More Than We Remember (2020)

About the Book

Book:  More Than We Remember

Author: Christina Suzann Nelson

Genre: General Fiction/Contemporary

Release Date: February 18, 2020

One night changes everything for three women.

When Addison Killbourn’s husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband’s memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.

Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. Her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia’s determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she’s called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she’s fighting against, she’s determined to see justice for those wronged.

Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She was thriving as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbors, the Killbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne’s solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn’t been in a while.

As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they’ve been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?

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My Thoughts

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.