Amnesia and Unspoken Longing

April Hoffman wakes in a Maine hospital after a car accident, unable to remember the last five years of her life. She recognizes her name, her age, and her mother, but the recent past is a blank. The people at her bedside—loyal friends and a man named Jackson "Jack" Justice—are deeply concerned, but she can't recall any of them. Jack, her boss and steady presence, is both familiar and mysterious, and April senses a connection that goes beyond work. Her ex-husband James arrives, hoping to rekindle their relationship, but April is unmoved, realizing she's outgrown him. The amnesia is terrifying, but the loyalty of her friends and Jack's quiet protectiveness offer comfort. April is determined to reclaim her life, even as she wonders what she's lost—and what she might find.

The Protector's Dilemma

Jack Justice, ex-Special Forces and co-owner of Jack's Lumber, is torn between his feelings for April and his sense of honor. He's loved her for years but never acted, fearing the age gap, their work relationship, and his own emotional scars. April's accident and amnesia shake him to the core, making him realize how much he stands to lose. He vows to be her rock, helping her heal without taking advantage of her vulnerability. As April recovers, Jack's protectiveness intensifies, but he holds back, waiting for her memories to return before pursuing a romantic relationship. Their mutual attraction simmers beneath the surface, complicated by uncertainty and the weight of unspoken feelings.

Friends, Exes, and New Beginnings

April's friends—Carlise, June, Marlowe, and their partners—form a tight-knit support system, visiting her in the hospital and later at Jack's home. The women are all pregnant, and their camaraderie is a balm for April's confusion. Jack insists April stay with him while she recovers, and their domestic routine brings them closer. April's ex-husband James tries to reinsert himself into her life, but she stands firm, recognizing the emotional neglect of their marriage. As April returns to work at Jack's Lumber, she's embraced by the community, even as she struggles to remember her role. The warmth of her friends and Jack's steady care help her rebuild her sense of self.

Healing, Home, and Hidden Feelings

Living together, April and Jack fall into an easy rhythm—cooking, sharing chores, and supporting each other. Their attraction grows, but Jack refuses to cross the line until April's memory returns, fearing she might later regret it. April, frustrated by the slow pace and her own amnesia, decides to move back to her apartment to jumpstart her memories. The separation is painful for both, but it works: a sudden, excruciating headache brings April's memories flooding back. She calls Jack, who rushes to her side, and together they face the truth of their feelings. With her past restored, April is certain of her love for Jack, and they finally allow themselves to be together.

Second Chances and Unraveling Pasts

With her memory restored, April embraces her life in Maine and her relationship with Jack. Their friends celebrate their happiness, and Jack's partners make April a co-owner of Jack's Lumber, recognizing her vital role in the business. The couple's romance is passionate and healing, marked by honesty and mutual respect. April's confidence grows as she reclaims her place in the community and at work. The group's shared history—marked by trauma, resilience, and found family—binds them together. But beneath the surface, a shadow looms: a stranger is watching, plotting revenge against Jack and his friends for a past military mission.

The Game of Bait

Ryan Johnson, a young man with a vendetta, has spent years tracking Jack and his team, blaming them for his brother's death during their time as POWs. He orchestrates a series of "accidents" to unsettle the group, culminating in the kidnapping of April, Carlise, June, and Marlowe. The women are lured to Jack's Lumber and forced into a trailer at gunpoint, their pregnancies and friendships used as leverage. Ryan's plan is meticulous—he wants the men to suffer, to watch their loved ones die as retribution for his brother. The women, terrified but resourceful, band together, determined to survive and protect each other.

Kidnapped: Four Women Taken

Locked in a trailer and later a remote, booby-trapped cabin, April, Carlise, June, and Marlowe face hunger, cold, and fear. June goes into labor, and the women must deliver her baby under dire conditions. April's leadership and calm keep them focused, while their friendship becomes a lifeline. Ryan taunts them, revealing his motives and the explosives surrounding the cabin. He allows April to call Jack, using her as bait to lure the men into his deadly trap. The women's resilience and unity are tested, but they refuse to give up hope, trusting that their partners will come for them.

The Men Mobilize

Discovering the women's disappearance, Jack, Chappy, Cal, and Bob revert to their Special Forces training. They call in favors from old military contacts, assembling a formidable rescue team that includes the Mountain Mercenaries, Ace Security, and Silverstone. Tex, their tech-savvy ally, helps trace the women's phones and piece together Ryan's identity and motives. The men's camaraderie and determination are palpable as they race against time, deciphering clues April managed to slip into her phone call. The rescue becomes a test of their skills, brotherhood, and willingness to risk everything for love.

Trapped and Tested

In the cabin, June's labor intensifies, and the women deliver baby Max with only each other for support. Ryan, now captured by the rescue team, boasts of the explosives he's planted around and under the cabin, threatening to detonate them if the men approach. The rescuers are stymied, unable to reach the women without risking their lives. April, recalling the path she took to the cabin, guides Jack step by step through the minefield, using her memory and keen observation. The tension is excruciating as Jack follows her directions, marking the safe path for the others.

The Enemy's Motive

Ryan's hatred is rooted in the loss of his brother, a terrorist who tortured Jack and his friends. Unable to accept his brother's culpability, Ryan blames the Americans, channeling his grief into a years-long plan for vengeance. His meticulous preparations—explosives, psychological torment, and the use of the women as bait—reflect the deep scars left by war on both sides. The narrative explores the ripple effects of violence, the cycle of revenge, and the collateral damage inflicted on innocents. Ultimately, Ryan is subdued and killed, but not before forcing everyone to confront the darkness of their pasts.

The Minefield Rescue

With April's guidance, Jack safely navigates the minefield and breaks into the cabin. The women and baby Max are rescued, each crossing the dangerous path to safety. The relief and joy are overwhelming, and the group's bonds are stronger than ever. The rescue is a testament to trust, teamwork, and the power of love. The trauma lingers, but together they begin to heal, grateful for their survival and the family they've built. The men's gratitude to their allies is profound, and the community rallies around the women as they recover.

Love Wins, Always

In the aftermath, April and Jack marry, surrounded by friends and the found family they've created. The women support each other through recovery, motherhood, and the challenges of daily life. The men, forever changed by the ordeal, become even more protective and devoted. The group's shared experiences—loss, survival, and love—become the foundation of their happiness. April, once a loner, is now at the heart of a vibrant, loving community. The story affirms that love, resilience, and friendship can overcome even the darkest trials.

Aftermath and New Bonds

Years pass, and the group's families grow. The trauma of the kidnapping fades but is never forgotten, shaping their approach to life and love. The women's friendships deepen, and the men remain fiercely loyal. The children—born of survival and hope—are raised in a world where love and protection are paramount. The group's legacy is one of courage, compassion, and the refusal to let fear define them. The story closes on scenes of everyday joy: family gatherings, laughter, and the quiet strength of bonds forged in adversity.

Ten Years Later: Family and Legacy

Ten years on, the families are thriving. The children are growing up surrounded by love, and the adults cherish the ordinary moments they once took for granted. The scars of the past remain, but they are reminders of what was overcome. April and Jack, now Aunt and Uncle to a brood of nieces and nephews, reflect on the journey that brought them together. The group's story is one of second chances, the healing power of community, and the enduring truth that love—hard-won and fiercely protected—always wins.

Characters

April Hoffman

April is a woman in her mid-forties who, after a traumatic accident, must rebuild her life and identity. Initially a loner, she finds herself at the center of a close-knit community in Maine. Her amnesia strips her of recent memories but reveals her core strengths: resilience, empathy, and quiet leadership. April's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to trust, love, and accept help. Her relationship with Jack is both healing and passionate, marked by mutual respect and deep emotional connection. April's ability to remain calm under pressure, especially during the kidnapping, cements her role as the group's anchor. She transforms from a woman haunted by the past to one who embraces the future with courage and love.

Jackson "Jack" Justice

Jack is an ex-Special Forces soldier turned lumberjack and business owner. Haunted by his past as a POW and his unspoken love for April, he is both stoic and deeply feeling. Jack's sense of honor and protectiveness define him—he is slow to act on his desires, fearing he might hurt April or take advantage of her vulnerability. His internal conflict is rooted in trauma, survivor's guilt, and a fear of loss. When April is threatened, Jack's focus and determination become his greatest assets. His love for April is transformative, allowing him to heal and embrace happiness. Jack's journey is one of learning to trust himself, accept love, and build a life beyond survival.

Carlise

Carlise is one of April's closest friends, known for her calm, nurturing presence. Pregnant during the events of the novel, she has survived her own ordeals, including a stalker and being buried in an avalanche. Carlise's resilience and loyalty make her a pillar of the group. She is practical, compassionate, and unafraid to speak her mind. Her relationship with Chappy is grounded in mutual respect and shared history. Carlise's ability to support others, even in crisis, highlights her strength and depth.

June

June, also pregnant, is married to Cal, a literal prince. She has endured family betrayal and violence, including being shot by a relative. June's kindness and vulnerability are matched by a quiet determination. During the kidnapping, she goes into labor, and her courage in the face of fear inspires those around her. June's journey is one of reclaiming agency, building a family, and finding joy after trauma. Her relationship with Cal is tender and supportive, marked by humor and deep affection.

Marlowe

Marlowe, the third pregnant friend, is a survivor of wrongful imprisonment in Thailand. Her intelligence, humor, and adaptability make her a vital part of the group. Marlowe's relationship with Bob is passionate and playful, and her experiences have made her both tough and empathetic. She brings levity to dark moments and is quick to support her friends. Marlowe's resilience is a testament to the power of hope and the importance of found family.

Chappy (Riggs Chapman)

Chappy is Jack's business partner and fellow ex-Special Forces soldier. He is gruff, practical, and deeply loyal to his friends and family. Chappy's relationship with Carlise is built on mutual survival and shared hardship. He is a steadying force in the group, quick to act and slow to panic. Chappy's protective instincts are matched by a dry sense of humor and a deep capacity for love.

Cal (Callum Redmon)

Cal is a prince who has chosen a quiet life in Maine with June. His past as a POW and his royal responsibilities add layers to his character. Cal is sensitive, thoughtful, and fiercely devoted to his wife and friends. He struggles with guilt and the weight of expectation but finds peace in his chosen family. Cal's journey is one of balancing duty and desire, and his love for June is unwavering.

Bob (Kendric Evans)

Bob is the team's adrenaline junkie, always seeking excitement and challenge. His relationship with Marlowe is intense and loving, shaped by their shared escape from danger. Bob's humor and energy are infectious, and he is deeply committed to his friends. He is quick to act, sometimes impulsively, but always with the best intentions. Bob's arc is one of learning to channel his restlessness into love and loyalty.

Ryan Johnson

Ryan is a young man consumed by hatred and grief over his brother's death, which he blames on Jack and his team. His meticulous planning, manipulation, and willingness to harm innocents make him a chilling antagonist. Ryan's actions are driven by unresolved trauma and a warped sense of justice. He is both a victim and a perpetrator, embodying the cycle of violence that the protagonists must break. Ryan's ultimate defeat is both a relief and a cautionary tale about the cost of revenge.

Tex

Tex is the group's remote support, a master of technology and intelligence gathering. He provides crucial information, tracks the women's phones, and helps identify Ryan. Tex's calm, competence, and loyalty make him an invaluable ally. Though physically distant, his presence is felt throughout the rescue, symbolizing the importance of community and connection.

Plot Devices

Amnesia as Catalyst

April's amnesia is the inciting incident, stripping her of recent memories and forcing her—and those around her—to reevaluate relationships, priorities, and unspoken feelings. It creates narrative tension, as April must rediscover herself and her place in the community. The device allows for organic exposition, as characters explain their shared history, and sets the stage for a second-chance romance. The gradual return of memory parallels the slow build of trust and intimacy between April and Jack.

Found Family and Community

The novel centers on a group of friends who have become each other's chosen family. Their shared experiences—trauma, survival, and love—create deep bonds that are tested and strengthened throughout the story. The community's support is both practical and emotional, providing safety, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. This device underscores the theme that healing and happiness are found in connection, not isolation.

The Bait-and-Rescue Structure

The central crisis—the kidnapping of April and her friends—serves as a crucible, testing the characters' courage, loyalty, and resourcefulness. The women's captivity is both a literal and metaphorical minefield, requiring trust, cooperation, and ingenuity to survive. The men's rescue mission is a showcase of teamwork, military skill, and the power of love. The structure allows for parallel narratives of survival and pursuit, heightening suspense and emotional stakes.

Trauma and Healing

The characters' histories—POW experiences, wrongful imprisonment, family betrayal—inform their actions and relationships. The novel does not shy away from the psychological scars left by trauma, but it also emphasizes the possibility of healing through love, friendship, and purpose. The narrative structure allows for moments of vulnerability, honesty, and growth, making the eventual happiness hard-won and deeply satisfying.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The use of games (rock-paper-scissors), the symbolism of the lumberjack, and the recurring theme of second chances are woven throughout the story. Foreshadowing is used to build suspense—Ryan's early appearances, the "accidents," and April's flashes of memory all hint at the coming crisis. The minefield rescue is both literal and symbolic, representing the risks and rewards of trusting others and facing the unknown.

Analysis

Susan Stoker's The Lumberjack is a contemporary romantic suspense novel that explores the transformative power of love, the resilience of found family, and the enduring scars of trauma. Through the lens of amnesia, the story examines how identity is shaped by memory, community, and the willingness to embrace vulnerability. The central romance between April and Jack is both a healing journey and a celebration of second chances, set against the backdrop of danger and adversity. The novel's structure—alternating between domestic intimacy and high-stakes suspense—underscores the idea that true heroism is found not just in grand gestures but in everyday acts of care and courage. The kidnapping plot serves as both a literal and metaphorical test, forcing characters to confront their deepest fears and reaffirm their commitment to each other. Ultimately, The Lumberjack is a testament to the power of love to overcome even the darkest challenges, and a reminder that happiness is built, not found, through trust, honesty, and the unwavering support of those who choose to stand by us.

Last updated: July 11, 2025