Contemporary Fiction, Review

The Memory of You by Catherine West

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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?

The Memory of You by Catherine WestWhen 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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My Thoughts

Set in Sonoma County California’s wine country, this story explores love, loss, and second chances in a broken world of perfectly flawed families. The Memory of You is a beautiful illustration of forgiveness, surrender, and restoration.

Natalie is haunted by the circumstances of her twin sister’s tragic death. Shame and guilt terrorize her yet she keeps moving forward, continues seeking help, and never stops caring for others.

Tanner has a strong work ethic and a big heart. His long hours during harvest season are enough to make a grown man drop from exhaustion. Tanner’s uphill battle to revive the winery is a labor of love.

This is a great family drama and it doesn’t shy away from complex issues like psychological trauma and illness, drug abuse, and questions of faith. The story has excellent secondary characters, an engaging plot, and an encouraging theme.

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through the author and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

About the Author

Catherine WestINSPY 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. Catherine’s latest novels are The Things We Knew (July 2016) and The Memory of You (March 2017), Harper Collins Christian Publishing.

Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com

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Also Available


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Giveaway

There’s still time to enter for a chance to win a copy of The Memory of You… hop over to Catherine West’s author spotlight!

The Memory of You Giveaway

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