Title: Love Water Memory
Author: Jennie Shortridge
Published: January 2014, Gallery Books
Format: Paperback, 352 pages
Source: Publisher/She Reads
If you could do it all over again, would you still choose him?
At
age thirty-nine, Lucie Walker has no choice but to start her life over
when she comes to, up to her knees in the chilly San Francisco Bay, with
no idea how she got there or who she is. Her memory loss is caused by
an emotional trauma she knows nothing about, and only when handsome,
quiet Grady Goodall arrives at the hospital does she learn she has a
home, a career, and a wedding just two months away. What went wrong?
Grady seems to care for her, but Lucie is no more sure of him than she
is of anything. As she collects the clues of her past self, she unlocks
the mystery of what happened to her. The painful secrets she uncovers
could hold the key to her future—if she trusts her heart enough to guide
her.
My thoughts: This is the first book I’ve read by Jennie Shortridge and I found myself hooked after reading the first paragraph. Yes, I’ve read books about amnesia victims before but there was just something about this book that felt different. This story is more than that – it’s about a complicated love story, it’s about family and it’s even about personal identity, all told with the hint of a mystery.
Alternating from Lucie, Grady and even at times, Lucie’s Aunt Helen’s point of view, the story moves along at a fairly quick pace, wrapping you up in all that’s going on so that you don’t want to put the book down for fear of missing that next piece of the puzzle. But just like any good mystery – these pieces are revealed slowly – in this case, what really caused Lucie’s amnesia.
The characters are all richly developed and it’s easy to like this “new” Lucie much more than the glimpses we get of the “old” Lucie. But can Grady and Lucie overcome their past to forge ahead and build a new relationship built on who they are today? Their struggles as they reconnect both externally and internally felt so real, it was as if you are experiencing them right along with the characters. I admit, this is quite an emotional read at times.
This is a beautiful story that is filled with many poignant moments. It would probably make a good book for book clubs, as I believe there are many discussion points throughout the book. As I mentioned above, this is the first book I’ve read by Jennie Shortridge and I will definitely be checking out her other books. Have you read anything else by her?
The January Book Club Selection from She Reads is Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge
Head over to the She Reads website to read other reviews and related posts.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS – CLOSED (US)
Thanks to Simon & Schuster I have one copy of Love Water Memory to give away to my readers.
To enter…
- For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
- Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.
- Please include email address so I can contact you if you win.
This giveaway is open to US residents only and ends January 20th.
Good luck!
this novel sounds captivating and special. Thanks for this feature. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Kristin! And thank you for all you do to connect readers with books!
Thanks for stopping by Jennie! I really am looking forward to reading your other books!!!
I would enjoy this intriguing book very much. Thanks for the great giveaway. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
This is the second good review I read about this book. I have a copy through NetGalley and should read it. No need to enter me.
Lovely review, Kristin! The book sounds like a wonderful story with well-developed characers. I will add your giveaway to my blog's sidebar.
suko95(at)gmail(dot)com
I saw this book on NetGalley although I didn't choose it. This review makes me think I might like to read it at some point.
This story of love and amnesia sounds fascinating to me. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
This sounds really cool, I'd love to win a copy.carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
I also tweeted a link to this post: twitter.com/carlrscott/status/422869899686318080
Thanks
Thanks for the review! I'm excited to read this.
Mcstone84 (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks for the review! I'm excited to read this.
Mcstone84 (at) gmail (dot) com
The whole idea of not remembering who you are is scary. I think this will be an awesome read after reading your review.
kathleen.bianchi@ymail.com
Great review! Would love to read this one.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
I love the cover! Thanks
sumsum085@aol.com
I read and loved his book early last year so I was excited to see it chosen as the SheReads book this month. I enjoyed your review.
Been reading so much about this book.lomazowr[at]gmail.com will tweet@rhondareads
I enjoyed reading your review. I enjoyed this book as well.
This is my next read and I am looking forward to it – I highly recommend the author's book Eating Heaven. I read it pre-blogging and it is excellent!
If it was selected by She Reads you know it's going to be a great read! Thanks for the giveaway!
ladybook21[at]yahoo.com