The Things We Knew

The Carlisle family experienced a great tragedy when their mother died. However, the bigger tragedy was the secrets surrounding the death of Mrs. Carlisle.

Lynette Carlisle, the youngest of the family, was the one who knew the most but was too young to truly comprehend what happened. In order to survive, she repressed her feelings and tried to move past it. Yet, at some point, these feelings need to be faced. The story opens with Lynette having to face the truths locked away for so many years. Nightmares and images haunt her, and she must face the facts in order to fully understand what happened so many years ago.

The novel was a page-turner. The author gave away hints and details slowly and methodically throughout the book. Sometimes, I was frustrated at how slow the details came out. The ending made sense and was not too surprising once all the details came out. The ending also left some doors open for future stories. I am not sure if the author has plans for another book or just let some things left to the imagination of the reader.

Thomas Nelson provided me a free book in exchange for this review which I freely give.

I had heard so many wonderful things about The Things We Knew by Catherine West, and I was definitely not disappointed. The Nantucket setting was wonderful, the characters were fascinating, and the story kept me glued to my seat far into the night. The author took a group of struggling, hurting people and pulled them together into an unforgettable story of forgiveness, mercy, healing, and faith. The way she revealed snippets from the past within the ongoing story was masterful.

I feel the mark of a great story is that it stays with you after you read the last page. This one did that for me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good, clean inspirational read, with elements of romance and suspense thrown in. Catherine West is going on my list of favorite authors.

I received this book for an honest review from The Fiction Guild. It was a wonderful story of a family that had secrets between them but the biggest was the loss of their mother and the sister who was there and couldn't remember it. She was the youngest and dropped out of college to help her dad. Each of other siblings had their problems but none of them really ever talked about it between them and really didn't come home to help. When it becomes a choice of selling the family home they all have to come home to deal with the secrets and actually see what has happened with their dad who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. They were all sorta close growing up and the young man next store who was best friends with Gray but had a falling out when he told him of one of the secrets and caused them to stop talking for 5 years. When you have faith and a lot of hope everything can be gotten over. And the real things is when the older siblings realize that their sister is a talented artist and is able to handle a lot more then they give her credit for. I would recommend this book who wants a really wonderful story about bringing families back together.

Contemporary Woman's Fiction is usually not my genre of choice, but I am glad that I read Catherine West's book, The Thing We Knew. The story is about a family and the bond that keeps them together. I'm sure the story could be related to by every person because of the nature of the family. Alzheimer's Disease affects this family and shows the real struggle of trying to deal with the disease. It is a lot of hard work, but easier if the whole family pitches in and helps. I really enjoyed spending time with this family and enjoyed seeing them learn secrets about their family passed while learning how to cope with the ongoing struggles of their immediate issues. The plot kept moving at a nice clip and held my attention the whole time. I didn't want to put the story down. I finished it in one day. I highly recommend this story to fans of Beth K. Vogt and Katie Ganshert's novels.

I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson publishing and the opinions expressed are all my own.

An unexpected tragedy hits a young family as their beloved mother perishes. The once close-knit family is still reeling from the incident. Broken friendships and strained relations cause the siblings to leave their childhood home and never return until their youngest sister asks them to come home because of their father's health and struggling with his finances.When the Carlisle siblings return home, secret and promises come undone along with past betrayals. Will they be able to forget the past and come together and save their home? Will Lynette be able to remember what happened the night her mother was murdered?

A heart warming story of forgiveness, redemption, love and familial bonds. The novel was an easy going read but provided a lot of twists and turns throughout the novel. I like how the novel had a different type of romantic ending.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Lynette Carlisle was just a young girl when she lost her mother under tragic circumstances. Her older siblings blamed their father and one by one were quick to grow up and move out of Wyldewood, the family estate in Nantucket, MA. As for Lynette, roughly 12 years have passed and she still has virtually no recollection of the events of that night, save for one vague memory of hiding in a closet while sirens wailed in the distance. That, and years of nightmares that terrify her but still tell her nothing.

All of Lynette's siblings have moved out and moved on to their own adult lives now, yet Lynette, now an adult herself, has remained in the family home to care for her father whose mental faculties and finances are rapidly dwindling. Wyldewood is a huge house to upkeep, and even with the combination of her father's pension, her income from her daycare assistant job and selling some of her artwork here and there for a bit extra, they're still barely making ends meet. Lynette gradually finds herself having to consider putting the family home up for sale and her father in a assisted living facility. There's a certain sad humor in the fact that while Lynette struggles to remember her past, the past progressively becomes nearly the only thing her father can clearly recall!

To complicate her emotions even more, Lynette discovers her childhood crush, Nicholas Cooper, has moved back to town. The estranged best friend of Lynette's brother, Gray, Nicholas has returned to Nantucket to help run his father's bank (even though the relationship between them is strained, to say the least). Nicholas was like a surrogate brother to Lynette for much of her childhood, but the last time she saw him was on her 19th birthday, when they shared a kiss ... and then he moved out of town & her life right after. Now working at the local bank, he becomes a financial advisor to her on the matter of Wyldewood but unbeknownst to Lynette, Nicholas knows exactly what happened the night her mother died. The problem is, if he reveals what he knows he risks not only tarnishing the reputation of his own family but also the romantic connection steadily growing between him and Lynette. Lucky for him though, the time for revelations gets delayed thanks to Lynette's focus on getting all her siblings back home to discuss the future of Wyldewood. Bringing everyone together soon reveals the necessity for each person to face the skeletons of their past head-on, if anyone is to have any sort of chance at sustained emotional health & peace.

This novel had an attractive environment going for it, taking place on the island of Nantucket, but really I thought the whole coastal vibe could've been played up more than it was. I didn't feel much that seemed quintessential Nantucket specifically, just characters wandering the beach or going to a local diner to eat bowls of chowder. Literally could've been ANY coastal town.

I also found the characters and the plot itself to be pretty flat. Virtually no surprises for me plot wise. The dialogue was very bland and often it felt a little too scripted for my taste. Rather than being immersed in this town, I felt like I was more a distant observer watching a boring play where everyone recited their lines just so and then curtly exited stage left. When there were scenes of drama it was so overblown that it felt like the book equivalent of a soap opera. It has all the classic earmarks of soaps -- drug addiction, marital affairs, babies out of wedlock, even a wealthy businessman trying to pull off a shady real estate deal. Just mentally insert some swelling instrumentals around those scene breaks and you got yourself a heavily moralistic soap suitable for any of the inspirational / religious cable networks. The book even has a ready-to-go soap title!

Note that this is just my personal experience with this book. There's a mountain of 4 and 5 star reviews for this one all over Goodreads & the store, so I'd say that if the plot intrigues you then grab a copy and try it for yourself. It just happened to miss the mark with this particular reviewer.

FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.

Ms. West’s books will have you digging deep within yourself as you relate to one of the characters or more, in this novel. I am trying to think of what I liked best about it. I loved Lynette. She was this fragile, strong, wonderful character that you just wanted to be friends with. She did what she had to do to help her family, being the strong one, even though they thought she was weak.

There are romantic threads in this story, but that is not the focus at all. Instead, you find yourself addressing the emotional turmoil of having a father with Alzheimers and other twists and turns.

I loved each page of this book! I wanted to savor it and just not let it end. Every book by Catherine West, gets better and better, but this one, I just wanted more. I wanted more stories about the other siblings. I just hope the author can write faster. =) Just look at the cover too. If you are looking for a book to take to the beach this summer, this is the book.

Apparently, Catherine West heard the advice to give your characters secrets and took it to heart. Wow. Every person in this large and tangled cast has a secret or two - or more! And they are doozies!

Well-written, engaging, and suspenseful, this story of neighboring Nantucket families pulled me in right from the start. A real and raw tale with endless opportunity for grace and mercy with a heartwarming romance at its center.

The Things We Knew would make a great beach read, but I enjoyed it at home, imagining the majestic Atlantic coast and the beautiful home that was a backdrop for so many memories - good and bad.

(I received a review copy via NetGalley. Opinions are my own.)

Lynette Carlisle watched her family unravel after her mother died. All her siblings left Nantucket and have not returned. She is trying to take care of her home and her father. But she is having nightmares concerning the day of her mother's death. Was there a sinister reason behind her mother's death? Was her father involved or someone else? Lynette goes to Nicholas Cooper seeking help to finance the repairs her home needs but he is unable to help her with a loan. She summons her siblings home to decide the fate of their home as their father is losing his memory. Will Lynette's siblings come home and be able to help her save their home? Will Lynnie ever remember what happened that day many years ago and will she be able to move past those events? A good read with lots to keep you drawn in. There is some twists and turns and information on all the siblings and their lives.

What started out as a slow story quickly picked up pace as Ms. West pulls the string unraveling Lynette Carlisle's story. With crashing waves and seagulls soaring against the Nantucket setting Ms. West did a fabulous job of drawing me into each of her characters and the mystery surrounding the death of the Carlisle matriarch.

While the pace does pick up with the addition of Lynette's teenage crush, Nicholas Cooper, and her siblings, the story moves methodically. The timing allowed me to discover each new character and their struggles and see the intricate weaving of the mysterious plot unfold.

What I loved about this story was the redemptive hope offered to each character throughout the story. Ms. West delivers a story with relevance that will resonate with readers long after the final page.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Two of my favorite three book genres are mystery and romance (the third one is horror), so reading a novel with both of them blended together was a neat treat for me on Saturday. Yep, I read the book in one morning with several cups of coffee.

I had never heard of the author's name before read this, so I didn't know what to expect when I turned the page to chapter one. It took me three or four chapters to actually get interested into the story; then I just flew right thru the page.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Things We Knew. It's a well-written romance with plenty of drama and a little mystery tossed about.

*I received this book free of charge for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the publisher or author in any way.

Wow, "The Things We Knew" is an intense read from the start to the end filled with characters whom become so real and become wedged into your heart and life. Catherine West does an incredible job with creating two families filled with members whom lives become intertwined once again after so many years and could be the last time or the beginning of a reconnection.

Lynette is the youngest of the five Carlisle siblings and her memories are spotty, but bits and pieces are returning with the return of Nicholas Cooper and then Lynette's siblings as well. As secrets, mystery, the past are all coming together along with the present and they are forced to decide if they can forgive and how strong their faith actually is. There are some different issues discussed and faced by the characters giving so much depth to the characters and the ability to relate to the story.

I'd never read anything of Catherine West's before now when I received this book from the Literary Guild for review. I must remedy that situation soon. This book was totally great, profound and heart stirring.

You can read the synopsis for yourself, but please read this book. West has created a cast of characters that she lets the reader get to know individually and collectively in the story. They seem very real and all have large hearts. The plot is well thought out, in my opinion, and even the scenery, including the weather, speaks out in the story.

Family secrets can sometimes destroy a family. Will they destroy this one? Or will they allow the grace of God to cover the multitude? This was a wonderful book. I am going to be more grace giving as a result of reading this one. And I must read West's other works, too.

*I was given a copy of this book.

About The Author: Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children.

My Thoughts On This Book: I have never read anything by Catherine West, but I can promise you I will be on the lookout for her next book. This book was amazing. Having lived with a mother who had Alzheimer's Disease this book really touched home. I thought this would be an awesome summer read and it was. I took it to the beach and could not put it down. The characters were true to life and the dysfunctionality of the family made it that much more believable. Great plot, full of twists and turns, lots of mystery. This book is a must read.

Layers of intrigue, mystery, and romance weave effortless from Catherine's pen through this tangled family drama constructed around the charming seaside escape of beautiful Nantucket. As always, West writing is lyrical and flawless and completely enrapturing. The characters are complex and relatable. The tension strung with precarious perfection. Even the setting painted with vibrant strokes has such a strong pulse in this story that I found myself adding Nantucket to the top of my travel wish list! And of course, Bermuda. Love Catherine West's books. Always a must read!

This is a a beautiful story of family, redemption, faith, and forgiveness. This is the first book I have read by Catherine West, but it certainly won't be the last. Filled with some heavy subjects, the book is about a family dealing with real issues life brings their way and reuniting with one another. West pulls the reader in from page one and takes you on a journey filled with a depth that pulls at the heart strings throughout the book, and finds you relating and feeling like you are a part of this family. I highly recommend this read and I hope that West decides to write a sequel because I want to spend more time with these folks.

I was given this book by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my review.

After the Mother's death, the 4 siblings left home. Now 12 years later with the father's failing health, money problems. And their home Wyldewood is in disrepair. Lynette / Linny is now seeing them return, with secrets of alcoholism, drugs. And Nicholas / Nick, a neighbor has also returned. Linny always felt he knew more about her mom' s death then what he said. Then his father Anthony, offers to buy Wyldewood. How can 2 dysfunctional families, with all the secrets, find healing. Very well done, bring each character to life and what they had gone thru.
Many will enjoy this family story and how they overcome the secrets in their lives.
Given ARC by Thomas Nelson for my honest opinion.

If you're ready for something heartier and deeper than the typical Christian fiction novel, please consider The Things We Knew. I challenge you to read this book without feeling some sense of connection to at least one of them! Not sure it could be done. The most heartbreaking part of it all was the difficulties with Mr. Carlisle, Lynette's Alzheimer-stricken father. Watching his deterioration hurt me to the core.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions shared are mine.

One of my favorite stories this year! With eloquent expression, Catherine West breathes life into the Carlisle family as their personalities dance across the pages. I loved the complexity of these characters, and the palpable emotions, real and raw, drew me deeper into their lives. The island of Nantucket provides a lovely backdrop for the story which is equal parts heartrending and heartwarming. Beautifully written, The Things We Knew is a compelling story you don't want to miss!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The Things We Knew by Catherine West

This book was sent to me by The Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review. No financial compensation was received, and opinions expressed are my own.

This was my second Catherine West book, and while it isn’t generally a genre I enjoy (I prefer historical fiction), I did enjoy this interesting and engaging story. I’d recommend it for folks who like contemporary Christian fiction with a dash of mystery and some complex familial relationships.

The Things We Knew captured my heart from the beginning. I was sucked into this fictional world and didn't want to get out. I absolutely loved the writing from Catherine West. This book is so easy to read and you feel like you are there experiencing every emotion that is being felt by the characters. I absolutely loved the heroine, Lynnette, and the hero, Nick. Actually, I loved the whole family. I got quite attached during the book and I do hope the story continues into a series. I highly recommend this book!!
*I was given this book for an honest review, which I have given.

Have you ever seen something that you wanted to forget? Lynnie can't remember how her mom died or so she thinks. This book is an emotional roller coaster, that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved how Cathy introduced us to the two families going through difficult life struggles. This is a book about life, and how life is messy; it's also about faith and forgiveness. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!

The story centers around a family from Nantucket, and most specifically around the youngest sister, Lynette. Family history she cannot remember, an old love that is back in the picture and ailing parents, makes this a great summer read! It has everything you would want, but with a spiritual bend that makes it refreshing.

It is a page turner, I did not want to put down. So well written and keeps you wondering until the very end.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions are 100% mine.

After the death of their mother, Lynette's older siblings leave home. Leaving Lynette to struggle with taking care of the aging home, a father with health issues and a memory that is cloudy and haunts her. When a financial and health crisis call the others back we learn just what is haunting Lynnie. I so enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. You really feel their sorrows as well as their joys and find out that families really should stick together.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don't often read fiction books, I usually prefer non-fiction books. But I was intrigued by the description of this story of about 5 siblings. I was not disappointed by this book.

I have completely enjoyed reading this book. It's a great book to read on vacation or sit down and read a chapter or two each night before you go to bed. The characters were interesting and well developed and the story unfolds at a steady pace that will keep you interested and wanting to know more.

West is a master of weaving complicated family dynamics and heart wrenching emotions. Her characters are normal people, so the reader feels a kinship to the people between the pages.
The island of Nantucket is a character in and of itself and the reader will feel his or herself there, with sand in their toes and the wind in their hair.
Awkward and painful family dynamics, the onsite of memory loss, the death of a parent, and the ruined and yet still remembered dreams of what could have been will stay with the read long after Lynnie and Nick figure out where they're going.

Have you ever seen something that you wanted to forget? Lynnie can't remember how her mom died or so she thinks. This book is an emotional roller coaster, that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved how Cathy introduced us to the two families going through difficult life struggles. This is a book about life, and how life is messy; it's also about faith and forgiveness. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!

The story centers around a family from Nantucket, and most specifically around the youngest sister, Lynette. Family history she cannot remember, an old love that is back in the picture and ailing parents, makes this a great summer read! It has everything you would want, but with a spiritual bend that makes it refreshing.

It is a page turner, I did not want to put down. So well written and keeps you wondering until the very end.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions are 100% mine.

After the death of their mother, Lynette's older siblings leave home. Leaving Lynette to struggle with taking care of the aging home, a father with health issues and a memory that is cloudy and haunts her. When a financial and health crisis call the others back we learn just what is haunting Lynnie. I so enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. You really feel their sorrows as well as their joys and find out that families really should stick together.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don't often read fiction books, I usually prefer non-fiction books. But I was intrigued by the description of this story of about 5 siblings. I was not disappointed by this book.

I have completely enjoyed reading this book. It's a great book to read on vacation or sit down and read a chapter or two each night before you go to bed. The characters were interesting and well developed and the story unfolds at a steady pace that will keep you interested and wanting to know more.

Whew, this book took me on an emotional roller coaster! These characters were very well developed and the story line was completely captivating. I laughed with these characters, cried with them, and felt my heart break for them on several occasions. But when good happened I also felt such joy for them. This is a story of God's love and redemption and the unbreakable bond shared between siblings. Such a great read. *I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

There are so many complex and serious issues discussed in this book that make it an honest, beautiful and healing novel. I love the story line of both Nick and Lynette and the healing that must take place in both families in order to move forward with life.

This book was a great reminder that hope, faith and love really can conquer all. I am eager to read more from Catherine West in the future! I think she is a very talented author!

I newly discovered Catherine West. This is the second book I’ve read do hers. Love the way she spins a story. Hooked from the first chapter. Great character development and I appreciate that her characters have flaws. Highly recommend.

What a charming story! I loved this author's voice and prose. The Things We Knew was my first Catherine West novel, but it wont be my last. The romance was perfectly paced and the mystery thread added a unique angle to this genre:) Very impressed! I would definitely recommend this book to my fellow readers friends. <3

Love contemporary Fiction? Looking for a new author?
You have found both right here with Catherine West.
This was a really good summer read. A debut book from West but let me tell you this does not read like a new authors book.
I loved the sweet romance and the little twist. I really liked the ending. Lynnie and Nick are characters that you are going to fall in love with.
I loved the story of the dysfunctional siblings. Really good writing.This is an author to watch out for.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.

The Carlisle family, once very close, unravels when the mother dies in what is originally thought to be an accident, but may, in fact, be something more. Now, years later, the five siblings rarely see each other and their aging artist father is showing signs of Alzheimers. In addition, the family finances are failing as quickly as their father's memory. It is with this backdrop that the siblings assemble to decide the best course of action for their father and their dilapidated family home. As the siblings come together, secrets surface that may shatter the family and tear it apart forever, or through God's grace, help the siblings and those they love to forgive, heal and come back together in bonds of family love and unity.

The book is billed as a "Christian Romance" however the only reference to anything Christian is the occasional mention of God, praying and going to church. There does not seem to be any real background or reason for the faith of the characters except for the brief explanation that their mother took them to church for a short time during their childhood.

The premise and story line of this book isn't bad, however, I found it to be extremely over-written and slow moving. I actually finished two other books in the middle of trying to wade through this one. A page turner it was not. I felt like I was in the middle of a long and never-ending soap opera complete with cliche characters like the the drug-addict brother, the physically abused sister, the mentally-fragile sister with the boyfriend-next-door, and of course the minister/missionary brother who seems to bring salvation and healing with him as he belated swoops in from Africa along with the little African child he has adopted. The ending is predictable, but there is nothing objectionable or inappropriate in the book, which I appreciate.

The writing was OK, and I found that setting on Nantucket interesting, so I gave this book three stars ***, but I probably won't be going out of my way to read another book by this author.

This book had mystery and romance as well as some coming of age aspects to it. Set on Nantucket, the story centers around a family with secrets and some skeletons that are coming out of the closet.

I connected a lot to the main character, Lynette…she is the youngest sibling and is treated as such…her siblings left her to take care of her ailing father and they sometimes treat her as though she is still a child. As the “baby of the family”, I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with some of the feelings Lynette was experiencing.

The secrets are slowly revealed as the story progresses. The pacing is good, the story progressed at a pace that made me want to keep reading.

I love the setting of Nantucket, it’s a very unique place and the type of small community where word gets around fast.

The romance in this book was done very well…there was no inst-love. It was presented in a very realistic way and was very sweet.

Overall, this was a great book. I was surprised by how gritty it was, but in a good way. It would make a great beach read.

I received this book from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

While listed as Christian fiction this book is not overwhelmingly so. There are several references to God’s grace and prayer, and some characters are definitely believers but it doesn’t overtake the story. I think it strikes a good mix of a clean, faith based read without going over the top in that department and thus lending itself to a larger audience.

I love that each one of the siblings in this book is portrayed with their own distinct lives and issues. Life can be messy, marriage can be hard, relationships are not always smooth and happy. Catherine is not afraid to show those things in The Things We Knew and it makes it that much more engaging and believable. Along with this there are some heavy themes that run throughout the story like alcoholism, infidelity, drug abuse and domestic violence.

Despite the somewhat heavy or “not so perfect” life portrayals in this book, it is a story or perseverance, hope, love, trust, and family ties. Lynette is the youngest in the family, left at home to take care of her dad’s illness, and the financial issues all on her own. One by one her siblings come back and begin to help her, and in the process find themselves dealing with their own issues head on.

The tidbits of information from their past as well as what each sibling is dealing with in the present are well spaced out and flow nicely in the story. You are given this element of mystery as to what happened to their mother and how they are all interconnected to each other.

All in all this was a great Christian fiction read that dug deeper than some of your typical surface romances. It shines in its realistic portrayal of messy family life!

* I was given a copy of this book for review. My opinions are my own.

Dark secrets threaten to destroy the Carlisle family. Each member comes face to face with their own demons. Ms. West beautifully weaves a cord hope in the midst of darkness. This book is a MUST read!

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.

I am having a little bit of trouble deciding how to rate this book. A big indicator for me is whether or not I would go back and re-read the book. The answer is no I will not. It's not a bad book but it didn't grip me like other reviewers have stated. The Carlisle family is very dysfunctional. Lynette has the sole responsibility for her dad and the upkeep of their home. No other member of the family seems to care one way or the other. One brother is a druggie, one is unemployed, the other is a missionary. Lynette's sister is an attorney with anger issues. I can't say I really cared for any of the siblings. Lynette needed to get a backbone and stand up to her siblings. I did like Nick. It seemed he was the only ally that Lynette had. It was interesting to see how the story unfolded. The siblings did care for each other but it seemed circumstances drove them apart.

The religious aspect was lacking. Nick and Lynette were the only ones remotely living a Christian life. There was no language or sex scenes in the book.

Would I recommend this book? It would not be on the top of my recommendation list. Not a bad book, just not my style I guess.

I was given this book for an honest review by the publisher. I was not compensated in any way.

The story flows seamlessly. It includes various viewpoints and does it well. I loved reading about all of the family members. There isn't any lag. Just pulls you in and doesn't let go. West has such a strong voice. Funny. Poignant. READ THIS BOOK. That is all. :)

From the beginning, I was hooked, anxious to find what was causing Lynette's nightmares. Also, I know from personal experience how tough it is to deal with a grandparent or parent suffering from memory loss. I am sure it will keep you captivated as well.

To be honest, I requested this book to review because of the cover. Isn't it beautiful? The font, the nautical style, the lighthouse image...this is a very well designed book! However, the content doesn't meet the quality of the cover. The story is supposed to be Christian but I feel it is just a murder mystery romance without anything offensive. Of course I appreciate this but was hoping the book had more eternal value in it. I love it when Christian novels pack in a spiritual message or a character growthi which sets the reader to thinking and examining their own life. I have read some Christian fiction which fits this category and this paperback wasn't one of those books. Besides, the story itself is morbid. The whole mystery thing involves discovering how the mother was killed and the revealed conclusion if not gory involves an adulterous relationship....I don't know why readers would want to read more about what is already too common around us.
As for the literary quality of this novel, it is not outstanding. Rather, it falls into the easy-read category of most fiction of our era. Nothing about this book expands the mind or challenges the brain and/or heart.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

It's amazing how death impacts a family. That was the thought going through my mind as I entered the world of the Carlisle Family. Although the story is about Lynette and Nicholas Cooper...Ms. West goes so much more in depth.

​We get to see the impact of their mother's death on each of the Carlisle children. Ms. West steps into the point of view of David, the oldest son; Liz, the lawyer; Gray, the rock star; and of course, Lynette and Nicholas. There were so many stories tugging at my heart strings. I wanted a happy ending for the entire family, not just Lynette and Nicholas.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

The beautiful writing and well-developed characters drew me in from page one. The author treads deep waters without leaving the reader hopeless or overwhelmed. A thoughtful read full of grace and hard-earned victory.

This is an intriguing story about the difficult challenges we face in life and how we each, independently, cope with them.

It is an engaging mystery that touches on the importance of familial relationships, secrets, loss, forgiveness, grace, and, ultimately, the power of truth.

It is well written. And the characters are well-developed, complex, interesting and flawed.

Overall, I found this novel to be a nice, heartwarming enjoyable read.

Compelling cast of characters, a nuanced plot centered around the messy, gritty stuff of life. Catherine West does a wonderful job of crafting a novel around broken relationships and tragedies that keeps the pages turning and leaves me pondering what truly matters in life. Nicely done, Cathy. The Things We Knew is a wonderful, thought-provoking read. I look forward to more from this author.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this novel. All opinions stated here are my own.