Remembering You

Ava has it all: a wonderful fiance, a great house, and a promising job as a news producer. When her fiance breaks off the engagement with no warning, Ava’s life spirals downhill quickly. Then, Ava has the opportunity to accompany her grandfather on a trip to Europe as he reunites with his World War II unit and visits battle sites. Ava sees the trip as a way to escape her current misery and a great feature for the morning news show. Unfortunately for Ava, her plan unravels when she realizes her grandfather has no interest in filming his memories for the show. To make matters worse, the organized tour falls apart, and Ava must find her way through Europe with her grandfather, his friend, and his friend’s grandson (who also happens to be Ava’s first love).

Tricia Goyer tells Ava’s story in Remembering You. I am a big fan of Tricia’s historical fiction. Several of her novels are set in World War II, with the men of the 11th Armored Division at the center of her stories. Through her research, Tricia has met many of the veterans of this unit, and she has developed a love and appreciation for them. She honors their sacrifice and struggles once again in Remembering You. Although the setting of this story is in the present, Ava and her grandfather journey through the battle sites of the past, bringing history to life. As Ava learns more about her grandfather, she develops a greater love and appreciation for him, and she begins to have a greater understanding and clarity about her own life. (Of course, a little romance and work related stress are thrown in to liven things up a bit.)

Remembering You is a heartwarming and enjoyable novel. Although it is not my favorite novel by Tricia Goyer (I enjoy the suspense of some of her earlier WWII novels), I recommend it to all fans of Christian fiction. My own grandfather served in World War II, and I can only begin to imagine the difficulties he faced and the memories he dealt with for years. Many thanks to Tricia for honoring these men, and for writing a story that makes their lives and memories accessible to all of us!

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.