Received to review for the 2010 RNA Romantic Novel of the year award.
I've previously read and enjoyed a few Lisa Jewell novels so I am pleased to receive this.

Blurb from the back:
When she was nine years old, Melody Brown's house burned down, taking every toy, every photograph, every old Christmas card with it. But not only did the fire destroy all her possessions, it took with it her memories - Melody can remember nothing before her ninth birthday.
Now in her early thirties, Melody lives in a small flat in London with her teenage son. She hasn't seen her parents since she left home at fifteen, but Melody doesn't mind. She's made a good life for herself and her son and she likes it that way.
Until something extraordinary happens. Whilst attending a hypnotist show with her first date in years she faints - and when she comes round she starts to remember. At first her memories mean nothing to her but hten slowly, day by day, she begins to piece together the story of her childhood. Her journey takes her to the seaside town of Broadstairs, to oddly familiar houses in London backstreets, and to meetings with strangers who love her like their own. But with every mystery she solves another one materialises, with every question she answers another appears. And Melody begins to wonder if she'll ever know the truth about her past..."

I really enjoyed this novel. Unlike Lisa Jewell's other novels, this was much more serious, and with every memory revealed to Melody, it seemed her young life was harsher than she ever believed. I did feel that Melody seemed to have much more potential than a school dinner lady, and was surprised that she could afford some of her purchases.
Unfortunately I can't recommend it for shortlisting as it doesn't really fall into the romantic genre.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Taking round to Sunlightbub's house.
I see she has a couple of Lisa Jewell novels in her pc so I'm hoping she hasn't got this and she will enjoy it.

I've really enjoyed the Lisa Jewell books I've read, and know someone who'll enjoy it after me,,Thanks Becky.

What an interesting read. This book is clearly packaged as Chick-lit but is absolutely not. Melody has forgotten a portion of her life and we follow her as she discovers what she has forgotten and why. Good read - thanks for sharing Becky. This will now go to Giz when she comes to stay at the weekend :)

Thank you so much Sunny - I love Lisa Jewell and I'm just in the mood for a book like this :)

Oh I completely enjoyed this - thought it was brilliant. Going to use it in a swap now I think. Thanks :)

Off to Jordanne from VBB

Sorry I forgot to journal this Giz!
Thanks a lot! It looks interesting.

I finished this book yesterday and I totally loved it. It's one of the best books I've read lately. Without revealing too much of the plot, I couldn't understand why Melody didn't look for her nieces and aunt, but that's the only thing missing for me.
I smiled, I could hardly keep back my tears (and I cried a little at the end).

Thank you for sharing this book!