A ★★★★ Book Review of More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson | A Contemporary Fiction Novel
* 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. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links which means I will receive a commission based on sales generated via these links at no additional cost to you.
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.
One night changes everything. . . .
When Addison Kilbourn'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. After a traumatic brain injury, 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 once thrived as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbors, the Kilbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been for too long.
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? - Synopsis from More Than We Remember
★★★★ | Author Christina Suzann Nelson is new to me, but after reading reviews and endorsements of More Than We Remember, it appeared this newest novel of Nelson’s was one to highly anticipate.
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 heaviness of these women’s lives, I found myself smiling at times. I really enjoyed the new romance between Brianne and Seth. In fact, I wouldn’t mind reading more of their story.
The only minor criticisms I have was that in each woman’s background, Nelson repeatedly portrayed their fears or concerns which I found distracting and unnecessary. While the novel is Christian fiction, I felt it lacking on a deep 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’ve 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.
