. Laurent's ever since, but now Lady St. Laurent has died and her will leaves the house to her daughter Sabine, and the money and guardianship of the boy to Merryn. But Sabine is determined to prove Merryn unfit and seize the money and the boy. Can a hasty marriage to AJ Winthrop and a trip to Cornwall help her retrieve her memory? And what is she to make of vague memories of another man and another wedding?
In 1947, William Thatcher is unsure why a stranger left Dunn Cottage to him, but he is happy to have a small place to live on the Cornish coast. He is intrigued by a portrait in the cottage and hopes to sell it to send the money home to the wife he hasn't seen since he returned, broken, from the war. Can his wife forgive him for mistakes in the past? Can he forgive himself?
Although there are several storylines and characters to keep track of, the two timelines interweave, even to the point of sharing ending and beginning lines in chapters. I enjoyed so many things about this novel. On the one hand, memories can plague a person. On the other hand, losing memory is like losing the essence of yourself. Multiple questions lure the reader and ramp up the plot repeatedly. Merryn is in a race against time to retrieve her memory so she can save herself and Cecil.
This book considers identity, parenting, greed, and marriage. Both William and Merryn have made mistakes in the past that haunt them in the present. Both struggle with their marriages. I loved the line, "Marriage is the Russian Roulette of humanity--deposit yourself firmly in the arms of another and hope they deign to catch you every day of your life." We all enter marriages unaware of what the future holds. Sometimes we wound one another. Sometimes we save one another. If you're looking for a Christian historical novel full of intrigue in a beautiful British setting, The Life She Forgot, will woo you and win you.
April 29, 2026
Just beautiful.
I always feel a bit hesitant to try and write a review for one of Joanna Davidson Politano's books, because I feel like my review just can't even do justice the beauty of the stories she writes. This book is no exception!
I think this is One of, if not THE BEST, sweet love stories ever.
Lyrical, whimsical, unexpected, surprising, ethereal, altogether lovely. Yes, these words all give you a tiny picture of the feelings displayed and evoked by this book! Joanna Davidson Politano continues to amaze and enchant me with each new book she writes.
This one is my new favorite.
It is best read slowly, savored, and enjoyed. I absolutely loved it! The characters, the setting, and all of it! The plot line was absolutely astounding. I never knew which way the journey would turn.
Merryn was .... well, quite Merryn. Rather unexpected. But, what else could she be, what with all she'd gone through.
And then there was AJ. And one never knew quite what to think of him.
And William. And Rupert. And Cecil....and others.
So what happens? The story begins with Merryn in a space where she'd lost her memories 3 years prior, and she needs to find security, so she asks her friend AJ to marry her.
But, her late employer made her guardian of her young son, and left her in charge of his fortune. And there is another person that really wanted to be the heir and inherit all of that. And that person will stop at nothing to have Merryn declared incompetent. So AJ and Merryn are forced to run immediately after they are wed.
And they are determined to adventure and hopefully discover Merryn's memories along the way.
The way this story all plays out is too beautiful for words.
You think you know the direction the story is taking....and then....NOPE! Plot twist! And something new and unexpected is revealed!
And the setting - beautiful Cornwall. And many various other places in England. So beautifully described one could almost see and taste it. And it has now been added to my bucket list of must-visit places.
This book is sure to become a new favorite of yours, too, and is one that will linger in the recesses of your mind long after you've read the last page. Only - this one promises something new for this author - a sequel! And I CANNOT wait!!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I always feel a bit hesitant to try and write a review for one of Joanna Davidson Politano's books, because I feel like my review just can't even do justice the beauty of the stories she writes. This book is no exception!
I think this is One of, if not THE BEST, sweet love stories ever.
Lyrical, whimsical, unexpected, surprising, ethereal, altogether lovely. Yes, these words all give you a tiny picture of the feelings displayed and evoked by this book! Joanna Davidson Politano continues to amaze and enchant me with each new book she writes.
This one is my new favorite.
It is best read slowly, savored, and enjoyed. I absolutely loved it! The characters, the setting, and all of it! The plot line was absolutely astounding. I never knew which way the journey would turn.
Merryn was .... well, quite Merryn. Rather unexpected. But, what else could she be, what with all she'd gone through.
And then there was AJ. And one never knew quite what to think of him.
And William. And Rupert. And Cecil....and others.
So what happens? The story begins with Merryn in a space where she'd lost her memories 3 years prior, and she needs to find security, so she asks her friend AJ to marry her.
But, her late employer made her guardian of her young son, and left her in charge of his fortune. And there is another person that really wanted to be the heir and inherit all of that. And that person will stop at nothing to have Merryn declared incompetent. So AJ and Merryn are forced to run immediately after they are wed.
And they are determined to adventure and hopefully discover Merryn's memories along the way.
The way this story all plays out is too beautiful for words.
You think you know the direction the story is taking....and then....NOPE! Plot twist! And something new and unexpected is revealed!
And the setting - beautiful Cornwall. And many various other places in England. So beautifully described one could almost see and taste it. And it has now been added to my bucket list of must-visit places.
This book is sure to become a new favorite of yours, too, and is one that will linger in the recesses of your mind long after you've read the last page. Only - this one promises something new for this author - a sequel! And I CANNOT wait!!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
April 9, 2026
I absolutely loved this story!! It was so good! I will admit it took me a bit to get used to the writing style but once I did I flew through it! Merryn lost her memory but is slowly seeing fuzzy memories in her head. She just got married to someone but is now getting memory glimpses of another man. Oh my goodness, the mystery element of this story is so good! There were a few twists and turns that definitely keep me guessing and I was here for it! There are actually two timelines in this story and they are connected. William is the main character of the other timeline. He is trying to figure out Merryn’s story as well as trying to figure out how to provide for his wife, Helen, who doesn’t know he is still alive. Overall, a fantastic story! And good Christian content. 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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 27, 2026
WHAT A RIDE! This story had so many twists and turns, adventure, and I felt all the feels right along with Merryn as she sifted through her memories and tried to make sense of her past and present. The multiple timelines and story threads were all beautiful individually and were masterfully woven together. This is such an amazing and convicting picture of how speculation, assumptions, and conspiracy can develop, of how our own fears can control our lives and hurt others, and finally of what true, deep, committed love is. I will be thinking about this story for a long time.
TW: Amnesia, PTSD from War, Custody & Sanity-in-Question based Court Trial, Emotional Nightmares/Flashbacks
TW: Amnesia, PTSD from War, Custody & Sanity-in-Question based Court Trial, Emotional Nightmares/Flashbacks
May 5, 2026
The Life She Forgot
by Joanna Davidson Politano
✨Reading Mood: Reflective, atmospheric, emotionally immersive, mysterious
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a beautifully written, deeply moving story. This was my first book by Joanna Davidson Politano, and it absolutely won’t be my last. Her writing feels lyrical and effortless, slowly drawing you in until you’re completely immersed in the world she’s created.
This book lingered with me in the quietest way. It pulls you under gently, like waves along the Cornish coast, until you’re fully lost in the story without even realizing it.
At its heart, this is a story about memory, identity, and the fragile space between what we remember and what we’ve lost. Truth unfolds slowly, piece by piece, in a way that feels both tender and deeply satisfying.
Set between 1913 and 1947 Cornwall, the dual timeline is woven together with such care, gradually revealing how everything perfectly connects. There’s a thread of mystery throughout that kept me turning pages, but what stayed with me most was the atmosphere and emotional depth.
Merryn completely captured my heart. Her strength, vulnerability, and quiet determination to understand who she is felt so real, and I loved the tenderness woven into her relationships.
William’s story carries a different kind of ache. Marked by loss and regret, yet grounded in quiet persistence, his journey felt like watching someone slowly reach toward light again.
I adore stories with twists I don’t see coming and endings that feel redemptive, and this one delivered that so beautifully. Not many books have the ability to leave me in tears. It takes a truly special story to draw out that kind of emotion from me, and this one absolutely did.
The way this book handles memory loss, amnesia, Alzheimer’s, and the lasting effects of trauma is done with such grace and care. It’s tender, honest, and beautifully written.
“I’m a broken human… but broken rocks still make a foundation.” That line captures the heart of this story so perfectly.
More than anything, this story made me feel. It made me pause, reflect, and sit with it long after I turned the final page.
A story of mystery, faith, love, and restoration. One I truly adored and will forever hold close to my heart. An easy 5 stars, and I’d give it even more if I could. 🥹🤍
Note: all of my reads lately have been accompanied by audiobooks to help me during this autoimmune flare and severe migraines. This one was beautifully done and added to the overall experience perfectly. 🫶
by Joanna Davidson Politano
✨Reading Mood: Reflective, atmospheric, emotionally immersive, mysterious
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a beautifully written, deeply moving story. This was my first book by Joanna Davidson Politano, and it absolutely won’t be my last. Her writing feels lyrical and effortless, slowly drawing you in until you’re completely immersed in the world she’s created.
This book lingered with me in the quietest way. It pulls you under gently, like waves along the Cornish coast, until you’re fully lost in the story without even realizing it.
At its heart, this is a story about memory, identity, and the fragile space between what we remember and what we’ve lost. Truth unfolds slowly, piece by piece, in a way that feels both tender and deeply satisfying.
Set between 1913 and 1947 Cornwall, the dual timeline is woven together with such care, gradually revealing how everything perfectly connects. There’s a thread of mystery throughout that kept me turning pages, but what stayed with me most was the atmosphere and emotional depth.
Merryn completely captured my heart. Her strength, vulnerability, and quiet determination to understand who she is felt so real, and I loved the tenderness woven into her relationships.
William’s story carries a different kind of ache. Marked by loss and regret, yet grounded in quiet persistence, his journey felt like watching someone slowly reach toward light again.
I adore stories with twists I don’t see coming and endings that feel redemptive, and this one delivered that so beautifully. Not many books have the ability to leave me in tears. It takes a truly special story to draw out that kind of emotion from me, and this one absolutely did.
The way this book handles memory loss, amnesia, Alzheimer’s, and the lasting effects of trauma is done with such grace and care. It’s tender, honest, and beautifully written.
“I’m a broken human… but broken rocks still make a foundation.” That line captures the heart of this story so perfectly.
More than anything, this story made me feel. It made me pause, reflect, and sit with it long after I turned the final page.
A story of mystery, faith, love, and restoration. One I truly adored and will forever hold close to my heart. An easy 5 stars, and I’d give it even more if I could. 🥹🤍
Note: all of my reads lately have been accompanied by audiobooks to help me during this autoimmune flare and severe migraines. This one was beautifully done and added to the overall experience perfectly. 🫶
April 16, 2026
I have thoroughly enjoyed every novel that Joanna Davidson Politano has written. And though this one was a bit different from her normal fare, in that it is a dual timeline story and the first in a series, I still absolutely loved it! This story follows Merryn in 1913, as she has forgotten all of her past in an accident and she is fighting for a little boy in her care. In 1947, William has returned from the war a broken man. When he finds a painting of a woman in the house that was mysteriously bequeathed to him, he seeks out more information on who Merryn was and why there is a painting of her seemingly done by an artist who never painted people. Both timelines (and the series itself) revolve around the house itself - the House on the Edge of the Cliff.
I have always loved dual timelines, but I know that many do not. If that element is typically a struggle for you, I would still recommend giving this one a try as the timelines are distinct. I think it helps that one timeline is primarily a woman's viewpoint and the other is primarily a man's. Also, Merryn's chapters are written in 1st person, while William's are in 3rd. These factors truly help to delineate the timelines and make the story flow more freely without being confusing. The one thing I enjoy most about dual timeline stories is how the timelines come together at the end, and this story did that absolutely beautifully. I loved seeing how William's and Merryn's stories intertwined and the mysteries behind her past that remained hidden behind her memory loss. This story had me questioning who was a good guy and who was a bad guy at every turn. Though I do not prefer the unreliable narrator, in this story, it totally worked. I would call this one "faith-light" as the faith element is not front and center. However, in the same way the book of Esther in the Bible never mentions God's name, but tells a story that points its hearers to Him, this story has a similar effect. And though it has a more overt faith thread, the story is still completely clean. This story ended up being a beautiful love story, one of the best I've read! I would easily recommend this book to fans of historical mysteries, dual timelines and love stories (I hesitate to call it a romance as it was so much more than that!). Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
I have always loved dual timelines, but I know that many do not. If that element is typically a struggle for you, I would still recommend giving this one a try as the timelines are distinct. I think it helps that one timeline is primarily a woman's viewpoint and the other is primarily a man's. Also, Merryn's chapters are written in 1st person, while William's are in 3rd. These factors truly help to delineate the timelines and make the story flow more freely without being confusing. The one thing I enjoy most about dual timeline stories is how the timelines come together at the end, and this story did that absolutely beautifully. I loved seeing how William's and Merryn's stories intertwined and the mysteries behind her past that remained hidden behind her memory loss. This story had me questioning who was a good guy and who was a bad guy at every turn. Though I do not prefer the unreliable narrator, in this story, it totally worked. I would call this one "faith-light" as the faith element is not front and center. However, in the same way the book of Esther in the Bible never mentions God's name, but tells a story that points its hearers to Him, this story has a similar effect. And though it has a more overt faith thread, the story is still completely clean. This story ended up being a beautiful love story, one of the best I've read! I would easily recommend this book to fans of historical mysteries, dual timelines and love stories (I hesitate to call it a romance as it was so much more than that!). Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
April 21, 2026
"I'm a broken human. I live with that awareness every day. But broken rocks still make a foundation."
It is another incredible dual-time historical fiction by Joanna Davidson Politano. The writing style is poetic and lyrical with a gentle, lilting cadence and the author will draw you right into 1913 and 1947 Cornwall, England with the beauty of the seaside and mysteries swirling around Dunn Cottage. I loved how the threads of the past and present were slowly and tightly woven to create such a rich tapestry. After I finished the last page, I had to sit back and contemplate all the clues dropped in each timeline and how they all tied together to fully savor the complex and intricate flavor of the story in its entirety. Mystery and intrigue, a hint of gothic flare, faith, and true love that transcends amnesia, terrible accidents, and fear make this book truly enjoyable; the incredible plot, beautiful writing, and unforgettable characters make this book a stand-out of 2026.
I loved the first person voice of Merryn in 1913. She possessed such wit, loyalty, tenderness, compassion, and grit even in the face of the uncertainties caused by her memory loss. Her doubts and fears were real and made for good suspense. Her banter with AJ was delightful. William in 1947 was a bit darker, hollowed out from the war and lost in despair from his regrets. Yet his love and loyalty drove him forward each day to find answers regarding a painting and see it sold to help his estranged wife. The author addressed PTSD from war and dementia from aging skillfully and gently in the story but it still broke my heart to see these characters I have come to love suffer from them. The ending brought me to tears to see how broken relationships can mend and blossom.
This is one of my favorite reads of 2026. Once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
It is another incredible dual-time historical fiction by Joanna Davidson Politano. The writing style is poetic and lyrical with a gentle, lilting cadence and the author will draw you right into 1913 and 1947 Cornwall, England with the beauty of the seaside and mysteries swirling around Dunn Cottage. I loved how the threads of the past and present were slowly and tightly woven to create such a rich tapestry. After I finished the last page, I had to sit back and contemplate all the clues dropped in each timeline and how they all tied together to fully savor the complex and intricate flavor of the story in its entirety. Mystery and intrigue, a hint of gothic flare, faith, and true love that transcends amnesia, terrible accidents, and fear make this book truly enjoyable; the incredible plot, beautiful writing, and unforgettable characters make this book a stand-out of 2026.
I loved the first person voice of Merryn in 1913. She possessed such wit, loyalty, tenderness, compassion, and grit even in the face of the uncertainties caused by her memory loss. Her doubts and fears were real and made for good suspense. Her banter with AJ was delightful. William in 1947 was a bit darker, hollowed out from the war and lost in despair from his regrets. Yet his love and loyalty drove him forward each day to find answers regarding a painting and see it sold to help his estranged wife. The author addressed PTSD from war and dementia from aging skillfully and gently in the story but it still broke my heart to see these characters I have come to love suffer from them. The ending brought me to tears to see how broken relationships can mend and blossom.
This is one of my favorite reads of 2026. Once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
April 22, 2026
Well, Joanna pulled me in with this one, and once I read the first lines of the story, I could not stop reading!
Merryn has lost her memory and is now scrambling to settle down for her own security and for the orphaned boy she is the guardian of. AJ is the man she has chosen to settle down with. It seems like a risky plan given she has only known him a short time, but she trusts him, and his presence gives her peace, so she takes the plunge. But as feelings grow in their marriage of convenience, her memories start to return, and with them, the face of another man!
As she and AJ find their footing in their new marriage, they must also fight to recover her memories before she risks being thrown into an asylum and losing her ability to remain Cecil’s guardian. But as her memories return, questions arise about her new husband, and her past, present, and future become less and less certain. Who was she? What happened? Who is she now, and who is she married to?
As we come alongside her story, we also get an additional timeline that ultimately ties in, along with multiple points of view that pull together several mysteries and romances, making this story nothing short of spectacular.
AJ and Merryn’s romance had me on the edge of my seat, not knowing what the truth was. And as I got a sneak peek into William’s story, I was so curious how he tied in. Getting all the different POVs in the story was wonderful. What a story this was. I did NOT see it coming!
This was my first one by Joanna, and it won’t be my last. And the hint at the next story has me super excited!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Merryn has lost her memory and is now scrambling to settle down for her own security and for the orphaned boy she is the guardian of. AJ is the man she has chosen to settle down with. It seems like a risky plan given she has only known him a short time, but she trusts him, and his presence gives her peace, so she takes the plunge. But as feelings grow in their marriage of convenience, her memories start to return, and with them, the face of another man!
As she and AJ find their footing in their new marriage, they must also fight to recover her memories before she risks being thrown into an asylum and losing her ability to remain Cecil’s guardian. But as her memories return, questions arise about her new husband, and her past, present, and future become less and less certain. Who was she? What happened? Who is she now, and who is she married to?
As we come alongside her story, we also get an additional timeline that ultimately ties in, along with multiple points of view that pull together several mysteries and romances, making this story nothing short of spectacular.
AJ and Merryn’s romance had me on the edge of my seat, not knowing what the truth was. And as I got a sneak peek into William’s story, I was so curious how he tied in. Getting all the different POVs in the story was wonderful. What a story this was. I did NOT see it coming!
This was my first one by Joanna, and it won’t be my last. And the hint at the next story has me super excited!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
April 20, 2026
Books don’t usually make me cry but this one hit all the feels! The story was so beautiful! Each character was broken in their own way, but came to learn that real love exists within it. I loved this story so much and I will most assuredly be reading it again and buying all the rest of the series when she releases it!
April 5, 2026
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
This book had me hooked from start to finish. I absolutely love Politano’s style of writing… so poetic and lyrical, with stunning descriptions that make you feel like you’re in the scene. The flashbacks/dual timeline was well done, the pacing of the mystery was perfect, and the ending was a well-planned swerve! I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Politano’s works!
This book had me hooked from start to finish. I absolutely love Politano’s style of writing… so poetic and lyrical, with stunning descriptions that make you feel like you’re in the scene. The flashbacks/dual timeline was well done, the pacing of the mystery was perfect, and the ending was a well-planned swerve! I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Politano’s works!
April 28, 2026
Thank you to the author for this #gifted book!*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Title: The Life She Forgot
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Genre: Historical Fiction
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Synopsis: Merryn has no recollection of anything but the last three years of her life in 1913, but she’s quite fond of the life she remembers. So when the opportunity arises to marry the handsome and charming stranger she met only recently, she proposes to him—it’s the only way to save this life she loves. But a mysterious glimpse of the past interrupts her wedding day and sends her running up the coast of Cornwall to discover who this other man was that she saw in her memory. In 1947, William Crawford would do anything he can do forget his past. His life in the war haunts him to this day and has ruined his future—perhaps he can make it right by selling his beloved cottage. But when a hidden painting of the beautiful Merryn Dunn is discovered in his home, he finds himself searching for who this woman is and why he is so drawn to her lost look. In this stunning and layered mystery, both Merryn and Williams find themselves searching for redemption that seems lost to time, but is there hope that can overcome lost memory?
Analysis: If you’re looking for the next read that will keep you guessing until the end, this book is for you! I absolutely love the way that Joanna designed this dual timeline historical fiction. The setting is gorgeous; I felt like I was walking the shores of Cornwall myself. And there are layers upon layers in the story that will keep you turning the page for more. I must say that I was a little nervous with some of the plot (anyone remember the first time you watched frozen and found out about Hans?!), but the happy ending does come in the end! Merryn and William explore two opposite sides of memory—hoping to remember and wishing to forget. This book sparks questions of the value of memories and how they shape who we are, but it focuses on the hope that love can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances. The Life She Forgot will have you lost in the pages of a beautiful love story that stands the test of time.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Title: The Life She Forgot
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Genre: Historical Fiction
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Synopsis: Merryn has no recollection of anything but the last three years of her life in 1913, but she’s quite fond of the life she remembers. So when the opportunity arises to marry the handsome and charming stranger she met only recently, she proposes to him—it’s the only way to save this life she loves. But a mysterious glimpse of the past interrupts her wedding day and sends her running up the coast of Cornwall to discover who this other man was that she saw in her memory. In 1947, William Crawford would do anything he can do forget his past. His life in the war haunts him to this day and has ruined his future—perhaps he can make it right by selling his beloved cottage. But when a hidden painting of the beautiful Merryn Dunn is discovered in his home, he finds himself searching for who this woman is and why he is so drawn to her lost look. In this stunning and layered mystery, both Merryn and Williams find themselves searching for redemption that seems lost to time, but is there hope that can overcome lost memory?
Analysis: If you’re looking for the next read that will keep you guessing until the end, this book is for you! I absolutely love the way that Joanna designed this dual timeline historical fiction. The setting is gorgeous; I felt like I was walking the shores of Cornwall myself. And there are layers upon layers in the story that will keep you turning the page for more. I must say that I was a little nervous with some of the plot (anyone remember the first time you watched frozen and found out about Hans?!), but the happy ending does come in the end! Merryn and William explore two opposite sides of memory—hoping to remember and wishing to forget. This book sparks questions of the value of memories and how they shape who we are, but it focuses on the hope that love can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances. The Life She Forgot will have you lost in the pages of a beautiful love story that stands the test of time.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 28, 2026
Wowsers!!! This book is definitely one I would tell you to pick up and buckle up because you're going to be in for one wild ride! I was so engrossed and couldn't turn the pages fast enough! Honestly! Some things left me a little confused but that was because not all of the information was revealed at first. So I was guessing and trying to piece together the clues. Some things I figured out right away and others I couldn't up until the reveal came! And the last couple of chapters and epilogue!!! Oh my word!!! I didn't guess or make those connections and when they came my jaw dropped!!! But it all made perfect sense!
Two time periods; Cornwall 1913 & 1947. Two mysteries. A single painting. A house. A great and lasting love...if only she could remember it. But when she does, what will that entail for her present life?
I want to tell you so much about this story but fear that I might spoil it. And this is one that you want to savor and discover all of the things on your own as you read it. I promise it is worth the ride! Don't read any reviews that might spoil it. Stop reading my review and go read the book! *Winks*
Content: This book does talk about a character who struggles with PTSD from WWII. There is a character who has amnesia. Death. Danger. Trying to find one's past. Heartache and a beautiful and sweet and clean love story. There are several kisses described but nothing further. Some mention of married couples but nothing in detail. Some mild suspense.
I received a copy from the publisher, Grafted Page Press, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Two time periods; Cornwall 1913 & 1947. Two mysteries. A single painting. A house. A great and lasting love...if only she could remember it. But when she does, what will that entail for her present life?
I want to tell you so much about this story but fear that I might spoil it. And this is one that you want to savor and discover all of the things on your own as you read it. I promise it is worth the ride! Don't read any reviews that might spoil it. Stop reading my review and go read the book! *Winks*
Content: This book does talk about a character who struggles with PTSD from WWII. There is a character who has amnesia. Death. Danger. Trying to find one's past. Heartache and a beautiful and sweet and clean love story. There are several kisses described but nothing further. Some mention of married couples but nothing in detail. Some mild suspense.
I received a copy from the publisher, Grafted Page Press, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
April 27, 2026
This is FOR SURE another top read for 2026. And it may just possibly be one of my favorite books now in general!
First, the cover is absolutely beautiful and I’m a reader who definitely appreciates a well done cover - it does truly add to the reading experience. It’s deep and moody in all the right way, with a beautifully done color scheme.
Second, on the story itself: it is one full of intrigue and mystery. I thought I had everything all figured out but I was wrong. The author not only had plot twists, but her plot twists had plot twists.. and then some turns too! I was not prepared for the wild ride she takes her readers on but it was SO GOOD.
The author writes so beautifully and almost poetically. I’m not one to tab my books but I definitely want to with this one. I may have to reread it to do just that AND look out for all of the clues/ hints I missed along the way.
I absolutely loved the overall messages that are found within this story about marriage, true and lasting love, sacrifice,, devotion, healing, forgiveness, and redemption. This isn’t a typical “romance” book where the story ends at a wedding but one of lasting love within a marriage many decades beyond the vows.
First, the cover is absolutely beautiful and I’m a reader who definitely appreciates a well done cover - it does truly add to the reading experience. It’s deep and moody in all the right way, with a beautifully done color scheme.
Second, on the story itself: it is one full of intrigue and mystery. I thought I had everything all figured out but I was wrong. The author not only had plot twists, but her plot twists had plot twists.. and then some turns too! I was not prepared for the wild ride she takes her readers on but it was SO GOOD.
The author writes so beautifully and almost poetically. I’m not one to tab my books but I definitely want to with this one. I may have to reread it to do just that AND look out for all of the clues/ hints I missed along the way.
I absolutely loved the overall messages that are found within this story about marriage, true and lasting love, sacrifice,, devotion, healing, forgiveness, and redemption. This isn’t a typical “romance” book where the story ends at a wedding but one of lasting love within a marriage many decades beyond the vows.
April 21, 2026
Achingly beautiful! Original and creative, this intriguing story captivates from the first page and doesn’t let go. The mystery has several unexpected plot twists and the dual-time romances are poignantly tender. The characters are brilliant and inspiring as they work through memory loss, mistrust, heartbreak and healing. Joanna Davidson Politano is a must-read author for me who never fails to produce a masterpiece. I’m thoroughly amazed at the world she creates in this story!
Be sure to read the book description written by the author as it captures the compelling plot perfectly. This is a book I want to read again!
Favorite quote: “Love is two broken people fitted together to hold each other up, to point each other toward God and wholeness and ordinary beauty, to small things that bring lasting joy. And because of brokenness in the world, perhaps all romances do end at marriage. But that's precisely where a love story begins.”
I received a free copy of this story. My review is voluntary.
Be sure to read the book description written by the author as it captures the compelling plot perfectly. This is a book I want to read again!
Favorite quote: “Love is two broken people fitted together to hold each other up, to point each other toward God and wholeness and ordinary beauty, to small things that bring lasting joy. And because of brokenness in the world, perhaps all romances do end at marriage. But that's precisely where a love story begins.”
I received a free copy of this story. My review is voluntary.
May 1, 2026
Joanna Politano is a master when it comes to weaving words together. And she draws you into the setting so completely. I didn't know what to believe for the majority of the story - who to trust... And I loved that it kept me going back and forth. And in true Joanna fashion, there's a depth to the story that is revealed in a wonderful AH-HA moment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Truly a Love Story-
A character who has lost memories and one who cannot get away from his…
This multifaceted, emotion-evoking story explores what love is, that love requires sacrifice, and that we must leave the past but also be present in it…for the past teaches us much about ourselves.
This is truly an amazing book, classically written with beautiful passages, complex characters and a plot that had me from the beginning. Now, one of my favorite JDP books, this brilliant love story speaks strongly of God’s providence in creating someone, for each of us, that we can love for a lifetime.
So, yes, this book has an underlying spiritual arc. One cannot love like these characters without knowing the love of God. He is there in this story, amongst the pages and pouring out onto every word.
A few favorite quotes without spoilers-
“No one tells you how lost and foolish you feel without the library of accumulated experiences everyone takes for granted. They are the lens that clarifies everything, including ourselves. They are accumulated knowledge, distilled down into wisdom.”
“Memories are an anchor, keeping us rooted to our little piece of the earth when all else changes around us.”
“Memories are involuntary. And the ones a person most wishes to remove…those hold faster than anything.”
“My past self is a curious mystery whose pages I am turning almost by accident.”
The audiobook narrated by Amy Scanlon is as exceptional as the story itself. She has become one of my favorite narrators. Her accent, inflections and portrayal of different characters proves to capture the story and bring it to life.
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased a print copy of this book.
A character who has lost memories and one who cannot get away from his…
This multifaceted, emotion-evoking story explores what love is, that love requires sacrifice, and that we must leave the past but also be present in it…for the past teaches us much about ourselves.
This is truly an amazing book, classically written with beautiful passages, complex characters and a plot that had me from the beginning. Now, one of my favorite JDP books, this brilliant love story speaks strongly of God’s providence in creating someone, for each of us, that we can love for a lifetime.
So, yes, this book has an underlying spiritual arc. One cannot love like these characters without knowing the love of God. He is there in this story, amongst the pages and pouring out onto every word.
A few favorite quotes without spoilers-
“No one tells you how lost and foolish you feel without the library of accumulated experiences everyone takes for granted. They are the lens that clarifies everything, including ourselves. They are accumulated knowledge, distilled down into wisdom.”
“Memories are an anchor, keeping us rooted to our little piece of the earth when all else changes around us.”
“Memories are involuntary. And the ones a person most wishes to remove…those hold faster than anything.”
“My past self is a curious mystery whose pages I am turning almost by accident.”
The audiobook narrated by Amy Scanlon is as exceptional as the story itself. She has become one of my favorite narrators. Her accent, inflections and portrayal of different characters proves to capture the story and bring it to life.
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased a print copy of this book.
April 29, 2026
I was excited to read this book as I have heard great reviews about some of the author's other books and have them on my TBR. However, I struggled through this book a little bit. One of the reasons is that one of the viewpoints was told in first person, which I sometimes find hard to follow. I know it was a mystery that you were supposed to discover through reading the book, but I didn't always feel like I knew what was going on and was confused about who was who. I did like how the chapters connected to each other when changing viewpoints.
I liked the author's writing style and thought that some of her descriptions were uniquely visual (for example: evading Sabine was like outrunning a plague or poison).
Favorite quotes:
- "Marriage is the Russian Roulette of humanity - deposit yourself firmly in the arms of another, and hope they deign to catch you every day of your life."
- "Love's not a contract with her body. It's with her soul."
- "Some days, you must have love enough for two."
- "True humility doesn't mean thinking of yourself less, but thinking less about yourself. There's a difference."
- "Sometimes we miss love because we don't recognize it in its purest form. We're too busy searching for what we believe it is."
- "Love is... two broken people who find one another and somehow embrace the broken pieces."
- "Love is... two broken people fitted together to hold each other up, to point each other toward God and wholeness and ordinary beauty, to small things that bring lasting joy. And because of brokenness in the world, perhaps all romances do end at marriage. But that's precisely where a love story begins."
I liked the author's writing style and thought that some of her descriptions were uniquely visual (for example: evading Sabine was like outrunning a plague or poison).
Favorite quotes:
- "Marriage is the Russian Roulette of humanity - deposit yourself firmly in the arms of another, and hope they deign to catch you every day of your life."
- "Love's not a contract with her body. It's with her soul."
- "Some days, you must have love enough for two."
- "True humility doesn't mean thinking of yourself less, but thinking less about yourself. There's a difference."
- "Sometimes we miss love because we don't recognize it in its purest form. We're too busy searching for what we believe it is."
- "Love is... two broken people who find one another and somehow embrace the broken pieces."
- "Love is... two broken people fitted together to hold each other up, to point each other toward God and wholeness and ordinary beauty, to small things that bring lasting joy. And because of brokenness in the world, perhaps all romances do end at marriage. But that's precisely where a love story begins."
April 30, 2026
From the very first chapter, this story pulled me in and never let go. The pacing was fast and engaging, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I loved how the dual timeline unfolded—it was seamless and came together beautifully.
The Cornwall coast setting added such a rich, atmospheric layer to the story. I’ve always loved books set there, and this one truly brought it to life.
After a stretch of slower, more “slow-burn” reads, this was exactly what I needed to break out of a reading slump. Politano delivered a story that was both compelling and unpredictable.
✨ A page-turner with heart, mystery, and just the right amount of atmosphere—exactly the kind of book that reminds you why you love reading. ✨
The Cornwall coast setting added such a rich, atmospheric layer to the story. I’ve always loved books set there, and this one truly brought it to life.
After a stretch of slower, more “slow-burn” reads, this was exactly what I needed to break out of a reading slump. Politano delivered a story that was both compelling and unpredictable.
✨ A page-turner with heart, mystery, and just the right amount of atmosphere—exactly the kind of book that reminds you why you love reading. ✨
April 16, 2026
Absolutely loved this book! It was my first by Politano, but I will definitely be reading more. This book had so many twists and turns, lots of banter, romance, and found family. I couldn’t put it down! I stayed up until after 1 am to finish it. The writing pulled me in right away. The descriptions were fantastic and I had no trouble imagining each scene. The story is so heartbreakingly beautiful and is one that will stay with me.
I won’t say too much about it because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
*I was sent a complimentary copy with no expectations for a favorable review.
I won’t say too much about it because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
*I was sent a complimentary copy with no expectations for a favorable review.
April 29, 2026
If you are looking for a book that will keep you guessing at every turn, this is it. From the very first page I had to keep reading, just to see what would happen next. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I can see she has a lot of talent in weaving stories of mystery and intrigue. I would have liked to see a stronger faith aspect within the story. But overall a really incredible book.
April 1, 2026
Achingly beautiful! Original and creative, this intriguing story captivates from the first page and doesn’t let go. The mystery has several unexpected plot twists and the dual-time romances are poignantly tender. The characters are brilliant and inspiring as they work through memory loss, mistrust, heartbreak and healing. Joanna Davidson Politano is a must-read author for me who never fails to produce a masterpiece. I’m thoroughly amazed at the world she creates in this story!
Be sure to read the book description written by the author as it captures the compelling plot perfectly. This is a book I want to read again!
Favorite quote: “Love is two broken people fitted together to hold each other up, to point each other toward God and wholeness and ordinary beauty, to small things that bring lasting joy. And because of brokenness in the world, perhaps all romances do end at marriage. But that's precisely where a love story begins.”
I received a free copy of this story. My review is voluntary.
Be sure to read the book description written by the author as it captures the compelling plot perfectly. This is a book I want to read again!
Favorite quote: “Love is two broken people fitted together to hold each other up, to point each other toward God and wholeness and ordinary beauty, to small things that bring lasting joy. And because of brokenness in the world, perhaps all romances do end at marriage. But that's precisely where a love story begins.”
I received a free copy of this story. My review is voluntary.
April 13, 2026
Definitely one of the best books I've read this year so far. Which was no surprise, since I am a big Politano fan! I read this as part of her ARC team and am reviewing it because I want to. It was a pleasure to read, As always, there were unexpected twists and turns, and finding out who Merryn really is (as she discovers herself at the same time) keeps things interesting. *Spoiler alert* I loved that, once again, the supposed "bad guy" turns out to be as true and genuine as my first impression. The author is so good at creating truly good men, and I love that.
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