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The Memory Keeper

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Pub Date 30 Jul 2026 | Archive Date 30 Jul 2026


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Description

Sometimes ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference . . .

Meet Gracie. At mid-life she’s fed up with her unhappy marriage and humdrum career, so when a new housing estate threatens to sever the last connection to her late father, the oak tree he planted as a child, she decides to take a stand – only, Gracie has never stood up to anyone.

When five-year-old neighbour Tilly unexpectedly bounds into her life, she shows Gracie that you shouldn’t always take no for an answer. Despite revelations of long-buried family secrets and conflicts taking root, perhaps this could be the beginning of a new chapter, one in which Gracie finally discovers her inner strength and realises that even in the face of loss, there is hope.

Full of warmth and joyful community, this is the uplifting story of one woman’s journey towards letting go of the past and creating memories worth holding onto . . .


Readers LOVE Abigail Johnson:

'It’s not often that a book can make me cry, but this one definitely did'

'Both heart-wrenching and happy a rollercoaster of emotions'

'Very moving'

'Heart-warming with some genius touches of humour'

'Really made you feel like you knew the characters. Loved it'

'The best book I have read for ages'

Sometimes ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference . . .

Meet Gracie. At mid-life she’s fed up with her unhappy marriage and humdrum career, so when a new housing estate threatens to sever...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781035058679
PRICE £9.99 (GBP)
PAGES 304

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Average rating from 12 members


Featured Reviews

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I’ve just finished The Memory Keeper by Abigail Johnson, and it completely drew me in from the first few chapters. This was my first book by Abigail Johnson, and it definitely won’t be my last.

The story had me totally hooked — I found myself thinking about the characters even when I wasn’t reading. Abigail writes with such warmth and sensitivity, creating a world that feels real and emotionally layered without ever feeling heavy.

What I especially loved was the strong sense of community. The friendships felt genuine and supportive, and the way people showed up for one another added so much heart to the story.

A beautifully written and engaging read. I’m already looking forward to picking up another of Abigail's books.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Memory Keeper was such a lovely, heartfelt read. The story follows Gracie, who is such a real and relatable character that it’s impossible not to root for her. I found myself completely invested in her journey and even stayed up late reading because I didn’t want to put it down.
One of the highlights of the book for me was the relationship between Gracie, her neighbour Liv, and Liv’s young daughter Tilly. Tilly brings so much warmth and energy to the story, and the bond that grows between them adds a lot of charm and heart to the book.
At its core, this is a gentle story about family, community, and finding the courage to make changes in your life, even when it feels long overdue. It’s emotional in places but also uplifting, and the characters and relationships really make it shine.
A comforting and touching read that I’d definitely recommend.

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Absolutely loved this book. I've never read one of Abigails books before and I couldn't put it down. Will be looking to see what else she has out. This book was definitely a feel good book, it made think your never to old to start again. The community feel to it was a lovely part to show how much people were brought together

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Loved it . You have a beautiful oak tree, a middle aged dinner lady who had been dealt a rough hand . It leads to a great story, family secrets coming out. You have a cute little girl called Tilly who plays a big part in the story . I read it in a night . Could not put it down. Some sad parts but you will love it .

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Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for an arc of this uplifting novel. 'The Memory Keeper' is a book about love,friendship and community with 50 year old Gracie at the heart of it. Gracie's story pulls you in from the very first page and I thoroughly enjoyed every part of her journey. A beautifully written book,well told and well worth reading. Happy to recommend.

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