The Forgotten Ones: A Novel

Oh my, another winner from Steena Holmes, I wouldn’t expect anything else. David is a dying old man who has lots of secrets. His granddaughter, who didn’t know he existed, needs to meet him and find out the secrets he harbors regarding her mother. Her mother suffers from mental illness as did her deceased mother. There are horrible stories from her mother’s upbringing.. I didn’t want to read this as fast as I did but I couldn’t help myself.

Steena Holmes has once again given her readers an unforgettable story that will keep them turning pages until the end. Warning - don't make any plans for the day that you start reading this book because you won't put it down until the last page is read.

Elle is a nurse and grew up in a dysfunctional family. Her mother has mental illness and Elle has worried about taking care of her mom for her whole life. Elle has been told that she has no other family - that her grandparents died before she was born. Imagine her surprise when she finds out that her grandfather is dying at the same hospital she works at. As she tries to get her family secrets answered, it is very upsetting for her mom and very confusing for Elle who doesn't know who to believe - someone is lying - it is her grandfather or her Mom?

This is a complex family drama with characters that are so well written that you feel like you know them. The family secrets are revealed slowly and we don't know the total family story until the end which makes it an even more intriguing. This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it.

i read an advance copy of this book.

The Forgotten Ones is a heart-breaking novel that will break your heart many times over. It explores mental illness and how it affects families, love and loss.

Elle is a nurse who works in pediatrics at the local hospital with her best friend Brennley. Bren works in the cancer ward and tells Elle about one of her patients. David is a cranky old man who has no one to spend time with him. He is estranged from his daughter and his granddaughter does not even know he exists. When Bren helps him write one last letter to his daughter, she realizes that her patient is actually her best friend Elle's grandfather. Elle has never met this grandfather and was always told by her mother Marie that her grandparents were both dead. Elle is curious and wants to meet her grandfather. She wants to find out about her mother's past and get to know this man. Elle starts meet with David on a regular basis and he starts telling her stories about her mother Marie's past as well as his and Gertie's relationship with her. Marie is not happy that Elle is seeing her grandfather. Grace, her mother's caregiver continually tells Elle that his stories are not true. Will Elle ever find out the truth about her mother's past? Is David telling the truth?

Elle is a very strong young woman. She has cared for her mother for years, but is trying to have a life of her own. Family ties are strong and so is loyalty. David is a sad character. He has dealt with woman all his life that have mental illness in varying degrees, but his love for his wife, Gertie, leads him to make some bad decisions that not only affect his life, but his daughter's and granddaughter's as well. The emotions that this book evokes are strong and have left me thinking about what I would do in the same situation. What will you do for the person you love? If you enjoy an emotive read, pick this one up.

Wow. This book. Seriously! I'm having trouble finding the right words. Since that is exactly what I'm supposed to do, I will try my best.

This story has so many layers. So many secrets and mysteries. I still can hardly believe some of the details that came to light.

When I first started reading this book, I was concerned that I wasn't going to like it at all. I was bored and completely disinterested. To be honest, I did put it aside for a bit. I decided to take a look at Goodreads to see what others thought of it. After reading such wonderful reviews, I figured I would give it another try. I was determined to power through!

Oh how glad I am that I did! I am blown away by this story! It is unlike anything I have read before! This is the first Steena Holmes book that I have read but I plan on reading more and more! This was amazing!

There are still some things in this story that I'm unsure of. Some of the "answers" didn't exactly add up for me. I'm guessing I'm not alone in this. However, that definitely doesn't take away from my love of this book! It is now one of my favorites! So glad that it was requested for me to read and review this book! And I'm even more pleased that it was so excellent!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Forgotten Ones is one of the most compelling novels I have read so far this year. It is one of those novels that will break your heart and suck you into the story and refuses to let go. I was interested in the story from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down, not even to go to work. I wanted to know more find answers the same way Elle wanted answers. The emotions this book evoked within me hasn't happened in a long time. This was my first novel by Steena Holmes, and my first "women's fiction" novel and I have to wonder why I haven't read Holmes before.

The book goes between David and Elle's perspectives, and at the beginning of each chapter it tells you who is thinking/speaking so you know how's mind we are in each time. This gives the reader the ability to get insight on both characters and their emotions and feelings. While the past David talks about is haunting and chilling, it is beautifully written in a way that brings tears to your eyes. He peels back the layers of family drama, but he reveals to Charlie it is only 1 aspect of the family's past he is revealing. So I have to wonder...is there more? What else could have happened in this family with Gertie's mental health and Anna Marie?

I don't know if you would say the story was fast paced, nor was it slow. It progressed at a sensible rate, I just read it fast. I devoured it as the suspense at finding out the deep family secret was killing me. I was getting frustrated that no one was giving Elle the answers she so desperately needed. I thought I had one detail of the book figured out, but it appears I may have been wrong, I am not sure, I will have to go back to read the ending again to be sure.

I fell in love with this book, I find it difficult to put into words how wonderful this book was. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys women's literature, family secrets, and a good suspenseful tale. I loved it.

4.5 STARS - The Forgotten Ones is a compelling, complex and haunting family drama that has a wonderful tension throughout, well-drawn characters and emotionally charged issues such as tragedy, loss, secrets and a family dealing with generations of mental illness. Steena Holmes has set her story within her childhood hometown of Kincardine, Ontario and I enjoyed the local touches she sprinkled throughout the story.

This was a highly addicting read as Holmes slowly unravels the secrets of this complicated family and fills the pages with wonderful tension making readers just as eager as Elle to find the truth about her family - their secrets, lies and omissions. I had my guesses about what really happened, and, in the end, I was correct but the journey to get the answers was wonderfully suspenseful and expertly paced. The only reason I shaved off half a star from my rating is due to the ending because it didn't feel as strong as the rest of the book. I was hoping for one last twist.

This is a compulsive, hard-to-put-down, wonderfully Canadian read that is filled with tension and illustrates how mental illness impacts entire families. I'm so glad I've found this new-to-me author and look forward to reading more of her work.

Note: Due to the issues raised, as well as the complicated bonds between the characters, The Forgotten Ones would make an excellent book club selection.

Danger, wonder, secrets, family, and forgiveness. This book is a MUST HAVE.

Elle has done a good job of managing life. Her mother is certifiable, and the mood swings can take a toll on her. However, life has a way of taking a detour, and Elle is fixing to stumble on a huge secret – one that her mother has kept buried for years.

When Anna Marie was growing up, she had a rather dysfunctional childhood. Her father was a long haul trucker and her mother – well her mother lived in a world all her own. Gertie lost many of her children, and they were all buried in the backyard. David would weave stories for his little daughter, weaving a fantasy world that will stay with Anna Marie for the remainder of her life. As much as she loathed her parents, she used that same fantasy world with her daughter Elle.

Brennley, Elle’s best friend and roommate is also a fellow nurse. Together they weather the storm of losing patients and battling the emotions that come with it. Brenn and Elle balance each other out. While Brenn knows the background of Elle’s mother, their past is as much of a secret to her. One of her patients, a man dying of cancer, becomes more than just a patient. Brennley is becoming more and more attached to the lonely older man. But as they become closer – a bit of Elle’s past is opened. Brennley calls her, reading a letter that David has written. She believes that Elle is the granddaughter of the man in the hospital bed. Elle does not think so, her grandparents are dead – it is what she has always been led to believe. But secrets have way of reaching the surface and this one is about to put her entire family on a roller coaster that is going to take many twists and turns. Buckle your seat belt, and get ready for a story that will literally knock your socks off!

A missing child, an imaginary friend, and the secrets of the past have come back to haunt Elle. As she listens to the stories that David tells her from his hospital bed, she believes that they are made up – at least at first. As her mother becomes more and more unhinged, Elle begins to wonder what really happened, and who Bella really was.
By continuing to delve into her mothers past, she begins to push against the history that she has been told, and comes to not only love her grandfather, but wonder what her own future is going to hold. But before her world entirely gets turned upside down, there is one major secret that her grandfather has been hiding – and it could entirely destroy her mother.

OH MY GOODNESS. When you sit down to read this book – do not start it late at night! Book hangover material! The twists and turns that Steena Holmes weaves will keep you guessing, and wondering. As the story progresses, you begin to really feel sorry for David. Choosing between a wife or a daughter is not a decision any person should have to make, but when you are hiding an even darker secret – life becomes a torment. Elle is determined to find the truth, but her mother is becoming more and more unhinged.

This book is one that will make you laugh, it will make you angry. It will leave you horrified and mystified. Ya’ll this book has it all! There are no disappointments, no letdowns, just page turning electricity.

The Forgotten Ones is filled with many secrets, some characters that you will like and some you won't and a lesson - namely that honesty really is the best policy, especially when it comes to family. Well, that is the lesson I took from it. Others may take something else away from this book.

What do you do when you suddenly hear from a grandfather you'd been told was dead? If you're like most people, you try to figure out why you were told that, which is exactly what happens in Steena Holmes' latest novel. Unfortunately, that rather simple task is made harder by individuals that suffer from mental illness and a grandfather that mostly relates truths as stories or maybe truths.

I was pulled into this story immediately, primarily due to fascination with family histories and I enjoyed reading it even when I grew frustrated with a character's behavior that I didn't care for. That's okay though because who cares for everyone? Certainly not me and upon further examination, that character had reasons for her prickliness.

Reading this was like playing with a matryoshka, those Russian nesting dolls. Just when you think you might be at the end, more would come out. If you enjoy family dramas, mystery or suspense, then this is definitely a book you'll will want to pick up. It keeps you wondering, asking why and then wondering some more.

Thank you to Netgalley for making an ARC available to me.

First, the positives:
1. I loved this author’s writing style. It’s the first book I’ve read by Steena Holmes, and really enjoyed how she writes.
2. Several of the characters were so well developed that they felt real to me. Particularly David (both young and old David). Grace was another wonderful character, although I was confused about her life details several times
3. The mystery portion of the story was great , with lots of twists and turns.
4. The pacing was great.

The not so fantastic things:
1. The editing had several errors that drove me NUTS. Particularly one error that mixes names of two characters in a pivotal sentence. What’s written makes NO sense.
2. As a mental health worker, I didn’t feel that the illnesses and symptoms were well researched. Although most people may not have cared, it was hard for me to overlook.
3. The book jumps in time frames. I thought the author did a great job with this overall. But there were times that it was difficult to keep straight. For instance, near the end of the book, it talks about the age a character left home. The way it was written, it sounded like she was 9 when she had a child. Obviously that wasn’t the author’s intention, but again - little details and editing hiccups bug me
4. The ending! It’s like she got sick of writing and just wrapped it all up in a few pages. I needed an epilogue!

Overall, however, it was a moving and emotional book about family ties when impacted by severe mental illness. I was interested all the way through, and will be looking into more of this author’s work.

actually have several ebooks by Ms. Holmes but I just haven't gotten to them yet. I must confess that I am totally missing out because The Forgotten ones is a thrilling mystery of a family built on secrets and lies. It utterly pulled me into it's pages and all I wanted was to know was the truth.

This book had me on the edge of my seat so to speak. It is so compelling and you won't want to put it down until all the pieces come together.

Elle is a young woman who grew up believing her Grandparents to be dead. One day she gets a call explaining that a man in the hospital seems to be the Grandfather she believed to be dead for many years. Now she must decide if she will break her mother's heart by listening to his tale. Is what he is saying the ramblings of a sick old man on his deathbed or are there many secrets and lies hidden in her family's past that need to be uncovered. Will David live long enough to tell Elle is tale or will the truth of her history be forever cloaked in mystery?

If you want a book to drag you under and keep you guessing then I highly suggest you read the Forgotten Ones!!

**Received ARC from Netally. Voluntarily reviewed**

Title: The Forgotten Ones
Author: Steena Holmes
Rating: 5/5 stars

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This is a spoiler-free review.

Summary:
This story follows two main characters, Elle and David, as their lives are turned upside down. Elle is a nurse, who has lived her whole life believing that both of her grandparents are dead. David is a lonely man lying on his deathbed in the hospital, visited by no one but a myriad of nurses. When the two meet, they form an unexpected bond that will change the course of many people’s lives. Elle is trying to learn her history and why her mother decided to cut her off from her grandparents and she is being told three different versions of the truth. As she learns more about her family, more questions continue to come up. Will she ever learn the whole truth or will the secrets be buried with her grandfather?

Review:
Warning: Use of an outdated term for Native American.
This book was full of twists, turns, and full on loop-de-loops. I was not expecting anything going into this, as I had not heard of the novel or the author previously. But boy was I blown away! During the beginning, I had no idea where the story was going and I was intrigued. The novel opens up with vivid images of two interesting and well-developed characters that change and grow so much throughout the novel. The main thing that stood out to me while reading the story was the characterization. The personality and nature were clear for every single character. The writing style was concise and interesting to read with comprehensive descriptions of the characters and situations. I was curious about David and his stories while feeling sympathy for Elle and her current situation.

I would characterize this book as a drama. Big plot twists were occurring one after the other from the very beginning of the story and they did not stop until the last page. Things kept happening and they genuinely surprised me. The story was incredibly fast-paced and kept the reader intrigued the entire time. There was also a huge element of mystery throughout the novel. The reader is alongside Elle as she is searching for the truth about her mother and the past. This mystery lends itself to suspense. I found myself continually reading so I can figure out what the truth is.

Another important aspect of this book is mental health. Elle's mother, Marie, is diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. I will put out the disclaimer that I have no idea how well this illness is represented, however, I think it was a huge part of Marie and the actions she takes throughout the story.

The writing made the story so easy and enjoyable to read and the characters were well developed and unique. The story was complex and intricate and kept me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up until the early morning to read this book and to find out what the truth was. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries, psychological thrillers, and drama.

Elle, a nurse, loved the babies she struggled to save. She longed for a baby and family of her own, but she resolved never to give in to that temptation. Though her family history was murky she knew there was a history of severe mental illness, including a grandmother institutionalized and a mentally ill mother. When she is contacted by a grandfather she thought had died before she was born she is intrigued. At last, she may get answers to questions about her family. When there are hints of madness and murder does she really want to know the truth? Time is fleeting, her dying grandfather may have only days left. He wants to know her and tell his story though it's not a pretty one and he admits he has done despicable things.

I gave this book 5 stars. I couldn't put it down, reading long past my bedtime, only stopping after being hit in the face repeatedly by my Kindle as I fell asleep reading " just one more chapter"! This was my first book by Steena Holmes, but it won't be my last.

Talk about a great book hangover. This read was un-put-down-able! An amazing novel that is one of the authors’ best works and I’m already a big fan. Elle is an amazing young woman. She’s a Nurse and finds out that her grandfather, who she was told was long dead, is in the hospital where she works. This begins the twisting secrets and lies that have plagued this family for decades. Mental Illness plays a role in this complicated family and you yearn for Elle to get the answers she truly needs. She’s a very likeable heroine and someone you’d want as a friend. Someone you want to see overcome and succeed and have a good life.

I love books that are unpredictable, ones that make you think and wonder “what would I do?” The author has that way of getting you in the story, feel the emotions, gasp out loud at times and turn pages late into the night. You get to know the other characters enough to know their story which all ties into the decades long family secrets.

I loved this book. I want everyone I know to read it. I want to share Steena Holmes with the world. 5 stars and a huge hug to the author for this very special book.

I believe I have seriously misjudged this author! I had believed that Steena Holmes wrote good stories that I enjoyed. I have been wrong. Steena Holmes writes beautiful fiction that twists your heart into mush and then makes you cry crocodile tears!

How much do we know about our families? That's what I thought as I was reading this book. Did I really know my parents and grandparents beyond the life I led around them? Elle knows only the family she has lived with - her mother and her mother's companion, Grace. Because of a complete coincidence, a friend discovers that a terminally ill patient may be Elle's father. This starts a cycle that takes Elle and her family on a journey that is incredibly sad and joyous at the same time. No one will ever be the same!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

The Forgotten Ones is an interesting novel, a fast read, taking place in the mid-1950's and in 2005. The mystery is a bit convoluted but is fairly easy to follow and would be feasible in the time frames above. I had a difficult time finding some of the protagonists sympathetic, but there are days like that. Elle and Grace hold the story together very well and hold their own.

I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Steena Holmes, and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes that I read and reviewed.
I could not put this book down. I read this book in one sitting. I thought I had it all figured out but by the end I really did not have a clue what was going and I loved every second of it. This was one of those books that Steena Holmes takes the reader on an emotional journey with her on and you fall in love with the people in the book and feel like they are part of your family and when the book is over you feel like you lost your friends.
I loved the Elle and her mother and even her grandfather. Each person in this book played a special part that made this book excellent. If you are looking for a book that will keep you guessing from start to finish and will take your breath away The Forgotten Ones is the one you are looking for.
I give The Forgotten Ones five out of five stars.

Wow! This novel was emotional and mysterious! I enjoyed the intense, mysterious air to the whole story. Steena spins a story that starts out loud and reels you in throughout to the very end. She writes scenes, some you can’t imagine living through, and others where you find yourself nodding as you can relate to them. Elle doesn’t remember everything from her childhood. She knows her mother has kept secrets from her. By a twist of fate, Elle finds her grandfather who is dying. He tells her his own tales of what really happened in the past. Elle must piece together the secrets to figure out what the truth is and what is make believe. This novel is about family and love. It is about the relationship between fathers and daughters, mothers and daughters. It is also about mental illness and the relationships this creates, along with the pain and hurt it causes.

Wow! This book grabbed (and held) my attention from the very beginning. Elle thinks her grandparents are dead only to discover that her grandfather is alive, but dying. She visits him in the hospital to try to piece together her mom's past and find out why her mom, Marie, wants nothing to do with her family. I really liked how the author switched between the viewpoint of Elle and David (her grandfather) with a little bit of her mother thrown in. What Elle finds out through David's stories is so unbelievable she tries to determine fact from fiction. This book also highlights the limited options offered in the 50s for dealing with mental illness and the stigmas that went with it. I highly recommend this book. I was provided with an ARC from the author via NetGalley - my opinions are my own.

Wow, what a great book! I raced through this one, and even though I wasn't surprised by any of the reveals (honestly, she drops anvil-sized hints, and you'd have to not be paying attention to piece it together yourself), the ride was still beautiful and exciting and a joy to read.

Elle is a pediatric nurse at a hospital close by to where she grew up. Her mother has suffered from mental health issues her whole life, so has remained close by so she can visit with her often, make sure she is okay. One day, Elle's best friend Brennley, who is also a nurse at the hospital, calls her, breathless. The old man she has been taking care of in hospice for the last four weeks? She's pretty sure he's Elle's grandfather, and he doesn't have much time left. Elle grapples with whether or not to see him, this grandfather she thought was dead for her whole life. She decides to visit him, wanting to know more -- about her life, her mother, him, her grandmother. David agrees to tell her, under one condition they both come to: no lies.

I don't want to say too much more past that, as I don't want the story. However, I will say it was a wonderful read -- well written, gripping, and a book you don't want to put down. I literally read this book at my desk, tearing up towards parts at the end.

This is the first novel I have read by Steena Holmes, but I am now really excited to have discovered a new author and a bunch of books I can now seek out and read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes secrets must be told for everyone that holds them to move forward. Especially the one who holds a secret she doesn't even know. The path Steena Holmes creates to learning the secret is at one obvious and a hidden surprise. For Ella finding out, she has a living Grandfather days before he dies is perplexing enough. Hearing the story he tells about her Mother and Grandmother are just unbelievable. Ella's Mother doesn't want to delve back into her past to learn what she has forgotten and learning what she has forgotten might be the key to her mother finding forgiveness for herself. I truly enjoyed following the twisty turning path Steena created to the end.

The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes is a twisted suspense tale with more than one unreliable narrator that will keep you guessing and long after you’ve finished reading.

Elle has been told her entire life that she doesn’t have any family, only to discover her David, her grandfather, is alive, but dying. As he endures the last days before his death, Elle listens to him tell stories of her grandmother and her mother growing up. Her mother doesn’t want to remember those days and her stories vary widely from David’s. Elle doesn’t know what to believe, and neither will readers. If you enjoy dark twisty suspense in the vein of The Girl in the Window and Gone Girl, this is a must read.

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

This is a tale of unreliable narrators and a reader trying to figure out who to trust. There are two narrators. Elle is a daughter and that is all she has been her whole life that is the only family relationship she has known. David is counting his days in the hospital and as he hasn't had communication with the rest of his family he is pretty sure he will die alone.

Very early in the book, the reader finds out the connection between David and Elle and I loved the premise that his days are numbered and Elle must quickly get the truth of the past out of him. I loved how that easily took us back in time through David's eyes to see the past.

Elle loves her mother very much, but she also worries about her. Marie isn't mentally stable and Elle knows her mother had a difficult childhood. She tries to be there for her mother as much as she can. When she finds out Marie lied to her about her parents and Elle's grandfather is still alive instead of dead, Elle is shocked. She decides to visit him before it's too late. Her grandfather isn't what she expected and his stories are terrible. Are they true or do they consist of more lies? Elle continuously asks her mother for the truth, but Marie doesn't share her secrets. How can Elle find out what happened in the past?

Elle's grandfather has a dreadful confession to make. Is he unburdening himself before his death? Elle doesn't believe what he says, but she can't dismiss it either. She will have to do research to get to the bottom of the matter. However, where should she start and who has the answers? Marie isn't strong, is Elle making the right decision to find out more about a time her mother so desperately wants to forget? Elle has to act quickly before there's nobody left who can give her the information she seeks, will she manage to get to the bottom of the matter?

The Forgotten Ones is a terrific gripping story. I love books about family secrets and Steena Holmes has written a great one. Elle is strong and capable, but she constantly questions her mental state because of her family history. She loves deeply and likes helping others, which made her a wonderful main character. Marie is a loving mother, she has her issues, but she adores her daughter and has created many good memories with Elle. They have a strong connection, but Elle discovers she doesn't know much about her mother and she wants to have answers. Even though Marie doesn't like it, she lets her daughter dig, which I found incredibly admirable. I was curious to find out if Elle's search would actually be harmful for her mother and loved all the surprising twists and turns in her story. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and I read The Forgotten Ones in one sitting.

Steena Holmes skillfully works with tension. Every chapter brings new information. Her story is fast-paced and filled with suspense. I sometimes forgot to breathe, which is exactly the effect a good thrilling story should have. Elle's mother and grandfather lost everything and their story is sad, creepy and distressing. It grabbed me from beginning to end. The Forgotten Ones is a fantastic book and I highly recommend this compelling poignant story.

What an amazing thrilling book; it kept me gripped till the end. Just 3 main characters, their memories and secrets with one granddaughter caught in the center of it all, wanting to know the truth. But what is truth?

A grandfather David who is dying, his version of the past, his view of the truth?

A mother Marie, an artist with mental health problems, identity disorder, paints from her traumatised past, unwilling to reveal her childhood, her color of the truth?

A helper/friend of family Grace who knows it all, yet does not appear to know, her allusions of truth?

David, dying from cancer, wants to meet his daughter, Marie, to apologize and to make amends, meets his granddaughter Elle who is a nurse in the same hospital and the story of the past starts from David's point. Now it is up to Elle to decipher the truth from illusion. Trace the murky past, retrieve the thread of reality, and hopefully find a closure.

I have always loved Steena Holmes, but this book is just far superior, according to me. I loved every line from this book. The characters had so many grey colors weaved into their tapestry that traversing through it all, is the most fun I have had in a thriller in a long, long time. The suspense and intrigue starts from the get go. I was confused by the events and stories which unfurled in front of me. Everytime I thought I guessed the truth, the author would leave statements which would make me doubt myself. Have I guessed or haven't I? And I loved this guessing game which went through practically all the way to the end.

Steena Holmes usually writes emotional books, at least the ones I have read are. To see her writing this kind of book, a swirling vortex of truth and lies and illusions was simply awe inspiring. Every beat of the heart raised with the turn of the pages. The thrum of my pulse, hitch in my breath, and my constant need to be connected with this story —Isn't this what a book supposed to do?

This is just horrible. Family secrets that make you feel like you’ve been reading this mess for years instead of hours. Don’t believe him....tell me your side....no! ( breaks down mentally, throws a fit )....she’s frail....she’s stronger than she looks....she’s strong..wait she just broke down because you mentioned the name ‘Bella’. It’s even too boring to write a review

This novel is the best kind of heartbreak. I absolutely loved it. I won the kindle version in a goodreads giveaway and immediately bought the print version after reading it, i loved it so much. Its a love story but not a romantic love story. Its a story about the complexities in family and what happens behind closed doors. Its a mystery that sometimes has you hating every character and sometimes loving every character. Youll laugh, cry, want to punch pillows and cry again. The only thing i disliked was the abrupt ending, it felt like there were still to many unanswered questions.
Would have been 5 stars if the ending hadnt disappointed me.

Spoilers*****

I say that about the ending because it feels like it never fully answers if shes Bella or Anna and im 100000% sure Charlie Singer was Judys "trucker boyfriend" and Bellas mom but it never touches on it or clarifies it. Its all open ended which im sure was on purpose but for my over active mind i need solid ending where all lose ends are tied up or ill drive myself crazy over analyzing and trying to figure it out. Its stated numerous times how every story has some truth and to look for it so im assuming thats what the author wants us to do for the ending.

I won the kindle version of The Forgotten Ones in a Goodreads giveaway to review. My review is 100% my own and true.

Steena portrays a family with a lot of skeletons and a dying man who wants to get things off his chest before he dies. His granddaughter is desperately trying to find out the truth before he goes but it seems like everyone she turns to for answers refuses to tell her the truth. While I enjoyed the story and felt that Steena did a wonderful job portraying the difficulties that come along with mental illness and caring for your family, I felt that the ending was anticlimactic. Her story keeps you guessing as to what actually happened, who's telling the truth and what is fantasy. It's a good story about family and life but for all the struggle throughout the majority of the book the ending was a bit of a let down. And maybe that was the point.

Many stories make up each person's life story. In this story, the reader isn't sure whose story is real. Likeable, realistic characters. Mental illness was portrayed with some facts. Mental illness was not the "psycho killer" you often find in books and movies. Being a licensed professional counselor, I was so pleased with some little details. You want to know the rest of the story and the stories that follow.
Engaging!

Elle is sure mental illness run in the family and she will show as her mother had. When she finds out his grandfather, who she thought death a long time ago, is a dying patient in the same hospital she works as paediatric nurse she can’t help but visit with him and try to know about her past. But will she like what she learn? Will known about it destroy her and her mother? A story about family, love, lies and keeping secrets.

I enjoyed this book because it wasn't predictable. This author writes well particularly dialogue and character development. I find these elements to be as important as the plot of a good book, although the plot of this one was unique and drive me to complete the book. David is a strong character of somewhat naive. His dedication to save his broken family , despite the wrong decisions he made along the way were based on commitment to both his wife and daughter.

The Forgotten Ones immediately drew me into the story. Hidden stories, a man on his death bed, a wife who suffered with mental illness before she passed away, a daughter he loved and wanted to protect from her mother. Should the reader feel sorry for David or be mad at him for the choices he made? This story is a good insight into a family dealing with a mental illness. I know his story will stick with me for awhile.

Yes, this was an interesting read. It really was a story of how mental illness can destroy lives, but when all was said and done I had a feeling of confusion. Sort of unfinished or should I say inconclusive ending.

This book grabs you from the start and holds you. From someone that had a though life I can understand the brakes and the way she leaves her family to get whole. I regret that in many way I had to do the same the big difference is at 50 years old my dad made it back into my life. I do have family but most of it I have had to find outside of blood. To all those who have helped me though life and find my way.

I must confess that I somehow selected this book through a kindle user error. Be that as it may, the story was so captivating that I read it with few interruptions. The story is a exposition on the legacy of familial lies and the mutigenerational carnage of their passing parent to child. I highly recommend this book. If you love a good mystery, grab a copy of this book ASAP!

This was a captivating story. Characters were so vivid I could see them as I read. The whole book played out in my mind like I was watching a movie as I read each page. I could feel their emotions with them. This story shines such a bright light on mental illness. It's a topic that needs so much more attention. I highly recommend this book!

Holmes' novel is a complex and heartrending story of family secrets and the lengths that people will go to protect those they love. The layers of story and the many characters who help to unravel the mystery of the Walker family keep the reader alert and spellbound. The portrayal of mental illness and the confusion it creates is sensitive and realistic.

I am completely blown away by The Forgotten Ones. I don't want to say too much about the story so I don't spoil it for others who MUST read this book! I read the story in one sitting, my mind racing through all different scenarios. Steena Holmes totally drew me in, spun me around and left me with a serious book hangover!

Ya know started out okay and then went downhill from there. Read the whole book and still not sure how it ended. As a matter of fact was reading a thank you from the author at the end of the story and wasn't sure at first if it was part of the story or what. Do yourself a favor and skip reading this book, you won't be disappointed you did.

I love Holmes books - they always draw you in and tear at your heart.
Ellas grandfather is dying and wants to see her and her mother.
Ella has troublesome memories of her childhood and seeing her grandpa could be a way to find answers.
Delve into this book and read of a life torn apart by secrets and illness.

This book was interesting and true. All families have secrets and complex truths in them. I enjoyed this book. The ending for me was a surprise. This book is full of twists and turns so I guess I should've expected it. *This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.*

The beginning was very slow, and I almost abandoned it after the first two chapters. Then it got interesting though it had some gaps in logic. After I thought I had figured it all out, the author did a U-turn in the end. Very strange! I liked the middle, but not the beginning or the end.

Once this story was moving it was a page turner. Good characters, BIG secrets and the clock was ticking towards death for the only man who know the truth. At some points I was annoyed with the story but I wanted to know the truth so I kept reading. Mental illness was a major theme.

I found this book by happy accident, it was free on Kindle unlimited and I was drawn in by the blurb. I spent all day today reading it, my to do list forgotten, because I couldn't put it down. Family secrets, nursing careers, mental illness and the love parents feel for their children are central themes. The writing is superb, and I cannot wait to read more by Sheena Holmes.

This is completely outside the scope of novels that interest me. There are no dragons or magic; no aliens or science. But what it has in spades is drama, suspense, and a firm grasp on the shifting nature of human perception and how so often our truth is not always universal. This is a superbly written story!

If you like murder mysteries, then you will love this novel. It's a sad tale of the all too real possibilities, that can occur when reality becomes askew in the mind of those plagued by mental illness. The story seems predictable, but even until the very end, it is not what you think!

I found myself captivated from the first chapter. My mind immediately believed the worst and flitted off on wild flights of fancy. I thought for a time charlie might be bella's the father, or david. I was all over the place. Wow! The writer wraps it up very well.

This was unputdownable! With intriguing characters, a twisty and fascinating plot, and engaging writing style, Ms. Holmes has created such a hit out of the park, that if had been a baseball hit, the whole team would have made home runs on it.

It’s difficult to find words that are powerful enough to describe The Forgotten Ones. It is gut wrenching, heartbreaking, hauntingly beautiful, and mind blowing. Unpredictable and lovely. This is by far Steena Holmes’ best novel to date.

Read this book. Fantastic, thrilling, suspenseful, tragic, deep...If you love twists and turns, beautiful characters and can empathize with dysfunctional family relationships; read this book! This one will stick with me.

She is one of my FAVORITE writers my FAVORITE series was "Finding Emma"!! This Book will keep you turning the pages from beginning till the end! WOW!! What SUSPENSE, DISBELIEF, EMOTIONAL n What is the TRUTH?? Glad I don't bite my nails!! Unbelievable turn of events n surprises! Thank you Steena Holmes, can't wait for your next book!!?

A tale of possibly dangerous family secrets which have caused nightmares and PTSD in a young woman for years. She is summoned to her grandfather's deathbed to hopefully find the truth behind all those years of being afraid.

From the beginning this book draws you into a captivating story. Intensely believable, the characters are compelling. The reader cannot put this book down. I highly recommend this novel and will be reading more from this author.