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Clean Slate
After a vicious attack, Morgan Masters wakes up to find that nothing is how she remembers it. John Major isn’t the prime minister anymore, the Millennium has been and gone, and it’s been a very long time since she was in college.
When Erin’s worst fears become reality and her world crumbles around her, she has to pick up the pieces and start all over again.
Can losing everything actually be the best thing that ever happened to Morgan? Can Erin learn to forgive the sins of the past and let her heart lead her head for a change?
Or is happiness beyond their reach?
When Erin’s worst fears become reality and her world crumbles around her, she has to pick up the pieces and start all over again.
Can losing everything actually be the best thing that ever happened to Morgan? Can Erin learn to forgive the sins of the past and let her heart lead her head for a change?
Or is happiness beyond their reach?
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2013
15 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Bramhall
28 books298 followersAndrea Bramhall wrote her first novel at the age of six and three-quarters. It was seven pages long and held together with a pink ribbon. Her Gran still has it in the attic. Since then she has progressed a little bit and now has a number of published works held together with glue, not ribbons, an Alice B. Lavender certificate, and a Lambda Literary award cluttering up her book shelves.
She studied music and all things arty at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating in 2002 with a BA in contemporary arts. She is certain it will prove useful someday… maybe.
When she isn’t busy running a campsite and hostel on the North Norfolk Coast, Bramhall can be found hunched over her laptop scribbling down the stories that won’t let her sleep. She can also be found reading, walking the dogs up mountains while taking a few thousand photos, scuba diving while taking a few thousand photos, swimming, kayaking, playing the saxophone, or cycling.
She studied music and all things arty at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating in 2002 with a BA in contemporary arts. She is certain it will prove useful someday… maybe.
When she isn’t busy running a campsite and hostel on the North Norfolk Coast, Bramhall can be found hunched over her laptop scribbling down the stories that won’t let her sleep. She can also be found reading, walking the dogs up mountains while taking a few thousand photos, scuba diving while taking a few thousand photos, swimming, kayaking, playing the saxophone, or cycling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 19, 2018
“Clean Slate” has a lot going for it, but also has some very annoying flaws.
I loved the narration; Victoria Aston did a remarkable job conveying emotions, and she did a great job creating voices that were appropriate for the varying ages of the characters. Author Andrea Bramhall worked hard to convey the relationship between love and trust, but fell down on the execution throughout the story.
For me, love is not about issuing ultimatums, it’s not about an inability to forgive hurts and it’s not about refusing to give the benefit of doubt enough to discuss confusions, uncertainty and even fears.
39yo MC Morgan abruptly abandons her family (wife and their two children, a 10yo girl and 13yo boy), giving no reason. There is no communication from her for three weeks, until she turns up at hospital as the victim of a violent attack. She awakens thinking she’s 19yo, and has no memories whatsoever of the last 20 years.
With the divorce proceedings not yet final, her wife Erin remains next of kin and is called to hospital to give permission for surgeries. Erin has been terribly hurt, of course, and is terribly angry at Morgan. At first, she certainly seems to be the more sympathetic character in the drama, despite the physical injuries to Morgan.
Yet as the story progresses, I found myself very sympathetic to Morgan, and frequently annoyed with Erin. Morgan exudes sincere love for her children whom her 19yo self is just now meeting, and she truly loves Erin. Her instalove for Erin is actually almost too much; Morgan is now a 19yo virgin who’s not yet out of the closet, feeling an intense instinctive emotional and physical attraction for a woman twice her age. Yet she never questions her love for Erin, and never once falters in wanting to do what’s right for Erin or for her children.
Erin, though, confused when a clearly traumatized Morgan walked out, issued an angry ultimatum that she would never ever allow her back if she walked out. Throughout the book, even as Morgan time and time again demonstrates by words, actions and later by police evidence that she is deserving of trust, Erin continues to delay giving her trust beyond the point of reason. At some point, love is having faith in another person; expressing love while denying trust is inconsistent. Erin’s cognitive dissonance at loving Morgan without trusting her went on too long and became insupportable.
Without giving a spoiler, I want to also say I was disappointed at 13yo Tristen’s role in bringing the book to a finish. Again, Tristen’s love for his parents should have involved some level of benefit of doubt and communication before the events that unfolded.
Finally, I was very disappointed with the procedural elements of the mystery, and the characters reactions to clues and events. Early on, Morgan described the letter in her pocket, and it’s importance for her decision to abandon her family. Yet it took forever before the letter came back up, it’s importance was ridiculously minimized for awhile, and once it’s importance was recognized it was never provided to the police. Arrrgh. Once Erin and Morgan recognized its importance and accepted why Morgan would have abandoned her family (for a good and honorable, if not misguided reason), they don’t think that the reason for concern weeks ago might not yet be a reason for concern today? Really? Really Really? Aaaarrrghhh. For an attack victim with a date rape drug in her system, you’d think the police would quickly canvas local bars, and you’d also think your loving family would give you a bit of benefit of doubt over any surveillance camera footage, wouldn’t you? Aaaaaarrrrggggh. The inability of the police to link the attacker with the person who hired him was completely inexcusable once the link was finally revealed. AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH.
So, as with too much of lesfic, a lack of openness and communication about one’s past leads to misunderstanding and mistrust in the present time. Yawn…trope #23462 in a series. Sometimes miscommunication can work well in a book, but not here. Morgan’s past was well-known to everyone but her friends and Erin; why would she be able to keep her parents a secret from them even if she had wanted to? Erin’s brother Chris chides Erin because she too had kept dark secrets….but we never learn what they are. Huh?
“Clean Slate” tried to be a book that explores trying to be a better person than the one you don’t remember being, and how love can transcend miscommunication and hurt. It didn’t really work for me because of my frustrations with Erin and with the efforts, and lack thereof, at solving the principal mystery of why Morgan was attacked. 3* for “Clean Slate”; I wanted to rate it higher because of the narration, but I just can’t.
I loved the narration; Victoria Aston did a remarkable job conveying emotions, and she did a great job creating voices that were appropriate for the varying ages of the characters. Author Andrea Bramhall worked hard to convey the relationship between love and trust, but fell down on the execution throughout the story.
For me, love is not about issuing ultimatums, it’s not about an inability to forgive hurts and it’s not about refusing to give the benefit of doubt enough to discuss confusions, uncertainty and even fears.
39yo MC Morgan abruptly abandons her family (wife and their two children, a 10yo girl and 13yo boy), giving no reason. There is no communication from her for three weeks, until she turns up at hospital as the victim of a violent attack. She awakens thinking she’s 19yo, and has no memories whatsoever of the last 20 years.
With the divorce proceedings not yet final, her wife Erin remains next of kin and is called to hospital to give permission for surgeries. Erin has been terribly hurt, of course, and is terribly angry at Morgan. At first, she certainly seems to be the more sympathetic character in the drama, despite the physical injuries to Morgan.
Yet as the story progresses, I found myself very sympathetic to Morgan, and frequently annoyed with Erin. Morgan exudes sincere love for her children whom her 19yo self is just now meeting, and she truly loves Erin. Her instalove for Erin is actually almost too much; Morgan is now a 19yo virgin who’s not yet out of the closet, feeling an intense instinctive emotional and physical attraction for a woman twice her age. Yet she never questions her love for Erin, and never once falters in wanting to do what’s right for Erin or for her children.
Erin, though, confused when a clearly traumatized Morgan walked out, issued an angry ultimatum that she would never ever allow her back if she walked out. Throughout the book, even as Morgan time and time again demonstrates by words, actions and later by police evidence that she is deserving of trust, Erin continues to delay giving her trust beyond the point of reason. At some point, love is having faith in another person; expressing love while denying trust is inconsistent. Erin’s cognitive dissonance at loving Morgan without trusting her went on too long and became insupportable.
Without giving a spoiler, I want to also say I was disappointed at 13yo Tristen’s role in bringing the book to a finish. Again, Tristen’s love for his parents should have involved some level of benefit of doubt and communication before the events that unfolded.
Finally, I was very disappointed with the procedural elements of the mystery, and the characters reactions to clues and events. Early on, Morgan described the letter in her pocket, and it’s importance for her decision to abandon her family. Yet it took forever before the letter came back up, it’s importance was ridiculously minimized for awhile, and once it’s importance was recognized it was never provided to the police. Arrrgh. Once Erin and Morgan recognized its importance and accepted why Morgan would have abandoned her family (for a good and honorable, if not misguided reason), they don’t think that the reason for concern weeks ago might not yet be a reason for concern today? Really? Really Really? Aaaarrrghhh. For an attack victim with a date rape drug in her system, you’d think the police would quickly canvas local bars, and you’d also think your loving family would give you a bit of benefit of doubt over any surveillance camera footage, wouldn’t you? Aaaaaarrrrggggh. The inability of the police to link the attacker with the person who hired him was completely inexcusable once the link was finally revealed. AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH.
So, as with too much of lesfic, a lack of openness and communication about one’s past leads to misunderstanding and mistrust in the present time. Yawn…trope #23462 in a series. Sometimes miscommunication can work well in a book, but not here. Morgan’s past was well-known to everyone but her friends and Erin; why would she be able to keep her parents a secret from them even if she had wanted to? Erin’s brother Chris chides Erin because she too had kept dark secrets….but we never learn what they are. Huh?
“Clean Slate” tried to be a book that explores trying to be a better person than the one you don’t remember being, and how love can transcend miscommunication and hurt. It didn’t really work for me because of my frustrations with Erin and with the efforts, and lack thereof, at solving the principal mystery of why Morgan was attacked. 3* for “Clean Slate”; I wanted to rate it higher because of the narration, but I just can’t.
February 25, 2019
I loved this story and was hooked from the start to finish even though the last segment was overdramatic and dragged - out. It was a beautiful story, it captured my heart /attention and I couldn't read it fast enough. I loved the romance, I loved that Morgan and Erin were portrayed as amazing mothers and I loved almost all of the scenes / interactions they had with their kids.
Morgan and Erin had a difficult journey, figuring out the next steps to make their family whole and functioning again after Morgan walked out from them, got beaten up and lost her memory. The perfect Malay proverb for Morgan's situation - "Sudah Jatuh, Ditimpa Tangga".
Remember the movie SE7EN? The scene where Brad Pitt asked Morgan Freeman what was in the box again and again? I role played the same scene, screaming at Morgan Masters to spill out the reasons why she did what she did. Even though I was not a fan of " I am doing this for your own good " trope, what spooked Morgan off was legit disturbing.
The romance was written beautifully, intense and emotional. They were a passionate couple and when the time finally came for them to be intimate, Ms.Bramhall didn't disappoint and added a bonus - the upper body part got some serious workout 😈.
Recommended? Trust the GRs' experienced reviewers and make up your mind. As for me, this will stay with me for quite some time as The Masters' family were a little broken at the start of the story but together, they healed in the end.
Morgan and Erin had a difficult journey, figuring out the next steps to make their family whole and functioning again after Morgan walked out from them, got beaten up and lost her memory. The perfect Malay proverb for Morgan's situation - "Sudah Jatuh, Ditimpa Tangga".
Remember the movie SE7EN? The scene where Brad Pitt asked Morgan Freeman what was in the box again and again? I role played the same scene, screaming at Morgan Masters to spill out the reasons why she did what she did. Even though I was not a fan of " I am doing this for your own good " trope, what spooked Morgan off was legit disturbing.
The romance was written beautifully, intense and emotional. They were a passionate couple and when the time finally came for them to be intimate, Ms.Bramhall didn't disappoint and added a bonus - the upper body part got some serious workout 😈.
Recommended? Trust the GRs' experienced reviewers and make up your mind. As for me, this will stay with me for quite some time as The Masters' family were a little broken at the start of the story but together, they healed in the end.
March 14, 2018
Strong characterizations, a great plot... A very good book that goes on my re-read list.
--- *Updated* ---
Second reading changed my rating from four to five stars. I really like this book and will certainly read it again.
--- *Updated* ---
Second reading changed my rating from four to five stars. I really like this book and will certainly read it again.
July 7, 2019
This was definitely a page turner. The chemistry between the two leads was good but I feel like it could have been a lot better. The reason for Morgan making a certain choice that led up to her being attacked just isn't convincing to me. At least not after 15 years of marriage.
I did like her introduction to a world of cell phones and social media, there were some very amusing moments that made me chuckle. As for her relationship with Erin, I expected more. I can't tell you exactly what it is that was missing but it just felt off for some reason. Partially I think it was because I felt that Erin was being unnecessarily harsh on Morgan. My last point of critique was the amount of drama involved. A book like this really doesn't need a mustache twirling villain yet that's exactly what we end up getting. Overall rating ends in a 3,5*.
I did like her introduction to a world of cell phones and social media, there were some very amusing moments that made me chuckle. As for her relationship with Erin, I expected more. I can't tell you exactly what it is that was missing but it just felt off for some reason. Partially I think it was because I felt that Erin was being unnecessarily harsh on Morgan. My last point of critique was the amount of drama involved. A book like this really doesn't need a mustache twirling villain yet that's exactly what we end up getting. Overall rating ends in a 3,5*.
February 22, 2019
Yet another book by Ms. Bramhall that kicked the shit out of my emotions. I mean really, what in the world would you do if this happened to you? Lost all of these life-changing moments and had to start fresh? Trying to re-gain some semblance of control while in a completely new world? I felt breathless at the amount of emotion Erin experienced as she felt utterly alone in trying to deal with this traumatic event. The slow re-build of trust. The connection of the two MCs was indescribable.
So right in the middle of the highly emotional moment where Morgan finds out was when I was sitting in my hairdresser's chair getting highlights for the first time (who knew that would take so long?) and my guy Tony wanders over, telling me it's time to move to the sink for a rinse. I immediately said 'Tony, I don't care if I end up looking as platinum as one half of the 80's band Nelson. You are giving me 10 more minutes to read this goddamned chapter!" (he did. )
Highlights:
"Erin started to reach into the bag as the telltale emotions flitted across Morgan's face. Confusion. Fear. Panic. All so clear. Her vulnerability clutched at Erin's heart and it was all she could do not to reach for her, to hold her."
"That the light changes through the prism, but it is no more or less than it was before. All the parts that make up the white light are still there. Just separated. Kind of like people. The way we have different sides. They all make up this whole person, but I'm not like that anymore. I'm missing some of the colours that made me whole." WHO WRITES LIKE THIS?! Ms. Bramhall, that's who.
Strong themes of friendship and loyalty are present too, and people from Morgan's past show up to reveal laugh out loud humour, which is scattered through the story in an entirely appropriate way to lighten the intensity.
The one thing I still don't understand however, and is the one downfall of the book that made me drop a star, is basically the entire catalyst of the story: why Morgan left her family.
And the HEAT! Yummy. Solid 4/5, with obvious chemistry and a unique lead up, as Morgan has no memory of them together. The sex scene was great! Would have loved more!
Gawd can this woman write. In all of Ms. Bramhall's books her understanding of complex emotions blows me away and gets me every. single. time.
So right in the middle of the highly emotional moment where Morgan finds out was when I was sitting in my hairdresser's chair getting highlights for the first time (who knew that would take so long?) and my guy Tony wanders over, telling me it's time to move to the sink for a rinse. I immediately said 'Tony, I don't care if I end up looking as platinum as one half of the 80's band Nelson. You are giving me 10 more minutes to read this goddamned chapter!" (he did. )
Highlights:
"Erin started to reach into the bag as the telltale emotions flitted across Morgan's face. Confusion. Fear. Panic. All so clear. Her vulnerability clutched at Erin's heart and it was all she could do not to reach for her, to hold her."
"That the light changes through the prism, but it is no more or less than it was before. All the parts that make up the white light are still there. Just separated. Kind of like people. The way we have different sides. They all make up this whole person, but I'm not like that anymore. I'm missing some of the colours that made me whole." WHO WRITES LIKE THIS?! Ms. Bramhall, that's who.
Strong themes of friendship and loyalty are present too, and people from Morgan's past show up to reveal laugh out loud humour, which is scattered through the story in an entirely appropriate way to lighten the intensity.
The one thing I still don't understand however, and is the one downfall of the book that made me drop a star, is basically the entire catalyst of the story: why Morgan left her family.
And the HEAT! Yummy. Solid 4/5, with obvious chemistry and a unique lead up, as Morgan has no memory of them together. The sex scene was great! Would have loved more!
Gawd can this woman write. In all of Ms. Bramhall's books her understanding of complex emotions blows me away and gets me every. single. time.
January 18, 2018
3.5 stars.
This was a really interesting premise for a story...a woman haunted by her past is attacked and suffers amnesia for any time after the age of 19, for better or worse, giving her a new lease on life. Instead of being burdened with unwanted miseries, she can choose what to let into her life and start anew.
My overall impression of the book is that it started off well and then devolved into over the top melodrama which was a shame because this type of book certainly didn't *need* it. There were plenty of places to explore with real drama if the author wanted to go deeper. Instead, many of the conversations or plot points felt either too simple or too forced and some plot holes opened that left me frustrated.
At the same time, what I did like is that the story was about an already established couple and how they deal with the amnesia and lack of trust issues rather than a newfound romance that we typically find in this genre. Unfortunately, I didn't feel the relationship between the women went as deep as it could've, though. I also liked the two long-time friends from Morgan's past and especially "the virgin" phone conversation that occurs between them. That was pretty amusing. The kids were a nice touch, too.
My feeling on the book is that it's better than okay but it didn't deliver on its potential.
This was a really interesting premise for a story...a woman haunted by her past is attacked and suffers amnesia for any time after the age of 19, for better or worse, giving her a new lease on life. Instead of being burdened with unwanted miseries, she can choose what to let into her life and start anew.
My overall impression of the book is that it started off well and then devolved into over the top melodrama which was a shame because this type of book certainly didn't *need* it. There were plenty of places to explore with real drama if the author wanted to go deeper. Instead, many of the conversations or plot points felt either too simple or too forced and some plot holes opened that left me frustrated.
At the same time, what I did like is that the story was about an already established couple and how they deal with the amnesia and lack of trust issues rather than a newfound romance that we typically find in this genre. Unfortunately, I didn't feel the relationship between the women went as deep as it could've, though. I also liked the two long-time friends from Morgan's past and especially "the virgin" phone conversation that occurs between them. That was pretty amusing. The kids were a nice touch, too.
My feeling on the book is that it's better than okay but it didn't deliver on its potential.
August 27, 2016
Woman of about 36 is viciously attacked. Wakes up in the hospital. Asks for her mum. Mum's been dead these past 17 or so years. Morgan Masters has lost the memory of everything that has happened since she was 19. She does not remember her life, wife, children, nor why she walked out on them three weeks before that vicious attack. A quite good book.
February 28, 2019
I really liked this book, but I was disappointed in some parts in it because I thought it could've been written another way.
Overall, it's a well-written book and an enjoyable read.
Overall, it's a well-written book and an enjoyable read.
May 5, 2018
While reading the synopsis of the book and some reviews I decided to give this book a try, so I bought the paperback version. It is interesting to note that the version of the book that I have has 304 pages, but here in the goodreads is informed that the book has 264 pages. I didn't understand this, but anyway.
The reading was an interesting one.
One can see the talent of the author, even not agreeing with some things I managed to finish reading because of the smooth development of the narrative.
However I just can't give more stars because I couldn't believe that a character who has lost the memory of her adult life declares that she loves her children without even knowing them ... Much less declare her love for a wife she has never seen before.
The story was completely believable and if not for the fact that the character quotes several times that she felt a connection, a love with her family (which she doesn't remember at all), I could have easily given a 4.5 or 5 stars .... But maybe a little less crying too ....
In the middle of the book I was getting a little annoyed with so many times that the characters wept and sobbed and suffered desperately. I understand, it's a drama, there has to be crying, but I believe there was too much crying.
On the plus side, this is a good choice to read on the way to college or work.
The reading was an interesting one.
One can see the talent of the author, even not agreeing with some things I managed to finish reading because of the smooth development of the narrative.
However I just can't give more stars because I couldn't believe that a character who has lost the memory of her adult life declares that she loves her children without even knowing them ... Much less declare her love for a wife she has never seen before.
The story was completely believable and if not for the fact that the character quotes several times that she felt a connection, a love with her family (which she doesn't remember at all), I could have easily given a 4.5 or 5 stars .... But maybe a little less crying too ....
In the middle of the book I was getting a little annoyed with so many times that the characters wept and sobbed and suffered desperately. I understand, it's a drama, there has to be crying, but I believe there was too much crying.
On the plus side, this is a good choice to read on the way to college or work.
October 7, 2019
I read this straight through in one sitting, not stopping until I finished at 2AM. Well written, with romance, mystery and a little action.
October 6, 2013
Clean Slate surprised me by being a major change of pace from Ladyfish, Andrea Bramhall's previous book and debut novel. I loved Ladyfish and I love this book as well, although they are very different beats, Ladyfish sitting firmly in the thriller category, while Clean Slate deals much more directly with the emotional trauma of a break up, near death incident and life altering injury.
I enjoyed the emotional honesty of the characters, their trails and tribulations felt real (within the context of the story) and at no point did I call bullshit at their responses to the circumstances within which they had been placed.
Having read this novel I wonder where Andrea's next story will take us, where ever that might be I am sure that I will enjoy the journey.
Highly recommended.
I enjoyed the emotional honesty of the characters, their trails and tribulations felt real (within the context of the story) and at no point did I call bullshit at their responses to the circumstances within which they had been placed.
Having read this novel I wonder where Andrea's next story will take us, where ever that might be I am sure that I will enjoy the journey.
Highly recommended.
September 4, 2016
Simply loved it ! Loved both Morgan and Erin and the plot was very different and interesting ! Very nice read :)
March 21, 2018
I like this book. One of the reason is because one of the main character has amnesia. I think i am fan of it though i couldnt find many of this kind of book. I found one, well include this book so its two and another one that i cant wait until it release on kindle.
I like almost everything about this book. I like how it is about family, about the already established relationship and how Morgan tried to get back into her family after she walked out on them even though she didnt remember anything about them anymore. And i like how Morgan, Erin and her children interact with each other. Maddie is a cute kid and her brother is kind of sensitive and protective toward his family. They both adorable. Nikkie is funny as well. Especially the part, when Morgan texted her and said that she’s a virgin and asked for some advice. They both chatted back an forth like a kid.
the problem.. hmmmmm.. i think i’m not happy with the reason that made Morgan walk out on her own family. And Morgan and Erin had been married for 15 years, and they couldnt tell each other in full details about their own painful past when they talked about it.
Well i still enjoyed this book. Alots :)
I like almost everything about this book. I like how it is about family, about the already established relationship and how Morgan tried to get back into her family after she walked out on them even though she didnt remember anything about them anymore. And i like how Morgan, Erin and her children interact with each other. Maddie is a cute kid and her brother is kind of sensitive and protective toward his family. They both adorable. Nikkie is funny as well. Especially the part, when Morgan texted her and said that she’s a virgin and asked for some advice. They both chatted back an forth like a kid.
the problem.. hmmmmm.. i think i’m not happy with the reason that made Morgan walk out on her own family. And Morgan and Erin had been married for 15 years, and they couldnt tell each other in full details about their own painful past when they talked about it.
Well i still enjoyed this book. Alots :)
March 1, 2017
Shesh. Looking at the tiny snippet I wrote last time I finished the book I wonder if I had actually read the book that time. What with calling Morgan 36 when she was/is 39 and stuff like that.
Bah. I still have the narrator's voice in my head. Reading what I am writing to me. Hmms that gives me thoughts. (Me breasts were poking out of my shirt again, aren't they? With my nipples hardening ...) right. Enough of that.
Interesting to hear this book instead of just read it. Well, mostly hear. I used my eyeballs on occasion when I couldn't use me ears.
That reminds me - since when do Erin & Morgan come from Ireland? The narrator was giving them an Irish accent. Weird when characters don't sound the way I heard them in my head. No matter.
Liked the book again and liked the narrator. Book doesn't make it to my top rating shelf, though.
Rating:
Narrator: 4.78 out of 5
Story: 4.88 out of 5
January 9 2017
Bah. I still have the narrator's voice in my head. Reading what I am writing to me. Hmms that gives me thoughts. (Me breasts were poking out of my shirt again, aren't they? With my nipples hardening ...) right. Enough of that.
Interesting to hear this book instead of just read it. Well, mostly hear. I used my eyeballs on occasion when I couldn't use me ears.
That reminds me - since when do Erin & Morgan come from Ireland? The narrator was giving them an Irish accent. Weird when characters don't sound the way I heard them in my head. No matter.
Liked the book again and liked the narrator. Book doesn't make it to my top rating shelf, though.
Rating:
Narrator: 4.78 out of 5
Story: 4.88 out of 5
January 9 2017
July 16, 2015
Well developed characters and a clever if simple what-if plot. What if you suffer a head trauma and lose all memories of your adult life? A pleasure to read/listen.
January 27, 2015
I've never been one for saying I couldn't put a book down, as I rarely (no matter how good the book is) have that problem. I can stop halfway through a sentence and pick it up again a day or two later. Even if I'm thoroughly enjoying a book, I don't feel the need to speed through it. This book, from the very first chapter I was pretty much hooked. I really did have trouble putting it down, so eager was I to find out if Erin could overcome the past, and if Morgan would ever remember the past.
Yes, it was a bit predictable, but maybe I just found something in these two main characters that really hooked me. Erin especially.
The writing had a very nice flow. Some writers seem to try to get too fancy, or lyrical, coming up with every which way to tell you something, or describe something, other than just getting on with it. I felt I was reading a real writer here, not somebody trying too hard, or too desperate to stand out. It was an effortless and compelling read.
I really don't know how a person 'should' react to the circumstances presented here. Should Morgan have been more freaked out? Should Erin have been more forgiving, or less forgiving? I guess it could go in several different ways, but I feel the author got it pretty much spot on. The confusion, the emotion, got through without overwhelming me, or overwhelming the basic story.
My only niggle (and it was actually quite a big niggle that had me poised to drop the book to a 4 instead of a 5) was Tristan. I understand what the author's intentions were as Tristan became more embroiled in the plot, I understand at that age children get easily swayed or manipulated, but really ...I seriously just wanted to pack that kid's bags and send him off to some wilderness far, far away. He dominated far too much of the last part of the book and I felt like I was missing out on more time with Morgan and Erin. He got way, way, way in the way. And that's a lot of way.
But beside that, I really enjoyed this story. I felt rather sad leaving Morgan and Erin behind once I'd finished it.
Yes, it was a bit predictable, but maybe I just found something in these two main characters that really hooked me. Erin especially.
The writing had a very nice flow. Some writers seem to try to get too fancy, or lyrical, coming up with every which way to tell you something, or describe something, other than just getting on with it. I felt I was reading a real writer here, not somebody trying too hard, or too desperate to stand out. It was an effortless and compelling read.
I really don't know how a person 'should' react to the circumstances presented here. Should Morgan have been more freaked out? Should Erin have been more forgiving, or less forgiving? I guess it could go in several different ways, but I feel the author got it pretty much spot on. The confusion, the emotion, got through without overwhelming me, or overwhelming the basic story.
My only niggle (and it was actually quite a big niggle that had me poised to drop the book to a 4 instead of a 5) was Tristan. I understand what the author's intentions were as Tristan became more embroiled in the plot, I understand at that age children get easily swayed or manipulated, but really ...I seriously just wanted to pack that kid's bags and send him off to some wilderness far, far away. He dominated far too much of the last part of the book and I felt like I was missing out on more time with Morgan and Erin. He got way, way, way in the way. And that's a lot of way.
But beside that, I really enjoyed this story. I felt rather sad leaving Morgan and Erin behind once I'd finished it.
September 24, 2013
This story caught my interest back in June, at the BSB Nottingham Book Festival,when Andrea gave us a short synopsis and read one of the early chapters. The concept of the amnesia, wiping out Morgan's memory as far back as an incident that occurred twenty years ago, I found intriguing and the fact that she had no knowledge of her spouse or two children added flesh to the story. The characters I found realistic and the two children very endearing. The book relates a past history of domestic violence, not between the MCs I hasten to add, and this gave a grittiness to the story. I read the book over two evenings/nights, due to the fact that I got quite emotionally involved with the characters, this is a tribute in itself to Andrea's writing.
August 27, 2016
Well done, Andrea Bramhall. So many feels happening in this intricately woven storyline. I really felt for all the characters. I was just as clueless as the others in the beginning and enjoyed figuring things out alongside Morgan and Erin. Very romantic, charming, and entertaining. I did the audio version and the narrator did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. Loved it and will definitely listen to this one again in a couple years when my memory is as shot as poor Morgan's.
May 15, 2020
Well written and the characters believable - nothing shouts out brilliant nor rubbish. Recommended as it kept me engaged. (sorry, not a good review, this book got lost in the "also rans" of a 7 day holiday, 12 book orgy of reading.) Andrea's book, Nightingale, though, fantastic!
March 28, 2014
Morgan Masters teaches art at an evening class. At the last session of the term she agrees to go out for a drink with one of the life models, a decision that will change the lives of everybody in her world.
Morgan wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there, in fact she has no memory of the last 20 years. Nobody can tell her when and if memories will come back.
Morgan and Erin Masters seemed to have everything - a happy family, good friends, a lovely home and work they love. Morgan’s errant behavior before that fateful night she loses her memory have ripped their world to pieces, but in someways they now have the chance to start all over again.
Will the secrets they have kept from their past turn up and destroy their present? Or can they find a way to reconnect and a new way to trust?
-------
This is a great story. I was spellbound. I literally couldn't put it down.
Andrea Bramall gets and holds your attention throughout this novel with multiple layers of suspense. Without giving any specific spoilers we spend our time wondering why Morgan did what she did, whether she will recover, how Morgan and Erin will cope, who is behind it all and then, when we have found out all of the above, we are still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The four main characters are wonderfully drawn. We feel their pain, we understand their torment, we empathize with their decisions even though we can see that the outcome may not always be rosy. The supporting cast is also very important particularly Erin's brother Chris and their two closest friends, who have an important role to play in the drama and emotion that unfolds
While dealing with serious subjects such as the impact of amnesia and the lifetime damage caused by child abuse, violence and abandonment, this book is also full of humor. Finding yourself a 40-year-old virgin after 15 years of marriage may not be the first thing that occurs to us but it's certainly an issue!
Ms Bramhall portrayal of the interaction between Morgan and her two best friends adds a huge amount of light relief to what could have been a very heavy tale. The chidden are wonderfully drawn, with a teenagers angst and a pre-teens enthusiasm radiating off the page. And the relationship between Erin and Morgan, however stressed, is joyful to watch.
As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and it will definitely going onto on the reread pile.
Morgan wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there, in fact she has no memory of the last 20 years. Nobody can tell her when and if memories will come back.
Morgan and Erin Masters seemed to have everything - a happy family, good friends, a lovely home and work they love. Morgan’s errant behavior before that fateful night she loses her memory have ripped their world to pieces, but in someways they now have the chance to start all over again.
Will the secrets they have kept from their past turn up and destroy their present? Or can they find a way to reconnect and a new way to trust?
-------
This is a great story. I was spellbound. I literally couldn't put it down.
Andrea Bramall gets and holds your attention throughout this novel with multiple layers of suspense. Without giving any specific spoilers we spend our time wondering why Morgan did what she did, whether she will recover, how Morgan and Erin will cope, who is behind it all and then, when we have found out all of the above, we are still waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The four main characters are wonderfully drawn. We feel their pain, we understand their torment, we empathize with their decisions even though we can see that the outcome may not always be rosy. The supporting cast is also very important particularly Erin's brother Chris and their two closest friends, who have an important role to play in the drama and emotion that unfolds
While dealing with serious subjects such as the impact of amnesia and the lifetime damage caused by child abuse, violence and abandonment, this book is also full of humor. Finding yourself a 40-year-old virgin after 15 years of marriage may not be the first thing that occurs to us but it's certainly an issue!
Ms Bramhall portrayal of the interaction between Morgan and her two best friends adds a huge amount of light relief to what could have been a very heavy tale. The chidden are wonderfully drawn, with a teenagers angst and a pre-teens enthusiasm radiating off the page. And the relationship between Erin and Morgan, however stressed, is joyful to watch.
As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and it will definitely going onto on the reread pile.
August 14, 2018
I must say, Andrea Bramhall‘s award-winning novel, “Clean Slate,” was one of me favourites when I first read it a while ago. After re-reading it recently, it only re-affirmed my absolute adoration and love for the story and how Bramhall told it. The depth of emotions that it invoked in my mind was just as deep, memorable and resonating as my first read, no matter how many times I re-visit it. That’s why this novel sits securely on me list of all-time favourite lesfic romances.
The subject of amnaesia has always been a fascinating topic for me for as long as I can remember. Particularly the retrograde type where the affected person can’t recall memories before the brain/neurological trauma occurred, especially when a chunk of the person’s memory from a certain point in life up until the trama is lost, leaving a gap. This is where time is tricky. The person’s frame of mind is not in the present but at the point where the brain has been restored to, in the past. So, what is time, really? Is there a correlation between retrograde amnaesia and time travel? Mental time travel? Sounds “Back to the Future,” like, innit? Thoughts to ponder. It’s like the computer, really. When a computer stops functioning fully due to major systemic errors caused by, say, a virus, the solution would be to restore it to the latest version possible without having to reset to its default factory setting. The same thing goes with our brain, which is a computer….a supercomputer, really. When the brain recovers after a major neurological trauma, it attempts to restore as much as it can, to the slot where it could function again, going forward. Hence, the memory gap upon restoration.
Anyway, this was precisely what happened to Morgan when she was attacked viciously, leaving her with a big chunk of her memories gone.
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
The subject of amnaesia has always been a fascinating topic for me for as long as I can remember. Particularly the retrograde type where the affected person can’t recall memories before the brain/neurological trauma occurred, especially when a chunk of the person’s memory from a certain point in life up until the trama is lost, leaving a gap. This is where time is tricky. The person’s frame of mind is not in the present but at the point where the brain has been restored to, in the past. So, what is time, really? Is there a correlation between retrograde amnaesia and time travel? Mental time travel? Sounds “Back to the Future,” like, innit? Thoughts to ponder. It’s like the computer, really. When a computer stops functioning fully due to major systemic errors caused by, say, a virus, the solution would be to restore it to the latest version possible without having to reset to its default factory setting. The same thing goes with our brain, which is a computer….a supercomputer, really. When the brain recovers after a major neurological trauma, it attempts to restore as much as it can, to the slot where it could function again, going forward. Hence, the memory gap upon restoration.
Anyway, this was precisely what happened to Morgan when she was attacked viciously, leaving her with a big chunk of her memories gone.
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
July 7, 2015
This book keeps me thinking about memories and how they shape and how they can affect what we feel about people around us. Is love made from memories? Can we fall in love with the same person again after all the memories have gone? Or can love be so deep that it is imprinted in our body and soul that even with all the memories gone, you just know, that this person is the love of your life? Gripping plot, powerful character development. Everything comes into a full circle in the end. I love the little humor thrown into the plot, the mystery and the chemistry between Morgan and Erin is unmistakable even if there is so much angst throughout the story. A good touching book! Definitely going into my re-read list.
On second thought, It'd be great if we had a sequel instead of that very sweet ending. Morgan lost 20 years of her life and now she is finding herself falling in love and have to grow up from the teenage self to a 40-years-old adult. Surely, the transitioning will be very hilarious. There will be many things for her to discover, of the world, herself, and Erin. I could imagine it already, with her children always guiding her on the latest technology and Erin always by her side reassuring her that everything is okay. It's like growing up all over again. It will definitely be interesting!
On second thought, It'd be great if we had a sequel instead of that very sweet ending. Morgan lost 20 years of her life and now she is finding herself falling in love and have to grow up from the teenage self to a 40-years-old adult. Surely, the transitioning will be very hilarious. There will be many things for her to discover, of the world, herself, and Erin. I could imagine it already, with her children always guiding her on the latest technology and Erin always by her side reassuring her that everything is okay. It's like growing up all over again. It will definitely be interesting!
March 31, 2016
It didn't meet my expectations at all, it was a quick and nice enough read but was missing something for me. I believe the book should have been longer to develop a sort of slow burn for the recovery of the relationships.
August 2, 2016
This booked hooked me right from the start and I really had a hard time putting it down. It had an interesting and unusual twist on an 'amnesia plot' and I found myself truly caring about the characters and their fates.
September 20, 2013
The inclusion of marriage, children, and a distinctive quality tension in this drama mixed with an inventive variation on a victim of amnesia, made this a very different and engaging book. There is a weak yet critical series of events that left an uncomfortable taste and feeling for me several hours after I finished reading this. However, this did not diminish my complete captivation of the married women and their children. Additionally, there is a brother/brother-in-law who gets lots of gold stars!
Morgan Masters is an artist and teacher. She is also assaulted with big-time fears and worries for her family. She chooses to separate herself from her heart’s base for their safety, but for everyone’s diminishment. She is soon thereafter the victim of a vicious physical attack orchestrated in a rather amateurish manner that precipitates her belief that she is nineteen years old again…loosing more than twenty years of her life. It was easy for me to be sympathetic to Morgan as an assault victim, but initially I wanted to beat her to a pulp myself for what she did to her wife and children even if she believed it was in everyone’s best interest.
Erin Masters is an intelligent, very loving parent, and an extremely hurt woman. She hardly has time to process her own abandonment, since her children are devastated. They need her and she puts them first. She has an amazing brother who is very supportive and a lovely bright light within these dark times. Seeing Morgan through Erin’s, their children’s, and even Erin’s brother’s eyes, it is really difficult to be charitable toward Morgan. I would like to have kicked the author in her butt for creating such a contrary character, but I am fairly sure this was exactly what she was shooting for.
This story is based near Manchester, Great Britain. The location has a minor role to play, but being a bit of an anglophile, I liked this feature. My only disappointment is the difficult to believe scenario near the end of the story that pulls the couple’s son completely out of character and catapults everyone, including me, into a chaotic, but necessary denouement. Not being an author, I have no idea how things could have been wrapped up, but I wasn’t really happy with how it happened here. That still in no way diminished my love of all the folks within, the amazing series of events everyone went through, and my complete desire to read more of Andrea Bramhall’s work…or my sincere suggestion that this book should not be missed.
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Morgan Masters is an artist and teacher. She is also assaulted with big-time fears and worries for her family. She chooses to separate herself from her heart’s base for their safety, but for everyone’s diminishment. She is soon thereafter the victim of a vicious physical attack orchestrated in a rather amateurish manner that precipitates her belief that she is nineteen years old again…loosing more than twenty years of her life. It was easy for me to be sympathetic to Morgan as an assault victim, but initially I wanted to beat her to a pulp myself for what she did to her wife and children even if she believed it was in everyone’s best interest.
Erin Masters is an intelligent, very loving parent, and an extremely hurt woman. She hardly has time to process her own abandonment, since her children are devastated. They need her and she puts them first. She has an amazing brother who is very supportive and a lovely bright light within these dark times. Seeing Morgan through Erin’s, their children’s, and even Erin’s brother’s eyes, it is really difficult to be charitable toward Morgan. I would like to have kicked the author in her butt for creating such a contrary character, but I am fairly sure this was exactly what she was shooting for.
This story is based near Manchester, Great Britain. The location has a minor role to play, but being a bit of an anglophile, I liked this feature. My only disappointment is the difficult to believe scenario near the end of the story that pulls the couple’s son completely out of character and catapults everyone, including me, into a chaotic, but necessary denouement. Not being an author, I have no idea how things could have been wrapped up, but I wasn’t really happy with how it happened here. That still in no way diminished my love of all the folks within, the amazing series of events everyone went through, and my complete desire to read more of Andrea Bramhall’s work…or my sincere suggestion that this book should not be missed.
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 1, 2023
First of all, personally I see no reason for Erin to have feelings towards Morgan.Second of all,Morgan's character is literally so annoying sometimes, and pushy.I have no idea how Erin was this strong but she did not made Morgan beg enough for forgiveness, also I find it weird that Erin got pregnant using her BROTHER'S sperm
November 17, 2020
Quick commute read. The plot made me curious and it did deliver. Bit cheesy, but entirely readable with likable characters.
I struggled with the language. I put the book down in the begginning and googled the author, because I thought she was British (she is) and the book didn't feel like it at all. I wondered why you give the book a place (a Manchester hospital is mentioned) and then didn't follow up in regard to dialog. It had a rather generic American feel to it. I've gotten this generic American feel from BSB authors before, so I do wonder what is up with that. A good sense of place adds so much to a novel. But I was still intrigued by the story so I read on and somewhere, not quite sure if it was gradual or sudden, the dialog started to sound British. By the end of the book there's really no mistaking where the book is set. Puzzling, the whole thing. I had fun trying to come up with scenarios that would lead to such a result (did American editors just give up half way through?), and wonder if BSB has some sort of guidelines to not scare American readers away. Ease them into it, so to speak. But really, this mix can't really be a conscious decision.
If the book had this sense of place all the way through I would have enjoyed it a lot more, but it's worth a read for the unique story.
I struggled with the language. I put the book down in the begginning and googled the author, because I thought she was British (she is) and the book didn't feel like it at all. I wondered why you give the book a place (a Manchester hospital is mentioned) and then didn't follow up in regard to dialog. It had a rather generic American feel to it. I've gotten this generic American feel from BSB authors before, so I do wonder what is up with that. A good sense of place adds so much to a novel. But I was still intrigued by the story so I read on and somewhere, not quite sure if it was gradual or sudden, the dialog started to sound British. By the end of the book there's really no mistaking where the book is set. Puzzling, the whole thing. I had fun trying to come up with scenarios that would lead to such a result (did American editors just give up half way through?), and wonder if BSB has some sort of guidelines to not scare American readers away. Ease them into it, so to speak. But really, this mix can't really be a conscious decision.
If the book had this sense of place all the way through I would have enjoyed it a lot more, but it's worth a read for the unique story.
September 16, 2013
Intense! This book was nothing but that! Now the reason for 4 stars there were parts in the book that I felt made me feel like I was going to scream but then we would get to the spot where I was like woah that did not just happen. I felt for Erin and the kids, I think Chris is amazing! I loved to sympathize with Morgan. I believe this book was just at the edge of 5 stars for me but didnt make it because of the beginning. It's not how I like to start off a book. Amazing writing!
July 1, 2014
This book was a roller coaster from start to finish. I started reading it one evening and although I had only read the first few pages, the premise stayed with me. And the next day when I started reading again I couldn't put it down. Although there was a lot of tension, there were some very funny scenes as well. No surprise that this is an award winning book.
January 11, 2017
I started this yesterday evening and told myself I would stop at the end of the chapter, but each time I reached that point there was something that made me want to keep reading, and I did! I eventually finished it at 2am and although I'm knackered now I don't regret a moment of it.
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