She is the only one who can tell the police who attacked her in her home.
If only she could remember …
Summer Velasquez is on the run from a man she has no recollection of after an attack she can’t recall.
Every face in the crowd is a potential suspect, so how is Summer supposed to know who is a threat to her and who isn’t?
After fleeing her assailant and the parents who lied to her about what … happened, she changes her name and seeks refuge in Elora, Ontario. The small town feels familiar, although she has no memory of ever having been here.
Even in what should be a safe place, she can’t shake the feeling that she is being watched.
When Ryan Taylor strolls into the Taste of Heaven Café where she works, Summer is immediately drawn to him. However, he may not be who he says he is either. As her suspicions grow, Summer prepares to run again.
But at least one person is determined to stop her. Permanently. And if she can’t remember who he is, this time he may succeed.
more
Starting with trauma, the way Lost Down Deep did, is a gripping way to hook readers into a story. We’ve got to see how things work out for Summer, about whom there are so many conundrums. (Who would do a young woman such harm and why? Why does she have a gun in her bedroom and how is she able to fight back as she does? Who are the devious characters who pursue her?) The answers gradually come to readers, as they do to Summer herself, in a story woven of simple pleasures and loving characters, interspersed with twinges of danger and elusive questions. In finding her way — a home, a job, friendship, and falling in love, Summer and the leading man face challenges from the past as well as their own regrets and failures. It all leads to an edge-of-your-seat ending that satisfies.
What’s absorbing about this book is the question of what remains in Summer’s heart and mind after a brain injury. Amnesia stories fascinate us because they touch on questions of what makes up the human psyche, nature vs. nurture. Are we merely the sum total of our memories so that without them we are a blank slate? Are love and relationships a fluke once-only occurrence, or would we come to love the same person even in different circumstances?
Lost Down Deep explores these questions and I found that the unique way it presents the human spirit and its capacity to know and love God as transcending memory and mental capacity was thoughtful and compelling. It was particularly poignant and apropos, I thought, when a non-believing character challenged the leading man’s inability to “forgive himself” for wronging his family. This is a mistaken trope that Christians need to stop perpetrating. How encouraging to find an author willing to discredit the notion that we must forgive ourselves and rather to present the truth that we must content ourselves with God’s powerful forgiveness.
If you like romance and suspense, this is a great, fast-moving read. If you like a story that speaks to what’s beneath the surface, exploring deeper questions, look no further than Davison’s writing.
This was the first novel I’ve read by Sara Davison, but I suspect it won’t be the last.
I enjoyed the story, but there was quite a bit of Spanish that I had to use Kindle’s translation tool to decipher. Some of it was explained by the context, but some wasn’t. If you speak Spanish, this one might be a great one to pick up. If not, at least get the ebook version so you can easily translate the portions that aren’t in English.
This suspenseful story is full of secrets and intrigue. It kept me glued to the page.
3.5 stars
“The house should have been completely quiet.”
After being brutally assaulted in her own home, Summer Velasquez recovers slowly from a traumatic brain injury followed by retrograde amnesia, meaning that she doesn’t remember anything about her assailant, the attack, or even the past few years of her life. Knowing that she is putting the welfare of her parents in jeopardy if she returns directly home from the hospital, Summer makes a harried decision . . . . . she runs.
Following Summer to the small town of Elora, Ontario, Ryan Taylor befriends her, after all he is in no immediate danger of being recognized, for Summer shows no signs of remembering who he is. But something down deep inside of her must still be drawn to him, for Ryan sees flashes of their previous connection in her eyes before it quickly clouds over to mild confusion and eventually suspicion. Can he protect her from the real and present danger? Will forgiveness be able to repair what was so tragically damaged? Is God really big enough to lift their burdens, to be a “refuge and fortress . . . . what could provide more safety and peace of mind than that?” Angels? They were going to need those, too.
Enjoy this creative twist on romantic suspense! There’s a lot you don’t know, until you do.
Will her lost memory cost them their lives?
Lost Down Deep is the second novel that I’ve read by Sara Davison, though it is the first in the The Rose Tattoo series, and of the two it is the closest to true romantic suspense. It starts off as any good romantic suspense does, a mysterious attack and a heroine fleeing the hospital to hide before the attacker can strike again. Enter in a handsome hero who may not be who or what he seems and you have the recipe for danger and for a good read.
As an American I found the Canadian setting of Lost Down Deep to be quite fun. Christian romantic suspense is finally starting to see some stories from north of the border and I think it’s great.
Sara Davison jammed a lot into this story and I honestly can’t unpack it all. The messages of clinging to your faith when everything seems darkest, of facing your mistakes and becoming a better person because of them, and most importantly of the desperate need of forgiveness, was so emotionally moving that I had to set the book aside a few times just to think about it all.
The Rose Tattoo series got off to a good start with this book and I will be quite interested to find out where the next two books will take the characters…
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
A deeply moving story that grabbed me in the first pages and kept me riveted through the final page. A Second Chance romance story that shows God’s deep unfailing love and forgiveness. This book is interwoven with enough mystery and intrigue that it is difficult to set down once you start reading. There were times that I was so touched by the depth of this book that tears freely flowed. An excellent book that is a great addition to this “Mosaic Collection” .
I did receive an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
This book is so good!! It is full of suspense and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. If you like well written christian suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, grab this book.
Wow, what a suspenseful masterfully woven read! Christian Fiction Suspense at its best. I was glued to the pages and wondering what is going to happen next! I would totally recommend!
This story starts with an unexpected home invasion followed by amnesia – I was hooked! This is my first Sara Davison book and I can’t wait to read the next one. It’s a page-turning suspense story! The “why” of her attack has so many twists and turns that it’s hard to keep up. There’s also a subtle romance with a hero who is her protector when she didn’t know she needed it. The backstory that is unknown, even to her, is complex and daring. I was almost holding my breath as I waited for the story to resolve. Awesome!!
One of the best romantic suspense books I have read this year. Summer has no memory. Ryan is determined to protect her. There were in love before she lost her memory. Can they fall in love again? The story had lots of twists and turns and kept me guessing – love that. The journey was really good and I loved the ending. Looking forward to book 2.
If forgetting where you put your keys or your glasses is frustrating, imagine forgetting whole years of your life. It’s like a nightmare that follows you around 24/7.
Summer Velasquez is living that nightmare. And without a clue who she can and can’t trust—somebody attacked her, after all—she flees for her own safety and for that of her parents.
But how does a person live a manufactured life and juggle very real feelings and emotions? How can one find the truth while, in fact, living a lie.
Ms. Davison takes equal parts fear and uncertainty, trust and affection—and patience—and whips them together to create a dramatic story of discovery. The balance of human interaction and reaction, the depth of emotion, the tension of the unknown needling every moment of every day. The chilling final scenes, and the touching [SPOILER], combine to make this a page-turning story that lingers after the final words are read.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Lost Down Deep, Sara Davison, JustRead Promotion Tour
This is a great romantic suspense novel by a new-to-me-author! I was quickly drawn into Summer’s story, I really liked her as a character, and I loved that even though she had amnesia one thing she hadn’t forgotten was her faith and her relationship with God, that was awesome!
I loved Jude, and I thought it was great that for a large portion of the book the author wrote him in such a way that it was hard to be 100 percent sure whether he was good or bad, which was total genius!
This book also has awesome secondary characters, I loved Nancy, Daphne, Shawn, and Cash to name just a few!
I loved that this book is primarily set in a small town, I don’t know if Elora is a real place or not, but either way I’d love to visit! And I hope the author will write more books set in this small town because I did not want to leave!
This book has a feel that is part Hallmark movie and part Lifetime Original Movie all combined with its own awesome brand of uniqueness!
Lost Down Deep is a fabulous book that is unlike anything I’ve ever read before!
This book hooked me at the beginning and kept me frantically flipping pages till all the mysteries were unraveled!
I highly recommend Lost Down Deep! I enjoyed it so much! And I look forward to reading more of Sara Davison’s books in the future!
(5 Stars!)
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
From the first page, Sara Davison draws readers into Lost Down Deep and leaves plenty of questions that need answers. An attach, amnesia, a woman on the run, and the questionable men who follow her.
There is an excellent balance of action, tension, romance, and lighter moments throughout this story. As Summer struggles to regain her memory, she ends up in a little town that enraptures her. Nancy and Daphne become her family (and both ladies are wonderful secondary characters).
It took me a little while to figure out what Ryan’s deal was, but it did not take long to grow on me. Especially once his story comes to light. The complete opposite was true of who was, in part, responsible for everything happening to Summer.
This is book one in The Rose Tattoo trilogy, and I’m hoping to reconnect with some (or most) of these characters again in the next two books.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Another excellent book by Sara Davison that I couldn’t put down until I finished.
I loved the many twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.
Sara has a way with words that will keep the reader wanting to come back for more!
I first fell in love with her books when Vigilant came out and then I was hooked forever.
I love the way she describes the action that’s going on because it made me I felt like I was in the story with Summer.
I think what drew me the most besides the author was the beautiful cover of the book.
In my opinion it fits what’s inside the book perfectly.
What happened to the girl on the cover? You’ll just have to read this excellent book to see for yourself. And I guarantee you’ll not want to out it down. This book will leave you thinking about the characters long after it’s over. It’s a perfect book for a re-read too!
My thanks to The Mosaic Collection for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
What a page-turner! Mixing suspense with the small-town experience, where most people are very open and friendly, makes for a captivating, entertaining read. I loved the characters, and not knowing for sure who is the bad guy vs. the good guy kept me guessing until the end. I especially enjoyed Nancy, the owner of the boarding house, who welcomes Summer with open, loving arms. The yummy chocolate croissants at the Taste of Heaven Café made me drool! Not only does the author tackle the subject of amnesia with sensitivity, she allows a slow-simmering romance to develop. I look forward to the next book in Sara Davison’s Rose Tattoo Trilogy!
I received a copy of this book from Three Dreamers Press through JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Lost Down Deep.
Lost Down Deep kept me awake at night. The page-turning suspense created by the men who followed Summer to her ‘get away’ kept me guessing while Summer tried to remember her life prior to the night of her attack. Her amnesia made it almost impossible to know who she could trust and yet she boldly moved on with unconscious and oft time cautious faith.
My favourite character, Jude, intrigued me during the entire fast-paced adventure. Although he saw himself as a loser, his true character showed up throughout the gripping story. A prodigal son, his love for Summer far surpassed any failure and self blame he had after the death of his sister. Oh and I really wanted to know more about Summer’s mother, whose cool relationship with Summer during her childhood gave me pause and whose connection brought a shocking end to the story, at least for now.
Lost Down Deep is filled with romance, betrayal, loss, murder and the weaving throughout with timeless, ancient truths that span the ages… truths that reveal a loving God who loves, restores and redeems.
I loved Lost Down Deep… couldn’t put it down! Way to go Sara Davison.
From The Mosaic Collection comes author Sara Davison’s Lost Down Deep, the first in her series, The Rose Trilogy. An excellent read that has left me eager for the next installment.
Waking up in a hospital, Summer Velasquez has no memory of being severely beaten nor who invaded her home leaving her in a crumpled heap at the base of her stairs. Worse, she has no memory of her life for the three years prior and her parents, controlling and restrictive, are determined she come home with them where she will be safe from further. Summer has no intention of going back to the restrictive atmosphere in her parents and carefully plans her escape from her hospital.
Once escape proves successful, Summer heads out to find a small town where she can hide, where she can feel safe. Renting a room from an older woman, who soon becomes a true friend, Summer seeks employment. Knowing she worked as a waitress in college, she sets out but place after place turn her down; drawn into a small bakery and coffee shop, Summer ends up with a job she will soon love. Despite her successes, Summer just cannot shake the feeling of being watched
When Ryan Taylor comes into the cafe, she is attracted to the handsome man, feeling a connection she can’t quite put her finger. With his daily visits to the cafe’, Summer finds herself letting her guard down just a little bit, letting him in until self preservation steps in and she again plans to go on the run.
Ryan Taylor isn’t who he purports himself to be and there is reason why Summer feels a connection, but he isn’t the only one watching Summer. So who is after Summer Velasquez, and more importantly, why?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
The Mosaic collection is one of my happy places and i am so grateful to Ebos for the introduction. I think this is my 5th Book in the Mosaic collection and i am in for the long haul.
Lost Down Deep Sara Davison is a contemporary romance suspense novel.
I totally enjoyed every bit of the book and i couldn’t drop it, i loved the suspense and the story line was amazing. At first it took a minute to get all the characters in their places in my mind and later on in the story, i had a clearer understanding of the back story behind them.
The story is about Summer who was attacked and had temporary amnesia and was running away to protect herself and the ones she loves. Reading this, psalms 139 comes straight to mind because so many times we think we are running but God is in step with us through out.. looking at Ryan Taylor (protector) and the journey of her falling again in love with him, reminds me of Hosea 2:14 that tells us how God woos us to the wilderness and courts us until we recognize and accept his undiluted love.
What amazed me further was the subconscious connection to God even when she couldn’t remember if she was indeed a believer. Our connection with God is so ingrained into the fabric of our lives that even if our mind fails to remember the details of our walk with God our spirit and heart still naturally gravitates to our connection to God.
There is so much to say about this book, however so i don’t start spoilers here. I would recommend this book.
I received this book and this review is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. It has just enough suspense to keep the pages turning and deals with the fact that once we belong to Christ, no one can snatch us out of His hands. This book also makes the reader think of the possibility of what things are in our sub conscious so deep that even during amnesia we sense them. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but have chosen to freely offer my own thoughts and opinions without obligation.
If you’re looking for a good mystery with a hint of suspense, a dash of sweetness, and whole lot of charm, then you’ve come to the right book. Lost Down Deep immediately plunges you into a mystery, and keeps you guessing until the very end. With a picturesque small town as the backdrop, and charming characters to boot, this novel was quite a sweet read!
As with the other volumes in The Mosaic Collection, faith is a thread that is woven throughout the story, a graceful note that that is not pushy or overpowering, but more of a whisper of grace and forgiveness.
My heart went out to Summer and the unique situation that she finds herself in, but Daphne, the happy-go-lucky bakery owner is the player that stole the show for me. I enjoyed the bright energy that she brought to the story, and would love to see more of her and her delicious baker husband in future novels.
Though not a quick read, Lost Down Deep kept my interest, was well written with wonderful characters, and told a delicate story of family, forgiveness, and truth.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Romance, mystery, suspense – everything you are looking for in a well written story. I really enjoyed this book. The characters had a lot of depth and complexity. I can’t imagine waking up in the hospital missing any recent memory and then finding out someone attacked you and they may be back to finish the job! Where to go, what to do, who to trust. The story flows along very nicely and keep you moving through the book at a good pace. There is a nice little surprise towards the end that has you saying, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!” I would highly recommend it.