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What We Remember
From the author of Three More Months comes a moving novel about hope, loss, the power of memories, and the enduring bonds of family.
It’s been two years and two months since trauma shattered hospital chaplain Isabel Myles’s world. Since that day, she has stopped answering calls. She’s shut out her family, friends, and coworkers. Even her faith seems to have faded. Except for her connection with her younger sister, Chantel, Isabel copes by forgetting. Then she takes on a summer job as a home caregiver for Opal, a dementia patient who is struggling to remember.
The more invested Isabel becomes in Opal’s vanishing world—and in her devastated grandson, Evan—the more open she is to forming bonds, old and new. She reaches out to her best friend. She repairs the damage between her and her estranged parents. And with Evan she feels emotions she thought were lost forever. But the trauma Isabel’s kept buried for so long will be rediscovered too. What Isabel learns could change her life again, forever. This time, though, she won’t have to face the past alone.
It’s been two years and two months since trauma shattered hospital chaplain Isabel Myles’s world. Since that day, she has stopped answering calls. She’s shut out her family, friends, and coworkers. Even her faith seems to have faded. Except for her connection with her younger sister, Chantel, Isabel copes by forgetting. Then she takes on a summer job as a home caregiver for Opal, a dementia patient who is struggling to remember.
The more invested Isabel becomes in Opal’s vanishing world—and in her devastated grandson, Evan—the more open she is to forming bonds, old and new. She reaches out to her best friend. She repairs the damage between her and her estranged parents. And with Evan she feels emotions she thought were lost forever. But the trauma Isabel’s kept buried for so long will be rediscovered too. What Isabel learns could change her life again, forever. This time, though, she won’t have to face the past alone.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2023
217 people are currently reading
4330 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Echavarre
3 books123 followersSarah Echavarre earned a journalism degree from Creighton University and has worked a bevy of odd jobs that inspire the stories she writes today. When she’s not penning tear-jerker women’s fiction, she writes sweet and sexy romcoms under the name Sarah Smith. She lives in Bend, Oregon with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 25, 2022
I enjoyed this book immensely. The characters of Isabel, a suspended hospital chaplain, Opal, an elderly dementia patient that Isabel meets at the hospital prior to her suspension, and Evan, Opal’s grandson were all very well developed, The interactions between the three characters kept me engaged and I read way past my bedtime while reading it.
I was amazed to discover that I guessed in a very early point in the book what the big secret was (I rarely do when reading books that have a big reveal) but it in no way diminished the experience of reading it.
Opal’s dementia hurt my heart, when it brought back memories of similar experiences I had with my grandfather when I was a teenager. It was very realistically written.
By the time I was done, my handkerchief was soaking wet, and it left me looking forward to more books from this author.
I was amazed to discover that I guessed in a very early point in the book what the big secret was (I rarely do when reading books that have a big reveal) but it in no way diminished the experience of reading it.
Opal’s dementia hurt my heart, when it brought back memories of similar experiences I had with my grandfather when I was a teenager. It was very realistically written.
By the time I was done, my handkerchief was soaking wet, and it left me looking forward to more books from this author.
June 24, 2022
There are minor spoilers in this review
Five stars. I could not bring myself to rate this book anything other than that. I absolutely loved 'What We Remember' and it has quickly become one of my favourite books that I've ever read. I cannot recommend you to read it enough.
The story follows Isabel, an interfaith chaplain working in a hospital, over 2 years after 'That Day'. Throughout the book, a traumatic experience that she went through is referred to as 'That Day' and it dictated how her life has become. She struggles with her faith, her friendships and family.
Due to an altercation at work, she ends up suspended for the summer months. In order to be able to afford her bills and other expenses, she decides to offer to be a carer for Opal, an elderly dementia patient, she tended to in the hospital after finding out that her daughter, April, and grandson, Evan, can't afford to keep her in a memory care facility.
I have to credit to Sarah on how well Opal was written. Everything about her character's was true to life with this sad illness. It hit close to home as my grandmother has both dementia and Alzheimer's and she acts the same way as Opal. Recalling her past like it was yesterday, missing her parents, remembering old songs and singing.
Evan was also struggling to deal with his grandmother's illness and also suffering because of it just like his mom, April. I've spent enough time with my own grandmother to understand his feelings, and seen my own mum and auntie upset to know and relate all too well to this part of the book.
Evan ends up leaning on and being emotionally vulnerable with Isabel which sparks an interesting friendship between the two and sets the basis for a possible romance. It was a refreshingly real relationship that took a long time to develop from strangers into friends. It was natural, it wasn't forced and it was slow. Trauma isn't something that easily let's you make new connection with someone.
Then you have Isabel's own family. Her mum, dad and her sister. After 'That Day' Isabel has had a lot of trouble with her family and has cut out her parents from a lot of her life. When her mum and dad ask her to come round to their house to try and get her help with her trauma, Isabel gets upset that instead of giving her time and space to heal, as well as just a little bit of faith from them, they tried to force her into therapy.
Isabel's sister Chantel is younger than her and trained as a nurse. She mainly travels around for work, but when she returns home she works in the hospital and lives with Isabel. Their relationship is the only thing that has stayed strong throughout the years, Isabel phones her whenever she has a free moment to talk and loves seeing her no matter what the occasion is.
This book, however, isn't just about the trauma that Isabel has suffered. It is about overcoming it. Trying to be okay again after an incident that changes your life. It's about family, that they should and will always, always be there for you. That those who love you will always be there for you, no matter what.
There are certain things that you will think nothing of in this book, that after reading the book you'll realise have a deeper hidden meaning, a meaning that only Isabel knows. It has layers of meaning and not everyone can connect things in such a subtle way you wouldn't notice.
Sarah is a brilliant author, she evokes so many emotions in such simple but effective ways. By the end of the book I was a mess. I went through tissue after tissue as each sentence entered my heart. I hope she keeps writing, and I'll look forward to reading her other releases.
Thank you to both Sarah Echavarre and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Five stars. I could not bring myself to rate this book anything other than that. I absolutely loved 'What We Remember' and it has quickly become one of my favourite books that I've ever read. I cannot recommend you to read it enough.
The story follows Isabel, an interfaith chaplain working in a hospital, over 2 years after 'That Day'. Throughout the book, a traumatic experience that she went through is referred to as 'That Day' and it dictated how her life has become. She struggles with her faith, her friendships and family.
Due to an altercation at work, she ends up suspended for the summer months. In order to be able to afford her bills and other expenses, she decides to offer to be a carer for Opal, an elderly dementia patient, she tended to in the hospital after finding out that her daughter, April, and grandson, Evan, can't afford to keep her in a memory care facility.
I have to credit to Sarah on how well Opal was written. Everything about her character's was true to life with this sad illness. It hit close to home as my grandmother has both dementia and Alzheimer's and she acts the same way as Opal. Recalling her past like it was yesterday, missing her parents, remembering old songs and singing.
Evan was also struggling to deal with his grandmother's illness and also suffering because of it just like his mom, April. I've spent enough time with my own grandmother to understand his feelings, and seen my own mum and auntie upset to know and relate all too well to this part of the book.
Evan ends up leaning on and being emotionally vulnerable with Isabel which sparks an interesting friendship between the two and sets the basis for a possible romance. It was a refreshingly real relationship that took a long time to develop from strangers into friends. It was natural, it wasn't forced and it was slow. Trauma isn't something that easily let's you make new connection with someone.
Then you have Isabel's own family. Her mum, dad and her sister. After 'That Day' Isabel has had a lot of trouble with her family and has cut out her parents from a lot of her life. When her mum and dad ask her to come round to their house to try and get her help with her trauma, Isabel gets upset that instead of giving her time and space to heal, as well as just a little bit of faith from them, they tried to force her into therapy.
Isabel's sister Chantel is younger than her and trained as a nurse. She mainly travels around for work, but when she returns home she works in the hospital and lives with Isabel. Their relationship is the only thing that has stayed strong throughout the years, Isabel phones her whenever she has a free moment to talk and loves seeing her no matter what the occasion is.
This book, however, isn't just about the trauma that Isabel has suffered. It is about overcoming it. Trying to be okay again after an incident that changes your life. It's about family, that they should and will always, always be there for you. That those who love you will always be there for you, no matter what.
There are certain things that you will think nothing of in this book, that after reading the book you'll realise have a deeper hidden meaning, a meaning that only Isabel knows. It has layers of meaning and not everyone can connect things in such a subtle way you wouldn't notice.
Sarah is a brilliant author, she evokes so many emotions in such simple but effective ways. By the end of the book I was a mess. I went through tissue after tissue as each sentence entered my heart. I hope she keeps writing, and I'll look forward to reading her other releases.
Thank you to both Sarah Echavarre and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
Y'all Go enter the Giveaway here at Goodreads for this incredible book!!
What We Remember by Sarah Echavarre
An amazing, powerful and heartfelt book! Must read!!
When I saw that the author Sarah Echavarre had written another book I immediately got it and read it in one sitting.
Her previous book Three More Months was compelling and this one was just as much so.
So this book focuses on Isabel a hospital chaplain who is struggling with grief. She is mourning the loss of her sister even after two years. Isabel is pretty much emotionally withdrawn and shut down and is wondering what happened to her faith.
A change is needed and she gets one. Isabel needs to heal. She becomes a care giver for Opal who has dementia. Isabel and Opal are so different, in life and mindset. One clings to memories and tries to hold onto each one for as long as possible and the other who tries to forget every painful thing ever.
This book was extra emotional for me since my own beloved late grandmother suffered from dementia as well.
Opal's grandson Evan is super close to Opal and he struggles to handle the changes she goes through.
I simply adored Opal, just loved her personality. I really liked some of the creativity that Isabel came up with to help Opal as best she could.
Even though there was something revealed I was still captivated by the story to continue reading until the last sentence.
I literally could not put this book down!
I cried several times but not always from sadness.
I liked the families and their strengths.
Just wow and GO get this book!!
What We Remember by Sarah Echavarre
An amazing, powerful and heartfelt book! Must read!!
4 1/2 ****
As always, many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Sarah Echavarre for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
What We Remember by Sarah Echavarre
An amazing, powerful and heartfelt book! Must read!!
When I saw that the author Sarah Echavarre had written another book I immediately got it and read it in one sitting.
Her previous book Three More Months was compelling and this one was just as much so.
So this book focuses on Isabel a hospital chaplain who is struggling with grief. She is mourning the loss of her sister even after two years. Isabel is pretty much emotionally withdrawn and shut down and is wondering what happened to her faith.
A change is needed and she gets one. Isabel needs to heal. She becomes a care giver for Opal who has dementia. Isabel and Opal are so different, in life and mindset. One clings to memories and tries to hold onto each one for as long as possible and the other who tries to forget every painful thing ever.
This book was extra emotional for me since my own beloved late grandmother suffered from dementia as well.
Opal's grandson Evan is super close to Opal and he struggles to handle the changes she goes through.
I simply adored Opal, just loved her personality. I really liked some of the creativity that Isabel came up with to help Opal as best she could.
Even though there was something revealed I was still captivated by the story to continue reading until the last sentence.
I literally could not put this book down!
I cried several times but not always from sadness.
I liked the families and their strengths.
Just wow and GO get this book!!
What We Remember by Sarah Echavarre
An amazing, powerful and heartfelt book! Must read!!
4 1/2 ****
As always, many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Sarah Echavarre for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2023
Agh. I was so looking forward to this book. My grandfather passed from Alzheimer’s, and we were close. I expected this book to really resonate with me. Instead, I found myself frustrated.
First off, almost the entire book is unrealistic dialogue. The author spells everything out in the dialogue, there is no nuance whatsoever and this just isn’t how people talk to each other, especially caretakers speaking to the family of their patients. You don’t meet your patient’s grandson a handful of times and 2 weeks later after a few meetings start telling them how to live their life (telling them to call in sick, miss work, go take a nap, etc).
The rest of the book is extremely simplistic writing of the protagonists internal dialogue.
I realize each person with Alzheimer’s is different, but the way Opal is portrayed seemed extremely unrealistic to me. The only hint of Alzheimer’s is that she can’t remember her grandson. She can remember everyone else, even the stranger she just met. Opal isn’t confused about where she is, what objects are for, etc. She still knows how to get around her house, how to dress, how to eat. She follows long conversations without getting confused. She dishes out pitch-perfect advice without a hint of wavering or confusion. She doesn’t lose her words or change the subject. She doesn’t fixate. She doesn’t get angry or frustrated at her memory loss. She doesn’t show fear or anxiety when out of her routine, when in a new/unfamiliar place, or when she loses her autonomy. Etc.
So if the literal only hint that she has Alzheimer’s is she doesn’t know who her grandson is, why does she qualify for government-assisted, round the clock, in-home nursing care?
I was expecting this to pull at my heart strings, but for me, it fell flat.
First off, almost the entire book is unrealistic dialogue. The author spells everything out in the dialogue, there is no nuance whatsoever and this just isn’t how people talk to each other, especially caretakers speaking to the family of their patients. You don’t meet your patient’s grandson a handful of times and 2 weeks later after a few meetings start telling them how to live their life (telling them to call in sick, miss work, go take a nap, etc).
The rest of the book is extremely simplistic writing of the protagonists internal dialogue.
I realize each person with Alzheimer’s is different, but the way Opal is portrayed seemed extremely unrealistic to me. The only hint of Alzheimer’s is that she can’t remember her grandson. She can remember everyone else, even the stranger she just met. Opal isn’t confused about where she is, what objects are for, etc. She still knows how to get around her house, how to dress, how to eat. She follows long conversations without getting confused. She dishes out pitch-perfect advice without a hint of wavering or confusion. She doesn’t lose her words or change the subject. She doesn’t fixate. She doesn’t get angry or frustrated at her memory loss. She doesn’t show fear or anxiety when out of her routine, when in a new/unfamiliar place, or when she loses her autonomy. Etc.
So if the literal only hint that she has Alzheimer’s is she doesn’t know who her grandson is, why does she qualify for government-assisted, round the clock, in-home nursing care?
I was expecting this to pull at my heart strings, but for me, it fell flat.
March 23, 2023
THE GOOD: Explores the power of taking control of life and moving on.
THE BAD: Lack of foreshadowing. A few odd phrases/terms used repetitively.
CONCLUSION: A decent minimalist read.
THE BAD: Lack of foreshadowing. A few odd phrases/terms used repetitively.
CONCLUSION: A decent minimalist read.
January 25, 2023
This book is a quiet gem! The story pulls on your heartstrings and twists them. There is such pain and loss, but there is also joy and happiness. Gosh, I went through a handful of tissues as I finished to the end.
The elderly woman with dementia, Opal, was the best character of this story. I just loved her!
The elderly woman with dementia, Opal, was the best character of this story. I just loved her!
November 17, 2022
Overall: ☆☆☆ (3.2)
Writing style: ☆☆☆
Entertainment ☆☆☆
Characters ☆☆
Plot: ☆☆☆
Ending:☆☆☆
First and foremost, I would love to thank Net-Galley, the author, and publishers for allowing me the opportunity to obtain an ARC copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review.
So I think I am the outlier on this one. The other ARC reviews lean more towards a 5 star review.
For me, literary fiction that leaves me reeling and thinking for days after closing a book are deserving of a 5 star. This one did not do that for me.
At about 40%, I felt we were headed on more of a romantic prose novel; and after reading her About Author excerpt, I can understand, as the author also writes many rom-coms.
For me, romance novels are a major turn off. Now, I can deal with romance aspects in a novel. Obviously, characters fall in love too. But I can not stand the boy meets girl, boy and girl don't get a long, boy and girl are forced to be together through some random incident, boy and girl fall in love trope. It is just so unrealistic and a very immature writing style.
Therefore, the author got a pretty low writing grade from me. Her redemption was that twist! I did not see that and very much appreciated it. It also gives answers as to what happened on "That Day", which I wasn't sure would be elaborated on. And I'm glad it was.
To be honest, the novel was not terrible. It has very rom-com style of writing, and if that is your niche, you may enjoy. I think I was more disappointed because I was needing something more and I couldn't personally connect with characters.
Writing style: ☆☆☆
Entertainment ☆☆☆
Characters ☆☆
Plot: ☆☆☆
Ending:☆☆☆
First and foremost, I would love to thank Net-Galley, the author, and publishers for allowing me the opportunity to obtain an ARC copy of this novel for my honest opinion and review.
So I think I am the outlier on this one. The other ARC reviews lean more towards a 5 star review.
For me, literary fiction that leaves me reeling and thinking for days after closing a book are deserving of a 5 star. This one did not do that for me.
At about 40%, I felt we were headed on more of a romantic prose novel; and after reading her About Author excerpt, I can understand, as the author also writes many rom-coms.
For me, romance novels are a major turn off. Now, I can deal with romance aspects in a novel. Obviously, characters fall in love too. But I can not stand the boy meets girl, boy and girl don't get a long, boy and girl are forced to be together through some random incident, boy and girl fall in love trope. It is just so unrealistic and a very immature writing style.
Therefore, the author got a pretty low writing grade from me. Her redemption was that twist! I did not see that and very much appreciated it. It also gives answers as to what happened on "That Day", which I wasn't sure would be elaborated on. And I'm glad it was.
To be honest, the novel was not terrible. It has very rom-com style of writing, and if that is your niche, you may enjoy. I think I was more disappointed because I was needing something more and I couldn't personally connect with characters.
July 22, 2022
What We Remember is an emotional journey through one woman’s experience with loss, trauma and what it means to move forward. Isabel Myles is a hospital chaplain that has lost her faith. In a series of strange events, she finds herself caring for a woman with late stage dementia, Opal. Her time with Opal allows Isabel to explore areas in her own life that she has closed off, through misguided attempts at self protection. In caring for Opal and weaving into her family, Isabel starts to rebuild her relationship with her own family and maybe can finally let her heart find joy and light again. Author Sarah Echavarre writes a story filled with both despair and hope and it was a pleasure to explore.
A sincere thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A sincere thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2023
How did I end up with this novel? It was a pleasant accident. I have to admit, when it started, I thought I had happened upon a well written romance novel, but somewhere in the first third I realized I was reading someone who knew trauma and loss very well and, although there were segments that were really hard for me to get through emotionally, I am glad I took this trip. Isabel is a compelling protagonist and the twists and turns of the story were engaging without being too trite or manipulated.
January 24, 2023
A beautiful women's fiction story about grief, loss and healing after losing a loved one tragically. When Hospital chaplain, Isabel loses her temper with a doctor, she is forced to take a three month leave. In order to make some extra money she ends up being a caretaker for an Alzheimer's patient and grows close with the woman's grandson.
Heartfelt and moving, this was an easy read that tackles difficult topics and has a touch of magical realism. Perfect for fans of authors like Sarah Addison or Colleen Oakley. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This was also good on audio narrated by Joy Regullano.
Heartfelt and moving, this was an easy read that tackles difficult topics and has a touch of magical realism. Perfect for fans of authors like Sarah Addison or Colleen Oakley. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This was also good on audio narrated by Joy Regullano.
February 2, 2023
Ah what an emotional and beautiful book. Taken over by grief and loss Isabel lost her way in life. Her only connection she has was with her sister. She takes a summer job to care for Opal, a elderly woman suffering from dementia. Isabel becomes invested in Opals family especially her grandson Ethan. Their relationship together begins to unravel her loss but also her will to survive and live a life again.
I liked all the characters in this book. Especially Ethan who was supportive and sweet.
This was a very emotional book and I was pleasantly surprised by the twist. I have to say I love Ms. Echavarre’s previous books and I loved this one as well.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my review.
I liked all the characters in this book. Especially Ethan who was supportive and sweet.
This was a very emotional book and I was pleasantly surprised by the twist. I have to say I love Ms. Echavarre’s previous books and I loved this one as well.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my review.
January 31, 2023
A sweet story about compassion for others, grief and moving on with your life after a loss.
February 5, 2023
this book has all the surface level workings of a great novel, but the depth never fully got there. grief is a powerful emotion on the page, but it never sunk in enough to feel resonant. i liked it for what it was—but it had potential to be so much more, and i was disappointed it never got there.
January 31, 2023
I say it all the time and I’ll say it one more time: Sarah Echavarre is a genius and this book was soooo good
January 1, 2023
I didn’t really know what I was falling into when started this wonderful book. It pulled me in so quickly and had me instantly absorbed. The characters were lovely, particularly Opal, who despite having dementia was such a wise, knowing character.
There wasn’t a huge feeling a character development, none of the characters showed huge flaws or were a standout villain (in my mind). Initially the plot seemed a bit contrived and too nicely falling into place. I wasn’t sure whether it would be a bit saccharine and nicely packaged up, Regardless of this the book worked really well and when suddenly you are on the final page you realise the author Sarah Echavarre, has done a splendid job at drawing out numerous big themes and in the process wrapped the reader in a giant hug.
Three of the standout themes were grief, dementia and family. I loved the way Sarah Echavarre, approached dementia and focussed on ways carers can help those amid this tough disease find happiness. This approach was so gentle and kind and heart warming. It personally helped me find a positive way to meet this horrible disease.
The grief in this book was palpable. I didn’t read lots of reviews prior to starting this book, if I had I would have been prepared and had the giant box of tissues alongside. Any initial thought of this book being saccharine quickly departed as I found myself gulping, sobbing, dripping tears before I knew what had hit me.
While this book will have you sobbing in a pool of tears it is like a giant warm hug. It pulls you in and comforts you until the very last page, leaving you feeling happy and hopeful.
Thank you Sarah Echavarre, lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in return for my honest review.
I highly recommend this wonderful book.
There wasn’t a huge feeling a character development, none of the characters showed huge flaws or were a standout villain (in my mind). Initially the plot seemed a bit contrived and too nicely falling into place. I wasn’t sure whether it would be a bit saccharine and nicely packaged up, Regardless of this the book worked really well and when suddenly you are on the final page you realise the author Sarah Echavarre, has done a splendid job at drawing out numerous big themes and in the process wrapped the reader in a giant hug.
Three of the standout themes were grief, dementia and family. I loved the way Sarah Echavarre, approached dementia and focussed on ways carers can help those amid this tough disease find happiness. This approach was so gentle and kind and heart warming. It personally helped me find a positive way to meet this horrible disease.
The grief in this book was palpable. I didn’t read lots of reviews prior to starting this book, if I had I would have been prepared and had the giant box of tissues alongside. Any initial thought of this book being saccharine quickly departed as I found myself gulping, sobbing, dripping tears before I knew what had hit me.
While this book will have you sobbing in a pool of tears it is like a giant warm hug. It pulls you in and comforts you until the very last page, leaving you feeling happy and hopeful.
Thank you Sarah Echavarre, lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in return for my honest review.
I highly recommend this wonderful book.
December 29, 2022
What We Remember by Sarah Echavarre was a very emotional read for me. I must admit, I cried through a lot of it. It was my first time reading this author and I found her writing very easy to read all the while giving me all the feels because her characters were just so warm and welcoming. It’s a story about a young woman named Isabel who has experienced a great tragedy in her life. For the longest time, the author does not let you know exactly what that tragedy is but when she does, you the reader totally understand what Isabel is feeling and why she has acted like she has. It’s a story of loss, of a family and friendship that is there to deal with the aftermath and yet it’s a story of love. I liked how the author included a side story of Alzheimer’s among other things in her storyline. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it to readers of all genres. It’s a story of life and everyone can learn from it. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc that I found on the Read Now section. I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more by this new author in the future. I’m giving this a much deserved 5 star rating!
January 17, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.
What We Remember
by Sarah Echavarre
Pub Date: 10 Jan 2023
This book is an emotional look at the many different faces of grief. The author does a wonderful job of not sugar coating the anger, sadness, overwhelming sense of loss and the many ways someone handles (or not handles) their grief. Isabel is a character in denial of her grief over something that happened on "that day" over two years ago that she never talks about. There is a bit of mystery because the reader does not find out anything to do with that situation until late in the book. Evan is currently dealing with a loss as his grandmother Opal does not recognize him as her condition takes more of her memories. The relationships between the characters are so wonderfully written and everything and everyone feels so genuine. You become absolutely invested in all their stories and just want happiness and healing to find all of them.
What We Remember
by Sarah Echavarre
Pub Date: 10 Jan 2023
This book is an emotional look at the many different faces of grief. The author does a wonderful job of not sugar coating the anger, sadness, overwhelming sense of loss and the many ways someone handles (or not handles) their grief. Isabel is a character in denial of her grief over something that happened on "that day" over two years ago that she never talks about. There is a bit of mystery because the reader does not find out anything to do with that situation until late in the book. Evan is currently dealing with a loss as his grandmother Opal does not recognize him as her condition takes more of her memories. The relationships between the characters are so wonderfully written and everything and everyone feels so genuine. You become absolutely invested in all their stories and just want happiness and healing to find all of them.
September 1, 2022
Poignant and sweet read about relationships, the loss of loved ones, illness and death—and how our hearts deal with the trauma. The characters in What We Remember are lovable and kind. Isobel is hurting and finds comfort in caring for Opal. Eventually we learn what happened on “That Day”, as Isobel has come to call it. The story continues as Isobel works through her grief with help and support from family and friends.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
January 29, 2023
I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway and honestly didn't know what to suspect. Wow am I thrilled I won! This book highlights how grief can consume a person, how dementia can be devastating to a family, but also how its never too late to repair relationships.
January 16, 2023
3.5
It's a beautiful story about love, loss & recovery. You will absolutely shed a few tears and want to binge read it.
The first person narration and just the right amount of dialogue makes it an easy and quick read.
Thank you NetGalley & publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
It's a beautiful story about love, loss & recovery. You will absolutely shed a few tears and want to binge read it.
The first person narration and just the right amount of dialogue makes it an easy and quick read.
Thank you NetGalley & publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 14, 2023
boring and sappy
This story had so much potential. Unfortunately it was incredibly cheesy and predictable. I listened to the audio book and the narrator made it much worse so I do not recommend that.
This story had so much potential. Unfortunately it was incredibly cheesy and predictable. I listened to the audio book and the narrator made it much worse so I do not recommend that.
November 17, 2023
angsty
Double whammy of angst with heavy themes of dementia and death. There’s humor that balances the weighty topics some.
The narrator sounds really young. Probably should have listened to it at normal speed.
Double whammy of angst with heavy themes of dementia and death. There’s humor that balances the weighty topics some.
The narrator sounds really young. Probably should have listened to it at normal speed.
October 23, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
The first thing that strikes me about this book is how sensitive and caring and respectful it is, about all the topics involved, including social anxiety, mental health, physical illness, loss, grief, childbirth, and most of all, dementia. It is a gentle book with gentle words.
I lost my Nan to dementia in 2016 and so many of my experiences were shown in this book. Luckily, she always seemed to know who I was, but seeing the woman who helped my parents raise me, the woman with whom I spent so much time, the woman who gave me my love of books and reading, and who really was my best friend deteriorate like that, it is horrible. In morbid comparison, I lost my dad the year after from cancer and as hard as that was, he was still himself to the day before he died. Dementia doesn’t give you that. It robs you of the person long before their death and it’s horrible. Sarah has captured this so perfectly - and I wonder if she has had personal experience - it is like looking into a time machine. It is beautiful and had me crying on more than one occasion.
There’s no getting around the fact that this is an emotional punch of a book. I wasn’t expecting the turns it would take and it got to me. The way she is able to depict grief in 300 pages is just beautiful.
I felt Isabel was a good main character. She’s so human, with doubts and hope, joy and sadness. She’s not perfect but she wants to try. I also loved Opal (unsurprisingly, she reminded me of my Nan) and I really liked Keely and Evan. They were great with Isabel and helped her story progress. I don’t think there was a bad character amongst them.
If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself fighting off tears for a majority of the time. In sadness and grief, heartbreak, love and happiness; it’s just a really lovely, beautiful book.
I read it one sitting. It was torrential rain outside, I curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea, and just lost myself in the story. It is my first book of hers but I’ll definitely be reading more.
The first thing that strikes me about this book is how sensitive and caring and respectful it is, about all the topics involved, including social anxiety, mental health, physical illness, loss, grief, childbirth, and most of all, dementia. It is a gentle book with gentle words.
I lost my Nan to dementia in 2016 and so many of my experiences were shown in this book. Luckily, she always seemed to know who I was, but seeing the woman who helped my parents raise me, the woman with whom I spent so much time, the woman who gave me my love of books and reading, and who really was my best friend deteriorate like that, it is horrible. In morbid comparison, I lost my dad the year after from cancer and as hard as that was, he was still himself to the day before he died. Dementia doesn’t give you that. It robs you of the person long before their death and it’s horrible. Sarah has captured this so perfectly - and I wonder if she has had personal experience - it is like looking into a time machine. It is beautiful and had me crying on more than one occasion.
There’s no getting around the fact that this is an emotional punch of a book. I wasn’t expecting the turns it would take and it got to me. The way she is able to depict grief in 300 pages is just beautiful.
I felt Isabel was a good main character. She’s so human, with doubts and hope, joy and sadness. She’s not perfect but she wants to try. I also loved Opal (unsurprisingly, she reminded me of my Nan) and I really liked Keely and Evan. They were great with Isabel and helped her story progress. I don’t think there was a bad character amongst them.
If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself fighting off tears for a majority of the time. In sadness and grief, heartbreak, love and happiness; it’s just a really lovely, beautiful book.
I read it one sitting. It was torrential rain outside, I curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea, and just lost myself in the story. It is my first book of hers but I’ll definitely be reading more.
July 7, 2022
A beautifully written book with such well-developed characters that one easily develops an attachment.
We follow Isabel, a hospital chaplain who has lost her faith after "That Day". You know it's a deeply traumatic experience, leaving her struggling with her faith, her friendships and family; but you're left wondering what it could have been.
She loves her job; she loves helping people as their most fractured. Not wanting to lose her job she hides the fact that she has lost her faith. Avoiding her family and friends, her life revolves around her patients and her deep connection with her little sister, a travelling nurse that periodically subs at the same hospital. After an altercation with an unruly, extremely rude doctor, she is given a 3-month suspension. When she visits Opal, her favorite elderly patient, recently relocated to a care facility for dementia, she finds Opal's daughter April, distraught, unable to afford the expensive facility and unsure what to do. This is their story, a book of struggles and survival, of caring and letting go. I would highly recommend it
As always, many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Sarah Echavarre for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
We follow Isabel, a hospital chaplain who has lost her faith after "That Day". You know it's a deeply traumatic experience, leaving her struggling with her faith, her friendships and family; but you're left wondering what it could have been.
She loves her job; she loves helping people as their most fractured. Not wanting to lose her job she hides the fact that she has lost her faith. Avoiding her family and friends, her life revolves around her patients and her deep connection with her little sister, a travelling nurse that periodically subs at the same hospital. After an altercation with an unruly, extremely rude doctor, she is given a 3-month suspension. When she visits Opal, her favorite elderly patient, recently relocated to a care facility for dementia, she finds Opal's daughter April, distraught, unable to afford the expensive facility and unsure what to do. This is their story, a book of struggles and survival, of caring and letting go. I would highly recommend it
As always, many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Sarah Echavarre for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2022
A beautifully written book with such well-developed characters that one easily develops an attachment.
We follow Isabel, a hospital chaplain who has lost her faith after "That Day". You know it's a deeply traumatic experience, leaving her struggling with her faith, her friendships and family; but you're left wondering what it could have been.
She loves her job; she loves helping people as their most fractured. Not wanting to lose her job she hides the fact that she has lost her faith. Avoiding her family and friends, her life revolves around her patients and her deep connection with her little sister, a travelling nurse that periodically subs at the same hospital.
After an altercation with an unruly, extremely rude doctor, she is given a 3-month suspension. When she visits Opal, her favorite elderly patient, recently relocated to a care facility for dementia, she finds Opal's daughter April, distraught, unable to afford the expensive facility and unsure what to do.
This is their story, a book of struggles and survival, of caring and letting go. I would highly recommend it
As always, many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Sarah Echavarre for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
We follow Isabel, a hospital chaplain who has lost her faith after "That Day". You know it's a deeply traumatic experience, leaving her struggling with her faith, her friendships and family; but you're left wondering what it could have been.
She loves her job; she loves helping people as their most fractured. Not wanting to lose her job she hides the fact that she has lost her faith. Avoiding her family and friends, her life revolves around her patients and her deep connection with her little sister, a travelling nurse that periodically subs at the same hospital.
After an altercation with an unruly, extremely rude doctor, she is given a 3-month suspension. When she visits Opal, her favorite elderly patient, recently relocated to a care facility for dementia, she finds Opal's daughter April, distraught, unable to afford the expensive facility and unsure what to do.
This is their story, a book of struggles and survival, of caring and letting go. I would highly recommend it
As always, many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Sarah Echavarre for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2022
We all have at least one “That Day” and Isabel seems to have been haunted by it more. This protagonist embarks on a journey of hope and despair, memory and the loss of it, and the roller coaster ride of family and friendship. The character development of the ones we follow through in the story is also engaging. The plot naturally paced that I am surprised to have kept up with the novel, given that I usually prefer fast-paced and action-packed novels. The emotions they feel reaches the reader; they were so raw and vulnerable, heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. How can something so tragic and painful be beautiful, too? What We Remember shows that finely.
February 24, 2023
This book moved too slowly to me. The revelation at the end was worth the read but it took long to get there. The birth scene earlier in the book was very dramatic but not realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2022
Loved this book. Written so simply but it comes across in such an effective manner. So many emotions are portrayed through the simplicity of the text. Storyline reflected my nursing career and the dementia patients that have been part of my life. Brought back memories. The book covers trauma past and overcoming trauma to move forward.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC in return for my honest opinion
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC in return for my honest opinion
January 16, 2023
This book is very touching. It's not a thriller or a historical. It's a women's fiction and full of raw emotion. Things to make you think and things to make you thankful that there are such good people in this world.
This is the story of Isabel. She's a chaplain in the hospital who is on suspension. It's actually a few stories in one. The main one being Isabel and her sister. It's the story of a sister's love that is so strong. Isabel will do anything for her younger sister Chantel. And Chantel will do the same for Isabel. They are that close. Chantel is a traveling nurse who is gone quite a bit. Isabel only goes to work and home. She's had a trauma that leaves her almost helpless. She just can't seem to get out anymore and do things. She's lost her friends and is estranged from her parents. The only person she talks to or sees is Chantel.
Then there is the part about Opal. Opal is eighty-eight years old and suffering from dementia. While on suspension for the summer Isabel becomes Opal's caregiver. She's hired by Opal's daughter to just be there for Opal and do things for her and with her. She meets Opal's grandson Evan who gives her a hard time at first. Together though they make life for Opal a bit happier. A bit more exciting. They do things with her that are just for fun. Opal loves Isabel and always looks forward to seeing her.
This is a very tender book if you will. It tells us what dementia does to a person. It tells us what anxiety and mental illness does to a person. Things that are so much out of our control. Many don't understand that anxiety is so debilitating. It leaves you so helpless. Dementia leaves families helpless. It has to be horrible watching a person you love forgetting you and the people around them. I admire anyone that takes care of others that suffer from dementia or any other disease. It takes a strong person to have the strength to do that. To give up their life for someone else. To put their life on hold. I truly honor people like that. They are angels for sure.
This book has many emotions in it. Most are tears but there are also some laughs along the way. There is a touch of a love story involved and a family finding their way back to each other. Friends found again. So many changes are made. All for the better. I admire Isabel for what all she went through and overcame. For all the struggles she had and all the love she had to give for an old lady. To be there and help Opal the way she did. This book touched my heart. It gave me pause in many ways. Many times.
This is a beautifully written book. Lots going on. Lots of emotions. It keeps you turning the pages until the very end. There is a part that might catch you by surprise. I saw it coming but it sure did not take away from the story at all. It's one that will stay with me for a good while.
Thank you #NetGalley, #SarahEchavarre, #LakeUnionAuthors for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
Five huge stars and a very high recommendations. Just have lots of Kleenex ready. You will need them.
This is the story of Isabel. She's a chaplain in the hospital who is on suspension. It's actually a few stories in one. The main one being Isabel and her sister. It's the story of a sister's love that is so strong. Isabel will do anything for her younger sister Chantel. And Chantel will do the same for Isabel. They are that close. Chantel is a traveling nurse who is gone quite a bit. Isabel only goes to work and home. She's had a trauma that leaves her almost helpless. She just can't seem to get out anymore and do things. She's lost her friends and is estranged from her parents. The only person she talks to or sees is Chantel.
Then there is the part about Opal. Opal is eighty-eight years old and suffering from dementia. While on suspension for the summer Isabel becomes Opal's caregiver. She's hired by Opal's daughter to just be there for Opal and do things for her and with her. She meets Opal's grandson Evan who gives her a hard time at first. Together though they make life for Opal a bit happier. A bit more exciting. They do things with her that are just for fun. Opal loves Isabel and always looks forward to seeing her.
This is a very tender book if you will. It tells us what dementia does to a person. It tells us what anxiety and mental illness does to a person. Things that are so much out of our control. Many don't understand that anxiety is so debilitating. It leaves you so helpless. Dementia leaves families helpless. It has to be horrible watching a person you love forgetting you and the people around them. I admire anyone that takes care of others that suffer from dementia or any other disease. It takes a strong person to have the strength to do that. To give up their life for someone else. To put their life on hold. I truly honor people like that. They are angels for sure.
This book has many emotions in it. Most are tears but there are also some laughs along the way. There is a touch of a love story involved and a family finding their way back to each other. Friends found again. So many changes are made. All for the better. I admire Isabel for what all she went through and overcame. For all the struggles she had and all the love she had to give for an old lady. To be there and help Opal the way she did. This book touched my heart. It gave me pause in many ways. Many times.
This is a beautifully written book. Lots going on. Lots of emotions. It keeps you turning the pages until the very end. There is a part that might catch you by surprise. I saw it coming but it sure did not take away from the story at all. It's one that will stay with me for a good while.
Thank you #NetGalley, #SarahEchavarre, #LakeUnionAuthors for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
Five huge stars and a very high recommendations. Just have lots of Kleenex ready. You will need them.
July 27, 2022
This is an engaging story of Isabel, an Interfaith Chaplain at her local hospital. A devastating event occurred a couple years earlier, 2 years and 2 months to be exact, that changed Isabel’s life forever. She never speaks of this; however, she has sequestered herself, at home, from all family and friends, even ignoring all phone calls, texts and e-mails for over a two-year period. She continues to go to work and there she is able to function normally as she performs her job as a Chaplain, helping others through challenging circumstances. Although she is hiding a secret that could affect her job, she is able to do it successfully until she is suspended without pay for 3 months.
When Isabel’s best friend, Keely, invites her to a birthday party, she agrees to go, however, after indulging in some liquid courage, that totally knocked her out, she never makes it. She hadn’t seen Keely in over two years either, however, is determined to repair that relationship, along with the relationship she has with her parents that is also fractured.
During her 3-month suspension from the hospital, she takes the job as a caregiver to an elderly woman suffering with dementia. Opal had been a patient in the hospital and Isabel had met her family and Opal previously. This job unexpectedly changes not only Isabel, but also the direction of her life.
This story beautifully deals with several real-life issues and the value of accepting available help. It also demonstrates how the truth can be freeing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.
When Isabel’s best friend, Keely, invites her to a birthday party, she agrees to go, however, after indulging in some liquid courage, that totally knocked her out, she never makes it. She hadn’t seen Keely in over two years either, however, is determined to repair that relationship, along with the relationship she has with her parents that is also fractured.
During her 3-month suspension from the hospital, she takes the job as a caregiver to an elderly woman suffering with dementia. Opal had been a patient in the hospital and Isabel had met her family and Opal previously. This job unexpectedly changes not only Isabel, but also the direction of her life.
This story beautifully deals with several real-life issues and the value of accepting available help. It also demonstrates how the truth can be freeing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.
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