Book Review: The Memory of Us by Claire Raye

 The Memory of Us by Claire Raye

contemporary romance

Kindle edition/346 pages

Quote: " Sometimes there is more said through silence than you can ever say with words."~ Nora

From the Cover:

Twelve hours was all they spent together, but to them, it meant everything.

Nora and Elliot's meeting was predetermined. They both believed that wholeheartedly. It was fate. No last names, no identifying information, only an all consuming need to be near each other and the belief in falling hopelessly in love with a stranger. But circumstances beyond their control separated them, and twelve years later, they're still searching.

Apart, they're broken, and they won't give up until they find each other.

But, what if they never do?

My Review:

I'll be honest. I don't read a ton of romance, but when I do get in the mood, it better grab me from the beginning. 

This one definitely did! I immediately got pulled into the young, love at first sight story. 

Nora didn't even want to be there, and Elliot only came to make an appearance, and leave.

But, fate brought them together...for twelve hours.

Nora has to go back home, and neither of them realize how fast things can change.

This book is full of loving and longing. Spending so much time living with unanswered questions. What happened that morning? Where is the other one now? Will they ever find each other, and what will happen if they do?

I enjoyed the back and forth of this story.  I love books where the chapters go from one person to the next with their point of view. Like two sides of the story. It was so well written and constantly had me rooting for them to find each other, and grumbling at their missed chances!

Through twelve years of, well, life, their stories never stray too far from what could've been.

Maybe, we all have a story somewhere in us, like that. Maybe, that's what draws readers in to this book.

Or, maybe I'm just a sucker for a fantastic love story.

I gave this book 5 stars!

Also, Claire Raye has a ton of series, mostly new adult types.

I may be adding more of her books to my list soon.

If you'd like a new physical copy of The Memory of Us, click HERE or a used copy, HERE

I hope you enjoyed this review. Happy Reading!

National Write Your Story Day!

 Hey!
Okay, I know it has been too long since I've gotten around to writing and posting. No excuse, it's just life.
Maybe, one day, I'll get around to writing my story. 
Which brings me to today's post! 

It is National Write Your Story Day!

Technically, it's tomorrow.

I absolutely love reading memoirs or autobiographies. I have always been fascinated with learning about other people and the lives they've lived.

I love learning all the good, bad, and ugly of what makes a person who they are, or were.

We can learn so much from a person's history. 

Speaking of history, this is also how I have learned so much about different times, events, places, and so many things in general that I otherwise would never have known about.

For example; the first time I read anything about munchausen by proxy was from reading
  Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood by Julie Gregory
This was long before the Gypsy Rose Blanchard story. 

In the book,  I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby  I learned about a whole religion that I'd never even heard before.

Fun fact: Did you know that Sissy Spacek's husband Jack Fisk was best friend's with Bill Paxton(Twister)? I didn't!

Until, I read her memoir My Extraordinary Ordinary Life

If you're anything like me, and love learning about the lives of others, here is a list of 20+ memoirs that I have read.

Memoirs I've enjoyed!

I hope you'll read one or a few, and please send me your favorites!

What is your favorite memoir?

Do you prefer ones about famous people, or more of the unknowns? I think I'm torn on that one. At least, I don't prefer one over the other. I'd read them all! 

Morning ramblings of my simple life.

 Today, I'm reminded of how blessed I am.

It started with a picture that was posted on Facebook of this perfect, white farmhouse, long gravel drive, gorgeous sunset in the background, and wildflowers for miles.

"Picture perfect"!

My first thought was, "Wow! I'd love to live there! It's perfect!"

Then God whispered,

"What's wrong with the house I gave you?"

That got me! I needed that. There is nothing wrong with my house, and there are a million things I'd change about it. Does that make sense?

If I'd had the time, money, opportunity, and space to build my dream house, would I be happier? Truly?

No, I'd still find things I did wrong, or want to change. It would never be the perfect house or property.

But, I can work on the house I have, and the home I'm creating. My home is my family. The people that I share this house with. None of us are perfect. Some things about us will never change. Just like this old house. We just keep working on what we can on the bad days, and enjoy the blessings on the good days.

We have room to work, grow, and play. We're safe and warm. There's food, hot water, electric, and comfy seats.

I just needed to be reminded of how blessed I really am.

I have a hardworking husband, loud kids, muddy animals, and sticky floors. 

We squall and bicker, we hug and kiss. We laugh, and love, and cry, and pray.

We work hard daily on a house that will never be perfect. We have unfinished projects, and things that just have to wait.

Our floors don't match, and I hate that they're fake wood. The rooms are too small. The yard is so rocky. The basement is old and creepy. The closets are wonky. The drive needs new gravel and the walls need painted. 

But, there are tons of windows to let in the sun and breeze. The animals and kids have room to run and play. I can watch the backyard while I'm in the kitchen. I can enjoy my coffee and read while sitting at the bar. I can relax with my family and snuggle together. We can have cook-outs, parties, and sit around the fire pit. I have my garden and my chickens. I can holler at my neighbor if I need anything.

A simple life, isn't always simple, and it will never be perfect.

So, it's nice to see the aesthetically pleasing photos of "the perfect place", those magazine worthy homesteads, but don't forget to appreciate the place you're at.

I'll probably always have a love/hate relationship with my house, but I'll appreciate it a little more today and be thankful I have a home!

Proverbs 16:20

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

Grieving My Mother

 

My Momma

I know I've been away for a while, and I have tried to start this post several times. It just wasn't time, and I wasn't ready.

I'm not sure that I am now, but I just need to write something. I feel I need to push myself to be able to type the words.

On November 22, just after noon, my mother passed away suddenly.

Every time I say those words, it feels so odd. So surreal. How can this be true? I don't know this reality. I don't know myself without my Momma. Every day is a new challenge.

The memories, the missed phone calls, the plans we'll never finish. Some days it is just too much. I have to take it in bits. Push down the lump in my throat and push through. How do I just go on? How do I keep going and find normal?

My mother was one of the most selfless people I have ever known. She literally lived her life for others and taking care of everyone she loved. She never said no to anything anyone needed. Even when she was tired, or sick, or didn't have the extra time or money. She would say, "Sure!" and make it happen.

She strived to keep her family close. Every birthday, holiday, special event. She was our planner and coordinator. She would make sure everyone was included and felt loved and accepted, no matter what.

Her pure love and acceptance of everyone was by far one of her most memorable qualities. My mother did not have an easy life. She had many trials, and heartbreaks, but she taught us to always be reminded of how blessed we were. How loved we were, and that God is always with us. Her love for and serving the Lord was her biggest accomplishment. I know one day we will be together again, and that is my comfort on days I struggle with her not being here.

I love you so much, Momma.