The Life She Forgot

Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Genre: Dual-time Fiction
Series: The House on the Edge of the Cliff #1
Pages: 358
Release Date: April 21, 2026
Publisher: Grafted Page

He promised to help her reclaim the memories she lost—no matter what they found. Until she remembered another man.

Cornwall, 1913
For three years, Merryn has lived without a past—no family, no history, no home that's truly hers.
When the threat of being locked away for her own “protection” looms, she takes a desperate chance on AJ Winthrop—a warmhearted, whimsical stranger who offers a hasty marriage of convenience and a promise: he will take her back to Cornwall and help her uncover the truth about who she once was.

But along the wild Cornish coast, the memories that begin to surface are not the ones she expects.
Another man.
Another wedding.
A life that may already be hers.

When a hidden painting reveals Merryn’s own face staring back from another life, the fragile life she’s begun to build with AJ begins to unravel. Because the truth waiting in her past could destroy the love she’s only just found.

Cornwall, 1947
Haunted by the war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford is determined to save their family home for her—even if it means selling the mysterious portrait of Merryn Dunn tucked away in his cottage. But the secrets hidden within the painting threaten to overturn everything he believes…or lead him toward a redemption he never expected.

Decades apart, two lives are bound by a single portrait—and the truth it refuses to keep hidden. This sweeping dual-timeline historical mystery weaves together lost memories, buried truths, and a love story that refuses to fade.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

In 1913 Merryn has lost her memory but not her tenacity. She is slowly regaining snippets of events, but they haunt her because they promise something that is just out of her reach. 

This is a superb, emotional journey as Merryn searches the coast of Cornwall with her new husband, Ansel. But is he her only husband? Her memories hint at another wedding. A.J. (Ansel) is a complex character who seems clearly in love with his wife. So much mystery and a present threat when Merryn is given custody of Cecil and his inheritance when Lady St. Laurent dies. Her daughter has other ideas. 

I highlighted so many relevant, haunting passages: “We think of memories as a log book, but they are more than that. They give us a framework through which to view our present.” 

In the 1947 era of this dual time story, William Thatcher has returned from war a broken man who feels unworthy. A painting he finds puts him on a quest to find the artist and subject of the artwork. This connects the two timelines in a unique way. 

It was enchanting to discover the connections between the characters and mesmerizing to read about their journeys. 

There were several great allusions to Biblical passages, the foremost being: “Love is invaluable because of what it has cost someone.” 

“Never build your house on sand when rock is available to you. Never build it on anything that can move. Because eventually, it will.”

This author never ceases to amaze me with her heartfelt voice, beautiful words, and meaningful messages.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.

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Reviewer: Raechel Helwig

Oh my, what a beautiful story. Politano has such a gift for spinning a truly meaningful and stunning tale that captures your heart in such a deep way. 

How am I to adequately express my thoughts about it...

This dual timeline novel seamlessly weaves together a full story, brimming with love, and heartache, and truth, and mystery. 

There were times I didn’t know who or what to trust, but it all came together so beautifully. 

The characters were phenomenal. I cannot imagine writing such complex backgrounds that shine through the characters and become so achingly real. But I am so glad Politano can - I am always charmed by her writing. And not just charmed, but affected. The depth in her books, this one included, is astounding, and never fails to reach into my heart and leave the story there as well.

I also loved the setting for The Life She Forgot. I could picture the Cornwall coasts as if I were there, even though I have not had that pleasure in reality. The descriptions made the landscape come alive. And Dunn Cottage was practically a character all to itself. Beautiful.

I am so looking forward to the next book in this series. 

I received an eBook from the author through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Oh, how my heart sighs with love for this beautiful, heartfelt story.

I just finished this beautiful story at 2am in the morning because I couldn’t put Merryn and Ansel’s story down.

Love knows no boundaries or bounds when two people are meant for each other, no matter how hard times get.

I found myself sobbing during parts of this book. That’s something I don’t normally do, but this was really touching for me.

Some of Merryn’s and Ansel’s adventures did make me giggle because that’s what some couples just do.

This is my 3rd favorite book of the year that I’ve been blessed to read. It indeed gave me a gentle reminder that always cherish the ones you love. Because, someday they may not be around anymore.

Hope is also offered along this couple’s journey, but the love part of it is my favorite.

A good, clean read that I highly recommend

5 stars for a job well done. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

I received this book from the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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