Michael DeCara came home from the Vietnam War a wounded man, both physically and emotionally. He tried putting his life back together, but found civilian life difficult after all he’d experienced in Nam. Raising his young daughter, Vanessa, by himself after his wife left, he found it difficult to commit to one job or one woman for any length of time. Then he met a young woman who made him feel good about himself again and who fell in love with Vanessa as well. But one day his life changed drastically and he left without a word to the girl, believing he was doing what was best for her. Now, years later, she has walked back into his life and he believes they may have a second chance at love–except she hates him and he doesn’t understand why.
Danielle Westerly fell in love when she was only eighteen and her heart was broken when he left her without a word. Her heartache was increased when she made a fateful decision that would alter her future, and she blamed him for her loss. Years later, she is single and has built up a successful career when she accidently runs into the man who was responsible for her past pain. Yet, their chemistry is undeniable. Can Dani give up her anger and let go of the pain of the past and fall in love again with the man she has hated all these years?
Dani and Michael share a journey of heartache, loss and painful memories that threaten to keep them apart. Can they get past these and finally find love again? ~~ synopsis from Goodreads
My thoughts on Memories ~~
The reader knows going into this story that this is love story. And we find out on the very first page that Michael has died. What kind of love story can this be and how does it get to the point where she is burying him? That is what drew me into the story, it seemed like the end of the story is told first. But there is so much more to this tale.
Dani is able to make Michael feel good about himself after he comes home from Vietnam. She is the only one who can. But things happen and they are no longer together. They meet again years later and can what happened in the past be forgiven? There is so much love-hate in their relationship that they may never be able to be happy.
I really liked Memories and loved Dani. She became a strong woman all on her own and is able to stand up to Michael. Michael on the other hand, made me angry and at times, I thought he was a self-centered person who only thought about himself. I get it that he was trying to spare Dani but come on, lean on people you supposedly love.
Evoking strong emotions about your characters is a sign of a good writer, don't you think? So well done, Deanna, I had a hard time liking Michael sometimes.
I enjoyed reading Memories very much. I really was able to get into the character's stories and loved being a part of their lives. The story is well written and is beautiful as well as being heart-breaking.
Excerpt from Memories ~~
Excerpt from Memories ~~
"I don't need your company back to the train," Dani insisted to Miguel in the elevator on the way down to the lobby. "I'm very capable, thank you." Before he could reply, the doors opened and she stepped out and hurried through the lobby and into the May sunshine.
Michael did his best to catch up with her, practically breaking into a full run. "Dani," he called softly when he caught up behind her on the street. "Dani, can we just talk a minute?" He reached out and touched her on the shoulder. She turned with a violent jerk.
"Don't touch me!" she hissed, making Michael stop short.
"I'm sorry; I just wanted to talk a minute." Michael searched Dani's burning eyes. What had seared such hatred in them toward him? Once, those eyes had been filled with love. "There's something I'd like to explain to you," he said as gently as he could.
But Dani's stance was unbending, her eyes unyielding. "There's nothing I want to hear from you. Just stay away from me." Her voice cracked and she broke into full flight from Michael. She kept running until she was at the first train she saw and stepped aboard without looking back. As she sat, trying to catch her breath, she calmed herself with the thought that she would never have to see Miguel DeCara again.
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Glad you enjoyed the book!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a host on my Memories Book Blog Tour. I'm so happy you enjoyed reading Memories.