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The Forgotten Life of Evelyn Lewis
Facing bankruptcy, a high-end interior designer returns to her childhood Tennessee to salvage her company and finds herself tangled in relationships, property disputes, and a past that refuses to be silenced.
In a desperate attempt to save her company from bankruptcy, designer Evelyn Lewis decides to sell the only memento from her past worth anything—the family farmland. Determined to get in and get out of the abandoned property, she finds the valuable land tangled in a trust, and wonders who she can really depend on. Certainly not the property manager and affable Southern gentleman, Taylor Simpson.
Caught up in the mechanics of a farm, a legal document she can’t break, and pressure from her company for money, Evelyn turns to her own wiles and willpower…but can she resist the South’s wooing?
In a desperate attempt to save her company from bankruptcy, designer Evelyn Lewis decides to sell the only memento from her past worth anything—the family farmland. Determined to get in and get out of the abandoned property, she finds the valuable land tangled in a trust, and wonders who she can really depend on. Certainly not the property manager and affable Southern gentleman, Taylor Simpson.
Caught up in the mechanics of a farm, a legal document she can’t break, and pressure from her company for money, Evelyn turns to her own wiles and willpower…but can she resist the South’s wooing?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
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January 3, 2020
A story filled with heartfelt emotions. Through struggles with the past and burdens of the future, main character Evie has to make tough decisions. There are often more details to the past than we can ever imagine. Great read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
April 13, 2019
God shines through every page of this book. We get to see what God's love looks like when it's displayed in the lives of His children, and it's amazing! I wish every Christian would read this book, and that then those who were still carrying the baggage from a traumatic event would seek the Lord, open their Bible and begin the healing the Lord has for them. Some may think that the change in the main character is either wishful thinking or at least very rare - but it's not. One real life example is Corrie Ten Boon. Read the books about her, the things she wrote. Sadly, many Christians today try to do life in their own strength, pretending everything is fine. But they still have hate, anger, fear, bitterness, shame, and guilt, hidden deep inside. Those feelings will always eventually come out in the open for everyone to see. Often excuses are made as the person often doesn't believe it's possible to really forgive and love the person that abused them. In fact, they often feel justified in hating them and wishing them ill, and feel it would wrong to feel differently. Therefore they continue to live in bondage. I hope and pray that many eyes will be opened by reading this book, and that many will then begin the journey of being totally set free to live a life of victory in Jesus.
December 8, 2018
Wonderful story of survival and redemption
I really enjoyed reading Jane Rubietta's first novel... The characters were strong and believabe. How could I not love Bonnie Sue, Ms. Adelaide and Bette with the fashionista sense of the 1980s? I was born and raised in the South, and knew all these wonderful loving people (by other names, of course) so I enjoyed all the colloquialisms and easy Southern phrases. I still use some of those same easy phrases today. It's who I am, and I haven't lived there in 55 years. You can take the girl out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the girl. The South will always be "Home" to me.
Our mind often hides memories which are destructive, and Evie was hiding some extremely sad memories which had caused her to stop living, but once she fell in love with all the genuine and loving community of Walker, Tennessee and started to trust and live again, she realized she needed God in her life. This was a beautiful story of love, trust and redemption for Evie, Taylor and Meggie!!! I look forward to your next novel. You definitely have a way of pulling the reader into your stories, Ms. Rubietta. Great job, and I would highly recommend this clean,sweet inspirational novel.😊
I really enjoyed reading Jane Rubietta's first novel... The characters were strong and believabe. How could I not love Bonnie Sue, Ms. Adelaide and Bette with the fashionista sense of the 1980s? I was born and raised in the South, and knew all these wonderful loving people (by other names, of course) so I enjoyed all the colloquialisms and easy Southern phrases. I still use some of those same easy phrases today. It's who I am, and I haven't lived there in 55 years. You can take the girl out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the girl. The South will always be "Home" to me.
Our mind often hides memories which are destructive, and Evie was hiding some extremely sad memories which had caused her to stop living, but once she fell in love with all the genuine and loving community of Walker, Tennessee and started to trust and live again, she realized she needed God in her life. This was a beautiful story of love, trust and redemption for Evie, Taylor and Meggie!!! I look forward to your next novel. You definitely have a way of pulling the reader into your stories, Ms. Rubietta. Great job, and I would highly recommend this clean,sweet inspirational novel.😊
November 15, 2018
Confusing
Enjoyed the book BUT...the author needs to rewrite this in the early 1900's.
One should NOT write about something you don't know about. She had the locals talk like I don't know what. She butchered the book with so many cliques I still am confused over the plot. Every single paragraph was a word or phrase the author guessed how Tennesseans talk. I went on the author's web page and I didn't see a woman in a checkered blouse or ruffled peasant blouse or a square dance dress. I didn't burst out in song and started singing Oklahoma. I definitely didn't see 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. This bothered me allot....every time she has a Southerner talk, a cliques pops out of their mouths. No one talks like that. EVER. Do not stereotype preconceived ideas of Tennesseans. Very discriminatory. I will say this. Her remembering sayings from her grandparents that is one thing. Her grandparents probably grew up during WWII. Rural Tennesseans talked like that. THEN But definitely NOT people in the 2000's.
flowed as steady as water from a hole in a ten-gallon bucket.
“You’re up with the birds and the bullfrogs today.
I’m dumber than a sack of hammers. "
This went on and on and on.
Rewrite the book where the dates are before the 1930's. I am only giving this book 2 stars because of the plot I think I saw. Please, write about what you know. I think if you take a trip to southeast Tennessee, you will NOT see cotton growing. You will hear people talk in the slang you portrayed.
Enjoyed the book BUT...the author needs to rewrite this in the early 1900's.
One should NOT write about something you don't know about. She had the locals talk like I don't know what. She butchered the book with so many cliques I still am confused over the plot. Every single paragraph was a word or phrase the author guessed how Tennesseans talk. I went on the author's web page and I didn't see a woman in a checkered blouse or ruffled peasant blouse or a square dance dress. I didn't burst out in song and started singing Oklahoma. I definitely didn't see 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. This bothered me allot....every time she has a Southerner talk, a cliques pops out of their mouths. No one talks like that. EVER. Do not stereotype preconceived ideas of Tennesseans. Very discriminatory. I will say this. Her remembering sayings from her grandparents that is one thing. Her grandparents probably grew up during WWII. Rural Tennesseans talked like that. THEN But definitely NOT people in the 2000's.
flowed as steady as water from a hole in a ten-gallon bucket.
“You’re up with the birds and the bullfrogs today.
I’m dumber than a sack of hammers. "
This went on and on and on.
Rewrite the book where the dates are before the 1930's. I am only giving this book 2 stars because of the plot I think I saw. Please, write about what you know. I think if you take a trip to southeast Tennessee, you will NOT see cotton growing. You will hear people talk in the slang you portrayed.
April 7, 2019
The storyline is cute and intriguing, in a Hallmark channel movie sort of way. Evelyn Ferguson Lewis has made a name for herself as a big city (read: Baltimore) interior designer. The first scene opens with Evelyn and her right hand woman, Clarice, receiving the awful news that one of their partnering firms is filing bankruptcy. They aren’t sure how they’re going to keep their business from going under. And then Evelyn remembers... the farmland her grandparents left to her. And so—just like any bad Hallmark movie you’ve ever seen—she drives to Tennessee only to discover that the trust has a clause that stipulates that Evelyn must live on the property for three consecutive months before she can put it up for sale.
I almost stopped reading here. First of all, it’s so predictable... just like a sappy made-for-TV movie. The minute she gets to Walker, TN, she meets the handsome widower who has been taking care of her farmland for the last decade.
I also almost stopped reading a few times because this book needs an editor badly. There are an unbelievable amount of sentence fragments. I think the author did it to try and emphasize certain words, but it’s just bad writing. The storyline is cute, if not predictable. The characters change and evolve, but the changes are weird. There’s a character named Jimmie who doesn’t like Evelyn. One day they go to lunch together and suddenly Jimmie isn’t so hostile toward her. There’s not much that happens in the way of an emotional turn that warrants this change in behavior. I found the characters act oddly in this book.
All in all, I can’t say I recommend it.
I almost stopped reading here. First of all, it’s so predictable... just like a sappy made-for-TV movie. The minute she gets to Walker, TN, she meets the handsome widower who has been taking care of her farmland for the last decade.
I also almost stopped reading a few times because this book needs an editor badly. There are an unbelievable amount of sentence fragments. I think the author did it to try and emphasize certain words, but it’s just bad writing. The storyline is cute, if not predictable. The characters change and evolve, but the changes are weird. There’s a character named Jimmie who doesn’t like Evelyn. One day they go to lunch together and suddenly Jimmie isn’t so hostile toward her. There’s not much that happens in the way of an emotional turn that warrants this change in behavior. I found the characters act oddly in this book.
All in all, I can’t say I recommend it.
October 19, 2018
Evelyn Lewis has it all until her company is on the brink of going under. Then she decides to sacrifice it all. She heads back to the tiny town where her grandparent’s farm is the only possession she can monetize. She finds herself stuck in that town. Can the town win her over or will she leave her past behind for good?
I loved this book. Jane Rubietta did a fantastic job weaving a story through time, tragedy and crisis. It perfectly captured the warmth and hospitality of a small, southern town and the love of family. It also managed to make the angst of the character’s lives relatable and tangible.
This is a great Christian contemporary romance!
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher, just because. They didn’t want a review, but I liked this book and think you might too. Happy reading!
I loved this book. Jane Rubietta did a fantastic job weaving a story through time, tragedy and crisis. It perfectly captured the warmth and hospitality of a small, southern town and the love of family. It also managed to make the angst of the character’s lives relatable and tangible.
This is a great Christian contemporary romance!
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher, just because. They didn’t want a review, but I liked this book and think you might too. Happy reading!
April 5, 2020
Fertile farmland was the answer she thought to save her company from bankruptcy. Grandparents had died ten years ago. Now finding the Will states she has to live in the house for three months before she can sell.
To say the place was a state of neglect, and not habitual. Meeting Taylor who had been looking after the place was glad that family was back to live here. With her business 800 miles away, somehow she wasn’t going to lose all she had built up. To sell, he couldn’t understand a heritage, it’s sacrilege
So went the meeting with one handsome guy, in Walker, Tennessee
A story how a loving community brought her back to her faith, trust in people, and love. Good Christian story to read.
To say the place was a state of neglect, and not habitual. Meeting Taylor who had been looking after the place was glad that family was back to live here. With her business 800 miles away, somehow she wasn’t going to lose all she had built up. To sell, he couldn’t understand a heritage, it’s sacrilege
So went the meeting with one handsome guy, in Walker, Tennessee
A story how a loving community brought her back to her faith, trust in people, and love. Good Christian story to read.
October 2, 2018
These are real people with faults and foibles like the rest of us. People who love and forgive because they love. A community that sticks together and looks out for each other.
Christian influence woven throughout the story but not preachy. Well developed characters, story line, dialogue and settings. The dynamics between the characters had me laughing and crying and totally satisfied with everything about this story.
This is the first book by this author I have read, but it certainly won't be the last. I'm a fan and follower with this one. I received this free as a promotion on Facebook. I was not compensated in any way. OUTSTANDING! Highly recommend!
October 3, 2018
This new and compelling novel had me hooked from the start, as I immediately became a part of the story. I felt the ebb and flow, the push and pull, as well as the growing crescendo toward Evie’s acceptance of who she is and whose she is. The journey of Evie’s perseverance, woven through the story, connected deeply with my own and made the story quite personal.
Jane’s book is a refreshing testament to the unconditional love of self and others, the most common thread that links all humanity. A must read for all of us who race through life on auto-pilot and tend to forget who we are and whose we are. Very well done!!!
Jane’s book is a refreshing testament to the unconditional love of self and others, the most common thread that links all humanity. A must read for all of us who race through life on auto-pilot and tend to forget who we are and whose we are. Very well done!!!
October 5, 2018
This book pulled me in from the start. Evie's "get in, get out" reminded me of the hurried way I sometimes live life. And like Evie, the captivating Southern culture in this book slowed me down and drew me in. Life is not about how much you get done, but about relationships-with people and God. It's about living with others with love and forgiveness.
The writing style is so crisp and clean-every word counts. It crescendos smoothly to the end. Definitely looking for more from Jane Rubietta in the future.
The writing style is so crisp and clean-every word counts. It crescendos smoothly to the end. Definitely looking for more from Jane Rubietta in the future.
February 7, 2019
First of all, the characters! You'll fall in love with Evelyn even when she is desperate and afraid. And you'll definitely have a crush on Taylor Simpson and be charmed by his adorable daughter. Next: the setting! While I love the city, the escape to Tennessee felt like a real escape for both Evelyn and me. As the story unfolds, the reader gets to walk in Evelyn's footsteps as she struggles to ask for help, remember her past, and connect with the people who are falling in love with her. This is a hopeful story of community and redemption--a great read!
November 17, 2020
With lyrical prose, evocative word pictures, southern charm and hospitality of the heart, award-winning author Janie Rubietta brings a young woman’s unwilling quest for faith and family through the cruel vicissitudes of a broken life in this debut novel. My last thought, as I set down this manuscript, was, Yes, I want—we all want—a love like that, a love that brings us home and lights life from the inside out. A redemptive story beautifully written and satisfying—I’m looking forward to Jane’s next novel.
March 17, 2026
This was the most frustrating book I’ve read, so much confusion and contradictions. The figures of speech were excessive, as if southerners speak in idioms and cliches constantly. I haven’t heard “honey chile” since Gone With the Wind, and every time I read it, I wanted to cringe. The emotions were all over the place and didn’t seem to fit the scene, one minute a very dramatic or traumatic life experience was shared and the next breath they would be laughing. It was a struggle to finish. I really enjoyed The Commuter and was expecting so much more from this author.
October 5, 2018
This book drew me into Evelyn Lewis’ story from the very beginning. I wanted to know the secrets from her past that haunted her and what her future holds. This is a well-paced story with plot twists that keep you turning the pages and is a story of hope and redemption. Jane Rubietta is a successful non-fiction writer and has a hit with her first novel. Jane Rubietta is a successful non-fiction writer and has a hit with her first novel.
October 5, 2018
This is a must read and you'll be unable to put it down! As an honored member of a group who were lucky enough to preview this before release, I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book.
I was captivated from the very start. My southern roots warmed and re-sprouted with each page. It is worth taking and making time in your busy schedule to check it out. I promise you will be thrilled you did!
I was captivated from the very start. My southern roots warmed and re-sprouted with each page. It is worth taking and making time in your busy schedule to check it out. I promise you will be thrilled you did!
October 29, 2020
This is a wonderful book with Christian influences, but meaningful for people of any faith. An amazing story of a young woman who had, indeed, forgotten a portion of her younger life ... and due to legal entanglements on an inheritance was forced to come face to face with her past. A beautiful story of love, and forgiveness, compassion and understanding, and the joy of finding just where you belong!
October 3, 2018
An encouraging read of forgiveness and a reminder of the benefits of community lost to an internet society. Pick this one up as you make time to lose yourself in a story that will reflect more of your journey than you anticipate. Through Taylor and Evie we see Hods redeeming grace, fresh starts and love that endures forever. A must read!
October 29, 2018
Good Quality Story
The story in this book unfolds in waves, told with local color of rural Tennessee. The characters each suffer because of miscommunication. When the miscommunication is resolved, we get a nice, happy ending.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a wholesome, happy romance.
The story in this book unfolds in waves, told with local color of rural Tennessee. The characters each suffer because of miscommunication. When the miscommunication is resolved, we get a nice, happy ending.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a wholesome, happy romance.
March 7, 2020
Loved it!
I've had this book for a while and was never sure about reading it...Sometimes you don't know what to expect from an author that you've never read anything from before. What a lovely surprise this book was...I didn't want to put it down. This is a beautiful story of learning to forgive, hope in Jesus and unexpected love...a definite MUST READ.
I've had this book for a while and was never sure about reading it...Sometimes you don't know what to expect from an author that you've never read anything from before. What a lovely surprise this book was...I didn't want to put it down. This is a beautiful story of learning to forgive, hope in Jesus and unexpected love...a definite MUST READ.
April 19, 2020
Incredible! I loved every page turn, and it was indeed a page-turner! I'm not a fiction reader, but I know how excellent Jane Rubietta's devotional books are, so I took a chance on this purchase and - WOW! I'm so glad I did! It was difficult not to skip to the end to find out how she was going to pull it all together. Well done, Jane! Highly recommend! :)
October 3, 2018
A wonderful story filled with love, laughter and self doubt
There is no Grace without trust....But trust is the most difficult thing in the world when you have learned to only trust yourself!
A lovely story line and characters to remember.
I hope to read more from the same author
There is no Grace without trust....But trust is the most difficult thing in the world when you have learned to only trust yourself!
A lovely story line and characters to remember.
I hope to read more from the same author
November 14, 2018
Amazing read. Touched the spiritual center of my being! Forgiveness is a gift not only accepted but also given to others. God is good and through his son our savior Jesus we can achieve both. Thank you for sharing your gift!
December 30, 2018
Thrilled to Read
Jane Rubietta's fresh voice stirred me deeply! This is a thought provoking, and entertaining novel, which will not be forgotten! I love the characters and story. Jane is a master storyteller with this her debut novel. My heart cries out--more please!!
Jane Rubietta's fresh voice stirred me deeply! This is a thought provoking, and entertaining novel, which will not be forgotten! I love the characters and story. Jane is a master storyteller with this her debut novel. My heart cries out--more please!!
March 30, 2019
Very satisfying
The author pulls you into the life of her characters by including thoughts and attitudes as well as actions. Her colorful descriptions enable the reader to picture the story in colorful detail. I will definitely watch for more work from this gifted author.
The author pulls you into the life of her characters by including thoughts and attitudes as well as actions. Her colorful descriptions enable the reader to picture the story in colorful detail. I will definitely watch for more work from this gifted author.
April 2, 2019
What a great story!! Love the characters and the setting! I felt like I was there on the farm with them, I wanted to be a part of the community! Great twist with her "forgotten life", I never saw coming! Highly recommend!!
May 3, 2019
I could really identify with the main character, and so the principals of godly living were beautiful shown. The love of the other characters brought tears to my eyes. This was a beautiful Christian fiction. I highly recommend it.
March 9, 2020
Evie's Triumphant Return
Evie had forgotten more about her life in Tennessee than she remembered. Taylor and his daughter brought back tears, family and love to the lost child who lived in her heart.
Evie had forgotten more about her life in Tennessee than she remembered. Taylor and his daughter brought back tears, family and love to the lost child who lived in her heart.
March 30, 2020
The Forgotten Life of Evelyn Lewis
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about a woman who feels that everyone she has ever loved left her. Now she is determined to never love anyone and live a totally self sufficient life.
Very entertaining and interesting storyline about a woman who feels that everyone she has ever loved left her. Now she is determined to never love anyone and live a totally self sufficient life.
April 29, 2020
Absolutely wonderful
This book was more than I could have imagined. How lives are lived, how hurting people, hurt people. How love can repair hurt. Emotional and causing tears unexpected. It's a keeper. May need to read it again.
This book was more than I could have imagined. How lives are lived, how hurting people, hurt people. How love can repair hurt. Emotional and causing tears unexpected. It's a keeper. May need to read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews