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The Life She Forgot
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Expected 21 Apr 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
19 days and 01:39:30
100 copies available
U.S. only
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
Expected publication April 21, 2026
11 people are currently reading
1305 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Davidson Politano
9 books1,614 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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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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.
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.
March 24, 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!
March 24, 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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, just trying to process all my thoughts, all the feels as I finish this story...the loose threads of this multi-layered story are skillfully woven into a brilliant masterpiece full of color and light. Ms. Politano's prose is exquisite, unique, captivating. The Life She Forgot is a dual timeline, one set in 1913, the other in 1947. Excellent plot pacing and transitioning between the two storylines. At first, they seem disjointed or forced, but they come together in an unexpected and ultimately satisfying way.
Meryn has suffered a memory loss and finds herself racing against time to discover the truths of her past. Not only must she recover her memories, she must discover whom she can trust as more than one gentleman lay claim to her heart. William is running from memories of the past that continue to haunt him. His memories only bring guilt and feelings of unworthiness, ones that have him hiding. Each has a personal journey that is poignant. and at times, heartbreaking. With an original storyline and many unpredictable twists I was riveted to the page. I couldn't help but root for both, hoping for a future full of hope and love.
I love that it is a story that focuses on the importance of a lifelong love, not just a passionate romance. On a lifetime of choices, of choosing to be there, to support, to forgive, to nurture and to love. A favorite quote: " He isn't the one who lost me, but the one who came and found me, sweeping me up and loving the broken pieces of me, holding me gently together while the shattered pieces mended.”
Fans of Amanda Dykes writing will fall in love with this story, the first book in The House on the Edge of the Cliff series. I cannot wait to return to Cornwall for the next book in the series.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Meryn has suffered a memory loss and finds herself racing against time to discover the truths of her past. Not only must she recover her memories, she must discover whom she can trust as more than one gentleman lay claim to her heart. William is running from memories of the past that continue to haunt him. His memories only bring guilt and feelings of unworthiness, ones that have him hiding. Each has a personal journey that is poignant. and at times, heartbreaking. With an original storyline and many unpredictable twists I was riveted to the page. I couldn't help but root for both, hoping for a future full of hope and love.
I love that it is a story that focuses on the importance of a lifelong love, not just a passionate romance. On a lifetime of choices, of choosing to be there, to support, to forgive, to nurture and to love. A favorite quote: " He isn't the one who lost me, but the one who came and found me, sweeping me up and loving the broken pieces of me, holding me gently together while the shattered pieces mended.”
Fans of Amanda Dykes writing will fall in love with this story, the first book in The House on the Edge of the Cliff series. I cannot wait to return to Cornwall for the next book in the series.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed the two timelines and how they were connected. I often don't like dual timeline but this was done well and I loved that the pieces came together as gradually rather than one big reveal at the end.
I love Politano's writing. it is so atmospheric, and she is a master at setting a scene. The seashore was particularly important to this story, and it felt very real.
As opposed to romance being the center of this story, it focused on a different kind of love. It was a kind of love that focused on honesty, trust, and acceptance. I enjoyed this look at love and how it looks different in different situations, particularly when memory loss of different kinds are involved
My only complaint is that I was confused at some points...but I am a nursing mom so that could be a me thing. I also would have liked to have trusted one of the characters more for myself instead of relying on Merryn's memories, which I could never know for sure if I could trust.
In the end, I enjoyed the writing, the story, and how it all wrapped up.
I really enjoyed the two timelines and how they were connected. I often don't like dual timeline but this was done well and I loved that the pieces came together as gradually rather than one big reveal at the end.
I love Politano's writing. it is so atmospheric, and she is a master at setting a scene. The seashore was particularly important to this story, and it felt very real.
As opposed to romance being the center of this story, it focused on a different kind of love. It was a kind of love that focused on honesty, trust, and acceptance. I enjoyed this look at love and how it looks different in different situations, particularly when memory loss of different kinds are involved
My only complaint is that I was confused at some points...but I am a nursing mom so that could be a me thing. I also would have liked to have trusted one of the characters more for myself instead of relying on Merryn's memories, which I could never know for sure if I could trust.
In the end, I enjoyed the writing, the story, and how it all wrapped up.
March 17, 2026
Oh how my heart sighs with love for this beautiful heartfelt story.
I just finished this beautiful story at 2am in the morning because I couldn't put Merryn and Ansel's story down.
Love knows no boundaries or bounds when two people are meant for each other no matter how hard times get.
I found myself sobbing during parts of this book. That's something I don't normally do but this was really touching for me.
Some of Merryn's and Ansel's adventures did make me giggle because that's what some couples just do.
This is my 3rd favorite book of the year that I've been blessed to read. It indeed gave me a gentle reminder that always cherish the ones you love. Because, someday they may not be around anymore.
Hope is also offered along this couples journey but the love part of it is my favorite.
A good clean read that I highly recommend
5 stars for a job well done. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
I received this book from Interviews and Reviews through NetGalley via Revell
I just finished this beautiful story at 2am in the morning because I couldn't put Merryn and Ansel's story down.
Love knows no boundaries or bounds when two people are meant for each other no matter how hard times get.
I found myself sobbing during parts of this book. That's something I don't normally do but this was really touching for me.
Some of Merryn's and Ansel's adventures did make me giggle because that's what some couples just do.
This is my 3rd favorite book of the year that I've been blessed to read. It indeed gave me a gentle reminder that always cherish the ones you love. Because, someday they may not be around anymore.
Hope is also offered along this couples journey but the love part of it is my favorite.
A good clean read that I highly recommend
5 stars for a job well done. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
I received this book from Interviews and Reviews through NetGalley via Revell
Review of advance copy received from Author
There’s a lot to love about this book! I loved the setting, especially Dunn Cottage that feels like another character in the book. We have a character who has forgotten everything and must remember and we have another character who remembers horrible things he wants to forget. There are the multiple characters with hidden agendas and ulterior motives. It all makes for a great mystery filled with tension.
The author takes readers on a journey of identity and discovery along with characters who learn how to live with the good and bad things in life as they shape the person we become. I loved the multiple twists and turns in this book. I will say there are a lot of characters and memories (not all reliable) to keep track of in this book, but it all comes together beautifully in the end!
I highlighted many powerful quotes that reached deep into my heart and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review.
The author takes readers on a journey of identity and discovery along with characters who learn how to live with the good and bad things in life as they shape the person we become. I loved the multiple twists and turns in this book. I will say there are a lot of characters and memories (not all reliable) to keep track of in this book, but it all comes together beautifully in the end!
I highlighted many powerful quotes that reached deep into my heart and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review.
March 25, 2026
Set in the windswept Cornish Coast, “The Life She Forgot” by Joanna Davidson Politano is a sweeping dual-timeline novel of identity, memory, and the love that endures, even when everything else has fallen by the wayside. Here is a captivating tale of a man named William who is intrigued by a woman captured on canvas — Merryn Dunn. She holds mysterious secrets that could unravel everything William thinks he knows. She might even hold the key to the redemption he dares to hope for.
Joanna Davidson Politano gave me an advance reader copy of this book. She did not require me to write a review. She understands the reviewer’s right to choose, and she stands by her reviewers. Loyal and faithful, Joanna writes in deep sincerity, opening her heart to her readers. This is why I never miss a chance to review her books, which I love with all my heart. Joanna’s stories capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives, inspire me deeply and teach me invaluable lessons.
Joanna Davidson Politano gave me an advance reader copy of this book. She did not require me to write a review. She understands the reviewer’s right to choose, and she stands by her reviewers. Loyal and faithful, Joanna writes in deep sincerity, opening her heart to her readers. This is why I never miss a chance to review her books, which I love with all my heart. Joanna’s stories capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives, inspire me deeply and teach me invaluable lessons.
March 26, 2026
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review.
This is definitely a love story with all the twists and turns that this author is known for and I was here for it completely. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning right along with Merryn while she was trying to regain her memory. There were so many thought provoking quotes that stood out to me especially in regard to marriage and love and what those look like through different seasons in life. I especially enjoyed the music aspect that was included throughout the storyline. The writing in this story made me think of The Lost Melody by her as well. It is a book that will completely draw you in. I would highly recommend it.
This is definitely a love story with all the twists and turns that this author is known for and I was here for it completely. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning right along with Merryn while she was trying to regain her memory. There were so many thought provoking quotes that stood out to me especially in regard to marriage and love and what those look like through different seasons in life. I especially enjoyed the music aspect that was included throughout the storyline. The writing in this story made me think of The Lost Melody by her as well. It is a book that will completely draw you in. I would highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are some books that when I get to the end of them I want to start over again immediately. The Life She Forgot was one of those.
It was so atmospheric— I wanted to melt into the pages and be transported to
Cornwall. Not only that, I loved the characters and the mystery that surrounded them. I loved the theme of memories and how two characters embodied opposite views on memories. One had lost her memories and wanted them back and another held horrible memories and wanted them gone. This set up such a beautiful tension that explored the nuances of what it looks like to hold both good and bad memories and how to move forward in life with hope regardless.
With themes of learning what true love looks like (far past romance), healing from brokenness, and touching emotional depth this is a novel I’ll be re-reading and highly recommend!
Some of my favorite quotes:
“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.”
“Often, surrender is a last resort, the thing we avoid for so long, yet it eventually gives us exactly what we were searching for.”
“If poor decisions are the poison, memories of truth are the antidote that keeps us safe.”
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review.
It was so atmospheric— I wanted to melt into the pages and be transported to
Cornwall. Not only that, I loved the characters and the mystery that surrounded them. I loved the theme of memories and how two characters embodied opposite views on memories. One had lost her memories and wanted them back and another held horrible memories and wanted them gone. This set up such a beautiful tension that explored the nuances of what it looks like to hold both good and bad memories and how to move forward in life with hope regardless.
With themes of learning what true love looks like (far past romance), healing from brokenness, and touching emotional depth this is a novel I’ll be re-reading and highly recommend!
Some of my favorite quotes:
“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.”
“Often, surrender is a last resort, the thing we avoid for so long, yet it eventually gives us exactly what we were searching for.”
“If poor decisions are the poison, memories of truth are the antidote that keeps us safe.”
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review.
March 25, 2026
This book is a beautifully written and atmospheric mystery set in Cornwall, with a dual timeline that follows a woman who has lost her memory and a man haunted by his past. The story is full of twists, emotional depth, and themes of love, identity, and healing.
While there are many characters and timelines to keep track of, everything comes together nicely in the end. With its lyrical writing and engaging mystery, this is a touching and compelling read that stays with you.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book by the author. Opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a review.
While there are many characters and timelines to keep track of, everything comes together nicely in the end. With its lyrical writing and engaging mystery, this is a touching and compelling read that stays with you.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book by the author. Opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a beautiful story. Joanna Davidson Politano's writing is such that you just want to let the words flow over you so you can immerse yourself in them. Give yourself time to truly absorb this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review coming soon!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have to read anything and everything that Joanna Davidson Politano writes. I went into this story totally trusting the author because I am not a fan of the amnesia trope. I could NOT put this book down! It was an adventure like I had never taken and by the end I was baffled and amazed with the complexities of this story. To be honest, part way through the book I was a little frustrated. The characters were irritating me and making choices that I didn't understand and the plot twists were coming as fast as I turned the pages. But then the second half of the book showed me how truly beautiful this story is in both timelines. It is dual-time line and I was more invested in the 1913 plot but both tie together wonderfully. This has a little bit of a gothic feel to it which I think the cover portrays perfectly. The amnesia in the plot worked for me even with the frustrations mid-story. Also, this is not so much a romance as it is a journey with redemption and love for the ages. This is not one to be missed and I highly recommend!
Five Stars.
"I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
Five Stars.
"I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!! This is an exceptional book! Each page brought a little more glimpses of a mystery, bits of suspense and trickles of memories that were hidden and remembered piece by piece.
The characters are written brilliantly! I found myself deeply invested in their lives, especially Merryn. Merryn's life is complicated. She's lost her memories not once but a few times. A new life awaits her with AJ but she's starting to remember her past. AJ is AMAZING! His gentle and persistent love helps Merryn to heal. He has secrets but he is an anchor in a turbulent storm.
This story isn't a typical love story. It's more. Memories, broken people, unfinished stories and second chances all meld together to complete an adventure; the adventure of living! "Now the scales are falling from my eyes. I see clearly. He isn't the one who lost me, but the one who came and found me, sweeping me up and loving all the broken pieces of me, holding me gently together while the shattered pieces mended."
I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are written brilliantly! I found myself deeply invested in their lives, especially Merryn. Merryn's life is complicated. She's lost her memories not once but a few times. A new life awaits her with AJ but she's starting to remember her past. AJ is AMAZING! His gentle and persistent love helps Merryn to heal. He has secrets but he is an anchor in a turbulent storm.
This story isn't a typical love story. It's more. Memories, broken people, unfinished stories and second chances all meld together to complete an adventure; the adventure of living! "Now the scales are falling from my eyes. I see clearly. He isn't the one who lost me, but the one who came and found me, sweeping me up and loving all the broken pieces of me, holding me gently together while the shattered pieces mended."
I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As always, Ms. Politano's immersive writing draws you in instantly and keeps you flipping the page as you try to put all the puzzle pieces together. And as usual, I didn't see the plot twists coming (even though this time I was sure I had at least some of it figured out). I enjoyed the atmospheric setting and mystery surrounding Merryn's lost past. The message of sacrificial, true love was beautiful. I'm excited for the rest of this series!
**I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review.
**I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews