What We Remember

What We Remember

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  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2023-01-19 11:21:41
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Sarah Echavarre
  • ISBN:1799784231
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

From the author of Three More Months comes a moving novel about hope, loss, the power of memories, and the enduring bonds of family。

It’s been two years and two months since trauma shattered hospital chaplain Isabel Myles’s world。 Since that day, she has stopped answering calls。 She’s shut out her family, friends, and coworkers。 Even her faith seems to have faded。 Except for her connection with her younger sister, Chantel, Isabel copes by forgetting。 Then she takes on a summer job as a home caregiver for Opal, a dementia patient who is struggling to remember。

The more invested Isabel becomes in Opal’s vanishing world—and in her devastated grandson, Evan—the more open she is to forming bonds, old and new。 She reaches out to her best friend。 She repairs the damage between her and her estranged parents。 And with Evan she feels emotions she thought were lost forever。 But the trauma Isabel’s kept buried for so long will be rediscovered too。 What Isabel learns could change her life again, forever。 This time, though, she won’t have to face the past alone。

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Reviews

Nancy

Sarah, whom I've known since she was a high school friend of our son's, has written another book with a really good look at how emotions affect our relationships and every day lives。 This one's a little tough when you find out what happened to the main character and because some aspects of caring for older family are involved with other characters。 It's a good read。 Sarah, whom I've known since she was a high school friend of our son's, has written another book with a really good look at how emotions affect our relationships and every day lives。 This one's a little tough when you find out what happened to the main character and because some aspects of caring for older family are involved with other characters。 It's a good read。 。。。more

Marcia Meakim

Mere words cannot do this heartwarming story justice! Such an incredible story introducing characters you will fall in love with。 Isabel, a hospital chaplain and her younger sister, Chantel, a traveling nurse, share an apartment and a close bond。 Bel suddenly finds herself with time off and begins caring for Opal, a beautiful soul with Alzheimer’s。 She and Opal become very close。 Throughout this story Bel struggles with “THAT DAY”。 Gradually her relationship with Opal, and then Opal’s grandson, Mere words cannot do this heartwarming story justice! Such an incredible story introducing characters you will fall in love with。 Isabel, a hospital chaplain and her younger sister, Chantel, a traveling nurse, share an apartment and a close bond。 Bel suddenly finds herself with time off and begins caring for Opal, a beautiful soul with Alzheimer’s。 She and Opal become very close。 Throughout this story Bel struggles with “THAT DAY”。 Gradually her relationship with Opal, and then Opal’s grandson, Evan, help Bel find a new path in life。Sarah Echavarre has a rare ability to make you feel as if you are right there, actually listening to Bel, feeling emotions as Bel feels them, crying tears of frustration, pain, and loss。 Opal’s gentle words of wisdom are so on point and brought so many emotions flooding in my mind。 My mother also had Alzheimer’s and I was able to connect so easily to all the emotional threads flowing within these pages。 Opal helped Bel as much as Bel helped Opal。 Loved that balance!I have to admit I needed to replace a box of Kleenex while reading the last few chapters。 Sights of a sparrow will forever bring tears to my eyes, as will gazing at the sky。 My heartfelt thanks to Sarah Echavarre for introducing me to Bel, Tel, Opal, and Evan, who will linger with me for a very long time。 Thanks also to Lake Union Publishing for recognizing the power within these pages, and NetGalley for affording me the absolute pleasure of having the privilege of reading an arc of this just published absolutely brilliant read。 Don’t pass this read by…I am highly recommending this read to everyone I know。 。。。more

Barbara Rosignol

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 - "。。。Is it okay that I don't know if I'll ever be the person I once was? 。。。。 I'll always carrying a sadness underneath it all。 I'll miss her。 I'll always think of her and the things I miss about her。 Everything will always feel incomplete in a way because she's not here to share it with me。" - "。。。。that's what happens when you lose someone you love so much。 You're never the same without them。。。。。" "。。。 I miss you。 I miss you all day, everyday。 It's s not the same here without you。 Yeah, I'm mo - "。。。Is it okay that I don't know if I'll ever be the person I once was? 。。。。 I'll always carrying a sadness underneath it all。 I'll miss her。 I'll always think of her and the things I miss about her。 Everything will always feel incomplete in a way because she's not here to share it with me。" - "。。。。that's what happens when you lose someone you love so much。 You're never the same without them。。。。。" "。。。 I miss you。 I miss you all day, everyday。 It's s not the same here without you。 Yeah, I'm moving on。 I'm coping。 But I still ache for you。。。。。 How am I supposed to love without you?" "I won't leave you。 I'll still be here jn a lot of ways。" Ohmy。。。 this。。。。 THIS BOOK!!!!!!💔When I requested it a couple months ago I didn't know what it really was about and I didn't know the lofe I was going to be living when reading it。 I was completely hooked since I started it and couldn't put it down and then suddenly the huge twist happened and I couldn't control my tears and my own grief。 I was sobbing while reading it and I couldn't stop thinking about how amazingly well represented grief is in this book。 I simply loved this book so much! I'm dealing with my own grief right now and this story was so powerful。I love the writing style。 I love the way thw topic of dementia is managed in the story。 I love the friendships, I love the romance and I love the families。 Everything felt just so pure and the characters are amazing。 I highly recommend it to you guys!!!!Please give this book a chance。 。。。more

Amanda Zulauf

3。5It's a beautiful story about love, loss & recovery。 You will absolutely shed a few tears and want to binge read it。The first person narration and just the right amount of dialogue makes it an easy and quick read。Thank you NetGalley & publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review。 3。5It's a beautiful story about love, loss & recovery。 You will absolutely shed a few tears and want to binge read it。The first person narration and just the right amount of dialogue makes it an easy and quick read。Thank you NetGalley & publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Linda

This book is very touching。 It's not a thriller or a historical。 It's a women's fiction and full of raw emotion。 Things to make you think and things to make you thankful that there are such good people in this world。 This is the story of Isabel。 She's a chaplain in the hospital who is on suspension。 It's actually a few stories in one。 The main one being Isabel and her sister。 It's the story of a sister's love that is so strong。 Isabel will do anything for her younger sister Chantel。 And Chantel This book is very touching。 It's not a thriller or a historical。 It's a women's fiction and full of raw emotion。 Things to make you think and things to make you thankful that there are such good people in this world。 This is the story of Isabel。 She's a chaplain in the hospital who is on suspension。 It's actually a few stories in one。 The main one being Isabel and her sister。 It's the story of a sister's love that is so strong。 Isabel will do anything for her younger sister Chantel。 And Chantel will do the same for Isabel。 They are that close。 Chantel is a traveling nurse who is gone quite a bit。 Isabel only goes to work and home。 She's had a trauma that leaves her almost helpless。 She just can't seem to get out anymore and do things。 She's lost her friends and is estranged from her parents。 The only person she talks to or sees is Chantel。 Then there is the part about Opal。 Opal is eighty-eight years old and suffering from dementia。 While on suspension for the summer Isabel becomes Opal's caregiver。 She's hired by Opal's daughter to just be there for Opal and do things for her and with her。 She meets Opal's grandson Evan who gives her a hard time at first。 Together though they make life for Opal a bit happier。 A bit more exciting。 They do things with her that are just for fun。 Opal loves Isabel and always looks forward to seeing her。 This is a very tender book if you will。 It tells us what dementia does to a person。 It tells us what anxiety and mental illness does to a person。 Things that are so much out of our control。 Many don't understand that anxiety is so debilitating。 It leaves you so helpless。 Dementia leaves families helpless。 It has to be horrible watching a person you love forgetting you and the people around them。 I admire anyone that takes care of others that suffer from dementia or any other disease。 It takes a strong person to have the strength to do that。 To give up their life for someone else。 To put their life on hold。 I truly honor people like that。 They are angels for sure。This book has many emotions in it。 Most are tears but there are also some laughs along the way。 There is a touch of a love story involved and a family finding their way back to each other。 Friends found again。 So many changes are made。 All for the better。 I admire Isabel for what all she went through and overcame。 For all the struggles she had and all the love she had to give for an old lady。 To be there and help Opal the way she did。 This book touched my heart。 It gave me pause in many ways。 Many times。 This is a beautifully written book。 Lots going on。 Lots of emotions。 It keeps you turning the pages until the very end。 There is a part that might catch you by surprise。 I saw it coming but it sure did not take away from the story at all。 It's one that will stay with me for a good while。 Thank you #NetGalley, #SarahEchavarre, #LakeUnionAuthors for this ARC。 This is my own true thoughts about this book。Five huge stars and a very high recommendations。 Just have lots of Kleenex ready。 You will need them。 。。。more

Vanessa Dunning

Thank you for NetGalley for providing me with this book for review。 What a read, I had no idea what a tear jecker of a book this would be, amazing。

Gabi

A beautiful tale of grief I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway and I'm so grateful I did。 Such a moving story that had me laughing and crying。 A real page-turner that kept me captivated through the whole read。 As an older sister to a younger sister, it really moved me。 My sister was sitting next to me as I read:" “I’m not really here, Bel。 You know that。” You say you’re hereeven when you’re not。 I don’t believe you。 You say it again and again。"And then I was a mess after that。 A beautiful tale of grief I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway and I'm so grateful I did。 Such a moving story that had me laughing and crying。 A real page-turner that kept me captivated through the whole read。 As an older sister to a younger sister, it really moved me。 My sister was sitting next to me as I read:" “I’m not really here, Bel。 You know that。” You say you’re hereeven when you’re not。 I don’t believe you。 You say it again and again。"And then I was a mess after that。 。。。more

Kate Laack

Let me start by saying, I don’t always love first person narrators。 However, some authors do them so well, creating characters who are honest, earnest, and not afraid to show their flaws, that I can’t imagine the story being told any other way。 That was WHAT WE REMEMBER for me。 。Isabel is a hospital chaplain questioning her faith and still reeling from a trauma suffered year earlier。 Since “that day,” as it referred to through most of the book, Isabel has withdrawn from her friends and family, t Let me start by saying, I don’t always love first person narrators。 However, some authors do them so well, creating characters who are honest, earnest, and not afraid to show their flaws, that I can’t imagine the story being told any other way。 That was WHAT WE REMEMBER for me。 。Isabel is a hospital chaplain questioning her faith and still reeling from a trauma suffered year earlier。 Since “that day,” as it referred to through most of the book, Isabel has withdrawn from her friends and family, trying any means possible to push away confronting what’s happened。 。Then she meets Opal, a patient at the hospital suffering from dementia。 As Isabel takes over Opal’s care and tries to help her hang onto the memories she has left, she’s subsequently pushed to face her own memories。 Memories she’s buried deep to try and forget。 。I LOVED the relationships in this book, all of which rang so true to the conflicts and uncertainties faced by the characters。 Evan and Isabel’s hesitant friendship。 Opal’s warmth and openness in the face of her illness。 Isabel’s complicated dynamic with her parents。 Theo’s wariness, and then forgiveness。 They were all messy but authentic, complex but endearing。 。WHAT WE REMEMBER is a gem! Keep the Kleenex handy! 。。。more

Kim Garrow

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review。What We Rememberby Sarah EchavarrePub Date: 10 Jan 2023This book is an emotional look at the many different faces of grief。 The author does a wonderful job of not sugar coating the anger, sadness, overwhelming sense of loss and the many ways someone handles (or not handles) their grief。 Isabel is a character in denial of her grief over something that happened on "that day" over two years ago that she never talks abou Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review。What We Rememberby Sarah EchavarrePub Date: 10 Jan 2023This book is an emotional look at the many different faces of grief。 The author does a wonderful job of not sugar coating the anger, sadness, overwhelming sense of loss and the many ways someone handles (or not handles) their grief。 Isabel is a character in denial of her grief over something that happened on "that day" over two years ago that she never talks about。 There is a bit of mystery because the reader does not find out anything to do with that situation until late in the book。 Evan is currently dealing with a loss as his grandmother Opal does not recognize him as her condition takes more of her memories。 The relationships between the characters are so wonderfully written and everything and everyone feels so genuine。 You become absolutely invested in all their stories and just want happiness and healing to find all of them。 。。。more

Kindle Worm

We know that something happened to Isabel on “that day”, something that has traumatized her and has made her shut her life off from family and friends。 As an interfaith chaplain at the hospital, a job she enjoys, she feels like a fraud as she has lost her faith。 When an altercation leaves her suspended from her position for ninety days, she takes the job as caregiver to Opal, a woman she met at the hospital with dementia。 As she cares for Opal, she takes a closer look at the life she’s living an We know that something happened to Isabel on “that day”, something that has traumatized her and has made her shut her life off from family and friends。 As an interfaith chaplain at the hospital, a job she enjoys, she feels like a fraud as she has lost her faith。 When an altercation leaves her suspended from her position for ninety days, she takes the job as caregiver to Opal, a woman she met at the hospital with dementia。 As she cares for Opal, she takes a closer look at the life she’s living and reconnects with her best friend and parents。 The one main stay throughout has been her sister Chantel。 They have remained close and Chantel lives with Isabel when she’s not working as a traveling nurse。 While caring for Opal, Isabel meets her grandson Evan and they draw close together as they care for Opal。 When Isabel’s trauma comes to a head, it’s a shock when we hear her story。 Will she be able to overcome again or will she once again shut herself off from those that love her。 This book was beautifully written。 Opal was an absolute delight and the unique care Isabel and Evan came up with was completely heartwarming。 This story will touch your heart and is one you won’t soon forget! Thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an ARC of this book。 。。。more

E。 R。

The main character of this book has been dealing with grief and loss of faith for two years and two months。 After the traumatic experience that has haunted the main character has alienated her from family and friends, she has a turning point in which she takes care of an elderly patient suffering with dementia。 This situation helps the main character go through her journey towards healing, fixing her relationships with others, and gaining a special relationship with a new person in her life。This The main character of this book has been dealing with grief and loss of faith for two years and two months。 After the traumatic experience that has haunted the main character has alienated her from family and friends, she has a turning point in which she takes care of an elderly patient suffering with dementia。 This situation helps the main character go through her journey towards healing, fixing her relationships with others, and gaining a special relationship with a new person in her life。This Sarah Echavarre book is sometimes easy-to-read, and yet there are times when it's also hard-to-read。 The subject of this literary work is deeply touching and easily relatable。 Thus, why the book gave me mixed emotions throughout my reading。 I did like the main character as she went through changes from the beginning to the end of this book。 I liked the supportive secondary characters that surrounded her and the family that were there for the elderly patient。 It's a rough journey but one where you cheer for the main character。 Though there were some parts of the book that I would have liked to have some more details, but that's a personal preference of mine and not a deterrent of my enjoyment of the book。 Overall, a touching Sarah Echavarre book。**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy。 All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own。** 。。。more

Canthavetoomanybooks

[🇬🇧//critique en Français plus bas]I really didn't know what to expect with this book, and it has been one of my most beautiful reading surprises the last few months! This novel tells the story of Isabel, a chaplain in a hospital, who seeks a new meaning to her life following a heavy trauma。Through her meeting with Opal, a patient suffering from dementia, Isabel will begin an introspection that will transform her and allow how to resume the course of her life。With "What we remember", Sarah Echav [🇬🇧//critique en Français plus bas]I really didn't know what to expect with this book, and it has been one of my most beautiful reading surprises the last few months! This novel tells the story of Isabel, a chaplain in a hospital, who seeks a new meaning to her life following a heavy trauma。Through her meeting with Opal, a patient suffering from dementia, Isabel will begin an introspection that will transform her and allow how to resume the course of her life。With "What we remember", Sarah Echavarre offers us a very moving novel, which addresses the difficulties that illness and the loss of loved ones can present。 The outcome of this novel surprised me as much as it moved me, and I rarely cried so much because of a book! A wonderful novel that I can only invite you to read![🇫🇷//English review above]Je ne savais pas à quoi m’attendre avec ce livre, et ça a été l’une de mes plus belles surprises lecture de ces derniers mois ! Ce roman raconte l’histoire d’Isabel, aumônière dans un hôpital, qui cherche à redonner un sens à sa vie suite à un lourd traumatisme。Par sa rencontre avec Opal, une patiente atteinte de démence, Isabel va entamer une introspection qui va la transformer et lui permettre de reprendre le cours de sa vie。 Avec « What we remember », Sarah Echavarre nous propose un roman très émouvant, qui aborde les difficultés que peuvent présenter la maladie et la perte d’êtres chers。 Le dénouement de ce roman m’a autant surprise qu’il m’a émue, et je crois que j’ai rarement autant pleuré à cause d’un livre ! Un livre magnifique que je ne peux que vous inviter à lire !Thanks to Netgalley for sending me this book in exchange of an honest review。 。。。more

Sarah Cotton

I am a big of Sarah Echavarre, and have read a number of her romance novels。 I was excited to experience her writing in a different genre。There was a lot about this book that I enjoyed - the general concept, the big twist, and the relationship between Isabel and Opal, and Opal's family。 I loved Isabel's journey, and where she ended up。 I adored Opal - to me, she was the star of this book。 I was incredibly invested in her and her happiness。 What I struggled with and what ultimately hurt my enjoym I am a big of Sarah Echavarre, and have read a number of her romance novels。 I was excited to experience her writing in a different genre。There was a lot about this book that I enjoyed - the general concept, the big twist, and the relationship between Isabel and Opal, and Opal's family。 I loved Isabel's journey, and where she ended up。 I adored Opal - to me, she was the star of this book。 I was incredibly invested in her and her happiness。 What I struggled with and what ultimately hurt my enjoyment of this book was the dialogue。 It felt like there was just too much of it, and it took away from the story。 A fair amount of it felt unnecessary and repetitive。 。。。more

Natalie

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 I have read other books by this author so I’m familiar with her work。 However, this one was different than her other novels。 This one dealt with heartbreak, trauma , loss of faith trying to find your purpose in life 。Isabel is a chaplain who feels as if she’s a fraud because of her loss of beliefs。 She mentioned throughout the book about That day without getting into much detail。 At first, I got frustrated that she kept mentioning it as That day instead of sharing, but the character needed to te I have read other books by this author so I’m familiar with her work。 However, this one was different than her other novels。 This one dealt with heartbreak, trauma , loss of faith trying to find your purpose in life 。Isabel is a chaplain who feels as if she’s a fraud because of her loss of beliefs。 She mentioned throughout the book about That day without getting into much detail。 At first, I got frustrated that she kept mentioning it as That day instead of sharing, but the character needed to tell us her own story in her own time。 My heart broke for her when I realized what that day actually entailed。 People have their own way of grieving and we really got a raw insight to Isabel’s 。 Her relationship with Evan was genuine and I felt the progression felt natural。 There wasn’t much spicy romance between them,but I felt that it would have taken away from the storyline。 She found her true purpose and so much more 。 This book had me in all the feels and had me in tears during one specific part。 It was a truly beautiful story and an important one that needed to be told。 I ended up rating this 5 stars 。 。。。more

Nicoletta

I didn't like it; I found the story predictable and a little too sappy, maybe it is not my genre of fiction。 Thanks NetGalley and the editor for the ARC I didn't like it; I found the story predictable and a little too sappy, maybe it is not my genre of fiction。 Thanks NetGalley and the editor for the ARC 。。。more

Ann T

I didn’t really know what I was falling into when started this wonderful book。 It pulled me in so quickly and had me instantly absorbed。 The characters were lovely, particularly Opal, who despite having dementia was such a wise, knowing character。 There wasn’t a huge feeling a character development, none of the characters showed huge flaws or were a standout villain (in my mind)。 Initially the plot seemed a bit contrived and too nicely falling into place。 I wasn’t sure whether it would be a bit I didn’t really know what I was falling into when started this wonderful book。 It pulled me in so quickly and had me instantly absorbed。 The characters were lovely, particularly Opal, who despite having dementia was such a wise, knowing character。 There wasn’t a huge feeling a character development, none of the characters showed huge flaws or were a standout villain (in my mind)。 Initially the plot seemed a bit contrived and too nicely falling into place。 I wasn’t sure whether it would be a bit saccharine and nicely packaged up, Regardless of this the book worked really well and when suddenly you are on the final page you realise the author Sarah Echavarre, has done a splendid job at drawing out numerous big themes and in the process wrapped the reader in a giant hug。Three of the standout themes were grief, dementia and family。 I loved the way Sarah Echavarre, approached dementia and focussed on ways carers can help those amid this tough disease find happiness。 This approach was so gentle and kind and heart warming。 It personally helped me find a positive way to meet this horrible disease。The grief in this book was palpable。 I didn’t read lots of reviews prior to starting this book, if I had I would have been prepared and had the giant box of tissues alongside。 Any initial thought of this book being saccharine quickly departed as I found myself gulping, sobbing, dripping tears before I knew what had hit me。 While this book will have you sobbing in a pool of tears it is like a giant warm hug。 It pulls you in and comforts you until the very last page, leaving you feeling happy and hopeful。 Thank you Sarah Echavarre, lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in return for my honest review。 I highly recommend this wonderful book。 。。。more

KDRBCK

What We Remember by S。 Echavarre, published by Lake Union Publishing, is a full-length, stand-alone novel。Isabel is a hospital chaplain, freshly suspended she lost her faith。 Tragedy struck 2 years ago and she just cat let it go。 It made her world crumble, now she's back picking up the pieces。 And there's Opal, an elderly patient and Evan, her grandson。 Both are about to play a important role in this story。I started reading and soon I couldn't put the book down anymore。An intriguing read, heart- What We Remember by S。 Echavarre, published by Lake Union Publishing, is a full-length, stand-alone novel。Isabel is a hospital chaplain, freshly suspended she lost her faith。 Tragedy struck 2 years ago and she just cat let it go。 It made her world crumble, now she's back picking up the pieces。 And there's Opal, an elderly patient and Evan, her grandson。 Both are about to play a important role in this story。I started reading and soon I couldn't put the book down anymore。An intriguing read, heart-wrenching, warm and sweet, touchy feely and twisty at the same time, emotional, unputdoenable, a beautiful 2。chances story that stays with me。 。。。more

Margie Shaw

What We Remember by Sarah Echavarre was a very emotional read for me。 I must admit, I cried through a lot of it。 It was my first time reading this author and I found her writing very easy to read all the while giving me all the feels because her characters were just so warm and welcoming。 It’s a story about a young woman named Isabel who has experienced a great tragedy in her life。 For the longest time, the author does not let you know exactly what that tragedy is but when she does, you the read What We Remember by Sarah Echavarre was a very emotional read for me。 I must admit, I cried through a lot of it。 It was my first time reading this author and I found her writing very easy to read all the while giving me all the feels because her characters were just so warm and welcoming。 It’s a story about a young woman named Isabel who has experienced a great tragedy in her life。 For the longest time, the author does not let you know exactly what that tragedy is but when she does, you the reader totally understand what Isabel is feeling and why she has acted like she has。 It’s a story of loss, of a family and friendship that is there to deal with the aftermath and yet it’s a story of love。 I liked how the author included a side story of Alzheimer’s among other things in her storyline。 I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it to readers of all genres。 It’s a story of life and everyone can learn from it。 I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I found on the Read Now section。 I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more by this new author in the future。 I’m giving this a much deserved 5 star rating! 。。。more

Krissy

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an eARC copyAn emotional journey of finding yourself after tragedy, learning to let people in, and being compassionateIsabel is a chaplain in a hospital, currently dealing or not dealing with a tragic event that happened 2 years ago。 She is struggling with her faith, and has a day at work where she meets an elderly dementia patient and also gets suspended from work for an altercation with a doctor。 A job being a caretaker for the eld Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an eARC copyAn emotional journey of finding yourself after tragedy, learning to let people in, and being compassionateIsabel is a chaplain in a hospital, currently dealing or not dealing with a tragic event that happened 2 years ago。 She is struggling with her faith, and has a day at work where she meets an elderly dementia patient and also gets suspended from work for an altercation with a doctor。 A job being a caretaker for the elderly patient falls into her lap and pushes her to finally start dealing with her trauma, and rebuilding the relationship in her life。 This was a very beautiful story, with emotions you could feel through the page。 The idea of compassion woven through the story was heartwarming。 Some of the side characters were not as fleshed out, but Isabel's journey was very solid。 。。。more

Michelle

A full emotionally charged book; I couldn't read this one fast enough, as this is easily one of my favorite genre's。 I love when an author can bring me to tears, and the author definitely did with this spectacular read。Isabel has lost her faith, which isn't easy to do when she's a chaplain, but her trauma has caused her to become withdrawn and she has pulled away from everyone she knows and loves。 I fully felt connected to the main character, and had a full box of tissue next to me throughout。 T A full emotionally charged book; I couldn't read this one fast enough, as this is easily one of my favorite genre's。 I love when an author can bring me to tears, and the author definitely did with this spectacular read。Isabel has lost her faith, which isn't easy to do when she's a chaplain, but her trauma has caused her to become withdrawn and she has pulled away from everyone she knows and loves。 I fully felt connected to the main character, and had a full box of tissue next to me throughout。 This definitely won't be the last book I read from this author; cannot wait for the next one。 。。。more

Elizabeth

A lovely story about Isabel, a hospital chaplain who is at a turning point in her life。 She had suffered a major trauma a couple of years earlier and the beginning of the story leaves us wondering what this distressing event was。 All is revealed later in the book as Isabel becomes close to Opal, an elderly lady with dementia, and her family。 A very touching and beautiful story of grief, romance, relationships and life。

☆☆☆Bibliolatrist Jordan☆☆☆

Overall: ☆☆☆ (3。2)Writing style: ☆☆☆Entertainment ☆☆☆Characters ☆☆Plot: ☆☆☆Ending:☆☆☆ First and foremost, I would love to thank Net-Galley, the author, and publishers for allowing me the opportunity to obtain an ARC copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review。 So I think I am the outlier on this one。 The other ARC reviews lean more towards a 5 star review。 For me, literary fiction that leaves me reeling and thinking for days after closing a book are deserving of a 5 star。 This one did no Overall: ☆☆☆ (3。2)Writing style: ☆☆☆Entertainment ☆☆☆Characters ☆☆Plot: ☆☆☆Ending:☆☆☆ First and foremost, I would love to thank Net-Galley, the author, and publishers for allowing me the opportunity to obtain an ARC copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review。 So I think I am the outlier on this one。 The other ARC reviews lean more towards a 5 star review。 For me, literary fiction that leaves me reeling and thinking for days after closing a book are deserving of a 5 star。 This one did not do that for me。 At about 40%, I felt we were headed on more of a romantic prose novel; and after reading her About Author excerpt, I can understand,  as the author also writes many rom-coms。 For me, romance novels are a major turn off。 Now, I can deal with romance aspects in a novel。 Obviously,  characters fall in love too。 But I can not stand the boy meets girl, boy and girl don't get a long, boy and girl are forced to be together through some random incident, boy and girl fall in love trope。 It is just so unrealistic and a very immature writing style。 Therefore,  the author got a pretty low writing grade from me。 Her redemption was that twist! I did not see that and very much appreciated it。 It also gives answers as to what happened on "That Day", which I wasn't sure would be elaborated on。 And I'm glad it was。 To be honest, the novel was not terrible。  It has very rom-com style of writing, and if that is your niche, you may enjoy。 I think I was more disappointed because I was needing something more and I couldn't personally connect with characters。 。。。more

Jessica

Isabel has cut herself off from just about everyone and everything since a traumatic event。 But then she meets Opal who has dementia and needs a caretaker。 Can these two comfort each other and help one another? Isabel is able to get back to living with the help of Opal, her family, and others。 A heartwarming story!

Kimberly Barnes

What We Remember follows the life of Isabel, a hospital chaplain。 We become aware early in the novel that she has suffered a traumatic event 2 years prior however, we are not told what has occurred。 She has shut out her friends and family and lives an isolated life between work and home。 Things begin to unravel for her at work when she loses her temper and is suspended from work for months。 She is now out of a job and requires money to pay her rent。 She becomes a caregiver an elderly woman with What We Remember follows the life of Isabel, a hospital chaplain。 We become aware early in the novel that she has suffered a traumatic event 2 years prior however, we are not told what has occurred。 She has shut out her friends and family and lives an isolated life between work and home。 Things begin to unravel for her at work when she loses her temper and is suspended from work for months。 She is now out of a job and requires money to pay her rent。 She becomes a caregiver an elderly woman with dementia, Opal。 Caring for Opal allows Isabel to see the influence of family and importance in nurturing family relationships。 Eventually, the tragedy is revealed, and we discover more information and secrets that change what I thought happened throughout the book。 This book was a heartwarming, tear jerker。 I highly recommend it。 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Intriga WH

Isabel suffered trauma two years prior and she decided to shut out the world。 That includes her family and friends。 She decides to change her scenery and takes a job as a caretaker to a dementia patient。 While taking care of this patient she starts to reexamine her life and the choices she had made。 An exceptionally written story about a woman finding her destiny and freeing herself。 Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC, I received an advance review copy for Isabel suffered trauma two years prior and she decided to shut out the world。 That includes her family and friends。 She decides to change her scenery and takes a job as a caretaker to a dementia patient。 While taking care of this patient she starts to reexamine her life and the choices she had made。 An exceptionally written story about a woman finding her destiny and freeing herself。 Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily。 。。。more

Books By Your Bedside

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review。The first thing that strikes me about this book is how sensitive and caring and respectful it is, about all the topics involved, including social anxiety, mental health, physical illness, loss, grief, childbirth, and most of all, dementia。 It is a gentle book with gentle words。I lost my Nan to dementia in 2016 and so many of my experiences were shown in this book。 Luckily, she always seemed to k Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review。The first thing that strikes me about this book is how sensitive and caring and respectful it is, about all the topics involved, including social anxiety, mental health, physical illness, loss, grief, childbirth, and most of all, dementia。 It is a gentle book with gentle words。I lost my Nan to dementia in 2016 and so many of my experiences were shown in this book。 Luckily, she always seemed to know who I was, but seeing the woman who helped my parents raise me, the woman with whom I spent so much time, the woman who gave me my love of books and reading, and who really was my best friend deteriorate like that, it is horrible。 In morbid comparison, I lost my dad the year after from cancer and as hard as that was, he was still himself to the day before he died。 Dementia doesn’t give you that。 It robs you of the person long before their death and it’s horrible。 Sarah has captured this so perfectly - and I wonder if she has had personal experience - it is like looking into a time machine。 It is beautiful and had me crying on more than one occasion。There’s no getting around the fact that this is an emotional punch of a book。 I wasn’t expecting the turns it would take and it got to me。 The way she is able to depict grief in 300 pages is just beautiful。I felt Isabel was a good main character。 She’s so human, with doubts and hope, joy and sadness。 She’s not perfect but she wants to try。 I also loved Opal (unsurprisingly, she reminded me of my Nan) and I really liked Keely and Evan。 They were great with Isabel and helped her story progress。 I don’t think there was a bad character amongst them。If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself fighting off tears for a majority of the time。 In sadness and grief, heartbreak, love and happiness; it’s just a really lovely, beautiful book。I read it one sitting。 It was torrential rain outside, I curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea, and just lost myself in the story。 It is my first book of hers but I’ll definitely be reading more。 。。。more

Kacey

4。5 stars - great characters and compelling story。 Loved the character of Opal and everything she brought to a narrative that is rarely explored in popular fiction。

Jessica

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC。 This book。 🥺 I was definitely not expecting a twist, but there was definitely a twist! The writing was phenomenal。 Great story! I liked all of the characters and I felt as if I could relate a few times, which I do think is helpful, as a reader。 The story absolutely gutted me。 Never would’ve thought, for the reason it did, though!

Anne

This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last! I was drawn in Immediately to Isabel’s story and felt connected to her throughout。 I kept trying to imagine what That Day (trauma) held for her but I was completely wrong and I like that because it bodes for good storytelling!I also enjoyed the emotional depth and accuracy that the author gave to the characters (not just Isabel but also Anna and Ethan and Isabel’s parents。 I loved the character of Opal and found her to be a grounding This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last! I was drawn in Immediately to Isabel’s story and felt connected to her throughout。 I kept trying to imagine what That Day (trauma) held for her but I was completely wrong and I like that because it bodes for good storytelling!I also enjoyed the emotional depth and accuracy that the author gave to the characters (not just Isabel but also Anna and Ethan and Isabel’s parents。 I loved the character of Opal and found her to be a grounding presence throughout the story。I did find it strange, though, as a hospital chaplain with faith before That Day, that Isabel didn’t seek help until more than two years later。 But I did like how most people in her life gave her permission to let her grief journey be what it was。 Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Lori

This book is so enjoyable。 The characters were quirky and lovable。 I just loved Opal and her gin martinis。 This book is about love and loss and I truly enjoyed it。 Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review。