⭐🌙🌲🌳 "More Than We Remember" 🌳🌲⭐🌙 (2020) - Book Review/IG Tour & Giveaway
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MY REVIEW
Paperback:
352 pages
Publisher:
Bethany House Publishers (February 18, 2020)
Language:
English
ISBN-10:
0764235389
ISBN-13:
978-0764235382
“One
night changes everything for three women. . . .
When Addison Killbourn's husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband's memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew. Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. Her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia's determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she's called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she's fighting against, she's determined to see justice for those wronged. Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She was thriving as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbors, the Killbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been in a while. As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they've been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?” Despite being a “Christian” themed book as it is sold by Bethany House, it does not have many Christian references or God references until about the last third (⅓) of the book. Then again, it is more or less mentioning God and subtle prayers. However, religion isn’t the primary focus. It doesn’t get overly preach, nor does it quote scripture. It is a clean read with no profane language or sex references.
The only triggers about this book are Substance
Abuse, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). There
are going to be moments that are shocking, and some that are emotional to the
point of tears. This is by no means an easy read. Anyone who has been through
or going through the scenarios mentioned might have to take caution with this.
Nelson crafts three unlikely people, thrown
together by an accident on a windy road, along with a life lost as a result.
** Addison faces losing her husband due to his
role in a fatal accident while battling her mother-in-law’s mysterious decline.
** Emilia wants justice for the victim because
her own life was changed by someone’s reckless behavior that injured her
husband on the job. The change of her husband’s personality is also affecting her
relationship with her teen daughter.
** Brianne feels guilt about a patient’s
suicide, but seems to enjoy feeling needed again when Addison’s family is in
peril; she becomes close to Addison and her family.
The author didn’t rush the pace of the novel,
nor did she keep it unnecessarily slow either. It progresses quite naturally,
very real to life. I had to force myself to take frequent breaks from this
novel.
She balances out the multiple POVs, told in
third person – Addison, Emilia, and Brianne. I felt sympathy for each person in
their circumstances – Addison, Emilia, and Brianne. Yet, there were times I was
alternately frustrated with the three women, more so Addison and Emilia.
The range of emotions when reading this feel
like it is a therapy session – you’re made at Addison’s husband, you feel sorry
for the guy, you’re mad at Addison’s mother-in-law, but you feel sorry for her …
I truly alternated like this throughout the book. It shows the subtlety and yet
ugliness that is substance abuse. And, readers will be stunned as to the
identity of the person. Forget stereotypes.
The characters were realistically written, so
much so that they could’ve been people you knew from church, school, work, or
community events. Even the coach (Addison’s husband) was well loved, with many
speaking out on his behalf.
And, at first – everything looks bad for
Addison’s family. There is no reprieve for them. The author doesn’t candy-coat
the consequences.
Nelson also hits readers with a surprise in
chapter 34 with who Emilia’s daughter becomes friends with. But, the final shocker
is in chapter 45. I did not truly think that was where this was going. I refuse
to spoil it, but that was one HUGE shock! I really didn’t think that was what
the author was going to do. I couldn’t even imagine that plot twist. And, it is
almost the last chapter of the book.
This is not a feel good read due to the plot
and tone. But, it does have a beautiful message none the less – trusting God to
do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. It also shows that despite differences,
social standings, and origins – some people are meant to end up in the same
place for a reason. I came away praying that the families would find some peace
and begin their journey to healing and forgiveness.
Nelson is a wonderful story-teller and keeps
the reader engaged with the story. I read 208 pages the first night before I
headed to bed. To give you some perspective, the story starts on page nine (9)
and ends on 341 (so it is roughly 332 pages long). I ended on page 217 which is
chapter 29.
This is my first introduction to the author,
and likely won’t be my last.
Don’t forget to head over to my Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/marieedwards429/,
click on the post to find information about a giveaway!
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ –
Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ –
Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ –
Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 CBA bestselling author Christina Suzann Nelson (www.christinasuzannnelson.com) writes stories that focus on changing legacies from dysfunction to hope. Her first novel, If We Make It Home, was named a Library Journal Best Book of 2017 and a Foreword INDIES 2017 Book of the Year. Christina is a part of Oregon Christian Writers and a member of ACFW, where she has served as the northwest zone director. She lives in Oregon's gorgeous Willamette Valley with her husband of 26 years and their children.
She can be found on the following social media
accounts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinasuzann/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristinaSuzann
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