This is another book I did not want to see end.
Such an engaging story. Tillie Morissey the main character in this book is an artist, who paints beautiful work that could be fairy-tales. Combining both animals and people.
A couple of month after her mother dies Tillie goes to an art show, and when she sees a painting which brings on a deja vu, but of what she doesn't know. And she comes down with a horrible migraine which she contributes to an accident years ago when she hit her head.
She meets a visitor to the city, who is also at the gallery, Liam who comes to help her during her pain and and they both feel like they were meant to meet each other.
During his stay in the city, they become very close and continue to believe it is fate that brought them together.
Tillie finds some papers at her mothers house after she died, that made Tillie think that her whole life has been a lie. Following some clues, she ends up going to a small seaside village in England to try and figure out her life, but also the feelings she has for Liam.
There is so much that goes on in the book, but I don't want to disclose too much.
I have read many books by this author, and have enjoyed them all.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book

This is one of my favorite book by Barbara O'Neal. With her great story telling she begins with Tillie, an artist whose work reflects some inner secret that is greatly effecting her personally and with her painting. She meets Liam, a handsome young man from England that does work that is soothing to his many international fans and lucrative for his inner circle. Their attraction is instant and eery. Liam returns to his road committments and Tillie finds herself chasing a secret that her mother has kept from her. It is a tale of a history lost and taken from Tillie that reemerges as one of a solved mystery and possibly a new beginning for Tillie. I loved this book and read it twice! Thanks to #NetGalley#MemoriesoftheLost#BarbaraO'Neal for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was disappointed that Memories of the Lost did not appeal to me. I don’t even know how to explain why I disliked it so much. The author’s writing style is good. But, for some reason, the characters did not appeal to me. The story just dragged on and on and I felt like I was trudging through molasses to get to the end. And the sex was too much for me. While this was not a positive experience for me, there are plenty of positive reviews. So I would encourage you to read some of the reviews to see if you would appreciate the book more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it.
A little mystery, a little romance, smidge of fantasy aspects.
My only "complaint" is that it was a little predictable.
I gave it a 4 star overall, and will look for more books to read by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC

Loved the Story!!
I enjoyed Memories of the Lost. This is the first book I've read by Barbara O'Neal and will not be the last! Her descriptions are vivid and I liked how the storyline flowed without a hitch.
The story follows an artist (Tillie) who is mesmerized by a painting in a gallery. Soon she meets Liam, who feels as if "something" brought them together. Together they embark on a quest for the truth concerning their growing relationship while unraveling the "lie" that has become the basis of her life and all she has ever known. Highly recommended!!

This was a new author to me, but I felt drawn to it after reading the synopsis on NetGalley and I enjoyed the mix of real issues with a touch of magic. Tillie is an artist who uncovers secrets after the death of her mother. The catalyst is a painting in a gallery she visits, when she sees it she has a physical reaction. Feeling lightheaded, she relies on the help of a complete stranger and feels an immediate connection between them. He’s handsome, but that’s not it, she feels like she knows him. Tillie has always used her own art as a refuge from the difficulties she’s faced in life. Now it isn’t working. A document she found when clearing up her mother’s belongings has left her feeling that her whole life is a lie. Then she has more strange states of consciousness and intrusive memories. Are they real or is this part of grieving? She must do something to understand what is happening to her.

Inspired by the painting that seemed to trigger it all, she makes a trip to the seaside village with a link to the painting. She’s hoping to get to the bottom of her questions about her mother and why the painting has had such an effect on her. She also wants to have some resolution to her mother’s secrets that are currently complicating the grief she feels for her. There’s also her strange feelings for Liam, having some space from him may make her feelings clearer. This was intriguing, both in plot and in the psychology behind Tillie’s confused feelings. I loved how the author represented memory as a fluid thing and how we can bury things we don’t want to face deep into our sub-consciousness. She was such a likeable character and I wanted her to be okay, to resolve the mystery and start to recover. The author cleverly took different aspects and stitched them together like a patchwork quilt, made up of memory, the love of family and nature and strength. There’s also an element of whimsy or magic that made it a little different. Very enjoyable and easy read.

Rounding up from 4.5⭐
A remembered whisper and magical animals, especially a cat, appear in Tillie's paintings. It's only been half a year since her mother passed away. When Tillie finds a scrap of paper in her mother's belongings, it upends all that she knows. Going into fugue states, painting and going places she doesn't remember. What seems real, but confusing, is her encounter with Liam. Is it real? An intriguing story that enveloped me. Shocked that I have not heardore about this book as it's a beautifully told story.

A lovely story about Tillie finding herself and realising that all of her life has been a pack of lies, I loved Liam and was definitely rooting for them and hoping that Tillie could sort everything out and discover the truth so she could move on. A lovely week written story

Who is Tillie Morrisey?

That question is at the heart of this story, as Tillie discovers that the only true things that she can be sure of are the ones that she has accomplished for herself. She is a successful artist, living in New York City, preparing for her next show.

Those things are real and true, no matter what else happens – or has already.

Because discovering that the rest of the things she believed were true – about her mother, their lack of family, the isolation of Tillie’s childhood, even Tille’s name and family history, are hidden behind a tissue of lies that Tillie had no idea lurked inside her memories.

Which she can’t trust at all.

Inside Tillie’s fractured mental landscape is something a lot like ‘Pandora’s Box’ – with all the implications that name invokes about what is released and what lurks within. The key to Tillie’s version of that box turns out to be an old newspaper clipping hidden away in her recently deceased mother’s house. The clipping holds the story of a long ago tragedy. That her mother didn’t reveal all the details of something that happened before Tillie was born isn’t really a surprise – but the other document that she finds certainly is.

Because Tillie’s birth certificate is right there in the same set of boxes. But it’s not exactly Tillie’s, because that Tillie – that other Tillie – would have been three years older than artist Tillie. And the other Tillie died in that long ago tragedy.

Present-day Tillie, adult Tillie, doesn’t know if the girl that died was her sister, if her mother named the both the same for ‘reasons’ or if there is more to unravel than Tillie ever knew.

That this revelation comes at a point in Tillie’s life where she herself is unraveling, as she realizes that she’s painting wild cats while is in so deep a fugue state that she loses time and doesn’t remember the work – and a point when she’s fallen deeply into a long-distance relationship – may be enough to finally release the memories she’s blocked – and lost.

Or she may just lose herself.

Escape Rating B+: I picked this up because I’ve enjoyed several of the author’s previous works, particularly Write My Name Across the Sky and This Place of Wonder. I was hoping for more of the same and almost, but not quite, got it.

It seems like all of the author’s work circles around a group of people whose past suddenly crashes headlong into the present – and how they deal with that crash.

In this particular case, it’s Tillie’s past, the past her mother withheld from her – a withholding that started early enough (Tillie was FOUR) and was pervasive enough that Tillie repressed any memories that she might have had.

What’s happening in this story is that those repressed memories are now breaking through and manifesting as migraines (YUCK and UGH), painting in fugue and generally knocking on the door in Tillie’s memory any way they can.

That this all started happening just a few months after her mother Arletta’s death can’t possibly be a coincidence – and it isn’t.

Although Tillie’s brand new romance possibly is one. Or it may be karma or fate trying to put things back on course in ways that initially seem like tangents or distractions but finally do reach the heart of the matter.

From whence comes to the reasons that I liked this book but didn’t love it quite as much as I hoped I would.

Because this story operates on three tracks. Of course, there’s Tillie’s perspective, and then there’s her new love, Liam’s point of view. I liked them, I liked their story, I understood their doubts and fears even as they kept moving forwards into a future they couldn’t quite see yet.

But there was a third track to the story that felt like an interruption to the thing as a whole. It does eventually connect up – and that connection is SO important and part of the resolution of Tillie’s quest. Howsomever, as it was happening, as the focus switched from Tillie and Liam to this other thread it dropped me out of the story to the point where I was wondering if there was going to be a portal fantasy element along with the touch of magical realism throughout the story. (There’s no portal, but I seriously wondered for quite a while.)

So, if that third angle drives you a bit up the wall, stick with it, because the story as a whole turned out to be lovely, even as it walks Tillie – and Liam – through some surprisingly dark places along the way to their well-deserved happy ever after.

Memories of the Lost by Barbara O’Neil is a beautifully written story filled with mystery, love, and an almost magical quality like a fairy tale. The story alternates between Tillie's life in New York and Claire’s in England. I found myself sitting down to read the book and then completely losing track of time as I was so engrossed in the story. The writing is almost lyrical and I recommend this very unique story.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not requited to write a positive review.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I am a big fan of Barbara O'Neal and have read most of her titles. They are great beach reads, full of relatable characters, interesting plots, and relationships in various stages. This newest title did not disappoint. I was drawn into Tillie's story from the start and loved getting to follow along as she researched a painting she felt strongly connected to. I enjoyed the different perspectives each of the characters and watching them grow and learn from each other as their stories wove together.

Loved it!! I always enjoy Barbara O'Neal's books. The stories are wonderfully written. I get hooked from the start and get fully invested in the lives of the characters. This book was no exception. I couldn't wait to find out Tillie's connection to the painting and all the stuff she didn't seem to remember as a child. All her blackout's sounded scary, especially since she had no memory of her actions. Tillie didn't always make the best decisions. She had Liam, a complete stranger, bring her home during one of her migraines. Even though they had an immediate connection, he could have been a serial killer. I loved the descriptions of Tillie's paintings. Her artwork sounded amazing. My favorite part of the book was the mystery surrounding Tillie and how everyone was connected. Loved Clare's farm and her mismatch of animals. The book was definitely full of magic.

Definitely recommend the book. I loved the characters, story and writing style- so pretty much everything. It was about family, love, loss, forgiveness and so much more. It was a fairy tale and mystery all wrapped together. I was sad to see the book end. I loved reading about Tillie and Liam. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was lovely. It was sweet and interesting. I loved the magic and the mystery. I wish I had grabbed this one as an audiobook. It would have been nice to listen to in the empty school this summer.

Another amazing book by Barbara O’Neal. This came together so beautifully. Once again the characters were so relatable. Thanks for the advanced copy.

MEMORIES OF THE LOST is such an amazing story that held my interest until the very last page.. I love Tillie and Liam and I was rooting for them the whole way

Loved this story

Thanks netgalley and lake union publisher. All my thoughts are my own and isn't influenced by anyone else

I always look forward to reviewing a novel by Barbara O’Neal and “Memories of the Lost” is no exception. O’Neal is a master at creating enduring characters who have suffered loss, yet they continue to endure.

Tillie, an artist in New York, has felt at a lost since her mother has passed away. While attending a art show, she sees a painting that gives her an eerie sense of déjà vu. The painting seems to be the catalyst to strange dreams. At the same time, she connects with Liam, someone she has never known but feels instantly close to. Spurred by some of her mother’s paperwork, Tillie embarks on a journey, searching not only for answers, but also to discover more about herself and where she comes from.

I have read many novels with a similar plot (someone finding something out about themselves while going through their parents’ paperwork) but appreciated O’Neal’s fresh perspective. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions as well as the author’s evocative writing. I cared less about the love story than other parts of this story, but overall, I would recommend this book.

Four stars.

My thanks to Barbara O’Neal, the publisher and Net Galley for a chance to read and review this novel.

In Memories of the Lost, Barbara O’Neal again leverages her gift for luscious descriptions to draw readers into a story rife with interesting characters, vibrant settings, and the love language of food. Tillie, an artist, finds her way to a childhood secret when she experiences a visceral reaction to a random painting. Liam, an international meditation guru, finds Tillie by chance and discovers a connection between them neither one had ever known. Their relationship feels fated in the best way, and as we unravel Tillie’s secret it’s an easy leap to believe that she and Liam were always meant to be together.

It is Tillie and Liam’s story, but some of my favorite characters were those who played supporting roles, including the menagerie of animals on Levi and Claire’s small farm back in England.

This book has all the feels. It is part romance, part mystery, and part magical fairy tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Memories of the Lost is one of Barbara O'Neal’s most unusual stories. Even though I didn’t understand the lack of memory, visions or the headaches that Tillie had any more than she did I was still sucked into this contemporary magical story. I could not imagine how it would all play out but knew I wouldn’t stop reading it until I did. What a story!

Places from long ago, secrets kept from Tillie and unresolved feelings made this into a remarkable story. One a person has to read to truly appreciate the creativity of this author.

This was my first novel by Barbara O'Neal and I loved it! It had a great feel to it when I read the blurb on GoodReads and I loved the cover, it pulled me in. Meeting Tillie and Liam was magical, before their connections are revealed towards the end, I could feel fate pulling them together! I'm a sucker for romances and Hallmark type books and I was happy to find a niche of novels by an author who writes beautifully! I've found in recent years that while I like romcoms, they don't always have a certain feeling to them. I like being able to go along with the characters, see their passion and love for one another grow so this book was perfect. Tillie's journey and path felt empowering and I liked the family aspect of this book because it goes beyond romantic love and helps her find other kinds of love. I liked Barbara's use of family connections to bond people, it felt magical, which I know I've said before :) but it was! My favorite scene was when Tillie and Liam reunite in that town at the end of the book. They've both gone through challenging experiences and have overcome them, for the most part. While I would like to see a continuation or a bonus chapter to see where they all end up, I am happy with the ending.


Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC!

4.5 Stars

A story shared by Tillie, who is the main character, this is a story of lies and betrayals that Tillie only begins to question as an adult. Unfortunately, she has recently lost her mother, and will need to deal with handling everything that her mother had left behind, and what she neglected to share before that time came.

Tillie is an artist, who is struggling even more now, having to keep deadlines for art shows, as well as dealing with the loss of her mother. She seems to still be able to immerse herself in her art, infusing her art with an essence of magic, it is her means of escape, her means to finding answers which haunt her. In her paintings she can see beyond the everyday answers, but everything is not exactly clear.

A magical and lovely read of family, loss, and love.


Published: 30 Jul 2024


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Lake Union Publishing