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

Deborah Raney (Author)

Book Description

Release 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.

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 (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #917,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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 (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #917,545 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 38 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.

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

Format: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

Format: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

Format: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!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Novel Reviews Gives Remember To Forget its Highest Rating January 24, 2007

By Novel Reviews

Format:Paperback

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Unforgettable Love Story March 12, 2007

By Tamera Alexander

Format:Paperback

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Story You Won't Forget to Remember March 4, 2007

By Nancy Jo Jenkins

Format:Paperback

"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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A book that's hard to forget. February 19, 2007

By Karen Robbins

Format:Paperback

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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another award-winner for sure February 19, 2007

By Bonnie B. Engstrom

Format:Paperback

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.