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REMEMBER

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For most people, Christmas is a time of joy and anticipation. But when a freak accident robs Gracie of her memory, the lines between fantasy and reality blur.
Now there’s only one gift Gracie wants for Christmas, and the only man who can bring it is not Santa.

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2016

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Joan Carney

3 books147 followers

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
1,510 reviews206 followers
November 6, 2016
Remember

Joan Carney



REMEMBER by Joan Carney is a quick little novella but it sure held my interest from beginning to end. Grace Stiles works at the local mall and one day she has her head in the clouds while intensely staring at her cell phone that she accidentally slips and falls into the fountain. She has hit her head and is unconscious as she falls face first into the fountain.
When she comes to, she is inside an ambulance on her way to the hospital with no memory of who she is or what happened.


While in the hospital she sees her story on the news and is mortified to learn that Santa pulled her from the fountain and saved her life. The only thing she can REMEMBER while in the hospital is two men. One who rocks her world and the other who treats her like garbage and she knows she is afraid of him. But she can't remember anything else until a nurse brings her a purse that they found at the mall. Someone stole it when she went down in the fountain. There is no wallet inside but she does find a flyer for a house. After thinking about it for a bit she thinks she remembers buying the house with the man she loves, Jack. She convinces the hospital personnel to let her go because her memory is coming back. She goes to the house and gets ready for Jack to come home.


Once Jack does get home a few days later, Grace is horrified to learn she doesn't live there at all. She runs away from Jack but not before she practically jumps his bones when he gets home. She still can't remember much of her life until she meets her best friend at the mall. Eva fills her in and Grace knows the only thing she can do is walk away from Jack and the love she feels for him.


I've never read Joan Carney before but after reading REMEMBER I'm excited to read more. She hooked me from the very first page and never let me go. Poor Grace, I can't even imagine going through something like she experienced. Her story is filled with twists and turns and was the perfect way for me to spend the afternoon. Joan Carney writes a suspenseful story that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. Once I started reading REMEMBER I could not put it down.
Profile Image for Emma Jaye.
Author 50 books682 followers
November 26, 2016
This is a tricky one to review without giving away spoilers and anyone that does, needs snow shoving down their back. There is a mystery here that should only be revealed to the reader.
Remember is an engaging page turner with well written (and very ditzy in the case of the heroine) characters who behave in a believable way with the occasional touch of humour. After all, who hasn't tried to get into a house through the dogflap when you've lost your keys?
The hero is persistent but respects the confused heroine's space even though its eating him up inside, so a genuinely nice guy, but not a walkover.
And I loved the full on, take charge best friend. Just the sort of person you need in your life when things start to come unravelled.
Well worth a read, no matter what time of year it is.
Profile Image for Wilde Sky.
Author 16 books40 followers
November 30, 2016
A woman is rescued from drowning in a mall fountain, suffers from amnesia and tries to remember / figure out her life.

For a novella (100 pages) all the characters were well developed / believable, the plot was well thought through and the pace was good. The story was funny in places and the theme of trying to find a partner (when you get to a certain age) was well handled.

My overall rating would be 3.5 because in a couple of places the writing could have been tighter and the flow between the different view points wasn’t seamless between a number of chapters.

I expect people that appreciate comedy romance stories will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for D.R..
Author 19 books125 followers
April 4, 2017
“Remember” by Joan Carney is a heart-tugging, suspenseful story about Gracie, a young woman who struggles to find her lost identity during the Christmas season. While texting on her phone, Gracie stumbles into a shopping mall fountain and hits her head. She would have drowned if not for the quick action of the mall Santa who pulls her from the water and begins CPR. She ends up in the hospital, sans her memory and identification.

At the time of her accident, Gracie was between relationships. She’d just split from Todd, an abusive boyfriend, and had begun dating Jack, a college instructor at a school she was attending. Gracie is more mature than Jack’s other students, having delayed her entry into college several years. She was to join Jack and a handful of his students on a field trip to Mexico, but her accident caused her to miss the flight. Jack is concerned and disappointed, but figures she must have a good reason for being a no-show.

Gracie is able to sort through her clouded memory to envision Jack, remember his name, and to know she cared for him, but she’s not able to assemble much detail. Similarly, she knows her relationship with Todd is over, but she’s not sure why and how. Days later, Gracie returns to the scene of her accident to rebuild her memory. Gradually, pieces fall into place. Suspense mounts when Jack returns from Mexico to find Todd and Gracie together.

The novella-length tale contains all the elements of a full-length novel—a captivating plot, realistic characters, plus twists and turns along the way. “Remember” is an entertaining read, and a perfect length for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Profile Image for Mariyam Hasnain.
Author 66 books69 followers
December 22, 2016
Remember is very very Christmassy cute and adorable love story to curl up with during the holidays. The author has beautifully captured the vibrancy and liveliness of the festive season. The descriptions are so vivid that it felt like I was watching a Christmas movie. Carney has done a great job in sketching out the characters and making them live and believable. I can easily connect with Gracie, a girl that suffered from memory loss after drowning into a mall fountain. I loved the character of Emmy/Electra, the cat.
I liked Jack who was a complete husband material unlike Todd, a casanova. But if you ask me who I would prefer then my unabated answer would be Todd. I don’t know but there was something that was quite appealing about his personality. I don’t know if it was a tinge of alpha male dominance or his bitter-love attitude towards his girlfriend.
At some point, I even wanted Gracie choosing Lucas. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and would highly recommend it, especially, if you’re looking for cozy and delightful Christmassy Love Story.
Profile Image for Yuli Atta.
993 reviews98 followers
November 11, 2016
I was given an ARC of Remember by the author in exchange of an honest review.

This is a very well-written novella that I enjoyed really much. Usually I go on about details and characters but this one was too short for a kilometre-long review but I will say what I liked.

First of all, the writing. Everything is really well-built and developed and there is nothing that set me off. I loved the setting and even the story which the book tells. I haven't come across something like this before so Remember impressed me especially since it's so short but it managed to do so much. I mean, the characters in the novella have their stories and the author has told everything in only around 100 pages! I loved this because usually I have a thing for short books, stories or whatever and this just made me really happy. The end as well. I think that everything was just fine and I, as I already said, enjoyed this really much.

I liked the characters though it was hard to form an opinion about Gracie since she's lost most of her memories but I formed a pretty good opinion aboud Jack and I loved them both.

Eva, Gracie's bestie is a wonderful and helpful person who stood by her side when she needed her most and helped her a lot in the recovering process, so to speak. I love loyal friends in books and life so this had a big impact on my rate as well.

I will repeat myself one more time- I loved this, it was an easy read that just let me deal with the end of the ninth book in the Kate Daniels series.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,629 reviews69 followers
January 16, 2017
Remember is a novella by Joan Carney. It is a quick paced book about amnesia. It is really a fun book and it makes you keep rooting for the best for Gracie.
Gracie Stiles woke up very confused. She didn’t know what was happening as she was strapped down on a board and knowing she was in a moving vehicle. Was she being kidnapped? What was going on? Soon she realized she was in an ambulance but why? Gracie had drowned in the fountain at the mall. Santa had rescued her while a purse snatcher had taken her purse and run. She had fallen into the fountain and hurt her head. Now she can’t remember anything about herself. She had no idea who she was or where she was to be. The only thing she remembered was that Jack would come help her. Where was he?
Professor Jack Larsen was waiting for the last of his students to arrive at the airport before their plane took off. He was specifically waiting for Gracie to arrive. He was looking forward to really getting to know her on this sea turtle rescue field trip to Mexico. He thought there was something between them but he wasn’t sure. Gracie was the first woman he had been interested in since his wife died. Now where was she? Had she just been stringing him along?
It is quite interesting how Jack’s trip works out and how Gracie ends up in Jack’s house waiting for him to return. She only knows where he is because of his calendar by the phone in the kitchen. At least she can begin unboxing and putting away all his belongings (maybe she will finally find her own belonging) and get the house decorated for Christmas. He would definitely be surprised when he returned.
1,098 reviews19 followers
November 7, 2016
Fun and light read on an accident at Christmastime where Santa is a good guy in front of everyone. I smiled frequently throughout my time with this story. I liked Gracie and her memory problems were fantastically described. I loved imagining her getting into her 'home' through the doggie door. Jack was an interesting guy. Poor thing had lost his Angela in a tragic way and was trying to move on. The Todd guy just was an idiot. Plain and simple. I read this quickly in one sitting and enjoyed the memories she created as well as the real ones that came true, so to speak.

Voluntary review of an ARC.
Profile Image for P.S. Meraux.
Author 15 books76 followers
November 19, 2016
What a delightful story! Carney’s writing style reminds me of one of my favorite authors, Jude Deveraux with it’s engaging linear format and energetic pacing. The plot of “Remember” has hints of the “Importance of Being Earnest” -- only the mistaken identity is a byproduct of amnesia rather than intentional subterfuge.
Written in the first person, each chapter offers an alternating perspective with a simple one name-header that indicates which character will be handling the heavy-lifting as we learn their POV. This worked exceptionally well for the character development allowing me as a reader to get to know Gracie, Jack and even Todd, whom I grew to despise.
I enjoyed how the amnesia was used not just as a dramatic linchpin but helped shape the path of Gracie’s story, even when it tripped her up with the wrong info. I have to admit, despite the troubling situation she was in I was chuckling when she went through the doggie door.
While it was a little predictable in spots, I liked how Gracie got back nuggets of her memory just when she needed them. As a reader I found that this device made her dealings with Todd very satisfying.
Later, in her desire to do the right thing, I found that having Santa hit on her was unnecessary but as it worked to expose her to Victoria, I suppose it had its own merit.
I found this to be an uplifting, pleasant novel and a quick read that I can easy recommend. The only negative I have-- is to say that I would have liked more of it. Perhaps there can be a sequel of the further adventures of ‘Calamity Jane Doe.’ I’d definitely read it.
Profile Image for Mayu.
223 reviews16 followers
June 3, 2017
Remember is a well written book with a interesting storyline. In mere 94 pages (of epub) it touches upon many different topics such as romance, emotional abuse and memory loss.

It is first person narrative alternating between three characters Jack, Gracie and Todd. All the characters were relatable, the emotions of all the characters were well shown and the narrative gave a direct entry into their minds. I think Todd's character got only a little time in the narrative so I wished that I could see him more.

"The pain showing in his eyes could not have been more intense if he’d been hit with a grenade. But what could I do? No way could I start a relationship with someone else without knowing who I am first."
~Gracie


Gracie and Jack's​ love story is sweet, emotional, heartwarming and very beautiful. A special mention is Gracie's best friend, the hero who helped Gracie and Jack to come together. Even though she had a short presence in the story but still she was able to make a mark in my heart.

"And even if no other memories returned to me, if my life before the fountain catastrophe remained a blank slate, I’d always have this moment and Jack’s love to remember."~Gracie


Finally I would say if you are a fan of heartwarming contemporary romances then you would definitely love Remember.
Profile Image for S.K. Wee.
Author 15 books340 followers
November 5, 2016
Remember by Joan Carney
*****5 stars
I enjoyed reading this novella. Gracie has a near fatal accident at the mall. Hitting her head on a fountain she loses consciousness and falls face first into to water. Close to Christmas time, Santa happened to be working the mall that day and saved the day for Gracie. She is resuscitated and brought to the ER. When she wakes up, at first she has no memory at all, but soon sees images of two men that she feels were a part of her life. One she longs for the other frightens her.
Finding evidence in her recovered handbag (wallet was missing) she finds a brochure on a home she is certain she has purchased. After gaining entry to the house, she realizes that she must have moved into the home with her lover Jack. Her assumptions about Jack prove false, though and so will need to begin anew. Remember was a memorable story with wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Cindy Baker.
Author 22 books1 follower
July 30, 2017
Maybe July isn’t the best time of the year to read a Christmas romance, but that’s exactly what I did and it’s a book I enjoyed immensely.

Many earlier reviews have been ‘spoilers,’ laying out much of the plot in detail. I won’t follow that path; instead, I prefer to speak of the author’s excellent abilities to tell the story. Her character portrayal is excellent, all are very believable. Her dialog is also credible and realistic.

At first, I wasn’t sure about her choice to tell the story in the first person through her three main characters. Actually, it was a good decision and brought a very interesting dimension to the book.

All in all, it’s a heartwarminI have finished reading Remember by Joan Carney via my Kindle Unlimited account.
g story and I recommend it to anyone seeking an enjoyable quick read. Even in July
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,177 reviews104 followers
January 2, 2018
Gracie doesn't remember much after her dream accident at the mall but she does remember Jack. In fact she remembers him vividly. It's really the only memory she is sure of. So when she's in the hospital she can't figure out why he doesn't come.
Jack is taking a much needed break with his students to a Caribbean island. He finally had everyone ready to board but he doesn't understand why the beautiful student he's been swooning over isn't there. He feels lost until he gets a call that will change his and Gracie's lives forever.
This read is short but oh so sweet. I loved every minute of it. So grab a cup of tea and cozy up next to the fireplace and pick up this romantic read.
Profile Image for Sara Claridge.
Author 6 books38 followers
May 29, 2017
This story grabbed me in from the start. I was with Gracie on that gurney trying to remember my name.
The humour. I love the idea of her drowning in the mall fountain. The way you’re almost convinced that Gracie and Jack are never going to meet-up until the end in a frustrating sort of sleepless in seattle way and then whoosh, the whole scenario changes.
Without giving too much away, Remember takes the amnesia story to several “oh-no” moments, but the anticipation of the realisation of it by the characters is almost as good as their first kiss, and left me with a smile of my face.
Profile Image for J.B. Richards.
Author 6 books146 followers
January 31, 2017
If you enjoy Lifetime TV movies and the Hallmark Channel, this book is for you! Joan Carney’s “Remember” is a simple but enjoyable journey into the life of a young woman named Gracie who finds herself in a hospital bed with no memory of who she is or how she got there. And did I mention Christmas is just around the corner? Sure, the plotline sounds a bit like a cliché, but the likeability of Carney’s protagonist and the mounting curiosity of why this man, “Jack”, who is foremost on our amnesiac’s mind, gently persuades readers to venture further into the lives of both people to uncover the bits and pieces of the events that first brought them together.

All is not right, however, when Gracie’s memory suddenly begins to return in stunted flashbacks of her relationship to Jack and a mystery man who conjures in Gracie feelings of fear and dread. Disaster ensues when these three characters come together in an explosive scene that has Gracie torn in two and suffering from the debilitating burden of a fractured mind. With the reality of her life staring her in the face, Gracie must decide whether or not the deep love that she feels for Jack was real or imagined, and if she wrestles with the fact that she may not ever truly know her own true identity.

Despite being predictable, the story was interesting and the scenes moderately paced. The author’s writing captures her readers’ interest from word one. Carney’s characters are quite believable, and the reader feels empathy for them as they are drawn deeper into the story. The overwhelming urge I had to take Gracie by the arm and help her find her way in the world, kept my mind somewhat occupied when I was away from the story living my own life, and overall, I found the novel to be a good read. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming Holiday story.

#IndieAuthors #HolidayReads #Romance #SWRTG #RWA #RomanceReads #SweetRomance #WriteChat #Bookboost #Amazon #Goodreads #Kindle #Ebooks #IARTG #Remember #AuthorJoanCarney

Indie Authors, Holiday Reads, Romance, Romance Reads, Sweet Romance, Amazon, Goodreads, Kindle, Ebooks, Remember, Author Joan Carney
Profile Image for Starr Baumann.
385 reviews29 followers
December 8, 2016
I loved this story

This is a fantastic story. I read it in one day. The characters feel so real, and I loved the ending. Great job, Joan!
Profile Image for Lauren.
Author 19 books40 followers
April 15, 2017
I wanted to read this book because as summer is gearing up here in the Arizona desert, I desperately wanted to be immersed in someplace cold, and Minnesota at Christmastime did the trick.

But to the actual book. I like how it gets right into the action, I've never really been a fan of too much exposition. The background details are then rolled out nicely throughout the story, and it's an interesting exploration of the process you might go through if you had amnesia. The author often turns this potentially frightening situation into a humorous one.

The romance aspect fused with holiday cheer is wonderfully charming. The author has created intriguing and well developed characters who are appropriately lovable and hate able. There is nice variety in the alternating POV, but I almost wish that the story could have been told solely through the main character so that the reader can go through the mystery and discoveries with her. But overall, it's a fun and warm fuzzy read.
Profile Image for Denis Hachey.
Author 2 books7 followers
April 23, 2017
Gracie loses her memory after a freak accident. Luckily she ends up remembering where she lives and Jack’s face, but all is not as it seems to be. It is very difficult to say anything more without giving away the story, so I won’t do that. A light-hearted and quick romance read with a good dose of mystery to keep you turning the pages.
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