More Than We Remember

Three women in a small Oregon town all have memories of the past that determine their present and future courses of action. But memories prevaricate. Sometimes, they outright lie.

Deputy Emilia Cruz comes upon the scene of a head-on collision with one fatality and discovers the second driver trapped in his truck—reeking of alcohol. With the determination of an evangelist out to save souls, she hustles to bring a case against the driver for vehicular homicide—it doesn’t matter if everyone in the community loves him. A high-school basketball coach should meet higher standards than other community members.

Deputy Cruz has no patience for drunk people who ruin lives. She knows all too intimately the results of a drunk’s negligence.

Addison Kilbourn’s life has spiraled out of control since moving in with her mother-in-law. Although she loves her mother-in-law, the woman seems out to lunch half the time. When an office shows up on her doorstep to informing her that her husband lies in the local hospital with serious injuries.

Even worse, a local deputy seems to believe that her husband drank and drove—thus ending the life of a mother of three teen boys. When he regains consciousness, he has no memory of the wreck or even their move to his mother’s house.

Brianne Demanno made a horrible mistake, and she quits her job and decides to pursue art. When her brother’s high-school buddy knocks on her door by mistake late one night her present reality takes a turn as she offers to help out her neighbor. Her newfound friendship with her neighbor helps her examine her memories of the past.

Who Will Love This Book

Readers who love delving into the lives of well-developed, relatable characters will enjoy this book. The three protagonists come from various walks of life and spiritual maturity. Reading the book reminds me of sitting in a cozy coffee shop riveted to the conversation between three friends seated at a table next to me.

Christina Suzann Nelson weaves together a poignant tale of three women whose lives intersect in a small town in ways they never would have expected.

This book took me a little bit to get into, it had a lot of different perspectives to it, which felt alittle overwhelming at first, but then it got into a flow that I could follow and I really enjoyed it! I liked that it had humor, and some dark humor, while dealing with very real and hard things. I also enjoyed that it showed one event, so to speak, from multiple different perspectives! That was really interesting! I wish it had shown more through both of the husbands perspectives, but that is my only complaint!

MORE THAN WE REMEMBER by CHRISTINA SUZANN NELSON is a family legal drama with some suspense, some romance, great characters, Christian input, and a really good plot.
Things are most definitely not as they seem wnen a three way car accident happens on officer Emilia Cruz' watch. Things go from bad to worse and we are really drawn into the different characters' emotions as they try to make sense of what has happened.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil things for you, excepting to say that it is a very worthwhile read and one I can highly recommend. This is the first book I have read by this author and it will most definitely not be the last.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This story is about three women whose lives are turned on end as a result of a fatal car accident. Emilia is deputy who was first at the scene. Addison is the local coach’s wife and he is the one responsible for the accident. Brianne is Addison’s next door neighbor. She is a psychologist who is still reeling from a patient’s suicide. All three of these women’s life are in turmoil for one reason or another and they eventually find common ground and friendship and realize nothing was exactly how it had seemed. I really enjoyed this one!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This excellent novel about three women and their assumptions based on their memories is full with deep insight into the effect our past can have on us, how it can form our view of the world and how we judge tough situations. Our own guilt and guilt of others is another major issue.
Not only the three women, but also their husbands and especially three teenage girls have their own struggles. What we do, say and think affects others, if we want it or not. What we perceive as truth is sometimes quite far from reality. Do we allow ourselves to trust others and to trust God?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

While this novel is about dementia, suicide, drug dependency, death and other difficult topics, at the heart it's primarily a story of being involved enough in the lives of others to see beyond the surface. There is fulfillment to be gleaned if we seek it out.

I love the way the author book ends with two young teens that are secondary characters. It lets us know that readers were exposed to only three families impacted by tragedy and there are others in pain too.

Brianne was my favorite of the three featured, but each family intersected and impacted each other.

I look forward to reading other works by this author.

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.

11Ebos Aifuobhokhan
My Books
Browse ▾
Community ▾
Ebos Aifuobhokhan rated a book really liked it
5 days ago
More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson
More Than We Remember
by Christina Suzann Nelson (Goodreads Author)
Read
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.

Nelson’s work continues to shine!

One moment changes everything in the lives of three women.

Deputy Emilia Cruz is the first responder to the scene of an accident in the early hours of the morning. She discovers a two-vehicle head on collision which claims the life of a single mother to three boys. The other car contained the high school basketball coach who survived but is believed to have been drinking. This infuriates Deputy Cruz as her husband was a first responder fire fighter to an accident caused by an alcoholic the left his physically disabled. She’s more determined than ever to fight for justice regardless of who the victim is.

Addison Kilbourn is woken up in the night to find that her husband still hasn’t returned home from meeting someone in a neighboring town. She answers the door to find a deputy sheriff with news that her husband was in an accident and has been taken to the hospital. Life has been difficult enough moving to her husband’s hometown and living with her mother-in-law while they build their house, but she soon learns public opinion about her husband accident brands her family.

Brianne Demanno is trying to hide from her past and present. She always wanted to be a counselor and she got her wish, but after one of her patients committed suicide, she doubts her abilities and decides to delve into the solitude of artwork. When a deputy accidentally knocks on her door instead of the Kilbourn’s, she decides to go over and help the family by staying with the children so that the mom can go to the hospital. Brianne begins to connect with the kids and with their mom Addison, who may be the first real friend that she has had. Will this family be enough to pull her out of seclusion and help her start to live again?

One of the greatest aspects of Nelson’s writing is that she is able to connect her characters in ways that mimic real life. In every book that I’ve read by her, she brings multiple broken families together and connects them in a healing process. This book was no exception. Each woman’s story showed the immense struggle they were going through. Addison was insecure dealing with her husband’s accident, mother-in-law’s memory loss, and her oldest daughter that was now a teenage. Emilia struggled with her job, husband’s disability, and daughter’s friends. Brianne struggled internally with feeling inadequate. Each woman on their own would have faltered, but together they made bonds that helped them move forward. In some cases, it wasn’t even the relationship between the women, but between their kids. Nelson is becoming one of my favorite authors for this genre and I hope that others find her work encouraging too.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

This is an intriguing, touching story.
It is mostly the story of three women whose lives are forever changed by one night.
Emilia Cruz is the deputy who arrives on the scene of a terrible car accident in which a lady is killed.
Addison Kilbourne's husband Caleb is the man whose vehicle hit the deceased's vehicle, and is charged with the death of this woman.
And then there's Brianne, the next door neighbor of Addison.
Their lives become intertwined in various ways. Their inner struggles are revealed.
This book faces various difficult issues, and it shows real life in all of its messiness.
If you are looking for a book to inspire, maybe make you think, then definitely give this one a try!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This was very well written woman's fiction. I enjoyed the story line. There is an interesting mystery, and a little mystery. Grief, trauma, and substance abuse are all explored in three different POVs. The author did a good job of making each voice distinct and individual. I recommend this book to readers of contemporary women's fiction.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for the purpose of review.

I really enjoyed this novel with many interesting themes woven though a good plot. The novel is very well written with characters portrayed so that they really grabbed at my emotions. The plot is very realistic regarding the pain we experience. While there are some amazing victories, not every one lives happily ever after. Just like real life.

I recommend this insightful and thought provoking novel. You'll be challenged with how characters trust God, struggle with offering forgiveness, battle career obstacles, face failure and the responsibility of hurting others, and more. You will experience the joy and frustrations of women, so different in their personalities and goals, forming an unusual friendship. For me, the ending was a bit too convenient, although part of it was hinted at earlier.

While I did not see any discussion questions in the galley I read, this would make a good choice for a reading group. There would be much to discuss.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

“One night changes everything...can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?”

One fatal night intersects three families’ lives and has them questioning everything they thought they knew. Innocence hides behind suspicion, and guilt taints a once happy reality. Three women bond over tragedy and find hope in the deep places.

This is not a shallow or a quick read, it has a depth that can steal your breath away as events unfold. It deals with modern day problems that can touch a family without warning, and has the potential to tear them apart or bring them closer together. As Addison, Brianne and Emilia deal with the aftermath of an accident that kills one woman, it will shred everything and crumble the foundation of their safe life. I ached for them, for all the things they went through and all the things they were facing. These women & their families get under your skin in a very real way and make you want to reach through the pages of the book to comfort, hug and take away what hurts. Sometimes you have to go through the dark valleys in order for truth to prevail. Even in those dark times, hope shines bright if we but look for it. This brings to life the truth that we must cling to and rely completely on the Lord when hard trials come, when things seem to want to overwhelm us and crush us under its weight.

“We're too big for our britches when we take responsibility for things that are ultimately out of our control. If we trust God, we trust that He can work through even the most upside-down situation. You are not God. ~pg 290”

“It's easy to see what we want to see, or even what we expect to see. It's much harder to stand back and see the truth.~ pg 322”

This story will stick with you for a long time afterwards and make you ponder its deep truths. Quite a few resonated with me and that's why it became much more than fiction in my mind. It touched me profoundly in a way I won't soon forget. If you’re looking for a “fluffy” read, you won't find it here. If you're looking for one with a lot of depth and emotion, characters who you come to really care about, and an even more meaningful relationship with God, then look no further than “More Than We Remember”! This is easily one of my top reads for 2020 and highly recommended.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions 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.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

My first impression of Mrs. Nelson’s writing is spectacular. She blew me away with the complexity of this one. I loved how each set of characters overlapped with the others. Isn’t that so much like real life? Our lives intersect with so many other people throughout our daily journeys, and that was exquisitely on display in this book.

The characters were broken and hurting, yet the hope strung throughout was tangible and kept my spirits lifted even when I felt like crying my eyes out for these poor folks. The achiness of their hearts touched me. I felt great empathy for each of them, even the ones who were tougher for me to enjoy because of some closed-mindedness on their part. Despite that, I could see where they were coming from, why they had that bias and prejudice, so I still found myself rooting for even them. It was my great hope that they would come around and see that there was another way of viewing the scenario they were faced with.

Problems in this story included death, injuries, substance abuse, and peer pressure. These were all presented in realistic, believable ways that added depth and richness to the story. Yet, even with these difficult issues, the writing was clean. There was only one crude sexual term, but I was pleasantly surprised that there were absolutely zero expletives and profanities. Yay! This is tough to find in today’s Christian fiction market, so it’s books like this one that give me more hope that Bible-led standards and moral codes are still being showcased in certain works of fiction today. When I find works like this, I treasure them as the gems they are.

Hannah was perhaps my favorite character. Like me, she loves reading. Like me, she struggles to find good friends. Like me, she deals with emotional moments that try to overwhelm her. She was really easy to root for and relate to, and I was on pins and needles throughout her scenes because I wanted so much for her to get a happy ending. (Of course, I can’t really tell you what happened. You’ll just have to read the book for yourself to see if I ended up happy or sad at the finale of this book.)

The plot was great, and it included many surprises and twists I did not see coming. It’s always wonderful to be surprised like that, because I read a lot of books and, therefore, can predict a lot of plot points in most of the books I read. But when one manages to shock me in several spots? Well, that nearly guarantees the book will receive five stars and make it to my favorites list. Well done, Mrs. Nelson!

This book serves as a reminder that our memories are not always reliable. It’s the people around us who love us and support us that are there for us when our memories fail to recall correctly what happened in the past. I like how Mrs. Nelson handled memory with care, delicacy, strength, and truth. This theme was my favorite part of this book, because it was woven throughout every aspect of each character’s individual threads as well as the overall story arc. Oh, to be able to write so immersively! (#writergoals)

Content: alcohol, drugs, tattoos, underage vaping, tobacco, one crude sexual term, suicide

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.

One fatal night three families’ lives intersect. I was glued to this novel and felt for the characters as this captivating story unfolded. I liked this moving story and the way the author irresistibly drew readers in as she showed how one night can change the course of your life and those around you forever. It also brings into question about how well you know yourself and the people you live with. Life gets messy and one mistake can have you be on a path you never intended to go down. It could have you questioning yourself and everything you thought you knew. Three women get together and bond over tragedy as they find hope through an unexpected friendship in the middle of chaos. Each woman in this story has a deep hurt that needs healing and a heavy situation to overcome. I liked how the author dealt with each of these circumstances.

Deputy Emilia Cruz is the first responder to the accident. There is a fatality when these vehicles collide. Because Emilia’ Cruz’s husband, Deputy Cruz was disabled by an alcoholic her perspective is jaded when she learns about the drunk driver. The author keeps making this statement throughout the book. It’s powerful and true. “It’s easy to see what we want to see, or even what we expect to see. It’s much harder to stand back and see the truth.”

It’s interesting how the author explores what people remember and don’t remember about a single event they all were witness to. The story emphases the need for us to always keep an open mind before assuming we know “all” the facts, and to hold off before judging not only others, but ourselves as well.

This would make a great book club pick there is so much to talk about on so many levels. First book I’ve read by this author, it won’t be the last. She does a fabulous job of creating a thought-provoking, emotional drama that has you thinking about this book long after you’ve closed the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

This book pulled me in on the first page, and I absolutely flew through it! It's the story of three women navigating tragedy, brought together by proximity and circumstance.

The plot contains an aspect of mystery—Addison's husband Caleb is believed to be responsible for a deadly accident, but he has no memory of the event—but, more than anything, this is a book about friendship. It highlights just how much we need each other as all three women come to find community.

Heavy topics like substance abuse, memory loss, suicide, sexual abuse, and infidelity are discussed, but the book never feels overly dark; in fact, there's an underlying feeling of hope that runs throughout.

The ending, though slightly foreshadowed, surprised me (in a good way!), and I found it to be quite satisfying. I also loved the way some supporting characters came around in the final pages to add to the story.

This book is perfect for those who enjoy books focused on friendship, rather than romance (though there is a bit of that here, too). It's a compelling look at some of those most impacted by a small town tragedy.

West Crow, Oregon is the setting of a community dealing with a fatal car accident. The story opens with high school coach Caleb Killbourn held at fault for the accident. Deputy Emilia Cruz is the lead investigator. Emilia wants justice for the family of the deceased. At home, Emilia and her daughter deal with the altered personality of Emilia’s husband, after a different accident. Caleb’s wife, Addison, is dealing with his legal issues, plus a mother-in-law with memory and/or substance abuse issues. On leave therapist Brianne, Addison’s neighbor, provides childcare and neighborly care to the Killbourn children. Brianne is healing from the loss of a patient and her personal feelings of responsibility. She needs to find out how to move forward.

The lives of Brianne, Emilia and Addison intertwine in this story. It’s an interesting story of small town life and how we depend on one another.