REVIEW: The Memory of You by Jamie Beck

The Memory of You by Jamie Beck: Steffi is stubborn, independent, strong, and resilient. She’s had to grow up to be tough and one of the boys after losing her mom to cancer. She’s been shaped by that loss in never admitting her feelings or any weakness. She grew up in a small, coastal town and has dreamed of travel and adventure. But after a brutal assault, she’s back in her hometown and running a renovation business with her best friend, Claire.

Ryan is also back in his hometown as the newest public defender. He’s passionate about the law and providing everyone with the opportunity for a good defense, regardless of socioeconomic status. He’s reeling from the recent changes to his life, including an impending divorce from his cheating ex and being a single father to a dynamic and energetic nine-year-old girl, Emmy.

Steffi is surprised to get a renovation job with the parents of her first love, Ryan. Ryan’s mom was like a mother-figure to her and losing Ryan meant losing that close bond to his family as well. It’s also a shock to know that Ryan has moved back and about to be single. Steffi regrets how she ended their relationship and hopes to earn his forgiveness and friendship.

“I’m shocked to see you here.”
“Yeah, well.” She adjusted her overalls. “I was surprised to get the call.”
“I’m sure you were.” He stretched his stiffening neck, the litigator in him coming to the fore. With a cold smile, he asked, “What made you come? Morbid curiosity?”

Steffi and Ryan used to be inseparable as teens and it seemed wrong for them to split up. Both have changed over the years, but they can’t escape all the memories of what they once had or the desire to start over again. Steffi was always closed off, and that hasn’t changed now that she’s experiencing blackouts since her attack. It’s a rollercoaster as they navigate the past, Ryan’s ex, Steffi’s health, and a moody, confused, and yet adorable little girl.

He remembered she’s asked him a question. “What’s weird?”
“This. Us.” She grimaced. “Dancing. Talking. A few weeks ago, I’d have never predicted it.”
He grunted. “Me neither.”

The Memory of You is heartbreaking, emotional, entertaining, and a unique second chance romance. Jamie Beck provided an intriguing start to a new series focusing on three best friends who have since grown up, experienced trauma, and trying to rebuild their lives. Ms. Beck developed a well-rounded cast of characters that I’m looking to following and getting to know over the course of this series. Fans of Cindy Kirk and Catherine Anderson will enjoy The Memory of You.

Book Info:

Publication:  October 30th 2018 | Montlake Romance | Sanctuary Sound #1

Stefanie Lockwood can repair anything, except her heart—that’s still recovering.

After a brutal assault leaves Steffi with puzzling memory lapses, she returns to her coastal Connecticut hometown to rebuild her life the best way she knows how: with her hands. But starting a remodeling business with one longtime friend puts her in the middle of a rift with another. Worse, being hired by her ex-boyfriend’s mother forces her to confront old regrets.

Public defender Ryan Quinn wasn’t shocked when his wife left him, but he was floored when she abandoned their daughter. With his finances up in the air, the newly single dad returns to his childhood home in Sanctuary Sound. The last person he expects, or wants, to see working on his family house is Steffi Lockwood—his first love who shattered his heart.

Although Steffi and Ryan are different people now, dormant feelings rekindle. But when Ryan’s concern for Steffi’s mental health prompts him to dig into her past for answers, will what he learns bring them together or tear them apart for good?