What do you do when the opportunity to be an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) reader for one of your favorite authors comes up? You jump at it, of course!

Did you read my last blog post about some of my favorite recent reads? Well, Joanna Davidson Politano’s books were on that list! And when I heard she was looking for ARC readers…well…I was elated. And her upcoming release (April 21, 2026) of The Life She Forgot, did not disappoint.

The story is actually two stories; two love stories, intertwined through time…and mystery. I don’t like to give too much about story lines away, but this was an achingly sweet journey of loves lost and found…with quite the unexpected twists and turns. I love it when I can’t predict the ending of a story – and this one truly did surprise me. It was fascinating to go back and start listening to the audio version (very nicely done as well by the way) and hear it from the perspective of knowing the end from the beginning. It was uniquely different all over again! I loved how this story showed what love truly is and can be. It was filled with second chances and the challenge to learn to let others love you, in spite of your brokenness. What a gift that is! We all need to learn to let others love us with all our broken pieces, don’t we?

True to form, a house plays a significant role—which I find an endearing quality in many of Politano’s books. I also loved that the story had a sweet kitty and beautiful coastal scenery. The setting for much of the book was Cornwall, England, the region my great grandfather immigrated from. He would have been about the same age as one of the main characters. So that was a fun bonus. My mother and I explored the area about ten years ago and absolutely loved it. Perhaps reading this book will encourage you to take your own adventure to this beautifully picturesque region! My favorite place was the seaside village of Polperro, in this fun location…in case you’re looking for suggestions!

The book is available for pre-order (or order if after 4-20-26) in paperback, audio and eBook formats HERE! And no, the author did not ask me to give a link or require a review in exchange for my getting to read the book. But it is my pleasure to do so!

Enjoy!!