Remember to Forget (Clayburn Novels Series #1) [Paperback]

Deborah Raney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 6, 2007

One morning changed everything about her life

But could it also set her free?

Maggie Anderson

Graphic designer Maggie Anderson has lived under her boyfriend's tyranny for nearly two years...until she's carjacked in New York. Will this terrifying experience be the end for Maggie -- or the beginning of a freedom greater than she dares imagine? To gain that freedom, she'll have to remember to forget everything about her old life...

Trevor Ashlock is existing, day by day, in the little town of Clayburn, Kansas. Surrounded by too many painful reminders of all he's lost, he fills his time with work, trying desperately to forget.

Then a compelling and lovely stranger shows up in Clayburn and turns Trevor's world upside down.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Rita Award–winning novelist Raney (Beneath a Southern Sky) pens a lackluster romance that never quite takes off. Maggie Anderson leaves behind an abusive boyfriend in New York and strikes out for new territory. Taking the pseudonym "Meg," she finds refuge in Clayburn, Kans., population 1,250. The proprietors of the Wren's Nest Inn are as cute as Mr. and Mrs. Claus (and, predictably, twice as sweet) as they help Maggie get back on her feet. Handsome Trevor Ashlock still mourns the loss of his wife and young son, but it won't be a surprise to readers that Meg may be the ticket to his recovery. But first, she has to come clean about her past. Trouble spots include characters that are never fully developed and a thin plot line. Meg spends too much time wringing her hands over her past and her lies, while the long-suffering Trevor is almost saintly as he never loses patience or makes demands. The wordy, sentimental prose often falls into romantic clichés; "Being here like this, with Trevor, made her feel something she'd never felt before." The ending, despite its intended drama, feels far-fetched. While readers may appreciate the hopeful themes of unconditional love, faith and forgiveness that run through the book, the plot and characterizations don't meet Raney's usual standards. (Feb. 6)
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Review

"An enthralling, realistic depiction of lives in need of God. Another unforgettable story from an excellent writer."

-- Yvonne Lehman Author of forty-three novels; director, Blue Ridge Writers Conference

"Wow. Remember to Forget has it all: a gentle love story that won't let go, with crosscurrents pulling way deeper than you expect. Pack your bags, because your heart is going to Clayburn, Kansas!"

-- Robert Elmer Author of The Recital and Like Always

"Deborah Raney has done it again! Remember to Forget is a wonderful, heartwarming story about learning to trust...and love. Yes, I loved it."

-- Roxanne Henke Author of After Anne, and other books in the Coming Home to Brewster series, and The Secret of Us

"I was enthralled from start to finish. Remember to Forget took me to deep places of the heart and touched the spot where we all long for unconditional love. I wanted to stay in Clayburn, Kansas, forever. Raney's best book yet!"

-- Colleen Coble Author of Midnight Sea

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (February 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158229643X
• ISBN-13: 978-1582296432
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #955,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I went from full-time stay-at-home mom for 20 years to pretty much full-time author. My passion is my family-my husband and I have been married for 37 years and have four kids, and four darling grandkids! But since, if a mom does her job right, she eventually puts herself OUT of a job, I'm delighted to have the privilege of working as a novelist. I absolutely love the writing life.

I've had a couple of non-fiction books published and contributed to some anthologies, as well as writing magazine articles. But my first love is fiction. I have written more than 25 novels and am now working on a new book for Howard/Simon & Schuster. A typical writing day begins early-often before 6 a.m.-with the business side of things: answering e-mail and reader mail, updating my Web site, reading for research. We're new empty-nesters so our routine is much quieter than it was when we had four kids at home. When my writing time begins, I have a routine that sets the stage, starting with lighting scented candles, choosing mood music on Pandora, and brewing a pot of coffee. Lately I've been enjoying coffee our son sent me from Germany. I have a cozy office that looks out over our front yard where I can watch for the UPS man and the mailman. But since I write on a laptop, I often take my computer to the kitchen counter or a chair by the fireplace, or, if the weather is nice, out on the deck where my feline friend keeps me company. I try to wrap up the day's words (usually 1000-1500 a day) by dinnertime.

Believe it or not, my first choice of activities for the evening is READING-a great novel, of course! As much as I enjoy the actual process of writing, I am an extrovert by nature, and doubt I'd last long in this business were it not for the company of several wonderful online writers' groups, the joy of connecting with other authors at retreats and conventions, and meeting aspiring writers when I teach at conferences around the country.

Probably the most exciting event in my writing life so far was when my first novel was made into a film by World Wide Pictures. Certainly a dream come true! I believe writing is a calling from God on my life-one I've felt since I was a twelve-year-old girl-and I feel blessed beyond words to have answered that call.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Success for Deb Raney, January 30, 2007

By 

Penny Moore - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Remember to Forget (Clayburn Novels Series #1) (Paperback)

I think I have read almost every book that Ms. Raney has ever written and every one of her books manages to touch the heart of the reader. And "Remember to Forget" is no exception. It's a beautiful reminder of God's unconditional love for us, and his amazing grace, no matter what our past mistakes are. "Remember to Forget" is a fast paced story, with characters who come to life through the talent of Ms. Raney. I didn't want the story to end. God has certainly blessed Ms. Raney's pen, and is using the talent He gave her to bless her readers.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Woman on the Run, February 21, 2007

By 

Barbara Warren - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Remember to Forget (Clayburn Novels Series #1) (Paperback)

When Maggie Anderson's car is hijacked at gunpoint, she knows she's in trouble. Then she realizes she's more afraid of Kevin, her abusive lover, than she is of the man who has stolen her car. When he pushes her out along the roadside, she decides to escape from her life and start over. Lying, hiding, terrified Kevin will find her, Meg hitchhikes her way across the country. She ends up at the Wren's Nest, a bed and breakfast in Clayburn Kansas. There she meets Trevor Ashlock, who is remodling The Nest. Although he is a attracted to Meg, Trevor is sure she isn't telling the truth about her past.

Meg is afraid to trust anyone, but she gradually learns the world is full of people who are willing to help if she would just give them a chance. There is a limit to how far Meg can run, and as her past catches up with her, she will need all the help she can get.
Readers familiar with Deborah Raney know her name on a book promises a good story. Remember to Forget is right up there at the top of the list.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Panic to praise, January 24, 2007

By 

E. Key (san antonio TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Remember to Forget (Clayburn Novels Series #1) (Paperback)

When Maggie eludes an abusive boyfriend, her quest leads her to small town Kansas and a chance at a new life. Remember to Forget takes us on a true-to-life adventure so real in today's society where many are embroiled in out-of-control situations. With God's help and new friends, Maggie makes changes she never thought she could.

Raney's lyrical voice strikes a harmonious chord in this novel. A very good read!