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His Forgotten Fiancée
Liza Fitzpatrick is stunned when her fiancé finally arrives in Oregon City — with amnesia. Matthew Dean refuses to honor a marriage proposal he doesn’t recall making, but Liza needs his help to bring in the harvest, and maybe she can help him remember…
Matthew is attracted to the spirited Liza, and as she tries to help him regain his old memories, the new ones they’re creating together start to make him feel whole. Even as he falls for her again, though, someone’s determined to keep them apart. Will his memory return in time to save their future?
Matthew is attracted to the spirited Liza, and as she tries to help him regain his old memories, the new ones they’re creating together start to make him feel whole. Even as he falls for her again, though, someone’s determined to keep them apart. Will his memory return in time to save their future?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published January 2, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 3, 2018
My imagination was captivated by this story right from the start. Imagine for just a moment, what would it be like to forget everything? You don’t know your name or anything about yourself. Nothing! Who do you trust? It would be scary.
Of course, it would be just as difficult a scenario for a loved one. To know that the person you love, has no idea who you are. Has no memory of all that you have been through together. It would be heart-wrenching, to say the least.
Liza has a difficult time putting her trust in others. From a young age, she felt that she had to stand on her own and not be dependent on others. She let down her guard and let Matthew in, and now he doesn’t even know who she is.
Matthew is trying to figure out who he is and at the same time fight a growing attraction to Liza. He is a man of integrity. He cares more about Liza and her feelings than just a passing whim. He wants to remember who he is first before they get too entangled.
Someone is trying awfully hard to keep them apart. Who could be behind the mysterious occurrences? Is the sheriff behind the trouble, the town doctor? I was kept guessing various culprits. As it seemed almost everyone had a secret.
I enjoyed reading this sweet story, the touch of mystery kept me engaged. With realistic characters and even a cute kitten, you just can’t go wrong. Look for this book in January!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Of course, it would be just as difficult a scenario for a loved one. To know that the person you love, has no idea who you are. Has no memory of all that you have been through together. It would be heart-wrenching, to say the least.
Liza has a difficult time putting her trust in others. From a young age, she felt that she had to stand on her own and not be dependent on others. She let down her guard and let Matthew in, and now he doesn’t even know who she is.
Matthew is trying to figure out who he is and at the same time fight a growing attraction to Liza. He is a man of integrity. He cares more about Liza and her feelings than just a passing whim. He wants to remember who he is first before they get too entangled.
Someone is trying awfully hard to keep them apart. Who could be behind the mysterious occurrences? Is the sheriff behind the trouble, the town doctor? I was kept guessing various culprits. As it seemed almost everyone had a secret.
I enjoyed reading this sweet story, the touch of mystery kept me engaged. With realistic characters and even a cute kitten, you just can’t go wrong. Look for this book in January!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
January 21, 2022
I enjoyed this story for the most part and thought the characters were sweet, although there were times I didn't quite understand them. Matthew annoyed me at times with the way he talked like his former self (before he lost his memory) was a totally different person. I understand not wanting to marry Liza before he could remember her and be sure there was nothing standing in the way of it, but the whole "that wasn't me" because he couldn't remember something struck me as strange.
I appreciated the sweet way they reconnected, although their emotions and attitudes seemed to switch around a lot, and I couldn't always follow the thread. That said, though, things moved quickly enough that the confusing emotions didn't frustrate me quite as much as it sometimes does. And I liked the way they took the bull by the horns to solve the mystery at the end rather than waiting around for things to fall into place. :)
Also, the kitten was adorable--just sayin'. :D
Content--mentions of violence; mentions of blood and wounds (not graphic); mentions of murder, attempted murder, and arson; mentions of drinking and drunkenness (not condoned); mentions of some noticing, touching, and kissing (not descriptive)
I appreciated the sweet way they reconnected, although their emotions and attitudes seemed to switch around a lot, and I couldn't always follow the thread. That said, though, things moved quickly enough that the confusing emotions didn't frustrate me quite as much as it sometimes does. And I liked the way they took the bull by the horns to solve the mystery at the end rather than waiting around for things to fall into place. :)
Also, the kitten was adorable--just sayin'. :D
Content--mentions of violence; mentions of blood and wounds (not graphic); mentions of murder, attempted murder, and arson; mentions of drinking and drunkenness (not condoned); mentions of some noticing, touching, and kissing (not descriptive)
February 8, 2018
It's 1851 and Liza Fitzpatrick hasn't heard a word from the man she became engaged to on the Oregon Trail over a year ago, and many in Oregon City doubt his very existence, until Matthew Dean stumbles in the door with the words "Who am I?"
Liza and Matthew are both endearing, as he agrees to help her bring in the crops to save her and her father's claim just as long as she doesn't expect marriage. There is danger lurking, however, as an unscrupulous man plots to marry Liza and to take the Fitzpatrick claim from her injured father using any means necessary. There is also the threat of those who attacked Matthew returning.
As Matthew slowly gets to know Liza, and Liza contends with the emotions she thought she had buried, they deal with issues of anger and abandonment. His very 1850's attitudes are sometimes at odds with her feisty nature, adding authenticity and amusement for the reader. When they finally embrace, it is so very sweet. The epilogue is downright adorable.
As much as I enjoyed this story, my reading was thrown off a little by occasionally stilted dialogue and some abrupt transitions. The beginning of the story was very heavy on descriptive terms coming in threes, but this seemed to go by the wayside fairly quickly. I find myself wondering whether writing in a longer form than these Harlequins allow will help to iron them out, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author to find out.
If you enjoy Historical Romance with a faith element, then this is a fun one to try. And that kitten on the cover? Yep, adorable.
Liza and Matthew are both endearing, as he agrees to help her bring in the crops to save her and her father's claim just as long as she doesn't expect marriage. There is danger lurking, however, as an unscrupulous man plots to marry Liza and to take the Fitzpatrick claim from her injured father using any means necessary. There is also the threat of those who attacked Matthew returning.
As Matthew slowly gets to know Liza, and Liza contends with the emotions she thought she had buried, they deal with issues of anger and abandonment. His very 1850's attitudes are sometimes at odds with her feisty nature, adding authenticity and amusement for the reader. When they finally embrace, it is so very sweet. The epilogue is downright adorable.
As much as I enjoyed this story, my reading was thrown off a little by occasionally stilted dialogue and some abrupt transitions. The beginning of the story was very heavy on descriptive terms coming in threes, but this seemed to go by the wayside fairly quickly. I find myself wondering whether writing in a longer form than these Harlequins allow will help to iron them out, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author to find out.
If you enjoy Historical Romance with a faith element, then this is a fun one to try. And that kitten on the cover? Yep, adorable.
December 20, 2017
When Matthew Dean finally makes an appearance in Oregon City a year after he disappeared, Liza Fitzgerald’s life becomes even more complicated. Her fiancé doesn’t remember her at all. But in an attempt to pay back Liza’s kindness when she helps him recover from his injury, Matthew agrees to help her bring in the wheat harvest on her father’s homestead property. But he announces to Liza—in front of the biggest gossips in town—that he will not honor his commitment to marry her.
What he neglects to tell her is why.
As Matthew works side-by-side with Liza, he’s both adamant she should not have to work so hard and impressed by her strength and determination. If only he could remember her—and why he left her behind in the first place.
A sweet story about second chances and finding home with a bit of a mystery at the edges, His Forgotten Fiancee is a charming story. The vivid descriptions of the beautiful, mostly untamed Oregon City surroundings, reading this book felt a little like stepping back in time. And the small town clichés—which lead to plenty of action—abound.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
What he neglects to tell her is why.
As Matthew works side-by-side with Liza, he’s both adamant she should not have to work so hard and impressed by her strength and determination. If only he could remember her—and why he left her behind in the first place.
A sweet story about second chances and finding home with a bit of a mystery at the edges, His Forgotten Fiancee is a charming story. The vivid descriptions of the beautiful, mostly untamed Oregon City surroundings, reading this book felt a little like stepping back in time. And the small town clichés—which lead to plenty of action—abound.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 14, 2017
Very nice read. Liza and Matthew are very relatable and their story is definitely one for the record books if not fairy tale status (inside joke). And it has a kitten on the cover ^_^
January 1, 2018
This review was originally posted on my blog, https://KDJames.com
My dear friend, Evelyn Hill, is starting out the New Year on a high note! Today, January 1st, is the release date for her debut novel, HIS FORGOTTEN FIANCÉE, from Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical line. SQUEEE!
Now, I know what you're thinking. Evelyn is my friend and of course I'm going to say Nice Things about her book. Which is true, to an extent. I mean, I almost never review books and I'm definitely making an exception for her.
BUT, here's what you might not know: I've never met Evelyn in person. We've never spoken to each other on the phone. I wasn't even sure what she looked like until sometime last year when she posted author photos.
Everything I know and like about her is based on words she has written.
So it's not true that I love her writing because she's my friend. She's my friend because for years I have loved her writing and her voice, not to mention her dry sense of humour, even when I could only read it in blog comments.
I was absolutely thrilled when she finally admitted she was writing fiction. I am not disappointed by the result.
So, about this book. I admit to feeling some trepidation when I learned it was an inspirational romance, agnostic heathen that I am. I'd never read one before and wasn't sure what to expect. But that aspect was fine. I didn't feel preached to or made uncomfortable about my own beliefs. Faith was clearly important to the main characters and it was just part of who they were. It was refreshing.
I loved the premise of a man losing his memory, not knowing who he is, not remembering he'd fallen in love and asked a woman to marry him. And then not being able to explain why he'd vanished for an entire year. I thought that was handled well -- his confusion and frustration, even anger at times -- and its eventual resolution was believable.
I admired Liza's strength and courage and practicality. The details of that time period (c. 1850) rang true and fit with stories I've heard about the strong pioneering women who were my ancestors. I really enjoyed her sense of humour-- and Matthew's as well. Plus, the kitten was adorable. No, actually, it was Matthew's interactions with the kitten that were adorable.
The threats and drama in the story were suspenseful even though the perpetrators were readily identified. I liked that there was some ambiguity in how justice was served. Life is often like that, probably more so in that time period.
I've got to say, I do prefer more kissing in my books -- at times I was like those sea creatures in The Little Mermaid, "Go on and kiss the girl!" -- but I can hardly fault the book for being true to conventions of the genre. After everything Liza and Matthew had been through and how their faith in each other had been tested, their happily ever after felt genuine.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read whatever Evelyn Hill publishes next.
Five shiny (and so very delighted) stars.
My dear friend, Evelyn Hill, is starting out the New Year on a high note! Today, January 1st, is the release date for her debut novel, HIS FORGOTTEN FIANCÉE, from Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical line. SQUEEE!
Now, I know what you're thinking. Evelyn is my friend and of course I'm going to say Nice Things about her book. Which is true, to an extent. I mean, I almost never review books and I'm definitely making an exception for her.
BUT, here's what you might not know: I've never met Evelyn in person. We've never spoken to each other on the phone. I wasn't even sure what she looked like until sometime last year when she posted author photos.
Everything I know and like about her is based on words she has written.
So it's not true that I love her writing because she's my friend. She's my friend because for years I have loved her writing and her voice, not to mention her dry sense of humour, even when I could only read it in blog comments.
I was absolutely thrilled when she finally admitted she was writing fiction. I am not disappointed by the result.
So, about this book. I admit to feeling some trepidation when I learned it was an inspirational romance, agnostic heathen that I am. I'd never read one before and wasn't sure what to expect. But that aspect was fine. I didn't feel preached to or made uncomfortable about my own beliefs. Faith was clearly important to the main characters and it was just part of who they were. It was refreshing.
I loved the premise of a man losing his memory, not knowing who he is, not remembering he'd fallen in love and asked a woman to marry him. And then not being able to explain why he'd vanished for an entire year. I thought that was handled well -- his confusion and frustration, even anger at times -- and its eventual resolution was believable.
I admired Liza's strength and courage and practicality. The details of that time period (c. 1850) rang true and fit with stories I've heard about the strong pioneering women who were my ancestors. I really enjoyed her sense of humour-- and Matthew's as well. Plus, the kitten was adorable. No, actually, it was Matthew's interactions with the kitten that were adorable.
The threats and drama in the story were suspenseful even though the perpetrators were readily identified. I liked that there was some ambiguity in how justice was served. Life is often like that, probably more so in that time period.
I've got to say, I do prefer more kissing in my books -- at times I was like those sea creatures in The Little Mermaid, "Go on and kiss the girl!" -- but I can hardly fault the book for being true to conventions of the genre. After everything Liza and Matthew had been through and how their faith in each other had been tested, their happily ever after felt genuine.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read whatever Evelyn Hill publishes next.
Five shiny (and so very delighted) stars.
February 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was going to be just another romance. I am picky about historical romances, but the story was really well written. I liked the characters and thought the plotting was really well done. It also feels honest to the time period and the location. I cannot believe it was the author's first published book.
Liza and Matthew are great characters. Liza has been through a lot, but is strong and very capable. She is constantly reminding Matthew that she has things to do and doesn't have time to play the damsel card. Matthew is an interesting character. I think the way he was portrayed and the recovery of his memories was well done. I like how each one did such a good job of describing his personality quirks.
Overall, Liza and Matthew fall into the 'just talk to each other!' trap, but it was a fun ride. And I really loved the subplot of the kitten. It was very well done/integrated. I look forward to reading more books by Evelyn Hill.
*I received this book through the GoodReads First Reads program under no obligation of a review. All opinions are mine.
Liza and Matthew are great characters. Liza has been through a lot, but is strong and very capable. She is constantly reminding Matthew that she has things to do and doesn't have time to play the damsel card. Matthew is an interesting character. I think the way he was portrayed and the recovery of his memories was well done. I like how each one did such a good job of describing his personality quirks.
Overall, Liza and Matthew fall into the 'just talk to each other!' trap, but it was a fun ride. And I really loved the subplot of the kitten. It was very well done/integrated. I look forward to reading more books by Evelyn Hill.
*I received this book through the GoodReads First Reads program under no obligation of a review. All opinions are mine.
February 4, 2018
I enjoy reading historical romance stories and was happy with this one. It takes place in Oregon, 1851, which is unusual. Matthew Dean returns after a years absence with amnesia. He doesn't remember Liza Fitzpatrick or proposing to her.
Liza has learned to be independent but she needs Matthew's help with the harvest which he agrees to do. She hopes that he'll remember her and his proposal after they spend all this time together. However, there is someone who is doing every thing possible to keep them apart.
I received this book from Goodreads for winning a contest. I enjoyed it and suggest you add it to your reading list.
Liza has learned to be independent but she needs Matthew's help with the harvest which he agrees to do. She hopes that he'll remember her and his proposal after they spend all this time together. However, there is someone who is doing every thing possible to keep them apart.
I received this book from Goodreads for winning a contest. I enjoyed it and suggest you add it to your reading list.
January 3, 2018
I loved this story so much, but can’t imagine how hard it would be to lose your memory and the frustration involved. Liza and Matthew are such relatable characters and I enjoyed getting to know them. This is a story of Faith in what God’s plan is, hope that things will work out, and a tender reawakening of love. The story is well written by a new author and I look forward to reading more. Very impressive
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
March 12, 2018
His Forgotten Fiancee by Evelyn M. Hill. Takes place in 1851. A historical romance. Liza Fitzpartick and Matthew Dean met on the trail to Oregon. They were going to get married once they reached Oregon. Matthew heard some men talking about finding gold. Matthew left during the night with the men without waking Liza to let her know he was leaving. Liza father had staked a claim in Oregon and they were headed there. In the meantime Matthew got beaten up and thrown in the river to die. But he didn't and now he lost his memory and don't remember anything. A very good read.
August 10, 2021
I liked this, several elements were set up differently than a lot of the paperback historicals. The male protagonist’s memory loss served as a source of conflict, tension, and mystery. Plus, a kitten.
February 1, 2019
Sometimes you just need to read a mindless book that you already know the whole plot for, okay?
June 14, 2019
A sweet historical, though the villain is rather two-dimensional. And I am not happy with our heroine's decision about the use of her land. But it made sense.
September 9, 2019
It was fantastic. The way it held you at each chapter. It made me want to know what was going to happen between them. It made me wonder when he was going to get his memory back.
August 13, 2021
DNF at 44%. I couldn’t read any more and didn’t care what was happening or how it would be resolved. The plot was silly and the characters ridiculous and annoying. It was all just downright boring.
March 28, 2019
Sweet historical romance. Not too sure about the accuracy of the portrayal of what women were able to do, but it was interesting.
Not a fan of the amnesia trope.
Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not a fan of the amnesia trope.
Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews