What if you could wipe the slate clean and begin your life all over again? Think about the possibilities! Are we talking reincarnation here? No, the spotlight theme is amnesia. Here's the scenario. A brain injury, a traumatic incident, or an illness occurs. When you regain your composure mentally and physically, you don't recall your face, your name, your address, or your family. Every memory is gone! Suddenly, you must begin again.

This circumstance forces you to develop a new personality, a set of values and beliefs, and new guidelines by which you'll live. Even the people who knew you in the past can't imagine what to expect of the "new" you. Interesting situation? It's an author's delight. Here's a blank canvas waiting for special characters, unique situations, and creative plot twists generously laced with the thrill of romance.

Most amnesia novels follow a similiar pattern. There's a handsome, virile hero standing close by, ready to protect the confused heroine through whatever situation that confronts her. Sensual love and fiery passion aren't far behind. After overcoming the barriers that stand in their way, the happy couple unites and live "happily ever after". The flip-side of this theme gives us a handsome, brooding hero who is suffering from amnesia. The beautiful, caring herione stands faithfully by his side as he struggles to find his true identity. While facing the trials and tribulations that accompany their dilemma, mutual attraction flairs and they become lovers. Conflicts are resolved and the love struck pair move on to the "HEA" ending. It's usually a delightful journey.

Here are a few of my favorite novels built around the subject of amnesia. Our "Artful Themes" feature reviews each novel. If you've read any of these, let us know what you liked or didn't like about them, which are your favorites and why, and anything else you want to share. Do you have additions to this list? I'd love to hear from you; e-mail me!