Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark is a slow and steady story that resonates with real life. I enjoyed my time spent reading this novel. It’s a novel that shows us the importance of forgiveness of both others and ourselves in order to move on and live our lives to the fullest.
Things Worth Remembering alternates between mother and daughter, Kendy and Maisey. Kendy was told she couldn’t have children so when Maisey was born it was a very big event. Kendy adored her daughter more than life itself and they had the perfect relationship until one day as Maisey was approaching her teenage years something happened and then they didn’t. Maisey witnessed something that changed the very way she felt about her mother and not in a good way.
At this time Kendy was going through a hard time with depression caused by a few things in her life. She withdrew completely from her husband Luke and Maisey. She didn’t get out of bed, didn’t open the curtains, didn’t cook and most importantly shut her daughter right out of her life. For Maisey, especially after having her illusions of her mother shattered, this was the last straw. She began spending time with only her father, turning to him for everything. She spent time with her friends and swimming – she learned to fill her time – she didn’t need a mother anymore or so she thought.
After a while Kendy feels better and starts to come back into her life but is it too late? Maisey has definitely moved on. Now she does everything she can to avoid talking to her mother or spending time with her. For Kendy’s part, she’s bewildered but then again she has no idea that Maisey saw something that destroyed a part of her where her mother was concerned.
Now Maisey is grown up and getting married. She hasn’t wanted Kendy to be a part of any of the plans and of course Kendy is hurt but she hasn’t stirred up any trouble; this is Maisey’s time. However Maisey’s soon to be husband Marcus isn’t one to let things go that are troubling him and he has no problem telling Maisey that he doesn’t like how she treats her mother. This sets off a chain of events from which there is no return. The only way is forward to forgiveness and healing.
This is a Christian fiction novel but not in an overwhelming way at all. Towards the end of the novel is really more where you notice the Christian element in learning to trust our faith and learning to forgive. It’s a good story with a good lesson; bitterness will eat you up but forgiveness will set you free.
You can buy Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark here in the US and here in Canada. Be sure to visit Jackina’s website as well!
My Thanks…to Bethany House for my review copy of Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark.
Wow! I love that cover Dar, it is so pretty!
And the story is touching! I am sure – despite the fact that it is slow, it is going to be a good read for me as well!
I will keep an eye out for this one!
I love to read about mother and daughter relationships. This sounds really good. Relationships are just so hard aren't they.
This sounds like an emotional book, one that I probably would like. Thanks for the recommendation!
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
It does sound good, and I am happy to hear that those Christian elements are not too in your face if you can say that. I want to enjoy a book, and not get a sermon
I love this cover!!
You really have me wondering what the daughter saw that hurt the relationship!
Lovely cover, and sounds like a nice story.
Very well written review – one that makes me want to read this. Thanks!
This sounds like a book that I would love! I also love the cover.
This book sounds like one I would enjoy reading, so thanks for the review and for leaving a mystery of what the daughter saw.
Forgiveness is so liberating, I agree. Holding anger can create illness and sadness in the person holding on to it.
Good review!
Don't know if i'm ready for a mother daughter book yet tho.
I like books about mothers/daughters. Loved Jackina's Tender Grace and will be reading this one. Great review Dar.
Sounds lovely.
Very thoughtful review ! Love the message the book is giving !
Love the cover too.I'll check this one out soon.
Without forgiveness it is very hard to move on…sounds like a great book!
Gorgeous book cover. And the book sounds great.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I saw this in the bookstore, and seriously considered getting it. I just haven't done that yet. Lol. The cover is captivating.
Well done review. Thanks for the information.
Well done review. Thanks for the information.
Well done review. Thanks for the information.
Well done review. Thanks for the information.
Well done review. Thanks for the information.
Your review stirred my feelings so I can't imagnie what the book must be like. Sounds like a beautiful story Dar. Thanskd for the recommendation.
Thank you for the review,Dar. After reading it ..this books goes on my TBR list!
The cover is so pretty. Nice Review Dar. Another one that I might have passed if I hadn't read your review.
This one sounds good! I like reading Christian fiction when it's not too preahcy and it's well done. It sounds as though this book does it very well and I will be adding it to my wish list. Thanks for the great review, Dar!
I like the sound of this one. I enjoy Christian fiction and this one will go into my wish list. Thanks for the review, Dar!