Christina Suzann Nelson's new book, More Than We Remember, is a powerful story of faith, friendship, and forgiveness. It's the first book of hers I've read, and I'm so glad I decided to read it! It's an emotionally engaging story full of complex characters who are faced with some incredibly difficult situations and discover the power of forgiveness.

The book follows three women whose lives are changed and intertwined as the result of a fatal car accident. All three women are strong, relatable characters who you want to root for, even when they are at odds with each other. It turns out they are alike in more ways than they think, and if they can find the strength to forgive and face the truth, even if it doesn’t look like they expected, they just might find healing in forging friendships with each other. Overall, this was a beautifully written, heartfelt book that will be enjoyed by fans of Beth K. Vogt, Catherine West, and Katie Ganshert.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson
More Than We Remember
by Christina Suzann Nelson (Goodreads Author)
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Read in February 2020
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.

This is the second story that I have read by Christina Suzann Nelson. I really like her writing style as it draws you immediately into the story. In More Than We Remember, there are three points of view. This was well done and really worked for this story because you get to know what each of the main characters is feeling and thinking. I also liked the slight mystery that ran throughout.

That being said, for me, this story, including all of the secondary stories, was just too heavy. I wish the romance thread would have started sooner and been expanded more. I think this would’ve balanced the story out a bit. I did appreciate Lilly, the young daughter of one of the main characters, who added a touch of lightness to the story. I also felt like the ending was too rushed especially since we had more than one story coming to a conclusion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

If you are sitting down to read to be entertained and escape the stresses of the world and your day, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book that addresses social issues of the day with plenty of raw emotion, More Than We Remember is just the book for you. The book focuses on the lives of three women whose stories intertwine. Deputy Emilia Cruz is working hard to further her career, battling the good ole boy system, while raising her teenage daughter and caring for her husband who suffers from traumatic brain injury caused by an accident with someone driving under the influence. Brianne Demanno is a struggling artist who resigned her counseling job after one of her favorite clients committed suicide. Addison Kilbourn is the wife of a popular high school coach who has been accused of being under the influence and causing the death of a single mom with three sons. Nelson carefully addresses the challenges of holding onto one's faith when tragedy strikes. Her dialogue is crisp and well written. She builds a strong sense of empathy for each of her characters. No spoilers here, but the ending, while satisfying, does not wrap everything up with a bow because there are consequences for behaviors and choices, and often those consequences fall on the innocent.

I am grateful to have received a copy of More Than We Remember from Bethany House via Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

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.

Another wonderful offering from Christina Nelson. I really connected with each of the main characters and liked going on their journeys with them. The bits of mystery surrounding the main accident kept me intrigued and guessing.
There were times during each character's story that I didn't like them at all, but then there were times that they endeared themselves to me. Some parts of the plot are predictable and I saw them coming, but there are some surprises that I enjoyed.
The story is a quick read, but occasionally I would get lost because the points of view move very quickly from one character to the next, sometimes after a couple of paragraphs, and it required some concentration to know whose point of view I was reading. After a little bit I got into the flow, but it did take a while.
Solid book, highly recommended, and will definitely read more from this author in the future.

The book I’m recommending this month is a contemporary novel that raises many discussable issues. More Than We Remember features three women and how the events of one night change their lives. Two are married with kids, and the third is single. All three have gone through trauma, with more to come. All three have to find their way through, with God’s help.

It’s an engaging novel that reveals how much pressure women face today. Can we juggle our various responsibilities, such as work, volunteering, church, family and friends, along with having enough time to flourish in our relationship with God? How can we cope when the unexpected happens – whether an unwelcome accident or illness? How can we not only trust God, but make ourselves vulnerable enough to lean on others?

This novel raises those issues and more, and would be a good one to read in a book-club setting. For instance, how much does our childhood affect who we are as adults? What do you observe about how the two mothers parented their pre-teen daughters? What happens to a marriage when something horrible occurs, such as a life-altering accident? Where is God when bad things happen? What kind of relationship do each of three women have with God? How did their faith play a part in the denouement of the story?

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.

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own. 

Three different women become connected by one tragedy in this book, and each faces multiple hardships along the way. I liked the three POVs provided in this book. I think it helped the reader glimpse into the multiple different ways one even can be viewed. Each woman is also going through struggles that are extremely different from each other. The author explored these issues well. I didn't think that the book felt too busy because of three different things happening at the same time. I also enjoyed how the author had main characters of varying ages. I think that this aspect of the book will pull in readers from many different backgrounds. 

I do think that the ending of the book felt rushed. There was a lot of resolution needed, and while the reader saw it, I feel like the pace didn't match the rest of the book. I also just had a hard time connecting with some of the main characters. I think that a lot of people will be able to connect with them, though, especially if you're a mother to teenagers, which I am not.

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.

This book is not a light-hearted read but I enjoyed it. It focuses on three different women and each one of them is dealing with significant loss….of life, of dreams and hopes, of future plans. Each of these women are isolated in some way. When talking to a neighbor girl, Brianne shares that popularity isn’t the point of life. “It’s about finding your special people…the people you can help and who can help you” (location 2613). As Brianne, Addison, and Emilia’s lives intersect, they come to see the beauty and hope that comes from finding your people and relying on them.
This book looks at hard issues of parenting, drug addiction, abuse, and brain injuries. The author writes in a realistic way in showing the pain and hardship accompanying these things yet also shows a glimmer of hope. It’s a good read.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
#MoreThanWeRemember #Netgalley

The story of three women all suffering in different trajectories of life, meet up in in a time when life circumstances draw them together once again.
I found myself reading this women's fiction book and in awe at how someone could preach a sermon without preaching one. That takes talent. This book holds truths that most of us that have gone through any hard times, will relate to. This author is talented in her story weaving. You relate to the children as well as the women. Excellent reading!

BOOK REVIEW: More Than We Remember
Book BY: Christina Suzann Nelson
This is the first novel I’ve read by Ms. Nelson, and it likely won’t be the last.
This is a story that makes the reader think and digs deep into the heart and mind. It begs the questions of grace, forgiveness and mercy. What does justice mean? How do we reconcile our pain, with God’s grace? And how can we leave everything in God’s control when we are desperate to see justice meted out.
I found the main character, Emilia to be quite intense. She is driven and focused on putting one man behind bars so others won’t suffer. She cannot see beyond her own pain and therefore is the type of character that plows through everything and everyone. At times she can come off as arrogant, but I think it’s her shield of protection. She’s in a position of authority, a police officer, so this further adds to the persona.
The story weaves the lives of two other women together with Emilia’s story. Both are just as heavy a story line to follow. So much heartache, sadness and struggles each woman faces!
The characters are well defined, and easy to relate to in that each one is carrying burdens and having to deal with issues while facing the challenge brought on by a fatal accident that connects their lives forever.
It’s not a light read – more thought provoking than anything else – with some mystery threaded through the pages.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

A beautifully written story about one tragic night that affected many. Three women from different backgrounds all struggle to find the truth. The characters are realistic and relatable and readers will be able to empathize with them. Hard topics are dealt with in a compassionate way. I liked the way the author chose to wrap up the story. Highly recommended!

Wow, what a beautiful story this was. This was the first book that I had personally read by Christina Suzann Nelson, so I wasn't sure quite what to expect, but I was blown away by the beautifully crafted story she created... a story reminding us how quickly just one moment can change everything for so many people.

More Than We Remember tackles some pretty heavy topics such as abuse, suicide, alcohol and drug use, etc. Wow... like I said a LOT going on here. And yet it talks about these topics in a unique way that I don't feel we hear about all that often, not from those in the midst of those struggles themselves, but by those impacted by them. I hesitate to say too much more as I don't want to give anything away, but it was truly a beautiful story to read. It certainly had me pondering how I might react and feel if I were in these character's shoes. And what a group of characters they were. These three ladies all had their own unique struggles, but all were impacted greatly by this one event. I found myself really drawn to each and every one and wasn't quite ready to say goodbye when the story ended.

In some ways there was a bit of mystery within the story too. What really happened? Who was to blame? How did it all fit together? It certainly kept me reading to find out all the answers. It wasn't a super fast paced story by any means, but it was certainly engaging.

Overall, this was a really fantastic read and one that I would certainly recommend. I think we can all learn a little something from these characters about forgiveness, grace and compassion.


**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

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.

Poignant:
I liked how it brought together the lives of 3 different women, highlighting their struggles, anxieties and aspirations. It was tragic and heart wrenching at times and while I get that the book was about facing hardships, personally I thought it could have benefited from at least some brevity, lightness or joy to counteract all of the somber times. There was a light inspirational message about turning to God during trials which I wished had of been emphasized more. I did however enjoy the investigative and mystery aspects of the book, even if they were slow to unfold. The ending felt rushed and it could have benefited from an epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Three women, isolated by their separate circumstances, yet oddly united through one terrible tragedy. How will Addison, Brianne, and Emilia get through their hardships alone? Yet, is there anyone they can trust to help them? Who else can understand their personal pain?

There were so many stories happening in this book that it took awhile to keep them straight, but the author did a good job weaving them together and having everything tie up in the end. Tie up in the sense that the reader wasn't left hanging on any of the big questions, but not tied up so neatly that the characters avoided consequences for their choices and actions. The message throughout this book is that nothing is as easy as it looks on the surface, and everyone's story has bumps in it that you can only find out by getting to know them.

I give this book 3.5 stars; I think there were still a few hiccups in the story shifts, and there were almost too many characters to get to know, but overall there were a lot of good glimpses of tough situations, and examples of how people could grow through the tough times, especially if they're willing to accept help from others.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Nelson excelled at bringing several divergent storylines together in this story of families confronting tragedy and holding onto their faith. A satisfying read.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Filled with heartache, pain, and hope for the future, Christina Suzann Nelson’s latest novel, More Than We Remember, will have readers reflecting on the story long after the final page. After a fatal car accident, three women find themselves connected in a shocking way that will change their lives forever. A coach’s wife, a deputy, and a counselor…three women carrying burdens of their own, are all searching for answers to overcome the pain of their pasts.

More Than We Remember is the first book I have read by Christina Suzann Nelson. She realistically portrays issues that both adults and teenagers are facing in society, including addiction to pain medication and the popularity of vaping among teens. The women, their husbands, and children all have struggles they are facing, and everything is not always as it seems.

The characters were well-developed and the readers could personally feel the pain they were experiencing. I did not care for the personality or character of deputy Emilia Cruz, but I could sympathize with the struggles that she was experiencing in her family life as she tried to find justice for victims in her law enforcement career. More Than We Remember is recommended for readers who are looking for a novel focusing on deeper subject material. I am looking forward to reading Christina Suzann Nelson’s next novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.