The Familiar Stranger Book

"The Familiar Stranger" is one of the best debut novels I've read in awhile!!! I was totally captivated from the first page to the last. The characters are well-drawn and Berry has the ability to transport the reader into the pages of the book.

After Denise's husband Craig is in an automobile accident he wakes up from a coma with amnesia, but things just don't seem right. Prior to the accident Craig had become distant, wasn't home very much for her or their two boys and the marriage was falling apart. As Denise sits by Craig's hospital bed she promises herself to make the marriage work. If Craig is suffering from amnesia, then perhaps they can have a fresh start.

However, a bombshell piece of news blows the family apart when Craig suddenly regains his memory and nothing is as it was. Can Denise forgive Craig, can her Pastor help her to use her faith in God to forgive him after he has lied and used her as a fool?

This is one debut novel you don't want to miss and I'll definitely be looking for more novels by Christina Berry!!

From back cover:

"A fresh start or a double-cross? Why is Craig so cold and distant? Denise wonders. Is it his job? The family? Or is it me? Though she's poured her heart into her marriage, years of enduring his long hours, frequent times away, and short temper have left her with a deep sadness.

Then one morning in the middle of church her cell phone rings. Embarrassed, she heads to the lobby, takes the call...and is shocked by the news she hears. Craig's been in an accident.

So begins their fresh start. While keeping vigil by his bedside she wills herself to make their marriage work, whatever the cost. And when Craig finally regains consciousness, he appears to want the same thing - except for one detail. He doesn't know who she is.

Nor does he remember anything about their life, their children, or why he was parked on the side of the freeway when the accident occurred. As he struggles to recall the past, he also shows a new love for Denise characterized by tender strength and consideration. So what is she to do when ugly betrayals emerge? Is it possible to forgive a man who thoroughly violated her trust? How many more lies and secrets are yet to be discovered?

And then, without warning, his memories come flooding back..."