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Life Forgotten

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When you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, you’re bound to fall apart. Who will be there to help pick up the pieces?

Nellie Campbell is a fixer. She’s selfless in her need to solve the problems of the people she loves. When her mom is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, she puts her own life on hold and dives head first into caretaker mode. Her days are spent consumed with the troubles of others—her mom, her wayward sister, the neighborhood stray cat, the single mom next door. She tackles every issue as though it were her own, ignoring herself in the process.

Until she meets Jude Hargrove. After one brief encounter, he manages to awaken something inside of her that she had long left for dead. Herself.

But is it too late for Nellie? Can Jude help her see her own worth or will she be destined to see herself as a problem that just isn’t meant to be solved?

Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2020

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About the author

Layne Deemer

7 books131 followers
Layne Deemer aims to push boundaries with her writing. Her stories deconstruct the ordinary until it becomes something else entirely.

She has a degree in Communications with a minor in English and has worked in the fields of public relations, marketing, and advertising, but writing has always been her true passion. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading. Her wish list of books will take her a lifetime to get through.

She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, Adam, their two kids, Stella and Jasper, and their bulldog, Archie. Frayed, a psychological thriller, is her first novel.

Want a FREE book? Sign up for my newsletter to receive your copy of the short story, The Perfect Type. https://BookHip.com/TQQJSSL

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,415 reviews230 followers
May 4, 2020
Five unforgotten stars!

Wow, this was a wonderful reading experience, this author writes such beautiful words.

Nellie has a lot going on in her life. After her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers and put into care, she put her life on hold to make sure the rest of her mother’s life was as good as it could be. She thinks it’s the least she can do for a woman who spent her life caring for her daughters. Nellie is a giver and not only is she on call 24/7 for her mum, she also takes care of her neighbours and homeless cats.

She is one of those people that just gets up and keeps going, no matter what life throws at her. It is heartbreaking for her to visit this new version of her mum and to not be able to connect like they used to. There are some moments of lucidity and Nellie clings on to those because she knows how few and far between they are now.

‘To my mom, it must seem like I’ve systematically taken control over everything in her life. Her house is gone; her car is gone; her autonomy is gone. I’m her child and I’ve robbed her of her free will. I know Alzheimer’s is the thief, but buried way deep in my head is the worry that I’m not an innocent bystander, either.’

She has become so immersed in her new way of life that she has forgotten how to live, putting the needs of other people before her own. It’s like she hit the pause button and now it’s stuck. This all changes when she meets the lovely, charismatic Jude. What starts a casual flirtation with the barista from her coffee shop, turns into so much more for both of them.

Nellie had no idea how much she had been missing out on until Jude brings her back to life. For the first time in so long she has the support she had been missing in her life. Jude is lightening the load and it feels incredible to have someone on her side. Spending time with him, laughing with him makes her feel her age again, without the weight of responsibility weighing her down.

‘I’ve felt Jude’s presence in my life in ways I never could have imagined. Without hesitation, he’s lifted some of the burden from my shoulders and placed it on to his own. I never asked him for help, but that’s the thing about Jude, I never needed to.’

As much as she enjoys being with Jude, her mother is always at the forefront of her mind. Being available to her 24/7 comes over and above everything else. To her, indulging in herself could mean not being there when it counts. As much as Jude understands and accepts that, she can’t help thinking that he will tire of her one day. Jude is determined for Nellie to experience the life forgotten - to let go and trust that others will help her pick up the pieces.

I was completely blown away by how well written this story is and also, that this is only the second novel from Layne Deemer. If this is a sign of things to come from her I’m excited about her future in writing. I loved Jude, he was adorable, swoony and just perfect for Nellie :)
Profile Image for Marissa.
330 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2020
Another 5 star read from Layne Deemer.

Switching gears from her fantastic psychological thriller, Frayed, Layne Deemer proves to readers she can write Contemporary Romance and do it with such ease. I absolutely love when an author writes what they feel regardless the genre and Life Forgotten is proof positive that Deemer has true talent for the written word.

In Life Forgotten we meet Nellie. She is without a doubt one of the most giving people, unfortunately in all that giving, shes completely lost herself. Nellie’s most heartbreaking relationship is with her mother and what the soul sucking disease that is Alzheimer’s has done to her family. Nellie’s entire life revolves around her mom. The care her mom needs is an immense responsibility for Nellie and in turn brings feelings of guilt for the decisions she has to make on her moms behalf...lather, rinse, repeat. Then she meets the beautiful Jude. He sees right through Nellie’s facade and becomes the support she needs to give life back to herself. I couldn’t love their dynamic more! Their chemistry and lighthearted humor was such a perfect balance to Nellie’s hardships. You can’t help but fall in love with them together!

There’s no doubt Life Forgotten is a story of selfless survival but it’s also about learning you can not possibly do it all on your own. In the end, it’s truly about lifting others up while letting others in. We all need someone to lean on.
Profile Image for Grey.
442 reviews47 followers
May 11, 2020
First off, where can I find me a Jude? I'm willing to change my name to Nellie, with an -ie and everything. Anyone? Bueller...Bueller? I'm kidding, of course, I'm a married woman. But man, if only between the pages of fictional worlds...or is it?

This is the first book I've read from Ms. Deemer, who provided a copy of this book to me. Not for a review...but simply because she's a nice person. Which is why I was almost hesitant to read it. Wait...before you throw stones at me and steal my glittery blankie fort, hear me out. You all know me, I'm a bit of a harsh critic at times...I never pad my reviews, I'm brutally honest and truth be told, I just tend to shy away from stories that pack an emotional 1-2 wallop because I'm a big baby. And gah, I didn't want to not like it...and then have to write that I didn't like it, you know?

Which is why I've really gotta give it up...this book was an emotional doozy for me. The best books, the ones that make you think, usually are. Mad props to the author for having the chutzpah to write about something that is so delicate, raw and incredibly personal, for so many people. While at times, Nellie's story, much like life itself, felt heavy and emotionally oppressive, the undeniable threads of hope, love, kindness and compassion always managed, through the author's well-written prose, to shine and break through the darkness. With such a weighted subject matter, there is no doubt in my mind that it couldn't have been an easy book to pen.

My life is so full of difficult decisions that sometimes I just can't handle one more complication, even if it is to my own detriment.

...no one said it was simple. Nothing worthwhile ever is.


No bigger truth than that, right? At the end of the day, Ms. Deemer has gained herself another reader...poor thing...lol! 3.75 stars.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,450 reviews
May 9, 2020
5 "Unforgettable" Stars

Life Forgotten is the story of Nellie, a young woman who is fighting to be "everything for everyone"....except she forgets to take care of herself in the process. She's so busy caring for others that she completely neglects her own needs and doesn't really "live" her own life. She has a mother with Alzheimers and a sister who skipped town after the news. She has no support system. It isn't until fate introduces her to Jude that she realizes she's just been going through the motions and simply existing. But Jude makes her want to live life to the fullest and experience everything that life has to offer.

"You're trying to save the world, hunny, but who's gonna save you?"

Nellie and Jude's love story is a beautiful one. It isn't easy for Nellie to allow herself to enjoy life and realize she doesn't have to be available for her mother 24/7 but can actually let others step in and help her out periodically. She also has to learn to let Jude be there for her the way he wants to. It's a big adjustment for Nellie because she's really never had anyone else to share her burdens with her. Jude is pretty perfect as boyfriends go.

Ms. Deemer definitely wrote a beautiful story. It was a love story that touched on many types of love. The romantic love between Jude and Nellie is the most obvious. There is also the love between a daughter and her mother. The love between sisters. And most importantly...the love of oneself.

"Finding a savior doesn't mean you aren't enough for yourself, it just means you don't want to do all of life's heavy lifting alone."

Profile Image for Lisa Aiello.
980 reviews22 followers
January 18, 2021
I am completely blown away and more than impressed with Layne Deemer's writing abilities. She writes the hell out of a truly swoony hero and a realistic and relatable heroine. And the way she turns a phrase had me clutching my heart more than a few times throughout my reading. I have her two other books, which are thrillers/mysteries, but this one is a simply amazing contemporary romance with hero to die for and our little Nellie (Belly) hit so close to home for me. I cannot wait to dive into her remaining books and am impatiently waiting another romance!!
Profile Image for diann bryan.
489 reviews
May 7, 2020
Nellie has taken the weight of the world in her shoulders. She’s been looking out for her Mom who had Alzheimer’s and for everyone around her as well.
Making a run to Starbucks for a coffee for her co-workers changed her life.

Jude is a character that has his own heartbreak but together Nellie and Jude find a connection and how sweet is is!

This story touches on many subjects besides Alzheimer’s but all of it makes the story more human and the connection more real.
Well done Layne! I Loved it!
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews60 followers
May 6, 2020
I really loved Life Forgotten it would be the first book that I've read by Layne Deemer and I can't wait to read more by her in the future . Just wow this story had my emotions all over the place I loved Nellie is any characters needed a happy ending it would be her my heart hurt with how much things were on her plate loved when she was with the hero even though she did frustrate me with how she handled things but over all love her character .I just really liked this book and I can't wait to read more by the author in the future .
Profile Image for Joanne Ragona.
528 reviews20 followers
May 11, 2020

“Everyone is worthy of your love, except you. When are you going to stop living for other people and start living for you?”

This is an important question throughout Life Forgotten by Layne Deemer. This beautiful, heartfelt story about a woman navigating life after her mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. From the get go you can feel Nellie’s anguish as she witnesses the decline of her mom’s health. She feels helpless and sad and responsible. She also feels such guilt for resenting her situation...for putting her life on hold even though she loves her mom with all her heart. Nellie is a fixer, a “do-gooder ” she takes care of the people around her and never gives a thought to herself.

Until Jude. Ahhhh Jude. Loved him from the instant he came upon the page. He has suffered his own sadness but he chooses to still live. And he desperately wants Nellie to live too. His character is so patient and kind. Total swoon. Jude really makes Nellie take a look at her life.

I loved the journey of Nellie and Jude. I loved the writing and the use of songs throughout the book. I loved the characters and their importance in the evolution of Nellie. I loved watching her grow and open up her heart. This is a story filled with the devastation of Alzheimer’s but it’s also a beautiful book filled with the power of love and learning to let others in to help you shoulder the hardships and sadness that life sometimes throws our way. Loved this story so much.
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,421 reviews168 followers
May 7, 2020
I was so blown away by this book. When I first read the blurb I knew I was going to be an emotional mess, but actually reading it? Goodness I went through so many tissues. Alzheimer's is a subject that hits close to home for me, since I've watched family members go through it, and it's heartbreaking for everyone involved. So much so that I had to take a few breaks while reading because this book is so spot on.

When Nellies mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she put her life on hold so she could make her mom's remaining days as good as possible. When she meets Jude, and immediately feels a spark, and he rekindles something inside her that she thought she lost. She struggles with accepting something so precious, especially since her mom is deteriorating right in front of her. But when you have first hand experience with how short life is, and how you need to make the most of it while you are still on this earth, you grab onto those you love with both hands and never let go.

I loved this book so very much. This is definitely a must read, and one of the best books I've read this year. I will be recommending this to everyone!!!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
Profile Image for JadeReads.
304 reviews28 followers
May 10, 2020
This book was given to me by a very special friend and I wouldn’t have read if it was not for her,
This book showed what real and healthy relationships should look like and I think that is something a lot of authors Don't write about it nowadays and I found it so refreshing because books have an intimate impact on young and adult readers.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,459 reviews140 followers
May 15, 2020
This is my first book by Layne Deemer but it won't be my last. For purely personal reasons this was a hard book for me to read because I've lived it not once but twice. I've never really spoke about my feelings about my experiences but it was like Layne had been inside my head. All the feelings of helplessness and pain she expressed them so well. I wanted to jump in the book and hug Nellie, she is an amazing character. A chance meeting brings some much needed joy into her life and I rejoiced at his perseverence. One thing I have learned from my issues with Alzheimers is celebrate the little things, love with all your heart and this is the message I hope people take from this book.
Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
834 reviews11 followers
May 6, 2020
Oh my goodness but this book has left me in a blubbering mess ! Its not a bad thing mind you ,its 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stuff that ,when a book can make you feel ,the goal has been achieved!


So Nellie ...with an ie not a y ( inside joke ) has the world on her shoulders like many an empath and my heart just shatters into million pieces because I caring so much for others she looses herself and forgers to care for herself , that is until Jude comes along not only is he HOT ,kind ,caring and funny BUT he's a barista! Damn girl you struck gold 🤣😘


Everything about these characters hit home from the Alzheimer monster to the fetal cat friends , it felt like I was just sharing and listening with a friend over a great cup of coffee.....naturally armed to the teeth with kleenex !
Profile Image for Tracy Hall.
140 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2020
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Life Forgotten by Layne Deemer
My Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

This is my first book by Layne Deemer but it won't be my last. Are you someone who gives, gives and gives to everyone around you? Who will do for others before you do for yourself? Have you ever lost herself and questioned who are you because you've given so much to others? This is what has happened to Nellie after her mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimers. After a chance run in with Jude, he becomes her saving grace in the most beautiful way. This was such a beautiful story, I highly recommend everyone read this.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
16.8k reviews199 followers
May 6, 2020
Nellie is a wonderful girl who puts all of the needs of others before her own. Jude is a barista in her coffee shop and the attraction between them is instant, but will Nellie be able to put herself 1st for once? This is a beautifully written tale which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout this heartfelt story. I was intrigued and hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend for all.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
May 1, 2020
This is such an emotional and heartfelt read. So much so that it was honestly hard for me to read at times. The subject of Alzheimer’s is one that hits very close to home with me as someone who loves and helps care for someone with this disease. I occasionally had to sit the book down because I knew exactly what Nellie was feeling and I had to take a moment to put myself back together. Layne Deemer perfectly captures the wide range of emotion when it comes to loving someone with Alzheimer’s.
While Life Forgotten contains some heavy hitting emotion, it still manages to also be an incredibly sweet and uplifting read. Jude and Nellie’s blossoming romance acts as the perfect balance to the heavy. These two were so adorable together and Jude, that man was a dream. Supportive, sweet, funny and a total gentleman he was absolutely perfect for Nellie.
If you’re looking for a read that will really hit you in the feels and then leave your heart feeling full I highly recommend grabbing this one!
May 8, 2020
A beautiful, heartfelt emotional story full of all the feels...

Nellie's life is put on hold when her mother is diagnosed with alzheimer's her world now revolves around making her mothers life the best she can give her which ultimately leads to her losing herself along the way...until jude , he breathes life back into Nellie and shows that she doesn't need to do this alone.

I loved jude hes perfect for Nellie they really made me smile, a book with all the feels and so beautifully written you cant help but fall in love with the characters.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,884 reviews20 followers
November 12, 2020
A heartbreakingly beautiful story. This one hurts but there is a light at the end. 5 beautiful stars!!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
May 8, 2020
Life Forgotten is such a beautifully emotional read that I'm still a hot mess. It's the story of Nellie, who has so much going on in her life after her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Her mother was then put into care, but Nellie goes above & beyond to make sure her mother's quality of life is the best she can do no matter what. She's also taking care of a lot of other people to the point that she has no idea who she is anymore, when she meets Jude. He's the one who makes her coffee, but he becomes so much more to her than that, and all of a sudden, she's got something just for her despite the fact that her mother continues to be her 24/7 focus. However, Jude remains patient despite the fear that Nellie has that he'll get tired of it. So, how does it all play out?! You'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Nicole.
3,716 reviews47 followers
May 8, 2020
Boy was this one powerfully emotional read. It took me a bit to get into, but once I did I could't put it down. Poor Nellie has the weight of the world on her shoulders and she looks out for everyone, but herself. That makes it all the more special when Jude comes into her life. She starts to live again. Will Jude get through to her that she has to take care of herself as well as everyone? This book shows you the daily struggles of families with Alzheimer’s. It shows the impact and how people react differently. It's such a heartbreaking disease. After reading the author note you can definitely tell there was a personal touch to this one. The author did a amazing job writing this one. She pulls the emotion out of the characters that pours all over the pages.
Profile Image for Alexis.
206 reviews7 followers
February 10, 2021
4.5 stars!! This was my first book by Layne Deemer and it definitely won’t be my last! I loved how it was written and the characters. Nellie is trying to find her way after basically switching roles with her mother. And Jude....everyone wants a Jude in their life! It was hard to read at times due to the subject. No one wants to watch a parent deteriorate before their eyes and feel helpless. I liked how, as hard as it was to read, that Meg was how she was. Because I had an uncle who had Alzheimer’s and his son couldn’t handle it and wouldn’t go visit him but his daughter would. People deal with sickness in different ways and I don’t think anyone would know what they would do until they are faced with it. Such a good book with characters you can’t help but fall in love with!
Profile Image for Marika.
4,560 reviews94 followers
May 10, 2020
Sweet sweet Nellie. This girl deserves everything and more. She dropped everything to be there for her mom when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer and she is still there, living half a life if it means that she is comfortable and cared for. Unlike her sister, she is the responsible one. She is just such a good person, but she just lost her way.
Jude is bound and determined to bring Nellie back to life, after all she is still so young.
This guy is just the sweetest and I love how much he cares for her and gives her herself back and so much more than she thought she could have.
Profile Image for JudyCa.
1,140 reviews
May 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! What can I say about Nellie? She had so much on her plate and surviving, alone...until she meets Jude. He was patient and kind and so in love with her. He showed her what it was like to live and not just survive. There are 3 love stories woven all through the story. Love for her mother, her sister and of course Jude. A slow burn with all the feels! Thank you LD!😁❤
2 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2020
Excellent read! I felt such a connection to Nellie and her story. It opened my eyes to a struggle I’ve never personally dealt with before and it was so real and easy to relate to. Layne is such a talented writer and I look forward to reading more of her books!
Profile Image for Destiny Bridwell.
1,719 reviews34 followers
December 8, 2020
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I wanted to read this book for I new the story was going to be a little heavy. Nellie has taken the weight of the world off the shoulders of others for she believes she should do this. It has taken its toll on her and she becomes lost in the world do for others what she will not do for herself. That she has a brief encounter with Jude. Sweet and lovely Jude who has issues and problems of his own, but is will to help Nellie see the light. The book is beautiful and it touches me on many loves. Layne Deemer has woven a tale of pain, anguish, love, caring and sharing the emotions we as people must carry with us each and everyday. 
Profile Image for Kalie.
223 reviews21 followers
May 8, 2020
This fall I read the authors debut novel; a thriller that ended up being one of my favorites of 2019. So naturally, I jumped at the chance to sign up to review this one. I am happy to report Layne Deemer writes heartwarming and emotional contemporaries just as well as she writes thrillers. I’m quite blown away by her beautiful writing in this story!

Life Forgotten follows Nellie who has put her entire life on hold, to care for her mother who is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Nellie coasts though her day to day life, taking care of and fretting over everyone and everything, and manages to lose herself in the process. Until she meets Jude, a Starbucks barista who helps to awaken things inside Nellie she had long forgotten.

This was such a heartwarming read, that I truly enjoyed from start to finish. I loved watching the relationship between Nellie and Jude grow, and watching Nellie allow someone to take care of her for a change. I loved Jude so much, he was such a great character l, I loved that he kept reminding Nellie that she wasn’t alone anymore, and that she still had a life worth living!

This beautiful story hit me in all my feels, and managed to leave my heart feeling happy in the end.



*arc provided by wildfire marketing solutions*
Profile Image for Hendrik.
95 reviews6 followers
May 6, 2020
Layne Deemer is a new Author to me and I wasn’t disappointed with my first book of her.

Nellie Campbell is always there to help the people she loves without expecting anything in return. She didn’t hesitate to put her whole life on hold, when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer��s. Her sister moved before their mother was diagnosed. Nellie faces all of this on her own.

The moment she met Jude Hargrove she knew there was a spark between them. She has never felt the way she feels now for anyone else before. At first she didn’t know if the feeling was mutual.

Is Jude the one who can show her that she can also be loved? Will she let him in or is it a feeling she is going to ignore?

We all know someone that has some kind of sickness. It is not an easy thing to go through especially if it is someone close to you or if you are the person that is sick.

Life Forgotten is a reminder that anything we face, we can overcome. Do not try to do everything on your own, if there are people offering their help.

I loved the whole story and in some parts of the story I could relate.

It is a MUST READ.
2,072 reviews53 followers
May 6, 2020
Life Forgotten was such a wonderful surprise! Nellie has put her own life on hold as she cares for her mother, who has Alzheimer's, her elderly neighbor and her single-mom neighbor. Nellie cares for everyone else in her life, but never takes the time to do anything that makes her happy.

That all changes thanks to a handsome, charismatic Starbucks barista. Jude is everything Nellie needed at the exact time she needed -- and she didn't even know. Jude has been through some family trauma himself, and he helps Nellie live again, put herself first. But when life becomes unbearable and Nellie is forced to choose between what she wants to do to make herself happy and what she feels guilt about when it comes to her ailing mother, will she push away the best thing that has ever happened to her?

Nellie and Jude's story is a wonderfully sweet romance, and this story is full of heart. I don't want to give too much away, but if you are looking for a feel-good, clean romance, check out Life Forgotten. But this story is so much more than a feel-good romance.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,024 reviews938 followers
October 20, 2022
description

“Where did you come from? Who are you?”

He sighs and reaches out to tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. His palm rests on my cheek. “I’m exactly who you needed at the exact time you needed me.”

Layne Deemer is a new-to-us author and in Life Forgotten she delivers what felt like a very personal story. An emotional love story shrouded in the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s from Nellie’s pov as she tries to deal with the memory loss, the demands placed on her, and the unequivocal love she has for her mother. Mourning the Mum, as she once was, and coming to terms with the woman she is now is exceedingly difficult and all-consuming for Nellie.

“No matter what happens, your memories of your mom can’t ever be taken away from you.”

A sad and often heavy story, we were grateful for the lighter moments which came in the form of Nellie’s love interest Jude. Thank goodness for Jude! This man with a heart of gold, the patience of a saint, and the wit we needed to push through the tough times we experienced in this story. Jude was the light in Nellie’s rather dull life. Nellie is a giver. Giving everything of herself to others, leaving no time for herself or for matters of the heart, but Jude would change that.

Whilst discussing this book, we both agreed we didn’t quite know how we felt. Whilst we couldn’t really say we ‘enjoyed’ it, it certainly did pull on the heartstrings and we couldn’t wait to see how it all panned out. The writing was heartfelt, and the subject matter was handled with such sensitivity.

We felt the personal nature and the utter hopelessness of Nellie’s story, and we loved the way in which Jude enlightened Nellie and brought her out of her shell, showing her how much she deserved love and happiness. He really was the light in the dark, though he carried his own heartache.

‘I never asked him for help, but that’s the thing about Jude, I never needed to.’

We despaired with Nellie over her sister Meg’s selfishness yet felt somewhat perplexed with her 360-personality change. We had to check we hadn’t missed a few pages; such was the whiplash effect of her personality change. This made the story feel a little fragmented. There were times it felt as though Nellie and Megs became completely different characters.

In saying this, there is no doubting the heartfelt prose of this sweet, tragic, and beautifully written story. Maybe it was a mood thing on our part that we couldn’t quite love this story the way we had hoped. The subject matter demanded it, but we just didn’t fully experience it.

“Now, you remember what I said, you hear me? There ain’t no shame in needing someone. That boy wants to be a part of your life. Let him.”

Life Forgotten carries a powerful message about knowing your worth, believing in yourself, and always reaching out to those who care. No one is an island, and sometimes a smile, a helping hand, or someone to show how much they love and appreciate you, can make all the difference!


Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,860 reviews2,067 followers
May 1, 2023
3.5 stars

“Where did you come from? Who are you?”

He sighs and reaches out to tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. His palm rests on my cheek. “I’m exactly who you needed at the exact time you needed me.”

Layne Deemer is a new-to-us author and in Life Forgotten she delivers what felt like a very personal story. An emotional love story shrouded in the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s from Nellie’s pov as she tries to deal with the memory loss, the demands placed on her, and the unequivocal love she has for her mother. Mourning the Mum, as she once was, and coming to terms with the woman she is now is exceedingly difficult and all-consuming for Nellie.

“No matter what happens, your memories of your mom can’t ever be taken away from you.”

A sad and often heavy story, we were grateful for the lighter moments which came in the form of Nellie’s love interest Jude. Thank goodness for Jude! This man with a heart of gold, the patience of a saint, and the wit we needed to push through the tough times we experienced in this story. Jude was the light in Nellie’s rather dull life. Nellie is a giver. Giving everything of herself to others, leaving no time for herself or for matters of the heart, but Jude would change that.

Whilst discussing this book, we both agreed we didn’t quite know how we felt. Whilst we couldn’t really say we ‘enjoyed’ it, it certainly did pull on the heartstrings and we couldn’t wait to see how it all panned out. The writing was heartfelt, and the subject matter was handled with such sensitivity.

We felt the personal nature and the utter hopelessness of Nellie’s story, and we loved the way in which Jude enlightened Nellie and brought her out of her shell, showing her how much she deserved love and happiness. He really was the light in the dark, though he carried his own heartache.

‘I never asked him for help, but that’s the thing about Jude, I never needed to.’

We despaired with Nellie over her sister Meg’s selfishness yet felt somewhat perplexed with her 360-personality change. We had to check we hadn’t missed a few pages; such was the whiplash effect of her personality change. This made the story feel a little fragmented. There were times it felt as though Nellie and Megs became completely different characters.

In saying this, there is no doubting the heartfelt prose of this sweet, tragic, and beautifully written story. Maybe it was a mood thing on our part that we couldn’t quite love this story the way we had hoped. The subject matter demanded it, but we just didn’t fully experience it.

“Now, you remember what I said, you hear me? There ain’t no shame in needing someone. That boy wants to be a part of your life. Let him.”

Life Forgotten carries a powerful message about knowing your worth, believing in yourself, and always reaching out to those who care. No one is an island, and sometimes a smile, a helping hand, or someone to show how much they love and appreciate you, can make all the difference!
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