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The Way to Remember
This is a re-release of my 2014 novel BEST SELLER.Set in New England at the time of the American Bicentennial, The Way to Remember is the poignant story of a displaced young woman struggling to figure out who she is within the context of her hometown and the carefully masked dysfunction of her family."Everything can be fixed by writing a check." Words to live by for Robin Fortune's wealthy father, until he can't buy her way back into college after she's expelled for dealing pot. Now he chooses not to speak to her anymore, but that's just one of the out-of-whack situations Robin's facing. At nineteen, she feels rudderless, working in a diner by day and sleeping with a buddy from high school by night - all so strange for her because she was always the one with the plan. While her college friends plotted how to ensnare husbands, she plotted a novel, which she scratched out into a series of spiral-bound notebooks she hides in the closet. But now, there's nothing. No vision, no future, no point. In fact, the only thing she feels she has to look forward to is that her favorite author, Maryana Capture, is paying a visit to the local Thousand Words bookstore. Robin surmises that if she can convince Maryana to help her get her novel published, she'll finally get herself back on track. Except that life never takes a straight path in this intensely satisfying coming-of-age novel.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2020
13 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Martha Reynolds
12 books220 followersI am the author of eleven novels, including the Amazon bestsellers CHOCOLATE FOR BREAKFAST and BITS OF BROKEN GLASS.
My writing has appeared in Magnificat magazine and my very short poem was read by journalist Connie Schultz during National Public Radio's "Tell Me More" poetry challenge.
I live in Rhode Island, never far from the ocean.
My novel VILLA DEL SOL won the 2018 Book Prize in Literary Fiction from the Independent Publishers of New England.
Check out my newest novel - I WISH I HAD A RIVER, available now!
My writing has appeared in Magnificat magazine and my very short poem was read by journalist Connie Schultz during National Public Radio's "Tell Me More" poetry challenge.
I live in Rhode Island, never far from the ocean.
My novel VILLA DEL SOL won the 2018 Book Prize in Literary Fiction from the Independent Publishers of New England.
Check out my newest novel - I WISH I HAD A RIVER, available now!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 9, 2020
Thank you Iread Book Tours and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Way To Remember
By: Martha Reynolds
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
The Way To Remember is a deceptively simple story. With short chapters, a straightforward narrative and conversational language, it's an easy to read story. But, underneath this exterior lies a compelling and relatable story.
In the late 1970s, Robin is a recently expelled-for dealing pot-college student from an affluent family in a small town. After Robin's parents pick her up to go back home, her father washes his hands of her. Robin is an embarrassment to him. Rich parents have this problem sometimes wherein their children are not people, rather, they are just an extension of themselves and akin to a piece of property.
I sympathize with Robin, and I applaud her determination to press forward and prove her father wrong. She works as a waitress and has a love interest. Robin's greatest wish is to become a published author, and she has secretly written a book already. Robin has an attitude of acceptance for her circumstances and suspicion about numerous people and their actions and intentions. Nothing is ever what it seems, and life always throws obstacles at you.
The Way To Remember is an excellent story, and reading it felt like reminiscing with an old friend. Robin faces awkward relationships, parental guilt trips, exhausting work and unexpected twists. Through all of this turmoil, Robin is learning who she is, who her parents are and other surprising tidbits. Martha Reynolds has captured that period of time in life when a person realizes the world is not so black and white, rather, it is mostly gray. Learning to live in the gray area is the journey, and it is beautifully depicted in the story. I highly recommend this book!
The Way To Remember
By: Martha Reynolds
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
The Way To Remember is a deceptively simple story. With short chapters, a straightforward narrative and conversational language, it's an easy to read story. But, underneath this exterior lies a compelling and relatable story.
In the late 1970s, Robin is a recently expelled-for dealing pot-college student from an affluent family in a small town. After Robin's parents pick her up to go back home, her father washes his hands of her. Robin is an embarrassment to him. Rich parents have this problem sometimes wherein their children are not people, rather, they are just an extension of themselves and akin to a piece of property.
I sympathize with Robin, and I applaud her determination to press forward and prove her father wrong. She works as a waitress and has a love interest. Robin's greatest wish is to become a published author, and she has secretly written a book already. Robin has an attitude of acceptance for her circumstances and suspicion about numerous people and their actions and intentions. Nothing is ever what it seems, and life always throws obstacles at you.
The Way To Remember is an excellent story, and reading it felt like reminiscing with an old friend. Robin faces awkward relationships, parental guilt trips, exhausting work and unexpected twists. Through all of this turmoil, Robin is learning who she is, who her parents are and other surprising tidbits. Martha Reynolds has captured that period of time in life when a person realizes the world is not so black and white, rather, it is mostly gray. Learning to live in the gray area is the journey, and it is beautifully depicted in the story. I highly recommend this book!
October 29, 2020
I didn’t read this book when it was published under a different name, but I am so glad for the opportunity to read this one, The Way We Remember. Arthur Martha Roger’s creates characters that are realistic and believable, and each scene in the book was told so smoothly and expertly it seems like a real life story. The author deals with real life issues, things happening in colleges at that time in history. And even though Robin’s family had money, her dad didn’t cut her any slack for her getting in trouble in college. Which taught her valuable lessons. Another lesson here is having money doesn’t keep a family from problems, in fact they have more problems here because of it. Writing a check doesn’t solve all of your problems. I appreciate the way the author weaves this throughout the story in several different ways. This is a story well worth your time.
I really enjoyed this story. The author was good at keeping my attention, I could hardly put it down until I found out the ending. This is the first book I have read of Ms. Roger’s and I am looking forward to more from her in the future. I give this one Five Stars. Anyone wanting a good historical read will love this one. Check it out today!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I really enjoyed this story. The author was good at keeping my attention, I could hardly put it down until I found out the ending. This is the first book I have read of Ms. Roger’s and I am looking forward to more from her in the future. I give this one Five Stars. Anyone wanting a good historical read will love this one. Check it out today!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 20, 2020
Remember when you were twenty years old? Were you on your way to a ‘perfect life’? Not likely! Maybe you were just like Robin, the heroine and narrator of THE WAY TO REMEMBER, who’s just been kicked out of college because of a dumb mistake that might haunt her life for years to come. In her novel THE WAY TO REMEMBER, Martha Reynold offers readers a captivating story of romance, regret, and ultimately redemption. Robin has plenty of issues to deal with, and it’s not proving an easy journey. She’s been thrown out of college for dealing drugs, kicked out of the family home and into a tiny apartment, and forced to trade her previous comfy financial existence for a world of pinching pennies, waitressing at a local diner, and making do with next-to-nothing. Her love life isn’t going well, either. And let’s not forget the book which Robin has just written. She’s pinning her hopes, dreams, and future success on becoming a bestselling author just like her idol, Maryana Capture. When one of her regular dining customers offers his assistance in getting her book published, Robin makes another seemingly idiotic mistake, and her problems ramp up into high gear. How much messing up can one twenty-year-old do before her life is ruined forever?
Martha Reynolds is a talented author with a knack for creating characters and real-life situations readers can relate to. There were times that I found myself agonizing and angsting over Robin’s dilemmas, and other times I wanted to give her a swift kick and tell her to straighten up and get her act together. But just as in life, Robin’s journey is her own, and demands its own timeline. Unlike other authors who twist and turn their characters into rigid cardboard cartoon characters, Reynolds wisely and brilliantly allows Robin the freedom to make the mistakes that ultimately lead to a perfect ending and a Happily-Ever-After read for fans of author Martha Reynolds.
Martha Reynolds is a talented author with a knack for creating characters and real-life situations readers can relate to. There were times that I found myself agonizing and angsting over Robin’s dilemmas, and other times I wanted to give her a swift kick and tell her to straighten up and get her act together. But just as in life, Robin’s journey is her own, and demands its own timeline. Unlike other authors who twist and turn their characters into rigid cardboard cartoon characters, Reynolds wisely and brilliantly allows Robin the freedom to make the mistakes that ultimately lead to a perfect ending and a Happily-Ever-After read for fans of author Martha Reynolds.
October 26, 2020
I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Robin, who has led a very privileged life, is very much like any other young woman (and man) in their early adult years. She craves freedom, and not the type of freedom that sees her friends moving from their family home into marriage but the type of freedom that sees her on her own, independent and self-reliant. One bad decision (or multiple bad decisions but only caught once), sees her expelled from college despite her Father attempting to use his own influence and wealth to see her remain there.
She returns to her hometown a bit battered but fighting. I loved how she refuses to return to the family home (although she still has a bit of her Father’s help) and instead decides to work as a waitress to support herself. She does this while dreaming of one day being a successful author as she continues to work on her very first novel. What follows is a whirlwind of events and people entering her life – some of whom are helpful, some of whom take advantage of her youth and trusting nature and a slew of life lessons for Robin (and those around her).
I loved watching Robin develop during this story. She is very much your typical young adult who is incredibly trusting and kind. She makes rash decisions and puts her trust in her others, who do not always have her best interests at heart. It was the ultimate betrayal by someone she respected, that really helped Robin open her eyes to the world around her and force her to take a stand. Robin learns so much about life, judging others, relationships and independence in this novel.
The Way to Remember was an excellent novel from start to finish. I loved the tone, the way it was written and the well developed characters. You will love reading this novel cuddled up under the covers with a hot cup of coffee this fall.
Robin, who has led a very privileged life, is very much like any other young woman (and man) in their early adult years. She craves freedom, and not the type of freedom that sees her friends moving from their family home into marriage but the type of freedom that sees her on her own, independent and self-reliant. One bad decision (or multiple bad decisions but only caught once), sees her expelled from college despite her Father attempting to use his own influence and wealth to see her remain there.
She returns to her hometown a bit battered but fighting. I loved how she refuses to return to the family home (although she still has a bit of her Father’s help) and instead decides to work as a waitress to support herself. She does this while dreaming of one day being a successful author as she continues to work on her very first novel. What follows is a whirlwind of events and people entering her life – some of whom are helpful, some of whom take advantage of her youth and trusting nature and a slew of life lessons for Robin (and those around her).
I loved watching Robin develop during this story. She is very much your typical young adult who is incredibly trusting and kind. She makes rash decisions and puts her trust in her others, who do not always have her best interests at heart. It was the ultimate betrayal by someone she respected, that really helped Robin open her eyes to the world around her and force her to take a stand. Robin learns so much about life, judging others, relationships and independence in this novel.
The Way to Remember was an excellent novel from start to finish. I loved the tone, the way it was written and the well developed characters. You will love reading this novel cuddled up under the covers with a hot cup of coffee this fall.
October 29, 2020
Originally released under a different title in 2014, Ms. Reynolds was forced to re-release Robin’s story after a few years, because the title at the time was perceived as misleading to readers. I am fortunate enough that I was gifted a copy of this re-released book to read and review.
In a time before the internet, 19 yr. old Robin Fortune is at a crossroad in her life. Expelled from college, frozen out by her affluent family; she picks herself up (sort of) and outlines a plan – beginning with meeting her favorite author, Maryana Capture and convincing her to help Robin get her own novel published. She soon learns she’s not the only one at a crossroad.
Can everything be fixed by writing a check? What about by writing a novel? Will Robin get it together enough to find out?
I enjoyed this story and learning with Robin. Sometimes what we think our life will look like – and what it actually looks like are quite different. We all have things that derail us, Ms. Reynolds does a great job of showing one girl’s life and the changes she has to make to find her way again.
Thanks to Martha Reynolds and iReadBookTours for an Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for participation in this iReadBook Tour, and my honest review.
#allbookedupreviews #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #amreading #womensfiction #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram #bookworm #bookish #fiction #writersofinstagram #author #booklover #books #bibliophile #booknerd #writingcommunity #goodreads #bookaholic #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #kindleunlimited #writerslife #chicklit #bookclub #kindle #bhfyp
In a time before the internet, 19 yr. old Robin Fortune is at a crossroad in her life. Expelled from college, frozen out by her affluent family; she picks herself up (sort of) and outlines a plan – beginning with meeting her favorite author, Maryana Capture and convincing her to help Robin get her own novel published. She soon learns she’s not the only one at a crossroad.
Can everything be fixed by writing a check? What about by writing a novel? Will Robin get it together enough to find out?
I enjoyed this story and learning with Robin. Sometimes what we think our life will look like – and what it actually looks like are quite different. We all have things that derail us, Ms. Reynolds does a great job of showing one girl’s life and the changes she has to make to find her way again.
Thanks to Martha Reynolds and iReadBookTours for an Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for participation in this iReadBook Tour, and my honest review.
#allbookedupreviews #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #amreading #womensfiction #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram #bookworm #bookish #fiction #writersofinstagram #author #booklover #books #bibliophile #booknerd #writingcommunity #goodreads #bookaholic #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #kindleunlimited #writerslife #chicklit #bookclub #kindle #bhfyp
October 30, 2020
The Way to Remember is the first book I had the pleasure of reading by Martha Reynolds. Readers are introduced to Robina Fortune in 1976 Rhode Island. Robina is nineteen and finds herself unable to continue her college education due to dealing marijuana. She then experiences changes in the relationships with her parents. With her life in shambles, she suddenly finds herself on a journey to maturity, how to live, learn what is important in life and how to make it as a writer.
The Way to Remember has a way to speak to many readers. Robin and several of the characters are some that readers would feel connected to and relate to what they are going through throughout the story. I enjoyed watching her grow as a young woman. I did not find the story to be predictable. I never knew what would happen next, which made me continually want to turn the pages and have a hard time putting the book down. There were a few life lessons that Robin learns that so many of us need to learn or to be reminded of.
The Way to Remember is getting four and a half stars from me. I would love to read more like this from Martha Reynolds in the near future. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy reading Coming of Age Genre Fiction. It is most definitely not one to be missed.
I received The Way to Remember from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
The Way to Remember has a way to speak to many readers. Robin and several of the characters are some that readers would feel connected to and relate to what they are going through throughout the story. I enjoyed watching her grow as a young woman. I did not find the story to be predictable. I never knew what would happen next, which made me continually want to turn the pages and have a hard time putting the book down. There were a few life lessons that Robin learns that so many of us need to learn or to be reminded of.
The Way to Remember is getting four and a half stars from me. I would love to read more like this from Martha Reynolds in the near future. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy reading Coming of Age Genre Fiction. It is most definitely not one to be missed.
I received The Way to Remember from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
November 10, 2020
The Way to Remember by Martha Reynolds is a coming of age story that touched my heart. You see, I was also a young woman from that era. I can relate to the difficulties of maneuvering the changing morals of that period and trying to stand on your own two feet while besieged with doubts. All that is difficult enough for a young person to achieve without doing it in a small town where everyone knows your business almost before you do.
The author is true to the period the book represents. Her knowledge of the mid-seventies shines through her words. The pacing was perfect, keeping the plot moving forward while tossing in a few surprises to keep you riveted to the pages. The multi-dimensional characters were exceptionally vivid. I could feel Robin’s confusion about the direction of her life and romances. I ached for Jenny’s fatigue and overwhelm. George feels like the gruff but kind-hearted soul he proved to be, including his stoic manner of facing racism.
I would have loved to have had more mentions of music in the book. It was a significant aspect of the times. The small asides about future items such as cell phones were a fun touch.
I highly recommend this book to all readers looking for a brilliant coming of age story that delves into family dynamics. I will certainly look for more from this author.
The author is true to the period the book represents. Her knowledge of the mid-seventies shines through her words. The pacing was perfect, keeping the plot moving forward while tossing in a few surprises to keep you riveted to the pages. The multi-dimensional characters were exceptionally vivid. I could feel Robin’s confusion about the direction of her life and romances. I ached for Jenny’s fatigue and overwhelm. George feels like the gruff but kind-hearted soul he proved to be, including his stoic manner of facing racism.
I would have loved to have had more mentions of music in the book. It was a significant aspect of the times. The small asides about future items such as cell phones were a fun touch.
I highly recommend this book to all readers looking for a brilliant coming of age story that delves into family dynamics. I will certainly look for more from this author.
October 23, 2020
The Way to Remember is a charming, nostalgic coming of age story that takes place during the 70s. I connected with Robin Fortune, her love of writing, desires of publication and, because i grew up in the 70s, I easily identified with the characteristics of this period.
One thing that is important for me while reading a novel is to see growth in the main character. That's very evident in Robin's case. Growing up, being wronged, and learning from mistakes propels her into widening her heart and future. Life isn't easy when you're young and have little or no direction, and the road to happiness often has many twists and turns.
The pacing of this story is steady, and in some parts measured, but it kept my interest throughout. I love the author's writing style. Her characters are believable, her writing is smart, and the ending is satisfying.
Overall, this is a story of growing up, learning lessons, and striving to find love, purpose, and understanding. It oozes with nostalgia and naïveté, and leaves you feeling full and warm-hearted.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book.
One thing that is important for me while reading a novel is to see growth in the main character. That's very evident in Robin's case. Growing up, being wronged, and learning from mistakes propels her into widening her heart and future. Life isn't easy when you're young and have little or no direction, and the road to happiness often has many twists and turns.
The pacing of this story is steady, and in some parts measured, but it kept my interest throughout. I love the author's writing style. Her characters are believable, her writing is smart, and the ending is satisfying.
Overall, this is a story of growing up, learning lessons, and striving to find love, purpose, and understanding. It oozes with nostalgia and naïveté, and leaves you feeling full and warm-hearted.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book.
November 13, 2020
A beautiful story of failure and perseverance
A typical story of a young woman who fell into a trap of illegal drugs. The will to survive and fix what she did wrong in her life by living in her self. A beautiful story of not giving up and perseverance.
My very first book to read from the author. It is a slow pace until you reach the middle of the story. It a story of friendship, love, family, and dreams. I liked how Robin so independent at a young age. She is a believer that dreams will come true. She is not a quitter. She fights what is right and never gives up. I adored her and hope that all the teenagers are like her with a passion for what she has.
A story of an avid fan who has a dream of writing her own story. Everything in life is not easy but if you work hard, success is not far away.
A typical story of a young woman who fell into a trap of illegal drugs. The will to survive and fix what she did wrong in her life by living in her self. A beautiful story of not giving up and perseverance.
My very first book to read from the author. It is a slow pace until you reach the middle of the story. It a story of friendship, love, family, and dreams. I liked how Robin so independent at a young age. She is a believer that dreams will come true. She is not a quitter. She fights what is right and never gives up. I adored her and hope that all the teenagers are like her with a passion for what she has.
A story of an avid fan who has a dream of writing her own story. Everything in life is not easy but if you work hard, success is not far away.
January 11, 2021
Robin Fortune wants to be a writer, but she doesn't tell anyone, because she doesn't want the rejection. Her father is wealthy, but when she is busted selling pot in college, he refuses to let her return to college and forces her to live in a small apartment he owns. She works in a diner to have some income. Her lifelong friend becomes a "boyfriend", but his parents want him to marry a Portuguese woman. Her neighbor David is very interested in her, but she rejects him.
Like most young people, Robin learns life's lessons the hard way. She entrusts her novel to her favorite author, leaving it with the concierge in her building, hoping she will help her to get published.
The story is set in New England around the bicentennial year, 1976. Genres include family dysfunction and young adulthood.
This is the 1st book I've read by Martha Reynolds, I plan to read more!
Like most young people, Robin learns life's lessons the hard way. She entrusts her novel to her favorite author, leaving it with the concierge in her building, hoping she will help her to get published.
The story is set in New England around the bicentennial year, 1976. Genres include family dysfunction and young adulthood.
This is the 1st book I've read by Martha Reynolds, I plan to read more!
June 3, 2022
Such a good surprise
I'm usually not a reader of coming of age novels but this one was a delight. The author has a knack for making you feel like you're having a conversation with her protagonist. The words are natural and authentic, the characters are people who are real and believable. I look forward to reading more of her work.
I'm usually not a reader of coming of age novels but this one was a delight. The author has a knack for making you feel like you're having a conversation with her protagonist. The words are natural and authentic, the characters are people who are real and believable. I look forward to reading more of her work.
September 3, 2021
Just OK. The bicentennial mentioned in the blurb had nothing to do with the story. It was mainly about a girl having written a story (never described) that was stolen by someone else. The book had a two-part ending—neither was likely.
December 10, 2022
I didn't think I'd like this book as much as I ended up enjoying it to the very end! It really grew on me...strong, interesting characters and the good old values of an other era! I look forward to reading more from Martha Reynolds!
July 24, 2024
A Quick-paced Read for a Small Town Book
I enjoyed the author's style, but I may be biased because I love reading books that take place in small towns. The protagonist's naivety was refreshing.
I enjoyed the author's style, but I may be biased because I love reading books that take place in small towns. The protagonist's naivety was refreshing.
May 4, 2021
I liked it. Well-written, realistic characters with good depth.
May 20, 2021
Fun easy summer read. A great story set in the 70s about a young woman and her dreams. Definitely worth the read, will be looking for more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews