Every book I read by this author makes me a bigger fan of hers. This lovely story was no exception. I stepped inside the life of this story and had a hard time looking away. Reading it came as easily as breathing. The pages kept turning, tugging my heart with it. The Things We Knew is a tale about real-life heartache, second chances, and grace.
I read the entire book in 2 days. I instantly connected with Lynette and her heart for her family. As her siblings arrive home, carrying their own hurts and hardships with them, my heart went out to them all and hoped they’d find healing. Having lost my own grandpa to dementia a couple years ago, I especially could relate to their father’s problems with Alzheimer’s. There were several bittersweet moments, but each was written with delicate care. The Carlisle family felt so real to me.
I loved Nick too and his friendship with the family. I enjoyed watching his relationship with “the girl next door” develop, despite all the obstacles in their way. It added a nice sweetness to the heavier moments of the story.
There is much to learn in this book – for the characters and for its readers. There is much to take away and ponder. Wonderful truths of forgiveness, grace, and compassion. What more can I say? It was beautiful.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
A tragedy from the past resurfaces in this tale of family secrets and reignited love.
After her mother’s death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to harbor animosity toward their father, silently blaming him for their mother’s death. Nobody will talk about that dreadful day, and Lynette can’t remember a bit of it.
But when next-door neighbor Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, he brings the past with him. Once her brother’s best friend and Lynette’s first crush, Nick seems to hiding things from her. Lynette wonders what he knows about the day her mother died and hopes he might help her remember the things she can’t.
But Nick has no intention of telling Lynette the truth. Besides the damage it might cause his own family, he doesn’t want to risk harming the fragile friendship between him and the woman he once thought of as a kid sister.
As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets begin to surface—secrets that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question all they ever believed in.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband have two grown children. Catherine’s novel, Bridge of Faith, won the 2015 Grace Award. Her latest novel, The Things We Knew, released July 12th, 2016, through Harper Collins Christian Publishing. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com
Website – http://www.catherinejwest.com
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I’m reading this title soon, so excited!
Wonderful!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Beth. 🙂
Ooh, this sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing!
Hope you get to read it soon, Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by.
Great review, my friend! Definitely adding this to my To Be Read list.
Yay! Can’t wait to hear what you think of it, Meghan. 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful review, Savanna! I am so happy you enjoyed The Things We Knew!!
Hi Cathy! Thanks so much for stopping by. Loved your story. Can’t wait to read what you’re working on next. 🙂