Finally! I have read my very first Barbara O’Neal novel. MEMORIES OF THE LOST is a fantastic story and I found myself totally involved in this story from page one. Be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster ride like you have never experienced before. I want everyone I know to read this heart tugging story! I just loved this story so much, not to mention how beautiful the cover is! Tillie is an artist in New York who has recently lost her mother and is feeling alone in the world.

MEMORIES OF THE LOST is such an amazing story that held my interest until the very last page. At times, I found myself holding my breath, afraid of what was around the corner for these women! When I read the preview for MEMORIES OF THE LOST, I knew it was going to be an emotional story and I knew it was going to make me cry. I had no idea I would be sobbing and be an emotional wreck after finishing it. While cleaning out her mother’s house, Tillie comes across a newspaper article that turns her world upside down. She is now on the hunt for the truth as she feels her whole life is nothing but lies her mother told her.


MEMORIES OF THE LOST is a heart tugging story filled with grief, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this emotional story, it was very hard to put down! Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don’t mind crying in front of strangers! I’m so excited to continue catching up on all of Barbara’s previous books. Barbara O’Neal really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

EXCERPT: Sage braced herself for bad news. Clare's eyes were the pale watery blue of a clairvoyant's, and they flickered now. 'They found some bones at a construction site. Child bones.'
Sage found a protective hand falling over her belly, felt her baby move, a tiny foot, a shoulder maybe. 'Where?'
'Just outside the Roman villa, where the new development is going.'
Bones. Sage looked toward the window, stirred the ginger, let the words rest in the air, and wondered if they had any meaning for her. A memory rose, struggling to bring itself into the forefront of her mind, but she shook her head. Not today. She pushed it back into its special box where it couldn't rake up the neat ground of her calm, ordinary life. 'I don't want to talk about it.'

ABOUT 'MEMORIES OF THE LOST': Months after her mother passes away, artist Tillie Morrisey sees a painting in a gallery that leaves her inexplicably lightheaded and unsteady. When a handsome stranger comes to her aid, their connection is so immediate it seems fated, though Liam is only visiting for a few days.

Working on her own, art has always been a refuge, but after discovering a document among her mother’s belongings that suggests Tillie’s life has been a lie, she begins to suffer from a series of fugue states, with memories surfacing that she isn’t even sure are her own. As her confusion and grief mount and, prompted by a lead on the painting that started it all, Tillie heads to a seaside village in England. There she hopes to discover the source of her uncanny inspirations, sort out her feelings about Liam, and unravel truths that her mother kept hidden for decades.

MY THOUGHTS: Memories of the Lost is good. It is sweet, enchanting and intriguing. It is rich in both plot and characterisation. It is a gentle story that arises from a time of trauma and loss. I fell in and out of love with Memories of the Lost as I read, more in than out, but there were parts of the book that just didn't seem to sit well with the rest of the storyline. The prologue confused me at first, and I didn't come to understand the meaning of it until the mystery of Tillie is resolved. I also don't know that all the information and conflict about Liam's business was really relevant. It kind of felt like filler and interrupted the flow of the main threads.

For most of the book, until Tillie began going through her mother's papers, I didn't realise that there was a mystery to be solved and even then, I wasn't absolutely sure. It creeps in so insidiously, like a light ground mist, until it suddenly has substance.

The story has two main threads - that of Sage and her mother Clare, which takes place in Devon, England; and Tillie and Liam, which takes place largely in New York City. I'm not going to say any more about the plot of the book as I really don't want to give anything away.

I enjoyed the focus on the magic of art, cats and food, all of which are artfully woven into the narrative.

If I am to take anything away from my reading of this book, it is that chocolate heals - but then, I already knew that.

This is the first book I have read by Barbara O'Neal, although I actually have several more on my shelves. I look forward to them in the near future. But for now, I'm off to find that block of chili infused dark chocolate that I know is in my pantry.

⭐⭐⭐.6

#MemoriesoftheLost #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Barbara is an avid traveler and passionate cook, and discovered the Oregon coast on a pandemic-era trip with her husband. She now lives on that rocky, moody coast in a quirky beach house and writes her books from a room overlooking the sea. She lives with her British husband, who has promised to never lose his accent, and their cats and dogs.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Memories of the Lost by Barbara O'Neal for review. All opinions expressed in this revie are entirely my own personal opinions.

Imagine going through your late mother’s belongings and discovering a death certificate with your own name on it! This combined with Tillie’s amnesia, strong visions of animals, migraines, and fugue states, create a life that is confusing and frustrating to Tillie. She is drawn to a specific painting and this curiosity leads her on a physical and mental journey that uncovers more than she could have expected. This is a magical, mystical, and enchanting book that is quite unique and different.

#memoriesofthelost #netgalley #bookreview

5 *****

(I assume people read a book's synopsis before looking at reviews, so I won't rehash that.).

This book was intriguing, with some elements I don't normally seek out; this author handled it (as always) beautifully.

I was immediately drawn into the characters, and the different ways they relate to family, and home; and the straightforwardness with which they deal with their troubles, both present and past. (Wouldn't it be great if everyone expressed themselves so straightforwardly IRL?)

The story developed organically, as did the relationships among the characters, both the established and the new. And it all came together so very satisfyingly in the end.

Barbara O’Neal writes deep, evocative, deftly crafted characters full of heart, and human frailties; families who are always stronger together, even when they believe otherwise. Her writing is luminous but never ever feels pretentious; she just manages to find the perfect word, every time. (That in itself is a delight.). Even with the well-established (and well-earned) sky-high expectation I have for her every book, Memories of the Lost managed to exceed those expectations. I devoured it.

My appreciation to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance review copy; my opinions are my own, and freely given.

✨ “Memories Of The Lost” has found its way to shatter my very sensitive heart. This has been an emotional and tear-jerking journey as I delved deeper into the story of Tillie. Tillie’s character was somewhat relatable, and I felt her emotions deep within my bones.

✨ As a first-time reader of Barbara O’Neal’s books, I appreciate how I can easily immerse myself in Tillie’s story. Tillie is an artist in New York who suffers from intermittent memory loss, constant migraines, dizziness, and occasional fainting episodes. With the entrance of Liam into her life, everything just falls into place. Liam fell first and harder, but she also fell harder. Normally, I am not a fan of fast-paced romance as I prefer slow-burn romance and best-friend type of romance, but this is definitely an exception. I am so, so in love with Liam and Tillie. I really felt the magic between them.

✨ I also love the other side characters like Jon, Clare, Sage, and Levi. These supporting characters are an amazing addition to the story, and how they change and support Liam and Tillie is just heartwarming.

✨ “Memories Of The Lost” is a mix of romance, mystery, healing, found family, and life lessons. Overall, this has been an amazing and tear-jerking read for me. I am just so excited to share with you all this hidden gem that was released yesterday.

✨ I’d like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me the opportunity to read this amazing story of Tillie and Liam, in exchange for my honest and unfiltered reviews.

✨𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄:
📌 FAST-PACED ROMANCE
📌 HE FELL FIRST & HARDER
📌 SOULMATES
📌 FOUND FAMILY
📌 UNBREAKABLE PLATONIC FRIENDSHIP
📌 FOLKLORES
📌 LIFE LESSONS
📌 A SUBTLE HINT OF SPICE

🖥️ GOODREADS REVIEW: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6718425753

👩‍💻 INSTAGRAM REVIEW: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-GxzKmyuva/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

💻 BLOG REVIEW: https://kimthebookdragon.wordpress.com/2024/08/01/book-review-memories-of-the-lost-by-barbara-oneal/

Finished this yesterday on release day, thanks NetGalley for the ARC. My favorite thing about Barbara’s books are the happy endings. She does an amazing job of weaving together family dynamics, personal growth, mental health and romantic love. Tillie’s story broke my heart for so many people involved and the complexities that she is left to work through and deal with. Love is a complicated thing especially when you find out so many things after someone is gone and you’re unable to talk to them or work through them. Love that she has Liam to help her work through and this ending seems like a beautiful beginning 🩷

My least favorite of hers due to it reading more like a fairy tale, which is not my jam. Still a well written book I was happy to finish. Definitely a good for you, not for me book - many people will enjoy this and I look forward to the next Barbara O'Neal. Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amazing, well-written book. Engrossing, mysterious, romantic, vivid, sensual, lyrical and charming are words that were coming to mind while I was reading it. It also had fairy tale elements. It made me feel, hope, think, and want. It was lovely, beautiful and fascinating. I couldn't stop reading and I didn't want it to ever end. I love the way this author writes and I eagerly search out new books. I loved this book and would highly recommend it to others.

Though I usually prefer realistic fiction, there is just something about the magical novels of Barbara O"Neal that appeals to me. I was a bit confused by the various characters in the beginning of Memories of the Lost until I figured out who everybody was and then couldn't wait to see how their stories all came together. This was the rare book that I made time to read within a day. Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for an advance copy to read and review.

Barbara O’Neal’s trademark combination of magic and mystery return in her latest, Memories of the Lost.

Artist Tillie Morrisey’s life is upended twice: first by her beloved mother’s death prior to the start of the novel, and then by a mysterious painting seeming to unlock formerly lost memories. With a new love and a steady best friend, Tillie revisits her childhood, researches, and finds her own artwork morphing as the memories take hold. As Tillie explores her past, the mystery deepens and the journey takes her farther than she could’ve imagined.

O’Neal consistently crafts compelling characters in intriguing worlds, and Memories upholds this standard. Tillie and all the people in her world are lovingly crafted and feel real. As Tillie untangles the mystery of her past, the reader works to connect the dots and varying character points of view to solve the riddle, as well. The heart of O’Neal’s mysteries are typically tied to interpersonal relationships, exploring the causes and effects of people’s choices. Paired with her well-developed characters, this makes for an engaging, thought-provoking read.

Each novel features at least one gorgeous, atmospheric setting that almost feels like a character itself. Luscious descriptions of an old family home on the edge of the woods live alongside the cozy details of Tillie’s loft, full of almost-finished paintings. Each character’s home feels distinctly them; when it doesn’t, that’s often a sign they’re not where their meant to be (not giving any spoilers here, as I’m also referencing her other works. Not where they’re meant to be can be an emotional or growth mindset marker, not a physical one, so this applies across the board!).

Memories poses an interesting question on fate, balanced with the beauty of everyday magic. Coupled with such an intricately woven story, readers will have a hard time putting this one down. Themes of trusting yourself and your intuition are strong and ring true.

Thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for an advanced digital edition such that I could share my thoughts.

Memories of the Lost is available today!

Happy reading!

This story reads like a modern-day fairy tale with the luscious addition of chocolate and bread. Instead of a princess, there’s Tillie, a talented artist who recently lost her mother. Tillie has been having some odd experiences since her mother died: odd dreams and visions and blackouts when she can’t remember what she was doing.

Tillie feels an instant connection with Liam, a meditation guru who thinks he might have lost his way. Together they need to figure out the mystery of Tillie’s past before they can move forward into the future.

There are quite a few other characters, all richly described, including Sage, the chocolatier; Clare and Arlene, the wise women (maybe); Levi, the vet; and an abundance of animals, which always makes a story even better.

I love the descriptions of Tillie’s paintings, melding people and animals in a darker fairy tale style that foreshadows what’s coming. I can’t say that the resolution was particularly a surprise, and any more details would definitely be a spoiler. But the author has the ability to make me taste - and even enjoy - food I’ve never tried, even in combinations I would likely never touch. I could almost smell the chocolate from the descriptions, and to be honest, I’m still a little disappointed that the book didn’t have a recipe for sunflower honey bread.

This book was really enjoyable to read. I like how the main characters connected to everything around them and connected with the other characters of the book.

This story is told through the main character, Tille who had recently lost her mother. Naturally Tillie has so many questions during this time. In order to deal with every day stress and the tough things that life throws at her, she paints. And she is very good at it. Tillie keeps having very specific dreams and is trying to connect the dots to see what these dreams mean and why she keeps having them.

This book will get your attention and keep it until the very end.

I have read this author for many years, and I would say that this book is a bit of a departure from her previous work. It has a sliver of a fairytale or mystical aspect to it. No matter what Ms. O'Neal writes, it is always a well written, wonderful story that takes you out of your own life for a little while.

In Memories of the Lost, the story is of a young female artist, Tillie, who has found puzzling information in the belongings of her recently deceased mother. As she struggles to understand what she unearthed, she suffers lost chunks of time as well as times of seemingly beginning to recall long hidden memories. She's also dealing with two different men in her life, one she wants to leave behind and one that seems to be her fate. Beginnings and endings are recurring themes of this magical story, as well as opening yourself up to the love around you.

Ms.O'Neal...charmed as always!

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ebook. All thoughts are my own.

This was a lovely story, read in a day and a half (those adult responsibilities, you know). The characters were lovely, the story was both practical and ethereal. Several characters are introduced early in the story, in two locations, so you must focus a bit until they all start to come together. And when it does all come together... that was not my guess.

Barbara O'Neal is always a wonderful read for me. I love her inclusion of home, food (sometimes recipes) and likable, well-developed characters. Round up to 4.5 stars.

Memories of the Lost by Barbara O'Neal was another enjoyable story.
Well written with amazing characters.

Thank You NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This was short and sweet. A cute story with a little bit of love at first sight romance (not very spicy) and some mystery as the FMC tried to figure out what her mom was hiding from her.

I’ve read other books by this author and really enjoyed them, but this one was not up to the standard of those others. It was very short and didn’t have a lot of character development, and the mystery was very easy to figure out. I would say it’s a good one of you want an easy quick beach read.

I did enjoy the multiple POVs and the various settings.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for my review copy.

In Memories of the Lost, Tillie’s world is turned upside down when she is going through her deceased mother’s things. This sends her on a whirlwind mission of self-discovery as she uncovers family secrets. But is it fate when the handsome and charming Liam is thrown into the mix? This is the fourth book that I have read by this author, and I have never been disappointed! She consistently delivers on quality stories and makes you feel as if you’re there watching it play out! Overall, I would rate this a very solid 4 stars.

What I loved about this story... I had to read this novel in one sitting. I could not put it down. An excellent start with introducing all of the characters both in the US and in England and the twists in this story truly surprised me both in following Tillie as she discovers a secret that had long been buried and the way the story ended in the last few chapters. I loved every part of this novel.

What I didn't love about this story... This is more than likely something that I have missed in the story but there's something that is mentioned at the beginning about discovering something buried but I don't remember hearing the outcome of that. It may be that there was no outcome and nothing further mentioned apart from the discovery but I think I missed the part where we found out what happened. I may have to re-read this at some point to figure out what I missed...

Would I recommend... Most definately! If you are a fan of Kate Morton and Lulu Taylor do pick this up and give it a go. Although this does not have a split story between past and present, it does have a split story between characters that I would highly recommend. I will absolutely be picking up more books by this author.

This is my third book by O'Neal, and while I have loved every one of them, this is by far the best, or at least the one most tailored to my personal preferences! If you loved Alice Hoffmans newest offer The Invisible Hour, I really think you will love Memories of the Lost.

This story starts with Tillie, a painter, having an episode of deja'vu while standing in front of a painting at a friend's art show. In the same night she meets a handsome stranger named Liam, a very successful mediation guru. This is the first time their paths will cross, but little do they know that their stories will continue to weave in and out over the rest of this fantastical story filled with family trauma, emotional journeys, and healing. I highly recommend this enchanting and cozy fairytale.

I want to thank Net Galley, Lake Union, and Barabara O’Neal for the opportunity to read this enchanting fairytale. The opinions here are mine and mine alone. The book is worthy of any bestseller list.

This one was such a lovely read. I liked Tillie and how she connected to the world around her. I loved how her art is brought to life for the reader and enjoyed how Sage connected through her chocolate. Food was a central part of this story, and I spent a good deal of time hungry. (And searching for sunflower bread recipes if I’m honest.)

I really enjoyed how this one came together, and I especially liked Liam, as he’s a very special man. He is the perfect balance for Tillie.

I feel like there is more in store with this cast of characters. That O’Neal could revisit everyone and let us back into their lives.

Another beautiful read from this author.