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Forgotten #1
Forgetting the Past
When Ava Emerson wakes up from a coma, she has no memory of the past 25 years. The only things she knows are the confusing stories told to her by her split family and her two best friends, Chase and Skylar. Learning that her husband, Connor, died in the car accident that caused her amnesia, Ava is sad and heartbroken. When her nightmares become terrifying memories, Ava becomes determined to move on and start a new life for herself, away from the town that holds the secrets to her past. With the encouragement of Chase, Ava and Skylar open a bed and breakfast together in the heart of Savannah, Georgia. When a tall, dark, and handsome Xander Jamison walks into her life, will Ava feel safe enough to let him into her broken and empty life? Will Ava be able to move on and live her life free of a haunting past? Is Xander the man that Ava thinks he is? Or does he hold his own secrets?
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2016
346 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Kennedy
47 books376 followersBrenda Kennedy is an award winner, an Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. She is a true believer of romance. Her stories are based on the relationships that define our lives - compassionate, emotionally gripping, and uplifting novels with true to life characters, that stay with her readers long after the last page is turned.
Her varied, not always pleasant background has given her the personal experience to take her readers on an emotional, sometimes heart wrenching, journey through her stories.
Brenda has been a struggling single mom, a survivor of domestic abuse, waitress, corrections officer, hostage negotiator and a corrections nurse. She is also a wife, mom, and grandmother. Even though her life was not always rainbows and butterflies, she is a survivor and believes her struggles have made her the person she is today.
Brenda is the author of the award winning book, Forever Country (The Rose Farm Trilogy Book 1). She has been dubbed "The Queen of Cliffhangers" by her adoring readers because books one and two always have a cliffhanger ending. In Brenda's own words, "I write series that end in cliffhangers, because I love them. I always give away the first book in each series so you have nothing to lose by reading it."
She was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio and moved to SW Florida in 2006 with her husband Rex. They have a combined family, and she often jokes about not remembering what child belongs to who.
Her varied, not always pleasant background has given her the personal experience to take her readers on an emotional, sometimes heart wrenching, journey through her stories.
Brenda has been a struggling single mom, a survivor of domestic abuse, waitress, corrections officer, hostage negotiator and a corrections nurse. She is also a wife, mom, and grandmother. Even though her life was not always rainbows and butterflies, she is a survivor and believes her struggles have made her the person she is today.
Brenda is the author of the award winning book, Forever Country (The Rose Farm Trilogy Book 1). She has been dubbed "The Queen of Cliffhangers" by her adoring readers because books one and two always have a cliffhanger ending. In Brenda's own words, "I write series that end in cliffhangers, because I love them. I always give away the first book in each series so you have nothing to lose by reading it."
She was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio and moved to SW Florida in 2006 with her husband Rex. They have a combined family, and she often jokes about not remembering what child belongs to who.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
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January 8, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/8/2018)! 💝
February 5, 2017
I am little surprised at all of the four and five stars for this book. Although it wasn’t terrible for a free novel it definitely didn’t work for me. The author’s writing style almost made me stop reading in the beginning. Kennedy uses short, blunt sentences with a lack of the basic “show, don’t tell” technique. She also uses a passive voice that made the novel have this strange formal quality to it. For example,
The plot itself was predictable (especially in regards to Xander and his illness) but it was also confusing. It seemed as if Xander literally came out of nowhere while Ava was trying to rebuild her life. I really didn’t care for him at all. The author seemed to completely forget to write about the earlier mysteries involving her ex-husband, her family and questions that Ava should have been asking, and instead focused on this new guy. I found the first half of the novel way more interesting than the second half. They almost seemed like two entirely different books.
As for the cliffhanger, which apparently the author is “famous” for (hm...okay), it was very disappointing. As I said above I guessed what the "twist" was right away so that was unsatisfying, and as I didn’t care for Xander I don’t think I will need to read on to see what happens. I usually love cliffhangers but this just did not work.
“On the drive home, Xander and I stop at Vic’s on the River for a cocktail. This was the perfect date, and I wasn’t ready for it to end. He is quite the gentlemen and does all the right things women like to see from their date. It’s easy to see that he’s had a good upbringing, and it’s good to see that chivalry still lives on.”Bleh. This kind of writing also tends to make me dislike the male protagonist because the author is basically telling me how wonderful he is, what a gentleman, and why apparently all women would fancy him. Let me make up my own mind okay? Show, don’t tell!
The plot itself was predictable (especially in regards to Xander and his illness) but it was also confusing. It seemed as if Xander literally came out of nowhere while Ava was trying to rebuild her life. I really didn’t care for him at all. The author seemed to completely forget to write about the earlier mysteries involving her ex-husband, her family and questions that Ava should have been asking, and instead focused on this new guy. I found the first half of the novel way more interesting than the second half. They almost seemed like two entirely different books.
As for the cliffhanger, which apparently the author is “famous” for (hm...okay), it was very disappointing. As I said above I guessed what the "twist" was right away so that was unsatisfying, and as I didn’t care for Xander I don’t think I will need to read on to see what happens. I usually love cliffhangers but this just did not work.
August 10, 2016
I LOVE books with romance, suspense, and angst! This book fits perfectly!!
I fell in love with Ava and her story right away. As the first book unfolded I kept trying to guess where the story was going, or what would happen next. I couldn't read fast enough!
I can not wait to see what happens next in book 2. I don't want to give anything away but I am definitely rooting for a certain pairing! *wink*wink*
Definitely a must read! Recommended to all!
I fell in love with Ava and her story right away. As the first book unfolded I kept trying to guess where the story was going, or what would happen next. I couldn't read fast enough!
I can not wait to see what happens next in book 2. I don't want to give anything away but I am definitely rooting for a certain pairing! *wink*wink*
Definitely a must read! Recommended to all!
February 5, 2017
Cute
I think this is a good feel good book. I wanted to know if she would recover her memory so I kept reading. It moves quicker towards the end. The author does a great job bringing the characters together. We may not know enough of Connor yet though....and why the dad was meeting Lorraine...
I think this is a good feel good book. I wanted to know if she would recover her memory so I kept reading. It moves quicker towards the end. The author does a great job bringing the characters together. We may not know enough of Connor yet though....and why the dad was meeting Lorraine...
April 4, 2025
4 stars
A little bit of a different writing style than I'm used to.
The marriage was never quite fully explained. Meaning, was it really that bad or not. In her flash backs its her being beat and yelled at but it's kind of like the actual books skips over the whole marriage. Yes, I know it's explained she can't remember because of her coma/accident.
I give this 4 stars regardless. I did become invested in her actual story and was hoping she would begin to remember everything more. The ending is just sad.
*Writing this review after working a 20hr shift probably wasn't the greatest idea but gonna put it out there regardless.
A little bit of a different writing style than I'm used to.
The marriage was never quite fully explained. Meaning, was it really that bad or not. In her flash backs its her being beat and yelled at but it's kind of like the actual books skips over the whole marriage. Yes, I know it's explained she can't remember because of her coma/accident.
I give this 4 stars regardless. I did become invested in her actual story and was hoping she would begin to remember everything more. The ending is just sad.
*Writing this review after working a 20hr shift probably wasn't the greatest idea but gonna put it out there regardless.
January 13, 2017
Loved it
I am always looking for clean books that aren't full of cursing or mature content. This is one that meets that criteria.
I am always looking for clean books that aren't full of cursing or mature content. This is one that meets that criteria.
August 10, 2016
*Grateful to have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I truly loved this book! I still cannot believe the cliffhanger. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that there was a warning at the beginning of this book, that both the first and second books in this series would end in cliffhangers. I was still not prepared. Usually, I watch the % on the bottom of my kindle gradually get higher and higher. One second I was looking and I was at 60%, then all of a sudden I was at 100% with no warning! I absolutely cannot wait for books 2 and 3.
I have never written a book with so many different alternating persons narrating. I was a little nervous about it when I first realized how many different characters’ minds I was going to be getting into. I have always been hesitant that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with all of them. I’m so happy to say that I absolutely loved it!
Brenda’s writing made the transitions between characters so easy and flawless. She has made me much more open to this writing style. I am definitely going to be adding more books written with this style to my TBR pile, starting with all of Brenda’s other books.
I was continually swept away by all of the characters in this book. Getting into each of their minds added greatly to the story. I need more Chase and Xander, and more Ava and Skyler! These characters made the cliffhanger worth it. There are so many questions that still need to be answered. I am very impatiently waiting for the remaining books in this trilogy.
Recommended for those who love contemporaries, love stories, and who can handle cliffhangers.
Few of My Favorite Quotes
“I once Googled symptoms I was having on Ask Web M.D. According to the website, it said that lung cancer is a possibility and to consult a doctor. Thankfully, it was just bronchitis.”
“I love that movie. Is it weird that I can remember that movie, but nothing about my life?”
“When he picked up the book Baby Names: The Easy Way to Choose the Perfect Name for Your Baby by Heather Kennedy, he quickly ended our date and that was the last time we ever went out.”
I truly loved this book! I still cannot believe the cliffhanger. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that there was a warning at the beginning of this book, that both the first and second books in this series would end in cliffhangers. I was still not prepared. Usually, I watch the % on the bottom of my kindle gradually get higher and higher. One second I was looking and I was at 60%, then all of a sudden I was at 100% with no warning! I absolutely cannot wait for books 2 and 3.
I have never written a book with so many different alternating persons narrating. I was a little nervous about it when I first realized how many different characters’ minds I was going to be getting into. I have always been hesitant that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with all of them. I’m so happy to say that I absolutely loved it!
Brenda’s writing made the transitions between characters so easy and flawless. She has made me much more open to this writing style. I am definitely going to be adding more books written with this style to my TBR pile, starting with all of Brenda’s other books.
I was continually swept away by all of the characters in this book. Getting into each of their minds added greatly to the story. I need more Chase and Xander, and more Ava and Skyler! These characters made the cliffhanger worth it. There are so many questions that still need to be answered. I am very impatiently waiting for the remaining books in this trilogy.
Recommended for those who love contemporaries, love stories, and who can handle cliffhangers.
Few of My Favorite Quotes
“I once Googled symptoms I was having on Ask Web M.D. According to the website, it said that lung cancer is a possibility and to consult a doctor. Thankfully, it was just bronchitis.”
“I love that movie. Is it weird that I can remember that movie, but nothing about my life?”
“When he picked up the book Baby Names: The Easy Way to Choose the Perfect Name for Your Baby by Heather Kennedy, he quickly ended our date and that was the last time we ever went out.”
February 20, 2017
VERY EMOTIONAL ROMANCE STORY
The beginning of the book was horrific as far as Ava and Connor's marriage is concerned. Having so many things being forgotten was probably good for Ava's recovery. Ava finally following her dream and having Skylar by her side shows both of their characters in how they move forward. I don't want to comment on Xander's role in case of spoilers. Thank you for an engaging book, will look forward to part two, Danny Scott.
The beginning of the book was horrific as far as Ava and Connor's marriage is concerned. Having so many things being forgotten was probably good for Ava's recovery. Ava finally following her dream and having Skylar by her side shows both of their characters in how they move forward. I don't want to comment on Xander's role in case of spoilers. Thank you for an engaging book, will look forward to part two, Danny Scott.
July 24, 2016
Ok so I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the queen of cliffhangers herself. I'll do my best to give a review without spoiling anything. First Ava's husband, if I could meet him in real life I would beat the shit out of him. I have to say this book was different from everything else Brenda usually writes. There was way more suspense then what I'm used to from her and you know what? I loved that. Chase , Skylar, and Ava have been best friends for years but all of that changed when Ava married Conner. I can't tell you why you'll just have to read it to figure it out. Ava was in a coma for a little while and I don't feel like that's giving anything away considering the name of the book. After rekindling relationships that she lost prior to getting married she decided to make a move with her best friend to do all the things she's dreamed of. While there she meets another mysterious character that pops up. The two form a friendship of sorts but of course he has secrets of his own. The story ends on a cliffhanger which I love from Brenda because it always leaves me anticipating and wanting more from her. There are so many unanswered questions for me about certain characters. I don't really understand their significance but I'm sure within the next two books we will find out. I can't wait to read the next two books and of course this story gets a five star review from me. (Also on a side note one of my favorite places to eat Guissepes was mentioned in this book)
February 12, 2017
Shockingly addictive
This book makes me want to read the next one and the next one.....so on and so forth.
Very well written. Can't wait to read book two
This book makes me want to read the next one and the next one.....so on and so forth.
Very well written. Can't wait to read book two
August 9, 2016
Rating: 4.5*
Imagine not being able to remember who you are or anything that has happened in your life. This is reality for Eva when she comes out of a coma after a car accident. It does become apparent that her life was not all hearts and roses before the accident as life with her husband is revealed to be tumultuous.
As she starts to rebuild her life and the relationships around her, her memories start to return bringing confusion and hurt to the surface. Eva and her friend Skylar follow a long held dream to run a Bed and Breakfast as a fresh start for Eva.
The secrets are abound in this read as there is so much about her life before the accident and the accident itself that still need to be uncovered.
I loved the feel of this one: the emotions the writing illicit. It is told from multiple POVs that each reveal a little bit of the puzzle but not too much and this keeps you totally engaged with the story and wanting more.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Imagine not being able to remember who you are or anything that has happened in your life. This is reality for Eva when she comes out of a coma after a car accident. It does become apparent that her life was not all hearts and roses before the accident as life with her husband is revealed to be tumultuous.
As she starts to rebuild her life and the relationships around her, her memories start to return bringing confusion and hurt to the surface. Eva and her friend Skylar follow a long held dream to run a Bed and Breakfast as a fresh start for Eva.
The secrets are abound in this read as there is so much about her life before the accident and the accident itself that still need to be uncovered.
I loved the feel of this one: the emotions the writing illicit. It is told from multiple POVs that each reveal a little bit of the puzzle but not too much and this keeps you totally engaged with the story and wanting more.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
January 10, 2017
Love never forgets
This was a great written book, loved it, I think it would be a wonderful book for anyone that has been abused and stayed on and it actually hurt me to know that Ava had memory problems but was able to love and lose again I would loved to have known if her husband had tried to kill her in the accident, was some what jumbled up but a very good read, it brought memories to me as I have a beautiful niece that was in a bad car accident remembers nothing about the accident and is unable to do anything for herself, her mind is sharp but never has had any memories happened @ 15 and she is 55 a quadruple if and can not speak. I cried tears reading this , sorry it had to end in sorrow
This was a great written book, loved it, I think it would be a wonderful book for anyone that has been abused and stayed on and it actually hurt me to know that Ava had memory problems but was able to love and lose again I would loved to have known if her husband had tried to kill her in the accident, was some what jumbled up but a very good read, it brought memories to me as I have a beautiful niece that was in a bad car accident remembers nothing about the accident and is unable to do anything for herself, her mind is sharp but never has had any memories happened @ 15 and she is 55 a quadruple if and can not speak. I cried tears reading this , sorry it had to end in sorrow
August 5, 2016
OMG...The Cliffhanger Queen did it again! Another great book to add to her belt.
Ava was a woman in love, got married, lived in a big house, followed all the rules and then in a blink of an eye her world was turned upside down. After a horrible car accident Ava was left with no memory and a widow. Ava walked in her footsteps of the woman she once was while married but to her it didn't feel right even though she couldn't remember. Was there something a miss in her marriage that no one knew? Was the car accident on purpose?
Ava was a woman in love, got married, lived in a big house, followed all the rules and then in a blink of an eye her world was turned upside down. After a horrible car accident Ava was left with no memory and a widow. Ava walked in her footsteps of the woman she once was while married but to her it didn't feel right even though she couldn't remember. Was there something a miss in her marriage that no one knew? Was the car accident on purpose?
June 20, 2016
I was very lucky and was able to receive an read an advanced copy of Forgetting the Past. When Ava is found badly injured from a car accident she has no memory of her past. With two amazing and persistent friends who never give up on her Ava is able to overcome and begin an amazing new adventure. And then the story doesn't stop there but begins again and has you like...I don't want to give to much away so I'll leave it there. But as an avid reader of many books this one is at my top with the best of them. This book isn't just a want to read or read but its a book of want to read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2016
Yet another great beginning to a trilogy by Brenda Kennedy! I was blessed to receive this as an ARC for an honest review and I couldn't be more pleased! We meet a beautiful young woman named Ava whose past she has forgotten after a terrible car wreck that spares her life but leaves her with no memory beyond that day. Is it better to have forgotten? Or should she keep trying to uncover the mystery behind these flashes of recognition that keep plaguing her? A definite must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2016
WOW. Just WOW. The blurb tells you it's going to be a wild ride and boy, was it.
Ava wakes up from a coma and remembers nothing about her life for the past 25 years. Which truthfully terrifies me. Moving on....
Ava starts to live life again, in a new city, with a new business. Until Xander walks in to her life. Which I love the name Xander - possibly from Buffy the Vampire Slayer series.
Know that this is a cliffhanger start to the trilogy so don't get mad when the book ends!
Ava wakes up from a coma and remembers nothing about her life for the past 25 years. Which truthfully terrifies me. Moving on....
Ava starts to live life again, in a new city, with a new business. Until Xander walks in to her life. Which I love the name Xander - possibly from Buffy the Vampire Slayer series.
Know that this is a cliffhanger start to the trilogy so don't get mad when the book ends!
September 28, 2016
I chose this read upon my mom's recommendation. Ava is lead female character - she has been through a lot in her young life, enough that I myself might feel like giving up - but not Ava, she goes full steam ahead. I admire her strength, she's quite a lady. However, the one thing mom didn't tell me was the heck of a cliff hanger ending. I so want to read the other books in this series. I want to see what's in store for Ava and how her future plays out.
July 29, 2016
Where to begin with this book.......I have read all of Brenda Kennedy's books and this is one of her best. It is a cliffhanger, so be warned!! Ava has amnesia, Xander has his own secrets, and there's some family drama involved too! I highly recommend reading this book as it is worth the cliffhanger ending!!! Once again, another great book by Mrs. Kennedy!!
October 1, 2016
As always amazing
This story is incredible. The characters are so believable, the story is unique romance laced with twists and turns. Can't rest til I have book two, got to know what happens next. Highly recommend. This author is incredible, have read every book I find by her and she never fails to bring the best.
This story is incredible. The characters are so believable, the story is unique romance laced with twists and turns. Can't rest til I have book two, got to know what happens next. Highly recommend. This author is incredible, have read every book I find by her and she never fails to bring the best.
October 6, 2016
Couldn't Put Down
I give this one a five star mainly cause I couldn't stop reading it. I thought it was well written and like how it gives views from various characters in the book. I chose this book as it was a free download and was thoroughly impressed with it and looking forward to buying the next one when it is released.
I give this one a five star mainly cause I couldn't stop reading it. I thought it was well written and like how it gives views from various characters in the book. I chose this book as it was a free download and was thoroughly impressed with it and looking forward to buying the next one when it is released.
February 5, 2017
Really enjoyed this book, I don't want to give any spoilers away but it's about a married couple, on their second wedding anniversary they have a serious accident and the wife has amnesia and doesn't remember anything from her marriage or before that. We follow Ava re-making relationships with the close people in her life, a good little read and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
September 9, 2016
Good book
This is a good book but you have to wait for the next one. I hate that lol. A lot going on in this book. Lots of drama and friendships and new interest. This book has some romance no sex.
This is a good book but you have to wait for the next one. I hate that lol. A lot going on in this book. Lots of drama and friendships and new interest. This book has some romance no sex.
January 10, 2017
Pretty Good
The story had some predictable areas, but there were other areas that I just loved learning about. I downloaded this one for free but like city enough to maybe download the others.
The story had some predictable areas, but there were other areas that I just loved learning about. I downloaded this one for free but like city enough to maybe download the others.
January 18, 2017
Couldn't put ut down
This book was great. The way the characters were described, I felt like they could be my friends. I was sad when it ended. I look forward to reading the next book
This book was great. The way the characters were described, I felt like they could be my friends. I was sad when it ended. I look forward to reading the next book
September 10, 2016
Interesting
The only reason that I only gave this book four stars instead of five was because of the cliffhanger ending ! Thoroughly enjoyed it .
The only reason that I only gave this book four stars instead of five was because of the cliffhanger ending ! Thoroughly enjoyed it .
September 26, 2016
Interesting Novel
Well written, good story. Just felt frustrated with the ending. So we have to read book two to see how it all turns out.
Well written, good story. Just felt frustrated with the ending. So we have to read book two to see how it all turns out.
October 1, 2016
It is a great book to read
January 10, 2017
Excellent
Captivating with a cliffhanger ending. Powerful story within a story that is masterfully woven together. Creative, relaxing, fast paced reading.
Captivating with a cliffhanger ending. Powerful story within a story that is masterfully woven together. Creative, relaxing, fast paced reading.
February 6, 2017
Great easy read
February 8, 2017
Excellent series, I couldn't put it down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews