The Things We Knew

GIVEAWAY

WEST, CATHERINE
THE THING WE KNEW

When their tragic past begins to resurface, can he help her remember the things she can't?

After her mother's death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to blame their father for their mother's death, but nobody will talk about that tragic day. And Lynette's memory only speaks through nightmares.

Then Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, bringing the past with him. Once Lynette's adolescent crush, Nick knows more about her mother's death than he lets on. The truth could tear apart his own family -- and destroy his fragile friendship with Lynette, the woman he no longer thinks of as a kid sister.

As their father's failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets surface that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question their faith, their willingness to forgive, and the very truth of all the things they thought they knew.

My Review:

Heartbreaking and hope-inspiring all in one unforgettable read.

West explores the complicated relationships in a broken family with such depth and clarity that it blew my mind. I was completely riveted, committed to championing each of the Carlisles as they struggle to navigate their way through a family crisis. As they tackle issues surrounding their father's health, they unwittingly uncover buried secrets that have left deep scars on every single one of the siblings.

The Carlisles and their surrogate brother, Nick, are fettered by events of the past and it's time to leave the darkness behind. Trouble is, they have all become adept at keeping their own secrets -- each fighting private battles that would have been made so much easier with the support of the ones who love them most. West has done a wonderful job with the family dynamics. Brutal honesty comes to light as layers of dysfunction are painfully pulled away. It is only then that we get a glimmer of what can be possible when faith and mercy are embraced and forgiveness extended. A breathtaking testimony to the emotional healing possible through Jesus Christ.

The relationship between Lynette and Nick is just as complicated. Their scenes crackle with energy and longing. Love Nick's fortitude, his dedication to the Carlisle family, his desire to champion Lynnie even when she refuses his aid. Overwhelmed with problems at home, Lynette isn't about to fall for the 'boy next door'. Especially since she doesn't understand his abrupt departure years ago. But Nick's relentless determination to help renews their friendship and it isn't long before her heart is aching for something more.

Honestly, I'm not ready to let these characters go. I need to find out what the future has in store for Gray and Liz and Ryan and David...and of course Nick and Lynette. I'm praying fervently that this is just the beginning of many Carlisle stories to come.

An emotionally gripping story that will keep you spellbound.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me with a copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/cwest

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Things We Knew please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 21 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!