The Memory of You: a second chance romance with dark secrets and angsty emotions

The Memory of You is the first book in the Sanctuary Sound series by Jamie Beck. Stefanie “Steffi” Lockwood is a survivor. After a brutal assault, she returns home to Sanctuary Sound, a coastal Connecticut smalltown, in order to rebuild her life. Starting a remodeling business with her childhood friend, Claire, Steffi finds herself hired by her ex-boyfriend’s mother. Ryan Quinn is a public defender who has returned to Sanctuary Sound after his wife leaves him. With his daughter, Emmy, in tow, Ryan did not expect to see Steffi working on his family home especially when she shattered his heart so many years ago. As Steffi and Ryan find themselves interacting more and more, Steffi must confront old regrets and Ryan finds old feelings still there. Steffi never thought she would have a second chance with her first love; however, secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart for good. 

The Memory of You is a second chance romance with dark secrets and angsty emotions. From the opening chapter to the closing epilogue, I could not put this story down. I enjoyed Steffi’s character from the get-go and I liked how she owed her mistakes and apologized for hurting Ryan. Ryan was also a great character who wants to do right by his daughter. Emmy was a great character as a little girl who wants her family back together and yet finds herself in her new town. I loved how the author realistically shows how the words “I’m sorry” doesn’t magically fix the hurt that was caused. Trust is hard to earn back when someone has been hurt. The secret Steffi is hiding is realistically heartbreaking and the author handles it well with compassion. Overall, I enjoyed Steffi and Ryan’s story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Memory of You. 

The Memory of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook