Title: The Memory of You
Author: Catherine West
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
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 Mitchell shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. Natalie intends to close the gates, unless he can 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.
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Catherine West is an award-winning author who writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Her first novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, released in 2011 and won the INSPY for Romance, a Silver Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Awards, and was a finalist in the Grace Awards. Catherine’s second novel, Hidden in the Heart, released in September 2012, was long listed in the 2012 INSPY’s and was a finalist in the 2013 Grace Awards.
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. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com.
My Impressions:
You know when you open a novel by Catherine West you will immediately be swept into a story that will engage your senses and your heart. Her novel, The Memory of You, is no exception. This relationship drama had me from the opening lines and kept me engaged until the final page was turned. Be prepared to laugh and cry and to love this book.
Nicole Mitchell survived a tragic accident at the age of thirteen. Years later the trauma remains. The daughter of a high-powered businessman and a distracted mother, Nicole seeks first to appease and please when she is ordered to return to her grandfather’s winery to shut it down. But as she encounters one hurtful memory after another, Nicole also comes face to face with truth and healing. Tanner Collins has regrets and guilt of his own. As he and Nicole navigate their renewed relationship, the two start to hope for a future with dreams fulfilled instead of nightmares endured.
The Memory of You is a complex novel. There are a number of plot threads that taken singly would make a good novel, but when combined provide the reader with a beautifully composed tapestry filled with real-life struggles and emotions. The novel is Nicole and Tanner’s story first and foremost, but the supporting characters add a depth that creates a true picture of human interaction. Great writing keeps the narrative flowing — this one is a true pleasure to read. The setting is a vineyard, and West proves her meticulous research through the detailed descriptions of the daily operations. I found those points fascinating and an added bonus to the story.
There are a number of themes explored in The Memory of You. Secrets are shown to kill — dreams, hopes, relationships and peace. But God is the healer that can restore all that secrets seek to kill. Nicole and Tanner struggle with a God that they feel is silent or not present in the midst of their deepest hurts, a sentiment that resonated with me. Nicole asks “Does God really care about us, Tanner? Does He love us more than we can ever comprehend?” To which Tanner answers “Yes. I believe that. I don’t always act like it or understand it , but I can’t dispute it.” I appreciated the doubts expressed and the truth revealed.
The Memory of You is a book you won’t want to put down, and will be sad to finish. Take your time with this one; you are going to love it.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Just Commonly and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Tour Schedule
Many thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction
for providing review copies to our bloggers.
7/17 – Running Through the Storm
7/18 – Moments Dipped in Ink
7/19 – Favorite Christian Books
7/20 – Joy’s Blog
7/21 – Happy When Reading
7/22 – Splashes of Joy
7/23 – Reading is My SuperPower
7/24 – Bibliophile Reviews
7/25 – By The Book
7/26 – Reader’s Cozy Corner
7/27 – All of a Kind Mom
7/28 – Smiling Book Reviews
7/29 – Savings in Seconds
7/30 – Heidi Reads . . .
Giveaway
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The Memory of You sounds like an amazing, heartfelt book. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Hope you enjoy it!
I value your recommendations and will certainly read this book.
Thanks Suzanne! Hope you enjoy it!
The Memory of You sounds like a great read. Thank you
You are welcome! Hope you enjoy it!
The Memory of You sounds like a fantastic read. I love that the author doesn’t shy away from the messy emotions and I’m curious to see the characters’ spiritual journeys unfold.
“Messy emotions” — exactly! Well said. And true to real life.
The cover of The Memory of You reminds me of the grape vineyards I saw in France many years ago. Reading the blurb I feel for Natalie, and hope Tanner can help her recover from the loss of her sister. The book is definitely intriguing, and one I look forward to reading. Thanks!
I loved the setting of this book. Visiting wine country is on my bucket list.
Wonderful review! Cathy West is a MUST read author!
Yes she is!
Well said!!! The complexity and the uncertainty, along with truth. Thank you for being a part of the tour!
So glad to be a part! Thanks!