I have been a fan of Becky Wade's work for a long time and was really excited to read this one. Unfortunately, I went away feeling disappointed.

I'm going to start with what I DID like about the book.

•The banter between the two MCs was pretty funny throughout the book. The male MC especially had a dry/sarcastic sense of humor that I enjoyed.
•The communication between the MCs was done really well. The male MC was open and honest with her from the beginning about his feelings, while also being respectful of her choices. (ETA: except when he breaks in through her window and refuses to leave, knowing that she is scared of men. Like can we not?)
•There were some past traumas that I thought the author handled well.

Okay, on to what I didn't care for.

•The characters were flat and one-dimensional. There were zero emotions for any of the characters. I had no idea what they were feeling until we were told, but then I didn't know why they were feeling that way. We never got deep into their heads and because of that, I was really disconnected from them.
•Some of the wording used was a bit too much and could have been expressed differently and made it more romantic had it been.
•The male MC is perfect. Like literally. He has no flaws. Anything that could be a flaw was something that happened TO him. There were no physical or personality flaws. No sins that he had to overcome. The one mistake he made happened before the book even took place and he knew it was wrong by this point.
•Every time we entered a new scene, we were told everything each character (side characters included) was wearing and also every tiny detail about the room they were in. I wish we could have seen details of their emotions vs what they chose to wear that day.
•Because of the lack of emotions as mentioned previously, the romance seemed all physical with nothing deeper drawing these characters to one another.
•Lastly, and this was probably the biggest disappointment of all, the faith---or lack thereof. While there were mentions of God sprinkled throughout the book, I never could tell if these characters were actually Christian or not. There is one moment with the female MC where there needed to be some kind of repentance, even a brief, "I'm sorry, God" would have sufficed. But there was nothing. We also never really saw whether the male MC was actually a Christian beyond him saying, "I feel God is important to me" while he was still recovering from amnesia. This was extremely disappointing because this author's faith message is usually really strong and solid.

Overall, this book just wasn't for me, and though I have truly enjoyed her previous works, makes me cautious to pick up the next book. 2.5 stars.,

**I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Memory Lane by Becky Wade is the start of a new series, Sons of Scandal.

Remy Reed has been hiding away on a little island in Maine. Reclusive and hurting, she works on her "art." She glimpses out over the water and sees a man struggling to swim. She rescues him, but he is battered and bruised and doesn't know who he is or how he got in the water.

The story started out great. Loved the banter between the two characters. But about half way through I found the story dragged a bit. Too many characters to keep up with, and a lot of descriptions. There were some past traumas that some readers may find uncomfortable. It has a mystery that kept me reading to the end.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

(Rating and review edited the next day. Explanation given after original review before trigger warnings.)

I kept myself from knowing anything about this book other than there was amnesia involved. I love a good amnesia story, and I love a Becky Wade story! Put them together and you have the recipe for a fabulous book.

There is mystery and intrigue and love and conflict all combining to make for a captivating read. I would say that I'm sad that I can't read it again for the first time, but knowing my memory, I'll enjoy it just as much the next time through. I usually listen to books but was impatient and couldn't resist when given a complimentary copy via #Netgalley. I look forward to listening to this one again.

There were a couple of events that may be concerning to some readers. For that reason, I will mention some potential trigger warnings at the end of this review. Proceed only if you want to know the warnings. No spoilers will be mentioned and none of the events take place in the story itself but are mentioned as previously taken place.

Since this is the beginning of a series, we are introduced to a cast of interesting characters outside of our hero and heroine. The description of the island and areas around Maine made me want to take a vacation! I can't wait to visit the area again in subsequent books.


BEGIN EDITED REVIEW EXPLANATION:
I try to review a book shortly after reading it because I have a tendency to forget what I read. That's what I did with this one. After going to bed for the night, I woke up at 3 AM and couldn't shut my brain off. This book was what was stirring in there. Without going into great detail here, but feel free to find me on IG if you want to for more (@whatsberlydoing), I felt I needed to reduce my 5 star rating to 4. Becky Wade is a favorite author, but this story of hers concerned me afterwards. I thought back to events as I read them and I cringed at some of them at the time. Those came back to me in the night. As others have mentioned the illustrated cover does not necessarily match the content of the book, especially if you're familiar with other Wade books. Although the story is compelling and the cover adorable. I saw where Becky Wade explained her choice for changing to an illustration as the cover for this book. After reading it, I feel like she went with marketing over content in a way. Also, in thinking in the night, there was a lot of focus placed on physical relationships rather than deeper connections. This adjustment isn't to say I didn't enjoy the book, I just felt I wasn't as honest or clear the first time around. It is a story with heavier themes than I am used to reading. END OF EXPLANATION



Trigger/content warnings : mentions of previous events including infidelity, rape, suicide and marital relations outside of marriage

This novel was not very enjoyable for me. I liked the premise of two strangers coming together under strenuous circumstances, but it started to take some religious turns that I did not find enjoyable. Additionally, there were many ancillary characters who were not well developed and included only to steer future storylines. Unfortunately, I do not see myself wanting to read the future books in this serious.

This was an interesting book to read. I really enjoy Becky Wade’s books and I was excited to see that she was writing a new series. Memory Lane is the first book in her new series, Sons of Scandal.
The premise of this book was really interesting and I wanted to see what would happen. It took me a little longer to get into the book, but once I really started I was able to get into it. The main characters were engaging and I wanted to read more.
I really felt for Remy as she tried to find her place in the world. She had experienced a horrible thing and she was still learning how to step out in faith. The main guy character was charming and it was fun to learn more about him and see who he was. He had his own issues to deal with and it was exciting to read. (I am not mentioning his name so as not to spoil the fun in finding out in the book).
I was curious to see how the plot would unfold. There were a lot of twists and turns. I love the side characters, they were a lot of fun and I am excited for the next book. I think I know who it is going to be about. Although I wish that there could be more faith involved in this book, I do think that Wade did a good job sprinkling it within.
Memory Lane is a christian contemporary romance with a hint of suspense. *Content warnings may contain spoilers below*





*Content Warnings:
*mentioned past rape
*discussed past suicide
*attempted murder

This was a very sweet story. It shows how memories can. Help make love grow where you need them the most. The storyline and characters werre wonderful. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review.

OMG, This book was the chef’s kiss. A little different vibe then this authors other books but I absolutely loved it. The characters, I was rooting for their happy ending and the the character development was on point. This story makes you feel good and think at the same time. I give it 5 stars and can’t wait for the next one in the series.

I really enjoyed this sweet and tender story! Although a bit slow at times, the character development was wonderful and well thought out

Remy Reed escaped to Islehaven to lead a peaceful, quiet life away from humanity as much as possible. God has other plans for her. Remy ends up rescuing a handsome stranger from the ocean and is forced to care for him in her small, cozy home while he struggles to heal his body and regain his memory.

The handsome stranger ends up being everything Remy fears - charming, well-off, and well-known. The closer he tries to get, the further she tries to push him away, even while helping him try to solve the mystery of HOW he got into the water in the first place and who put him there.

Memory Lane by Becky Wade was a sweet, fast-paced read full of romance, intrigue, and hilarious dialogue. The banter between Remy and Jeremiah, the two main characters, had me rolling on several occasions. I found myself staying up late in order to find out how long it would take them to get together and who was behind Jeremiah's accident. Their chemistry was seriously sizzling even though there was no spice on the pages.

There were a few issues with the writing, though, that caused me to only give the book 3 stars. Several scenes contained huge chunks of dialogue that told major plot points without the characters interacting. It was awkward and choppy. Also, the actions of the FBI agent were suspect. I don't think he'd be able to do most of what he did or act the way he did during an investigation, even in an unofficial capacity.

Even with these issues, the story was enjoyable and the characters engaging!

Favorite Jeremiah quote: “Tell me how to sweet-talk you into giving me more drugs.”
Favorite Remy quote: “He’s the freshly ground Arabica of men. The twenty-one-year-aged rum of men. He’s quick-witted and humorous and so dazzling to look at I feel like I need to wear sunglasses.”

Wow! My first touch with an author's titles, and I was way surprised of how crescent the narrative went gone. I liked a lot the construction of the romance, and also the suspense mystery that has made a perfect pair to turn the story compelling and full layers. Well done!

I'm not sure what to say about Memory Lane. The premise was interesting, but a bit convoluted. I had a hard time liking the main characters, even though I felt empathy for Remy. I've read other Becky Wade books and enjoyed them, but this one didn't sit right. There was too much dependence on drinking to make the characters feel better or help them deal with life. I had hoped for more of a story with faith and hope. This didn't strike me as a sweet romance, but more of two disagreeable people trying to figure out if they even liked each other.. I did finish the book, but I probably won't read the second one, I received a copy from Netgalley, and this is my personal opinion.

The storyline was unique and had me drawn in right from the start. I truly could not put this book down. From the beginning gave us an idea of the characters and what they were dealing with. - A famous Family, scandal, a mystery, and adding both characters with a complicated past, you have a story that will keep you wanting to read what happens next. Don't let the cute illustrated cover fool you, charming story- fun-banter dialogue, with a good measure of depth- suspense-emotional scenes, and lots of twists and turns. I thought the memory-lost trope was done exceptionally well!

"After surviving a trauma several years back, Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands. She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the ocean."

Becky Wade knows how to write an intriguing story, the pacing felt perfect, and I really enjoy the witty banter laced with humor, the mystery, and the amnesia angle. Highly Recommended it!

Clean Read. lots of kissing, but nothing further.

The theme of the story for me was God's in control, His timing not yours, and He will move you from your comfort zone.

#MemoryLanebyBeckyWade #NetGalley
Thank you, Becky Wade, and NetGalley for the complimentary eARC. All Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

From the cover, I expected a little bit lighter of a story from Memory Lane, but I loved the mystery! The pacing felt perfect. The author definitely knows how to write an intriguing story!

I did guess who the culprit was pretty early on, but that didn't stop me from racing to see if I was right!

Sometimes the characters' speech patterns seemed a little formal, but that could just be my personal taste. The spiritual thread is light. I did appreciate it being there though.

If you want a well-paced contemporary romance, heavy on the mystery, I think you'll love this one!

Content Warning: Casual alcohol use

Trigger Warning: Discussion of rape, suicide

I received a copy from the publisher, but all opinions are my own.

Another great read from Becky Wade.

I loved the main characters and their relationship, and felt it was very realistic as it progressed from “enemies” to “lovers”. Reading about a main character with amnesia was an interesting change, and made the book feel fresh and different. Also loved the mystery that developed, and the side character stories, especially Wendell. Looking forward to following Jude’s story in the next book.

Thank you to the Becky Wade and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

*4.5

I had a great time with this book. Jeremiah’s love for Remy is so good and pure and it warmed my heart. He just always wants the best for her and he believes in her so much. I will say that the random povs from his brother and mom were weird and felt out of place. This book is also a christian romance so God is a factor throughout but if you felt like it you could skip over those brief parts and the story wouldn’t change.

I received an arc through netgalley.

tw: brief description of sa in the past

WOW, JUST WOW.
The first 5 star read of this year goes to Memory Lane by Becky Wade! I can't tell you how much I loved this journey. I assure you that I didn't have high expectations about this one, I had never read a book by this author and I hadn't heard of it but I swear this book surprised me A LOT. I loved it, from start to finish. I loved the narrative, the construction of characters, the spaces, the love and communication ..... in my opinion Becky Wade did an excellent job with this one.

About the story:
I loved Remy, how she grew as a person and how even after everything she went through she managed to accept Jeremiah and love him. I loved Jeremiah even more for being so understanding, respectful and patient with Remy. The relationship of these two >>>>>>>>
I really liked how the author created the characters' relationship, how she made us go through all the stages and how none of them was too fast.
From a shipwrecked person, to amnesia, deaths and suicides, noisy families, the ocean, arts and artists, formula 1 pilots, the elderly, frozen food, among others, ending up in pure love..one of the best enemy to lovers romance!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me an Arc of this AMAZING book, and to Becky Wade <33333

Amnesia? Grumpy sunshine? Murder? Hot rich guy and edgy artistic misanthrope? The aptly titled Memory Lane has it all and keeps you guessing until the very end with the perfect combination of romance and a side of mystery. I really enjoyed Memory Lane--especially the repartee between the two main characters. When Remy, artist and resident of a secluded island of the cost of Maine, finds a man struggling to breathe in the middle of the ocean, she doesn't expect that he won't know who he is. She also doesn't expect that she'll be taking care of him for the next two weeks...or that he will find her way of life a little too rugged for his taste. As Remy tries to rehabilitate "Jonah", he chafes on her every nerve while she only endears herself to hi. His physical health returns quickly, but his memories are much slower to return.

When they learn the truth about him--and his past life--everything changes for both of them. "Jonah" has a far different life than Remy, who keeps herself isolated in her artistic bubble. Jonah is trying to piece together his past life, while Remy and her tiny island home are all that seem to matter to him anymore. Jonah wonders why he was in the middle of the ocean with a head injury, and Remy wonders whether she should step outside of her carefully erected walls, which have suddenly collapsed.

The real highlight of this book for me was the characters. I absolutely adored Remy. While I haven't been through everything she has endured, I could relate to her response to hardship. I also tend to withdraw and isolate. I also have introvert and misanthropic tendencies and enjoy fantasy TV shows and frozen food. The author does a great job at showing how she worked through trauma. "Jonah" wasn't my favorite character in general--I couldn't relate to his love for fast cars or fancy watches--but he was a great counterbalance to Remy. Where she was hesitant and scared, he was bold and determined. The side characters were fantastic as well. I can't wait for book two in the series, which will feature Jude. And I LOVED Wendell, Remy's elderly friend, and his dapper fashion sense.

The other thing I really enjoyed about the book was the dialogue and dynamic between Remy and Jonah. They are the epitome of grumpy sunshine. The happier he gets, the more annoyed she is. It's amazing. Her frustration amuses him. Their dialogue, especially in the first half of the book, was fantastic. Plus, the references to faith, which were a lot more subtle than Wade's other novels, were really great.

To be totally honest, I felt like there was a lot of drinking for a Christian book--this may be because she is self-publishing. This is just a personal preference. I also found the mystery a little predictable without a great red herring. I'd rather spend more time on the romance or the faith side of things. I also missed Wade's previous writing style, which was more verbose and sentimental, but I enjoyed that she is able to change her style to fit a different series. This was more to the point and clever, which isn't as much my preference. She's a fantastic writer, and I'm curious to see what else she'll do as she self-publishes and markets her books for a more general audience. I found the references to future books a little too much as well--I didn't know if some of the storylines would play out in this book, or another book.

Overall, however, I really enjoyed this book and will keep reading the series!

TW: Sexual assault references

3.5/5

Becky Wade has written a pretty near perfect book in Memory Lane. This is one of those books that I didn't want to end so I read slowly or at least I tried..
There is so much going on but it all works here. Somehow Becky has paired an isolated traumatized artist and a famous millionaire who has amnesia and it came out ….. well it all worked...and amazingly at that! Add to that a famous family, a mystery, scandal and both characters with complicated backgrounds and you have a story that will keep you wanting to read what happens in the next book in the series.
I loved both Remy and Jeremiah plus all the side characters. Remy is grumpy and resistant but Jeremiah is equally persistent and caring. The Maine island setting and the pacing was perfect and the romance is so right for both of them. I do wish there had been a bit more of a spiritual thread though.
I recommend it highly.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

I know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover. But don’t let the cute illustrated cover for Memory Lane fool you. What you find inside is a delightful, charming story with a surprising amount of depth - and a bonus suspense plot thrown in for good measure.

Remy Reed lives a quiet and mostly solitary life on an island off the coast of Maine. When she rescues a man from the ocean during a storm and is forced to take care of him for an extended time because he can’t remember who he is or how he ended up in the water, she’s not the least bit happy to be sharing her space. Yet she does her best to balance her prickly personality with the hospitality and care needed to nurse her guest to health.

But once they figure out who the mystery man is and he’s on his way to healing and regaining his memories, neither our hero or heroine are quite so sure they’re ready to put the whole incident in the past and leave each other behind.

Despite a meandering pace, I rather enjoyed this book. The author had a unique writing style - something about the way she phrased things, and the words she used, kept me picturing a story taking place in the 50s. Yet mentions of cell phones, Instagram influencers, and Pelotons told me otherwise. I frequently sat for a moment or two after reading a sentence to sit with the words and absorb the brilliance of the imagery created - which isn’t something that happens for me that frequently. The dialogue was superb (even if it did seem a bit formal at times) and the character development was fantastic.

What I really liked though, were the surprise plot twists. What started out as a fun, lighthearted story took a sharp left turn towards serious when pasts were revealed and mysteries developed. For the hero, his dunk in the ocean may have had a nefarious origin, and for Remy, we learned there was a reason why she kept the hero at arms length. But the great thing is that there wasn’t an abundance of hinting that there was something that caused Remy to behave the way she did towards the hero. I’m also a HUGE fan of the kind, patient hero who is willing to play the long game to be with the woman he loves.

This story is perfect for fans of sweet, no-steam romance. And if the Christian tag on the book scares you away, I would tell you there are some religious aspects to the story, but they are very much on the periphery. Yes, many books labeled as “Christian” clearly have the intent of proselytizing (and some quick research on the author tells me many of her books may be that way), but that did not seem to be the case here. No, here you just get brilliant writing and fantastic storytelling.

So now I’m going to keep an eye out for more Becky Wade books, and be watching for book two in this Sons of Scandal series!

* thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

As soon as I started this book, I wanted to read the entire thing! Such an intriguing story, starting with a man who is rescued from the sea and has lost his memory. I loved that it was set in Maine! It even had a few references to our favorite store: Mardens!

Huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!