Review & Giveaway: Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge (CLOSED)

Title: Love Water Memory  

Author: Jennie Shortridge   

Published: January 2014, Gallery Books  

Format: Paperback, 352 pages 

Source: Publisher/She Reads  

If you could do it all over again, would you still choose him?

At
age thirty-nine, Lucie Walker has no choice but to start her life over
when she comes to, up to her knees in the chilly San Francisco Bay, with
no idea how she got there or who she is. Her memory loss is caused by
an emotional trauma she knows nothing about, and only when handsome,
quiet Grady Goodall arrives at the hospital does she learn she has a
home, a career, and a wedding just two months away. What went wrong?
Grady seems to care for her, but Lucie is no more sure of him than she
is of anything. As she collects the clues of her past self, she unlocks
the mystery of what happened to her. The painful secrets she uncovers
could hold the key to her future—if she trusts her heart enough to guide
her.

My thoughts: This is the first book I’ve read by Jennie Shortridge and I found myself hooked after reading the first paragraph. Yes, I’ve read books about amnesia victims before but there was just something about this book that felt different. This story is more than that – it’s about a complicated love story, it’s about family and it’s even about personal identity, all told with the hint of a mystery.

Alternating from Lucie, Grady and even at times, Lucie’s Aunt Helen’s point of view, the story moves along at a fairly quick pace, wrapping you up in all that’s going on so that you don’t want to put the book down for fear of missing that next piece of the puzzle. But just like any good mystery – these pieces are revealed slowly – in this case, what really caused Lucie’s amnesia.

The characters are all richly developed and it’s easy to like this “new” Lucie much more than the glimpses we get of the “old” Lucie. But can Grady and Lucie overcome their past to forge ahead and build a new relationship built on who they are today? Their struggles as they reconnect both externally and internally felt so real, it was as if you are experiencing them right along with the characters. I admit, this is quite an emotional read at times.

This is a beautiful story that is filled with many poignant moments. It would probably make a good book for book clubs, as I believe there are many discussion points throughout the book. As I mentioned above, this is the first book I’ve read by Jennie Shortridge and I will definitely be checking out her other books. Have you read anything else by her?

The January Book Club Selection from She Reads is Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge

Head over to the She Reads website to read other reviews and related posts.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS CLOSED (US)  
Thanks to Simon & Schuster I have one copy of Love Water Memory to give away to my readers.

To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.
  • Please include email address so I can contact you if you win.

 

This giveaway is open to US residents only and ends January 20th. 
 

Good luck!

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19 Comments

  1. traveler
    January 13, 2014 / 5:54 pm

    this novel sounds captivating and special. Thanks for this feature. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  2. Jennie Shortridge
    January 13, 2014 / 5:54 pm

    Thanks, Kristin! And thank you for all you do to connect readers with books!

    • Kristin
      January 13, 2014 / 6:27 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Jennie! I really am looking forward to reading your other books!!!

  3. petite
    January 13, 2014 / 6:01 pm

    I would enjoy this intriguing book very much. Thanks for the great giveaway. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

  4. Laura at Library of Clean Reads
    January 13, 2014 / 8:16 pm

    This is the second good review I read about this book. I have a copy through NetGalley and should read it. No need to enter me.

  5. Suko
    January 13, 2014 / 8:56 pm

    Lovely review, Kristin! The book sounds like a wonderful story with well-developed characers. I will add your giveaway to my blog's sidebar.

    suko95(at)gmail(dot)com

  6. Kathryn T
    January 13, 2014 / 9:29 pm

    I saw this book on NetGalley although I didn't choose it. This review makes me think I might like to read it at some point.

  7. Margie
    January 13, 2014 / 9:55 pm

    This story of love and amnesia sounds fascinating to me. Thanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  8. Carl Scott
    January 13, 2014 / 11:17 pm

    This sounds really cool, I'd love to win a copy.carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

    I also tweeted a link to this post: twitter.com/carlrscott/status/422869899686318080

    Thanks

  9. Marie
    January 14, 2014 / 2:03 am

    Thanks for the review! I'm excited to read this.
    Mcstone84 (at) gmail (dot) com

  10. Marie
    January 14, 2014 / 2:03 am

    Thanks for the review! I'm excited to read this.
    Mcstone84 (at) gmail (dot) com

  11. Anonymous
    January 14, 2014 / 2:43 am

    The whole idea of not remembering who you are is scary. I think this will be an awesome read after reading your review.
    kathleen.bianchi@ymail.com

  12. Melanie Backus
    January 14, 2014 / 4:23 am

    Great review! Would love to read this one.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

  13. Utah Mom
    January 14, 2014 / 8:14 pm

    I read and loved his book early last year so I was excited to see it chosen as the SheReads book this month. I enjoyed your review.

  14. rhonda
    January 14, 2014 / 10:47 pm

    Been reading so much about this book.lomazowr[at]gmail.com will tweet@rhondareads

  15. Unknown
    January 15, 2014 / 12:24 am

    I enjoyed reading your review. I enjoyed this book as well.

  16. Booksnyc
    January 19, 2014 / 10:16 pm

    This is my next read and I am looking forward to it – I highly recommend the author's book Eating Heaven. I read it pre-blogging and it is excellent!

  17. Elisabeth
    January 21, 2014 / 2:43 am

    If it was selected by She Reads you know it's going to be a great read! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ladybook21[at]yahoo.com