RECLAIMING HIS PAST by Karen Kirst

When Jessica O’Malley finds a badly wounded stranger on her property, she and her mom nurse him back to health.  The trouble is, he doesn’t remember who he is or anything about his life.  Is he a good guy or bad?  Jessica knows better then to trust a stranger.  She did that once and found he was a criminal and she won’t make that mistake again.  Not knowing what to call him, they settle on the name Grant.  Grant is very drawn to Jessica but until he knows for sure who he is he can’t think of getting involved.  As Jessica gets to know Grant her heart begins to soften toward him.  He’s so kind and helpful, how can he possibly be a bad guy?  They both try to keep their distance but as hard as they try their feelings become deeper and deeper.  Although Grant’s frustrated that he can’t remember his past, he’s very happy in Gatlinburg. But what will happen when the truth of who he really is comes to light?  Will he stay or will he go?

This is the third book I’ve read by Karen Kirst and I have really come to love her stories.  The O’Malley’s are such an endearing family and very close knit.  They fiercely love and protect each other and live by a high standard. You can’t help but enjoy being with them.  This author writes romantic tension really well, which I think makes a great story even better.  The pull you feel between Jessica and Grant was tangible.  I love how they interacted together.  Jessica seemed kinda stiff at times but I also understood why she would be that way.  I enjoyed the whole mystery surrounding Grant and getting to know him right along with Jessica.  I thought it was neat how all the folks had a strong faith as their foundation and yet they struggled with issues just like we do, which makes them easy to relate to.  I also appreciated the reminder that hiding God’s word in your heart never returns void.  You see that in Grant.  Although he’s lost his memory, the verses that he learned as a child surfaced easily.  This is the last book in the O’Malley’s series (mentioned in the author’s note at the end) which makes me sad.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the ones I’ve read and look forward to reading the ones I’ve missed.  That said, the epilogue seemed to bring reader up to date on everyone, which was a nice touch and once again made me want to go back and read them in order.  I would definitely recommend making ‘Reclaiming His Past’ one of your future reads!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A favorite moment:

His sure hands slowly skimmed her bare arms, creating chilled bumps in their wake, curving around her shoulders until finding her nape.  He gave a gentle tug.  Anchoring her against his chest, the railing and inconvenient barrier between them, Grant brought his mouth down on hers.  Branding her as his.  She slid her hands up the muscles of his back, reveling in his strength, the broadness of his chest cradling her, the taut security of his arms enfolding her.

For more information about this book or other books by Karen Kirst, I recommend you visit her website at http://www.karenkirst.com.