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The Life Lucy Knew
One woman is about to discover everything she believes-knows-to be true about her life...isn't.
After hitting her head, Lucy Sparks awakens in the hospital to a shocking revelation: the man she's known and loved for years-the man she recently married-is not actually her husband. In fact, they haven't even spoken since their breakup four years earlier. The happily-ever-after she remembers in vivid detail-right down to the dress she wore to their wedding-is only one example of what her doctors call a false memory: recollections Lucy's mind made up to fill in the blanks from the coma.
Her psychologist explains the condition as honest lying, because while Lucy's memories are false, they still feel incredibly real. Now she has no idea which memories she can trust-a devastating experience not only for Lucy, but also for her family, friends and especially her devoted boyfriend, Matt, whom Lucy remembers merely as a work colleague.
When the life Lucy believes she had slams against the reality she's been living for the past four years, she must make a difficult choice about which life she wants to lead, and who she really is.
After hitting her head, Lucy Sparks awakens in the hospital to a shocking revelation: the man she's known and loved for years-the man she recently married-is not actually her husband. In fact, they haven't even spoken since their breakup four years earlier. The happily-ever-after she remembers in vivid detail-right down to the dress she wore to their wedding-is only one example of what her doctors call a false memory: recollections Lucy's mind made up to fill in the blanks from the coma.
Her psychologist explains the condition as honest lying, because while Lucy's memories are false, they still feel incredibly real. Now she has no idea which memories she can trust-a devastating experience not only for Lucy, but also for her family, friends and especially her devoted boyfriend, Matt, whom Lucy remembers merely as a work colleague.
When the life Lucy believes she had slams against the reality she's been living for the past four years, she must make a difficult choice about which life she wants to lead, and who she really is.
297 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2018
174 people are currently reading
4370 people want to read
About the author
Karma Brown
15 books1,340 followersKARMA BROWN is a Canadian award-winning journalist, speaker, and the #1 bestselling author of six novels, including RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE. She has also written the non-fiction bestseller THE 4% FIX, and has co-authored two holiday rom-coms under the pen name Maggie Knox. In addition to her books, Karma's writing has appeared in publications such as Redbook, SELF, and Chatelaine. Karma lives just outside Toronto with her husband, daughter, and a labradoodle named Fred. She released a holiday rom com in 2026 (THE CHRISTMAS CURE) under the pen name Kristine Winters, and her horror debut, MOTHER IS WATCHING publishes March 17, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
June 9, 2018
4 memorable stars to The Life Lucy Knew! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Wow, talk about an original premise. Lucy Sparks falls and hits her head. When she wakes up, she searches for her husband in her hospital room. Not only is he not there, “he’s” actually not her husband!
Instead, her current boyfriend, Matt, who is present, is broken-hearted when he realizes she is in love with her ex (who was never really her husband, anyway- part of the memory is created).
Lucy is diagnosed with a condition called honest lying. While her memories feel real to her, some of them are false. The hardest thing to work through is figuring out which of her memories really are hers.
As Lucy heals, she is at a crossroads and has to figure out where to take her life. I loved her as a character, and my heart ached for the emotional turmoil she experienced. I also thought Matt was a steadfast, nurturing, warm character, and I was rooting for him to win back Lucy’s heart. He took such good care of her and worked so hard in trying to help her regain her memory.
Karma Brown is a go-to for dependable, emotional reads, and The Life Lucy Knew is memorable and heartwarming.
Thank you to Karma Brown, Park Row/Harlequin, and Edelweiss for the copy. The Life Lucy Knew will be released on June 12, 2018.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Wow, talk about an original premise. Lucy Sparks falls and hits her head. When she wakes up, she searches for her husband in her hospital room. Not only is he not there, “he’s” actually not her husband!
Instead, her current boyfriend, Matt, who is present, is broken-hearted when he realizes she is in love with her ex (who was never really her husband, anyway- part of the memory is created).
Lucy is diagnosed with a condition called honest lying. While her memories feel real to her, some of them are false. The hardest thing to work through is figuring out which of her memories really are hers.
As Lucy heals, she is at a crossroads and has to figure out where to take her life. I loved her as a character, and my heart ached for the emotional turmoil she experienced. I also thought Matt was a steadfast, nurturing, warm character, and I was rooting for him to win back Lucy’s heart. He took such good care of her and worked so hard in trying to help her regain her memory.
Karma Brown is a go-to for dependable, emotional reads, and The Life Lucy Knew is memorable and heartwarming.
Thank you to Karma Brown, Park Row/Harlequin, and Edelweiss for the copy. The Life Lucy Knew will be released on June 12, 2018.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
June 15, 2018
3 stars.
I have read and loved every one of Karma Brown’s books. She is one of my favourite authors! Unfortunately, this novel fell shy of my hopes and expectations.
Lucy Sparks wakes up from a coma after falling and hitting her head. She has lost most of her memory from the last four years. She also discovers that she has what her doctors call, ‘false memories’ or ‘honest lying’. Her brain has created memories that feel real but are not real. Through therapy sessions along with the help of her friends and family, Lucy works to unravel the details of her life that seem scattered and broken.
I found the premise of the story intriguing, however, the execution didn’t quite work for me. I couldn’t connect with Lucy. As devastating as her situation was, I didn’t “feel” anything for her.
For me, the storyline seemed to take on a less serious tone than Brown’s previous novels.
Even though this novel didn’t live up to my love of her previous books, I still look forward to what Karma Brown has in store for us next. I remain a huge fan of her work.
This was a Traveling Sister read with my lovely Norma. To find this review, along with the other Traveling Sister read reviews, please visit Norma and Brenda’s fabulous blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
A big thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin and Karma Brown for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I have read and loved every one of Karma Brown’s books. She is one of my favourite authors! Unfortunately, this novel fell shy of my hopes and expectations.
Lucy Sparks wakes up from a coma after falling and hitting her head. She has lost most of her memory from the last four years. She also discovers that she has what her doctors call, ‘false memories’ or ‘honest lying’. Her brain has created memories that feel real but are not real. Through therapy sessions along with the help of her friends and family, Lucy works to unravel the details of her life that seem scattered and broken.
I found the premise of the story intriguing, however, the execution didn’t quite work for me. I couldn’t connect with Lucy. As devastating as her situation was, I didn’t “feel” anything for her.
For me, the storyline seemed to take on a less serious tone than Brown’s previous novels.
Even though this novel didn’t live up to my love of her previous books, I still look forward to what Karma Brown has in store for us next. I remain a huge fan of her work.
This was a Traveling Sister read with my lovely Norma. To find this review, along with the other Traveling Sister read reviews, please visit Norma and Brenda’s fabulous blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
A big thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin and Karma Brown for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 15, 2018
3.5 Stars!
THE LIFE LUCY KNEW by KARMA BROWN was an enjoyable, interesting, quick and easy read that had an extremely interesting and fascinating premise to it. I absolutely love books with an amnesia component to the storyline and whereas I did enjoy this one I was a little disappointed with the ending. I normally thoroughly enjoy Epilogues and all that they reveal to us but with this one I would have liked to have had a little more insight into the inbetween of our main characters relationship, therefore lowering my overall rating.
KARMA BROWN delivers a well-written read here with an engaging and unique storyline that has us following along with Lucy and her heartbreaking journey. Our main character, Lucy is suffering from a head injury where her brain has re-written her memories causing false memory. I really felt strong emotions for Lucy and what she endured. I can’t even imagine how I would feel or how I would react in a similar situation.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, entertaining, and quick read with an ending that I wasn’t completely satisfied with. Karma Brown is an author that I thoroughly enjoy as she always delivers a reliable, heartwarming, and emotional read. Would recommend!
This was a Traveling Sister Read that I read along with my lovely Lindsay! Thank you so much for reading this book with me! 💕
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Karma Brown, and Harlequin - Hanover Square Press (U.S. & Canada)/Park Row for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review written and posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley.
THE LIFE LUCY KNEW by KARMA BROWN was an enjoyable, interesting, quick and easy read that had an extremely interesting and fascinating premise to it. I absolutely love books with an amnesia component to the storyline and whereas I did enjoy this one I was a little disappointed with the ending. I normally thoroughly enjoy Epilogues and all that they reveal to us but with this one I would have liked to have had a little more insight into the inbetween of our main characters relationship, therefore lowering my overall rating.
KARMA BROWN delivers a well-written read here with an engaging and unique storyline that has us following along with Lucy and her heartbreaking journey. Our main character, Lucy is suffering from a head injury where her brain has re-written her memories causing false memory. I really felt strong emotions for Lucy and what she endured. I can’t even imagine how I would feel or how I would react in a similar situation.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, entertaining, and quick read with an ending that I wasn’t completely satisfied with. Karma Brown is an author that I thoroughly enjoy as she always delivers a reliable, heartwarming, and emotional read. Would recommend!
This was a Traveling Sister Read that I read along with my lovely Lindsay! Thank you so much for reading this book with me! 💕
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Karma Brown, and Harlequin - Hanover Square Press (U.S. & Canada)/Park Row for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review written and posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley.
July 14, 2018
I loved this story as I do with all of Karma's books.
Set in Toronto where the author lives and I grew up, made the story exceptionally appealing being familiar with the streets and various locations mentioned.
An original and interesting premise has Lucy Sparks waking up from a coma after falling and hitting her head, only to have false memories. She knows who she is but the life she recalls living is not the life she has led. Healing and moving on becomes complicated as she isn't sure which memories are real and which are false.
Engaging characters, a clever storyline, an emotional read.
I highly recommend "The Life Lucy Knew" by Karma Brown.
Thank you to Karma Brown, NetGalley and Park Row Publishers for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Set in Toronto where the author lives and I grew up, made the story exceptionally appealing being familiar with the streets and various locations mentioned.
An original and interesting premise has Lucy Sparks waking up from a coma after falling and hitting her head, only to have false memories. She knows who she is but the life she recalls living is not the life she has led. Healing and moving on becomes complicated as she isn't sure which memories are real and which are false.
Engaging characters, a clever storyline, an emotional read.
I highly recommend "The Life Lucy Knew" by Karma Brown.
Thank you to Karma Brown, NetGalley and Park Row Publishers for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2018
3.5 STARS
No matter how many I come across, I'm always a sucker for a novel that features an amnesia component. There's something about the protagonist's journey across the unknown that grabs me, and Karma Brown has found a unique flair to make her story, The Life Lucy Knew, stand out in the crowd of others like it. While I did hope to grasp a little more of Lucy and Matt's relationship by the end and desired a little more from the epilogue, I did immensely enjoy following Lucy along such a difficult journey. Highly recommended to fans of Brown's previous work and for those looking to pick up a dependable read that is emotional, but not too heavy.
I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
No matter how many I come across, I'm always a sucker for a novel that features an amnesia component. There's something about the protagonist's journey across the unknown that grabs me, and Karma Brown has found a unique flair to make her story, The Life Lucy Knew, stand out in the crowd of others like it. While I did hope to grasp a little more of Lucy and Matt's relationship by the end and desired a little more from the epilogue, I did immensely enjoy following Lucy along such a difficult journey. Highly recommended to fans of Brown's previous work and for those looking to pick up a dependable read that is emotional, but not too heavy.
I received a review copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
December 13, 2018
Sometimes the things that used to make sense don’t make sense anymore.
Karma Brown is a new author for me.
Despite I had some issues with the story itself, I must admit this woman can write!
Wow! It was somehow a new experience for me: romance with an intense suspense, which wasn’t a thriller or a detective story.
I couldn’t put it down. I was literally glued to my Kindle.
After I read the blurb I was sure (based on my huge reading history), that I knew how the story would go.
Let’s see, a woman wakes up with an amnesia after the accident and thinks she were married to her (actually) ex, whom she didn’t see for years.
I drew 2 scenarios:
1.) Her ex turns out to be her dream-man -> current bf immediately dismissed -> they (h+ex) find each other -> reunion, love, best sex ever -> she falls down and hits her head while chasing butterflies -> her memory comes back -> HEA with 3 kids + 1 in her belly.
2.) Her current bf turns out to be the best man ever -> her ex is a villain and causes drama -> she gets into the accident and hits her head while saving a cute worm from rainy weather -> her memory comes back -> HEA with 2 kids, dog + cat, and of course the cutest pet ever worm Charly ;-)
But I could never imagine how this author did fold this story out.
Nothing predictable, well, at least not for me.
Very intense, honest – no extra sugar-coating, unique (for some readers probably unlikable) heroine, no miracles, decent ending, but not a la-la-land HEA.
I’ll put the big part of my review under the spoiler tag.
If you plan to read this book, don’t click it!
The book was semi-safe for me, kind of love-triangle.
Very probably unsafe for many readers.
I’m not into the line: read this book, if you’re brave.
Bravery has nothing to do with reading a book!!! A person is brave, when he/she saves a life, chooses a dangerous career path, risks his/her life.
Sorry, but it needed to be said *lol*
You may read this book, if you want a different story. If you’re ok with a book, which makes you feel (and not necessarily happiness, but also frustration), and which makes you think. If you’re ok with an intense reading experience, but also with some unsolved issues – this may be a good book for you.
Warning! Spoilers! Warning!
If you didn’t clicked the spoiler, but still want to read the book, I’d say do it.
I read a lot, I read a book per day; and let’s be honest the majority is cliché-driven predictable stories (not that I cliché-shame the authors, they deliver what the market demands). This one was NOT! It was very good, fabulously and, above all, smart written, the author did her research!
And you can always blame me!!! *lol*
You have the right to change your present if it doesn’t fit with the future you envision.
April 11, 2018
You know I couldn't resist reading this one early.
Read this and other reviews at Carlene Inspired
Lucy Sparks is happily married, has a fantastic job, and has the best memories of her life...only her memories aren't her own. A nasty fall leaves her confused, having forgotten her relationship with her boyfriend and co-worker Matt, her family's big life events, and who she really is. What her doctor calls honest lying is really her brain filling in the blanks and when Lucy tries to live normally she finds that what her head knows and what her head remembers are very different.
I love a good memory loss novel, movie, or TV show, so of course I was all over The Life Lucy Knew by Karma Brown. Lucy is written in a way that makes you really care for her and believe her predicament. She's sweet, naive in this new position, and very kind hearted. It is very obvious that she cares for her family, her friends, and her spouse, even if she has the wrong one in her memories. The fictitious memories seem very real, with Lucy able to describe them down to the exact details, but as she tries to recover her memories she begins to understand that though the memories are real, some may not even be her own. It was fairly realistic in the sense that I had never heard of false memories, but I could believe in it for the story. Lucy's emotions are all over the place, her family and friends try everything, and some of the events that follow her waking up are hard, but necessary. I appreciated that it wasn't all easy and that it wasn't truly a romance, but rather a story of a woman dealing with a difficult event and overcoming it despite the speed bumps along the way.
The Life Lucy Knew was a nice break from my usual reads and was just the sort of pacing I was looking for. I do wish the epilogue had more to it, but ultimately I enjoyed the story. It's the kind of novel you read while relaxing by the pool or cozied into a blanket, the story not over dramatic or filled with angst.
ARC provided.
Read this and other reviews at Carlene Inspired
Lucy Sparks is happily married, has a fantastic job, and has the best memories of her life...only her memories aren't her own. A nasty fall leaves her confused, having forgotten her relationship with her boyfriend and co-worker Matt, her family's big life events, and who she really is. What her doctor calls honest lying is really her brain filling in the blanks and when Lucy tries to live normally she finds that what her head knows and what her head remembers are very different.
I love a good memory loss novel, movie, or TV show, so of course I was all over The Life Lucy Knew by Karma Brown. Lucy is written in a way that makes you really care for her and believe her predicament. She's sweet, naive in this new position, and very kind hearted. It is very obvious that she cares for her family, her friends, and her spouse, even if she has the wrong one in her memories. The fictitious memories seem very real, with Lucy able to describe them down to the exact details, but as she tries to recover her memories she begins to understand that though the memories are real, some may not even be her own. It was fairly realistic in the sense that I had never heard of false memories, but I could believe in it for the story. Lucy's emotions are all over the place, her family and friends try everything, and some of the events that follow her waking up are hard, but necessary. I appreciated that it wasn't all easy and that it wasn't truly a romance, but rather a story of a woman dealing with a difficult event and overcoming it despite the speed bumps along the way.
The Life Lucy Knew was a nice break from my usual reads and was just the sort of pacing I was looking for. I do wish the epilogue had more to it, but ultimately I enjoyed the story. It's the kind of novel you read while relaxing by the pool or cozied into a blanket, the story not over dramatic or filled with angst.
ARC provided.
July 6, 2018
The Life Lucy Knew
Karma Brown
Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading THE LIFE LUCY KNEW by Karma Brown. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Lucy. Lucy Sparks falls down, hits her head and she can't remember her life. The only things she remembers seem to be phantom memories!
THE LIFE LUCY KNEW had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Lucy and Matt and all the secondary characters. Annie is shattered after learning she has lost four years worth of her memories. She thinks she is happily married to Daniel but really, she is in a relationship with Matt. Daniel is her ex fiancé and she hadn't seen him in years. How can her brain be so confused? The only thing she remembers about Matt is that he is her co worker. Oh yeah, the story is just that crazy good! Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down!
THE LIFE LUCY KNEW is without a doubt one of the most original books I've read in 2018 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. I have never read a book by Karma Brown before but now that I've read this one, I'm going to check out her previous books and read them all too! All of Karma's characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will soon be wondering if Lucy will ever be able to get her memory back. Karma's writing is very engaging and hooked me from the very first page. The suspense and mystery kept me reading late into the night and I had to know how much Lucy would remember. Would she go back to Daniel even though he was married to someone else? Would she eventually remember how much Matt meant to her?
Karma Brown
Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading THE LIFE LUCY KNEW by Karma Brown. She will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Lucy. Lucy Sparks falls down, hits her head and she can't remember her life. The only things she remembers seem to be phantom memories!
THE LIFE LUCY KNEW had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Lucy and Matt and all the secondary characters. Annie is shattered after learning she has lost four years worth of her memories. She thinks she is happily married to Daniel but really, she is in a relationship with Matt. Daniel is her ex fiancé and she hadn't seen him in years. How can her brain be so confused? The only thing she remembers about Matt is that he is her co worker. Oh yeah, the story is just that crazy good! Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down!
THE LIFE LUCY KNEW is without a doubt one of the most original books I've read in 2018 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. I have never read a book by Karma Brown before but now that I've read this one, I'm going to check out her previous books and read them all too! All of Karma's characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will soon be wondering if Lucy will ever be able to get her memory back. Karma's writing is very engaging and hooked me from the very first page. The suspense and mystery kept me reading late into the night and I had to know how much Lucy would remember. Would she go back to Daniel even though he was married to someone else? Would she eventually remember how much Matt meant to her?
May 21, 2018
I have loved all of Karma Brown’s books. All I’ve given 5 stars. But this one I felt fell short. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. It just seemed to drag to me. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley For giving me this book early. All opinions are my own.
October 25, 2017
I've read a very early copy of this, and it was fantastic!
December 6, 2017
I read an advanced copy of this book and absolutely loved the story, as I do with all of Karma's books. It's an emotional love story with suspense and mystery. A definite page-turner. I couldn't put it down.
May 18, 2018
I received an ARC of The Life Lucy Knew from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I've read by this author, even though she was on my radar for awhile. In this book Karma Brown takes a very common trope, amnesia, and puts an interesting spin on it. Following an accident, Lucy wakes up in the hospital with false memories. She thinks she is happily married to Daniel, who, in reality, is her ex-fiance and whom she hasn't seen in years. She has vivid memories of their wedding and vacations and she doesn't remember that she is in a relationship with Matt, whom she only knows as her co-worker and friend. Her doctors call her condition confabulated memory disorder or honest lying. I was intrigued by this premise.
I liked the first half of the book a lot more than the second half. Karma's writing is very engaging and I was invested in Lucy's story from the first page. But the more I read, the more I became frustrated with Lucy's actions and the way the story was unfolding. The second part of the book consisted of Lucy getting drunk a lot. Which didn't really make sense to me. Her memories and her perception of reality were already skewed following the accident so I didn't understand why would she make it even worse by constantly getting sh*t-faced? I don't love when authors use drinking as a plot device to make their characters do something or behave in a certain way to move the story forward. And I don't find characters who drink excessively particularly interesting. It's a cliché, unless the story is about addiction, in which case it would be an important part of the narration.
Also I wanted to see more of Matt and Lucy's relationship. Matt has a very important part throughout the book but even by the end we still don't know a lot about their relationship, before or after the accident.
When I started reading The Life Lucy Knew I thought it would be a 4-5 star read but the second half of the book let me down, so overall rating is 3 stars.
I liked the first half of the book a lot more than the second half. Karma's writing is very engaging and I was invested in Lucy's story from the first page. But the more I read, the more I became frustrated with Lucy's actions and the way the story was unfolding. The second part of the book consisted of Lucy getting drunk a lot. Which didn't really make sense to me. Her memories and her perception of reality were already skewed following the accident so I didn't understand why would she make it even worse by constantly getting sh*t-faced? I don't love when authors use drinking as a plot device to make their characters do something or behave in a certain way to move the story forward. And I don't find characters who drink excessively particularly interesting. It's a cliché, unless the story is about addiction, in which case it would be an important part of the narration.
Also I wanted to see more of Matt and Lucy's relationship. Matt has a very important part throughout the book but even by the end we still don't know a lot about their relationship, before or after the accident.
When I started reading The Life Lucy Knew I thought it would be a 4-5 star read but the second half of the book let me down, so overall rating is 3 stars.
May 6, 2018
"I think normal is what life looked like five minutes before I slipped on the ice."
How horrible it had to be to wake up with false memories! This is exactly what happened to Lucy Sparks.
Lucy had everything going for her. She had a great relationship with her boyfriend Matt Newman. She had a great job and she was happy with her life. Then she falls on the ice and suffers a severe trauma to her head and in one second she losses it all.
When Lucy wakes up in the hospital, she discovers that the man next to her bed, her friend and co-worker Matt is actually her live-in boyfriend but she doesn't remember anything about her relationship with him. Instead, she remembers her ex-fiancee Daniel London but she remembers him as her husband. She remembers everything about her wedding even though, her parents assured her it never happened. She hasn't even seen him in four years!
Lucy feels so confused and every time, she is close to Matt she feels like she's cheating on Daniel. It breaks her heart and Matt's too.
For his part, Matt is determined to help her try to remember by recreating some of their special moments.
The Life Lucy Knew broke my heart. I felt bad for both Lucy and Matt. They were served with a rotten deal. Matt was so sweet and patient but I also understood how terrible it was for Lucy. She was feeling a sense of loyalty towards Daniel, a man whom she believed to be her husband. She had trouble recognizing which of her memories were true and which were false and created by her own mind.
"Feeling like you're a passenger in a car, versus the driver."
I couldn't put down The Life Lucy Knew, I HAD to know how the story was going to unfold. Her unique situation forced her to make new choices. I NEEDED to know which road she was going to follow. I won't lie, I was rooting for Lucy and Matt the whole way through. He was so easy to like and fall for. Rooting for Lucy was not difficult. She had to question everything in her life and have the courage to continue onward with her new life since she wasn't sure her memories will ever come back.
With the Life Lucy Knew, Karma Brown has created a new fan in me.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
June 14, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Life Lucy Knew had a really interesting premise. After slipping and hitting her head, Lucy wakes up and remembers a totally different life than she is living. Like she remembers marrying her ex, which never happened. While I enjoyed exploring this all with Lucy there was one thing that bothered me. I felt like there were big points that weren't explained well or just glossed over. I wanted certain things explored more. Still, it was a quick read and enjoyable overall. I really like Karma Brown's books and can't wait for more from her.
This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
The Life Lucy Knew had a really interesting premise. After slipping and hitting her head, Lucy wakes up and remembers a totally different life than she is living. Like she remembers marrying her ex, which never happened. While I enjoyed exploring this all with Lucy there was one thing that bothered me. I felt like there were big points that weren't explained well or just glossed over. I wanted certain things explored more. Still, it was a quick read and enjoyable overall. I really like Karma Brown's books and can't wait for more from her.
This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
June 25, 2018
I've been a fan of Karma Brown's writing ever since her debut, Come Away with Me, made it onto my 2015 favorites list. Her two books that came out since then have had more of a Jodi Picoult feel to them. So I was surprised when she took a different angle with The Life Lucy Knew and it had more of a Taylor Jenkins Reid feel this time around.
It was very easy to get into the story and stay captivated throughout. I loved the romantic aspect of the story, in regards to how Matt was trying to bring Lucy's memory back. The premise was intriguing. I can't even imagine what it would be like to have false memories like the ones Lucy had and not be able to trust my own mind or what anyone else was telling me. That must have been so scary and unsettling for her. There's a time-travel amnesia novel (i.e. What Alice Forgot) feel to this story in some ways, but it's also very different.
I enjoyed the entire novel and am glad for the way it ended, but I won't say what happened as to not spoil it. I definitely encourage you to read all of Karma's novels, but if you want something on the lighter end, I'd start with this one.
Dream movie cast:
Lucy: Britt Robertson
Daniel: Christopher Russell
Matt: Nathan Parsons
Jenny: Kimiko Glenn
Alex: Rebecca Ferguson
Margot: India de Beaufort
It was very easy to get into the story and stay captivated throughout. I loved the romantic aspect of the story, in regards to how Matt was trying to bring Lucy's memory back. The premise was intriguing. I can't even imagine what it would be like to have false memories like the ones Lucy had and not be able to trust my own mind or what anyone else was telling me. That must have been so scary and unsettling for her. There's a time-travel amnesia novel (i.e. What Alice Forgot) feel to this story in some ways, but it's also very different.
I enjoyed the entire novel and am glad for the way it ended, but I won't say what happened as to not spoil it. I definitely encourage you to read all of Karma's novels, but if you want something on the lighter end, I'd start with this one.
Dream movie cast:
Lucy: Britt Robertson
Daniel: Christopher Russell
Matt: Nathan Parsons
Jenny: Kimiko Glenn
Alex: Rebecca Ferguson
Margot: India de Beaufort
July 19, 2021
Lucy woke up from a coma after falling on the ice and hitting her head. Not only had she lost some real memories, but Lucy also had fantastical made-up memories after her accident. She remembered events that never happened with an ex-boyfriend who she had not seen in four years. She only remembered her current boyfriend as a work buddy, although they had been living together.
Lucy had a condition called confabulated memory disorder where false memories seem totally real. As she narrates the story, we witness the confusion and frustration she feels in her mind. It's a difficult emotional journey for this Toronto woman to learn who she is, and what she wants in her future. The author writes with empathy for Lucy and the people who love her. The ending was a bit rushed, but it was a compelling fictional story overall. 3.5 stars.
Lucy had a condition called confabulated memory disorder where false memories seem totally real. As she narrates the story, we witness the confusion and frustration she feels in her mind. It's a difficult emotional journey for this Toronto woman to learn who she is, and what she wants in her future. The author writes with empathy for Lucy and the people who love her. The ending was a bit rushed, but it was a compelling fictional story overall. 3.5 stars.
June 25, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up
I loved the book throughout, but the ending just left me a little flat. I thought there could have been a bit more of a twist that would have made things more surprising and original with the Daniel storyline, which was a non-starter for me. I also didn't love Lucy (ha, see what I did there), I get that she was experiencing something that I cannot really comprehend, but Matt was trying SO hard and she was just "eh" about all of his efforts for the most part.
Very fast-paced book, really kept me interested and I will definitely read more of the author's books, I'm a huge fan!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own
I loved the book throughout, but the ending just left me a little flat. I thought there could have been a bit more of a twist that would have made things more surprising and original with the Daniel storyline, which was a non-starter for me. I also didn't love Lucy (ha, see what I did there), I get that she was experiencing something that I cannot really comprehend, but Matt was trying SO hard and she was just "eh" about all of his efforts for the most part.
Very fast-paced book, really kept me interested and I will definitely read more of the author's books, I'm a huge fan!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own
June 16, 2018
3.5 Stars
July 10, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
The Life Lucy Knew is an interesting read which centers around a topic I always find really interesting: amnesia. Main protagonist Lucy wakes up from an accident believing her life to be very different to how it was when she had the accident, and we follow her as she tries to make sense of it all and coax her memory back.
I liked that this novel was fairly believable, as I wasn’t sure when I started it if we’d suddnely find out someone had done something awful to 'trick' her etc (like some other novels I’ve read on this kind of subject) bu, actually, the characters were pretty convincing and three-dimensional, and Lucy herself was likable (though at times her actions could be really frustrating... I suppose she is suffering with a head injury though so I can kind of let her off most of it!)
The pace is fairly steady and at times perhaps could have moved along at a bit quicker pace, but I liked Lucy’s attempts to try and rediscover the relationship between her and her husband (though she doesn’t remember them getting married) Matt. The narrative jumps between present day and the time 'before' - though we're sometimes unsure if these are memories Lucy remembers now, which therefore may not be very reliable anyway, or 'true' memories.
I don’t feel that this novel is anything hugely exciting or particularly different but it is a fun, quick read which would be ideal for the summer, or for when you fancy something enjoyable but relaxing.
[3.5 stars bumped to 5]
Many thanks to HQ Digital for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
The Life Lucy Knew is an interesting read which centers around a topic I always find really interesting: amnesia. Main protagonist Lucy wakes up from an accident believing her life to be very different to how it was when she had the accident, and we follow her as she tries to make sense of it all and coax her memory back.
I liked that this novel was fairly believable, as I wasn’t sure when I started it if we’d suddnely find out someone had done something awful to 'trick' her etc (like some other novels I’ve read on this kind of subject) bu, actually, the characters were pretty convincing and three-dimensional, and Lucy herself was likable (though at times her actions could be really frustrating... I suppose she is suffering with a head injury though so I can kind of let her off most of it!)
The pace is fairly steady and at times perhaps could have moved along at a bit quicker pace, but I liked Lucy’s attempts to try and rediscover the relationship between her and her husband (though she doesn’t remember them getting married) Matt. The narrative jumps between present day and the time 'before' - though we're sometimes unsure if these are memories Lucy remembers now, which therefore may not be very reliable anyway, or 'true' memories.
I don’t feel that this novel is anything hugely exciting or particularly different but it is a fun, quick read which would be ideal for the summer, or for when you fancy something enjoyable but relaxing.
[3.5 stars bumped to 5]
Many thanks to HQ Digital for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
November 14, 2017
Karma Brown is one of those few authors that I will buy her books without knowing anything about them because I know that they will be fantastic. With The Life Lucy Knew, her 4th novel, she proves that she is definitely a fantastic author.
Lucy Sparks wakes up in the hospital with her parents and Matt, her best friend from work by her side. Where she wonders is her husband Daniel? It turns out that the fall caused Lucy to forget parts of her past. She hasn't spoken to Daniel in over four years (and they never married) and Matt, her best friend from work is really her long time boyfriend. And the worst part is that the damage to her memory may be long term. Despite pictures and Matt's best efforts, Lucy continues to feel strong love for Daniel. All of as sudden she is faced with all kinds of 'what-ifs' and the need to make a decision about how she wants to live her life and who she wants to live it with.
I laughed and cried with Lucy and was rooting for her throughout this entire novel even when I wasn't sure about which decision would be the best for her life. She's a character that I won't soon forget. The supporting characters are also great, especially Matt who loves Lucy and wants to help her regain her memory of their lives together. This is a FANTASTIC book!
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Lucy Sparks wakes up in the hospital with her parents and Matt, her best friend from work by her side. Where she wonders is her husband Daniel? It turns out that the fall caused Lucy to forget parts of her past. She hasn't spoken to Daniel in over four years (and they never married) and Matt, her best friend from work is really her long time boyfriend. And the worst part is that the damage to her memory may be long term. Despite pictures and Matt's best efforts, Lucy continues to feel strong love for Daniel. All of as sudden she is faced with all kinds of 'what-ifs' and the need to make a decision about how she wants to live her life and who she wants to live it with.
I laughed and cried with Lucy and was rooting for her throughout this entire novel even when I wasn't sure about which decision would be the best for her life. She's a character that I won't soon forget. The supporting characters are also great, especially Matt who loves Lucy and wants to help her regain her memory of their lives together. This is a FANTASTIC book!
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
March 7, 2019
If you remembered everything but the last year of your life, would you still know yourself? What if you lost two years, or three? How long until you’d start to question the choices you’d made, the turns you’d taken, and whether change is always good? THE LIFE LUCY KNEW is the kind of story that engrosses you in a character’s life while making you contemplate your own. A fascinating look at what we most want to remember, and what we’d just as soon forget. (Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review early.)
August 12, 2018
*** 1.5 stars ***
No, no, no! This book was so boring and so dull - at the end I had to flip through the last 50 pages cause I couldn't take it anymore. This is really surprising since I read all previous Karma Brown's books and liked them all. The writing style was so irritating and didn't feel like fiction at all - all the unnecessary details and constant nagging from the main protagonist Lucy. I yawned, I rolled my eyes, I did lots of work around the house just to avoid this book - all not very good signs. Overall, that didn't work for me at all.
No, no, no! This book was so boring and so dull - at the end I had to flip through the last 50 pages cause I couldn't take it anymore. This is really surprising since I read all previous Karma Brown's books and liked them all. The writing style was so irritating and didn't feel like fiction at all - all the unnecessary details and constant nagging from the main protagonist Lucy. I yawned, I rolled my eyes, I did lots of work around the house just to avoid this book - all not very good signs. Overall, that didn't work for me at all.
June 18, 2018
3.5 stars
I can totally see why Taylor Jenkins Reid recommends this author for people of are a fan of her work.
I can totally see why Taylor Jenkins Reid recommends this author for people of are a fan of her work.
May 4, 2018
Lucy Sparks wakes up in a hospital bed to find out that she has been in a coma for the past month. By her bedside is her parents and coworker Matt. Frightened and confused she asks where Daniel, her husband is. She's told there is no husband. Her and Daniel never married. They actually broke up four years ago and her and Matt has been in a relationship for the past two years! A doctor then explains to her that was she is experiencing is a condition called "confabulated memory disorder." While she was in the coma her brain wasn't creating any new memories, which then caused gaps, which then in turn causes the brain to fill in these gaps with jumbled up old and new information. Which is where the false memories come into play.
Lucy then has to struggle with determining what is real and what isn't. What has really happened and what hasn't and if she has the right person on the memory! Fascinating storyline! And I did enjoy the book to an extent, it just isn't the genre that I usually read so there was some parts that I did struggle with. I wish we could give half stars cause I would definitely give it a solid 3.5, but since we can't I gotta go with three stars ★★★ on this one!!
Also, this was a Goodreads giveaway win....thank you for the opportunity to read this book!!!
Lucy then has to struggle with determining what is real and what isn't. What has really happened and what hasn't and if she has the right person on the memory! Fascinating storyline! And I did enjoy the book to an extent, it just isn't the genre that I usually read so there was some parts that I did struggle with. I wish we could give half stars cause I would definitely give it a solid 3.5, but since we can't I gotta go with three stars ★★★ on this one!!
Also, this was a Goodreads giveaway win....thank you for the opportunity to read this book!!!
December 7, 2017
I fell in love with Lucy Sparks! Karma Brown has a way of creating characters that are so real on the page you just 'go there' with them emotionally. This book has a unique premise that will grab you from page one and never lets go. Wonderful read.
May 9, 2018
Memories are important; they shape us and our beliefs, they provide a basis for decisions we make, they can make us laugh and cry, and they help us form relationships of all sorts.
What would you do if you could no longer depend on your memories?
Lucy Sparks has to come to terms with this question after falling and hitting her head while out running an errand on a winter day. She wakes up and soon realizes that not only has she forgotten much of the last few years of her life, but her mind has filled in the blank space with very vivid false memories and she can no longer trust what she feels so strongly to be her truth. It’s tough on her and also on her loved ones, as they navigate this new unchartered territory in their lives. Will they be able to reconcile the life they once had or will Lucy’s false memories interfere and put them all on a brand new path?
The character that Brown created in Lucy Sparks was so complex and relatable that I found myself really feeling for her and imagining how confusing and scary her situation must be. I even caught myself thinking ‘What if it were me, what if my memories are all false, too?!’ Another thing that made this novel home run for me was that it was set in Toronto; as someone who was born and raised in this lovely city, I found it very easy to envision each scene and relate to the characters even further. It felt natural reading about Lucy and the other characters in her life and it was easy to empathize with each of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Life Lucy Knew and I know it will make a great summer beach read when it comes out this June!
What would you do if you could no longer depend on your memories?
Lucy Sparks has to come to terms with this question after falling and hitting her head while out running an errand on a winter day. She wakes up and soon realizes that not only has she forgotten much of the last few years of her life, but her mind has filled in the blank space with very vivid false memories and she can no longer trust what she feels so strongly to be her truth. It’s tough on her and also on her loved ones, as they navigate this new unchartered territory in their lives. Will they be able to reconcile the life they once had or will Lucy’s false memories interfere and put them all on a brand new path?
The character that Brown created in Lucy Sparks was so complex and relatable that I found myself really feeling for her and imagining how confusing and scary her situation must be. I even caught myself thinking ‘What if it were me, what if my memories are all false, too?!’ Another thing that made this novel home run for me was that it was set in Toronto; as someone who was born and raised in this lovely city, I found it very easy to envision each scene and relate to the characters even further. It felt natural reading about Lucy and the other characters in her life and it was easy to empathize with each of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Life Lucy Knew and I know it will make a great summer beach read when it comes out this June!
May 9, 2018
Kleenex is to Karma Brown's novels what marshmallows are to s'mores - absolutely essential.
Karma Brown's writing style continues to grow (if that was possible) with each novel she publishes. She draws you into the character's lives from page one. Makes it darn near impossible to put her novels down, and absolutely - without doubt, will tug at your heartstrings.
Lucy's life is a mess, after a freaky accident leaves her with mixed memories. The story develops further and there are twists and turns I really did not see happening which kept me wanting more. The character development is amazing and you want to be right there with Lucy, helping her along the way. You will find yourself cheering her on, crying with her, and laughing at the same time.
I loved everything about Lucy and Matt's story - and would highly recommend The Life Lucy Knew to all of my Women's Fiction, Chick Lit, loving friends. I'd give this more than 5 stars, if I could!!
Karma Brown's writing style continues to grow (if that was possible) with each novel she publishes. She draws you into the character's lives from page one. Makes it darn near impossible to put her novels down, and absolutely - without doubt, will tug at your heartstrings.
Lucy's life is a mess, after a freaky accident leaves her with mixed memories. The story develops further and there are twists and turns I really did not see happening which kept me wanting more. The character development is amazing and you want to be right there with Lucy, helping her along the way. You will find yourself cheering her on, crying with her, and laughing at the same time.
I loved everything about Lucy and Matt's story - and would highly recommend The Life Lucy Knew to all of my Women's Fiction, Chick Lit, loving friends. I'd give this more than 5 stars, if I could!!
August 18, 2018
This interesting take on an amnesia story is fascinating. The idea of false memories - in a good way, not in a way that has resulted from abuse - is actually a real thing and Brown's exploration of it here is so interesting. The book is really about relationships, with flawed characters and mistakes they make, both directly and indirectly. And Jorjeana Marie was fantastic on audio.
February 3, 2022
Brown is a fantastic storyteller - I enjoyed this one.
October 26, 2018
I adore everything Karma writes, and her latest is particularly delicious. When a woman wakes up after a head injury, she discovers that the entire life she remembers (including her marriage) never happened. Watching her piece back reality with the life she "knew" is both an entertaining read and an introspective journey as the read considers the truths and fictions of her own life. Enjoy!
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