Thanks for the Memories is one of many novels by Cecelia Ahern. I’ve been working my way through all this author’s novels since reading P.S. I Love You years ago. Cecelia Ahern is an amazing writer.
In short, Thanks for the Memories is about a lonely woman who connects with a lonely man after a blood transfusion.
Joyce Conway recently experienced a terrible accident that caused her to lose her unborn baby. While in the hospital, Joyce is given blood from an unknown donor.
Shortly after coming home from the hospital, Joyce splits up with her husband amidst much stress and grief. Then, she starts “remembering” random extensive knowledge about history and architecture—subjects that are largely unfamiliar to her. She also learns she has memories about people, places, and experiences she’s never had.
Meanwhile, Justin Hitchcock, a college lecturer on history and architecture, starts running into a mysterious and intriguing woman everywhere he goes (it’s Joyce). So he tries to hunt her down. When Joyce and Justin finally come together, they realize their meeting is not a coincidence, but fate.
The premise of Thanks for the Memories sounds exciting and cute, but it lacks surprise. The book consists primarily of lots of predictable “coincidental” meetings between Justin and Joyce. There’s also some weak comic relief spread throughout.
Once you catch on to this, the novel quickly loses its charm. When Joyce runs from one place to the next, we already know she’s going to run into Justin somewhere down the line. Also, Joyce’s adventures are supplemented with quirky remarks from her senile, 70-something, single dad, who accompanies her throughout the book while Joyce is recovering from her accident.
Thanks for the Memories is by far my least favorite novel by Cecelia Ahern. You might benefit from skipping this one.
Other books by Cecelia Ahern include:
- In a Thousand Different Ways (2022)
- Into the Storm (2024)
- Paper Heart (2025)
My reviews for other books by Cecelia Ahern:
What did you think about Thanks for the Memories?
Last Updated on December 31, 2025 by Sarah Ann
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