I started this book in the morning around 11 and finished by early evening. It was such a good read and very hard to put down. (And I did have to put it down to make lunch and take care of my family.)

The glimpse into the complicated mother/dauhter relationships of two generations broke my heart and left me hopeful. It made me want to call my mother just to chat and then take my teenage daughter out shopping.

We are only human, children of dust, and once we accept that in ourself as well as in those we love, we will sleep in peace. ( )

A bond between a mother and a daughter is a beautiful thing. This book shows how a bond can be broken and how with God's help and forgiveness, which includes forgiving yourself, it can be restored.

A mother and daughter, on the eve of the latter’s wedding, delve into the emotional wounds that keep them apart. Told from alternating points of view, Jackina Stark’s latest, Things Worth Remembering explores the consequences of our actions, and how choices aren’t made in a vacuum. This is a gently and honestly told story about familial fidelity and forgiveness. Stark examines the wounds within families, particularly between mothers and daughters, and does a passable job of sketching her characters. What might have made the story a little better would be to tone down the “sweetness” at times, broaden the story structure, and do away with telling it in the present tense. Stark has the right idea, but only gets so far dealing with inner wounds; the redemptive parts of the story wrap-up a bit tidier than feels realistic to the reader. She could have gone so much deeper. ( )

This is the second novel I've read by this author, and she is fast becoming one of my favorites. I got my review copy from Bethany House. If I had to describe the writing style of Jackina Stark in one word, it would be "tenderhearted." She manages to tell a deeply profound story with a delicate pen.

Relationships between mothers and grown daughters are complex, but the one depicted in this Christian fiction has the reader searching for clues as what could have caused their once-close relationship to crumble. The reader quickly discovers that there is a gulf between this mother and child.

Written in first person narrative in the voices of these two main characters: Kendy, the mother, who strives to regain the closeness she once enjoyed with her now grown daughter, and Maizey, the daughter who rebuffs all efforts to spend any alone time with her mother. As Maizey's wedding day approaches, memories surface that help shed light on the breach of that fateful summer.

The plot moves at a steady pace, urging the reader to read on--this is a hard book to put down. Characters are well rounded--flawed--believable. I found myself relating to both mother and daughter. Even secondary characters are fleshed out such that the reader can understand their motivations. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and its theme of love and forgiveness. I trust that you will too. ( )

This is an interesting story that is told in the first person voice alternating between a mother and daughter. This story reminds the reader of the importance of being honest and talking things through with those you love when something big happens. Secrets can destroy relationships while honesty can restore a relationship. ( )