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Memory House #3
What the Heart Remembers
CAN YOU TRULY TRUST THE MEMORIES OF YOUR HEART?
Max Martinelli spent her junior year of college in Paris, and fell in love. Julien was a wickedly handsome young man who was crazy in love with her, or so she thought. He was a free-spirited artist and she an aspiring architect—impressionable, young, and standing on the brink of womanhood.
That was over three years ago but the memory of him still haunts her. Max’s life is stuck on hold because she can’t stop wondering what would have happened if she had gone back. Was Julien simply part of the magic of Paris? Or was he meant to be her destiny?
After a New Year’s Eve party that ends in disaster and bad dreams, Max decides to find out once and for all. She is going to return to Paris and search for Julien. But will her search bring forever after happiness or a truth so ugly it will change her life forever?
What the Heart Remembers is Book 3 in the Memory House Series
Max Martinelli spent her junior year of college in Paris, and fell in love. Julien was a wickedly handsome young man who was crazy in love with her, or so she thought. He was a free-spirited artist and she an aspiring architect—impressionable, young, and standing on the brink of womanhood.
That was over three years ago but the memory of him still haunts her. Max’s life is stuck on hold because she can’t stop wondering what would have happened if she had gone back. Was Julien simply part of the magic of Paris? Or was he meant to be her destiny?
After a New Year’s Eve party that ends in disaster and bad dreams, Max decides to find out once and for all. She is going to return to Paris and search for Julien. But will her search bring forever after happiness or a truth so ugly it will change her life forever?
What the Heart Remembers is Book 3 in the Memory House Series
250 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2015
249 people are currently reading
1337 people want to read
About the author
Bette Lee Crosby
42 books2,187 followersUSA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby's books are "Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances." - Midwest Book Review
The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby's writing is, "A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures."
Samantha from Reader's Favorite raves, "Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down."
"Storytelling is in my blood," Crosby laughingly admits, "My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write."
It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win twenty awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President's Book Award Gold Medal, Reader's Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer's Choice Award.
Crosby's published works to date are: Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee's Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011). A Cupid inspired romance, Wishing for Wonderful, is scheduled for release in November 2014 and Book Three of The Wyattsville Series, Passing through Perfect, will be be available in January 2015.
The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby's writing is, "A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures."
Samantha from Reader's Favorite raves, "Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down."
"Storytelling is in my blood," Crosby laughingly admits, "My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write."
It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win twenty awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President's Book Award Gold Medal, Reader's Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer's Choice Award.
Crosby's published works to date are: Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee's Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011). A Cupid inspired romance, Wishing for Wonderful, is scheduled for release in November 2014 and Book Three of The Wyattsville Series, Passing through Perfect, will be be available in January 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 9, 2015
Spending New Year’s Eve with people who she’d thought were friends, Maxine Martinelli quite suddenly realized she’d grown apart from those old college friends. They had nothing in common any longer – her life now as an architect; designing, gaining customers – made her happy. But her friendship with Annie and Ophelia from Memory House was the best thing that had happened to her in a long while. A year she had known Annie – they had become as close as sisters; it had been the best year of her life.
But Max was not as happy as she seemed. Three years previously she had been in Paris. She had met a young artist by the name of Julien – they had fallen in love and been blissfully happy for a little while. But when Max had to return to the States, she didn’t dream that Julien wouldn’t contact her. She had heard nothing; not an email, letter or phone call in three years. She was concerned – Max needed to know Julien was alright.
Even with Annie advising her against it, Max booked a holiday for Paris. Ten days she would be there, and she would search for Julien until she found him. She needed to know if he was the love of her life; her future – if not, she would move on with her life. Close the door on those Paris memories and concentrate on her future.
What would happen to Max in Paris? Would she find Julien and discover the truth? Would she recreate the memories of her past? Or would new memories find her? Was Max destined for happiness?
What the Heart Remembers by author Bette Lee Crosby is #3 in the Memory House series, and another great addition. With the story centred mainly on Max, there was still the interaction of Annie, new husband Oliver and of course Ophelia. I thoroughly enjoyed tripping through the streets of Paris with Max, well known to be the city of love. A highly recommendable series!
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read and review.
But Max was not as happy as she seemed. Three years previously she had been in Paris. She had met a young artist by the name of Julien – they had fallen in love and been blissfully happy for a little while. But when Max had to return to the States, she didn’t dream that Julien wouldn’t contact her. She had heard nothing; not an email, letter or phone call in three years. She was concerned – Max needed to know Julien was alright.
Even with Annie advising her against it, Max booked a holiday for Paris. Ten days she would be there, and she would search for Julien until she found him. She needed to know if he was the love of her life; her future – if not, she would move on with her life. Close the door on those Paris memories and concentrate on her future.
What would happen to Max in Paris? Would she find Julien and discover the truth? Would she recreate the memories of her past? Or would new memories find her? Was Max destined for happiness?
What the Heart Remembers by author Bette Lee Crosby is #3 in the Memory House series, and another great addition. With the story centred mainly on Max, there was still the interaction of Annie, new husband Oliver and of course Ophelia. I thoroughly enjoyed tripping through the streets of Paris with Max, well known to be the city of love. A highly recommendable series!
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read and review.
December 29, 2016
Maxine, otherwise known as Max, catches up with some old friends at a New Year’s Eve party. She realises she no longer has anything in common with them. Her friendships centre more now around Annie and Ophelia. That night Max has a dream about Julien, an artist she met and fell in love with three years earlier. Despite promises of love, he never got in touch after Max came home from Paris. Now suddenly she is convinced something must have happened to him and that she needs to find him. Annie and Ophelia are not convinced she should try and find Julien or that it will work out as Max hopes.
I must admit there were times in this book I became very frustrated and annoyed with Max for not seeing what was plainly obvious to others, not only with Julien but also with Andrew, Oliver’s law partner. I did enjoy though the tour of Paris and other areas of France with Max and yes, again there were a few teary moments. I did think the last chapter from Ophelia’s point of view seemed to wrap thing up in a bit of a rush, but that is only a minor quibble in what is once again a delightful story with likeable characters, except for a couple of notable exceptions. Another extremely readable book from someone who is becoming a favourite author.
I must admit there were times in this book I became very frustrated and annoyed with Max for not seeing what was plainly obvious to others, not only with Julien but also with Andrew, Oliver’s law partner. I did enjoy though the tour of Paris and other areas of France with Max and yes, again there were a few teary moments. I did think the last chapter from Ophelia’s point of view seemed to wrap thing up in a bit of a rush, but that is only a minor quibble in what is once again a delightful story with likeable characters, except for a couple of notable exceptions. Another extremely readable book from someone who is becoming a favourite author.
November 17, 2015
A special thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My favorite cover in the Memory Collection.
Annie, Oliver, and Ophelia return with old friends, and familiar faces from previous books, orchestrated by Southern storyteller, Bette Lee Crosby with another story "from the heart" with Memory House #3, WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS —a place of old memories, a past, new memories, expectations, a life journey.
Bette always takes you on a magical, enchanting adventure, with a hidden message, (sprinkled with romance), assured to warm your heart and spirit. The journey may be rocky, and hard to climb; however, the end destination is worth the while. From the stunning front cover. A mysterious suitcase. Magical Paris. A past. A special tea. Connections. Memories. Second Chances. Life chapters. Baggage. New Romance. And a suitcase yet to be unpacked.
What if the suitcase represents where you put your past memories. Or where you close behind the bad, to make room for future dreams?
"Finding the memories left behind by other people, is like opening Pandora’s Box. There is simply no way of telling the good from the bad, until you are holding it in your hand, and it may too late," as we have seen from past books.
We pick from the previous book- Oliver could not remember the days he spent in the coma—when he heard Annie reading from his dad’s book, he started to remember. Annie helped him and she remembers for him. She had faith and persistence. After the accident that nearly took Oliver’s life, a fear has settled in her heart, as she always worries.
She has much to be excited about. She is planning a New Year’s Eve party at Memory House, with friends as close as family. In addition, a baby on the way for Annie and Oliver-- Ophelia is over the moon, predicting a girl.
Annie has a best friend, Max in need of assistance. She does not wish for her friend to continue hurting over some lost loser guy. (like her own experience with Michael). As she knows all to well, you cannot see the problem until you have the courage to walk way, and possibly again when they come begging saying they will change. Max is stuck in the past. Julien is not a part of her life; however, he is in her heart, keeping her from having a life.
It is time for Ophelia and Annie to work their magic! Ophelia Brown is ninety-one-year-old, a miracle in itself. She had expected to be long gone. She spent most of her ninetieth year waiting to die. Now she wishes she had the year back. Instead of worrying about dying. She could be celebrating the fact she was still living.
Expectations. You imagine something will be one way, and it turns out differently, you’re disappointed. When she Ophelia left the Memory House, she expected to leave other people’s memories behind. She thought giving Annie the house meant all the magic would go with it, but she was wrong. Annie has her own magic. Different than hers.
Simple memories. The saddest memories are the ones that will not let go. The kind Annie’s friend Maxine carries around day and night. Max thinks those memories are happy, but they are not. Handsome men with flashy smiles blind a girl to the truth, and that’s what has happened to her. She needs to find a way to rid herself of those memories. All because of her expectations. Is she blind to something new which could come her way?
Three years ago Max Martinelli, left Paris and returned to America. She thought and Julien Marceau would follow a month or two later. It did not go as expected. She spent her junior year of college in beautiful Paris- a city which draws you back.
Now, it is New Years, Eve, 2014 and Max recalls the New Year’s Eve in Paris. A New Year. New dreams. She is determined to return to Paris, and search for Julien. A man she has not heard from since leaving Paris. Was he her destiny? She closes her mind to new possibilities. Her friend Annie discouraged her. Max needs to know if he was the love of her life; her future – if not, she would move on with her life. Close the door, on those Paris memories and concentrate on her future. Julien has a way of taking and not giving. (for sure)!
Max has expectations. Marriage, family, work. Julien is not a part of this world. Max wonders what happened to him? She is on her way to Paris. She has pictured how they will meet again and he will return with her to America.
Did he steal three years of her life, and possibly more? One disaster after another. How could she be so foolish? When she decides it will cost her too much for another plane ticket, she decides to stay the week. A heart cannot learn to heal until it knows it’s been broken. She can try to replace the painful memories with better ones. Will she be weak and pulled back into the lies of deceit, or stronger this time around?
A stranger. An acquaintance. A friend of a friend. Her wallet has been stolen. She has been robbed. She needs money. A miracle worker. A surprise. She feels ridiculous, why she came to Paris. Little does she know what she will uncover?
Max wants to try and find her memories and live them. Some doors are better left closed. Her heart remembers what it does but, Max soon learns that her heart can make new memories, too.
With some special memorable surprises for Annie and Oliver, as well as Ophelia, and a peak into the next chapter of memories with Cheryl. Ophelia knows the details will come soon. Leading us to Memory House #4 Baby Girl.
There can be no us until her heart has rid of him.
Since the days of Forrest Gump, “My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” –Forrest.
There is always a suitcase of new memories, and a box of chocolates waiting somewhere. However, sometimes we look in all the wrong places, when it may be in front of us. What are the memories we carry each day? The past, present, and future. No matter the suitcase. There are decisions. A path. A choice. What do you want to put in your suitcase? There is limited space in our life suitcase. Our heart often remembers or hangs on to something-never meant to be. A past. Clouding our path for new experiences.
A quote comes to mind: "Good memories are lighter. Easier to carry. Troublesome memories are heavier. They wear you down. If you pack too much from your past, you will not allow enough room for your future."
If you have not read the other books in the series, highly recommend--a box of treasures. Thank you Bette, for another special memorable thought-provoking journey. No one can tell a story like Bette! As always, I find myself bookmarking numerous pages with stunning prose and quotes, with characters, lingering in your thoughts, until their next welcoming visit.
Ironically, WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS, is a special book, with its timing. Taking us to Paris, representative of the good and the bad, as we continue to pray for those in need, in light of the most recent tragedy.
JDCMustReadBooks
Annie, Oliver, and Ophelia return with old friends, and familiar faces from previous books, orchestrated by Southern storyteller, Bette Lee Crosby with another story "from the heart" with Memory House #3, WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS —a place of old memories, a past, new memories, expectations, a life journey.
Bette always takes you on a magical, enchanting adventure, with a hidden message, (sprinkled with romance), assured to warm your heart and spirit. The journey may be rocky, and hard to climb; however, the end destination is worth the while. From the stunning front cover. A mysterious suitcase. Magical Paris. A past. A special tea. Connections. Memories. Second Chances. Life chapters. Baggage. New Romance. And a suitcase yet to be unpacked.
What if the suitcase represents where you put your past memories. Or where you close behind the bad, to make room for future dreams?
"Finding the memories left behind by other people, is like opening Pandora’s Box. There is simply no way of telling the good from the bad, until you are holding it in your hand, and it may too late," as we have seen from past books.
We pick from the previous book- Oliver could not remember the days he spent in the coma—when he heard Annie reading from his dad’s book, he started to remember. Annie helped him and she remembers for him. She had faith and persistence. After the accident that nearly took Oliver’s life, a fear has settled in her heart, as she always worries.
She has much to be excited about. She is planning a New Year’s Eve party at Memory House, with friends as close as family. In addition, a baby on the way for Annie and Oliver-- Ophelia is over the moon, predicting a girl.
Annie has a best friend, Max in need of assistance. She does not wish for her friend to continue hurting over some lost loser guy. (like her own experience with Michael). As she knows all to well, you cannot see the problem until you have the courage to walk way, and possibly again when they come begging saying they will change. Max is stuck in the past. Julien is not a part of her life; however, he is in her heart, keeping her from having a life.
It is time for Ophelia and Annie to work their magic! Ophelia Brown is ninety-one-year-old, a miracle in itself. She had expected to be long gone. She spent most of her ninetieth year waiting to die. Now she wishes she had the year back. Instead of worrying about dying. She could be celebrating the fact she was still living.
Expectations. You imagine something will be one way, and it turns out differently, you’re disappointed. When she Ophelia left the Memory House, she expected to leave other people’s memories behind. She thought giving Annie the house meant all the magic would go with it, but she was wrong. Annie has her own magic. Different than hers.
Simple memories. The saddest memories are the ones that will not let go. The kind Annie’s friend Maxine carries around day and night. Max thinks those memories are happy, but they are not. Handsome men with flashy smiles blind a girl to the truth, and that’s what has happened to her. She needs to find a way to rid herself of those memories. All because of her expectations. Is she blind to something new which could come her way?
Three years ago Max Martinelli, left Paris and returned to America. She thought and Julien Marceau would follow a month or two later. It did not go as expected. She spent her junior year of college in beautiful Paris- a city which draws you back.
Now, it is New Years, Eve, 2014 and Max recalls the New Year’s Eve in Paris. A New Year. New dreams. She is determined to return to Paris, and search for Julien. A man she has not heard from since leaving Paris. Was he her destiny? She closes her mind to new possibilities. Her friend Annie discouraged her. Max needs to know if he was the love of her life; her future – if not, she would move on with her life. Close the door, on those Paris memories and concentrate on her future. Julien has a way of taking and not giving. (for sure)!
Max has expectations. Marriage, family, work. Julien is not a part of this world. Max wonders what happened to him? She is on her way to Paris. She has pictured how they will meet again and he will return with her to America.
Did he steal three years of her life, and possibly more? One disaster after another. How could she be so foolish? When she decides it will cost her too much for another plane ticket, she decides to stay the week. A heart cannot learn to heal until it knows it’s been broken. She can try to replace the painful memories with better ones. Will she be weak and pulled back into the lies of deceit, or stronger this time around?
A stranger. An acquaintance. A friend of a friend. Her wallet has been stolen. She has been robbed. She needs money. A miracle worker. A surprise. She feels ridiculous, why she came to Paris. Little does she know what she will uncover?
Max wants to try and find her memories and live them. Some doors are better left closed. Her heart remembers what it does but, Max soon learns that her heart can make new memories, too.
“Overcoming unrealistic expectation is almost impossible without some sort of help, but that’s something people need to find for themselves. The tea of truth. To enable a person to make wise decisions. The traveler’s tea. Some people do not want to know the truth. They go through life with expectations. The truth gets in the way. Sometimes simply having a belief in something is all a person needs.” Ophelia
With some special memorable surprises for Annie and Oliver, as well as Ophelia, and a peak into the next chapter of memories with Cheryl. Ophelia knows the details will come soon. Leading us to Memory House #4 Baby Girl.
“Nothing in this life is guaranteed. Nothing. The things you love are like the puffs of a dandelion weed; they grown wild and happen as they will. You pluck a dandelion puff from the ground and hold on to it thinking you own it, but when the wind blows it’s gone and all you can do is stand there looking at the emptiness of your hand.“
There can be no us until her heart has rid of him.
Since the days of Forrest Gump, “My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” –Forrest.
There is always a suitcase of new memories, and a box of chocolates waiting somewhere. However, sometimes we look in all the wrong places, when it may be in front of us. What are the memories we carry each day? The past, present, and future. No matter the suitcase. There are decisions. A path. A choice. What do you want to put in your suitcase? There is limited space in our life suitcase. Our heart often remembers or hangs on to something-never meant to be. A past. Clouding our path for new experiences.
A quote comes to mind: "Good memories are lighter. Easier to carry. Troublesome memories are heavier. They wear you down. If you pack too much from your past, you will not allow enough room for your future."
If you have not read the other books in the series, highly recommend--a box of treasures. Thank you Bette, for another special memorable thought-provoking journey. No one can tell a story like Bette! As always, I find myself bookmarking numerous pages with stunning prose and quotes, with characters, lingering in your thoughts, until their next welcoming visit.
Ironically, WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS, is a special book, with its timing. Taking us to Paris, representative of the good and the bad, as we continue to pray for those in need, in light of the most recent tragedy.
JDCMustReadBooks
April 15, 2016
Max fell hard for a young man in Paris and when she journeyed home, she expected that he would be arriving behind her. Julien never showed, called, or emailed. For three years, she has struggled with unanswered questions and perhaps romanized the young man. She decides to take ten days to return to Paris, find Julien, and hopes to rekindle what was. As we grow older, we learn from experience you can never go back. As a result, we see Max struggle, deny and go through growth during her adventures.
It was hard seeing another side of Max in What the Heart Remembers. She was very strong and confident when we first met her in The Loft. I even had hopes of a haters to lovers’ romance with another character. However, Crosby did a wonderful job of portraying the many sides of Max. How many of us seem confident to the outside world, as we struggle with insecurities behind closed doors.
Crosby gives us the perspective of a few characters. Those of Max, Julien and a young woman now involved with Julien. I was not a fan of Julien from the onset because of how he ended things. My opinion only got worse, and I wanted to slap Max silly especially when an unexpected twist occurred, but this is a story about growth and ultimately I closed the book smiling. Max's trip wasn't at all what she expected and I loved how Crosby took it from dark to light.
There is a subtle and sweet romance that develops in What the Heart Remembers and it was my favorite aspect of the story.
While each of the books in the Memory House are designed to work as standalone I think they are best read in order. We see characters throughout the series and get updates, make connection and ties threads together creating the best reading experience if read in order. While not my favorite book, What the Heart Remembers had moments that made me joyful.
Copy provided by author. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
It was hard seeing another side of Max in What the Heart Remembers. She was very strong and confident when we first met her in The Loft. I even had hopes of a haters to lovers’ romance with another character. However, Crosby did a wonderful job of portraying the many sides of Max. How many of us seem confident to the outside world, as we struggle with insecurities behind closed doors.
Crosby gives us the perspective of a few characters. Those of Max, Julien and a young woman now involved with Julien. I was not a fan of Julien from the onset because of how he ended things. My opinion only got worse, and I wanted to slap Max silly especially when an unexpected twist occurred, but this is a story about growth and ultimately I closed the book smiling. Max's trip wasn't at all what she expected and I loved how Crosby took it from dark to light.
There is a subtle and sweet romance that develops in What the Heart Remembers and it was my favorite aspect of the story.
While each of the books in the Memory House are designed to work as standalone I think they are best read in order. We see characters throughout the series and get updates, make connection and ties threads together creating the best reading experience if read in order. While not my favorite book, What the Heart Remembers had moments that made me joyful.
Copy provided by author. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
November 15, 2015
another enjoyable read from Bette Lee Crosby! As with her other books, I had a hard time putting this one down and only did since I was falling asleep....but I finished it this morning.
This story focuses on Maxine (Max) and a man she left in Paris, not knowing what happened to him over the last 3 years and has decided she needs to go back and find him and see if he was all that she remembered. So Max makes her way to Paris where she falls victim to the pick pockets that are notorious for targeting tourists. Of all the places to finally find Julien, it is right after the attack. He is quite surprised to see her and it dredges up memories of their time together.
The tale is woven with past memories and the present day happenings. And of course no story in the Memory House series would be the same without a tea blend.
The author has a way of drawing me in to her stories that I feel like I am there with the characters. I'm lucky to have visited Paris so am familiar with some of landmarks mentioned, and that brought back my own memories. There is a romance that brews, perhaps one you can see coming, but it is still fun to read and discover with these Max and her fella.
If you haven't read the first two books in this series, I suggest reading them first to get a better feeling for the characters - Ophelia, Annie, Oliver and even Max.
This story focuses on Maxine (Max) and a man she left in Paris, not knowing what happened to him over the last 3 years and has decided she needs to go back and find him and see if he was all that she remembered. So Max makes her way to Paris where she falls victim to the pick pockets that are notorious for targeting tourists. Of all the places to finally find Julien, it is right after the attack. He is quite surprised to see her and it dredges up memories of their time together.
The tale is woven with past memories and the present day happenings. And of course no story in the Memory House series would be the same without a tea blend.
The author has a way of drawing me in to her stories that I feel like I am there with the characters. I'm lucky to have visited Paris so am familiar with some of landmarks mentioned, and that brought back my own memories. There is a romance that brews, perhaps one you can see coming, but it is still fun to read and discover with these Max and her fella.
If you haven't read the first two books in this series, I suggest reading them first to get a better feeling for the characters - Ophelia, Annie, Oliver and even Max.
November 19, 2015
REVIEW: WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS by Bette Lee Crosby
[The Memory House Collection #3]
Generally I don't turn to women's fiction. Author Bette Lee Crosby, however, may change that. She has a special way with writing and characters that makes a reader wish to read on and on. Since she is so prolific, a reader set on reading only her books has plenty of entertainment to last a while.
WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS is the third entry in the very special MEMORY HOUSE COLLECTION, following MEMORY HOUSE and THE LOFT. The Memory House is a fantastical place, a residence, but also a repository, and whoever is the current resident is tasked to locate misplaced memories for certain individuals. In WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS, young Max needs to know if the memories of her Paris love Julien are true--and if Julien himself is true of heart and character.
Come fall in love--with the magical, mysterious, fabulous Memory House.
[The Memory House Collection #3]
Generally I don't turn to women's fiction. Author Bette Lee Crosby, however, may change that. She has a special way with writing and characters that makes a reader wish to read on and on. Since she is so prolific, a reader set on reading only her books has plenty of entertainment to last a while.
WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS is the third entry in the very special MEMORY HOUSE COLLECTION, following MEMORY HOUSE and THE LOFT. The Memory House is a fantastical place, a residence, but also a repository, and whoever is the current resident is tasked to locate misplaced memories for certain individuals. In WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS, young Max needs to know if the memories of her Paris love Julien are true--and if Julien himself is true of heart and character.
Come fall in love--with the magical, mysterious, fabulous Memory House.
October 21, 2015
This is book 3 in the Memory House series. This book is about memories - the memories that Max has for her first love in Paris. She has so many memories of him that she is unable to live her life to the fullest so she decides to go back to Paris to find him. The book is about Max's journey to re-live her memories -- can she find what she thinks she has lost or is her memory different from the reality? This is a great page turner and a beautiful book about Paris. The author does a fantastic job of describing the streets of Paris and some of the various tourist destinations. Another plus is that we get to once again spend time with Ophelia and Annie from books one and two of the series. Even though I have really enjoyed this series, this book was my favorite. My recommendation is to read them all- its a great series.
February 24, 2016
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. Bette Lee Crosby is one of my favorite authors and she always delivers a great read!
This book centers around Max, who we met in a previous book. She has been in love (obsessed, really) with a man she met in Paris and decides to go back to see if she (and he) still has feelings for him/her. I'm not giving away the plot, so this is as far as I go. Let me just say that she has many wonderful and a few not so wonderful experiences in Paris. Bette's descriptions are spot on (since she's visited there) and her plot is amazing. I couldn't put it down! I will also go back to read it again periodically because it's that good.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC. In addition, however, I purchased this book for myself to keep and read again.
This book centers around Max, who we met in a previous book. She has been in love (obsessed, really) with a man she met in Paris and decides to go back to see if she (and he) still has feelings for him/her. I'm not giving away the plot, so this is as far as I go. Let me just say that she has many wonderful and a few not so wonderful experiences in Paris. Bette's descriptions are spot on (since she's visited there) and her plot is amazing. I couldn't put it down! I will also go back to read it again periodically because it's that good.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC. In addition, however, I purchased this book for myself to keep and read again.
November 17, 2015
A magical page turner. This is the third book in the Memory House series. It enhances the other two books but follows Max as she heads to Paris to find her lost love. Once in Paris she hits one road block after another. Trying to find and relive her heart's memories proves more difficult than she thought. Her heart remembers what it does but, Max soon learns that her heart can make new and wonderful memories too. Especially with the help of Ophelia and Annie. Bette has once again woven a magical story of love and hope that will wrap itself around your heart.
November 12, 2015
Bette is a truly gifted story teller !! Each new book in this series ( all her books really are like that ) you fall in love with all the new people added to the story and dislike of some others but you can still feel the pain of all even the ones that may have turned out not quite like you thought they would be , did they miss the chance for forever love , you will have to read to find out. This book won't disappoint you , I can't wait for the next book in the series :)
November 16, 2015
I just love the Memory House series! This is book three in the series and each book gets better and better. Bette will take you on a magical journey to Paris as Max tries to find her lost love Julien. She runs into problem after problem. The book is very well written and will draw you in from the very beginning and keep you guessing until the very end. This is my new favorite in the series and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 29, 2016
This may have been my favorite Memory House book thus far. Sweet, charming, a little magical...and it take place in Paris. Sigh. I really liked Max. All of Bette Lee's characters are so well done, so interesting, and the foreign setting added such flavor to the story. I could taste the wine, the exotic dishes, picture the beautiful French countryside. Ah. Really well done. Highly recommended!
February 15, 2017
Did you ever have a lost love that you wanted to searching for? Well Mex was in Paris and met Julienne and they bought they were in love him a budding artist her an architect, but Max left for the United States she thought Julienne would follow, but after three years and a broken heart she flies to Paris to try to reunite with him, when she does she is robbed and hi is part of that, she him for what he s , she runs into an old acquaintance Andrew who is there on business, she is down on her luck because of being robbed , Andrew is glad to help her, well the next few days are magical and they are falling in love, Julienne comes to ask for her back and she rejects him and reevaluates ( with a special tea) that she wants Andrew! She flies home with Andrew and happy to share her love with Annie that she has a wonderful life ahead of her in wyattsville! Can't wait to read more of Bette Lees books !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2016
Ophelia sees the sadness in Annie’s friend Max. Max thinks her memories of Julien are happy memories, but Ophelia knows otherwise, “If she doesn’t find a way to rid herself of those memories, she’s in for a sorry life.”
Max doesn’t want to find a romantic interest. She still loves Julien and imagines the worst has happened to him. Convinced he would have come to the U.S. as promised, it’s the only thing that makes sense to her. When she tells Annie she is going to go to Paris to find Julien, Annie tries to discourage her. Max is determined to find her true love, but it turns out it isn’t who she expects to find.
While reading of the experiences Max endures in Paris, there were times I wanted to shake some sense into her, and other times I just wanted to comfort her. Her unrequited love for Julien drove her to find him, but when she did, was her feeling for him justified? Will she ever find true love, and will it be with Julien or someone else?
Crosby creates a sense of suspense when Max is knocked down. This mysterious turn of events with Julien coming to Max’s rescue, and then later when she discovers her wallet and cell phone missing, leaves a lot of questions to be answered.
I recommend that you read Memory House (Book One) and The Loft (Book Two) before reading What the Heart Remembers (Book Three). The books in the Memory House Collection lead from one to the other. To get a true sense of who the characters are, where they’ve been, and where they are headed, it is best to read all three in proper order.
Max doesn’t want to find a romantic interest. She still loves Julien and imagines the worst has happened to him. Convinced he would have come to the U.S. as promised, it’s the only thing that makes sense to her. When she tells Annie she is going to go to Paris to find Julien, Annie tries to discourage her. Max is determined to find her true love, but it turns out it isn’t who she expects to find.
While reading of the experiences Max endures in Paris, there were times I wanted to shake some sense into her, and other times I just wanted to comfort her. Her unrequited love for Julien drove her to find him, but when she did, was her feeling for him justified? Will she ever find true love, and will it be with Julien or someone else?
Crosby creates a sense of suspense when Max is knocked down. This mysterious turn of events with Julien coming to Max’s rescue, and then later when she discovers her wallet and cell phone missing, leaves a lot of questions to be answered.
I recommend that you read Memory House (Book One) and The Loft (Book Two) before reading What the Heart Remembers (Book Three). The books in the Memory House Collection lead from one to the other. To get a true sense of who the characters are, where they’ve been, and where they are headed, it is best to read all three in proper order.
November 2, 2015
I was pleased to be selected as one of a group of people who got to read this book on a platform called Social Book. I read until my eyes burned. I do not normally read romances but Bette just may change my mind about that. Life kind of got in the way of me getting to do my review until now. What do I say? I do agree with Max's decision to go to Paris to find her lost love given that she had the money to do it. Even if it's just to find out its not all she wants it to be. On the Social Book platform I and other users were able to comment as we read the book. As I read I think I recall one of my comments being Oh no Max! I will have to see if I can still get into the book and refresh my memory on the story. Annie, her best friend who lives in Memory House does not want her to go. She thinks she is setting herself up to get her heart broken. She asks Ophelia for advice then mixes up some herbs and makes a tea she believes will keep Max from making foolish decisions. This book too has a touch of magic and some romance of course. I get to travel through my reading as I know I will never get to do otherwise. So I get to experience a trip to Paris in this book. Great job again Mrs. Crosby!
November 18, 2015
Another beautiful story from The Memory House series. This one is described in all the other reviews well so I wont go over the story line. But I can tell you I have read every one of Bette Lee Crosby's books and this one hit the heart right were it was needed. Who we remember, and how we remember it vs. the truth of the situation. The gift of forgetting can be as kind as the gift of hindsight can be a reality slap right where we need it. We are all affected by our past. And we can all make or break the patterns of our past. See the beauty we have learned from the harder lessons. See what is good. And let the good come in to our lives. I cant wait for more on all the people in this series we love. And maybe on some we are just getting to know. This book is another of my favorites. I hope you take the time to enjoy it as much as I have.
November 15, 2015
What the Heart Remembers is book Tnree of theMemory House collection.
Max Martinelli fell in Love when she spent her Junior year of College In Paris. Julien was a free spirited Artist and Max was studing to be an Architect- Julien lead her to believe he was crazy in Love with her. That was over three years ago now her life is stuck she can't help wondering what could of been if she had gone back to Paris. Was Julien her Destiny or just part of the magic of Paris? After attending a Bad New Years Eve party which ends in disaster. She decides to go back to Paris and find Julien! Anne her BFF thinks it's a bad idea and tries to talk her out of going. But Max leaves for Paris and is surprised by what she finds.Did she find Julien? Did it lead to Happily ever after for Max? A Heartwarming story about First Loves and the Mmemories we keep.
Max Martinelli fell in Love when she spent her Junior year of College In Paris. Julien was a free spirited Artist and Max was studing to be an Architect- Julien lead her to believe he was crazy in Love with her. That was over three years ago now her life is stuck she can't help wondering what could of been if she had gone back to Paris. Was Julien her Destiny or just part of the magic of Paris? After attending a Bad New Years Eve party which ends in disaster. She decides to go back to Paris and find Julien! Anne her BFF thinks it's a bad idea and tries to talk her out of going. But Max leaves for Paris and is surprised by what she finds.Did she find Julien? Did it lead to Happily ever after for Max? A Heartwarming story about First Loves and the Mmemories we keep.
November 3, 2015
Fans of Bette Lee Crosby's novels will enjoy this installment of the Memory House series. Less connected to her full line of novels than the other two in the series, this book is definitely signature Bette Lee Crosby. Wonderful characters who seem so real you could step into their kitchen and sit down for a cup of tea populate this book, including Ophelia and Annie, favorites from the first two books in the series. This novel, though, centers on Annie's new friend Max, who can't move on from a years-old rejection by a lover from her student days in Paris.
The novel explores whether what your heart remembers is actually the way things really were--or just the way you wanted them to be.
(This review is based on an advance reader copy of the ebook, provided by the author in return for my honest review.)
The novel explores whether what your heart remembers is actually the way things really were--or just the way you wanted them to be.
(This review is based on an advance reader copy of the ebook, provided by the author in return for my honest review.)
November 5, 2015
This is the third book in a series. The main character is Maxine. She is an architect who is friends with Annie. She has been unable to get past a lost love from three years earlier. Max decides to go to Paris and look for Lucien her old boyfriend. He was suppose to follow her to the US a few months after she returned home from Paris but she never saw or heard from him again. Maxine searches for Julien in Paris. She finds him the same day that she is robbed. She realizes Julien is a thief and not what she thought. While searching for help, she come across an unexpected friend. The trip to Paris ends up leading her to love and becomes a memorable trip. This is a story about being blinded by what you thought was love and finding out what real love is all about. It was a great read and I recommend the book.
November 19, 2015
Another page turner by Ms.Crosby in her latest book, What the Heart Remembers. We find Annie and Oliver are expecting and Max is still alone. She just can't seem to meet Mr. Right but after attending a New Year's Eve party that was less then stellar max decides to return to Paris in look of her college sweetheart! Her BFF Annie thinks this is a very bad idea if the guy has never tried to contact her in 3 yrs! She can't talk max out of it do Max leave for Paris and is surprised by what she finds but what she brings home surprises her family the most!! Excellent 5* read and the 3rd installment In The memory House collection! Do yourself a favor and read all 3! Thanks Bette keep them coming! I'm a true fan!
November 23, 2015
I am flabbergasted!In a very, very good way. First, let me start off by saying thank you thank you thank you to Ms. Crosby for allowing me the privilege of reviewing this series. It truly is one of my all time favorites!
Then, just as I'm hooked and enthralled, something amazing happens!Ever since I was a child, I never had a pencil or eraser or something with my name on it, but here I am reading along and bam!, there's my name!!!!!! That is just too awesome.
Ms. Crosby, you are one of my all time favorite writers, and your talent is amazing. You are a wonderful lady, talented author, and if you're ever in New Mexico, we should get together for dandelion tea. I am very eagerly, and very impatiently awaiting the next book.Mwa! Loved it.
Then, just as I'm hooked and enthralled, something amazing happens!Ever since I was a child, I never had a pencil or eraser or something with my name on it, but here I am reading along and bam!, there's my name!!!!!! That is just too awesome.
Ms. Crosby, you are one of my all time favorite writers, and your talent is amazing. You are a wonderful lady, talented author, and if you're ever in New Mexico, we should get together for dandelion tea. I am very eagerly, and very impatiently awaiting the next book.Mwa! Loved it.
November 7, 2015
Bette Lee Crosby never disappoints and this latest installment in the Memory House Collections is no exception. It's a story of lost love and new love set against the backdrop of Paris and while it includes some of the same characters from earlier books in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone story or in order as part of the series. Her books are short, quick reads...her characters well developed...her writing style very comfortable and easy...and her stories infused with southern personality and charm. She writes primarily for adults, but her books are of a style that a parent can feel comfortable and confident if/when their middle and high school kids starts one. She has become one of my favorite authors and I confidently recommend her work whenever I get a chance.
November 8, 2015
I have been enthralled with the Memory House series since book one but those of you who haven't read one or two can read this as a stand alone book with no problem. My problem is that I am now totally invested in these characters. I want to sit and have tea with them some afternoon.
This particular book in the series concentrates on Max. The way the book goes about setting up Max's future is by revisiting her past in the present day. Is that confusing enough for you? It won't be when you pick up the book. Trust me!
I am looking forward to additional books in this series.
This particular book in the series concentrates on Max. The way the book goes about setting up Max's future is by revisiting her past in the present day. Is that confusing enough for you? It won't be when you pick up the book. Trust me!
I am looking forward to additional books in this series.
October 21, 2015
Excellent book! Max, the architect we met in previous books, decides to travel to Paris - her goal is to find Julien, a man she fell in love with several years ago while living in France. Overall I found the book to be heartwarming with a wonderful and very satisfying ending.
February 21, 2016
I've just really enjoyed the entire Memory House collection! I loved the romance in this one, based in Paris. It was just super sweet. And of course, Annie, Ophelia, and Oliver were there. I'm sooo looking forward to Book 4- I've already pre-ordered it. :)
August 1, 2018
In Book 3 of the Memory House series, we learn more about Max(ine) Martinelli. As soon as I finished book 2 (The Loft), I had to get this book and find out what was in store for Max. The characters from the first two books appear in this book. I think we all have a "what if" memory and Max's is the fact that she never returned to Paris and to Julien. The trouble with "what ifs" is that time does not stand still even though we might desperately want it to wait for us to do whatever it is that we did not do/say/take back what we said or did. Max returns to Paris in search of Julien and the memories they shared. What she finds is not what she expected to find. Neighborhoods change. Memories sometimes become more than they were. People change. Their goals change. This is a story of self-discovery. After reading the first two books in this series, I made sure I had all of them so I would not have to stop the fascinating story of Annie, Ophelia, and Oliver. To me, the title meant that the heart remembers the good things and forgets the bad. You will have to read this to see what the title means to you.
December 16, 2018
Annie and Oliver Doyle are happily enjoying their home and awaiting the birth of their baby. Max (Maxine) Martinelli is Annie’s friend and an architect. Max has been unable to move forward with her life since she returned from Paris three years ago. When Max was in Paris she met and fell in love with Julien Marceau. Annie has tried talking to Max to get her to move forward and she has even went as far as to set her up with Oliver’s old law partner Andrew Steen but, Max didn't like him much. Max decides to go back to Paris to try and find Julien and ends up finding him and gets robbed by Julien's current girlfriend and then Julien disappears again and Max didn't have a chance to talk to him about what happened 3 years ago. Now Max has no money, cell phone or credit cards and then she runs into Andrew and tells him about being robbed but, doesn't mention that Julien was involved. Andrew loans her the money to finish her vacation and her continued search for Julien. Does Max find Julien? What if anything happens between Max and Andrew when they return home? To find out you really need to read this book!! I truly loved this book!!
April 24, 2019
Maxine (Max) is a woman of about 30 who pines away for Julian, a lover that she left in Paris and expected to have followed her to the states, or at least contact her. No word from him after 3 years but she can't forget him and sets out to Paris to see if she can track him down. What she finds she didn't expect but it allows Max to accept the fact that when one door closes, one opens, as they say.
I didn't find it easy to understand Max at times and couldn't get myself connected to her as much as I expected to. Annie and elderly Ophelia are charming characters that I look forward to visiting with in each installment.
This is a fast easy read that will satisfy fans of the series. Bette Lee Crosby has a knack for the written word. I loved traipsing along with her in Paris.
I didn't find it easy to understand Max at times and couldn't get myself connected to her as much as I expected to. Annie and elderly Ophelia are charming characters that I look forward to visiting with in each installment.
This is a fast easy read that will satisfy fans of the series. Bette Lee Crosby has a knack for the written word. I loved traipsing along with her in Paris.
September 11, 2022
I really enjoy this series and love the addition of Max and Andrew to the series. Maxine “Max” goes off to Paris to find a lost love. Annie has trepidation about Max’s trip and tells Ophelia of her worries. Ophelia advises Annie to give Max a box of travelers tea and an infuser. After a series of unfortunate events unravels, Max is at a loss when the man she met on the plane comes to mind and she searches him out. However, she doesn’t find that man but someone else, a familiar face from back home who helps her and gets her back on her feet. After a week of spending time with this familiar face, she finds her memories of Julien are fading but are they fading in her heart?
February 20, 2018
Annie Cross' friend Max Martinelli spent her junior year of college in Paris, and fell in love. Julien was a handsome young artist she thought she was in love with. He broke her heart and she never got over it. 3 years later she decides to find out once and for all what happened between them. Instead, she found something far better.
I love Bette's books - this one especially. I love her stories, and her characters, especially these.
4 stars to this one - entertaining and it was fun to go to Paris.
I love Bette's books - this one especially. I love her stories, and her characters, especially these.
4 stars to this one - entertaining and it was fun to go to Paris.
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