Remember to Forget – February 6, 2007

Remember to Forget (Clayburn Novels Series #1) Paperback – February 6, 2007
Author: Visit ‘s Deborah Raney Page ID: 158229643X

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

Paperback: 368 pagesPublisher: Howard Books (February 6, 2007)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 158229643XISBN-13: 978-1582296432 Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.2 inches Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Best Sellers Rank: #1,259,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2827 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Romance > Contemporary #3115 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Religious & Inspirational > Romance #40522 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Contemporary
Maggie Anderson is on her way back to deliver her boyfriend his liquor, when she is carjacked and left stranded on the side of the road outside New York City. Knowing that this may be her only chance to escape Kevin’s tyrannical rule over her life, she makes the most of her opportunity by depending upon the kindness of strangers. Eventually, Maggie finds herself in the rural town of Clayburn, Kansas.

Trevor Ashlock, publisher of the Clayburn Courier, is trying to make it from day to day. It’s been two years since the tragic accident that claimed his family, but he keeps busy with the paper and working on the Wren’s Nest Bed and Breakfast remodeling project.

When Trevor meets Maggie, he feels as if he is coming back to life. And Maggie as "Meg" begins to feel safe, even though she is trapped in a web of lies she has spun about her past, having always to remember not to reveal too much so that Kevin will never find her.

I really enjoyed the way Deborah Raney told the stories of Maggie and Trevor. Their stories are not uncommon, yet they are fresh and new.

I found myself alternating between wanting to shake Maggie and wanting to hug her and be her friend. Thankfully, she finds a great friend in Wren, another lovable and huggable character.

The people of the town of Clayburn are sweet and kind, which I found refreshing. (No gossip or backbiting here!) No one preaches at Maggie. Rather, they show her the love of God through their love and actions toward her. I like that. I believe this sets a good example for those of us who belong to Christ.

Remember to Forget deals with some unpleasant topics, to be sure, yet Raney somehow writes them in a kind and gentle way.
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