10.31.2009

My Review: Things Worth Remebering by Jackina Stark


Things Worth Remembering
by Jackina Stark

Christian Fiction/Contemporary

Bethany House Publishers
Copyright 2009
Pages: 316
ISBN: 9780764207112


An Emotionally Gripping Story of Broken Relationships Restored

Kendy Laswell and her daughter, Maisey, used to do everything together--until one fateful summer when Maisey witnessed something she shouldn't have, and their relationship fractured. Now, Maisey is back home to get married and Kendy realizes this is her last chance to reconnect with her daughter. Will Kendy and Maisey be able to reclaim the bond they once shared?

Maisey asked for a bride doll the Christmas she was five, mesmerized by her aunt's wedding the fall before. Since then I've been dreaming of the day, or days, we would shop for her wedding dress. A mother helping her daughter find just the right creation for that momentous walk down the aisle strikes me as one of life's happiest endeavors. The night she called to tell us she'd bought her "dream of a gown," I sat beside Luke on the couch, a striking contrast to Maisey's exuberance.


My dejection seemed a tad inappropriate. "Being hurt because I wasn't included is silly, isn't it?" I asked.

"Not so silly," he said.

Will I ever quit longing for the Maisey who was once mine?


My Thoughts:

Things Worth Remembering is a touching story of a mother and daughter who have a very detached relationship, due to a horrible secret that has been kept for the past nine years. The story takes place during the week before Maisey and Marcus' upcoming wedding. They have come home, to Maisey's parents house, to get things in order before the big day. After a few days spent with the Laswell's, Marcus begins to notice that Maisey either completely ignores her mother, Kendy, or treats her very insolently. He finally confronts her with his observation, which causes a massive family struggle to finally confront the secret that has been the cause of all their anger and hurt.

The book goes back and forth between Kendy's and Maisey's points-of-view throughout the entire story. At first I thought it was going to be a problem, but once I became engrossed in their lives, I didn't even notice. This is not my normal choice of reading; I prefer contemporary and historical romances, but decided to give this book a try...the beautiful cover is partly why I chose it. I'm so glad I did...I thoroughly enjoyed it! I can't wait to read more books by Ms. Stark.

If you'd like to find out more about Jackina Stark and/or her books, be sure to visit her at: www.jackinastark.com.

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers*


CymLowell

10 comments:

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

Glad to hear that you enjoyed this book! The cover is really pretty on this! Thanks for yet another great review!

xoxo~ Renee

in which a girl reads said...

Ooh, great review! I'll have to check this one out--and I agree, the cover is beautiful :)

G.R.I.T.S. said...

Great Review!!! Sounds like a good one!

Rae

Margaret Metz said...

I was going to say the cover is gorgeous... (so is your blog btw)

You've never read a book where they switch points of view like that? I've heard it's common in romances and I read a poll that said most readers like to read a book from both the male & female points of view. Not true?

I also read that covers sell books and we know that one is true. lol

Great review ~ thanks for sharing.

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Hello ladies ~ thanks for dropping by!

LEE ~ I can't remember a single book, off the top of my head, where the POV's were like this book. Each chapter covers Kendy's and Maisey's POV for that day (each weekday up 'til the wedding)...it was a little weird at first.

Covers DEFINITELY sell books!! hahaha

brizmus said...

great review - sounds mysterious and beautiful. Sounds like the author did a great job with it!

Julie said...

Looks like a great book! Adding to my TBR.

It is a beautiful cover.

Julie =)

Unknown said...

It's good to go outside the box sometimes. I am doing that more and more these days :)

Great Review!

-CYM

Katy said...

Great review! I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book (like you, it's not my normal kind of read), but I'm a lot more interested after reading your review. :)

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Thank you all for your kind words!

I hope you will pick up a copy for yourselves and give it a try...I'm really glad I did! :)