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Return to Redemption #0.5
The Memory of You
The Memory of You The Return to Redemption Series Prequel Winner of Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Award She can’t forget him—He can’t remember her Together, they must discover the healing power of unforgettable love The day Lieutenant Matthew Foster departed for his so-called ‘tour’ in Vietnam, he never expected a sudden change in his itinerary would include an extended stay in the horrific Hanoi Hilton. Six years later, he’s finally released with the other POWs during Operation Homecoming. Unfortunately, his memories before his capture were erased by the complimentary torture provided by the hotel’s concierge. Due to prior facial injuries and the beard concealing his gauntness, he looks nothing like the boyish photo in his military file. When the Army informs Matt he has a wife and he was mistakenly declared dead, he’s sure Abby must have made a new life for herself. He doubts the bitter man he’s become can salvage the boy she once cared for, so to be fair to her, he decides to simply write a note to wish her well and leave. But before he does, he can’t resist going to Redemption, PA, to catch a glimpse of the woman he’d loved enough to marry. The irony of the small town’s name is totally eclipsed by Matt’s dread that he’ll discover he’s lost something truly worth remembering. That fear becomes reality when he learns Abby is engaged, and he’s a daddy! Luckily, his wife doesn’t recognize him, so Matt could still walk away from the beautiful stranger who’s been starring in his X-rated dreams. However, he could never, ever abandon his sons. The clock is ticking. Any day, the military will inform Abby he’s alive, and her wedding is in only six weeks. It doesn’t give Matt much time to discover if he can reclaim the love the war stole from him. “A heart-warming tale of love and second chances. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!” Joy Nash, USA Today best-selling author of The Unforgiven and A Little Light Magic “A poignant and sensual read filled with great characters you’ll fall in love with.” Hope Ramsay, best-selling author of Welcome to Last Chance
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
October 3, 2013
2 Stars! I know it's fiction, but...really?!
The idea behind this story was a good one, and it could have been a great read if the author had focused on the issue at hand. I could rant, but I don't want my review to be as convoluted as this book was.
I know there are many readers that loved this book, and there was good in it, some very sweet and tender moments, but it was also crammed with so many unbelievable situations that I had trouble wrapping my head around all of it. It started out well enough, but as the story progressed, I found myself wondering how much more bizarre things could get.
I really wanted to like this book, especially since it was about POW from the Vietnam War. It was set in an era that I grew up in and could relate too, and I tried to take that into account when certain circumstances presented themselves...meaning people tended not to be as wary as they are today...free love and all that. But, somewhere along the way the story folded in on itself, and collapsed under the weight of all the absurd!
The author tried too hard, had she left it simple and to the point, it would have been a memorable read, but unfortunately The Memory of You will be very easy to forget!
I applaud the author for her attempt, I just think her emotions and the story got away from her.
*A copy of this book was provided by Aspendawn Books via NetGalley*
April 14, 2013
The Memory of You by Laurie Kellogg
I have to say I love Laurie's writing. This is a heart felt, heart warming, heart breaking and one of the best romance novels I have read recently.
This story is about a young woman who fell in love and her new husband was sent off to fight in the Vietnam War. Years later is when the story starts off and we find out Abby has lost her husband in the war, she is a young mom raising her child alone and trying to build a new life with a man she will never love as she cannot forget Matt.
Matt who was declared dead, but was held prisoner all these years has no memory of his life before being a prisoner.
On his return back to the USA he knows his name and he sets out to discover who he was. Meeting Abby and not having any memories of her is hard, but to make matter worse Abby does not reconize Matt.
Abby hires Matt to help around the house and all she sees is a man who fought for his country and is way to thin and needs her help.
Matt's biggest surprise is seeing his 6 year old son and knows no matter what he has to be their for his son.
This story is so good, I have rated it 5 stars and if you love romance novels I would suggest you purchase The Memory of You.
I have to say I love Laurie's writing. This is a heart felt, heart warming, heart breaking and one of the best romance novels I have read recently.
This story is about a young woman who fell in love and her new husband was sent off to fight in the Vietnam War. Years later is when the story starts off and we find out Abby has lost her husband in the war, she is a young mom raising her child alone and trying to build a new life with a man she will never love as she cannot forget Matt.
Matt who was declared dead, but was held prisoner all these years has no memory of his life before being a prisoner.
On his return back to the USA he knows his name and he sets out to discover who he was. Meeting Abby and not having any memories of her is hard, but to make matter worse Abby does not reconize Matt.
Abby hires Matt to help around the house and all she sees is a man who fought for his country and is way to thin and needs her help.
Matt's biggest surprise is seeing his 6 year old son and knows no matter what he has to be their for his son.
This story is so good, I have rated it 5 stars and if you love romance novels I would suggest you purchase The Memory of You.
December 20, 2013
The premise of the soldier declared dead in Vietnam, imprisoned and then coming home after six years was okay - I believe that happened to a number of men - but after he left the military there were aspects of this novel which were just over the top.
SPOILER ALERT***********************************************************
SPOILER *****************
The Army supposedly not notifying his wife and his parents that he was still alive is way out of line. There would have been no ifs, buts or maybes - they would have told them immediately. Likewise, the Army pension would have been cut off as soon as they had notified the wife.
Mac/Matt not going to see his parents was "out there" as well. The newspapers would have had the news of him and his fellow prisoners coming home because someone would have leaked it, sure as eggs!
Abby allowing a strange man to live in her home after only a couple of days - especially when she had her son and her next door neighbour's child to consider - is crazy and didn't ring true.
The fiance accepting this - albeit with bad grace - was ridiculous. When Mac/Matt tells the fiance who he is, the fiance just says virtually, "Oh righto, old son. Go for it!" Likewise the brother and the cops!
Everything just falls into place for Mac/Matt within a couple of weeks, but still he doesn't tell the one person who should know - Abby - who he is.
Lots and lots of sex - still without her knowing the truth - and BOTH kids calling him Daddy? Ridiculous.
I felt the author could have done a lot better with this novel. Granted it is labelled as romance, but even for that it is far-fetched.
March 14, 2012
This copy was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Kindle Edition, published February 6th, 2012
LK Books
Having endured unimaginable pain at the hands of his torturers prisoner of war Lieutenant Matthew Foster, who served his country in Vietnam, is free at last after seven long years. His ordeal left him with broken bones, making him unrecognizable and emotionally damaged. Suffering from memory loss he goes by Paul “Mac” McCartney. Despite not knowing who he really is, “Mac” is determined to find out what happened to his wife. The woman he can’t remember marrying. Intending to take a look at his former life, then leave, he’s in for a big surprise. One that forces him to reconsider, leaving him no choice but to face his fears and try to get Abby to let a stranger into her heart and home. – Six weeks before her wedding!
I’m feeling very ambivalent about this book. That’s not close enough...torn is more like it. The plot appealed to me from the start. Almost too good to be true, right?! I applaud the author for having such a vivid imagination. And I don’t mean that in a condescending way at all. The story line was like something out of a fairytale. Needless to say I was giddy with excitement, ready to bask in some serious drama and romance.
The good news is that I was able to do so up to a certain point. A story about how true love has the power to conquer all? Yep, it was definitely that and more. I felt the despair of a man trying his hardest to figure out who he had been – more importantly – who he was. Changed, yes....but he had hope of salvaging what’s left of his marriage.
Abby, too, was immensely affected by supposedly losing her husband so soon after marrying him. The impact on her life as a widow was palpable from the very beginning. I could see right through her, and wanted nothing more than to stop the hurting. She needed so badly for someone to comfort her, yet she wasn’t capable of letting go of the man she fiercely loved. It was heartbreaking and heart-warming to witness at the same time. The fact that she didn’t recognize “Mac” as her beloved Matt almost had me in tears – misty eye the very least.
I also liked (I know that sounds contradictory – it isn’t though) the normalcy of Abby’s everyday life. For all the grieving of what could’ve been and the confusion about her future, she had both feet on the ground.
Another aspect you will like is the strong message behind their story. For those who remember Operation Homecoming it will be a walk down memory lane. For me, it was eye-opening.
The bad news, and ultimately the “flaw” I couldn’t overlook, was the overall impression I got of both hero and heroine. Matt was pushy and overbearing. He steamrolled over Abby’s judgement without taking into account that to her, he was just Mac, a stranger. His constant interference didn’t just make me uneasy. I ended up not liking him at all. The same goes for his blatant disregard of Abby’s engagement. Trying to win her over by badmouthing her fiancé didn’t sit well with me (even though the guy was an as*). He didn’t deserve to be treated in such a manner. In the end, Matt went too far when taking the opportunity of experiencing something beautiful from someone when he had no business doing so. His intentions were honourable, but that didn’t make it right. Honestly, I found it a bit disturbing.
Furthermore, it takes two to tango. Abby was just too naive, if not naivety in person. Just thinking about how she “can’t do that to my fiancé” didn’t cut it. She strung him along. Knowing she did so was not enough to redeem herself in my eyes. I didn’t find a way to justify her behaviour, no matter how much I understood her inner turmoil. She trusted too easily, she let another person dictate her life, and she made bad choices for her children. I as the reader was aware of Mac’s real identity, but she wasn’t. Her actions had to be judged based on her knowledge...not mine.
Edit: I feel the need to point out that I'm very aware of the differences in time (attitude of males of that generation). It's the reason why I "rated" this 3 stars (for 2.5) & not 2 (for 2.5). My "problem" w/ the overbearing behavior, however, was meant to be in referral to the fact that the heroine didn't know WHO he was. Letting your husband decide certain things versus letting a complete stranger do it. That is the main issue I had (which has no influence on the "nostalgic" part of the story).
Another development that bothered me was the 180° one of the secondary characters did. The change seemed forced to fit the story line. Last but not least, the big revelation felt rushed.
Now, I’m aware that a lot of what I criticized needs to be taken with a grain of salt because of the time the novel was set in. I just wasn’t able to overcome my dislike of the main characters. To me, that is a deal-breaker, and the reason why I can’t give a better rating.
Still, I urge you to give Matt and Abby a chance, for you might see them in a different light. 2.5 stars to The Memory of You by Laurie Kellogg.
Beware of Spoilers!
A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested:
° “Okay, play it cool. Don’t let him see what a big dork you are.”
° “I see you really like peas. My husband despised them. – His stomach sunk when she handed him the bowl. – Here, why don’t you finish them off? – Talk about killing a guy with kindness.”
° “...he’s the best. [...] dad was just like him. – How do you know? – [...] dad died before we was born. – I know. Tommy yawned. But he can be just like Mac if I say he was.”
Kindle Edition, published February 6th, 2012
LK Books
Having endured unimaginable pain at the hands of his torturers prisoner of war Lieutenant Matthew Foster, who served his country in Vietnam, is free at last after seven long years. His ordeal left him with broken bones, making him unrecognizable and emotionally damaged. Suffering from memory loss he goes by Paul “Mac” McCartney. Despite not knowing who he really is, “Mac” is determined to find out what happened to his wife. The woman he can’t remember marrying. Intending to take a look at his former life, then leave, he’s in for a big surprise. One that forces him to reconsider, leaving him no choice but to face his fears and try to get Abby to let a stranger into her heart and home. – Six weeks before her wedding!
I’m feeling very ambivalent about this book. That’s not close enough...torn is more like it. The plot appealed to me from the start. Almost too good to be true, right?! I applaud the author for having such a vivid imagination. And I don’t mean that in a condescending way at all. The story line was like something out of a fairytale. Needless to say I was giddy with excitement, ready to bask in some serious drama and romance.
The good news is that I was able to do so up to a certain point. A story about how true love has the power to conquer all? Yep, it was definitely that and more. I felt the despair of a man trying his hardest to figure out who he had been – more importantly – who he was. Changed, yes....but he had hope of salvaging what’s left of his marriage.
Abby, too, was immensely affected by supposedly losing her husband so soon after marrying him. The impact on her life as a widow was palpable from the very beginning. I could see right through her, and wanted nothing more than to stop the hurting. She needed so badly for someone to comfort her, yet she wasn’t capable of letting go of the man she fiercely loved. It was heartbreaking and heart-warming to witness at the same time. The fact that she didn’t recognize “Mac” as her beloved Matt almost had me in tears – misty eye the very least.
I also liked (I know that sounds contradictory – it isn’t though) the normalcy of Abby’s everyday life. For all the grieving of what could’ve been and the confusion about her future, she had both feet on the ground.
Another aspect you will like is the strong message behind their story. For those who remember Operation Homecoming it will be a walk down memory lane. For me, it was eye-opening.
The bad news, and ultimately the “flaw” I couldn’t overlook, was the overall impression I got of both hero and heroine. Matt was pushy and overbearing. He steamrolled over Abby’s judgement without taking into account that to her, he was just Mac, a stranger. His constant interference didn’t just make me uneasy. I ended up not liking him at all. The same goes for his blatant disregard of Abby’s engagement. Trying to win her over by badmouthing her fiancé didn’t sit well with me (even though the guy was an as*). He didn’t deserve to be treated in such a manner. In the end, Matt went too far when taking the opportunity of experiencing something beautiful from someone when he had no business doing so. His intentions were honourable, but that didn’t make it right. Honestly, I found it a bit disturbing.
Furthermore, it takes two to tango. Abby was just too naive, if not naivety in person. Just thinking about how she “can’t do that to my fiancé” didn’t cut it. She strung him along. Knowing she did so was not enough to redeem herself in my eyes. I didn’t find a way to justify her behaviour, no matter how much I understood her inner turmoil. She trusted too easily, she let another person dictate her life, and she made bad choices for her children. I as the reader was aware of Mac’s real identity, but she wasn’t. Her actions had to be judged based on her knowledge...not mine.
Edit: I feel the need to point out that I'm very aware of the differences in time (attitude of males of that generation). It's the reason why I "rated" this 3 stars (for 2.5) & not 2 (for 2.5). My "problem" w/ the overbearing behavior, however, was meant to be in referral to the fact that the heroine didn't know WHO he was. Letting your husband decide certain things versus letting a complete stranger do it. That is the main issue I had (which has no influence on the "nostalgic" part of the story).
Another development that bothered me was the 180° one of the secondary characters did. The change seemed forced to fit the story line. Last but not least, the big revelation felt rushed.
Now, I’m aware that a lot of what I criticized needs to be taken with a grain of salt because of the time the novel was set in. I just wasn’t able to overcome my dislike of the main characters. To me, that is a deal-breaker, and the reason why I can’t give a better rating.
Still, I urge you to give Matt and Abby a chance, for you might see them in a different light. 2.5 stars to The Memory of You by Laurie Kellogg.
Beware of Spoilers!
A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested:
° “Okay, play it cool. Don’t let him see what a big dork you are.”
° “I see you really like peas. My husband despised them. – His stomach sunk when she handed him the bowl. – Here, why don’t you finish them off? – Talk about killing a guy with kindness.”
° “...he’s the best. [...] dad was just like him. – How do you know? – [...] dad died before we was born. – I know. Tommy yawned. But he can be just like Mac if I say he was.”
July 4, 2012
Eu sempre me interessei por histórias relacionadas com o Vietnã. Não sei se foi o impacto causado pelo noticiário quando era criança ou se foi a trilha sonora dos filmes. Não me sai da memória as fotos vistas no jornal na época ainda criança e vendo o jornal no colo do meu pai.
A história é muito boa, pois conta o retorno de um soldado que ficou prisioneiro durante vários anos e que não tem memória da sua vida anterior ao campo de prisioneiros.
Ele procura aos poucos se conectar com as mudanças que ocorreram no mundo e sofre o impacto da descoberta da família, esposa e filho que não lembra.
A esposa enfrenta um drama pessoal também, pois não deixou de amar o marido supostamente morto e tenta desesperadamente entrar em um novo relacionamento que represente uma figura paterna para seu filho e a livre da solidão que enfrenta a tanto tempo. Temos que lembrar que naquela época ainda existia muito preconceito com as mulheres e existia quase uma obrigação de se ter um homem ao lado.
O nosso herói enfrenta um grande problema também, pois não quer que a mulher o aceite somente por pena, pois está sem emprego, sem dinheiro, sem memória e ainda sofrendo muito pelos anos de cativeiro, então ele esconde quem é e passa a se relacionar com esposa e filho sem que eles saibam quem na verdade ele é.
Ao longo da narrativa vamos descobrindo várias nuances de todos envolvidos na história e ficando envolvidos com a história. Não posso revelar detalhes para não estragar a leitura.
Gostei bastante e recomendo a todos!
A história é muito boa, pois conta o retorno de um soldado que ficou prisioneiro durante vários anos e que não tem memória da sua vida anterior ao campo de prisioneiros.
Ele procura aos poucos se conectar com as mudanças que ocorreram no mundo e sofre o impacto da descoberta da família, esposa e filho que não lembra.
A esposa enfrenta um drama pessoal também, pois não deixou de amar o marido supostamente morto e tenta desesperadamente entrar em um novo relacionamento que represente uma figura paterna para seu filho e a livre da solidão que enfrenta a tanto tempo. Temos que lembrar que naquela época ainda existia muito preconceito com as mulheres e existia quase uma obrigação de se ter um homem ao lado.
O nosso herói enfrenta um grande problema também, pois não quer que a mulher o aceite somente por pena, pois está sem emprego, sem dinheiro, sem memória e ainda sofrendo muito pelos anos de cativeiro, então ele esconde quem é e passa a se relacionar com esposa e filho sem que eles saibam quem na verdade ele é.
Ao longo da narrativa vamos descobrindo várias nuances de todos envolvidos na história e ficando envolvidos com a história. Não posso revelar detalhes para não estragar a leitura.
Gostei bastante e recomendo a todos!
May 11, 2012
A very well written book that was hard to put down. I could tell by reading it that a lot of research and thought process went into creating this wonderful story. The love story between Matt and Abby is realistic yet powerful. The story is also pays homage to POWs and other people who suffer the after effects of war. Well done. Very highly recommended. I am looking forward to reading Laurie's second book.
September 8, 2014
I didn't know what to expect when reading this. I feel the cover lets it down somewhat, and needs a revamp. That's MHO.
Inside the book was good though. Her fella goes off to fight in the War, its sad, funny and poignant, but it didn't keep my interest all the way through. I feel some of the story was just a little bit hyped. But I won't say more than that.
I was grateful for Aspendawn Books allowing me to read this via Net Galley.
Inside the book was good though. Her fella goes off to fight in the War, its sad, funny and poignant, but it didn't keep my interest all the way through. I feel some of the story was just a little bit hyped. But I won't say more than that.
I was grateful for Aspendawn Books allowing me to read this via Net Galley.
February 9, 2012
Poignant and funny, this book will tug your heartstrings as Matt and Abby discover much about themselves on the way to rediscovering each other. For those who lived through the heartbreak and divisiveness of the Vietnam Era, this touching Yellow-Ribbon story will bring you back to the days of Operation Homecoming and the triumphs and tragedies associated with reassimilating back into society.
January 3, 2025
Good Read!
November 25, 2015
'The Memory of You' (Return to Redemption Book 0)
Abby can't forget the man she loves, who was taken from her when he left for Vietnam never to return. She thinks he's dead but Matt Foster, her one true love, has been a prisoner of war and he no longer remembers his life with her. She has been completely erased from his memory. When the government realized Matt is still alive they tell him about his wife but he has zero recollection. He decided he would write her, wish her well and move on with his life. But, he wasn't able to do that and wanted to go and just have a look at the woman he supposedly loved enough to marry. It is then he discovers a young boy with her, his son!
He is unrecognizable from the young man he was when he shipped out. Now his body is covered in scares, burns and half the bones in his face had been broken and his teeth replaced with new ones so she doesn't recognize him. He is also skin and bones and his hair is peppered with gray at the age of 29. He will try and insinuate himself into their lives to see if there's a chance he might fall in love with her since he doesn't know her now.
See, it's odd because he remembers his life before he met his wife but apparently forgot his present life on purpose so the enemy couldn't use his
wife as a way to torture him because he then would not have the will to live...what? He then precedes to tell his wife what a horn dog he was prior to their meeting and all he did was screw bad girls...daily...or more. When she innocently asked, 'how many?' he lets her know that it was way more than he could count. She is a bit stunned at this and then he says that he knew himself well and knew he was not to be believed so if he told her he loved her he must NOT have. Then he goes on to tell her he was more well-endowed than the average man and it led me to think he said this because he told her this right after he told her how the girls/women were always pursuing him. Again, I say WHAT??!!! Why not just stick his hand in, rip her heart out and stomp on it until it is obliterated into nothingness. He's telling her all this the day after she finds out he is really her husband and alive. Awful!! Terrible!! Disgusting from my point of view. I hate to feel rotten when I have completed a book.
I was anxious to read this book but only ended up disappointed. In fact I will go so far as to say I wish I hadn't read it because I am doing my Thanksgiving cooking today and every time it enters my mind it makes me sick at my stomach and sad. There is also something bad that happens to take something else away from them and I thought to myself "Have they not lived through hell on earth, and yet, the author chose to take that away as well.
Cannot recommend!
Abby can't forget the man she loves, who was taken from her when he left for Vietnam never to return. She thinks he's dead but Matt Foster, her one true love, has been a prisoner of war and he no longer remembers his life with her. She has been completely erased from his memory. When the government realized Matt is still alive they tell him about his wife but he has zero recollection. He decided he would write her, wish her well and move on with his life. But, he wasn't able to do that and wanted to go and just have a look at the woman he supposedly loved enough to marry. It is then he discovers a young boy with her, his son!
He is unrecognizable from the young man he was when he shipped out. Now his body is covered in scares, burns and half the bones in his face had been broken and his teeth replaced with new ones so she doesn't recognize him. He is also skin and bones and his hair is peppered with gray at the age of 29. He will try and insinuate himself into their lives to see if there's a chance he might fall in love with her since he doesn't know her now.
See, it's odd because he remembers his life before he met his wife but apparently forgot his present life on purpose so the enemy couldn't use his
wife as a way to torture him because he then would not have the will to live...what? He then precedes to tell his wife what a horn dog he was prior to their meeting and all he did was screw bad girls...daily...or more. When she innocently asked, 'how many?' he lets her know that it was way more than he could count. She is a bit stunned at this and then he says that he knew himself well and knew he was not to be believed so if he told her he loved her he must NOT have. Then he goes on to tell her he was more well-endowed than the average man and it led me to think he said this because he told her this right after he told her how the girls/women were always pursuing him. Again, I say WHAT??!!! Why not just stick his hand in, rip her heart out and stomp on it until it is obliterated into nothingness. He's telling her all this the day after she finds out he is really her husband and alive. Awful!! Terrible!! Disgusting from my point of view. I hate to feel rotten when I have completed a book.
I was anxious to read this book but only ended up disappointed. In fact I will go so far as to say I wish I hadn't read it because I am doing my Thanksgiving cooking today and every time it enters my mind it makes me sick at my stomach and sad. There is also something bad that happens to take something else away from them and I thought to myself "Have they not lived through hell on earth, and yet, the author chose to take that away as well.
Cannot recommend!
June 4, 2013
This was a hard book to rate. What worked for it also ended up working against it. The backdrop of the early 1970's was incredibly unique, but with the exception of a few references to people and events the time period turned out to be pure wallpaper. You never really get the vibe of the 70's - the language and slang, the evolving gender roles and the fallout of veterans returning from the most polarizing war in American history. On the other hand, the 70's setting allows for more latitude in how the characters interact with each other and the decisions they make. Although Abby's decision to allow Matt/Mac to live in her home and emotionally attach himself to her son demonstrates the more laid back and less paranoid aspects of the era, it still doesn't ring true. Common sense, in my opinion, is timeless. 99.9% of the time it's a bad idea to take in a homeless person you've just met. It's only because of Laurie Kellogg's storytelling ability that the reader is able to overlook some of these flaws. She does a great job of showing the reader the origins of Abby and Matt's relationship via flashbacks thereby investing you in their happy ending.
The central conflict of the book feels a little manufactured and drags on too long. Matt's motivation in keeping his identity secret was more realistic than Abby's angst over her secret shame. In order for the story to work, they each had to have some skin in the game. They each needed to know their current self was the one who was loved and not the idealized version rooted in the past. However, their past only encompassed a very short period of time (a few weeks or months by my estimation). Revealing their secrets at the midway point would have allowed the reader (and the characters) to find out if both sides can truly let go of the past and adjust their dreams of the future.
If I were to give this a true rating, it would be 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it enough that I'll read the next book in the series.
The central conflict of the book feels a little manufactured and drags on too long. Matt's motivation in keeping his identity secret was more realistic than Abby's angst over her secret shame. In order for the story to work, they each had to have some skin in the game. They each needed to know their current self was the one who was loved and not the idealized version rooted in the past. However, their past only encompassed a very short period of time (a few weeks or months by my estimation). Revealing their secrets at the midway point would have allowed the reader (and the characters) to find out if both sides can truly let go of the past and adjust their dreams of the future.
If I were to give this a true rating, it would be 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it enough that I'll read the next book in the series.
February 12, 2014
This story started off very strong, with Matt coming to learn who he is, remembering his torture, vague memories of her in his dreams. The author's descriptions of some of the experiences Matt endured were gut-wrenching. I don't know if they are realistic, but it opened my eyes somewhat to what our service men endure. This had the potential to be a super-sweet and satisfying story!! In fact, the first half was definitely 5-stars!
However, it took a turn about halfway through. Specifically, once Matt started pushing his wife towards an intimate relationship with him, while she still does not even know he's her husband, and also while encouraging her to betray her fiance. Although it was 6+ years since she last saw him, it seems a bit unrealistic that she could live with the man, spend time talking and sharing, see him with her son, sleep with with him, comfort him - and still not recognize that he is her husband. It was also ridiculous that the characters had such an immediate turn-around once they discover who "Mac" really is, i.e. her fiance! In addition, she allowed this stranger to be her son's "father", evening letting her son call the stranger "dad", BEFORE she even knew who Mac was. This is just not something the average single mom would do, especially one who is engaged to another man. The story took place over the course of a few weeks, but it dragged on as though it was a year. Much of it at this point was just too far-fetched to believe.
It felt as though this story went from being an epic drama / love story, to a flightly romance novel. Make sense? If you like the romance novels, you may enjoy this story. And despite all, the ending was satisfying and as expected.
This story does have some racy scenes inappropriate for teens.
However, it took a turn about halfway through. Specifically, once Matt started pushing his wife towards an intimate relationship with him, while she still does not even know he's her husband, and also while encouraging her to betray her fiance. Although it was 6+ years since she last saw him, it seems a bit unrealistic that she could live with the man, spend time talking and sharing, see him with her son, sleep with with him, comfort him - and still not recognize that he is her husband. It was also ridiculous that the characters had such an immediate turn-around once they discover who "Mac" really is, i.e. her fiance! In addition, she allowed this stranger to be her son's "father", evening letting her son call the stranger "dad", BEFORE she even knew who Mac was. This is just not something the average single mom would do, especially one who is engaged to another man. The story took place over the course of a few weeks, but it dragged on as though it was a year. Much of it at this point was just too far-fetched to believe.
It felt as though this story went from being an epic drama / love story, to a flightly romance novel. Make sense? If you like the romance novels, you may enjoy this story. And despite all, the ending was satisfying and as expected.
This story does have some racy scenes inappropriate for teens.
June 25, 2014
The first thing I have to say is I don't think the cover of this book does any justice to the story. The blurb above which can be read on all book sites really says it all and doesn't leave much for me to tell unless I give away the ending of the story.
You have to suspend your disbelief a bit in this book. You have to believe that Abby is so trusting that she would let a complete stranger into her house and leave her precious son with him.. A stranger who is thin,strange looking and is evasive about who he is. You have to believe that she never notices how quickly he is becoming attached to her son and how he is trying to shape the boy's life.
After saying all that I did enjoy the book apart from the sex scenes which I thought were unnecessary but that's just my opinion.
I liked Matt, what he went through at the hands of his captives was horrific. When he is released he has no memory of his wife or any part of his life. He has to be told by the army who he is,but Matt isn't the same man who left for Vietnam, it has changed him forever.
When he tracks his wife down he finds that she has moved on with life and is about to be married. Abby will hear from the army soon that Matt is still alive so he has only a short time to discover if she could love the man he now is and if he loves her.
Abby is likable too. She is still grieving for her husband but she knows it's time to move on with her life. She meets Mac/Matt, a war veteran and hires him to paint her house. Why is she strangely drawn to him, and why is he so interested in her life,her fiance and her son?
This is prequel of a series of books set in a town named Redemption.
July 22, 2012
Even though overall I enjoyed this book, I had to rate it as just "OK" because so much of it was unbelievable. This book was recommended for fans of The Lucky One (Nicholas Sparks), so that's why I picked it up for my Kindle. They are both about war veterans searching for healing and love, but that's really the only similarity.
Matt is a Vietnam vet who has lost his memory of everything in his life prior to becoming a POW- his name, his childhood, his wife. When his identity is finally discovered, he tracks down his wife, Abbey, to make sure she is happy. He intends on letting her live her life as it has become, and go about his merry way. So far, so good. Sad, but believable.
Upon seeing her with their son and a new man, Matt's resolve falters. He keeps his identity a secret and convinces Abbey to let him move in as a handy man. This is where you really have to suspend belief... a single mother lets a total stranger move in, develop a close relationship with her son, and talk her out of marrying her fiance. Wow.
I will admit the passion and connection Matt and Abbey rediscover is beautiful to witness, as is Matt's bonding with the son he never knew. The build-up to Abbey realizing who this stranger really is ends with a disappoiting revelation- it just lacked the drama I thought was sure to happen. The characters themselves are likable-mostly. Abbey's huge, trusting heart borders on stupidity, and Matt clings to his made-up name and motives just a little too long to be considered selfless.
Matt is a Vietnam vet who has lost his memory of everything in his life prior to becoming a POW- his name, his childhood, his wife. When his identity is finally discovered, he tracks down his wife, Abbey, to make sure she is happy. He intends on letting her live her life as it has become, and go about his merry way. So far, so good. Sad, but believable.
Upon seeing her with their son and a new man, Matt's resolve falters. He keeps his identity a secret and convinces Abbey to let him move in as a handy man. This is where you really have to suspend belief... a single mother lets a total stranger move in, develop a close relationship with her son, and talk her out of marrying her fiance. Wow.
I will admit the passion and connection Matt and Abbey rediscover is beautiful to witness, as is Matt's bonding with the son he never knew. The build-up to Abbey realizing who this stranger really is ends with a disappoiting revelation- it just lacked the drama I thought was sure to happen. The characters themselves are likable-mostly. Abbey's huge, trusting heart borders on stupidity, and Matt clings to his made-up name and motives just a little too long to be considered selfless.
April 15, 2012
I really liked this one. This was a heartbreaking and poignant story. The parts where Mac remembers being tortured as a POW were hard to read but it explained so much about his character. The love story moved at just the right pace, actually I was rooting for them to hurry up and get together! I also like the story's theme that family is what you make it. You can love children just as much even if you didn't birth them. Just a great classic romance.
May 3, 2012
Memory of You throws the reader back in time to experience a P.O.W. trying to reclaim his life, his lost years and his love. Kellogg writes with plausibility and grace to create a great page-turner. An impressive debut!
October 22, 2013
This is part of a Christian series that I've never read before. It has a Vietnam war pow returning to his hometown of redemption with no memory of his wife and son. She was told he had died and was about to remarry. They must decide if they can recapture the life they once had.
May 8, 2012
Was an excellent read. I can see a movie done with this
August 13, 2022
From torture to ecstasy
Matt was a ladies man who had never run into a woman he couldn’t conquer until he was introduced to his best friend’s teenage sister. He was struck at first glance. However he would find resistance from his friend and Abbie. As young romances go their infatuation and desires lead to the inevitable and they soon find it led to trouble. Brother made them get married after which time he went off to Vietnam and was captured and tortured for over 6 years during which he lost his memory. It is a very emotional and heart wrenching story although a bit risqué for my taste. I prefer clean reads but the storyline kept me into it to the end.
Matt was a ladies man who had never run into a woman he couldn’t conquer until he was introduced to his best friend’s teenage sister. He was struck at first glance. However he would find resistance from his friend and Abbie. As young romances go their infatuation and desires lead to the inevitable and they soon find it led to trouble. Brother made them get married after which time he went off to Vietnam and was captured and tortured for over 6 years during which he lost his memory. It is a very emotional and heart wrenching story although a bit risqué for my taste. I prefer clean reads but the storyline kept me into it to the end.
April 3, 2023
The Memory of You: Return to Redemption series PREQUEL-Book 0
The love story of Matt and Army. Matt (Mac) is a Vietnam POW return home after 6.5 year in prison camp. He has no memory of his life before he came to in the prison camp. He learn his name and he has a wife and son. Can he go home and start a new life? Great story.
The love story of Matt and Army. Matt (Mac) is a Vietnam POW return home after 6.5 year in prison camp. He has no memory of his life before he came to in the prison camp. He learn his name and he has a wife and son. Can he go home and start a new life? Great story.
June 29, 2021
Very good
I read the memory of you in one day. Sometimes the tug of war between the sexes gets old but the waiting was worthwhile. Good one.
I read the memory of you in one day. Sometimes the tug of war between the sexes gets old but the waiting was worthwhile. Good one.
November 21, 2021
I’m committed to the series if for no other reason than they are on my phone and don’t demand anything from me, but Incan’t believe I’m reading something so full of stereotypical sexism.
December 19, 2024
Worth the effort
Not too many typos or grammatical errors to distract from a good story. Very warm and fuzzy. Definitely worth putting aside the time to read.
Not too many typos or grammatical errors to distract from a good story. Very warm and fuzzy. Definitely worth putting aside the time to read.
September 12, 2013
The Memory of You by Laurie Kellogg tells us the story of 'Mac'. Mac was in the Vietnam War and ended up being taken prisoner. He is a POW for years, one day waking up with absolutely no memory of himself or his past. He doesn't know who he is or where he came from. He remembers things like math and everything to do with his Engineering degree, but the personal stuff? Nothing.
When Mac is finally back in the USA and in the hospital, he is identified as Lieutenant Matthew 'Matt' Foster. He was also married to Abby. He remembers her name, but nothing else. When his dog tags were found in rubble, he was presumed and declared dead. But now Mac is back. He is relieved to have an identity, even if it's one he can't remember, and he doesn't even look like his old photo. He does know that the man he is now can be nothing like the boy he was.
Not remembering Abby, Mac still feels the need to find her and check on her. He's convinced by now she'll have moved on with her life, and he has no intention of disrupting it. That changes though, when he realized that Abby has a child. His child. Without telling Abby who he is, because she doesn't recognize him, Mac manages to integrate himself into her life and the child's life, slowly getting to know them. Abby must be very trusting and have a heart of gold, because soon Mac is doing work for her and living in her guest room. Mac has decided he wants to see if there's any chance they are still compatable and can fall in love before he tells her who he is, if he even will - he still doesn't remember much. To complicate matters, Abby has recently become engaged to Rob, a dentist.
Engaged or not though, Abby finds herself drawn to Mac and reacting to him physically in a way that she never does with Rob. She also sees, and sometimes envies, the bond that Mac has made so quickly with her son - something Rob has not managed to do. But Abby is determined to have stability and compatability - something she's sure she'll get with Rob despite the lack of sparks. She's not too sure anything she has with Mac can last, when she really doesn't know him and he can't remember anything. When the sparks start though, fire is sure to follow! Will Abby take the chance on a man she hardly knows? Or will she stick with what she knows, even with the lack of excitement?
I loved The Memory of You by Laurie Kellogg. I was really intrigued with the plot, wondering when and if Mac would admit to who he really was, wondering if he's ever remember anything. Some things you should be able to forget, such as being a POW...but there's always the hope he'll remember his love and time with Abby. Laurie kept me engrossed in The Memory of You with her smoothly flowing writing, the emotional journey of Mac and Abby, and the hope that Mac and Abby can have their happily ever after. I really liked Abby despite the fact that she opened her home to a virtual stranger. Otherwise I found her to be a strong, independent woman who has managed to move on with her life after the death of her husband in war. Even though she was engaged to Rob, I loved that she stood up to him when she needed to, and did what she thought was best, not what anyone else thought she should do. I loved Mac! I can only imagine the horror that he went through. Even though in The Memory of You it's a fictional account, everyone knows things like this happen in war and it's awful. He's trying his hardest to move on from that and even though I felt he shouldn't keep such a big secret from Abby, I think he's going to be ok.
This is the first book I've read by Laurie Kellogg, but it definitely won't be the last! I loved her style of writing and I loved this story. Highly recommend for all romance readers!
When Mac is finally back in the USA and in the hospital, he is identified as Lieutenant Matthew 'Matt' Foster. He was also married to Abby. He remembers her name, but nothing else. When his dog tags were found in rubble, he was presumed and declared dead. But now Mac is back. He is relieved to have an identity, even if it's one he can't remember, and he doesn't even look like his old photo. He does know that the man he is now can be nothing like the boy he was.
Not remembering Abby, Mac still feels the need to find her and check on her. He's convinced by now she'll have moved on with her life, and he has no intention of disrupting it. That changes though, when he realized that Abby has a child. His child. Without telling Abby who he is, because she doesn't recognize him, Mac manages to integrate himself into her life and the child's life, slowly getting to know them. Abby must be very trusting and have a heart of gold, because soon Mac is doing work for her and living in her guest room. Mac has decided he wants to see if there's any chance they are still compatable and can fall in love before he tells her who he is, if he even will - he still doesn't remember much. To complicate matters, Abby has recently become engaged to Rob, a dentist.
Engaged or not though, Abby finds herself drawn to Mac and reacting to him physically in a way that she never does with Rob. She also sees, and sometimes envies, the bond that Mac has made so quickly with her son - something Rob has not managed to do. But Abby is determined to have stability and compatability - something she's sure she'll get with Rob despite the lack of sparks. She's not too sure anything she has with Mac can last, when she really doesn't know him and he can't remember anything. When the sparks start though, fire is sure to follow! Will Abby take the chance on a man she hardly knows? Or will she stick with what she knows, even with the lack of excitement?
I loved The Memory of You by Laurie Kellogg. I was really intrigued with the plot, wondering when and if Mac would admit to who he really was, wondering if he's ever remember anything. Some things you should be able to forget, such as being a POW...but there's always the hope he'll remember his love and time with Abby. Laurie kept me engrossed in The Memory of You with her smoothly flowing writing, the emotional journey of Mac and Abby, and the hope that Mac and Abby can have their happily ever after. I really liked Abby despite the fact that she opened her home to a virtual stranger. Otherwise I found her to be a strong, independent woman who has managed to move on with her life after the death of her husband in war. Even though she was engaged to Rob, I loved that she stood up to him when she needed to, and did what she thought was best, not what anyone else thought she should do. I loved Mac! I can only imagine the horror that he went through. Even though in The Memory of You it's a fictional account, everyone knows things like this happen in war and it's awful. He's trying his hardest to move on from that and even though I felt he shouldn't keep such a big secret from Abby, I think he's going to be ok.
This is the first book I've read by Laurie Kellogg, but it definitely won't be the last! I loved her style of writing and I loved this story. Highly recommend for all romance readers!
September 10, 2013
The Memory of You. Laurie Kellogg.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
I've enjoyed some of Laurie's works before – always a simple easy to read romance with a solid storyline. This one was very similar to the usual, although I did feel some parts were either simplified or perhaps inappropriate for today’s influences. Its clearly set in the 60's/70's – the TV programmes and songs mentioned along with the whole Vietnam issue I recall strongly from my early teen years. The race issue was very different then though, and although its true to what it was like from my memory its doesn't always fit today’s thinking. That struck strongly when Matt meets a black lady on his interview and makes a mental note to introduce her if possible to his black colleague thinking they'll get along. Well, apart from colour he knows nothing about her so??? why would he think that. Still, its a minor crit – I recall the TV prog Love thy Neighbour and that certainly wouldn't pass today, along with many of the very sexist comedies from the time!!
So, Matt decides to look over the situation with his wife, finds out he has a son and everything changes for him. He still has no memory of her other than fragments, but he wants to get to know his son and luckily he's on the spot just as she needs help. It all works well for him, she's a very kind, trusting sort and soon he's living in the house as a sort of guest working for keep while he gets a job. The army will be telling her soon he's alive so he's limited time to work on her, and especially as she's planning a wedding very soon. If he can persuade her to stay with him he needs her to love him as he is now and not as the boy he was. They’re the same, and yet very different people. The sparks between them are still there, and Abby can't help but consider them against the feeling she has for her soon to be husband. She's really marrying him for security and company, and it helps that he doesn't want kids and she can no longer have more. She's still holding to Matt's memory and finding it hard to forget him despite that they had a short time together and that he's supposed to be dead. I liked Abby, her fiancée was a real stuffed shirt type – a good person to dislike ! And Matt, well he was just such a lovely caring man.
Its a fun story, a trip down memory lane for me at times and I enjoyed it as a light easy romance. There wasn't a lot of drama and tears, the lows were very tiny dips rather than the deep hollows I love but it was a decent story and the characters felt real. T hat's always important to me.
Its priced at £2.64 for 241 pages/544lb so decent value for the genre. If you like a light-hearted escape for a few hours and a story with a HEA you'll enjoy this. Don't expect deep drama – its not that sort of romance, but is an easy read.
Stars: three and a half.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
I've enjoyed some of Laurie's works before – always a simple easy to read romance with a solid storyline. This one was very similar to the usual, although I did feel some parts were either simplified or perhaps inappropriate for today’s influences. Its clearly set in the 60's/70's – the TV programmes and songs mentioned along with the whole Vietnam issue I recall strongly from my early teen years. The race issue was very different then though, and although its true to what it was like from my memory its doesn't always fit today’s thinking. That struck strongly when Matt meets a black lady on his interview and makes a mental note to introduce her if possible to his black colleague thinking they'll get along. Well, apart from colour he knows nothing about her so??? why would he think that. Still, its a minor crit – I recall the TV prog Love thy Neighbour and that certainly wouldn't pass today, along with many of the very sexist comedies from the time!!
So, Matt decides to look over the situation with his wife, finds out he has a son and everything changes for him. He still has no memory of her other than fragments, but he wants to get to know his son and luckily he's on the spot just as she needs help. It all works well for him, she's a very kind, trusting sort and soon he's living in the house as a sort of guest working for keep while he gets a job. The army will be telling her soon he's alive so he's limited time to work on her, and especially as she's planning a wedding very soon. If he can persuade her to stay with him he needs her to love him as he is now and not as the boy he was. They’re the same, and yet very different people. The sparks between them are still there, and Abby can't help but consider them against the feeling she has for her soon to be husband. She's really marrying him for security and company, and it helps that he doesn't want kids and she can no longer have more. She's still holding to Matt's memory and finding it hard to forget him despite that they had a short time together and that he's supposed to be dead. I liked Abby, her fiancée was a real stuffed shirt type – a good person to dislike ! And Matt, well he was just such a lovely caring man.
Its a fun story, a trip down memory lane for me at times and I enjoyed it as a light easy romance. There wasn't a lot of drama and tears, the lows were very tiny dips rather than the deep hollows I love but it was a decent story and the characters felt real. T hat's always important to me.
Its priced at £2.64 for 241 pages/544lb so decent value for the genre. If you like a light-hearted escape for a few hours and a story with a HEA you'll enjoy this. Don't expect deep drama – its not that sort of romance, but is an easy read.
Stars: three and a half.
March 18, 2015
This is one of those books that snuck in while I was reading other books and took over. I had a really hard time putting the book down and ended up a little disappointed.
"The Memory of You" is about Lt. Matt Foster who was taken prisoner during the Vietnam war. Presumed dead back home, he is released years later with no identity and no memory. Sounds fascinating, doesn't it? Once his identity is established, he learns he has a wife. Certain she has moved on with her life, he decides to let her continue on and he will do the same. His psychologist recommends he at least see her. Heading that advice he pays a visit, only to find out that he has a son as well. Reluctant to leave his child, he keeps his identity a secret (his appearance has changed dramatically over the years - all explained in the book) and ingratiates himself into his forgotten family's life.
While I loved the premise - it lacked in delivery. There were moments that pulled at the heart stings as Matt worked to overcome the trauma of his life as a POW and regain his memories. His wife, Abby, was sympathetic. She was a woman stuck in the past with a memory of a young husband who she deified.
So why only 2 stars? The story just didn't hold up. Yes, I kept reading, waiting for the big reveal - when would Abby find out this man who had infiltrated her life was really her long, lost husband? When it came (in a way I hadn't quite expected to the author's credit) it was a anti-climatic - presented and over too quickly. The whole story was built around this revelation. Within a few pages it was over and what followed just wasn't as interesting.
I also thought the book focused too much on the physical relationship and it didn't feel very romantic. The language IMHO was a bit crass. Maybe men really think in those terms, but I didn't need slang terms or references that, to me, cheapen intimacy.
I wanted to watch as these two people navigated around who they had become and dealt with the trials life had presented. I was disappointed. While that was touched on, the rest of the story became a series of contrived situations that resolved to quickly and with little expected drama. As Matt revealed his true identity (to everyone except his wife) to people, they all just excepted him, patted him on the back and wished him well. No one seemed to have an issue that he kept his identity a secret to begin with!
What could have been a very emotional read ended up being just meh. There was a lot of potential to the premise, I wish it could have been fleshed out more thoroughly.
"The Memory of You" is about Lt. Matt Foster who was taken prisoner during the Vietnam war. Presumed dead back home, he is released years later with no identity and no memory. Sounds fascinating, doesn't it? Once his identity is established, he learns he has a wife. Certain she has moved on with her life, he decides to let her continue on and he will do the same. His psychologist recommends he at least see her. Heading that advice he pays a visit, only to find out that he has a son as well. Reluctant to leave his child, he keeps his identity a secret (his appearance has changed dramatically over the years - all explained in the book) and ingratiates himself into his forgotten family's life.
While I loved the premise - it lacked in delivery. There were moments that pulled at the heart stings as Matt worked to overcome the trauma of his life as a POW and regain his memories. His wife, Abby, was sympathetic. She was a woman stuck in the past with a memory of a young husband who she deified.
So why only 2 stars? The story just didn't hold up. Yes, I kept reading, waiting for the big reveal - when would Abby find out this man who had infiltrated her life was really her long, lost husband? When it came (in a way I hadn't quite expected to the author's credit) it was a anti-climatic - presented and over too quickly. The whole story was built around this revelation. Within a few pages it was over and what followed just wasn't as interesting.
I also thought the book focused too much on the physical relationship and it didn't feel very romantic. The language IMHO was a bit crass. Maybe men really think in those terms, but I didn't need slang terms or references that, to me, cheapen intimacy.
I wanted to watch as these two people navigated around who they had become and dealt with the trials life had presented. I was disappointed. While that was touched on, the rest of the story became a series of contrived situations that resolved to quickly and with little expected drama. As Matt revealed his true identity (to everyone except his wife) to people, they all just excepted him, patted him on the back and wished him well. No one seemed to have an issue that he kept his identity a secret to begin with!
What could have been a very emotional read ended up being just meh. There was a lot of potential to the premise, I wish it could have been fleshed out more thoroughly.
June 13, 2014
The Memory of You is the prequel to the Redemption Series by Laurie Kellogg. It is an excellent book.
Lt. Matthew Foster was in Vietnam and a POW at the Hanoi Hilton for six years. Memories of his life before capture were erased by torture. He has no idea who he is. When asked by the Vietnamese captors, he said he was Paul McCartney or Mac. That was the only name that popped into his head. The years were hard on him and when he was released, he looked much older than he was. The breaking bones in his face made him look even more different. When the military finally figured out who he was, he learned that he had been declared dead. He convinced himself that his wife, learning he was dead, had gone on with her life and it was in her best interest for him to just write a letter and let it go. He has to tell her as her pension from the government will cease. However, he wants to get a glimpse of the woman he supposedly loved.
When he arrives in Redemption, he sees Abby with two little boys and he remembers she was pregnant when he left. He could leave her alone; but he couldn’t desert his children. He also learns that Abby is engaged.
Abby had finally given in after six years of denial that Matt is dead. The last of the POW”S have returned and Matt wasn’t among them. When Mac arrives and saves her son from falling out of a tree, she hires him to paint the house in return for Matt’s motorcycle. She gets flack from her brother and her fiancé about having a strange man around. She ignores them and allows Mac to stay in the guest bedroom and to help her with the boys. Royce is not his son but the son of the next door neighbor, however Mac treats him like his does his own son.
What will happen when Abby finds out the truth? Did she really love Mac or not? Can she love him again as the man he is now? How will the boys act when they find out the truth about Mac?
Lt. Matthew Foster was in Vietnam and a POW at the Hanoi Hilton for six years. Memories of his life before capture were erased by torture. He has no idea who he is. When asked by the Vietnamese captors, he said he was Paul McCartney or Mac. That was the only name that popped into his head. The years were hard on him and when he was released, he looked much older than he was. The breaking bones in his face made him look even more different. When the military finally figured out who he was, he learned that he had been declared dead. He convinced himself that his wife, learning he was dead, had gone on with her life and it was in her best interest for him to just write a letter and let it go. He has to tell her as her pension from the government will cease. However, he wants to get a glimpse of the woman he supposedly loved.
When he arrives in Redemption, he sees Abby with two little boys and he remembers she was pregnant when he left. He could leave her alone; but he couldn’t desert his children. He also learns that Abby is engaged.
Abby had finally given in after six years of denial that Matt is dead. The last of the POW”S have returned and Matt wasn’t among them. When Mac arrives and saves her son from falling out of a tree, she hires him to paint the house in return for Matt’s motorcycle. She gets flack from her brother and her fiancé about having a strange man around. She ignores them and allows Mac to stay in the guest bedroom and to help her with the boys. Royce is not his son but the son of the next door neighbor, however Mac treats him like his does his own son.
What will happen when Abby finds out the truth? Did she really love Mac or not? Can she love him again as the man he is now? How will the boys act when they find out the truth about Mac?
June 26, 2013
Matt was a POW during the Vietnam hen he was finally sent home at the end of six years, he had no memory of his personal life. The torture and lack of food cause Matt to be almost unrecognizable to his loved ones. Matt did not want his wife to know about him right away. He had this notion that Abby would have moved on and be in a "good" place in her life, maybe even remarried. Matt believes he has to know about her and their child before she knows he has returned. A number of incidents can occur with that set up and they did. The emotion portrayed by the main characters was poignant.
I like Laurie Kellogg's writing style. I like her characters and situations that are set up. The Memory of You included the things I like about her writing. The story had a variety of characters and interesting main characters. The story was clear and followed a plot with a distinct beginning, middle and end. The situations, while not humorous were emotional and thoughtful.
However, having said all that, The Memory of You also included a couple of items that I had to suspend reasonability to accept. I was concerned about the time frame and the immediate acceptance that Abby gives to a stranger with her young children. It is important to remember that it was a different time and perhaps people were more open and there is only so much time within a novel from beginning to conclusion.
I will continue to read books in this series and by this author.
I like Laurie Kellogg's writing style. I like her characters and situations that are set up. The Memory of You included the things I like about her writing. The story had a variety of characters and interesting main characters. The story was clear and followed a plot with a distinct beginning, middle and end. The situations, while not humorous were emotional and thoughtful.
However, having said all that, The Memory of You also included a couple of items that I had to suspend reasonability to accept. I was concerned about the time frame and the immediate acceptance that Abby gives to a stranger with her young children. It is important to remember that it was a different time and perhaps people were more open and there is only so much time within a novel from beginning to conclusion.
I will continue to read books in this series and by this author.
June 23, 2013
**Spoilers**
This book is the first I read of Laurie Kellogg's, and is one of my all-time favorites of any author. The story is so poignant and beautiful. I have read it numerous times, and each time I fall a little more in love with Abby, Matt, Tommy and Royce. I hated Rob the first way through and yes only because he was dating Abby and didn't want Matt to live in the house. Somewhere around the 3rd time reading this, though, even he grew on me.
I liked how Matt's memories came back a little at a time, rather than all at once. And each time as Mac he did or said something that reminded Abby of Matt, my heart would squeeze a little bit. And when Matt was in the basement working and could hear Abby and Rob in the living room I wanted to smash my kindle. I couldn't believe she would be with him when she still loved Matt. I'm glad she was never sexually involved with anybody besides Matt. Maybe it's dumb or sappy, but love like that deserved to be held on to. If she had moved on, it would have lessened their love I think.
I have recommended this book to so many people, and will continue to do so. This book is perfect for anybody who likes a great story, wonderful characters, and everlasting love.
This book is the first I read of Laurie Kellogg's, and is one of my all-time favorites of any author. The story is so poignant and beautiful. I have read it numerous times, and each time I fall a little more in love with Abby, Matt, Tommy and Royce. I hated Rob the first way through and yes only because he was dating Abby and didn't want Matt to live in the house. Somewhere around the 3rd time reading this, though, even he grew on me.
I liked how Matt's memories came back a little at a time, rather than all at once. And each time as Mac he did or said something that reminded Abby of Matt, my heart would squeeze a little bit. And when Matt was in the basement working and could hear Abby and Rob in the living room I wanted to smash my kindle. I couldn't believe she would be with him when she still loved Matt. I'm glad she was never sexually involved with anybody besides Matt. Maybe it's dumb or sappy, but love like that deserved to be held on to. If she had moved on, it would have lessened their love I think.
I have recommended this book to so many people, and will continue to do so. This book is perfect for anybody who likes a great story, wonderful characters, and everlasting love.
March 21, 2013
Once upon a time there was a handsome prince, a beautiful princess, and a little boy. Only she wasn't a princess and the prince was a returning Viet Nam POW and not really a prince at all. This book is about a widow raising her son and the amnesiac POW who comes into their lives after being told by the military who he really is and that he has a family.
When you read about Matt's (Mac's) torture during his captivity through his nightmares and flashbacks, you wonder how he was ever able to survive. As Abby's story unfolds you see how a young widow with a young son goes about her daily life raising that son and prepares for a wedding she's not really sure she wants to go through with.
This is a true love story that anyone with a sensitive heart will not be able to put down. You want to know more about Mac when he was Matt. You want Abby to recognize her thought-to-be-dead husband. Mostly you hope that they'll get back together in the end.
And by the way, if you've read the other books in the Return to Redemption series, meet Doc Foster before he became Doc Foster.
When you read about Matt's (Mac's) torture during his captivity through his nightmares and flashbacks, you wonder how he was ever able to survive. As Abby's story unfolds you see how a young widow with a young son goes about her daily life raising that son and prepares for a wedding she's not really sure she wants to go through with.
This is a true love story that anyone with a sensitive heart will not be able to put down. You want to know more about Mac when he was Matt. You want Abby to recognize her thought-to-be-dead husband. Mostly you hope that they'll get back together in the end.
And by the way, if you've read the other books in the Return to Redemption series, meet Doc Foster before he became Doc Foster.
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