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The Woman with No Name
Losing her memory might lead to finding happily ever after.
Sworn bachelor Colton Murdock gets more than he bargained for on the elk hunt when he finds an injured woman in Utah’s high country. She must have a history, but she wakes up to towering pines and the clap of a thunderstorm with no recollection of her name or how she came to be there. Colt brings her to the safety of his camp, trying to ignore the first stirrings of his heart since the tragic death of his fiancée six years ago.
The young woman can’t help falling for her ruggedly handsome rescuer, who calls her Skye for her blue eyes. But her life goes into a tailspin when she is recognized as Lily Vanasche, fiancée of a popular TV news anchorman, and Colt is arrested for a series of crimes—including her abduction. After the real kidnapper leaves a death threat in Lily’s ransacked house, the clock starts ticking. Can she remember her past before it catches up with her?
Sworn bachelor Colton Murdock gets more than he bargained for on the elk hunt when he finds an injured woman in Utah’s high country. She must have a history, but she wakes up to towering pines and the clap of a thunderstorm with no recollection of her name or how she came to be there. Colt brings her to the safety of his camp, trying to ignore the first stirrings of his heart since the tragic death of his fiancée six years ago.
The young woman can’t help falling for her ruggedly handsome rescuer, who calls her Skye for her blue eyes. But her life goes into a tailspin when she is recognized as Lily Vanasche, fiancée of a popular TV news anchorman, and Colt is arrested for a series of crimes—including her abduction. After the real kidnapper leaves a death threat in Lily’s ransacked house, the clock starts ticking. Can she remember her past before it catches up with her?
254 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2016
7 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Nelson
9 books83 followersKelly Nelson was raised in Utah and now resides in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys life on a ten-acre horse property with her husband and of course lots of horses. Kelly has a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. As a young girl she was an avid reader and had a passion for creative writing. Her travels to England, France, Egypt, Israel, West Indies, Mexico and across the United States sparked a love of history, adventure and exotic places. This led to the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Keeper's Calling.
She is an award-winning author of seven published titles.
She is an award-winning author of seven published titles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 18, 2016
This is the epitome of escapism reading. Sigh. I love picking up a book that's light without being fluffy, fun without being silly, and romantic without being gooey.
I was afraid it might turn into a love triangle, but Kelly Nelson's characters handled the situation with a level of maturity that you just don't find in many romance books anymore.
I've been reading so many books lately that beg for so much suspension of belief that I've been getting a bit teed-off, but you can see the research that went into this book and I found it to be quite believable. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance escape reading!!
p.s. I find myself hoping he continues to call her Skye. I wonder what name someone would give me if I had amnesia....
I was afraid it might turn into a love triangle, but Kelly Nelson's characters handled the situation with a level of maturity that you just don't find in many romance books anymore.
I've been reading so many books lately that beg for so much suspension of belief that I've been getting a bit teed-off, but you can see the research that went into this book and I found it to be quite believable. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance escape reading!!
p.s. I find myself hoping he continues to call her Skye. I wonder what name someone would give me if I had amnesia....
September 18, 2016
Let's go through the list: rugged cowboy, check; beautiful girl with amnesia, check; danger and suspense, check; swoony chemistry, check. Yes, this book has all of the ingredients for a really good story and it sure did deliver!
Colt is on a solo elk hunt in the middle of the mountains and finds an unconscious woman who doesn't remember who she is or how she got there. With no phone, no cell service, and no way off the mountain, these two spent a couple of days hunting the elusive, muy grande elk and getting to know one another. How would it be to have a blank slate before you, as Skye/Lily does? Since she can't remember anything, she can rediscover herself, can't she?
I read to escape, and I love a story that I can throw myself into. I know the general area where this book takes place, so it's easy for me to picture the setting and I loved that. I also love it when characters have to dig deep within themselves as they struggle through trials, life, and decisions. Secondary characters are also an added bonus, especially when I feel strongly about them--I loved some and couldn't stand others and to evoke those feelings is a very good thing. I was fascinated as I read this because I kept waiting for something to happen and to surprise me, but the build up was gradual and it still caught me off guard. This is the type of book that lassoed my attention and didn't let go until the very end. And that ending? Fantastic! Ms. Nelson is definitely an author to keep an eye on!
Content: mild romance (a couple spends a few night together in the mountains, but nothing happens; kissing); very mild violence.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Colt is on a solo elk hunt in the middle of the mountains and finds an unconscious woman who doesn't remember who she is or how she got there. With no phone, no cell service, and no way off the mountain, these two spent a couple of days hunting the elusive, muy grande elk and getting to know one another. How would it be to have a blank slate before you, as Skye/Lily does? Since she can't remember anything, she can rediscover herself, can't she?
I read to escape, and I love a story that I can throw myself into. I know the general area where this book takes place, so it's easy for me to picture the setting and I loved that. I also love it when characters have to dig deep within themselves as they struggle through trials, life, and decisions. Secondary characters are also an added bonus, especially when I feel strongly about them--I loved some and couldn't stand others and to evoke those feelings is a very good thing. I was fascinated as I read this because I kept waiting for something to happen and to surprise me, but the build up was gradual and it still caught me off guard. This is the type of book that lassoed my attention and didn't let go until the very end. And that ending? Fantastic! Ms. Nelson is definitely an author to keep an eye on!
Content: mild romance (a couple spends a few night together in the mountains, but nothing happens; kissing); very mild violence.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
October 8, 2016
Ooh. Swoony. Colton. What? I'm having a hard time talking in complete sentences. Ha.
Let me start again. Ooh, that Colton is so swoony. (wait a sec while I fan myself)
I know I should talk about the book but I can't help myself. Colton is the best part of this book so he deserves to be talked about. Colton is, aside from his pretty face, a protector. He is tough and smart and strong. I love the way he took care of the hard things without being a brute.
Yeah, Lily is okay too. :)
I loved the pacing of this book, the characters (obviously) and the setting. I was caught up in the thick of things right from the get go and I love that. Books that get my heart beating just a tad faster than normal make me happy! What a fun diversion this book was. I loved it!
Content: Clean, some mild violence
--I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Let me start again. Ooh, that Colton is so swoony. (wait a sec while I fan myself)
I know I should talk about the book but I can't help myself. Colton is the best part of this book so he deserves to be talked about. Colton is, aside from his pretty face, a protector. He is tough and smart and strong. I love the way he took care of the hard things without being a brute.
Yeah, Lily is okay too. :)
I loved the pacing of this book, the characters (obviously) and the setting. I was caught up in the thick of things right from the get go and I love that. Books that get my heart beating just a tad faster than normal make me happy! What a fun diversion this book was. I loved it!
Content: Clean, some mild violence
--I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
August 31, 2016
I began imagining the events that would comprise The Woman with No Name while visiting my husband in the magnificent Manti La Sal National Forest during his archery hunt. This was an on again/off again writing process as I published 5 other books between the time I started this book and ultimately finished it. This book stretched me, pulled me out of my comfort zone when I had to question police officers, an FBI agent, and a county jail officer. But what an amazing adventure!
The amnesia premise has always intrigued me. "What if you suddenly had no memory of your past?" How would it be to start living in the moment, without the pressure of preconceived expectations? Find out how Lily Vanasche handles this situation in The Woman with No Name.
The amnesia premise has always intrigued me. "What if you suddenly had no memory of your past?" How would it be to start living in the moment, without the pressure of preconceived expectations? Find out how Lily Vanasche handles this situation in The Woman with No Name.
September 1, 2016
Danger, mystery and sparks wait beneath the cover of this romantic suspense. I had the opportunity to read this novel between drafts and I am so excited to see it here on goodreads at last!
While hunting for elk, Colt finds a woman dressed like she's ready for a day at the office instead of the high mountains of Utah. And she's passed out. And injured. And when she awakes, she can't even remember her name. Things only get worse for the two strangers, but with each page turned, Colt and The Woman With No Name begin to feel less and less like strangers...which might only spell out disaster for them both.
A great read for all who enjoy clean romance and suspense.
While hunting for elk, Colt finds a woman dressed like she's ready for a day at the office instead of the high mountains of Utah. And she's passed out. And injured. And when she awakes, she can't even remember her name. Things only get worse for the two strangers, but with each page turned, Colt and The Woman With No Name begin to feel less and less like strangers...which might only spell out disaster for them both.
A great read for all who enjoy clean romance and suspense.
January 6, 2023
Maybe more like 2.5 This wasn't really my thing. I read it to fulfill a prompt in a reading challenge. "Read a book by an author with the same initials as you" I went one better and read an author with the same name.
February 19, 2017
I listened to this book on audio, and the narrator is fantastic. She voices Colt flawlessly (I'm not a fan of the way many women narrators voice men), and her Southern accent is just right without sounding like Colonel Sanders.
I was immediately hooked on the plot of this book--I liked the beginning of the book even better than the end, but the end was good too. The suspense is perfect, not over the top, and the revealing of the mystery comes in small doses, just enough to keep you reading!
I was immediately hooked on the plot of this book--I liked the beginning of the book even better than the end, but the end was good too. The suspense is perfect, not over the top, and the revealing of the mystery comes in small doses, just enough to keep you reading!
May 17, 2017
I've had this one on my list for a long time and finally decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did! This was one of those books where you try to read every free second you get during the day because you just can't put it down. It had romance, mystery, a little suspense and danger, and lots of chemistry between "the woman with no name" and Colt. I really enjoyed it and it was just the kind of story I was in the mood to read!
April 14, 2017
This is an excellent clean read that was fast-paced and set in an interesting area of Utah. I like the way the book started out with tension increasing throughout each chapter. Reading through both the viewpoints of Skye and Colton add to the romantic tension in the story. About midpoint, the story lagged a little bit when Skye and Colton figure out who she really is. I think this was mostly because I was completely impatient with her horribly self-absorbed fiance and I wanted to get back to the heart of the story. There is a ton of hunting detail so if you're a fan of hunting, this story will resonate with you. Overall, a fun, light read that will leave you smiling with the perfect conclusion.
*I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I've shared.
*I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I've shared.
June 1, 2021
A simple, clean little romance with just a spice of thriller/mystery thrown in. Some of the choices made by characters were not particularly logical or realistic, the whole plot was pushed ahead a little too fast once our couple came down from the mountains, and I hated what happened to the poor kitty, but I still had fun reading this.
April 29, 2019
Colt Murdock is out hunting for that elusive big elk in Central Utah when he discovers a young woman who's running from something or someone. She's been injured but has no memory of how she was hurt or even who she is. From this unlikely meeting a friendship develops that could turn into something else. However, when someone recognizes her as a missing kidnap victim, they learn not only her name but that she has a fiance.
Kelly Nelson is a BYU graduate. This is the first book of hers I've read, but I plan to look for others.
Kelly Nelson is a BYU graduate. This is the first book of hers I've read, but I plan to look for others.
February 7, 2019
Wow!
This book was great! Bank robbery, woman with no memory, hunting,handsome hero, what's not to like! You don't want this story to end. The hero is the kind of guy all women would love to meet. A Must read?
This book was great! Bank robbery, woman with no memory, hunting,handsome hero, what's not to like! You don't want this story to end. The hero is the kind of guy all women would love to meet. A Must read?
February 7, 2017
LOVED it!!! Why did I wait so long to read this one! Silly me! This is my kind of book. Romance, danger and spots where I am shamelessly smiling! I loved colt right away which I was unsure if I would like him all that much because he was a hunter, but wow Kelly sure changed my mind quick! And the whole amnesia thing was so much fun! Loved it!!! Left me wishing I had another one of Kelly Nelsons books sitting there waiting to be next. I will have to remedy that quick.
July 12, 2020
Read this entire review here: BOOK REVIEW: THE WOMAN WITH NO NAME -A STORY OF ROMANCE AND MYSTERY
Review by Brittaney B.
Overall Rating = 4; Romance Rating = 4
The Woman With No Name could be classified as a tale of romantic suspense. It is a light and a fairly quick read at a length of just over 250 pages, making it a good way to kill a few spare hours.
I had very little information about the book beforehand and no preconceptions. It surprised me how quickly the story grabbed my attention considering the opening chapter begins with a description of Colt’s hunting trip which is not a topic that holds any interest for me. The author did a great job weaving in the mystery right away, by introducing Lily’s amnesiac character.
Even though this is partially a tale of suspense and danger, from my perspective, it never became too dark or intense, which is sometimes a concern for me when reading mystery tales. Yet, the author managed to keep the stakes high throughout the story, while giving the reader calmer moments that break up the tension.
The romance between Colt and Lily is a sweet one. The romance begins when she has no memory of her identity, thus creating an unintentional love triangle. Even though her fiance is a decent man, it is clear to the reader, if not Lily, who the right man is for her despite their differences. Colt is a gentleman cowboy of the old school who treats Lily with compassion and respect, keeping a leash on his desire and acting as her hero even when she returns to her fiance. He is also a man of faith who encourages an orphaned Lily to reconsider her perspective on God.
My only real complaint about this book is that in Lily’s shoes I would have been much less calm. Although she does express some fear directly after awakening in the middle of nowhere with multiple injuries and no memory, she seems to adapt too easily to these challenges. She also too quickly trusts the stranger who rescues her. It would have been more realistic had she had a higher level of fear and struggled with it longer. That being said, it doesn’t deter from the overall story.
Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW
Review by Brittaney B.
Overall Rating = 4; Romance Rating = 4
The Woman With No Name could be classified as a tale of romantic suspense. It is a light and a fairly quick read at a length of just over 250 pages, making it a good way to kill a few spare hours.
I had very little information about the book beforehand and no preconceptions. It surprised me how quickly the story grabbed my attention considering the opening chapter begins with a description of Colt’s hunting trip which is not a topic that holds any interest for me. The author did a great job weaving in the mystery right away, by introducing Lily’s amnesiac character.
Even though this is partially a tale of suspense and danger, from my perspective, it never became too dark or intense, which is sometimes a concern for me when reading mystery tales. Yet, the author managed to keep the stakes high throughout the story, while giving the reader calmer moments that break up the tension.
The romance between Colt and Lily is a sweet one. The romance begins when she has no memory of her identity, thus creating an unintentional love triangle. Even though her fiance is a decent man, it is clear to the reader, if not Lily, who the right man is for her despite their differences. Colt is a gentleman cowboy of the old school who treats Lily with compassion and respect, keeping a leash on his desire and acting as her hero even when she returns to her fiance. He is also a man of faith who encourages an orphaned Lily to reconsider her perspective on God.
My only real complaint about this book is that in Lily’s shoes I would have been much less calm. Although she does express some fear directly after awakening in the middle of nowhere with multiple injuries and no memory, she seems to adapt too easily to these challenges. She also too quickly trusts the stranger who rescues her. It would have been more realistic had she had a higher level of fear and struggled with it longer. That being said, it doesn’t deter from the overall story.
Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW
February 20, 2017
One Night
I have to say I read this in one sitting. I liked the story, the sexual tension, but the characterization a little sluggish. The dialogue at the beginning I would call oafish but by the end decent. Bottom line: I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
I have to say I read this in one sitting. I liked the story, the sexual tension, but the characterization a little sluggish. The dialogue at the beginning I would call oafish but by the end decent. Bottom line: I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
August 8, 2017
Great book. A little mystery and romance. What could be better? Loved the way Colt treated "Skye" / Lily. To tell her he'd take a bullet for her any day made me fall head over heels in love with him.
February 20, 2018
Pace was slow for me, story was so-so, its only been a few days since I read it and honestly I forgot most of it. Just wasn't really my type of story.
If you like hunting, amnesia/kidnap stories, or a cowboy theme it isn't bad for a fluff read.
If you like hunting, amnesia/kidnap stories, or a cowboy theme it isn't bad for a fluff read.
February 6, 2019
You'll fall in just like Lily
My kind of roughing it in the great outdoors story. Some mystery and suspense. Some humor and romance. A swoon worthy hero and evil villain. Clean and sweet. I'd read it again.
My kind of roughing it in the great outdoors story. Some mystery and suspense. Some humor and romance. A swoon worthy hero and evil villain. Clean and sweet. I'd read it again.
August 20, 2017
3.5 stars just for Colton ❤
September 5, 2017
Loved the characters the conflict in the plot and between the characters. It was fast paced and left me wanting to read more by this author
November 19, 2017
I picked this up off the shelf at the library because the cover & blurb caught my attention. A cute read. I would read more by this author.
June 7, 2018
Super cute
August 20, 2018
Cute little read, taught me a little bit about elk hunting. 🤣😉 Thanks again to Mesa for getting this book for me as a graduation present!
July 3, 2019
Even I fell in love with cowboy Colton Murdock. Lily Vanasche's injuries and amnesia are worth the pain to become part of his life. And, I actually prefer the name Skye over Lily.
September 24, 2020
Really 3.5 stars
April 15, 2021
This started okay, if slowly, but then it got kind of boring before getting to any action. Also, the characters made a number of poor choices.
Content: no sex or profanity. Some violence.
Content: no sex or profanity. Some violence.
January 27, 2017
Intriguing mystery mixed with a sweet romance between two lovable characters. A great read
February 19, 2019
A perfect blend of romance and suspense, this book was difficult to put down! When Colton is hunting elk in the mountains, he finds a woman who has amnesia. From this point the danger begins and the criminal who is hunting the woman ''with no name" won't give up. The love is swoon-worthy when Colton says he will take a bullet for her any day!
February 27, 2017
I thought it was a fun and easy read. I love clean romance that's not terribly cheesy and I thought this fit the bill.
February 13, 2017
The story was really simple and easy to follow. And the characters were likable. Colt was cool in the way he handled things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews