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 … 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?
more
I really enjoyed this story. The premise hooked me right away, and I was pleased to see how the author wove in subplots related to memory with several of the characters, exploring the theme from a variety of angles. It was interesting to see how three different women handled their own fears, guilt, and suspicions. There are no discussion questions built into the back of the book, but a book club would still find plenty to talk about with this novel. How much do we take responsibility for our families? At what point does that cross a line? How do we entertain doubts without slipping into paranoia? How much do we trust our own memories? Lots of food for thought here.
More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson is exquisite. This is a story that got under my skin, pierced my heart, and left me cheering. This story made me talk; I may have bugged my husband every couple of hours with random thoughts and questions: what is forgiveness? What does grace actually look like? What if…? I absolutely adore when a book gets me thinking and makes stop in my reader tracks to have an immediate conversation. I truly love everything about this book — the superb writing style, the endearing, multi-faceted characters, the conflicts, and the thought-provoking themes. I didn’t know who Christina Suzann Nelson was before reading More Than We Remember, but I do now and all I can say is I want MORE stories penned by this fantastic storyteller!
I’m not going to tell you one thing about this book because this story MUST be experienced, but I do want to talk about grace. I want to begin by saying Emilia — one of the three protagonists — drove me crazy. She is 100%, laser-focused on finding and meting out justice. Everything is about making bad guys pay. I’m never against bad guys paying for their crimes, but the phrase “bad guys” isn’t always so black and white. Justice without grace is just vengeance and the Bible is very clear that vengeance is God’s alone (Deuteronomy 32:35). One of the many questions I asked my husband while reading this book was, “What is grace?” He replied, “It’s unmerited favor.” I thanked him, and then thought to myself, “I know the definition, but what is grace, really?”
Once upon a time, God came down to earth and died for us. He believed, and still believes, that we humans are worth everything. Jesus took the wrath we deserve and defeated Death so we can live with Him in eternity. And He did it for us as a free gift … an unmerited favor so to speak. What Jesus did for us all on that cross was, and is, the ultimate example of grace. If you’re like me, or like Emilia from this novel, you may be asking, “How do I show grace to others especially when others do very bad things that hurt me and/or my loved ones?” Excellent question!!! I will answer that in a minute. But first, the reason why I struggle with Emilia — because she is me! I crave justice too. I hate evil. I hate when bad guys win. It makes my blood boil. And, sometimes I think I verge into actual hate. But, I don’t want to be filled with hate. God wants us all to love. In Colossians 3:12-14 it explains how God dresses us for a life of love. When we accept God as our Lord and Savior He fills us with compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and discipline. With these qualities, we can be even-tempered and content with whatever God allows our way. And, we can forgive just as Jesus forgave us. This is love. This is grace. We have the power to show others grace when we accept God’s wardrobe, and when we do, we leave the vengeance to God. Does Emilia learn this lesson in More Than We Remember? Well, pre-order a copy of this novel today so you can find out!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, through NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book was absolutely wonderful! The story inside is just as beautiful as the cover. This story will stay with you long after you finish the last page. It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Bethany House via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this beautiful book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have recommended “More Than We Remember” multiple times to those who are looking for a solid, non-romance-centered read. Nelson kept me guessing to the very end and kept my attention the entire time.
A great first book by this author. It shows that life can take a sudden unexpected turn & memories can be elusive. Really good message of healing comes by living in the truth not by living in the regrets. Good book!
More Than We Remember contains several tangled relationships! When Deputy Emilia Cruz comes upon an accident where a mother of three teenagers is killed, she is determined for justice to be served! “Coach” Killbourn is passed out in the vehicle which hit the woman. Addison Killbourn is an exceptionally strong woman who has never had reason to not trust her husband but he says he can’t remember where he had been or who he was with that evening. Addison doesn’t trust her mother-in-law who they have moved in with and is showing signs of dementia. Neighbor Brianne Demanno is a caring young woman who has left her job as a counselor after a teenage client takes her own life.
She and Addison become close friends. After Deputy Cruz takes Coach to jail, Emilia learns her teenage daughter has made friends with Coach’s daughter. More Than We Remember will keep you wondering what will happen next! I recommend More Than We Remember to anyone who enjoys contemporary women’s fiction. I won my copy of the book from Inkwell Inspirations blog.
As I read this book I had to put it down several times. It wasn’t that I was bored, it was because I had to process the deep emotions within the pages. More Than We Remember shares the story of three women who are very different until…one fatal car accident changes their lives forever. These three women are suddenly connected through a common tragedy that plunges them all into darkness and they must each find their own way to climb out of that darkness. Despair, heartache, and grief come to visit each of them, and because they have families, it branches out to touch each and every member. Raising teenage children, addiction to pain meds, and serious medical issues all add to this story plot but a key component is memory…the memories we recall and those that we forget.
As dark as it may seem at times, there is always a way to the light and More Than We Remember reminds us that we are never truly alone. It is when Addison, Brianne, and Emilia believe that nothing can get any worse that their lives begin to turn around. “This was where the healing could begin. Not in the secrets and regrets, but in the moving forward, trusting, and truth.”
Author Christina Suzann Nelson has created some memorable characters and placed them in a powerful story of love, hope, and faith. It is wonderful contemporary Christian fiction and you won’t soon forget More Than We Remember.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. There was no obligation for a positive review and I am sharing my honest thoughts.
This is my first novel by this author and I was really impressed with how Christina Suzann Nelson wrote characters with such depth and complexity that it made them jump off the pages and seem like real people. I liked some of the characters better than others, but I was nonetheless drawn to each one in a unique way. I like books that dive into the nitty gritty of life and this novel definitely was not shy about painting trials and struggles that drew real emotion into the story and allowed me to feel involved in the plot. I liked the spiritual themes of grace and forgiveness and appreciated how the author wove theses seamlessly into each storyline. There were also some surprises throughout the story that kept my attention. Overall, I really liked this book and look forward to more from this author. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This is a wonderful book that reveals how the lives of three women intersect. The back story of each of these women is unique but full of emotion, mistakes, human frailty, sadness, insecurity, grief, and pain. I love when the title of a book is revealed slowly through the pages.
The author brings you into the amazing tale and the various characters. You will develop strong feelings for them. Sitting on the edge of your seat, you will anxiously wait to see what will happen. The anxiety and trauma will touch you and your heart will ache along with the families.
There were twists and turns that will have you gasping as well as such tender moments that will cause the tears to flow. The book deals with drug abuse, memory loss, suicide, death, serious physical conditions … so many everyday problems that people experience every day.
I had to wait several days before I could write my review. I needed to absorb all of the emotions this story cause me to experience. And even now, I don’t think I can do it justice. It was THAT GOOD!
Thank you to Goodreads and Bethany House Publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. While this is the first book I’ve read by the author. But it won’t be the last. Put this on your to-be-read list!s
More Than We Remember
By Christina Suzann Nelson
A choice that will forever alter more than one life forever. But the memory of what happened that night is a big blank in Caleb Kilbourn’s mind. But he needs to remember what happened. Evidence suggests that he is at fault in a deadly accident. His wife Addison wants the truth of that night and wants to fight for the life that they have, a life that now seems to be slipping away before her very eyes.
Brianne Demanno has hidden away from the life she felt called to. The loss of a young client has her questioning her abilities as a counselor. But when her new neighbor needs help Brianne finds herself not only being a good neighbor to Addison but also drawing on her skills as a counselor. But she no longer trusts herself to help those in need. But there is something about the Kilbourn family that just draws her in.
Deputy Emilia Cruz nearly lost her husband 3 years ago and each day finds more of him slipping away. Someone’s poor choice has destroyed her family and she’s determined that this time justice will be meted out, even if it’s the high school basketball coach. And then there are the two teenage witnesses whose lives will never be the same after seeing the accident. Emilia needs to be sure that this time someone pays for their mistake and Coach Kilbourn can’t hide from it just because he claims to have no memory of the incident.
More Than We Remember is an intriguing read as all these various lives cross because of a tragic late-night drive. The truth of that night is hidden within the recesses of one man’s mind, but there is more to this story than this one night. The past is a powerful presence that lurks in the mind, it determines how we react to a situation and even the choices we make. Do we allow the past to rule us or do we use it to better ourselves?
This is a story of family, friendship, hope, and loss. What one knows isn’t the whole story and without the whole, we cannot truly judge whether the decisions we are making are the right ones. I found this to be a book to make one think while thoroughly engaging this reader in the lives of all involved. Highly recommended for those who just want to read good fiction with a contemporary setting with all its ups and downs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.
I like this book because it is written from the viewpoint of 3 separate women. Their lives are changed one night. It shows the struggles and joys of going through tragedy. It takes a lot to bring me to tears while reading. This book did just that. It is a heavy book, dealing with heavy topics. Opioid abuse, DUI, death, suicide, memory loss, yet there is hope within the pages. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views stated are my own.
I do not remember having read another novel by Christina Suzann Nelson but I can safely state that after reading More Than We Remember, I plan to remedy that as soon as I can. This author’s writing style pulled me right into her story and held me there until the end.
The stories of three women who seemed to have absolutely nothing in common were told from their separate points of view as their lives intersected at various points. Addison, Emilia, and Brianne each struggled with difficult burdens in their lives and often felt that they carried those burdens alone. A terrible accident touches their lives on different levels but serves as a catalyst that challenges each of them to overcome the memories that prevent them from becoming the women they were designed to be.
I loved how the women crossed paths in one way or another, sometimes helping another yet by that very act receiving help herself. It was gratifying to observe as each of them slowly transformed as a result of their interactions. Various twists and turns of the plot kept me turning the pages and one major surprise was totally unexpected. I really loved this book with its deep personal insights and cannot wait to read another by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
More Than We Remember is a moving, haunting, and heart-wrenching story of three women whose lives become intertwined and altered through the events of one fateful night. It’s the story of how many lives can be affected by mistakes and misjudgments of others. It’s not an easy book to read because of the subject matter, but Nelson has done an excellent job of weaving the different storylines together to make a cohesive and haunting tale. The result is a compelling, gripping story of family, community, friendship, and fragile relationships. It’s told from the points of view of several of the characters, which made it interesting, but it also made it a bit hard for me to follow sometimes. All in all, I felt like it was an enjoyable, touching read. I’m interested in reading more of Nelson’s stories in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.
More Than We Remember was an incredible mystery. At first glance, it seemed like a run of the mill accident that ended in tragedy. However, with Emilia’s persistence in making sure justice is served in a wrongful death case, everything seems to unravel. She is up against the world when the accident involves the town’s beloved coach. Her own world has been upside down since a terrible accident has left her husband disabled and her middle school daughter is looking to assert her independence. It may not make her popular to press charges in the case, but her conscience won’t let it be.
Caleb has no memory of the accident. He recently moved his family in with his mother in order to build the home of their dreams. Dutiful wife Addison is wary of this new life. Her mother-in-law lapses between the past and present and with her husband’s mysterious whereabouts the night of the accident she struggles to keep her family together to face whatever happens as the case is investigated. It is her friendship with Brianne, their nearest neighbor that helps her juggle all the balls in the air that she has to deal with.
Often, we read stories in the news and at first glance they seem cut and dry. An accident where the driver seemingly is impaired paints the picture of someone guilty on so many levels. Add a small town into the mix and soon there are many versions of what happened, who did it and why aren’t things happening quicker. Each character in this book has a lot going on in their lives. They intertwine in such a way that the reader stays engaged to the end, where things are solved. One can go from sadness, to elation, to being puzzled in the span of a half hour. I enjoyed this book. The characters are compelling and the ending is a surprise. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery without all of the cookie cutter trappings one often finds on the mystery shelves. This is the first book I have read by Christina Suzann Nelson and it will not be the last!
Many thanks to Bethany House, who provided me with an advanced copy to review. Opinions expressed are my own.
When Life Gets Messy…..
Police officer Emilia’s existence has been a walking nightmare since a drunk’s inferno left her firefighter husband disabled. She is dedicated to making sure substance abusers will pay for harming someone else.
Addison’s life has turned inside out after her husband, Caleb, was in a car accident that left one person dead. Non-drinking, anti-drug, Caleb, has been accused of having both in his system. Arrested for the crash, he has no memory of that night, where he had been, or with who.
Unable to practice therapy after a girl she was treating committed suicide, Brianne has attempted a new career, while carrying the guilt that she was to blame for the girl’s death.
Three fascinating stories intersect into one incredible book. You will be unable to put this down, and will not see the surprise ending. The things that happen, along with the character’s questioning of their faith, make this tale realistic. I highly recommend this 5-plus-star book to anyone who enjoys well-written, captivating stories.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, More Than We Remember, for the purpose of review.
Life is messy, and full of mistakes, heartaches, and all kinds of unexpected joys and struggles. But contrary to what we would often like to think, we are not the only ones that deal with chaos. Life is often a tumbled mess of what happens when our chaos intersects with that of others. It’s also said that there are two sides to every story. In More Than We Remember, you see how one single tragedy can rock a community in diverse ways as experienced through the eyes of three separate women. Christina Suzann Nelson did a masterful job of developing a story so rich in emotion that you can’t help but find empathy for each angle and what that means for the bigger picture.
I’m not sure how much I could share here without giving away any spoilers, as I feel that each intricate detail was placed at just the right time to get the desired reaction from the reader. You see three women all with good intentions, wrestling over the right decisions in life amidst seemingly impossible situations. Fueled by experienced mixed with some of their own self awareness, their hearts and minds are at war. One line that stuck out to me was “where were grace and mercy in the face of justice?” It’s an interesting concept to ponder over in reflection after finishing.
The characters and their individual stories had depth, and the collision when those stories collided was palpable. This piece is nothing short of a masterpiece. Your heart is tugged in multiple directions and it causes you to consider how you would react to their situations either positively or negatively. It forces you to think outside of yourself to recognize the struggles of others as well.
I honestly don’t think I could say enough amazing things about this novel. This wasn’t the first time I’ve read this author, and I most certainly hope it’s not my last. She does a fabulous job creating thought-provoking, emotional dramas that are sure to stay with you long after you’ve closed the back cover of the book. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend!
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This book opens with a horrific accident, one woman is deceased and the gentleman that hit her is injured. There are witnesses to the accident, and the policewoman on duty at the scene is having a hard time keeping it together.
What we don’t know about what others are going through, this book gives a glimpse into some broken lives, but all is possible with God, and there has to be some hope.
We are given women that end up being there for each other at the right time in their lives, and becoming the blessings they need.
Once you open the pages here, there is so much going on, but it felt like real life, and you want to be there to offer a hug!
I had my opinions, but it changed some as the story progressed, but was really surprised at the final outcome.
This book will have you in tears, and smiling at some of the kindness of others, filled with emotions, this is a page-turner.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Tragedy has a way of bringing life into perspective; what really matters and what does not, and the will to move forward past the pain. Binding hearts that didn’t know each other together.
The lives of Brianna, Emilia and Addison are forever changed by an accident that happened.
I loved that the author wrote the story from multiple POV. It made the book more relatable. The description of events are vivid and practical.
These three women lives intersect resulting into a beautiful tapestry filled with triumph over fears and realization.
The topics of drugs, addiction are very hard to talk about but handled adequately by the author.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
Why is it we remember the lies others say to us or the lies we say to ourselves? These lies can so often distort the truth and cause pain to ourselves and others around us. Is remembering them healthy or harmful? Where do we find the truth?
In this very dramatic book that touches so many lives, we see the effects of what can happen if we listen to these lies.
The author, Christina Suzann Nelson, is a wonderfully gifted author who brings real-life issues to light. I appreciate the way she wrote about some pretty tough things and how others deal with them. This author weaves the stories of three women’s lives in such a way, that I was captured and held suspended until I finished the book.
I didn’t want to believe I had a judgmental spirit, but this book made me stop and think, am I looking at things through a blurry, distorted lens? Do I truly know what the people around me are dealing with? Can I give them hope and encouragement?
I want to personally thank the author for opening my eyes to some of these things about myself.
I hope you too will pick up this book and read it.
I was given this book by the publisher and in no way did it influences my review, all opinions are my own.
A deeply emotional, intricately woven tale of three women’s lives who suddenly become entangled in more ways than one. A novel that will speak to womens’ hearts on many levels!
More Than We Remember is well written, genuine and relatable. As tragedy strikes one family, another family is dealing with their own hardships and one single woman is coping with the loss of a client. As each character lives through, and comes to term with, their trauma, Nelson centers a commendable story on these brave, powerful women that is one to be enjoyed. She beautifully ties up the ending in a story of redemption, friendship and forgiveness.
The story begins with a heart-pounding opening when we meet one of the three main characters, Deputy Emilia Cruz, as she comes upon the scene of a fatal car accident where this story begins to unfold. As the novel continues, readers meet wife and mother Addison Kilbourn, as well as former therapist, Brianne Demmano. I thoroughly enjoyed each woman and identified with all three on a personal level. To me, that is one of the most important aspects of this book. Nelson formed complex characters that were relatable and personable with backgrounds that are genuine, hard and challenging, just as real life often is. Thus, readers find themselves empathizing and sympathizing with what these three women are walking through in more ways than one.
More Than We Remember is well written, with a beautifully crafted storyline that continues to unfold piece by piece. At times, I did feel like the emotions were heavy. Nelson uses the presence of children and pets to soften the story and even through the forboding of these women’s lives, I found myself smiling at times. I really enjoyed the new romance between Brianne and Seth.
The only minor criticisms I have was that in each woman’s background, Nelson repeatedly portrayed their fears or concerns which I found distracting since I had already read it before. While the novel is Christian fiction, I felt it lacking on a deeper spiritual level that would have rivaled the deep emotions of the characters and their trials. I would have loved to have seen more demonstration and revelation of the way God used each of these extenuating circumstances to deepen the faith of the women in this novel as they walked their journeys. I admired the character of Caroline in the beginning of the story and finished the novel feeling as if the author dealt too lightly with her “problem”. I was also confused as to whether she was intentionally taking the medicine or if she was forgetfully taking them due to old age and thus causing her troubles. Perhaps other readers will understand that portion better than I.
Trigger Warnings: This novel does deal with drinking, addiction, teen suicide and possible infidelity. Each subject is touched on, but not explicitly detailed.
I believe this book is geared towards female readers. Those who enjoy contemporary fiction and emotional, real life stories will enjoy this book. Because of the content, I do believe it is best for mature teens 16+. Overall, it is a solid four stars for me and 5 stars for many other readers from what I have seen so far! I do look forward to reading more from this author in the future and have already added her other books to my TBR list.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own, I was not required to post a positive review.