Synopsis

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. Perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Susanna Kearsley, and Kate Morton.

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Review

Losing your memories can be devastating. You never know what is real or what might be a false memory. And set in the early 1900s, women didn’t stand a chance.

This story is told from dual timelines and points of view. Merryn is trying to recover her memories of who she is and what her life is all about. The other point of view is William’s, and while we don’t know how he factors into the earlier timeline, we know that he has returned from war with PTSD and is afraid to go home to his wife. While most of the story focuses on Merryn, I found William’s story just as interesting. I was intrigued to know how he played a part in the past.

The story is woven together, but it keeps you on tenterhooks as the truth is slowly revealed. There are characters who kept me guessing about their true intent toward Merryn. We are given tiny pieces of information, and it is easy to jump to different conclusions. I felt for Merryn as they tried to commit her to a mental institution just because she couldn’t remember her past.

There are many touching moments, and the ending reinforces my belief in love. The setting is beautiful too, and I could picture the cottage, the sea, and the people in the town. This author can weave a tale.

We give this book 5 paws up.

About the Author

JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO writes atmospheric historical fiction that blends romance, mystery, and emotional depth, often set in distinctive old estates.

Drawn to coastal landscapes and old houses steeped in story, Joanna’s work is known for its immersive settings, layered characters, and a poignant sense of hope, no matter the circumstances. Joanna is the author of multiple award-winning historical novels and is an avid researcher who delights in uncovering forgotten details of the past and weaving them into stories that feel both timeless and intimate.

Outside of writing, Joanna is a homeschooling mom and adventure coordinator, exploring every park, library, and hiking trail within driving distance, and coming up with wild stories on the drive. She and her family live in the woods near Lake Michigan.

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