Cover Image: Moments We Forget

Moments We Forget

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Oh my! I'm never disappointed with Beth Vogt's storytelling! After reading the first book in this Thatcher Sisters series, I didn't know if she could match it, but this installment is just as engaging and emotional. As a middle sister myself, identifying with Jillian was seamless. I love all the sisters, but Jillian is the easiest for me to connect with.

I love the way the family dynamics feels authentic, and also enjoyed the spiritual thread throughout. There are emotional parts that truly touched my heart. This story gives me all the feels. Beautifully written.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, but was not required a positive review.

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What a good book! Realistic, true-to-life characters with all-too-real issues.

Three sisters. They've faced so much pain, they've already lost one sister, due to a tragic accident, then Jillian faces a cancer diagnosis...but wait--these issues were all in the first book, Things I Never Told You. I hadn't read that book previously, so quickly sat down and read it..and I'm glad I did, because this book kind of goes right on where it left off.

Jill is a newly-married bride, has just come through cancer treatments...and now....

One thing about this family, it is made clear in the first book, they are not a family that believes in God. Pepper, the sister who died, had just found God prior to her accident. In the first book, Payton begins seeking.

So. Why am I saying this...because of this, there are some things in this story you don't find in a typical Christian fiction...sleeping together before marriage, to name one.

There is not a lot of reference to God, but like I mentioned, Payton began her search, and I think there is more to come.

The author carefully shows how they are lost and looking for something more in life. These sisters are very realistic. They are portrayed in depth, all their true characteristics on display. And yes, they deal with various hard issues in life. In a way that makes us all take a deep, hard look at our own lives.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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illian 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?



My Thoughts: This is a compelling story about three sisters who all have the difficulties that they are overcoming. Each one is on a journey that brings them back together again. This is a story that the readers can get lost in, that can connect and relate to in each of their own lives. The characters are real, with down to earth troubles that can happen at any time in our lives. This is a story about coming together, letting the past go, looking forward to the future and of course, there is an element of forgiveness.


I do like that the gospel is given in this novel, the fact that we do need God in our lives is foremost to living a life worth living. To those who don't know Christ, they can become lost or bitter during some of the circumstances that these sisters faced.


The writer has written a novel that is easy to read, the storyline flows well and she brings the reader into the story that makes it personal to the reader.


I truly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from Beth K. Vogt.

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When I began reading this book it was apparent that there was a lot of tension in the relationships of the three sisters in Moments We Forget. Jillian is the middle Thatcher sister and she considers herself the peacemaker between her older and younger sister but she also feels like she is a little overlooked. She feels like she has been branded "just Jillian" and that she has worn this brand most of her life! Jillian is now fighting the after effects of her cancer diagnosis.The chemo and radiation treatments have zapped her energy, messed with her memory and her ability to complete her daily tasks, and she is currently unable to have a baby. Jillian also senses a distance developing between her and her biggest champion, her husband Geoff.
As I read this story, I realized that having a sister (or sisters) may not always be as perfect as some would have you believe. Family dynamics don't always make for a perfect sibling relationship and these Thatcher sisters are also missing the comfort that faith can offer. The Thatchers are non-believers during much of Moments We Forget but Beth K. Vogt does show two of the sisters reaching out to God. I was especially touched as Jillian contemplates her problems and her family's lack of belief in God. As she wondered about God loving someone as insignificant as her, Jillian realized that if she could find her way to a big, loving God who could fix all of her problems she would run straight to Him! Vogt allows readers to witness how God has a way of turning the coldest hearts warm and drawing the most reluctant people closer to Him.
Moments We Forget is the second book of The Thatchers series and I didn't feel like I needed to have read the first book. I do, however, hope to read Things I Never Told You because I believe I would have an even deeper understanding of these three sisters. I look forward to learning more of their story!
This is a contemporary fiction novel and it focuses on some of the issues that many of us have encountered: death. grief, infertility, adoption and unfaithfulness. It isn't, however, all doom and gloom because the author also reminds us of the importance of family, of moments to remember and moments to forget, and the ever-present hope that comes from believing and trusting in God!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit and Net Galley but I wasn't obligated to write a positive review.

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I did not realize that this was the second book in the series so I felt a little lost throughout. I would recommend reading "Things I Never Told You" first
for Payton's story and the background on Jillian who is the main character in this book.
The endless bickering between the sisters was annoying to me. I felt for Jillian, the peacemaker caught in the middle of the family. Her husband Geoff is a bit of a mystery who I had hoped to learn more about. I'm looking forward to reading Johanna's story to understand her ridged personality.
I liked that the author expressed in a non-judgemental way that people come to know God in their own way at their own pace.

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This book should come with several warnings. You should make sure you have set aside a proper amount of time to read this book. Be warned that once you start, the book will continue to absorb you until the last page. Don't forget to have tissues handy as they will come in handy while reading the story. The three sisters in the book will have you examining your own life and relationships with others. If you follow these warnings, you may begin the book.

I can't quite put into words how deeply this book touched me. Each sister has their own insecurities and struggle with finding happiness. I really understood how Jillian felt about being unimportant. She was always in the shadow of her older sister who was beautiful and smart and her younger twin sisters who were gifted in many things. Finding out she has cancer puts Jillian's life into perspective and I could see the wheels turning in her mind. She has strength that is undeniable but still feels inadequate around her sisters.

I really loved reading how the three sisters tried so hard to bond but something prevented them to really open up to each other. It was interesting to read about how they each questioned their faith. You can''t believe in something unless your whole heart is in it. The story is powerful and blends faith and family in a compelling way. I liked that the author didn't just focus on one sister, but gave us a story with three powerful yet vulnerable sisters trying to find their purpose in life.

Payton and Johanna are so different yet they share a sense of belonging and a bond that sisters can't deny. It was funny to see them try to all get together for a book club. They can't be in the same room without arguing and Jillian playing referee. There are a few surprises in the book that defines the sisters to look at themselves. Why are they unhappy? Is there something from their past that has caused them to be cynical at times?

The dynamics between the three sisters makes the story come alive with realism. I can even go as far as to say it would make a great movie. There are moments of pain, confessions and anger that make this story so touching. It has all the elements of a wonderful drama with a message of faith, family and hope.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

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This is an incredible Woman’s Fiction book.

I enjoyed getting back into the story of Jillian, Payton, and Johanna. In this second book Jillian is the main focus. I am amazed at how well the author is able to present all the different dynamics of this family. Each of the sisters are still working through their own emotional issues. But at the same time they are trying to figure out how to be better sisters with each other.

The depth of these characters is great. The intricacies of their problems and the journeys they are taking to work through them definitely kept my interest. I look forward to seeing what comes next for these women.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

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This will make you laugh and cry. I did not want to put the book down. I love each sister but probably know best how Jillian feels being a middle child myself. I did not read the first book in the series but I wish I had. I was able to catch on to most of what was happening though. Each sister is going through many trials just like we all do. I enjoyed this story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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This story grabbed at my heart from the very first chapter. Although this book is about the three Thatcher sisters, the main focus of the story is on Jillian, the middle sister, and her battle to fully recover from her treatments for breast cancer. Her story is an emotional one. As a newlywed, her marriage isn’t going exactly as she had imagined. She struggles with memory loss from the medicines necessary to battle the return of the cancer, and even though her husband is very supportive, he doesn’t quite understand the full impact of this on Jillian. Her relationship with her sisters is not always easy. Although the Thatcher family has traditionally had nothing to do with God, younger sister Peyton begins searching for peace in her own life. As the sisters come together to support each other through unexpected difficult times, Jillian and Peyton begin to realize that God loves them more than they could ever imagine.

Once I started reading this story, I could hardly put it down. Although I haven’t read the first book in this series, I was able to feel at home in this book. I’m looking forward to to seeing how life turns out for the three sisters and will be watching for the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Have you ever felt like your life was a train wreck you couldn’t escape? You could see it coming, but you didn’t know how to jump off? If that makes sense to you, I highly recommend you read Moments We Forget which picks up a few months after Things I Never Told You. You do not have to read both books, but I whole-heartedly encourage it. They can be read separately, but Payton’s story begins in Things I Never Told You and continues in Moments We Forget. You won’t feel lost or misplaced, but both books are equally beneficial.

The Thatcher sisters all have their place. Johanna is the oldest, the planner, the my-way-or-the-highway sister. Jillian is the middle sister, the Just Jillian, the one overlooked, the plain Jane, and peacemaker of the group. Payton is the youngest, half of a set, the one left behind when her twin sister Pepper dies in an accident.

Grief has a funny way of affecting people in different ways and each sister deals with Pepper’s death in their way. Between the three of them, I’m sure you’ll find one you can connect with. Moments We Forget focuses mainly on Jillian, but we also get Payton’s and Johanna’s perspectives. All three women are trying to heal, even ten years after Pepper’s death, they struggle to communicate with one another. Families are complicated, sometimes akin to a slippery slope. You can never say the right thing or do enough to make things right.

That brings us to the spiritual side. Zach’s influence is spreading, first to Payton, and now to Jillian. Because no matter what we do, no matter how we try, nothing can fill the gaps in our life like God can. The slow spiritual journeys of the Thatcher sisters is real. It’s emotional, powerful, and downright wonderful.

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Moments We Forget is the second book in Beth Vogt’s Thatcher Sisters series. I somehow missed book 1, but that did not keep me from fully engaging in this touching story of loss and hope. The novel is contemporary women’s fiction at its best. Vogt’s characterization is spot-on as she develops the sometimes uneasy relationship between sisters Jillian, Johanna, and Payton. The book is told in Jillian’s first person voice with third person POV glimpses into Johanna and Payton’s lives. And while the story focuses mostly on Jillian, Vogt does a great job of advancing the other two’s story lines. Jillian has come out on the other side of breast cancer clinging to the hope for a return to normal. Unfortunately, there is a new normal. I am the daughter of a breast cancer survivor and have several close friends who have come through that fight, but (to my shame) I never realized the struggles that survivors face even as they get a cured report. Moments We Forget really opened my eyes. But while Jillian’s breast cancer journey is part of the story, it is not the final word. Her search for identity and turn towards God are more than believable. This middle daughter who has always lived with the label of just Jillian, learns a lot about herself, her marriage, her family, and the relationship she can have with God who impacts all those things.

Complex family dynamics, well-written dialog, believable characterization, relevant themes — you will find all these and more in Moments We Forget. I flew through this book and am eager to go back and read book 1, Things I Never Told You (it’s already waiting on my Kindle). I highly recommend this book — it is one of the best I have read this year.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

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What a calming yet incredibly thought provoking read! This is the first book by Beth K. Vogt I've ever read. Let me tell you it won't be the last. Ms. Vogt has this incredible way of writing characters that everyone knows. I can see my friends in this story. I can see my life story and the life stories of those around me in this book. Just hints... but that's what makes the story so relatable, so powerful, so memorable. The characters are real people. They aren't these fake people that get what they want out of life. They have hardship, they have failures, they have grumpy messy moments that we want to forget, they love and laugh and get angry, sisters fight, couples break up, but they trust and hope. I love the simple thread of the gospel through the story. It's so light but so powerful. Our hope doesn't come from within us. Our hope comes from the Lord. That message doesn't need to be hammered at the reader. Vogt does a great job of intertwining it into the story in a soft way that makes the reader think deeply. I laughed at moments in this book. I cried at moments in this book. I wanted to throw the book at the wall at certain times. I was irritated at the older sister, Johanna, just like she was my own annoying sister. I was mad for Jillian. I was excited when things changed for Payton. As a mom of 3 girls, I can only hope my girls will grow into adults whose relationships might not be perfect but they find ways to connect and love each other and support each other through thick and thin.
This book wasn't fast moving by any means. It was a rather slow story... one that was like reading into someones life. Not all moments are big and box office crushers. And I think that's what kept me coming back, unable to put it down. It wasn't flashy and fancy. It was real life. I loved this book. I can't wait to go back and read the first book in the series and definitely can't wait for a book 3! Hopefully that will be coming in the future. I gave this book 4 stars. I'm glad I chose to review it.
I received a copy of this book from CelebrateLit. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

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‘Sometimes we have to forget all the other stuff and remember we are sisters.’

Jillian, as the middle sister, has always been the peacemaker. Having always felt that she is ‘just’ Jillian, the time has come to stand up for herself and show that she is a person with opinions and feelings. The reaction of her sisters was perhaps expected, but it made me feel proud that Jillian was firm in her convictions. In learning to become her own individual, her personality starts to shine. Cancer, infertility, drug side affects and ‘chemo brain’ all come together to precipitate this change propelling her forward to becoming a different person. Several losses just add to the growth. In learning to think only positive uplifting thoughts, the negatives and worries seem to fall away.
‘I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.’ - Mark Twain
Observing changes in the lives of Johanna and Payton also showed that perhaps those ‘Moments We Forget’ aren’t so important after all!

I received this ARC through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions stated are my own.

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Moments We Forget is the deeply moving continuation of the story of the Thatcher sisters, picking up with Jillian's viewpoint. As the middle sister, she struggled with finding her worth - having never felt like she measured up. She wasn't as organized and in control as Jillian and wasn't athletic like the twins. In fact, she was short and overweight. . .

Anyone who has also felt they were "just" will be able to relate well to Jillian. I was very touched by her struggles which were compounded by the effects the chemo and radiation wreaked on her body and her brain. As the circumstances of her life appeared to crash down around her, she discovered hope.

I have to admit that after reading Things I Never Told You and liking Geoff so very much, I was a little nervous about this book. After all, what kind of life-altering revelation could he make? I won't give any spoilers and will let you stew as I did. I'll just say that I was surprised – and I do still like Geoff!

As with Things I Never Told You, we are still given glimpses of the lives of Juliana and Peyton and I'm so glad. Peyton continues to struggle with her view of God and whether she even believes he exists. Her biggest struggle has become whether her choice to believe is because of her love for Zach. And Juliana - let me just say that she is becoming more human as her dreams are beginning to shatter around her. Not that I would wish these things on anyone, yet I can sense good things in store for her.

I'm in the middle of three sisters and sometimes wonder what is wrong with my family when I read stories of the families who are so close they do everything together, even as adults. While my family isn't as dysfunctional as the Thatcher sisters (thank you, Lord!), it is refreshing to see a book that deals with the other side of families. The portrayal of each sister and the struggles they have finding into their place in the family are similar to those in my family and so I was able to relate so well.

Don't even bother trying to read this before reading Things I Never Told You. I imagine it could stand alone yet feel you would miss out of so much by not getting the rest of the story. And yes, there is another book coming but don't wait to read these until it comes out. This is the type of story that stays with you so you won't be lost when you start reading the next one.

I do hope the author will not only tell us Juliana's story but will also have a one for Harper, Jillian's best friend!

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This is the second in a series of three novels covering the stories of sisters. Jillian is the middle sister, the one frequently ignored or otherwise discounted. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in the first novel. We follow her experiences in marriage and other relationships in this novel.

Several relationship issues are covered in this story. The biggest one is adoption. Jillian wants to adopt while her husband is adamantly against it. Relating to this issue is the healing of past hurts. Both Jillian and her husband must work through pain they still carry from childhood experiences if their marriage is to thrive.

None of the sisters was a Christian at the beginning of the series. Two of the sisters had (part time) live in boyfriends, something unusual in “Christian” fiction. I am glad to see that changing as one of those sisters has become a Christian. There seemed to me to be lots of bickering and disagreements between the sisters and within the other relationships. I got kind of tired of reading those exchanges.

As with the first novel, the point of view frequently changes. Jillian's experiences are told in first person while the rest of the narrative is third person. These points of view sometimes change within a chapter and I found it disconcerting.

Even though Vogt's writing style is not my favorite, I am looking forward to the last novel in the series. The remaining sister whose story needs to be told is the oldest and the most forceful. I want to see how Vogt cracks her tough shell to be open to the gospel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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4.5 Stars

In the second book in Beth Vogt’s Thatcher Family series, three sisters are having a very challenging year. Moments We Forget is centered around Jillian (the middle sister) but both Payton and Johanna have their moments to.

As Jillian’s struggle with being the invisible one in her family carries over into her marriage and disappointment after disappointment assault her, she struggles to fight her way to some type of hope. Hope that her dreams will be realized, hope that she will heal from her breast cancer treatment, hope that her best friend won’t forget about her completely. Yet in the darkness of the valley she’s walked through the previous year, she’s learning things about herself and her husband she would have probably never learned without this time of struggle.

It’s sometimes heartbreaking how these three sisters who share a family and a huge loss each live in their own world when they have that built-in support system. Yet there are glimpses of those sisterly bonds being built stronger than before. Sure, there’s still bickering and outright disagreements but these three women are learning to respect each other a little bit more than they have before.

Vogt gives readers a lot to digest in this one but she also gives them a wonderful ending that fits so well with the entire story, you end with a feeling of…well, hope.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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I just read the last page and all I can say is wow! These characters are real. They face real issues and problems and nothing is sugar coated. They could be anyone you might meet on the street. My emotions were up and down, back and forth throughout. And I’ve experienced some of these situations personally myself. I could relate!
All three of the Thatcher sisters were facing different problems and issues. Every time they got together it seemed that an argument or misunderstanding erupted. Jillian, the middle sister, was tagged as the peacemaker on most occasions but she had her own problems. I felt the most for her because of her perceptions of herself. She had always tagged herself as “Just Jillian”. Her older sister excelled professionally and her younger sister was the athletic star. And on top of that, an earlier situation with her grandfather just broke my heart.
This was a great read! I finished all 418 pages in record time, it was that good! I got so engrossed in the story and the lives of the characters that all else faded into oblivion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the author and Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

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Moments We Forget is a beautifully written book. The plot of this book touches on cancer, adoption . This is Jillian’s story of dealing with cancer and wanting a child.. I love this author’s books and I definitely was not disappointed with her latest. I will be waiting impatiently for the next book. I highly recommend this book.

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This, the second book in Beth's Thatcher Sisters' series, draws you into the lives of the three sisters , every bit as much as the first one did. I thought that my box of tissues was well used for "Things I Never Told You", however, I was mistaken. Out came a new box as I made my way through Jillian's story. This author has the unique and ability when dealing with sensitive topics, to draw you deeply into the lives of young women who each have a struggle . Jillian, as the middle sister, feels very neglected and on her own to fight a battle that not one of us would want to encounter. As she works her way through the ravages of cancer and its way of taking over her life, she also attempts to reconcile with her two other sisters who have been separated far too long by grief and circumstances. With the realistic and vivid description of each character , the reader easily identifies with them, feeling every hurt, disappointment and fear. Deep emotions arise as you walk alongside Jillian in her struggles with health and relationships.

The plot keeps one so totally engrossed that time passes you by. I have to admit that I read the book in one sitting. I could not put this novel down!!! The unexpected twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, just waiting for the next disappointment or tragedy to fall, as usual, in the character's weakest moments! This is reality!! The rocky road of life trips us up on occasion, however, Jillian found the strength she needed, when she needed it most. You could feel her inner strength as it developed in the most unexpected ways. God is always nearby, however, we must seek and accept His help.

So many sensitive topics addressed in this story of these women, cancer, adoption, relationships that were falling apart, were done so in such a caring manner. Beth Vogt has the unique talent of appealing to her readers' empathy in such a way that it grows, unnoticed, as the characters develop. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction!!!

This is definitely a five star book addressing so many topics that many avoid. I am eagerly awaiting Book three in this series!!

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Moments We Forget by Beth K. Vogt is an unforgettable story. It is so poignant and heart-wrenching I’m still emotional days after finishing. My heart absolutely goes out to Jillian and her sisters, Payton and Johanna. Life really does a number on all three of them in this book. Even though my heart is a little more tender after having read this story, I am leaving these pages with such a pervasive sense of hope. I am so encouraged by Jillian’s and Payton’s new-found ability to leave it all to God’s will. They don’t know what their future’s hold, but they are OK with that. God’s got capable hands and He will get them through anything that comes their way. I’m leaving this novel with the same sense — God’s got this, and He’ll take care of me and my walk with Him. What a lovely, hope-filled way to leave a story!

Jillian is perfectly written. Her number one problem? Not the after-effects of cancer, not the side effects of chemo and dealing with chemo brain, not even a semi-disastrous kitchen remodel. Nope, these are not Jillian’s biggest problems. Her biggest issue is that she has always been “just Jillian.” Jillian is not like her perfect older sister, Johanna, who is always impressive and always has it together. She’s not like her amazingly athletic, talented, and beautiful twin sisters either. She’s “just Jillian,” and she hates it. As “just Jillian,” she is often dismissed and invisible. She is the girl who cannot catch a break, and she often has to watch as her dreams die. To the world, “just Jillian” is nothing. Honestly, the world sees her as a bit of a loser. Jillian almost caves and begins to believe that maybe she is just a “just” kind of girl. But then Jillian discovers the Truth — to God, Jillian is just the woman He needs.

I’m not going to lie, I bawled my eyes out. I’ve been “just Nicole” my entire life. Someone has always been better than me. No matter how hard I played, my brother Joey was seen as the better soccer player; everyone went to his games, not mine. No matter how hard I worked, when I presented my family with my Master’s Thesis the first thing they saw was a typo I didn’t catch. And, when I introduced my family to the man I was going to marry, all they could do was cut me down in front of him — of course, it was all a good joke at my expense. To my family, I have always been “just Nicole.” Like Jillian, it bothered me so hard. It took me a long time and a lot of tears, but as Jillian learns in Moments We Forget, I too learned that I am just the woman God needs. When we “just” girls realize who we are in Christ, we can overcome all the soul-hurting comments and judgments of the world, of our families. And we can handle being overlooked or ignored by those we love because we know God sees us, and that is all that truly matters. This is such a hopeful, positive message. One I am going to strive to remember the next time someone in this world makes me feel like a “just.”

Moments We Forget is a fantastic novel. I very much enjoyed every minute of this thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, hope-inducing story. I am sad my time with the Thatcher sisters is over … for now. Moments We Forget is another 2019 must-read — one I cannot recommend enough!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Tyndale, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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