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Hope Island Securities #1
Forgotten Past
Faith McKenzie was the only survivor of a brutal home invasion. Viciously attacked and left for dead, Faith can't remember anything about that night—including the identity of the killer. All she knows is that he's stalking her from every place she flees and has tracked her to a small Maine island. Her neighbor, private investigator and security specialist JT Wyatt, rescues her twice. Now JT is insisting on the whole story—a story that Faith can't remember. Desperate to feel safe, Faith puts her trust in the handsome P.I. Yet a killer is dead set on ensuring that Faith's memory never returns.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
197 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Mary Alford
190 books1,231 followersMary Alford is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her books have garnered several awards and nominations. Mary lives deep in the heart of Texas with her husband, two cats, and a dog. Discover more about Mary and her books at www.maryalford.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 5, 2022
Author Mary Alford really knows how to spin an inspirational romantic suspense story. Danger lurks around every corner for amnesiac Faith, and securities professional JT is determined to protect her even when he becomes a target as well. Despite unanswered questions about the true identities of both Faith and her stalker, plus the threat of a hurricane, love finds a way. A page-turner that kept me guessing right up to the end!
February 23, 2024
Excellent story. Couldn't put it down!
January 5, 2023
Couldn’t put it down.
This book grabbed me from the first page and held on until the end. Absolutely couldn’t put it down. This is a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read the next one.
This book grabbed me from the first page and held on until the end. Absolutely couldn’t put it down. This is a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read the next one.
July 15, 2014
Suspense, Mystery, Romance!
This is the first book that I have read by author Mary Alford. It definitely will not be my last.
If you are looking for a good Suspense, mystery, romance thriller, look no further. This book has it all. This is one of the best Christian fiction thrillers I have read this year. I was taken through a gamut of emotions. I could feel the terror that Faith McKenzie was going through. I don’t know how many times I was on the edge of my seat.
The author did a great job of making you feel as if you were right there. My heart was in my throat so many times. On the other hand, there was a sweet romance going on during the not so tense moments.
I read this book in a day. It was that good. I completely shut out my world to live in Faith’s world.
There were so many twists and turns in this story that I have to tell you, I didn’t see a few things coming until the end.
Thank you author Mary Alford. What a thrilling, chilling, ride!
This is the first book that I have read by author Mary Alford. It definitely will not be my last.
If you are looking for a good Suspense, mystery, romance thriller, look no further. This book has it all. This is one of the best Christian fiction thrillers I have read this year. I was taken through a gamut of emotions. I could feel the terror that Faith McKenzie was going through. I don’t know how many times I was on the edge of my seat.
The author did a great job of making you feel as if you were right there. My heart was in my throat so many times. On the other hand, there was a sweet romance going on during the not so tense moments.
I read this book in a day. It was that good. I completely shut out my world to live in Faith’s world.
There were so many twists and turns in this story that I have to tell you, I didn’t see a few things coming until the end.
Thank you author Mary Alford. What a thrilling, chilling, ride!
July 3, 2016
Forgotten Past was such an exciting, fast-paced, and suspenseful novel! There were so many twists and turns and such confusion over events of the past. It was very easy to see how Faith’s amnesia regarding not only her life but also about the murders of Carl and Rachel were impacting her ability to figure out who was threatening her.
It was very interesting to watch JT and his team work to unravel the discrepancies and try to put together all of the missing pieces in order to truly bring the one responsible to justice. I really liked the two main characters and their interactions together. This very thrilling story was full of romance and plenty of nerve-wracking moments!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
It was very interesting to watch JT and his team work to unravel the discrepancies and try to put together all of the missing pieces in order to truly bring the one responsible to justice. I really liked the two main characters and their interactions together. This very thrilling story was full of romance and plenty of nerve-wracking moments!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
July 10, 2014
Forgotten Past is a good, quick, evening read. I felt the plot twist(s) coming quite a bit ahead of time, but otherwise it had a good level of suspense.
March 19, 2023
A fantastic Christian suspense/romance. This book is very well written and kept me engrossed to the last page. If you enjoy a fast paced read this book could be for you. Many thanks to the author for an ARC.
June 23, 2018
I can't believe I finished it.
January 17, 2023
Mary Alford did it again! Read this entire book tonight, suspense, twists, mystery, sweet love its got it all!
May 5, 2023
I don't read a lot of romantic suspense, but this one really sucked me in. I loved the slow burn romance, and the twists kept me guessing.
November 16, 2019
Forgotten
This book started out great and all the 5 stars I saw convinced me it would be great. Almost half way I figured out the truth about the Faith character. The "you belong to me" notes should have have been looked into and how she kept getting found time and again. JT told Faith that his team found clues that others missed so I couldn't understand why how she was tracked wasn't found sooner. Also, the main characters fell in love way too soon. I give it 3 stars.
This book started out great and all the 5 stars I saw convinced me it would be great. Almost half way I figured out the truth about the Faith character. The "you belong to me" notes should have have been looked into and how she kept getting found time and again. JT told Faith that his team found clues that others missed so I couldn't understand why how she was tracked wasn't found sooner. Also, the main characters fell in love way too soon. I give it 3 stars.
Read
January 12, 2016"Fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action and false leads make this a keeper that gets more engaging as the story progresses. Faith is a strong character who shows that, despite insurmountable odds, God is in control (RT Book Reviews)". 4 1/2 stars
August 13, 2020
Rating is actually a 3.5. The storyline was great and extremely intriguing, but the romance was lame and pretty cheesy, as well as some transition issues. The dog also appeared and disappeared randomly at places where you would think he would be involved.
July 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this fast paced book. I didn't see the ending coming.
November 2, 2023
An intriguing mystery…
This novel had all of the elements to hold my interest – mystery, suspense, introspection and developing romance. Despite what someone else may pick at such as overlooked errors, I was just caught up in the story and enjoyed the experience. Although I might react differently than the characters in a book, I try to empathize from their perspective and see where it leads and how things unfold. One can only imagine what it is like to be in someone else’s shoes. Feeling in danger with no memory of the past, Faith leans on JT for support and protection. As the plot thickens so does the occurrence of twists and turns. It was a pleasure to transport myself into a compelling story without sex and gore and arrive at a satisfying conclusion… I received a free copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This novel had all of the elements to hold my interest – mystery, suspense, introspection and developing romance. Despite what someone else may pick at such as overlooked errors, I was just caught up in the story and enjoyed the experience. Although I might react differently than the characters in a book, I try to empathize from their perspective and see where it leads and how things unfold. One can only imagine what it is like to be in someone else’s shoes. Feeling in danger with no memory of the past, Faith leans on JT for support and protection. As the plot thickens so does the occurrence of twists and turns. It was a pleasure to transport myself into a compelling story without sex and gore and arrive at a satisfying conclusion… I received a free copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 23, 2024
She was attacked, left for dead and remembers nothing
She is constantly moving - and gets death threats!!! And then she moves again - to a friend of a friend - and he is determined to help her. But she has NO idea who is after her — but when he murders two police officers the whole force is on the lookout!!! THIS IS A SUPERB BOOK — sure kept me guessing!!!! She is a TV host for a make-over show — he owns a ranch and a farm store
They went out in university — and he asked her to marry him, But it fell apart. Now she is doing a makeover of his home — not knowing this is is home. When they realize they know each other, life gets VERY interesting. Terrific book!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
She is constantly moving - and gets death threats!!! And then she moves again - to a friend of a friend - and he is determined to help her. But she has NO idea who is after her — but when he murders two police officers the whole force is on the lookout!!! THIS IS A SUPERB BOOK — sure kept me guessing!!!! She is a TV host for a make-over show — he owns a ranch and a farm store
They went out in university — and he asked her to marry him, But it fell apart. Now she is doing a makeover of his home — not knowing this is is home. When they realize they know each other, life gets VERY interesting. Terrific book!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
May 9, 2023
Between the amazing job Stacey Glemboski does narrating and Mary Alford’s talent for penning sensational stories, this is definitely a listen you will want in your library!
When Faith is found yet again by her pursuer, she has no choice but to accept help from Private Investigator JT Wyatt!
Will they be able to unravel the mystery that is locked inside Faith’s forgotten memories before he finds his mark or will he succeed in his unrelenting mission to make sure she NEVER remembers?
I love this authors books and now on audio, it takes her writing to the next level!
I was given a complimentary copy. My opinion is my own.
When Faith is found yet again by her pursuer, she has no choice but to accept help from Private Investigator JT Wyatt!
Will they be able to unravel the mystery that is locked inside Faith’s forgotten memories before he finds his mark or will he succeed in his unrelenting mission to make sure she NEVER remembers?
I love this authors books and now on audio, it takes her writing to the next level!
I was given a complimentary copy. My opinion is my own.
September 4, 2023
At last! An author who provides all the goods without the blasphemy. What a pleasure to read suspense romance without having to cringe.
A frightening experience that left Faith with no memory of her life before the day after the murder. Fleeing every few months from the unknown murderer in fear for her life. Finally feeling safe at Hope Island, until it starts again. Thankfully JT was close at hand to rescue her and then protect her against the stalker.
A new to me author and a book well written that I didn't want to put it down. This was recommended by an author and I will definitely be reading more. In fact I have already bought the second book in the series.
A frightening experience that left Faith with no memory of her life before the day after the murder. Fleeing every few months from the unknown murderer in fear for her life. Finally feeling safe at Hope Island, until it starts again. Thankfully JT was close at hand to rescue her and then protect her against the stalker.
A new to me author and a book well written that I didn't want to put it down. This was recommended by an author and I will definitely be reading more. In fact I have already bought the second book in the series.
February 10, 2021
Twisty plot in a goodread
I don't generally favor this genre of books, but I love this author's other books and decided to give it a shot. So glad I did! Her twists and turns kept me reading right to the end of what is a great read. I appreciated the clean read, and the lack of errors made the story an even better read. Not going to give the plot away, but I will congratulate Ms Alford on an excellent job. She obviously has a gift that she shares with her readers, no matter which genre they prefer! Thanks for a great goodread!
I don't generally favor this genre of books, but I love this author's other books and decided to give it a shot. So glad I did! Her twists and turns kept me reading right to the end of what is a great read. I appreciated the clean read, and the lack of errors made the story an even better read. Not going to give the plot away, but I will congratulate Ms Alford on an excellent job. She obviously has a gift that she shares with her readers, no matter which genre they prefer! Thanks for a great goodread!
February 19, 2025
Good plot
Overall I liked the story but there were several discrepancies that made it hard to accept its believability. A trained professional letting someone get the jump on him twice, once while holding a gun and from across the room?
I was also disappointed that the author was more focused on repeatedly letting you know how the main characters were feeling about each other than in developing the characters and the storyline. You get no sense of who his work partners/friends are.
Overall I liked the story but there were several discrepancies that made it hard to accept its believability. A trained professional letting someone get the jump on him twice, once while holding a gun and from across the room?
I was also disappointed that the author was more focused on repeatedly letting you know how the main characters were feeling about each other than in developing the characters and the storyline. You get no sense of who his work partners/friends are.
January 27, 2023
This book has great characters and great suspense. The Christian message is gently sprinkled in and I enjoyed that. There were many twists in the story. I had a bit of a problem with all the many twists, and how long it took them to even suspect what was really going on. That's mainly why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I found myself saying, "C'mon!" Still, it's an entertaining book with a happy ending.
April 3, 2023
Faith has amnesia about being attached. She keeps running from place to place when it seems he has found her. But how can that be true? This is a thriller that kept me guessing though I figured out a little. I love a good mystery like this one. The ending was a BIG surprise. I look forward to reading more by this author. I received a free book. This is my voluntary review.
May 24, 2023
Twisted, bizarre and awesome!
Be prepared to be on a roller coaster ride that is out of control when you pick up this book! I may have whiplash from trying to follow all the clues. But as with all of Mary Alford's books - it wrapped up nicely in the end and anticipation for the next book in the series has taken root.
Be prepared to be on a roller coaster ride that is out of control when you pick up this book! I may have whiplash from trying to follow all the clues. But as with all of Mary Alford's books - it wrapped up nicely in the end and anticipation for the next book in the series has taken root.
October 15, 2023
A Very Compelling Book!!
Wow simply wow! This book had so many twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the very end for everything to come together. Nail biting suspense that keeps you reading page after page just to see how it ends. I love the character’s faith that shines through their darkest moments. Great start to Hope Island Securities series!!
Wow simply wow! This book had so many twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the very end for everything to come together. Nail biting suspense that keeps you reading page after page just to see how it ends. I love the character’s faith that shines through their darkest moments. Great start to Hope Island Securities series!!
February 8, 2024
faith was attacked and does not remember the attack or the murder of her friends. now she live in hope island bur someone has would her. jt is a neighbor that her her scream and comes to help her. but it will take a lot of help to keep her safe. there are a lot of twists and turns. this is a page turning story to the end
May 22, 2025
“Forgotten Past” by Mary Alford
1.25 stars. I’m sad to say that I would give it a minus if I could. The .25 is just for the author showing up. (One star, I had to give to post this review.)
I truly do not know where to start in giving a review for a book this bad, so, I’ll just give it a go. I’ll then read everyone else’s reviews to see if it’s just me (haha).
Okay. First, how can we believe a story that starts with instant intimacy? They don’t even know each other, and it’s all-systems go. Second, I find the hero to be domineering. In a few places, he gives her commands, much like you would to a dog: “Sit.” Maybe after you get to know someone, you can be that blunt. His take-charge attitude may seem endearing to some but not to me. How about asking the heroine what she wants…I know, a novel idea. Third, what’s with this heroine just going along blindly? She has a will of her own. She can say “No” and make her own decisions.
This is supposed to be a faith book; however, they are living together (and they just met).
It rubbed me as disrespectful to have so many plots and convoluted strangenesses (if that is even a word). The storyline lacked flow and was jumping around all over the place. I got the feeling that the author thought she was being dramatic but really it just fell flat and came off as annoying to me.
Anyhow…that’s ten hours of my life I’ll never get back.
Will I read this author again? I don’t think so. I’m big on authors respecting and appreciating the reader, and I just didn’t feel that here.
1.25 stars. I’m sad to say that I would give it a minus if I could. The .25 is just for the author showing up. (One star, I had to give to post this review.)
I truly do not know where to start in giving a review for a book this bad, so, I’ll just give it a go. I’ll then read everyone else’s reviews to see if it’s just me (haha).
Okay. First, how can we believe a story that starts with instant intimacy? They don’t even know each other, and it’s all-systems go. Second, I find the hero to be domineering. In a few places, he gives her commands, much like you would to a dog: “Sit.” Maybe after you get to know someone, you can be that blunt. His take-charge attitude may seem endearing to some but not to me. How about asking the heroine what she wants…I know, a novel idea. Third, what’s with this heroine just going along blindly? She has a will of her own. She can say “No” and make her own decisions.
This is supposed to be a faith book; however, they are living together (and they just met).
It rubbed me as disrespectful to have so many plots and convoluted strangenesses (if that is even a word). The storyline lacked flow and was jumping around all over the place. I got the feeling that the author thought she was being dramatic but really it just fell flat and came off as annoying to me.
Anyhow…that’s ten hours of my life I’ll never get back.
Will I read this author again? I don’t think so. I’m big on authors respecting and appreciating the reader, and I just didn’t feel that here.
November 1, 2025
Received this book from the author through Book Funnel.
I found it to be rather a page turner and, while I had guessed at the culprit earlier on, the exact details were left to later in the story.
The story has an underlying Christian theme, but is not so overwhelming that it turns a non-Christian reader away from the story.
I found it to be rather a page turner and, while I had guessed at the culprit earlier on, the exact details were left to later in the story.
The story has an underlying Christian theme, but is not so overwhelming that it turns a non-Christian reader away from the story.
September 9, 2018
Forgotten Past
This is the best book I have read in a long time. If you like suspense books this is a must read. It is fast paced book. Keeps you guessing through the whole book. I am looking forward in reading more of her books.
This is the best book I have read in a long time. If you like suspense books this is a must read. It is fast paced book. Keeps you guessing through the whole book. I am looking forward in reading more of her books.
January 28, 2023
amazing suspense!!!
Forgotten Past grabbed my attention from the first page and I barely put it down until the finish. Mary Alford has written the “twist-iest” suspense story I’ve ever read. The twists and turns were endless and made the story very exciting. An awesome mystery!!
Forgotten Past grabbed my attention from the first page and I barely put it down until the finish. Mary Alford has written the “twist-iest” suspense story I’ve ever read. The twists and turns were endless and made the story very exciting. An awesome mystery!!
May 15, 2023
This was a story of amnesia after a brutal attack on a woman who's been running for her life. I highly recommend as it is an exciting thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. This was an audio book and I enjoyed the narrator very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews