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The Girl You Forgot
'A moving novel that had me gripped from the start' Bella Andre, New York Times bestselling author of The SullivansDoes the heart ever really forget?
When Ava’s partner Will is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, the doctors give Will one chance to survive - an operation which means he will lose his recent memory. Ava begs him to take the chance, sure that she can cope with Will forgetting her. After all, they have something very special to live for.
But they are also keeping a heart-breaking secret, and if Will loses his memory, Ava will have to carry that secret alone.
Can they rebuild their love from scratch or will their secrets and past come between them? Will Ava really be a stranger when Will wakes up – or does the heart never really forget…
Giselle Green returns with a heart-breaking, deeply moving story of love, loss, and what it really means to be alive. Perfect for all fans of Jodi Picoult, Susan Lewis and Diane Chamberlain.
Praise for Giselle Green’s
'A genuinely heart-wrenching and thought-provoking read.' The Sun
‘A heartwarming, emotional take on a mother/daughter relationship. I couldn’t put it down.’ Closer
'A bitter sweet tear-jerker' OK
What readers are saying about The Girl You The Girl You Forgot is easily the best book I have read this year!' Literacy Indulgence’Oh this book really was heartbreaking and emotional. One that really pulls on your heartstrings with some lovely characters. I loved it.' ReadPea'This very readable book has it all, such real characters, a fascinating plot, beautiful and very descriptive imagery, and a storyline that will stir up so many emotions. I was totally absorbed by this book, and sorry when it was finished. Gorgeous.' Sibzzreads'The Girl You Forgot is much more than a romance story. It has a plot that covers more serious issues, has engaging characters and is a very enjoyable, and thought provoking read.' My Reading Corner'The Girl You Forgot is such a heartbreaking tale, that will reduce you to a complete emotional mess, but it’s totally worth it!' Cara's Book Boudoir'This was a heck of a heart-wrenching story! From the very start I felt the pain this couple was feeling.' Tizi's Book Review'A heart-wrenching love story that will haunt readers long after the last page is turned, Giselle Green’s The Girl You Forgot is a must-read for fans of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You.' Bookish Jottings'Heartfelt and heartbreaking' Ellsea Loves Reading'The Girl You Forgot is truthful, honest realistic and heartfelt as well as the kind of novel that makes you really feel for the protagonists. My heart was in my mouth more than a few times.' Just Katherine'The Girl You Forgot is so beautifully written with a devastating plotline that is handled perfectly. It’s a heartbreaking story of hope for the future, lost memories and how love always tries to conquer all.
When Ava’s partner Will is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, the doctors give Will one chance to survive - an operation which means he will lose his recent memory. Ava begs him to take the chance, sure that she can cope with Will forgetting her. After all, they have something very special to live for.
But they are also keeping a heart-breaking secret, and if Will loses his memory, Ava will have to carry that secret alone.
Can they rebuild their love from scratch or will their secrets and past come between them? Will Ava really be a stranger when Will wakes up – or does the heart never really forget…
Giselle Green returns with a heart-breaking, deeply moving story of love, loss, and what it really means to be alive. Perfect for all fans of Jodi Picoult, Susan Lewis and Diane Chamberlain.
Praise for Giselle Green’s
'A genuinely heart-wrenching and thought-provoking read.' The Sun
‘A heartwarming, emotional take on a mother/daughter relationship. I couldn’t put it down.’ Closer
'A bitter sweet tear-jerker' OK
What readers are saying about The Girl You The Girl You Forgot is easily the best book I have read this year!' Literacy Indulgence’Oh this book really was heartbreaking and emotional. One that really pulls on your heartstrings with some lovely characters. I loved it.' ReadPea'This very readable book has it all, such real characters, a fascinating plot, beautiful and very descriptive imagery, and a storyline that will stir up so many emotions. I was totally absorbed by this book, and sorry when it was finished. Gorgeous.' Sibzzreads'The Girl You Forgot is much more than a romance story. It has a plot that covers more serious issues, has engaging characters and is a very enjoyable, and thought provoking read.' My Reading Corner'The Girl You Forgot is such a heartbreaking tale, that will reduce you to a complete emotional mess, but it’s totally worth it!' Cara's Book Boudoir'This was a heck of a heart-wrenching story! From the very start I felt the pain this couple was feeling.' Tizi's Book Review'A heart-wrenching love story that will haunt readers long after the last page is turned, Giselle Green’s The Girl You Forgot is a must-read for fans of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You.' Bookish Jottings'Heartfelt and heartbreaking' Ellsea Loves Reading'The Girl You Forgot is truthful, honest realistic and heartfelt as well as the kind of novel that makes you really feel for the protagonists. My heart was in my mouth more than a few times.' Just Katherine'The Girl You Forgot is so beautifully written with a devastating plotline that is handled perfectly. It’s a heartbreaking story of hope for the future, lost memories and how love always tries to conquer all.
- GenresFiction
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2020
461 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 12, 2020
I was so excited to read this because the blurb captured my attention and it seemed to be something different then what was written ever before. Especially a couple who is already in a relationship and facing medical issues & memory loss!
However, once we learn the "secret" which is really early on and towards 60% or so, it then lost me for good.
So yes, this was totally NOT what I was expecting to read. I thought it was about a Hero who loved heroine so much that after an operation in which he lost his memories, they would have some hard times until he remembered and HEA. Yeah....No.
On one hand, I liked the fact that but on the other hand, that trope is just not for me! It doesn't matter who did the deed, it was not one I like or want to read.
However, once we learn the "secret" which is really early on and towards 60% or so, it then lost me for good.
So yes, this was totally NOT what I was expecting to read. I thought it was about a Hero who loved heroine so much that after an operation in which he lost his memories, they would have some hard times until he remembered and HEA. Yeah....No.
On one hand, I liked the fact that but on the other hand, that trope is just not for me! It doesn't matter who did the deed, it was not one I like or want to read.
December 26, 2024
Slow.
A good enough story that was on the slow side for me. The characters were a bit annoying and their actions were not believable.
A good enough story that was on the slow side for me. The characters were a bit annoying and their actions were not believable.
January 12, 2023
Ava has been in a relationship with Will for three years, when he is diagnosed with a brain tumour. The prognosis is terminal unless he has an operation. But the operation carries a problem, in that he will lose his recent memory. Ava begs him to go ahead even if that means he will forget her and the love and life they share. After initially refusing the operation, Will eventually come round. But in doing so, he extracts a promise from Ava that, as time goes on, she struggles to keep. This leaves her carrying a huge secret alone. Will her love for Will be enough? Can he ever love Ava again? Or is this all a bridge too far? Is the truth always the best option? And how far will Ava go to keep the truth?
I have never read anything by this author before but this one got me in and emotionally involved from the outset. And it never let go of the emotions. I found the concept of losing one’s recent memory from the operation interesting.
The story is told from Ava’s and Will’s points of view. I really liked the two main characters, although I did get a bit sick of Will’s whining. I loved Harry who has dementia and who Ava talks to regularly, even though he does not remember her from one visit to the next at The Butterfly Garden where he tends his dahlias.
This was an emotionally involving and interesting read and I do recommend it. I would be interested to read more books by this author.
I have never read anything by this author before but this one got me in and emotionally involved from the outset. And it never let go of the emotions. I found the concept of losing one’s recent memory from the operation interesting.
The story is told from Ava’s and Will’s points of view. I really liked the two main characters, although I did get a bit sick of Will’s whining. I loved Harry who has dementia and who Ava talks to regularly, even though he does not remember her from one visit to the next at The Butterfly Garden where he tends his dahlias.
This was an emotionally involving and interesting read and I do recommend it. I would be interested to read more books by this author.
August 11, 2020
A great set-up leads to an emotional rollercoaster. 4/5 stars.
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
I read and enjoyed Dear Dad by Giselle Green back in 2016, so was delighted to have the opportunity to read her latest book, The Girl You Forgot.
The set-up here – explained without spoilers in the blurb above – is terrific. The heroine, Ava, has an almost impossible dilemma: can she continue to lie to the man she loves while regaining his love and trust?
I will apologise at this point for my review being fairly brief, but I do think your enjoyment of this book will be much greater the less you know about the secrets to be revealed throughout the story, so I’m going to do my best to avoid any and all spoilers. I’m following my usual policy: if it’s in the blurb, it’s fair game. Otherwise I’m keeping quiet!
My favourite bit of The Girl You Forgot was the opening movement as we watch Ava and Will rebuild their relationship after his surgery and memory loss, a time during which they have to get to know each other all over again.
But with all the secrets lurking beneath the relationship, we know this lighter, sunnier period cannot last forever. And after a sizeable boulder gets lobbed into the calmer waters of the narrative at about the two-thirds mark, the story becomes more heart-wrenching and dramatic as we see the characters struggle with pain and grief.
I think the use of both Will and Ava’s perspectives works very well, as it’s crucial for us to have access to their respective memories and feelings to see how they do and don’t match up. In this sense, the choice of first person present tense for the narrative voices is effective as it makes our experience of the characters’ emotions more immediate and affecting. And, as in Dear Dad, the author excels at conveying difficult, complex emotions, especially feelings associated with depression and loss.
As the book moves into its final act, I was delighted to see Ava mature and come into herself as an individual. There were a few times earlier in the story when I would have liked to have given her a shake (gently), so I was pleased to see her pull herself together.
I loved the seaside setting, which was brought alive through descriptions of calmer and stormier days. One scene in which Ava and Will are sitting on the sea wall eating chips (and realistically have to abandon due to seagull strike!), was so evocative I could almost smell the salt air and feel the damp seeping through the character’s jeans.
Overall: recommended for those who enjoy dual-perspective stories and romance mixed with more serious themes.
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
I read and enjoyed Dear Dad by Giselle Green back in 2016, so was delighted to have the opportunity to read her latest book, The Girl You Forgot.
The set-up here – explained without spoilers in the blurb above – is terrific. The heroine, Ava, has an almost impossible dilemma: can she continue to lie to the man she loves while regaining his love and trust?
I will apologise at this point for my review being fairly brief, but I do think your enjoyment of this book will be much greater the less you know about the secrets to be revealed throughout the story, so I’m going to do my best to avoid any and all spoilers. I’m following my usual policy: if it’s in the blurb, it’s fair game. Otherwise I’m keeping quiet!
My favourite bit of The Girl You Forgot was the opening movement as we watch Ava and Will rebuild their relationship after his surgery and memory loss, a time during which they have to get to know each other all over again.
But with all the secrets lurking beneath the relationship, we know this lighter, sunnier period cannot last forever. And after a sizeable boulder gets lobbed into the calmer waters of the narrative at about the two-thirds mark, the story becomes more heart-wrenching and dramatic as we see the characters struggle with pain and grief.
I think the use of both Will and Ava’s perspectives works very well, as it’s crucial for us to have access to their respective memories and feelings to see how they do and don’t match up. In this sense, the choice of first person present tense for the narrative voices is effective as it makes our experience of the characters’ emotions more immediate and affecting. And, as in Dear Dad, the author excels at conveying difficult, complex emotions, especially feelings associated with depression and loss.
As the book moves into its final act, I was delighted to see Ava mature and come into herself as an individual. There were a few times earlier in the story when I would have liked to have given her a shake (gently), so I was pleased to see her pull herself together.
I loved the seaside setting, which was brought alive through descriptions of calmer and stormier days. One scene in which Ava and Will are sitting on the sea wall eating chips (and realistically have to abandon due to seagull strike!), was so evocative I could almost smell the salt air and feel the damp seeping through the character’s jeans.
Overall: recommended for those who enjoy dual-perspective stories and romance mixed with more serious themes.
August 17, 2020
In The Girl You Forgot, you meet Ava and Will. Will has a brain tumor and will die without an operation. Ava is able to convince him to go through with the surgery, even knowing that his memory of recent years might be wiped. Will he remember her and her love. Does love reside in the heart or the brain? When Will comes out of his surgery, he has lost the last seven years of his life. He doesn't remember Ava, his new job, any problems he had with friends or the fact that Ava is expecting.
When I read the premise of this story, I was immediately intrigued. I know that memories and love reside in the brain, but are there memories elsewhere? I wanted to find out what happened with Ava and Will. What was the secret she was keeping? This was an enjoyable story, but I did have a niggle here and there. The middle of the story dragged a bit, but keep with it, you will be glad you did. Ava loved Will and was willing to give up everything she wanted to keep him alive. When I found out her secret, I was angry with her though, but as we find out more, my heart went out to her. I can't imagine how Will must have felt, dealing with so many things he had forgotten as well as finding out how much his life had changed and he no longer remembered. Giselle Green's writing did a great job conveying emotions. I loved the growth the characters show as the story progressed and the ending was wonderful. This is the first book I have read by Giselle Green, but I will be checking out some of her others. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
When I read the premise of this story, I was immediately intrigued. I know that memories and love reside in the brain, but are there memories elsewhere? I wanted to find out what happened with Ava and Will. What was the secret she was keeping? This was an enjoyable story, but I did have a niggle here and there. The middle of the story dragged a bit, but keep with it, you will be glad you did. Ava loved Will and was willing to give up everything she wanted to keep him alive. When I found out her secret, I was angry with her though, but as we find out more, my heart went out to her. I can't imagine how Will must have felt, dealing with so many things he had forgotten as well as finding out how much his life had changed and he no longer remembered. Giselle Green's writing did a great job conveying emotions. I loved the growth the characters show as the story progressed and the ending was wonderful. This is the first book I have read by Giselle Green, but I will be checking out some of her others. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
October 19, 2020
Although I really like the concept of this book, brain surgery makes male protagonist forget last 7 years of his life, I just couldn’t for the life of me get into it.
It just seemed to drag on and on with very little happenings and surprises.
Couldn’t really take to either of the main characters, Will and Ava , either. The only person I liked was the gardener at the coffee shop!
It just seemed to drag on and on with very little happenings and surprises.
Couldn’t really take to either of the main characters, Will and Ava , either. The only person I liked was the gardener at the coffee shop!
August 15, 2020
Having read a few books by Giselle Green, I did know what I was letting myself in for when I agreed to review, namely an emotional, tugging at the heart strings, angsty story with that moral dilemma angle.
Ava and Will are in a relationship, but Will is desperately ill with a brain tumour and needs an operation if he is to live. Following the operation it is likely that Will’s recent memories will be lost. Ava finally persuades him to have the operation but for him to do so, there is a condition that she must fulfil and a secret she has to keep from him.
This is a story with a huge dilemma at its heart. We know from the beginning that Ava has a secret and she has the burden of carrying it by herself. After all she had made a promise. She also promised Will that she would always tell him the truth and wouldn’t take advantage of any loss of memory.
There is a real emotional pull to this story, and I felt so much sympathy for Ava and to a lesser extent Will. I know he was the one who had been ill, but his stubbornness made him a little unlikeable at times even though I did feel for him when he was trying to reconcile his old life with the new – people had moved on, places had changed.
There were times when I felt that the pace dipped a little but nonetheless I was fully invested in the relationship between Will and Ava and how everything would pan out for them. All the main characters were well drawn and even the minor ones like Harry, the gardener with his own memory issues at the Butterfly Cafe who listened patiently to Ava despite never remembering who she was, and Toby, Will’s American musical writing partner and friend, had their own part to play.
Told by both Ava and Will, the storyline is based on trust and memories and how the loss of both can impact on relationships. Will and Ava’s relationship turns into an emotional rollercoaster as they both try to find their way with each other again.
The Girl You Forgot is much more than a romance story. It has a plot that covers more serious issues, has engaging characters and is a very enjoyable, and thought provoking read.
Ava and Will are in a relationship, but Will is desperately ill with a brain tumour and needs an operation if he is to live. Following the operation it is likely that Will’s recent memories will be lost. Ava finally persuades him to have the operation but for him to do so, there is a condition that she must fulfil and a secret she has to keep from him.
This is a story with a huge dilemma at its heart. We know from the beginning that Ava has a secret and she has the burden of carrying it by herself. After all she had made a promise. She also promised Will that she would always tell him the truth and wouldn’t take advantage of any loss of memory.
There is a real emotional pull to this story, and I felt so much sympathy for Ava and to a lesser extent Will. I know he was the one who had been ill, but his stubbornness made him a little unlikeable at times even though I did feel for him when he was trying to reconcile his old life with the new – people had moved on, places had changed.
There were times when I felt that the pace dipped a little but nonetheless I was fully invested in the relationship between Will and Ava and how everything would pan out for them. All the main characters were well drawn and even the minor ones like Harry, the gardener with his own memory issues at the Butterfly Cafe who listened patiently to Ava despite never remembering who she was, and Toby, Will’s American musical writing partner and friend, had their own part to play.
Told by both Ava and Will, the storyline is based on trust and memories and how the loss of both can impact on relationships. Will and Ava’s relationship turns into an emotional rollercoaster as they both try to find their way with each other again.
The Girl You Forgot is much more than a romance story. It has a plot that covers more serious issues, has engaging characters and is a very enjoyable, and thought provoking read.
August 11, 2020
The idea behind this book is something really different – a moral dilemma of a kind I’ve never come across before. If an operation would save your life, but mean that you lose a slice of your recent memory, would you go ahead? Even if it meant that you might not recognise those you love? And supposing there was a particular issue making you feel that life might just not be worth living – if your memory loss wiped everything clean, would you want to know about it? When Will proceeds with the operation, Ava becomes the guardian of that immense secret – is it really feasible that their lives can just be started again?
I really enjoyed this book – the book’s central concept is quite wonderfully delivered through the voices of its two main characters. Ava carries her heavy burden while growing close to Will once more, and as the date draws closer for the birth of her child – and Will finds himself again, and what makes him happy, coming to terms with the loss of seven years of memories. It’s an enthralling read, with moments of discovery and sometimes sheer joy as, over time, they rekindle their earlier romance and find each other again. But there’s always that lurking shadow, the possibility that Will will uncover the secret – and the fact that Ava concealed the truth, however justified, might just blow their relationship apart.
The two main characters entirely won my heart (particularly Will – he’s so lovely!), but I loved some of the supporting characters too. Toby, Will’s American songwriting partner becomes a real friend he can count on – unlike Ava’s friend Ginny with the particular complexities affecting their relationship. I particularly liked Harry, a man with significant memory problems of his own, who tends the garden at the Butterfly Cafe where Ava works – some of their encounters, every time the first time for him, made me smile, as did his occasional unexpected insights and words of wisdom. There’s quite a focus on family too: Ava’s sister, the relationship with her parents, Will’s rather complicated family, and that whole question of parenthood highlighted by a range of meetings and interactions.
Things do, of course, go seriously awry – as they were rather bound to – but the twists and turns that follow are handled quite superbly. This is one of those books that you read while wanting to cover your eyes – you can see devastation approaching, but there’s nothing you can do about it other than silently shout “stop” and “don’t do it”. The emotional touch around it all, as you watch that desperately uncomfortable unravelling, is damned near perfect – a whole situation that the author really makes you feel. And although I’ll tell you no more about it, I did think the way the ending was handled was pretty near perfect too.
This is a book full of hope, all around whether the heart remembers what the memory might have forgotten – and where love might just carry you through a situation that seems quite impossible to bear. And the author’s writing has really never been better – I loved this book.
I really enjoyed this book – the book’s central concept is quite wonderfully delivered through the voices of its two main characters. Ava carries her heavy burden while growing close to Will once more, and as the date draws closer for the birth of her child – and Will finds himself again, and what makes him happy, coming to terms with the loss of seven years of memories. It’s an enthralling read, with moments of discovery and sometimes sheer joy as, over time, they rekindle their earlier romance and find each other again. But there’s always that lurking shadow, the possibility that Will will uncover the secret – and the fact that Ava concealed the truth, however justified, might just blow their relationship apart.
The two main characters entirely won my heart (particularly Will – he’s so lovely!), but I loved some of the supporting characters too. Toby, Will’s American songwriting partner becomes a real friend he can count on – unlike Ava’s friend Ginny with the particular complexities affecting their relationship. I particularly liked Harry, a man with significant memory problems of his own, who tends the garden at the Butterfly Cafe where Ava works – some of their encounters, every time the first time for him, made me smile, as did his occasional unexpected insights and words of wisdom. There’s quite a focus on family too: Ava’s sister, the relationship with her parents, Will’s rather complicated family, and that whole question of parenthood highlighted by a range of meetings and interactions.
Things do, of course, go seriously awry – as they were rather bound to – but the twists and turns that follow are handled quite superbly. This is one of those books that you read while wanting to cover your eyes – you can see devastation approaching, but there’s nothing you can do about it other than silently shout “stop” and “don’t do it”. The emotional touch around it all, as you watch that desperately uncomfortable unravelling, is damned near perfect – a whole situation that the author really makes you feel. And although I’ll tell you no more about it, I did think the way the ending was handled was pretty near perfect too.
This is a book full of hope, all around whether the heart remembers what the memory might have forgotten – and where love might just carry you through a situation that seems quite impossible to bear. And the author’s writing has really never been better – I loved this book.
August 11, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and Boldwood Books. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Girl You Forgot is a deeply heart-wrenching story of love, secrets and promises.
The two main characters, Ava and Will are introduced to the reader as soulmates who have already had a rough time, but have made it through together. Unfortunately for them, things are about to get a lot tougher.
Ava finds herself caught between two completely contradictory promises, with very good reasons for both, while Will struggles to reconcile a world he doesn’t remember, after a brain operation removes seven years of his memories… including any memory of ever meeting Ava.
The story hinges around issues of trust, and whether it is ever acceptable to lie to those we love, or keep secrets from them, or break promises. These aren’t simple issues, as Ava’s dilemma clearly shows that there are relevant moral considerations on both sides. That said, I did feel there was an element of her sacrificing the truth to her wish to play happy families with the man she loves, and therefore attempting to avoid the consequences of her decisions and actions. Similarly, whilst I had a lot of sympathy for Will, reeling from blow after blow, and suffering from extremely understandable depressive feelings as a result, I did feel that he was so focused on his own ‘happy ever after’ dreams that he kept forgetting those around him might have feelings, hopes and dreams of their own.
Both characters grow and develop as the story unfolds, and by the end of the story, both are different characters than they were at the start, before Will forgot. With the story moving between the two main characters, as they each tell their side of events, the reader gets the benefit of, not just both sides of the story, but both sides of each character too. It’s an intimate experience which makes the issues covered (fertility problems, suicidal thoughts, depression, betrayal) all the more heartbreaking for the reader.
Whilst there is a lot of pain and despair in the book, there is also strength, hope and lots of love. Fans of character-driven dilemma stories will enjoy this story, but will need to have a large box of tissues standing by!
He gave the tiniest nod and I sent up a prayer of thanks, then. We had a solution. All I had to do was promise him he’d never know the truth about this child…
I thought in that moment that disaster was averted, that everything was going to be okay. He’d live, and my child would be blessed with the best, most loving daddy in the world, and we would all go on and be just fine.
That’s what I thought.
– Giselle Green, The Girl You Forgot
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The Girl You Forgot is a deeply heart-wrenching story of love, secrets and promises.
The two main characters, Ava and Will are introduced to the reader as soulmates who have already had a rough time, but have made it through together. Unfortunately for them, things are about to get a lot tougher.
Ava finds herself caught between two completely contradictory promises, with very good reasons for both, while Will struggles to reconcile a world he doesn’t remember, after a brain operation removes seven years of his memories… including any memory of ever meeting Ava.
The story hinges around issues of trust, and whether it is ever acceptable to lie to those we love, or keep secrets from them, or break promises. These aren’t simple issues, as Ava’s dilemma clearly shows that there are relevant moral considerations on both sides. That said, I did feel there was an element of her sacrificing the truth to her wish to play happy families with the man she loves, and therefore attempting to avoid the consequences of her decisions and actions. Similarly, whilst I had a lot of sympathy for Will, reeling from blow after blow, and suffering from extremely understandable depressive feelings as a result, I did feel that he was so focused on his own ‘happy ever after’ dreams that he kept forgetting those around him might have feelings, hopes and dreams of their own.
Both characters grow and develop as the story unfolds, and by the end of the story, both are different characters than they were at the start, before Will forgot. With the story moving between the two main characters, as they each tell their side of events, the reader gets the benefit of, not just both sides of the story, but both sides of each character too. It’s an intimate experience which makes the issues covered (fertility problems, suicidal thoughts, depression, betrayal) all the more heartbreaking for the reader.
Whilst there is a lot of pain and despair in the book, there is also strength, hope and lots of love. Fans of character-driven dilemma stories will enjoy this story, but will need to have a large box of tissues standing by!
He gave the tiniest nod and I sent up a prayer of thanks, then. We had a solution. All I had to do was promise him he’d never know the truth about this child…
I thought in that moment that disaster was averted, that everything was going to be okay. He’d live, and my child would be blessed with the best, most loving daddy in the world, and we would all go on and be just fine.
That’s what I thought.
– Giselle Green, The Girl You Forgot
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
June 5, 2021
Sometimes a person needs to realize deep down what he really wants. Not what others make him to do .
It was like Old Harry made him realized what he was missing. And then like autopilot he did just that what he was told to do. If old harry didn't mention about the promise he had made once he would never had realized it. That's what bugging me. It's not about the promise.. you see, it's about realization. And he never really realized deep down what he wanted.
And for Ava ... I really hate when people say half things and let other half hanging on the air🙄 it would be less messy if people could complete their thoughts for the love of God!
And ... My feelings for this book is kinda complicated. I don't like the way H handled it. As always, I hoped my h should have some more bravery. I like the plot. Writing is also gripping. Yet I feel unsatisfied 😞
It was like Old Harry made him realized what he was missing. And then like autopilot he did just that what he was told to do. If old harry didn't mention about the promise he had made once he would never had realized it. That's what bugging me. It's not about the promise.. you see, it's about realization. And he never really realized deep down what he wanted.
And for Ava ... I really hate when people say half things and let other half hanging on the air🙄 it would be less messy if people could complete their thoughts for the love of God!
And ... My feelings for this book is kinda complicated. I don't like the way H handled it. As always, I hoped my h should have some more bravery. I like the plot. Writing is also gripping. Yet I feel unsatisfied 😞
July 5, 2020
In The Girl You Forgot, you meet Ava and Will, and the question is, is their love strong enough to overcome the effects of brain surgery where Will loses his memory? Will is diagnosed with a tumor and the only way for him to survive is to have an operation in which he loses his memory of the most recent years. The premise to this story intrigued me and overall, I liked the story. Though. there were events with Ava that made me question her true love for Will. and some of Will's actions were a bit childish. But it was nice to see the characters grow up by the end.
Thank you #Netgalley for this ARC.
Thank you #Netgalley for this ARC.
July 12, 2020
This is my first book by this author. It was a great story but fell a little flat in the middle. I stuck with it and very glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2021
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I found “The Girl You Forgot” to be a lovely romantic tale, highlighting what you would do if you got a second chance in life for a do-over. The author has a beautiful talent for writing romance with drama, and I thought she executed it beautifully in this book.
The story starts well, in a mysterious manner. You don’t know precisely why Will goes through the surgery. As the story progresses, you feel as if you are next to Will as you both learn about his history. I enjoyed Will in the lead and thought he brought a lot into the tale. I liked his friendship with Toby and enjoyed his conversation with Mule.
Similarly, Ava is also intriguing, and I liked the way the author portrayed her emotions. She is pregnant and endures a lot of drama in the story. I enjoyed her relationship with Robyn and how they help each other.
However, my favorite character was Harry. I adored Harry and thought he was the best character in the story. He is complex, unpredictable, charming, and a sweetheart. Even though he only appeared for a limited time, he impacted the story and became a memorable character for me.
But, there were times where the text felt repetitive. For instance, there are parts, particularly in the second half, where Ava and Will reminisce of ‘what if’ situations that staggered the pace. Also, I felt some story arcs felt unresolved, particularly between Ava and Ginny. But, apart from that, this was a lovely romance novel that I enjoyed.
Overall, “The Girl You Forgot” is a lovely story if you are in the mood for drama, angst, and romance!
March 17, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
“The Girl You Forgot”, by Giselle Green (Boldwood Books), centers on an unusual, original theme – amnesia after brain surgery – and tackles the profound changes two individuals in a romantic couple have to go through so that love can survive.
I found the premise fascinating, and Will’s struggles and feelings of anxiety and depression are realistically depicted.
Perhaps the story focus on this general subject is excessive, with a tendency to overdramatize, and the delivery on other dimensions was somehow lacking: the story was too long and dragged, the characters were a bit vague in terms of physical characterization, conversations were often dull and involving secondary characters I just wasn’t interested in.
“The Girl You Forgot”, by Giselle Green (Boldwood Books), centers on an unusual, original theme – amnesia after brain surgery – and tackles the profound changes two individuals in a romantic couple have to go through so that love can survive.
I found the premise fascinating, and Will’s struggles and feelings of anxiety and depression are realistically depicted.
Perhaps the story focus on this general subject is excessive, with a tendency to overdramatize, and the delivery on other dimensions was somehow lacking: the story was too long and dragged, the characters were a bit vague in terms of physical characterization, conversations were often dull and involving secondary characters I just wasn’t interested in.
August 13, 2020
Waking up from a life-saving operation, Will is grateful to be alive. However, he's lost seven years of his memory and therefore no memory of how he met his partner, Ava. As they become close again, Will wants to know about their life before his operation. However, will the secret Ava is keeping, destroy the relationship they are rebuilding?
Ava is a woman in an unenviable situation. The man she loves needs a lifesaving operation which will erase his memory. She's promised to keep the other devastating news they found out before Will's operation a secret. After his successful surgery, they begin to re-build their relationship, but the burden of keeping the secret could tear them apart.
Will is a musician, a successful one, not that he remembers that part of his life post-op. When he's re-introduced to Toby, his American song-writing collaborator, music is something he remembers playing and creating. It's a connect to his past which makes sense however, he's unaware of how successful his musical career was or of the burden he placed on Ava.
Ava and Will's story is both heartfelt and heartbreaking. They're both dealing with unknown emotions; Will can't remember the woman he loved and Ava's hoping the man she loves will fall in love with her again. Their emotional journey's complemented by secondary characters as the protagonists try to make sense of the situation they are in. The extras highlight events from the past, bringing issues to the surface which should have remained buried. It's a thought-provoking scenario for both the protagonists and the reader. What would you do in a similar situation?
The originality of the narrative is noteworthy but missed a beat or two for me. I fell out of the plot intermittently, in contrast, was fully amerced within this roller-coaster of a ride story for the rest. For me, it's the timing of when the secret is revealed… I won't spoil anything by saying more.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel but not as much as I'd hoped. Ms Green is a new to me author and won't hesitate to pick up and read other books she's written.
3.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of Boldwood Books via NetGalley***l
Ava is a woman in an unenviable situation. The man she loves needs a lifesaving operation which will erase his memory. She's promised to keep the other devastating news they found out before Will's operation a secret. After his successful surgery, they begin to re-build their relationship, but the burden of keeping the secret could tear them apart.
Will is a musician, a successful one, not that he remembers that part of his life post-op. When he's re-introduced to Toby, his American song-writing collaborator, music is something he remembers playing and creating. It's a connect to his past which makes sense however, he's unaware of how successful his musical career was or of the burden he placed on Ava.
Ava and Will's story is both heartfelt and heartbreaking. They're both dealing with unknown emotions; Will can't remember the woman he loved and Ava's hoping the man she loves will fall in love with her again. Their emotional journey's complemented by secondary characters as the protagonists try to make sense of the situation they are in. The extras highlight events from the past, bringing issues to the surface which should have remained buried. It's a thought-provoking scenario for both the protagonists and the reader. What would you do in a similar situation?
The originality of the narrative is noteworthy but missed a beat or two for me. I fell out of the plot intermittently, in contrast, was fully amerced within this roller-coaster of a ride story for the rest. For me, it's the timing of when the secret is revealed… I won't spoil anything by saying more.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel but not as much as I'd hoped. Ms Green is a new to me author and won't hesitate to pick up and read other books she's written.
3.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of Boldwood Books via NetGalley***l
August 11, 2020
The Girl You Forgot is a story that will break your heart many times and you will fall in love with the two leading characters as their lives are turned upside down with the strain of a terrible illness. However, not only do Ava and Will have to cope with the diagnosis they have the long recovery and there’s also the question of the secrets that Ava has promised to Will that she will not reveal to him again post op.
What a conundrum to face for Will when making the decision on having the life saving operation. He knows the operation is essential but he also knows he will lose his most recent memory. A memory that holds so much of his creative inspiration for his musical talent. A memory that also holds the time he fell in love with Ava and the time that his heart was broken. Ava does everything in her power to ensure Will has the operation and the couple vow to keep the secrets that broke them hidden forever. However, as time passes during Will’s recovery Ava struggles to rebuild their relationship and holding back all the secrets.
This is a wonderful, heartfelt story that will stay with you for a long time. To have love and lost and to keep loving whether it is reciprocated and knowing it could all shatter at any time must have been such an emotional strain but it also shows the strength of the love within Ava. During Will’s recovery he learns much about his emotional wellbeing during past events and discovers that looking at life through different eyes can make the view a different outlook.
The author, Giselle Green, knows how to create a storyline that draws you in and leaves you feeling wrung out with emotion but you can also feel a sense of hopefulness and warmth.
What a conundrum to face for Will when making the decision on having the life saving operation. He knows the operation is essential but he also knows he will lose his most recent memory. A memory that holds so much of his creative inspiration for his musical talent. A memory that also holds the time he fell in love with Ava and the time that his heart was broken. Ava does everything in her power to ensure Will has the operation and the couple vow to keep the secrets that broke them hidden forever. However, as time passes during Will’s recovery Ava struggles to rebuild their relationship and holding back all the secrets.
This is a wonderful, heartfelt story that will stay with you for a long time. To have love and lost and to keep loving whether it is reciprocated and knowing it could all shatter at any time must have been such an emotional strain but it also shows the strength of the love within Ava. During Will’s recovery he learns much about his emotional wellbeing during past events and discovers that looking at life through different eyes can make the view a different outlook.
The author, Giselle Green, knows how to create a storyline that draws you in and leaves you feeling wrung out with emotion but you can also feel a sense of hopefulness and warmth.
August 12, 2020
Memories make us who we are and create an anchor point for both the important and the mundane activities of our lives. To have those memories removed so that they are gone forever is the worrying situation facing Ava's partner, Will, who after surgery on a brain tumour, knows that a chunk of his recent memory will have gone. He no longer remembers his life with Ava and other than she is pretty and kind, Will has no knowledge of their three year relationship.
What then follows is a thoughtful story which puts into focus all those little nuances that go into the making of a relationship. That there are secrets in Ava and Will's life is obvious from the start, so it was interesting to see just how their individual dilemmas unfolded, as each have so much to lose, and so much to gain by being as honest as they can with each other. And that of course is where the difficulty lies, as how can you be honest when you can't or don't want to remember?
The story flows well and I enjoyed reading the chapters from both Ava and Will's point of view, I think that the author succeeds in bringing their different personalities alive. There were times when I struggled to like both of them but I think that is what makes this story so relatable, after all, we can't all be nice all the time! I enjoyed meeting the other characters who flit into and out of the story as they each add their own personalities, and different strengths, to the story as it unfolds.
I have now read several of this author's work, so I know that she does these relationship stories very well and The Girl You Forgot is another good example of taking a difficult subject, something this author doesn't shy away from, and delivering a story about life, love and loss in a relatable and meaningful way.
What then follows is a thoughtful story which puts into focus all those little nuances that go into the making of a relationship. That there are secrets in Ava and Will's life is obvious from the start, so it was interesting to see just how their individual dilemmas unfolded, as each have so much to lose, and so much to gain by being as honest as they can with each other. And that of course is where the difficulty lies, as how can you be honest when you can't or don't want to remember?
The story flows well and I enjoyed reading the chapters from both Ava and Will's point of view, I think that the author succeeds in bringing their different personalities alive. There were times when I struggled to like both of them but I think that is what makes this story so relatable, after all, we can't all be nice all the time! I enjoyed meeting the other characters who flit into and out of the story as they each add their own personalities, and different strengths, to the story as it unfolds.
I have now read several of this author's work, so I know that she does these relationship stories very well and The Girl You Forgot is another good example of taking a difficult subject, something this author doesn't shy away from, and delivering a story about life, love and loss in a relatable and meaningful way.
August 17, 2020
A heart-wrenching moral dilemma lies at the heart of The Girl You Forgot: should we lie to protect those we love, even if they have asked us to? Giselle Green has written such a powerful, emotive and thought-provoking book with completely relatable characters that you can't help but wonder what you would do in the same circumstances.
Ava has just found out that she's pregnant when Will is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Will has the hardest decision to make: should he have the operation at the risk of losing his memory or enjoy what time he has left? Will decides to go in for surgery but only after he makes Ava promise to withhold something from him when he wakes up. Will's surgery is successful but he has lost all of his memories from the last 7 years; understandably confused to wake up with a girlfriend he doesn't recognise by his side, he asks Ava to promise to always tell him the truth. What a double whammy! Poor Ava.
My heart really went out to both Will and Ava. As lovely as it was to see Will fall in love with Ava all over again, it was heartbreaking when he admits that wasn't able to experience the simplest of emotions: happiness. Ava is torn between keeping her promise to Will before the op and keeping her promise to Will after the op. I certainly didn't envy her that moral dilemma! I loved how Ava confides in gardener, Harry, who has memory loss issues of his own. Harry has some amazing words of wisdom for Ava, which is food for thought for her and the reader.
The Girl You Forgot is a beautiful story, beautifully written by Giselle Green. It's full of heart being heartbreaking, heart-wrenching and heartwarming in equal measure.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Ava has just found out that she's pregnant when Will is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Will has the hardest decision to make: should he have the operation at the risk of losing his memory or enjoy what time he has left? Will decides to go in for surgery but only after he makes Ava promise to withhold something from him when he wakes up. Will's surgery is successful but he has lost all of his memories from the last 7 years; understandably confused to wake up with a girlfriend he doesn't recognise by his side, he asks Ava to promise to always tell him the truth. What a double whammy! Poor Ava.
My heart really went out to both Will and Ava. As lovely as it was to see Will fall in love with Ava all over again, it was heartbreaking when he admits that wasn't able to experience the simplest of emotions: happiness. Ava is torn between keeping her promise to Will before the op and keeping her promise to Will after the op. I certainly didn't envy her that moral dilemma! I loved how Ava confides in gardener, Harry, who has memory loss issues of his own. Harry has some amazing words of wisdom for Ava, which is food for thought for her and the reader.
The Girl You Forgot is a beautiful story, beautifully written by Giselle Green. It's full of heart being heartbreaking, heart-wrenching and heartwarming in equal measure.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 4, 2020
Originally published on
Hina Loves To Read
Giselle Green reached out to me at the start of the year talking to me about this later in the year and if I’d be interested in giving it a read. Having this book on my radar for over more than half a year I feel like a part of the process myself. Truly, like I know it was to be a different a title but was changed later. It sort of make you feel special, does it not?
Now to the story.
Despite not being a fan of reading books in the first person narrative, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this dual perspective sweet story about the dilemmas of life. I was so engrossed in it, I finished it in one night!
It was fun getting to know Ava and William as they saw and experienced themselves and how the other person saw and experienced them. Kind of giving a panoramic picture of the character’s character.
The story trope, I felt, was a nod to an ICONIC line from FRIENDS. I am not going to get into what and let you be the judge of it when you read it.
The story is executed seamlessly and in a way that made me feel the sadness following these two around and I was rooting for them until the very end. The end where for a moment the wording was such that it gave me a mini heart attack but it was all for naught and I am happy with the ending.
Lastly, I just want to say, that the struggle that these two went through as they worked on their relationship while trying to keep themselves sane is fun and emotion combined.
Pick up the book and you will not regret the few hours that you finish this book in.
Giselle Green reached out to me at the start of the year talking to me about this later in the year and if I’d be interested in giving it a read. Having this book on my radar for over more than half a year I feel like a part of the process myself. Truly, like I know it was to be a different a title but was changed later. It sort of make you feel special, does it not?
Now to the story.
Despite not being a fan of reading books in the first person narrative, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this dual perspective sweet story about the dilemmas of life. I was so engrossed in it, I finished it in one night!
It was fun getting to know Ava and William as they saw and experienced themselves and how the other person saw and experienced them. Kind of giving a panoramic picture of the character’s character.
The story trope, I felt, was a nod to an ICONIC line from FRIENDS. I am not going to get into what and let you be the judge of it when you read it.
The story is executed seamlessly and in a way that made me feel the sadness following these two around and I was rooting for them until the very end. The end where for a moment the wording was such that it gave me a mini heart attack but it was all for naught and I am happy with the ending.
Lastly, I just want to say, that the struggle that these two went through as they worked on their relationship while trying to keep themselves sane is fun and emotion combined.
Pick up the book and you will not regret the few hours that you finish this book in.
July 27, 2020
Before surgery that would wipe out years of his memory, but allow Will to keep on living, he asks his girlfriend Ava to keep a secret from him. He only agrees to have the surgey if she keeps certain facts from him once he recovers. She agrees.
Fast forward to after his surgery and he has no recollection of her at all. He has lost 7 years of memories, and they have only been together for three. As Will begins to get to know Ava again, he asks her to make him a promise - to never lie to him, and to be truthful about his past life. She reluctantly agrees, but this immediately puts her in a paradoxical situation - by agreeing to this promise she has broken the first.
This was an interesting read, and was well written with a good storyline. Unfortunately I struggled to like either main character very much at all. Ava was pretty unreliable and seemed at times very unsympathetic to Will's needs and feelings. She also seemed unable to say no to anyone - her sister who seemed oblivious to what she was going through, and her ex friend/business partner who was just an awful person. Will also seemed to have no understanding of how hard his decisions were on Ava, and seemed to be either angry she was keeping secrets or not telling him the whole truth, whilst also going out of his way to not want the truth. By the end of the book there was only really one person I felt sorry for, who had been brought into their mixed up mess and whose life would likely be affected for a lot longer by Ava and Will's decision.
An interesting, thought provoking read all the same.
Fast forward to after his surgery and he has no recollection of her at all. He has lost 7 years of memories, and they have only been together for three. As Will begins to get to know Ava again, he asks her to make him a promise - to never lie to him, and to be truthful about his past life. She reluctantly agrees, but this immediately puts her in a paradoxical situation - by agreeing to this promise she has broken the first.
This was an interesting read, and was well written with a good storyline. Unfortunately I struggled to like either main character very much at all. Ava was pretty unreliable and seemed at times very unsympathetic to Will's needs and feelings. She also seemed unable to say no to anyone - her sister who seemed oblivious to what she was going through, and her ex friend/business partner who was just an awful person. Will also seemed to have no understanding of how hard his decisions were on Ava, and seemed to be either angry she was keeping secrets or not telling him the whole truth, whilst also going out of his way to not want the truth. By the end of the book there was only really one person I felt sorry for, who had been brought into their mixed up mess and whose life would likely be affected for a lot longer by Ava and Will's decision.
An interesting, thought provoking read all the same.
August 11, 2020
Will needs a life saving operation to remove a brain tumour. Without the operation he will die and soon. He doesn’t want to have it and his partner Ava is using all her strength persuading him otherwise.
Will feels his life has been devastated by something Ava did and he can’t forgive her. Ava reminds him that she is the still same person he loved. Will wishes he could forget about it and Ava reminds him that after the operation he will lose his recent memory. They made a pact,she will never tell him what happened no matter what he does and life will return to normal. Ava thinks she is prepared for Will losing some of his memory but that doesn’t reflect the reality of what lies ahead.
As Will returns to his life everything has changed from what he remembers. Old friends have moved on,shops and bars he hung around in have closed and who is Ava ?
This was such a sad read especially for Ava who had the patience of a saint. I loved Harry particularly. He volunteered at the garden centre where Ava volunteered too. He had dementia and every morning when Ava went to the centre he greeted her as if he had never seen her before.
Ava told her problems to Harry because she knew he would never tell anyone as he would never remember. He always gave her good advice which showed what a lovely and clever man he was.
I don’t know how people cope in this situation. Will had the advantage that he knew he would lose his memory and had spoken to Eva about what she would do but when he woke from the operation of course he had forgotten it all.
Oh it too hard to explain,read the book it’s great.
Will feels his life has been devastated by something Ava did and he can’t forgive her. Ava reminds him that she is the still same person he loved. Will wishes he could forget about it and Ava reminds him that after the operation he will lose his recent memory. They made a pact,she will never tell him what happened no matter what he does and life will return to normal. Ava thinks she is prepared for Will losing some of his memory but that doesn’t reflect the reality of what lies ahead.
As Will returns to his life everything has changed from what he remembers. Old friends have moved on,shops and bars he hung around in have closed and who is Ava ?
This was such a sad read especially for Ava who had the patience of a saint. I loved Harry particularly. He volunteered at the garden centre where Ava volunteered too. He had dementia and every morning when Ava went to the centre he greeted her as if he had never seen her before.
Ava told her problems to Harry because she knew he would never tell anyone as he would never remember. He always gave her good advice which showed what a lovely and clever man he was.
I don’t know how people cope in this situation. Will had the advantage that he knew he would lose his memory and had spoken to Eva about what she would do but when he woke from the operation of course he had forgotten it all.
Oh it too hard to explain,read the book it’s great.
July 7, 2020
A book about a man getting amnesia and told through multiple points of view sounds super confusing however this book was anything but. It starts with our character Will having to have a medical procedure that will wipe Ava, his girlfriend, completely from his memory. At first he is unsure but being that is the only way to possibly cure him Ava encourages it and he goes a head, but not without making her promise that she won't tell him a secret that he has previously learned. I loved this story because it was very interesting seeing the characters reconnect and see the hardships that they went through but also Ava having to keep this deep secret from the man she loves. I was trying the whole time to find out what the secret was before it was revealed. I loved the characters because there wasn't any bad guys in this and the plot points etc were not don't out of malice they seemed to be done out of love. This book really drew me in with trying to figure out what the big secret was but it kept my entertained just watching our two characters fall in love all over again. I didn't like how I was able to find out the secret very easily in beginning however it still made for a great read. I loved they way that this book was written and I'm very glad that I got the chance to check it out it was everything I was craving in a read, a story line that doesn't let go with lots of emotion behind the plot. Check out this book for sure if you haven't already.
August 11, 2020
I have to admit that I wasn’t really a fan of this one, but I think part of that was because I went into expecting a very different book to what I actually got. From the synopsis, I expected an almost thriller-like book, and was very curious about what the secret could be. But instead, this book is actually more of a romantic drama style read.
The thing I didn’t really get is that you’re told the secret pretty much straight away. Ok, there’s a bit of a red herring in the way the secret is discussed, but it’s not hard to guess what actually happened. And because of that, there was nothing to really keep you invested in the book. You knew the secret, you knew sooner or later Will would find out, and you could guess what the end result would be. Because of that, I just really struggled to stay engaged with what was happening, and found it became quite repetitive and I’m sad to say a bit dull.
All in all, not my favourite. Don’t get me wrong, the writing was really strong, and I’d definitely try another of her books, but the plot of this one just didn’t work for me.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
The thing I didn’t really get is that you’re told the secret pretty much straight away. Ok, there’s a bit of a red herring in the way the secret is discussed, but it’s not hard to guess what actually happened. And because of that, there was nothing to really keep you invested in the book. You knew the secret, you knew sooner or later Will would find out, and you could guess what the end result would be. Because of that, I just really struggled to stay engaged with what was happening, and found it became quite repetitive and I’m sad to say a bit dull.
All in all, not my favourite. Don’t get me wrong, the writing was really strong, and I’d definitely try another of her books, but the plot of this one just didn’t work for me.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
August 4, 2020
The only way to save Will's life is to have brain surgery, but this risks saving his life at the cost of him losing his identity, what makes him who he is.
Ava is desperate for him to have the surgery, but is heartbroken to have upset him to the point where he would rather die than continue living with what he has learned about her.
This book is told from the POV of both Will and Ava, so we get to see the problems each faces in their relationship. Ava is put in an impossible situation and copes with it as best she can. Will is struggling to work out who he is, after brain surgery saves his life but wipes the last few years of his memory.
I felt for both of them, as their dilemmas were clear and they were both struggling to find a way forward.
However, I did feel Will made life unnecessarily difficult for himself by not leaving himself enough information, and he didn't always come across as particularly likeable.
All in all, well worth a read, and an author to watch out for. And I did love the idea that the heart remembers what the memory forgets.
Ava is desperate for him to have the surgery, but is heartbroken to have upset him to the point where he would rather die than continue living with what he has learned about her.
This book is told from the POV of both Will and Ava, so we get to see the problems each faces in their relationship. Ava is put in an impossible situation and copes with it as best she can. Will is struggling to work out who he is, after brain surgery saves his life but wipes the last few years of his memory.
I felt for both of them, as their dilemmas were clear and they were both struggling to find a way forward.
However, I did feel Will made life unnecessarily difficult for himself by not leaving himself enough information, and he didn't always come across as particularly likeable.
All in all, well worth a read, and an author to watch out for. And I did love the idea that the heart remembers what the memory forgets.
August 11, 2020
Why? Why would someone NOT want to know memories he will be losing when he gets life saving brain surgery?
Why? Why would the woman who loves him agree to NOT tell him?
Told from both points of view, Will's and Ava's, the book at times is heartwarming and then heartbreaking. I liked the fresh (different) story line, but I was not fond of the thought that these two were essentially lying to each other. Will when he asked Ava to not fill him in on the years he's missing, and Ava when she made promises post surgery that violated the pre-surgery promises. Gosh...
I think there were other ways for them to get through the memory loss, rather than just blocking those years out! Both characters had me wanting to grab them and talk some sense into them at times.
The writing was good, although there were issues in the story that just hit my WHAT?? buttons. But, I was engaged. Three stars because I just don't like the thought of someone having to lie to their partner about anything.
Why? Why would the woman who loves him agree to NOT tell him?
Told from both points of view, Will's and Ava's, the book at times is heartwarming and then heartbreaking. I liked the fresh (different) story line, but I was not fond of the thought that these two were essentially lying to each other. Will when he asked Ava to not fill him in on the years he's missing, and Ava when she made promises post surgery that violated the pre-surgery promises. Gosh...
I think there were other ways for them to get through the memory loss, rather than just blocking those years out! Both characters had me wanting to grab them and talk some sense into them at times.
The writing was good, although there were issues in the story that just hit my WHAT?? buttons. But, I was engaged. Three stars because I just don't like the thought of someone having to lie to their partner about anything.
July 14, 2020
Awe this made me cry so many different emotions all at once! When Will is diagnosed with a brain tumour his only hope of survival is brain surgery which will severely damage his memory he won’t remember his life or his partner Ava with whom he has spent years building a life and she is pregnant. However Will refuses to have the operation due to his depression over the baby and his other issues so when Ava persuades him to go ahead with the surgery she must agree to keep their secret but can she carry this burden alone without Will to support her and Will he be satisfied with not knowing the truth when he doesn’t even know who she is? After the surgery Will wakes up and has lost 7 years of his life .. he has no idea who Ava is or any of his friends in his life. Can Ava make him fall in love with her all over again before the baby comes while still keeping the secret she promised in the beginning. A heartwarming story about second chances at life and love.
August 4, 2020
This is an incredible book, based on a very unusual premise, told from alternating points of view. Will is persuaded to have a life-saving operation knowing that he's going to lose part of his memory. Ava has promised to keep an important secret from him after the operation...
The pace is excellent, the writing often moving and although the scenario is one I could never have imagined, it feels very believable. Some of the minor characters are perhaps a tad flat, but it doesn't matter; Ava's sister Robyn and her elderly friend Harry are wonderful people.
There's some tension, plenty that's poignant, some deep discussions, and an eminently satisfying conclusion which lost nothing for being the ending I had hoped for.
Highly recommended to all who enjoy contemporary women's fction.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
The pace is excellent, the writing often moving and although the scenario is one I could never have imagined, it feels very believable. Some of the minor characters are perhaps a tad flat, but it doesn't matter; Ava's sister Robyn and her elderly friend Harry are wonderful people.
There's some tension, plenty that's poignant, some deep discussions, and an eminently satisfying conclusion which lost nothing for being the ending I had hoped for.
Highly recommended to all who enjoy contemporary women's fction.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
August 22, 2020
I have enjoyed this author's stories since I read Dear Dad some years ago, so I was excited to read this one too. It doesn't disappoint.
Ava's partner Will has a brain tumour. The only way to save his life is to operate, however, they both know that the memories of their lives together will probably be wiped out. You would think that would be a no-brainer of a decision, wouldn't you? Well, not according to Will. There were other things going on during the time decisions needed to be made and Ava and Will's relationship was on shaky ground.
I found this a really interesting premise for a book, actually. If you have an operation that wipes out years of memories, can you find your way back successfully? Or will your heart and head have a battle? The different things that Will had to deal with were sensitively tackled and Ava was a lovely, real character who also had some very difficult things to get through. I like that the book was told from both of their POV's.
4.5 stars from me.
Ava's partner Will has a brain tumour. The only way to save his life is to operate, however, they both know that the memories of their lives together will probably be wiped out. You would think that would be a no-brainer of a decision, wouldn't you? Well, not according to Will. There were other things going on during the time decisions needed to be made and Ava and Will's relationship was on shaky ground.
I found this a really interesting premise for a book, actually. If you have an operation that wipes out years of memories, can you find your way back successfully? Or will your heart and head have a battle? The different things that Will had to deal with were sensitively tackled and Ava was a lovely, real character who also had some very difficult things to get through. I like that the book was told from both of their POV's.
4.5 stars from me.
August 24, 2020
The Girl You Forgot is my first read from Giselle Green. The plot line of this novel is wonderful. An impossible situation that I would definitely not want to be in.
It’s best I don’t go into details. The reqard of reading this book is best when going in relatively blind. This story is a super emotional rollercoaster. Watching these two characters attempt to rebuild their relationship while there are these secrets lurking is really compelling. I could feel the pain and grief.
I love the dual perspective. I think it let’s us get to know each character and how they are managing during this difficult situation. The emotional component is wonderfully written.
Overall, I am very impressed. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to more from this author.
Rating:
4/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
It’s best I don’t go into details. The reqard of reading this book is best when going in relatively blind. This story is a super emotional rollercoaster. Watching these two characters attempt to rebuild their relationship while there are these secrets lurking is really compelling. I could feel the pain and grief.
I love the dual perspective. I think it let’s us get to know each character and how they are managing during this difficult situation. The emotional component is wonderfully written.
Overall, I am very impressed. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to more from this author.
Rating:
4/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
July 7, 2020
Wow. This book certainly packs a punch! The storyline is heart-wrenching. What would you do if your loved one needed an operation to save his life…only that he would forget the last seven years - the time that you've met and spent together? That the only way to save him was to remove the part of him that was killing him; the same part that ever loved you?
That's the first premise of the book, but it doesn't end there. What if he asked you to keep a secret from him as a condition that he agreed to the operation? How would that work out and could you do it for love?
Giselle Green has a masterful way of conveying emotions that is both heart-breaking and heart-mending. The book will have you whooping for joy as well as reaching for the box of tissues. How will it all end…that's the surprising and best bit. Enjoy.
That's the first premise of the book, but it doesn't end there. What if he asked you to keep a secret from him as a condition that he agreed to the operation? How would that work out and could you do it for love?
Giselle Green has a masterful way of conveying emotions that is both heart-breaking and heart-mending. The book will have you whooping for joy as well as reaching for the box of tissues. How will it all end…that's the surprising and best bit. Enjoy.
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