Customer Reviews

Remember to Forget (Clayburn Novels Series #1)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Raney's done it again! With artistic panache, she's penned a unique plot filled with rich characters that spring to cinematic life. Although I've never been in an abusive relationship, I easily identified with Maggie's fear of divulging her past. Each of Raney's characters is believable, created with thoroughness and a unique past that adds depth. I was gripped by the imagination from the first page and didn't set it down until I finished it. I've found all of Raney's books to be page-turners--even her first book.

Deborah Raney is a born story-teller. One of the best. And she keeps getting better and better, although this one will be hard to top. Novel Reviews gives Remember to Forget its highest recommendation - 5 stars and prediction of it being a 2007 Best Book.

Deborah Raney's Remember to Forget is an unforgettable love story woven with an intriguing and fast-paced plot that keeps you turning the pages, and that will keep your heart cheering the characters on. Ms. Raney's writing continues to shine, and raises the bar in Christian Fiction.

"Remember to Forget" grabs your attention from the first page and holds fast until the last. Tackling a very prevalent problem in today's world - verbal, emotional and physical abuse - Deb Raney builds her story with a depth of characters, all of whom have suffered loss. The way they come to Maggie's aid is truly heart-warming and beautiful. The book takes some surprise twists and turns, interweaving relationships as tension builds and the reader wonders if, or how, Maggie will escape the evil, relentless pursuit of the man she once loved. This is a not-to-be-missed story, as all of Deb Raney's books are. You're sure to remember this one!

I'm not a big fan of romance novels but I read this one with interest. Maggie (Meg) tugged at my heart as she struggled to find a new life and strength to face her future. Deb Raney has captured the essential truths of one whose self image lends itself to being controlled by another. I was pleased to see how she took Meg into a new relationship not only with a wonderful man but with God as well offering her character the freedom her spirit sought. A good read!

I've just finished Remember to Forget by award-winning author, Deb Raney. What a ride! So unlike her former novels, all of which I loved. But, so in tune to our world today with the now social awareness about psychological abuse.

Get used to running, lying and escaping. Remember to Forget is not a traditional Deb Raney novel. No missionaries battle jungle diseases and face horrible death. The disease is different, the possible impending death sentence just as frightening for Meg. Or, is she really Maggie? Even Trevor who fights daily to surface above his own personal pain while battling a growing affection for Meg isn't sure who she is, or why she behaves the way she does.

Maggie, or is she Meg?, takes advantage of a providential escape route to embrace a new existence, maybe even a future without fear. When small town innkeepers Bart and Wren temporarily adopt her, she begins to trust for the first time in her adult life. Just as she starts to feel safe from harm and secure in her new life, Kevin finds her. This time he demands total submissiveness or death. Running to the river, her fantasy since childhood, seems the only escape.

Deb Raney weaves a plausible story of despair interlaced with hope. Every character is so believable the reader gets into his or her skin, even the despicable Kevin. Although Remember to Forget is set in present day, its message of love, trust and forgiveness is timeless.

This book is a treat from the words carefully crafted by Deb to the beautiful layout of the book. Each chapter begins with a pull-quote on the face page - a mechanism that pulled me through the book. I kept thinking, I'll read just one more chapter... and before I knew it another thirty minutes had evaporated. I could hardly put this book down, and when I did I kept wondering about what would happen next with the characters.

A theme that challenged me was the picture of God's hand extended to Maggie through the people who reached out to help her in her journey. Through their actions she gently becomes aware of Him and that He might be more than a myth. This made me ask the question whether I am doing what I need to on a daily basis to extend His love in an active way in my daily life.

I highly recommend this book.

Remember to Forget was a page turner from the outset. It's not going to make you pull your hair out with anxiety, but there is enough tension to keep you wondering when the boyfriend will show up. This is a great example of a story containing a heroine in a desperate situation who may be perceived as weak, but in actuality has always been a survivor, so in a way that makes her strong. However, she really did grow a lot as a person once she arrived in Clayton, Kansas. The hero did a lot of growing as well. Trevor is a guy any woman would want. They truly made a perfect match. I loved how the author left out the sometimes contrived tension that often occurs in stories where there is a character who lies about some things. She was desperate, didn't trust anyone, and did what she had to do.

The details were also fabulous in this story. I could see the interior of the bed and breakfast and the design work they did on it. I could taste the food and was sweating when I read about the dust, the heat, the town, etc. And the romantic element was perfectly done, as usual. So if it's cold where you live right now, this baby will warm you to your toes. The ending was also perfect, though it could've included one small element that would've made it even better. Those of you who have read Over the Waters will know what I mean. They were both great stories. This novel ranks toward the top of my Deb Raney favorites. Her voice is unique and her style is elegant and yet homey with a small town feel to it. Highly recommended.