The Memory of You
- Author: Catherine West
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson
- Print Length: 320 pages
- Release Date: March 28, 2017
- I Rate it:
- Genre: Christian
- Purchase on Amazon
Book Summary
Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died. Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her?
When Natalie Mitchell learns her beloved grandfather has had a heart attack, she’s forced to return to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do. She’s avoided her grandparents’ sprawling home and all its memories since the summer her sister died—the awful summer Natalie’s nightmares began. But the winery is failing, and Natalie’s father wants her to shut it down. As the majority shareholder, she has the power to do so.
And Natalie never says no to her father.
Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family’s winery back in business. When Natalie shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. He knows Natalie intends to close the gates, and he’s determined to convince her otherwise. But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he’s not so sure he likes the woman she’s become. Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth. He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too. And Tanner must do whatever it takes to resurrect her.
But finding freedom from the past means facing it. For both of them.
Catherine West is an award-winning author writing stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children. Catherine is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Management.
Having previously published three popular romance and women's fiction titles, Catherine will publish her first novel through Harper Collins Christian Publishing this summer. The Things We Knew, a family drama set on Nantucket, released July 12th, 2016.
Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at [email protected]
You can find Catherine on:
Book Review by Bree Herron
You know when you have heard about a book and everyone is raving about it? At some point you are adding that book to your must read list and then the day comes when you enter the world of said book. Entering into The Memory of You was like visiting an old friend and hearing her story of how she healed.
This was by far one of the best modern christian fiction books I have read this year. It spoke of healing families and yourself. The characters jumped off the pages with their stories and drew you into each word. God had his pen in this book, and I felt refreshed at the beautiful ending of this tale.
Imagine carrying with you a knowledge of an incident that could change the views of others, it is so intense that those that love you could stop. Or so Natalie thought. She carried such weight and hurt within herself that as a reader your heart breaks and builds stronger along with her. Natalie comes into the book feeling broken and lost, seeking the solace of her grandfather’s vineyard and hoping that the memories won’t consume her.
Tanner has his own feeling and emotional battles plus he is trying to save the vineyard, man was he tough on Natalie there for awhile but it was his way of hurting. Tanner slowly allows Natalie in but only when she gives as well. This was a great point in the book the moment when Natalie says she can’t do it, and Tanner steps in to help her. My heart just burst.
Both were struggling to come to God and have forgiveness, this was a key faith point of this book. Neither felt worthy or justified in leaning on God. Both had felt as though God had let them down. Only to learn what many of us know, that God is there just can’t always get through the walls one will build up against him. Once these two let those barriers down the healing of families and friends could truly begin.
I felt like the theme of healing was so powerful in this book. I was also reminded that loved ones don’t want us to suffer, and we shouldn’t feel as though we are unworthy of love because we are still living. Natalie spoke to my heart with her pain and Tanner melted it with his sweet silence to her tears. This was an epic read by an author that should be on everyone’s bookshelves.
Tour Giveaway: (1) Winner will win a gourmet gift basket + a signed copy of The Memory of You, courtesy of the author, Catherine West. (US mailing addresses only for the gift basket & print book prize. International winners will win a digital copy of the book.)
Professional Reader Affiliates
Peruse My Other Reviews
Affiliate Disclosure
I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links supplements the costs of keeping my website up and running, and is very much appreciated!
This is one of my favorite blogs. (Not a bunch of half dressed men and women, sweating) I love everything I have read so far, and I can’t wait to read The Memory of You.
The Memory of You sounds like an amazingly well written book that I’d very much love to read especially after reading your review. Thanks!
You have a beautiful blog, Bree. I enjoy reading your posts. Catherine West is an amazing lady, and I love her books.
Thank you Bree for being a part of the tour. The healing theme have definitely struck a chord with me as well. Thank you for such an insightful review.
Excellent review, Bree! I love Cathy’s stories!!