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That First French Summer
First Love. First Loss. Last chance?
Emma Barron has had a traumatic past. She's tried to let go of the scars and move on with her doting boyfriend and young son.
But when Guy Duval walks back into her life, Emma might just risk it all for another chance with the man who broke her heart.
Both are connected through unimaginable events, yet neither know the truth about what happened on September 5th. Witll it bring them together or push them apart?
Previously published as Do You Remember?
Emma Barron has had a traumatic past. She's tried to let go of the scars and move on with her doting boyfriend and young son.
But when Guy Duval walks back into her life, Emma might just risk it all for another chance with the man who broke her heart.
Both are connected through unimaginable events, yet neither know the truth about what happened on September 5th. Witll it bring them together or push them apart?
Previously published as Do You Remember?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2013
98 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Baggot
61 books748 followersMandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer represented by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary.
Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!
The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.
Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.
Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.
Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com
Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!
The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.
Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.
Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.
Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 14, 2018
DNF...
I was really bored
On top of being busy lately which explains the long reading time, this book could not capture my attention. It was meh... I should have stopped reading way earlier on!
I was really bored
On top of being busy lately which explains the long reading time, this book could not capture my attention. It was meh... I should have stopped reading way earlier on!
September 10, 2013
Shortly after the death of her Mother, Emma and her Father go on holiday to France. Whilst there, she meets Guy Duval, a local French boy who works on site. Emma’s convinced he couldn’t possilbly be interested in a bookworm like her when there are far prettier girls around, but he slowly shows her that she is the one he wants and they embark on a teenage romance.
Guy leads a troubled life and is determined to do his best for his baby Brother, to keep him out of harm’s way and give him a good life. Despite only spending a few weeks together, Guy and Emma decide they want to spend the rest of their lives together.
Then on the last day of Emma’s holiday, something happens that tears the couple apart. Emma returns home with her Father and the resolves never to see Guy again.
Cut to present day and Emma is a teacher with a young Son. She’s in a steady relationship with dependable Chris, but reluctant to get married. Her best friend, Ally is opening a new leisure centre and arranges a visit from a very special Sports star for the Grand Opening. Enter Guy Duval, who sends waves through Emma’s steady life and makes her question everything that happened 8 years ago. Did Emma make a mistake leaving Guy behind all those years ago and what will happen now that he’s back in her life?
Do You Remember? is the first of Mandy Baggot’s novels that I have read and it had me gripped from the opening. I wanted to find out what happened in France in 2005 just as much as I wanted to find out what was going to happen in the present day, when the Emma and Guy are brought back together unexpectedly.
The story flips back and forth between the two periods, slowly filling in the gaps and answering your questions (of which there will be many!) and the pace doesn’t let up. I had to remind myself to breath several times as the suspense was literally going to kill me! You also get the perspective of both main characters, which I don’t see often in a book but it worked brilliantly.
This book asks a lot of questions (What would you do in Emma’s situation?), is full of crossed wires (Just what did happen on that day in 2005?) and plays host to a number of shocking revelations. If you’re like me and try to guess the ending of a book whilst reading it, you’ll be hard pushed to figure out the full story and no doubt end up changing your mind a few times. There is an air of mystery to this story but all will be revealed …
I’m a big fan of all things French and I adored how Guy’s French accent can be heard throughout, and how you can tell his English has improved between the two time periods. For those not up on the French language, Emma cleverly translates what Guy is saying during their early conversations. This cross channel dialogue works well and really helps make the story what it is.
My rating 5/5 – Do You Remember? is a heart-wrenching, breathtaking story of life, death, love, family, regret and hope. It will have you gripped from the start and will hold onto you until the very end, slowly feeding you information until everything slots into place. Combining several gasp-inducing revelations, great characters, fantastic dialogue and dashings of romance – this is chick lit … “on skis”. Do You Remember? is not only a story that will have you remembering your own first love, it’s a story that you will remember long after reading. This may be the first Mandy Baggot novel I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be my last.
*I was provided with a copy of Do You Remember? for review purposes. I have not been paid for my review and all opinions are my own.
Read this review and others on my Blog
Guy leads a troubled life and is determined to do his best for his baby Brother, to keep him out of harm’s way and give him a good life. Despite only spending a few weeks together, Guy and Emma decide they want to spend the rest of their lives together.
Then on the last day of Emma’s holiday, something happens that tears the couple apart. Emma returns home with her Father and the resolves never to see Guy again.
Cut to present day and Emma is a teacher with a young Son. She’s in a steady relationship with dependable Chris, but reluctant to get married. Her best friend, Ally is opening a new leisure centre and arranges a visit from a very special Sports star for the Grand Opening. Enter Guy Duval, who sends waves through Emma’s steady life and makes her question everything that happened 8 years ago. Did Emma make a mistake leaving Guy behind all those years ago and what will happen now that he’s back in her life?
Do You Remember? is the first of Mandy Baggot’s novels that I have read and it had me gripped from the opening. I wanted to find out what happened in France in 2005 just as much as I wanted to find out what was going to happen in the present day, when the Emma and Guy are brought back together unexpectedly.
The story flips back and forth between the two periods, slowly filling in the gaps and answering your questions (of which there will be many!) and the pace doesn’t let up. I had to remind myself to breath several times as the suspense was literally going to kill me! You also get the perspective of both main characters, which I don’t see often in a book but it worked brilliantly.
This book asks a lot of questions (What would you do in Emma’s situation?), is full of crossed wires (Just what did happen on that day in 2005?) and plays host to a number of shocking revelations. If you’re like me and try to guess the ending of a book whilst reading it, you’ll be hard pushed to figure out the full story and no doubt end up changing your mind a few times. There is an air of mystery to this story but all will be revealed …
I’m a big fan of all things French and I adored how Guy’s French accent can be heard throughout, and how you can tell his English has improved between the two time periods. For those not up on the French language, Emma cleverly translates what Guy is saying during their early conversations. This cross channel dialogue works well and really helps make the story what it is.
My rating 5/5 – Do You Remember? is a heart-wrenching, breathtaking story of life, death, love, family, regret and hope. It will have you gripped from the start and will hold onto you until the very end, slowly feeding you information until everything slots into place. Combining several gasp-inducing revelations, great characters, fantastic dialogue and dashings of romance – this is chick lit … “on skis”. Do You Remember? is not only a story that will have you remembering your own first love, it’s a story that you will remember long after reading. This may be the first Mandy Baggot novel I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be my last.
*I was provided with a copy of Do You Remember? for review purposes. I have not been paid for my review and all opinions are my own.
Read this review and others on my Blog
August 18, 2013
I have a confession to make. I have never picked up and read a Mandy Baggot book. Her books have always intrigued me but I have just never gotten around to reading one. Well lets just say that will all change now that I have devoured Do You Remember, as I cannot wait to read more from Mandy Baggot.
Do You Remember? is such a emotional romance story that had beautiful and also heart wrenching moments throughout. I really enjoyed the romance in this book, all the way through I found myself wanting a man who would love me over the years the way that Guy does Emma. What made me enjoy the romance the most, however was that it wasn't easy and both Guy and Emma go through some devastating times within their journey. While no-one wants to go through hard times this did make their romance much more believable as the reality is love is hard.
I loved the character of Emma, she is such a sweet and genuine person who I really connected with. I felt along with her through the whole story, through her moments of doubt, guilt, sadness and also the love and happier times as well. I was routing for her to find a good ending throughout the whole book. I also adored Guy, I mean what is there not to like about a sexy French football player, but he has so much more depth than this. You just know that Guy and Emma are meant for each other and even though they have been apart for so many years I was hoping that they would be able to overcome what ever tore than apart in the past.
I would recommend Do You Remember? to anyone who is looking for a compelling romance story with depth. This is defiantly not a light fluffy romance story but deals with real issues and emotions throughout. I could not put this book down, once I started it just drew me in and didn't let go. If like me you haven't read any of Mandy Baggot's books before then pick this one up I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
Do You Remember? is such a emotional romance story that had beautiful and also heart wrenching moments throughout. I really enjoyed the romance in this book, all the way through I found myself wanting a man who would love me over the years the way that Guy does Emma. What made me enjoy the romance the most, however was that it wasn't easy and both Guy and Emma go through some devastating times within their journey. While no-one wants to go through hard times this did make their romance much more believable as the reality is love is hard.
I loved the character of Emma, she is such a sweet and genuine person who I really connected with. I felt along with her through the whole story, through her moments of doubt, guilt, sadness and also the love and happier times as well. I was routing for her to find a good ending throughout the whole book. I also adored Guy, I mean what is there not to like about a sexy French football player, but he has so much more depth than this. You just know that Guy and Emma are meant for each other and even though they have been apart for so many years I was hoping that they would be able to overcome what ever tore than apart in the past.
I would recommend Do You Remember? to anyone who is looking for a compelling romance story with depth. This is defiantly not a light fluffy romance story but deals with real issues and emotions throughout. I could not put this book down, once I started it just drew me in and didn't let go. If like me you haven't read any of Mandy Baggot's books before then pick this one up I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
August 18, 2013
When Emma Barron goes on holiday with her father to France not long after the death of her mother, the last thing she expects to have is an holiday romance with the handsome Guy Duval. Things move fast for the teens and they find themselves falling in love. But when Emma feels Guy lets her down badly their love is left shattered and broken.
Eight years later and Emma is now in a relationship with Chris who wants to marry her and take on her son Dominic as his own. A chance meeting with Guy Duval who is now a well-known international football star brings feelings from the past back up to the surface for both Emma and Guy. With life determined to keep them apart. Could there be a second chance of love?
This is a book that is a really great read. Not only does it have love and romance, there is an air of mystery throughout the whole story that keeps the reader intrigued, add also to that a touch of crime and you are in for a really good read. The excellent way the story is written by Mandy Baggot telling the story between the past and the present adds to the suspense as you read building the story up to a superb ending you just do not see coming.
Eight years later and Emma is now in a relationship with Chris who wants to marry her and take on her son Dominic as his own. A chance meeting with Guy Duval who is now a well-known international football star brings feelings from the past back up to the surface for both Emma and Guy. With life determined to keep them apart. Could there be a second chance of love?
This is a book that is a really great read. Not only does it have love and romance, there is an air of mystery throughout the whole story that keeps the reader intrigued, add also to that a touch of crime and you are in for a really good read. The excellent way the story is written by Mandy Baggot telling the story between the past and the present adds to the suspense as you read building the story up to a superb ending you just do not see coming.
September 2, 2013
My goodness! There were times I was literally holding my breath, times when I was suddenly VERY hot and times when I wanted to shake a few people. Mandy Baggot has done it again and created in the leading characters, Emma and Guy, two people you can empathise and sympathise with for all sorts of reasons. The unfairness of life sometimes, the way people can interfere and make things needlessly complicated and the way the path we travel isn’t always supposed to be a straight one. Guy is another Mandy Baggot hero – I have one word for him – gorgeous. Emma lost her heart to him at a tender age and when they meet up again life has taught her to be cautious and a little wary. There are a couple of twists that throw things up in the air and you find yourself crossing your fingers and toes that it will all turn out right in the end. But nothing is guaranteed and so much can go wrong, you will be on the edge of your seat!
August 11, 2013
Emma is just 16 when she meets Guy on a French holiday with her father and sister. First holiday romance, first love.
Fast forward to 2005 and Emma is a single parent to Dominic, teaching and fending off marriage proposals from her boyfriend.
A twist of fate and a chance meeting with Guy in 2005 is going to turn Emma's comfortable life upside down and bring back feelings she thought were long gone. Should she revisit those teenage feelings or stay in 2005?
Mandy Baggot really knows how to set the pace for an exciting page turner. Never disappoints. She gives her female characters some super sexy male leads, who are irresistible. Think Male pin up calendars.
Hot, hot, hot!
4.5 out of 5 for me!
Review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
Fast forward to 2005 and Emma is a single parent to Dominic, teaching and fending off marriage proposals from her boyfriend.
A twist of fate and a chance meeting with Guy in 2005 is going to turn Emma's comfortable life upside down and bring back feelings she thought were long gone. Should she revisit those teenage feelings or stay in 2005?
Mandy Baggot really knows how to set the pace for an exciting page turner. Never disappoints. She gives her female characters some super sexy male leads, who are irresistible. Think Male pin up calendars.
Hot, hot, hot!
4.5 out of 5 for me!
Review copy. This did not influence my review in any way.
September 8, 2013
A book of two stories that belong to one couple. An emotional read that is very evocative of first love between teenagers and how circumstances push them apart. The present day story has all the factors of how complicated adult life and love can be. Merge these two themes together and you have Do You Remember?
The past and present run parallel throughout the story, little by little revealing the secrets of the past and how these have impacted on the present day. Full of emotion, turmoil and passion, a really great read.
The past and present run parallel throughout the story, little by little revealing the secrets of the past and how these have impacted on the present day. Full of emotion, turmoil and passion, a really great read.
July 27, 2013
Do You Remember? Mandy Baggot.
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
I've read several of Mandy's book now and enjoyed them all. She has an easy writing style which makes is simple for the reader to just relax and let the story enfold them. Her characters are always ones I can empathise with and that's very important to me. This book I really liked Emma, she had a tough teen time with her mum dying of cancer. That's hard for anyone, but for a teen its even more difficult, teen years are so emotional and illness and death impacts on the whole family. Her mum's death left just Emma and her dad, and after she got into some trouble locally, a reaction against events, her dad took them to France camping for the summer. There she met Guy, just one year older at 18, but with huge responsibilities with a mum whose always drunk and a newborn baby brother. He and Emma fall deeply for each other and make plans to be together with baby Luc, and then something terrible happens to upset all their plans.
Its eight year later now, Emma is a teacher , has her own home shared with son Dominic and she has a loving boyfriend Chris. Seems perfect and yet … she feels unsettled and avoids answering Chris when he's keen to become more than just her boyfriend. At the opening of a local leisure centre run by her best friend Ally she meets Guy again. He's made a success of his football career and been signed locally – meeting each other brings back all those feelings they had, should they investigate them or stay with the partners they currently have. Can love be ignored for security, and what about the secrets they both hold.
The book goes back and forth from the summer in France to present day and gradually the stories unfold, there are secrets neither has admitted to anyone and if opened out now with they help or hinder? Emma still loves Guy, and meeting him brings back all those feelings, and she can't help wondering if that's why she held back with Chris, and was she too quick to judge what she saw the day she left France. She didn't give Guy a chance to explain his actions, but just went back to her dad and England. Guy has always known she's his true love but thought he'd lost her for good, and his current relationship his more one of convenience for them both than any passion. He's keen to pick up where they finished but will his secrets split them? Just when they take steps to be together the past rears its head and secrets are revealed. And what shockers! I guessed, but got Emma's totally wrong and as for Guy, I was totally on wrong track at first, bit once things stated to come out I got closer but still didn't get all of it.
A great story of a romance that was so strong it stuck the test of time and trials. I loved Guy, such a hard place he was in with baby Luc and his alcoholic mother that Emma seemed like someone magical and fresh to him, and yet though teen romance often fades his love stayed strong all those years, even shadowed though it was by the dark secrets he kept. Emma was a typical teen, full of angst and emotion and yet when she found Guy she was headlong in love and the same as for him those feelings stayed with her even though she did her best to avoid them. Her dad – typical man, loves his daughter, grieving his wife and doing his best to cope. Teens are not easy for any parent (nor is being a teen easy!!) add to it the loss they'd suffered and its no wonder things went astray.
Once the secrets started coming out there followed shock after shock, and I had tears at how they could have lost that love but yet managed to find a way past their problems.
Fabulous read, one to reread and its full of story and things that once the secrets are known may appear in a different light. Priced at £3.99 for 306 pages its within my VFM range and especially good value for those who like me re read good novels.
Stars: full five- lovely book from Mandy once again.
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
I've read several of Mandy's book now and enjoyed them all. She has an easy writing style which makes is simple for the reader to just relax and let the story enfold them. Her characters are always ones I can empathise with and that's very important to me. This book I really liked Emma, she had a tough teen time with her mum dying of cancer. That's hard for anyone, but for a teen its even more difficult, teen years are so emotional and illness and death impacts on the whole family. Her mum's death left just Emma and her dad, and after she got into some trouble locally, a reaction against events, her dad took them to France camping for the summer. There she met Guy, just one year older at 18, but with huge responsibilities with a mum whose always drunk and a newborn baby brother. He and Emma fall deeply for each other and make plans to be together with baby Luc, and then something terrible happens to upset all their plans.
Its eight year later now, Emma is a teacher , has her own home shared with son Dominic and she has a loving boyfriend Chris. Seems perfect and yet … she feels unsettled and avoids answering Chris when he's keen to become more than just her boyfriend. At the opening of a local leisure centre run by her best friend Ally she meets Guy again. He's made a success of his football career and been signed locally – meeting each other brings back all those feelings they had, should they investigate them or stay with the partners they currently have. Can love be ignored for security, and what about the secrets they both hold.
The book goes back and forth from the summer in France to present day and gradually the stories unfold, there are secrets neither has admitted to anyone and if opened out now with they help or hinder? Emma still loves Guy, and meeting him brings back all those feelings, and she can't help wondering if that's why she held back with Chris, and was she too quick to judge what she saw the day she left France. She didn't give Guy a chance to explain his actions, but just went back to her dad and England. Guy has always known she's his true love but thought he'd lost her for good, and his current relationship his more one of convenience for them both than any passion. He's keen to pick up where they finished but will his secrets split them? Just when they take steps to be together the past rears its head and secrets are revealed. And what shockers! I guessed, but got Emma's totally wrong and as for Guy, I was totally on wrong track at first, bit once things stated to come out I got closer but still didn't get all of it.
A great story of a romance that was so strong it stuck the test of time and trials. I loved Guy, such a hard place he was in with baby Luc and his alcoholic mother that Emma seemed like someone magical and fresh to him, and yet though teen romance often fades his love stayed strong all those years, even shadowed though it was by the dark secrets he kept. Emma was a typical teen, full of angst and emotion and yet when she found Guy she was headlong in love and the same as for him those feelings stayed with her even though she did her best to avoid them. Her dad – typical man, loves his daughter, grieving his wife and doing his best to cope. Teens are not easy for any parent (nor is being a teen easy!!) add to it the loss they'd suffered and its no wonder things went astray.
Once the secrets started coming out there followed shock after shock, and I had tears at how they could have lost that love but yet managed to find a way past their problems.
Fabulous read, one to reread and its full of story and things that once the secrets are known may appear in a different light. Priced at £3.99 for 306 pages its within my VFM range and especially good value for those who like me re read good novels.
Stars: full five- lovely book from Mandy once again.
July 31, 2013
Actual rating 4.5
When I got approached to host a stop on the tour for this book I wasn't so sure. I'm not really a fan of descriptions that start off with 'the death of a family member' thing or footballers for that matter. But when I saw it was published by Harper Impulse I went straight to NetGalley to see if it was available as having read nearly all of their other releases (which I loved), I decided to give it a chance as their NA romances have been great so far.
This book was not what I expected at all. I thought it would be grief filled and memories about a tortured past mixed in with romance. However, I found most of this book to be surprisingly enjoyable with sweet and sensitive moments that made you fall in love with the characters because of who they were, not what they had been through. I was also surprised that the mother's death and Guy's family issues were under played. I loved that they were there as more of a motive for why the characters did things and although there were moments when they struggled with emotion they were more in the background.
I loved how this book switched from 2005 to the present day. I thought it was an original technique to tell the story with and it gave a great, solid understanding of the relationship. By doing this the author didn't reveal all the secrets straight away, but rather drip fed them to the reader which I love. Some parts were predictable but the ending - I did not see that coming! I loved the twist! As well as this it also allowed me to see how the characters had developed in eight years and instead of listening to them remember the past in a flashback, you actually experience it which I thought was brilliant.
The romance was great. It wasn't as steamy as other NA books I've read but it fit with the story and what the characters had gone through. I liked how there were questions over whether it would work and that the author actually included the other partners. The characters had a conscience and it was nice to see. The author could have easily made them drop everything and run off together but I liked how they thought things through and tried to do right by everyone, especially Emma. I liked how grounded she was and centred her world around Dominic.
The only slight complaint I have is about Emma's dad's use of language. It may be a common thing where the author is from, I'm not sure but whenever he spoke I just couldn't help but think of Wallace from the animation Wallace and Gromit. After I made this connection in my mind I couldn't take anything he said seriously as I imagined him with this northern accent. That's probably me being slightly weird though - it was just his choice of words were so similar.
Overall this book was a fast-pace, gripping romance that I couldn't put down. I loved the characters, plot and would highly recommend it. I will definitely be excited to see what Harper Impulse release next, I just wish they were in paperback as well!
For more of my reviews visit http://losttobooks.blogspot.com
When I got approached to host a stop on the tour for this book I wasn't so sure. I'm not really a fan of descriptions that start off with 'the death of a family member' thing or footballers for that matter. But when I saw it was published by Harper Impulse I went straight to NetGalley to see if it was available as having read nearly all of their other releases (which I loved), I decided to give it a chance as their NA romances have been great so far.
This book was not what I expected at all. I thought it would be grief filled and memories about a tortured past mixed in with romance. However, I found most of this book to be surprisingly enjoyable with sweet and sensitive moments that made you fall in love with the characters because of who they were, not what they had been through. I was also surprised that the mother's death and Guy's family issues were under played. I loved that they were there as more of a motive for why the characters did things and although there were moments when they struggled with emotion they were more in the background.
I loved how this book switched from 2005 to the present day. I thought it was an original technique to tell the story with and it gave a great, solid understanding of the relationship. By doing this the author didn't reveal all the secrets straight away, but rather drip fed them to the reader which I love. Some parts were predictable but the ending - I did not see that coming! I loved the twist! As well as this it also allowed me to see how the characters had developed in eight years and instead of listening to them remember the past in a flashback, you actually experience it which I thought was brilliant.
The romance was great. It wasn't as steamy as other NA books I've read but it fit with the story and what the characters had gone through. I liked how there were questions over whether it would work and that the author actually included the other partners. The characters had a conscience and it was nice to see. The author could have easily made them drop everything and run off together but I liked how they thought things through and tried to do right by everyone, especially Emma. I liked how grounded she was and centred her world around Dominic.
The only slight complaint I have is about Emma's dad's use of language. It may be a common thing where the author is from, I'm not sure but whenever he spoke I just couldn't help but think of Wallace from the animation Wallace and Gromit. After I made this connection in my mind I couldn't take anything he said seriously as I imagined him with this northern accent. That's probably me being slightly weird though - it was just his choice of words were so similar.
Overall this book was a fast-pace, gripping romance that I couldn't put down. I loved the characters, plot and would highly recommend it. I will definitely be excited to see what Harper Impulse release next, I just wish they were in paperback as well!
For more of my reviews visit http://losttobooks.blogspot.com
July 22, 2013
After reading the blurb for this, I really liked the sound of it, so a big thank you to HarperImpulse for allowing me to review.
This novel starts in 2005; a year that was extremely traumatic for Emma having just lost her Mother. Emma and her Dad, Mike are grieving so they have gone on holiday to France to try and escape the painful memories of her.
This is where Emma meets Guy. Guy is drop dead gorgeous and the fact that he's french definitely adds to his appeal. Emma can't stop looking at him, but she thinks that she doesn't stand a chance against the likes of Tasha and Melody who she thinks are much better looking than her in their tiny bikini's, swishing their hair and fluttering their eyelashes. But when Guy's football accidentally knocks her off her chair, what ensues is a powerful romance between them that Emma certainly didn't expect.
Fast forward to 2013 and Emma is no longer with Guy. She is with sweet, lovely Chris who has just proposed to her and not for the first time. Emma also has an eight-year old boy called Dominic, but it is unclear who his Father is. Emma has long since moved on from Guy, or so she thinks. So when she unexpectedly finds Guy back in her life all her feelings for him come right back up to the surface.
Guy is now an international football star and has done very well for himself since struggling in 2005 with an abusive Mother and a young baby to take of. When he and Emma see each other, they both know that their feelings for one another have not changed, but how can they possibly be together after what happened. They are also in a relationship with other people now and maybe they both have secrets that they couldn't possibly tell one another without it devastating them again.
I thought Emma was incredibly sweet and I felt so sorry for her for all that she had been through. It was clear as well they she does not love Chris as much he loves her. But she she knows that Chris has been there for her and how can she possibly leave him. Also even though she still has feelings for Guy how can she even begin to forgive him for what he did to her all those years ago. But Emma had never given a Guy a chance to explain, she was just so hurt she just made assumptions and ran away. Guy is also really lovely and caring and he is also hurting from that time, maybe Emma got it wrong?
I knew that Guy and Emma were meant to be together and the spark between the two of them is wonderful, you will be desperate for them to be together throughout the novel and there are some truly wonderful romantic scenes between the two of them.
This novel also had two very unexpected twists for me that you definitely will not see coming. I was shocked as it is not at all what you see coming and you realised that 2005 had a lot more secrets than you think!!
I honestly really enjoyed this and I look forward to reading more from Mandy Baggot.
This novel starts in 2005; a year that was extremely traumatic for Emma having just lost her Mother. Emma and her Dad, Mike are grieving so they have gone on holiday to France to try and escape the painful memories of her.
This is where Emma meets Guy. Guy is drop dead gorgeous and the fact that he's french definitely adds to his appeal. Emma can't stop looking at him, but she thinks that she doesn't stand a chance against the likes of Tasha and Melody who she thinks are much better looking than her in their tiny bikini's, swishing their hair and fluttering their eyelashes. But when Guy's football accidentally knocks her off her chair, what ensues is a powerful romance between them that Emma certainly didn't expect.
Fast forward to 2013 and Emma is no longer with Guy. She is with sweet, lovely Chris who has just proposed to her and not for the first time. Emma also has an eight-year old boy called Dominic, but it is unclear who his Father is. Emma has long since moved on from Guy, or so she thinks. So when she unexpectedly finds Guy back in her life all her feelings for him come right back up to the surface.
Guy is now an international football star and has done very well for himself since struggling in 2005 with an abusive Mother and a young baby to take of. When he and Emma see each other, they both know that their feelings for one another have not changed, but how can they possibly be together after what happened. They are also in a relationship with other people now and maybe they both have secrets that they couldn't possibly tell one another without it devastating them again.
I thought Emma was incredibly sweet and I felt so sorry for her for all that she had been through. It was clear as well they she does not love Chris as much he loves her. But she she knows that Chris has been there for her and how can she possibly leave him. Also even though she still has feelings for Guy how can she even begin to forgive him for what he did to her all those years ago. But Emma had never given a Guy a chance to explain, she was just so hurt she just made assumptions and ran away. Guy is also really lovely and caring and he is also hurting from that time, maybe Emma got it wrong?
I knew that Guy and Emma were meant to be together and the spark between the two of them is wonderful, you will be desperate for them to be together throughout the novel and there are some truly wonderful romantic scenes between the two of them.
This novel also had two very unexpected twists for me that you definitely will not see coming. I was shocked as it is not at all what you see coming and you realised that 2005 had a lot more secrets than you think!!
I honestly really enjoyed this and I look forward to reading more from Mandy Baggot.
July 25, 2013
First of all I would like to say congratulations and happy release day to Mandy Baggot. Do You Remember? is the latest release for Mandy (available from today) and I have to give it my full endorsement. I started reading yesterday and have just finished and I loved every minute of it.
It is almost like two stories in one. We are going through Emma and Guy’s present situation while learning at the same time of what happened in that summer back in 2005 when the pair first fell in love.
We all have things that have happened in the past that we wonder, what if? What if we had gone down a different route, would our lives have turned out better or worse or maybe we would have ended up in the same place just with a bit of a detour. I am a firm believer in ‘Everything happens for a reason’. I believe that when life throws its shit at us we either put our chins and and say screw you and keep going or we can lie down and wallow in self pity. Only one of these things is going to get you anywhere! Chin up.
Mandy displays this brilliantly in Do You Remember? Life hasn’t been plain sailing for either Emma or Guy. Both have had more than their fair share to handle. When Emma met guy she was grieving and struggling to cope after her mother dying and Guy had a very troubled home life. What started as a summer romance quickly escalated and the pair fell madly in love, making plans for the future. In one split second it all fell apart.
8 years later and Guy has made his name in the Football world and Emma is teaching her beloved English. A chance meeting throws the pair together and old feelings and animosities are brought to the surface.
A lot happened that summer in France with the pair but a lot happened for each the individuals that the other had no clue about so when they are asking Do You Remember? I am asking how do you remember something you never knew in the first place, and when you do know will you be able to forgive?
This was my second book from Mandy Baggot and I am delighted to say it is far from my last. You know me, I love to discover an author with a back catalogue to dive in to. Extrememly well written and very detailed. I loved how she was so knowledgeable about football and even tweeted her the same. Turns out we both support the same football club, Tottenham Hotspur. I knew I liked her ;D
Do You Remember? is not just a fluffy romance novel but a compelling tale. Dealing with a lot of emotional and deep issues and giving them their due sensitivity Mandy did an excellent job of delving into her characters innermost secrets and how they have been affecting them in the years since happening. It is a must read for all those that love a well written story!
It is almost like two stories in one. We are going through Emma and Guy’s present situation while learning at the same time of what happened in that summer back in 2005 when the pair first fell in love.
We all have things that have happened in the past that we wonder, what if? What if we had gone down a different route, would our lives have turned out better or worse or maybe we would have ended up in the same place just with a bit of a detour. I am a firm believer in ‘Everything happens for a reason’. I believe that when life throws its shit at us we either put our chins and and say screw you and keep going or we can lie down and wallow in self pity. Only one of these things is going to get you anywhere! Chin up.
Mandy displays this brilliantly in Do You Remember? Life hasn’t been plain sailing for either Emma or Guy. Both have had more than their fair share to handle. When Emma met guy she was grieving and struggling to cope after her mother dying and Guy had a very troubled home life. What started as a summer romance quickly escalated and the pair fell madly in love, making plans for the future. In one split second it all fell apart.
8 years later and Guy has made his name in the Football world and Emma is teaching her beloved English. A chance meeting throws the pair together and old feelings and animosities are brought to the surface.
A lot happened that summer in France with the pair but a lot happened for each the individuals that the other had no clue about so when they are asking Do You Remember? I am asking how do you remember something you never knew in the first place, and when you do know will you be able to forgive?
This was my second book from Mandy Baggot and I am delighted to say it is far from my last. You know me, I love to discover an author with a back catalogue to dive in to. Extrememly well written and very detailed. I loved how she was so knowledgeable about football and even tweeted her the same. Turns out we both support the same football club, Tottenham Hotspur. I knew I liked her ;D
Do You Remember? is not just a fluffy romance novel but a compelling tale. Dealing with a lot of emotional and deep issues and giving them their due sensitivity Mandy did an excellent job of delving into her characters innermost secrets and how they have been affecting them in the years since happening. It is a must read for all those that love a well written story!
July 20, 2013
Do You Remember by Mandy Baggot was a true romance book through and through. There was a little bit other than the romance but that also revolved around the romance and spun nicely into a romantic web. Most of Do You Remember was of Emma and Guy thinking back to how it was when they first met and the love that they shared in their short two weeks on vacation. She was the shy bookworm and he was the 'campsite hottie' that every girl wanted. There was much deeper issues at hand though. Emma had just lost her mother to cancer and Guy was dealing with an abusive alcoholic mother while trying to make a better life for himself and his brother. Throw a surprise in the mix and you have yourself a spicy book.
Only it wasn't spicy because it really didn't delve too much into the rest of the story. It was mainly the feelings. All the feelings that these two went through. The way they felt then, the way they feel now. The way that Emma was torn up because she had a steady boyfriend that her child really connected with and here Guy was, back in her life and bringing up those feelings again.
Emma made the first move with Guy when he came back into her life and then felt so horrible about it because she cheated on Chris. However, it still took her awhile to break up with him. She only really did break it off because he did. Chris had caught them during an event, while she was making plans to go off to France with Guy. Great person she is. I hate when people cheat in books and real life. I mean, if the spark isn't there, break up. The spark was obviously not there between her and Chris from the beginning of the book.
Guy also had another person but Mandy Baggot made her so repulsive that you really didn't feel bad for her when he broke up with her. She was your stereotypical snobby supermodel/actress. However, at least he broke up with her before she found out that he was with someone else.
The flashbacks seem to draw out a lot of the scenes to me and some of them could have been done without. I wasn't glued to the story and wanting to know more and what was going to happen like I am with some other mostly romance books. However, it was a decent story and did have some twists here and there that made it worth the read.
If you are in the mood for a pretty light romance story this is one you should pick up. It does deal with heavy issues but not that much that it brings that story down.
August 3, 2013
Firstly I’d like to thank the author for sending me this eBook to read and give an honest review. If you’re a regular reader of my blog then you’ll know just how much I enjoy Mandy’s books and this was no exception, I was captivated by Emma and Guy’s story and read it from start to finish in just a few hours (it was a very late night for me :)). I couldn’t stop reading, I simply had to know what happened in 2005 to cause so much heartache!
The story began in France with a lovely encounter between the young Emma and Guy, I was given some brief details about the death of Emma’s mother and this made me feel quite protective of her very quickly. The present day Emma seemed to be settled but not entirely happy when her past was suddenly brought back to her – this sent a wave of questions crashing through my mind and so began my quest to find out the truth about 5 September 2005.
The storyline alternated between the present day and 2005, I was treated to snippets of the time Emma and Guy spent together in France and this meant that I gradually connected all the dots to get the full picture at the end of the book. I always enjoy reading both sides of the story so getting inside Guy’s head and knowing his thoughts was particularly exciting for me, especially seeing as he was a hot, sexy French footballer.
Towards the end there were little moments that suggested something sinister had taken place, this side of the storyline was unexpected but riveting – by this point I was desperate to find out what the big secret was! As always with Mandy’s books there was a lighter side so I laughed and smiled many times throughout, I just loved that everything was ‘on skis’ and have already found myself saying it to my children (this will make complete sense when you read the book :D ).
Mandy has the natural ability to capture you and pull you into the storyline so that it feels like you’re there alongside the characters and this is one of the reasons I enjoy her books so much, it makes my reading experience much more exciting.
This was a captivating read filled with romance and secrets, another hit for the fabulous Mandy Baggot!
The story began in France with a lovely encounter between the young Emma and Guy, I was given some brief details about the death of Emma’s mother and this made me feel quite protective of her very quickly. The present day Emma seemed to be settled but not entirely happy when her past was suddenly brought back to her – this sent a wave of questions crashing through my mind and so began my quest to find out the truth about 5 September 2005.
The storyline alternated between the present day and 2005, I was treated to snippets of the time Emma and Guy spent together in France and this meant that I gradually connected all the dots to get the full picture at the end of the book. I always enjoy reading both sides of the story so getting inside Guy’s head and knowing his thoughts was particularly exciting for me, especially seeing as he was a hot, sexy French footballer.
Towards the end there were little moments that suggested something sinister had taken place, this side of the storyline was unexpected but riveting – by this point I was desperate to find out what the big secret was! As always with Mandy’s books there was a lighter side so I laughed and smiled many times throughout, I just loved that everything was ‘on skis’ and have already found myself saying it to my children (this will make complete sense when you read the book :D ).
Mandy has the natural ability to capture you and pull you into the storyline so that it feels like you’re there alongside the characters and this is one of the reasons I enjoy her books so much, it makes my reading experience much more exciting.
This was a captivating read filled with romance and secrets, another hit for the fabulous Mandy Baggot!
November 27, 2013
First I need to start off by thanking the wonderful Mandy Baggot for gifting me with the first paperback copy of Do You Remember? and signing it for me - I am truly honoured!
Do You Remember? is a wonderful romace story. 16 year old Emma is holidaying in France with her father after the death of her mother. There she meets, and falls head over heels in love with Guy, a French boy with dreams of becoming the next big footballer, and escaping a life of misery with an alcoholic mother, and rescuing his newborn baby brother. Guy and Emma make plans to run away together, and start a new life, but things crumble apart, and we are left wondering - what did happen in 2005?
Flash forward 8 years, and Emma is now a teacher, with a young son, Dominic. Life is comfortable, and although she never forgets Guy, she is living a nice life. But all that changes when Guy is signed by the local football team, and destiny brings them back together.
I loved the way Do You Remember? jumps between 2005 and the present day. From the beginning of their blossoming teenage romance, we see their love grow, and then as adults we see the ways their love has affected their entire lives.
I was willing their relationship on, all the while desperate to know what had happened on that fateful day in the French campsite. And when the truth was revealed, I lapped it up! The twists and turns at the end of their story were incredible, and I loved them all!
A conversation about hunky footballers led Mandy to giving me this great gift, and I have to say, I am pretty clued up on my football knowledge (!!) and well done, Mandy! Not only did you create a rsther handsome footballer in Guy, I was also impressed with the just right amount of football knowledge sprinkled throughout the book - which was a heck of a lot more realistic to read than some books which just depict footballers splashing money left, right and centre!
Congratulations, Mandy, Do You Remember was an absolutely brilliant read. I'm now impatiantly waiting for the next one!
Do You Remember? is a wonderful romace story. 16 year old Emma is holidaying in France with her father after the death of her mother. There she meets, and falls head over heels in love with Guy, a French boy with dreams of becoming the next big footballer, and escaping a life of misery with an alcoholic mother, and rescuing his newborn baby brother. Guy and Emma make plans to run away together, and start a new life, but things crumble apart, and we are left wondering - what did happen in 2005?
Flash forward 8 years, and Emma is now a teacher, with a young son, Dominic. Life is comfortable, and although she never forgets Guy, she is living a nice life. But all that changes when Guy is signed by the local football team, and destiny brings them back together.
I loved the way Do You Remember? jumps between 2005 and the present day. From the beginning of their blossoming teenage romance, we see their love grow, and then as adults we see the ways their love has affected their entire lives.
I was willing their relationship on, all the while desperate to know what had happened on that fateful day in the French campsite. And when the truth was revealed, I lapped it up! The twists and turns at the end of their story were incredible, and I loved them all!
A conversation about hunky footballers led Mandy to giving me this great gift, and I have to say, I am pretty clued up on my football knowledge (!!) and well done, Mandy! Not only did you create a rsther handsome footballer in Guy, I was also impressed with the just right amount of football knowledge sprinkled throughout the book - which was a heck of a lot more realistic to read than some books which just depict footballers splashing money left, right and centre!
Congratulations, Mandy, Do You Remember was an absolutely brilliant read. I'm now impatiantly waiting for the next one!
September 21, 2013
I received an e-copy of this from Harper Collins UK, Harper Impulse through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so intrigued by the blurb of this one. What really had happen that day between Guy and Emma? As the story went on, the picture slowly became clearer and clearer. I was sort of expecting something worst but thank goodness, it wasn't like that. Still, it was bad enough. Especially for the both of them.
I'm not really a fan of summer flings or vacation flings or holiday flings. Name it. But I do think that some people can actually fall in love in such situation. As much as I'd like to believe in Guy and Emma's love, I just can't. I don't know why. It didn't seem real to me in some ways. I know Guy was hot. Of course, Emma was attracted and all. But I just don't feel it. And I know I'm part of minority here because a lot of reviewers loved this one. Really, I just didn't feel their connection when they got together during that time at the campsite. Even in the present time. So yes, I was really at the neutral ground for them.
I'd be honest that I found a lot of things to be cliche here. I'm a fan of cliches, trust me. Especially when there's a big turn of events at the middle. But this just didn't work for me. Maybe because I wasn't able to connect to the characters. Like I've said, I didn't feel their connection.
The mystery behind that day was really a shock for both of them. I was expecting something worst so I wasn't really surprised when it was something like that. Still, it was a great twist for the story.
I think the story wasn't just really for me at this time. I didn't like it. But I didn't dislike it either. So it was just an okay read for me.
Still, I'd recommend everyone to read Do You Remember. It might be your kind of read for the day.
Originally posted at The Bookish Confections
I was so intrigued by the blurb of this one. What really had happen that day between Guy and Emma? As the story went on, the picture slowly became clearer and clearer. I was sort of expecting something worst but thank goodness, it wasn't like that. Still, it was bad enough. Especially for the both of them.
I'm not really a fan of summer flings or vacation flings or holiday flings. Name it. But I do think that some people can actually fall in love in such situation. As much as I'd like to believe in Guy and Emma's love, I just can't. I don't know why. It didn't seem real to me in some ways. I know Guy was hot. Of course, Emma was attracted and all. But I just don't feel it. And I know I'm part of minority here because a lot of reviewers loved this one. Really, I just didn't feel their connection when they got together during that time at the campsite. Even in the present time. So yes, I was really at the neutral ground for them.
I'd be honest that I found a lot of things to be cliche here. I'm a fan of cliches, trust me. Especially when there's a big turn of events at the middle. But this just didn't work for me. Maybe because I wasn't able to connect to the characters. Like I've said, I didn't feel their connection.
The mystery behind that day was really a shock for both of them. I was expecting something worst so I wasn't really surprised when it was something like that. Still, it was a great twist for the story.
I think the story wasn't just really for me at this time. I didn't like it. But I didn't dislike it either. So it was just an okay read for me.
Still, I'd recommend everyone to read Do You Remember. It might be your kind of read for the day.
Originally posted at The Bookish Confections
September 13, 2013
Check out my post as part of Mandy Baggot's blog tour! http://stephinlondon.com/2013/09/13/d...
This was my first read from the new HarperCollins imprint, Harper Impulse. It certainly won’t be my last. When I signed up for the book tour, I was intrigued by the blurb and genuinely wanted to know “what really happened on 5 September 2005.”
Mandy Baggot, a well published writer, gives us characters that you can’t help but love or hate and a love story that makes you swoon. She goes in-depth with Emma and Guy, making them less one-dimensional and more complex. I didn’t expect Do You Remember? to be as compelling and emotional as it was–pleasantly surprised indeed!
The heat level was medium–yes there were some sexy (and naughty!) scenes but nothing overly raunchy which suited me just fine! I don’t like to cringe or feel embarrassed when reading a book (50 Shades of Grey, I’m looking at you!).
I absolutely flew through this book, gobbling up little hints in the text as to how Emma and Guy ended up the way they did. This book was exciting and a page turner and doesn’t disappoint with the ending… two twists, one of which you see coming and the other which is beyond shocking! I’d definitely recommend this book to my romance fiction friends and am eager to read more from both Mandy Baggot and Harper Impulse.
This was my first read from the new HarperCollins imprint, Harper Impulse. It certainly won’t be my last. When I signed up for the book tour, I was intrigued by the blurb and genuinely wanted to know “what really happened on 5 September 2005.”
Mandy Baggot, a well published writer, gives us characters that you can’t help but love or hate and a love story that makes you swoon. She goes in-depth with Emma and Guy, making them less one-dimensional and more complex. I didn’t expect Do You Remember? to be as compelling and emotional as it was–pleasantly surprised indeed!
The heat level was medium–yes there were some sexy (and naughty!) scenes but nothing overly raunchy which suited me just fine! I don’t like to cringe or feel embarrassed when reading a book (50 Shades of Grey, I’m looking at you!).
I absolutely flew through this book, gobbling up little hints in the text as to how Emma and Guy ended up the way they did. This book was exciting and a page turner and doesn’t disappoint with the ending… two twists, one of which you see coming and the other which is beyond shocking! I’d definitely recommend this book to my romance fiction friends and am eager to read more from both Mandy Baggot and Harper Impulse.
October 24, 2013
Harper Impulse are fast becoming one of my favourite romance publishers. They manage to offer a wide variety of books within the genre, and I'm yet to be disappointed!
Do You Remember? is a story of the all encompassing nature of first love. Set in France in 2005,the book follows the relationship between Emma, who has recently lost her mother and Guy. They are swept away by their feelings for each other, falling quickly and deeply. However, love rarely runs smoothly and Emma returns home from her holiday with a broken heart...
Fast forward to the present day and Emma is raising her young son and working crazily hard in her job as an English teacher. She is settled with a boyfriend who adores her. So when Guy reappears in her life Emma is completely unprepared for the emotions that overcome her.
I absolutely loved this book! I'm a bit of a sappy romantic at heart and this book ticked all the boxes. I thought Emma and Guy's relationship came across as very real, especially the portrayal of their time in France where the longing and desire oozes off the page. The plot was simple but had enough little twists and turns to keep me guessing about aspects of it. I was desperate to find out if there would be a happy ending and would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a heartwarming read.
8.5/10
Do You Remember? is a story of the all encompassing nature of first love. Set in France in 2005,the book follows the relationship between Emma, who has recently lost her mother and Guy. They are swept away by their feelings for each other, falling quickly and deeply. However, love rarely runs smoothly and Emma returns home from her holiday with a broken heart...
Fast forward to the present day and Emma is raising her young son and working crazily hard in her job as an English teacher. She is settled with a boyfriend who adores her. So when Guy reappears in her life Emma is completely unprepared for the emotions that overcome her.
I absolutely loved this book! I'm a bit of a sappy romantic at heart and this book ticked all the boxes. I thought Emma and Guy's relationship came across as very real, especially the portrayal of their time in France where the longing and desire oozes off the page. The plot was simple but had enough little twists and turns to keep me guessing about aspects of it. I was desperate to find out if there would be a happy ending and would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a heartwarming read.
8.5/10
November 15, 2013
Emma embarks on a holiday romance with Guy whilst holidaying on a campsite in France. Eight years later, the two meet again. Can the old flame be rekindled or has too much happened in the past?
This is the second Mandy Baggot book I’ve read and what can I say? She goes from strength to strength!!
Do You Remember is made up of two intertwining storylines that jump between the past and the present. This is such a teasing and intriguing way to unravel the novel. I couldn’t wait to find out what exactly happened between Emma and Guy on that campsite in France. Somehow my reading pace quickened from chapter to chapter :-) .
I so wanted for Emma to forget the past and get together with Guy, but then again the reader doesn’t really find out why or in which way Guy broke Emma’s heart all these years ago. Did he do something that simply cannot be forgiven? I was convinced that there was more than one secret involved, and I wasn’t completely wrong.
What I love about Mandy’s books is that there always seems to be a serious topic (i.e. the lost cancer battle of Emma’s mum in this novel) coupled with a sweet and warm love story.
Do You Remember is definitely a book I’ll remember (no pun intended) :-) .
This is the second Mandy Baggot book I’ve read and what can I say? She goes from strength to strength!!
Do You Remember is made up of two intertwining storylines that jump between the past and the present. This is such a teasing and intriguing way to unravel the novel. I couldn’t wait to find out what exactly happened between Emma and Guy on that campsite in France. Somehow my reading pace quickened from chapter to chapter :-) .
I so wanted for Emma to forget the past and get together with Guy, but then again the reader doesn’t really find out why or in which way Guy broke Emma’s heart all these years ago. Did he do something that simply cannot be forgiven? I was convinced that there was more than one secret involved, and I wasn’t completely wrong.
What I love about Mandy’s books is that there always seems to be a serious topic (i.e. the lost cancer battle of Emma’s mum in this novel) coupled with a sweet and warm love story.
Do You Remember is definitely a book I’ll remember (no pun intended) :-) .
August 10, 2013
Do You Remember? is a poignant beautifully written romance which held my interest from the first page.
A story of first love reveals a labyrinth of despair and hope.I like the way past events are threaded into the story enhancing their impact. A definite page turner.The plot is absorbing and full of twists and surprises.
Emma is the girl next door whose life is disrupted by personal tragedy. She could be you or me except she hides a life changing secret.
Guy is more than the alpha hero who storms Emma's quiet ordinary life. Twice. As the story progresses you realise he is driven and damaged by past events he cannot forget or escape.
The author writes about unpalatable subjects with great sensitivity and though integral to the plot they do not overpower the epic love story.
I recommend this book to all lovers of true romance.
'I was sent this book by HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review'.
Mandy Baggot
September 4, 2013
This was the first of Mandy’s books I have read and I was lucky enough to be part of the blog tour for this book.
This is an emotional romantic story, normally I do not enjoy books that begin with heartache due to relatives/friends passing away as I find them depressing reads and hard to get into. This was not one of these books, right from the start it was a page turner and I did not want to put it down.
The story is set in the past and the present; Baggot cleverly makes the story flow between the two smoothly. This is a love story to stand the test of time; the characters were thought out well and were strong. You had a relationship with the characters and got caught up with their stories.
I loved that this story I didn’t find predictable and as the story developed I became shocked by parts as I didn’t see things coming. I don’t want to say too much about this book as it is so well written you should read it for yourself. It has twists and turns throughout. This is a must read!
For this review and more please visit:
Mrsbbooks2011.blogspot.co.uk
This is an emotional romantic story, normally I do not enjoy books that begin with heartache due to relatives/friends passing away as I find them depressing reads and hard to get into. This was not one of these books, right from the start it was a page turner and I did not want to put it down.
The story is set in the past and the present; Baggot cleverly makes the story flow between the two smoothly. This is a love story to stand the test of time; the characters were thought out well and were strong. You had a relationship with the characters and got caught up with their stories.
I loved that this story I didn’t find predictable and as the story developed I became shocked by parts as I didn’t see things coming. I don’t want to say too much about this book as it is so well written you should read it for yourself. It has twists and turns throughout. This is a must read!
For this review and more please visit:
Mrsbbooks2011.blogspot.co.uk
September 13, 2013
The first thing that I liked about this book was the time period and age of the couple in love in the flashback scenes. It may not even be fair to call them flashbacks... The past and the present are really stories that run parallel to one another in a very satisfying way. The feeling of being a teenager in love punched me in the gut and took me back to a time when being in love was unreasonable, all-encompassing, and life-or-death.
As a grown-up mother, I suffered along with the heroine in the present-day scenes, and felt the angst of the choices she had to make.
While this isn't a mystery in any way, I liked the way secrets were revealed and information came when it was necessary to heighten the story.
Above all, I appreciate that this book was well written. The story is great, and the writer has the skill to tell it.
As a grown-up mother, I suffered along with the heroine in the present-day scenes, and felt the angst of the choices she had to make.
While this isn't a mystery in any way, I liked the way secrets were revealed and information came when it was necessary to heighten the story.
Above all, I appreciate that this book was well written. The story is great, and the writer has the skill to tell it.
August 24, 2013
I have enjoyed all of Mandy's books and have read them all in a short period of time. Do you Remember was fabulous, I read it very quickly as I was hooked and could not put the book down. When the end came it was such a surprise and I thank Mandy for such a great ending. Mandy's talent to write these stories is great and I will look forward to reading her future books. Buy this book, you will love it!
August 5, 2013
Full review to come later!
September 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, i read it in a day and couldn't put it down. Written in a lively and fluent way it took me back to living in france in when i was 18. But no Guy unfortunately!
February 11, 2025
It took me a while to get hooked( about 6 chapters) the story is well written and the characters are good. About the middle of the book I had to put it down, as it got to real, to close to home with some of the topics and events that take place. Wish I could have finished the book, but it does deal with abuse and infant abuse. As a mother of an infant I couldn’t get out of that head space and took me a few days to recover.
June 29, 2021
Love Mandy Baggot’s books and again this one definitely did not disappoint 😍😍😍
March 18, 2022
Mandy has restored
My faith in true love,a beautiful story with many twists and turns. It made me laugh and cry, can't wait for the next one!
My faith in true love,a beautiful story with many twists and turns. It made me laugh and cry, can't wait for the next one!
September 23, 2024
This was good
July 20, 2025
I normally love Mandy Baggot’s books but this is my least favourite. Sad to leave such a low star rating but her other works are so much better.
Read
May 12, 2021Enjoyable enough
The switch between then and now was a clever device several hundred books ago. I'm over it now, which did detract from my interest in the book. Clever but somewhat implausible twist, though
The switch between then and now was a clever device several hundred books ago. I'm over it now, which did detract from my interest in the book. Clever but somewhat implausible twist, though
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