Review: Forgotten Memories - Wyoming Sunrise #1

Forgotten Memories book cover on blue background

This is a book that has been on my TBR list for some time, so it was the perfect title to dive into between ARCs. Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller kicks off the Wyoming Sunrise series and is such an enjoyable book that I dove into the prequel, Love's New Beginnings, right after to find out how the Eliasons met and became a family. Both complement each other and will have you immersed in the schoolroom in Wyoming in no time!

Book Synopsis

Some memories are best forgotten…

The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.

Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk?

Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

I first heard about this book in an interview that Penny Zeller gave about what it might be like for someone to fall in love with someone they had previously met under the worst circumstances. As a result, Caleb and Annie's story was born. I enjoyed this story of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. It was touching to see how Caleb truly repented of his past life and how he had made amends, reminding us of the power of God's transformation coupled with faith from the community. Caleb's adoptive parents are real gems, and I loved seeing their family dynamics. At the same time, I enjoyed Annie's desire to do what was right and her ability to trust in God during difficult times.

This was a tender romance carved out of painful circumstances while maintaining hope in God. Though self-forgiveness is not a topic I'm normally drawn toward, the rest of the book was superb in capturing what it means to fully forgive through the power of Christ. This first book in the Wyoming Sunrise series introduces strong and likeable characters with clear Christian content. If you like stories of hidden identities and true love that focuses on character over appearances, Forgotten Memories is a book that won't quickly be forgotten.

Book Summary

Format of book: 🎧
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

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