Reclaiming His Past

Smoky Mountain Matches #8

by Karen Kirst

No Possessions, No Memories, Not Even a Name!

The wounded stranger found on Jessica O'Malley's property has no idea who he is. And Jessica would be foolish to trust him after being proven so wrong about a former suitor who turned out to be a criminal. But Jessica's wariness toward the newcomer is soon turning to interest…and hope.

Until he knows his true identity, "Grant" can't make a life in this quaint Tennessee town. He certainly shouldn't be thinking so much about the feisty redhead with beautiful, guarded eyes. But even as he fights to keep a distance from Jessica, his feelings for her grow. And he can't help but wonder if he'll want to return to his old life when his past is revealed.

Smoky Mountain Dreams of home and family come true in the Smoky Mountains

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Christian, Love Inspired Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Westerns

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2016

About the author

Karen Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amnesia is a fun and interesting trope as the mystery of a character's unknown past conflicts with their present, holding them back while they are trying to move forward. Grant's appearance is suspicious because of his gunshot, and even though Jessica nurses him back to health, he still has a long way to go to win her trust. His personality is one of a protector, so he naturally falls into the role despite Jessica's resistance. There is great romantic tension throughout the book as they grow closer, and the unfolding mystery brought an element of suspense.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

I enjoyed the final book that strongly featured the O'Malley cousins - eight in all :D

Grant and Jessica had to endure and overcome a lot of emotional turmoil in order to discover their happily ever after. The book also included mystery - suspense aspects, which was also a welcome addition to this western - historical read.

By chance, although I read "The Sheriff's Christmas Twins" (Book 10 of 12 in the series) several years ago and passed it on to my mom several years ago - it is still in her possession, and well, I am borrowing it back.

Looking forward to reading Shane's and Allison's romance next! Thanks for providing me with several weeks worth of summer - time books, Ms. Karen Kirst :) And thank you mom for being a bit of a slower reader - in comparison to me, that is!

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica steps outside of her barn to find a man who has been badly hurt. He barely makes it into the house before collapsing. The doctor questions him and finds he has amnesia from a bad bump to the head. Now Grant, the name they chose for him, is trying to heal physically while he desperately hopes he won't find out he's a criminal. Jessica likes Grant, but can't trust her emotions after a previous suitor fooled her so badly and caused pain for her entire family.

This was a fun read. The characters were entertaining. The tension between the the two main characters fit well with their personalities. This book is in a series, something I was unaware of when I picked the book. But I didn't feel lost or confused by the secondary characters. There were a few little mysteries that made me want to check out the other books in hopes of finding some answers. Overall, this was a sweet, clean Christian romance that fit well with the historical theme. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by this author.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good amnesia story -- and this one is excellent. Especially since it's the hero, 'Grant', who is afflicted. It leaves him uniquely vulnerable and at the mercy of his beautiful rescuer. And don't expect to find out who 'Grant' really is early on in the story -- the author leaves us in the dark until very close to the end. Makes for some great romantic tension. How can 'Grant' pursue Jessica when he knows nothing about his past? He can't help be drawn to her though and an uneasy friendship develops. Love the emotional undercurrents that swirl around the pair.

This is the fifth and last book in the Smokey Mountain Matches series. I've read three -- missed one somewhere along the way. Will have to rectify that. This reads very well as a standalone so no worries if you haven't read the other books. However, the O'Malley siblings all get a chance to shine in Reclaiming His Past which makes this a very satisfying conclusion to a wonderful series.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm very surprised that I didn't love Reclaiming His Past. I usually love amnesia stories, but for some reading the characters in this one didn't connect with me.

I really struggled with it in the beginning and only started to like it near the end (when the story started to pick up, in my opinion). Maybe if I would have read the previous books in this series I would have enjoyed the book more.

I did like the mystery of who he was and if he would ever get his memory back. That was really interesting and probably my favorite part of the story.

All in all, I liked it in the end, as the last third of the book was good.

*I received a complimentary ebook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Hazel Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope this series never end

I love this series, so happy that Jessica O'Malley finally got her prince. Grant was found on the O'Malley farm injured and with no memory of who he was. He felt in his heart that he was a good person but he didn't know. But GOD knew, God looks at our heart. This story had doubt and reluctant on Jessica's part as well as Grant's. Love this author and this series. Hopefully there will be other books based on this town.

[Karen Peale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last OMalley

I have loved this series-The family and the setting. I read a review months ago that made me hesitate to read this book. I'm glad I didn't listen. I will miss this Smokey Mountain series for sure. It developed well, pacing was good and I loved seeing the family come together.

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3 stars, but could have been more with a few tweaks. This was a good story, but needed more . . . and less. More tension, danger, resolution. Less re-telling of events from the past that were spoilers if you haven't read the previous books in the series.

There were faith elements, but they just didn't have enough depth for my taste.

[Mariah H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jessica O’Malley finds a badly wounded stranger on her property, she and her mom nurse him back to health. The trouble is, he doesn’t remember who he is or anything about his life. Is he a good guy or bad? Jessica knows better then to trust a stranger. She did that once and found he was a criminal and she won’t make that mistake again. Not knowing what to call him, they settle on the name Grant. Grant is very drawn to Jessica but until he knows for sure who he is he can’t think of getting involved. As Jessica gets to know Grant her heart begins to soften toward him. He’s so kind and helpful, how can he possibly be a bad guy? They both try to keep their distance but as hard as they try their feelings become deeper and deeper. Although Grant’s frustrated that he can’t remember his past, he’s very happy in Gatlinburg. But what will happen when the truth of who he really is comes to light? Will he stay or will he go?

This is the third book I’ve read by Karen Kirst and I have really come to love her stories. The O’Malley’s are such an endearing family and very close knit. They fiercely love and protect each other and live by a high standard. You can’t help but enjoy being with them. This author writes romantic tension really well, which I think makes a great story even better. The pull you feel between Jessica and Grant was tangible. I love how they interacted together. Jessica seemed kinda stiff at times but I also understood why she would be that way. I enjoyed the whole mystery surrounding Grant and getting to know him right along with Jessica. I thought it was neat how all the folks had a strong faith as their foundation and yet they struggled with issues just like we do, which makes them easy to relate to. I also appreciated the reminder that hiding God’s word in your heart never returns void. You see that in Grant. Although he’s lost his memory, the verses that he learned as a child surfaced easily. This is the last book in the O’Malley’s series (mentioned in the author’s note at the end) which makes me sad. I have thoroughly enjoyed the ones I’ve read and look forward to reading the ones I’ve missed. That said, the epilogue seemed to bring reader up to date on everyone, which was a nice touch and once again made me want to go back and read them in order. I would definitely recommend making ‘Reclaiming His Past’ one of your future reads!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A favorite moment:
His sure hands slowly skimmed her bare arms, creating chilled bumps in their wake, curving around her shoulders until finding her nape. He gave a gentle tug. Anchoring her against his chest, the railing and inconvenient barrier between them, Grant brought his mouth down on hers. Branding her as his. She slid her hands up the muscles of his back, reveling in his strength, the broadness of his chest cradling her, the taut security of his arms enfolding her.

For more information about this book or other books by Karen Kirst, I recommend you visit her website at http://www.karenkirst.com.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is 1885 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, when Jessica O'Malley finds a man on her farm, beaten and with no memory. As he recuperates, choosing the name of Grant Parker, she finds herself caring for him but unable to trust due to a past betrayal. Grant, in turn, finds himself caring for Jessica but, not knowing his past, unwilling to pursue a relationship.

The idea of amnesia has long fascinated me and since reading a nonfiction memoir of amnesia, fiction that incorporates it in the storyline really appeals to me. Combine it with historical fiction, and I am halfway to being hooked before the story even starts. That said, I had some issues with the believability of Grant's amnesia. His amnesia seemed to play out a bit too coincidentally or conveniently at times, though I did appreciate when it was not. Having an event occur that a Grant hopes will spark memories, but does not, was a great choice.

While Grant's situation and Julia's slowly unfurling history of a past relationship that turned bad and clouded her life are interesting, it was when, on more than one occasion, Jessica and Grant volley theories back and forth over who he might be that I really fell for this story and these characters. The exchanges are humorous and I found them to be endearing. I also appreciated the little moments, like a one on one conversation when she finds him strumming a guitar on the porch, and how they both seek God almost from the very beginning of the story.

Events like the chestnut picking trip are wonderful details that incorporate aspects of life in the appalachians during that era, but these aspect were a bit hard to picture. It is likely that the length of the book, though it is part of the appeal these Harlequin Love Inspired Historicals have for me, hampered the author's ability to include more detailed descriptions.

An honorable hero, a traumatized heroine, her protective family, and a suspicious sheriff all come together for a pleasant, quick read. Though not without issues, the faith of the main characters and the slow building of trust and relationship are part of what makes this an enjoyable story.

This review refers to a review ebook copy read for free courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This is a slightly shortened version of the review on my Wordpress blog: http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-OV

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. I thought the other books in this series were great. I totally loved this book that ends the Smoky Mountain Matches books. I hope we do get to revisit some of these characters in books about the townspeople that the author mentioned a desire to write.

Jessica has lost her ability to trust men. She's been deceived and her heart broken beyond repair. When she finds an injured man outside of her house, she isn't happy at all when her mother insists he must stay while he heals.

Having no memory of his past, the man they decide to call Grant has his work cut out for him. He's attracted to the feisty little red head, but he knows it will only cause problems when he remembers who he is and if he already belongs to someone else. Jessica finds a bag containing clothes and a Bible with the name G. Parker. So they decide on the name Grant and start trying to figure out who he is. She's sure he'll end up being an outlaw or such but has trouble continuing to believe this when his actions are so different than an outlaw would be. But she's been fooled before. And she's got her family, mostly her sisters and cousins there to remind her of her bad choices before. Will Grant ever remember who he is and what happened?

The story was wonderful. I've really enjoyed this series and the work that Karen Kirst put into these wonderful characters.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story filled with drama and puzzles, mystery, and faith that carries through all the struggles and the unknown.
The amnesia Grant is suffering from, brought both worry and humor into the tale. When a wounded stranger shows up to your door, it is with a weary mind and distress Jessica opens her home to him.
I enjoyed the few joyful moments, when they are coming up with the stories what could be Grant's past. But the constant worry of the reality, the fragile balance they were holding on to, that he could be a good guy, as well as bad, keeps the worry at the front and center.
Jessica has her own troubles, from her past relationship, that she still struggles with. The guilt and shame eating her up inside out.
While Grant is healing, they work side by side on the farm, getting to know each other, learning to trust each other. He obviously good character becomes clear to everyone.
The author paints a lovely picture of the everyday life in the little mountain town, the people, the families form a tight unit, supporting, guarding, and protecting each other. The story is not just an adorable, love story, but a great reminder that faith does carry us in the dark moments of our lives, and that God sees us, takes care of us, and has a plan for each one of us.
A touching story, filled with appealing characters, charming small town living, and love in many forms
~ Four Spoons

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Good clean romance. Lots of drama, mystery in this Love Inspired Historical. This is the last book about the O'Malleys.

The plot is a wounded stranger is found on Jessica O'Malley. Jessica is not too trusting of his not remembering anything. Her mother makes him welcome. Grant does not even know his name and the name is one he chose.

Grant has to figure out what he believes. If he is married, good or a bad guy. He hates being dependent on the O'Malleys.


Jessica is the last single O'Malley. She helps her mother run the farm and is a wonderful baker. She feels guilty about her last boyfriend.

There are a lot of characters from other books that show up in Reclaiming his Past. I have only read a couple of books in the series but it is always nice to see what their lives are like now. I would like to read the whole series in order.

I never knew that chestnuts were that much work to harvest and roast.

I was given this ebook to read for free by Harlequin and NetGalley. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Reclaiming His Past.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reclaiming His Past a Smoky Mountain Matches series by Karen Kirst. A stranger ends up on Jessica and Alice O'Malley's property. He was stabbed and beaten. He can't remember who he is or anything about himself. Jessica and her mother, Alice take him in. The man and Jessica came up with a name for him. Grant Parker. Jessica and Grant end up having feeling for each other, but Grant knows he can't get close to Jessica because he knows nothing about his past. If married with children or what he did for a living. Things come back a little at a time. His friend finds him and tells him he has a younger brother. The brother comes to visit and take Grant back home with him. A very good read to find out what happens in Grants life.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Especially after seeing her heartache in Jane's story, I was looking forward to reading Jessica's. I like how an unexpected friendship with 'Grant' (the injured amnesiac man who turned up on the O'Malley property) helped her move beyond the guilt she felt at her gullibility when it came to a previous relationship.
I also liked how 'Grant' sought to figure out who he was, that he was concerned he wasn't a good person, but that he truly WANTED to be good.
I also liked how they both tried to honour God with a friendship, even as they battled feelings they weren't free to explore as long as 'Grant' did not remember who he was.
There were definitely some heartbreaking parts, but all in all, I enjoyed the story.
3.5 stars

[Alisha Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

loved reading smoky mountain matches series about the o'malleys family. enjoy this with its realistic amensia situation of grants n recovering from grieve n guilt of Jessicas. would love to read stories about Grant's brother Aarons story n the woman that captures his heart n Sofies brother will n the mysterious cafe owners has me curious as to their backstory n the cafe waitress. so do not want to leave gaitlinburg its a fun visiting this community

[Kirsty Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete sucker for romances which include the element of amnesia, not to mention my deep love for Westerns, this first book by Karen Kirst did not disappoint. Weaving a believable and compelling love story, along with an earnest sense of family, the spiritual lessons were also seamlessly embedded and relatable. A very enjoyable read!

[Lynsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved.

[Crystal Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I've enjoyed the entire series (some more than others), and this book was one of my favorites from it.

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: Smoky Mountain Matches

[Candice Domerese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, quick read with a sweet ending.