The Memory of You by Catherine West

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 28, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718078764
• ISBN-13: 978-0718078768

About the Book:

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.

My Thoughts:

This is the second novel written by Catherine West that I've had the pleasure of reading.  Her stories are both intriguing gripping, and she is rapidly becoming a favorite author.

I've heard true stories about the unique connection between twins, and the facts of that bond are the backbone of Natalie's story.  Losing her twin sister at such a young age has left Natalie stuck somewhere in the past.  Problem is, if she's going to ever heal, she'll have to deal with her feelings and take a step forward.

Tanner remembers a different Natalie, and we both like her better than the woman she's allowed herself to become--which is funny, because I'm real and he's imaginary, but we think the same thing about her.  That's the sign of a well crafted character.

The story is about far more than whether to close down a family winery that has been an integral part of a history, almost to the point of being an actual character in the story.

This is a tale about letting go of any pain in the past and allowing our souls to heal through the power of Jesus Christ, and then having the courage to move forward when the future is terrifyingly promising.  So, the question remains, can Natalie move on, and will Tanner help her or wound her even more?

You'll have to read the book to find out!  "The Memory of You" gets my "Oh, The Feels" mark of approval.

I received a complimentary copy from my friends at Zondervan with no services or obligations in exchange.  So go read "The Memory Of You".  I'll be waiting right here for you with more books to share...until then...

Mark Your Place, 

Deena