Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney

Remember to Forget
Deborah Raney
2007, Howard Fiction

Maggie Anderson is on her way back to deliver her boyfriend his liquor, when she is carjacked and left stranded on the side of the road outside New York City. Knowing that this may be her only chance to escape Kevin’s tyrannical rule over her life, she makes the most of her opportunity by depending upon the kindness of strangers. Eventually, Maggie finds herself in the rural town of Clayburn, Kansas.

Trevor Ashlock, publisher of the Clayburn Courier, is trying to make it from day to day. It’s been two years since the tragic accident that claimed his family, but he keeps busy with the paper and working on the Wren’s Nest Bed and Breakfast remodeling project.

When Trevor meets Maggie, he feels as if he is coming back to life. And Maggie as “Meg” begins to feel safe, even though she is trapped in a web of lies she has spun about her past, having always to remember not to reveal too much so that Kevin will never find her.

I really enjoyed the way Deborah Raney told the stories of Maggie and Trevor. Their stories are not uncommon, yet they are fresh and new.

I found myself alternating between wanting to shake Maggie and wanting to hug her and be her friend. Thankfully, she finds a great friend in Wren, another lovable and huggable character.

The people of the town of Clayburn are sweet and kind, which I found refreshing. (No gossip or backbiting here!) No one preaches at Maggie. Rather, they show her the love of God through their love and actions toward her. I like that. I believe this sets a good example for those of us who belong to Christ.

Remember to Forget deals with some unpleasant topics, to be sure, yet Raney somehow writes them in a kind and gentle way. The characters are sympathetic, and that appeals to me as much as the story.

I would recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction and sweet stories that are not saccharine. I look forward to reading more of Raney’s novels in the future.