Ann Einerson’s Forgive or Forget Me features Milo Covell and Olivia Dunham. Olivia grew up with her mother Marie, who was in a marriage of convenience, and her father was absent for most of her life. Marie’s best friend Jada died in a tragic accident and Mac Covell was found guilty of manslaughter. Subsequently, Milo Covell went to live with Marie and Olivia. One stormy night, Olivia ran to Milo’s room and hid under his blankets. The two fell in love, but when Marie died, Olivia’s world turned upside down when Milo disappeared. Years later, Olivia was a pediatric oncologist and helped parole Mac, who was dying of pancreatic cancer. When Milo arrived at the hospital, he was not prepared to face the woman he abandoned fifteen years ago. Olivia also had a secret that she kept from Milo.

Ann Einerson shared both protagonists’ perspectives in vivid detail. I liked the way she provided a definite timeline. The opening covered the initial conflict and then went back to the past events that ultimately brought Olivia and Milo to the hospital. Olivia’s abandonment was heartbreaking. I couldn’t imagine losing a parent and then waking up to find the person I loved had gone. Milo’s hatred of his father was relatable. The supporting characters helped bring to light the growth Olivia and Milo had achieved while apart. Despite the serious nature of the story, Olivia’s patient, Grace, brought a silver lining to the account. The little girl’s conversations with Mac were exceptional portrayals of accepting fate. The overall themes of recovering from trauma and forgiveness touched me. I recommend Forgive or Forget Me to readers looking for realistic stories, with smooth transitions between resilient characters.

Milo and his family are in a fatal accident that kills his mom, while his father is blamed and imprisoned. He hates his father and disowns him. Milo goes to live with his mother’s best friend and her daughter, Olivia, who is also a teenager. Olivia and Milo become inseparable, but tragedy strikes and their lives change forever. The duo stays apart for fifteen years until Milo returns to town for revenge. He discovers that the same man he hated and disowned has developed a solid relationship with Olivia for many years. It is a monumental betrayal in Milo’s eyes. Unfortunately, there is more to the situation than meets the eye. Olivia holds a secret that can mend or shatter her relationship with Milo forever in Forget or Forgive Me by Ann Einerson.

Forget or Forgive Me by Ann Einerson is a beautiful book that discusses love, loss, grief, trauma, and forgiveness. This story addressed how miscommunication, festering anger, and hate can blind us from seeing the big picture and making the best out of situations. And often, rage may also cause us to make mistakes we can’t rectify but we have to live with the consequences. I loved the unique storyline, plot, and well-developed characters. Einerson transcends a basic love story into a well-balanced and wholesome read. The secondary characters were indispensable, especially Mac, Pike, and Eloisa. They formed the backbone of Olivia and Milo’s story. I loved the trips to the past that gave me an idea of what created the characters. Einerson is an incredible storyteller with a lovely writing style that I enjoy.