MOMENTS WE FORGET by Beth K. Vogt, Reviewed by Nicole Cook

Beth K. Vogt takes readers on an incredible journey in her latest novel Moments We Forget as she further explores the complicated relationships and family dynamics between the three Thatcher sisters - Johanna, Jillian, and Payton.  This is the second book in the Thatcher Sisters series.  I did not read the first book in the series (Things I Never Told You), but the author provides enough of the backstory so that the readers are able to easily follow the storyline.  However, there were some aspects of the storyline, such as the story behind the youngest sister’s (Payton’s twin) death years before, that were mentioned in this novel and appeared to be discussed more in depth in the previous novel.  Therefore, I would recommend reading Things I Never Told You first if readers have the opportunity to do so. 

Readers will share in the Thatcher sisters’ heartbreak, loss, and struggles with their significant others as they follow middle sister Jillian’s recovery from breast cancer and her lingering chemo brain, older sister Johanna’s frustration with her job and long-distance relationship, and younger sister Payton’s difficulty to find her way in life years after her twin sister’s death.  Beth K. Vogt paints a realistic picture of those struggling with their faith and trying to find their way to God when others in their lives do not share the same interests and question the importance of religion.  Topics of adoption and infidelity were also discussed.  

In one part of the novel, Jillian discussed what her favorite part of the candlelight Christmas Eve service she attended was.  She said that her favorite part was “when they darkened the sanctuary and we all sang ‘Silent Night’ and everyone lit each other’s candle, one by one” because it made her feel some of the peace that she was looking for.  Beth K. Vogt was able to make the readers feel like they were right there at the Christmas Eve service.  I could completely relate to that powerful feeling of peace when I attend Christmas Eve candlelight services at my own church and the congregation sings ‘Silent Night.’  

Moments We Forget is recommended for readers of women’s fiction.  Readers will enjoy this second installment in the Thatcher Sisters series and will look forward to the third book in the series.  

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

“Yes.  Believing in God, the real God - that He loves me, that He has a plan for my life - gives me hope.”

“Life’s not perfect.  And I’m not perfect.  But for the first time, I’m beginning to be okay with that because I don’t have to have all the answers.  I don’t have to fix everything.”

Back Cover Blurb:

Jillian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Then on the night of her engagement party, a cancer diagnosis threatens to once again steal her chance to shine.

Now, Jillian’s on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as she’d hoped. And just when her dreams might be falling into place, a life-altering revelation from her husband sends her reeling again.

Will Jillian ever achieve her own dreams, or will she always be “just Jillian,” the less-than Thatcher sister? Can she count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place, or are they stuck in their childhood roles forever?

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Moments We Forget at Amazon
Buy Moments We Forget at Christianbook.com
 

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