The Life She Forgot

By Joanna Davidson Politano

He promised to help reclaim her memories.

Until she remembered another man.

Cornwall, 1913

For three years, Merryn has lived without a past. When she faces being locked away for her own "protection," she takes a daring chance on a hasty marriage to AJ Winthrop-a kind, whimsical new acquaintance who offers a chance to recover the truth. Along the windswept Cornish coast, fragments begin to return:

Another man.

Another wedding.

Then a hidden painting reveals her own face, and its secrets threaten the fragile love she's found-and the future she longs for.

Cornwall, 1947

Haunted by the war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford is determined to save her family home-even if it means selling the mysterious portrait of Merryn Dunn hidden in his cottage. But Merryn's secrets could upend everything-or offer a redemption he never expected.

A sweeping dual-timeline tale of identity, memory, and enduring love, perfect for readers of Mimi Matthews, Susanna Kearsley, and Kate Morton.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1969773006
• ISBN13: 9781969773006
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Grafted Page Press
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

I couldn't put it down!!!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I loved it so much, I read it twice. I give this book 5 stars, but wished I could give it more. I thought this book was going one way, but then it went in a completely different direction, which made it interesting, unpredictable, and had me completely engrossed! This book had my heart racing, my tears flowing, and felt like I was putting together a beautiful puzzle that was such a joy to read. I can't recommend this book enough!!!

fantastic dual-timeline historical mystery

"I'm a broken human. I live with that awareness every day. But broken rocks still make a foundation." It is another incredible dual-time historical fiction by Joanna Davidson Politano. The writing style is poetic and lyrical with a gentle, lilting cadence and the author will draw you right into 1913 and 1947 Cornwall, England with the beauty of the seaside and mysteries swirling around Dunn Cottage. I loved how the threads of the past and present were slowly and tightly woven to create such a rich tapestry. After I finished the last page, I had to sit back and contemplate all the clues dropped in each timeline and how they all tied together to fully savor the complex and intricate flavor of the story in its entirety. Mystery and intrigue, a hint of gothic flare, faith, and true love that transcends amnesia, terrible accidents, and fear make this book truly enjoyable; the incredible plot, beautiful writing, and unforgettable characters make this book a stand-out of 2026. I loved the first person voice of Merryn in 1913. She possessed such wit, loyalty, tenderness, compassion, and grit even in the face of the uncertainties caused by her memory loss. Her doubts and fears were real and made for good suspense. Her banter with AJ was delightful. William in 1947 was a bit darker, hollowed out from the war and lost in despair from his regrets. Yet his love and loyalty drove him forward each day to find answers regarding a painting and see it sold to help his estranged wife. The author addressed PTSD from war and dementia from aging skillfully and gently in the story but it still broke my heart to see these characters I have come to love suffer from them. The ending brought me to tears to see how broken relationships can mend and blossom. This is one of my favorite reads of 2026. Once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.