Remembering You

Dec 06, 2012 Crystal Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've mentioned several times that Tricia Goyer is, easily, one of my favorite authors. I first began reading her Big Sky (Amish) Series of books and fell in love with her writing style. While I love her books about the Amish way of life, I was very excited to read one of her other genre of novels, Remembering You. Remembering You is a historical romance and Tricia Goyer did not disappoint!

Remembering You is based on true stories and not only takes us through the story of Ava Ellington and her fa...more I've mentioned several times that Tricia Goyer is, easily, one of my favorite authors. I first began reading her Big Sky (Amish) Series of books and fell in love with her writing style. While I love her books about the Amish way of life, I was very excited to read one of her other genre of novels, Remembering You. Remembering You is a historical romance and Tricia Goyer did not disappoint!

Remembering You is based on true stories and not only takes us through the story of Ava Ellington and her failed relationships, but also through her Grandpa Jack's journey for peace and remembrance. It is captivating and tear-jerking. Reading war stories and picturing the men who experienced them is heart-wrenching. Tricia did a wonderful job capturing the stories of the men she interviewed and based the story off of. Their tales of marching through battle fields and into concentration camps during and at the end of the Holocaust draw you into the story. I could imagine the sounds and smells coming from the camps and the joy those men and women at Mauthausen must have felt when they realized they were being freed. I would normally say I can't even imagine. But when reading Remembering You, you CAN imagine. You DO imagine what they must have experienced. I had cold chills throughout the entire story. You can easily picture what the story is depicting. You can almost smell the scent of fresh baked bread and flowers as she describes Paris in May and the medieval thickness in the air in Germany. I started reading Remembering You and only put it down twice.

Along with Grandpa Jack and Grand-Paul's journey, we also get to experience Ava's own journey, not only for romance, but also for a new relationship with God. While she believes in God, her faith has been shaken due to a failed love and turns in her organized life. While filming her grandfather's stories, she reconnects with God while also reconnecting with her first love and deciding what to do about her former-fiance!
There is a lot going on in this novel but it is extremely well-written and easy to keep up with. Tricia did a wonderful job!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Beside Still Waters as a member of LitFuse blog tours. All opinions are my own.(less)

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Jul 07, 2012 Tammi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Remembering You is a story where past and present come together and take the reader on an incredible journey through Europe. Ava, her Grandpa Jack, and his friend whom Ava fondly calls, Grand-Paul, visit battle sites as they retrace the route these men took during World War II.

Through her research, and interviews with World War II veterans Tricia Goyer honors these veterans by using their stories to create stories like Remembering You, Stories I think many readers will enjoy, especially those wh...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Kaylea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: see-blog-for-more-info, interview-with-author

When Remembering You arrived in the mail, I was ready to read something different - I was not disappointed.

This book, tells the tale of a young journalist who travels to Europe with her grandfather, a World War II vet, on what will probably be his last journey to a large piece of his young adult journey.

Remembering You is a mufti-layered story. Not only does it follow Ava's journey to find out more about herself - as a person, journalist and granddaughter, but also Jack's journey to put away the...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I say that because I haven't completely enjoyed Tricia Goyer's books in the past, but the topic of World War 2 is one that fascinates me and I was game to give Tricia another chance. I'm so glad I did.

Ava loves her job as a television producer, but a broken engagement has wreaked havoc with her life and purpose. When her mother asks that Ava accompany her beloved grandfather on a trip to Europe to revisit areas that he was instrumental...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Remembering You
Tricia Goyer

Ava Ellington’s Grandfather Jack was in WWII and has the opportunity to travel to Europe for a special ceremony in honor of the heroes. Ava doesn’t really have an interest in all the battles and that, but to see Europe sounds like a great plan, especially if she can get some good video footage for her morning show in Seattle. Dual purpose, to spend time with Grandpa Jack and to make her spot on the morning show shine bright.

Grandpa Jack and his best friend Paul along...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

As head producer of Mornings with Laurie and Clark, Seattle’s top news show, Ava Ellington knows her position is tentative as the ratings were slipping. When her mother calls to ask her to assist her Grandpa Jack (Jackson Andrews) on a WWII battle site tour, as she had broken her leg, Ava sees a chance to break down the barriers between her and her Grandpa.

Ava runs the idea past her boss, and he suggests that she videotape the tour for mini-segments for the show. But Ava will have to be reminded...more As head producer of Mornings with Laurie and Clark, Seattle’s top news show, Ava Ellington knows her position is tentative as the ratings were slipping. When her mother calls to ask her to assist her Grandpa Jack (Jackson Andrews) on a WWII battle site tour, as she had broken her leg, Ava sees a chance to break down the barriers between her and her Grandpa.

Ava runs the idea past her boss, and he suggests that she videotape the tour for mini-segments for the show. But Ava will have to be reminded over and over that this tour is for the healing of her grandpa and not a TV special.

Grand-Paul (Paul Prichard), a close friend of Grandpa Jack, was also going, under the care of his grandson, Dennis, Ava’s first love from fifteen years earlier.

Upon arrival in Paris, they find the tour cancelled due to the tour guide’s accident in Northern Africa. Both men want to continue the tour, so Ava and Dennis accommodate them. The mystery parts Ava wants to know about is Angeline and Chenogne, the two things Grandpa Jack has kept secret from Ava. The tour ends with a memorial service at the Mauthausen concentration camp.

Tricia weaves the tender story of two elderly ex-soldiers from the same Infantry Division who want to reminisce and make amends stemming back from their haunting actions and memories from WWII, particularly Grandpa Jack with Angeline and Chenogne. The heartfelt emotions of the characters tear at your own heart as you hear the story unfold. The interactions between Grandpa Jack and Ava the TV host and Ava the granddaughter evolve in such a way that it heals your heart. The sights and scenes bring both sorrow and joy to the two friends. It’s a trip that is both agonizing and freeing. One that’s filled with hope and faith that reaches the most unlikely characters.

Woven amongst the WWII tour memories, there’s an on-again, off-again romance between Ava and Dennis. Their goals had separated them fifteen years ago. Ava also has the complication of an ex-fiance who wants her back. Would she have to choose? Would their goals continue to separate them? Especially when Ave and Dennis are again separated at the end of the tour.

Being so close to Veteran’s day, it’s a time to remember and give thanks to all the soldiers and their families for the sacrifices they made on our behalf. Thanks also to Tricia for sharing these memories with us in novel format.

Since I read this book, my husband and I got to meet a gentleman, who served in Northern Africa during WWII, and his wife. Applebees restaurant gives a free meal to veterans on Veterans’ Day here, and we were talking with this couple until our booth was available. We asked them to share the booth with us. It was exciting to meet a WWII veteran and his wife. They were in their late 80′s. Now I understand Tricia Goyer’s joy in sharing their stories.

This book was provided by Amy Lathrop from The Litfuse Group in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.(less)

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Nov 27, 2011 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-literature, christian-action-adventure, christian-fiction, christian-historical-fiction, historical-fiction

Television producer Ava Ellington cannot refuse her grandfather's last wish - that she accompany him to Europe on a tour of World War II battle sites. Ava has little interest in historical battles, but this may be her last chance to break down the barriers that have grown up between them, and she sets off, camera in hand, ready to record and report on their journey. She and Grandpa Jack are greeted in Paris by Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The Dennis who just happens...more Television producer Ava Ellington cannot refuse her grandfather's last wish - that she accompany him to Europe on a tour of World War II battle sites. Ava has little interest in historical battles, but this may be her last chance to break down the barriers that have grown up between them, and she sets off, camera in hand, ready to record and report on their journey. She and Grandpa Jack are greeted in Paris by Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The Dennis who just happens to be Ava's first love.

History comes alive as the group travels across Europe - from the romantic sights of Paris to the bleak battlefields of Belgium to the Austrian labor camp these men liberated so many years before - and Ava sees a side of her grandfather she's never known before. As he shares his memories of those bitter days on the battlefield, she begins to understand how his experiences in the war made him the man he is today.

Throughout the journey, Ava and Dennis are drawn together in ways neither of them expected. Can their memories of the past lead to a bright new future?

My Review:

This is such a wonderful book to read as an outsider looking into the personal relationship that Ava and her grandfather are working at resolving while traveling across Europe despite the fact that the original planned tour was cancelled and now Ava is funding this trip as a gift to her grandfather. Feeling more than overwhelmed at traveling in a country where the language is foreign to her as well as the country itself, she is determined to make this trip memorable for her grandfather, despite the fact that her very job could depend on the footage she is able to capture along the way. However her grandfather isn't about to share his memories so Ava can capture this on her television show. There are simply some memories that are just too painful to share as Ava will soon discover the real reason for her grandfather's trip to Europe.

I received Remembering You by Tricia Goyer, compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review and since Tricia Goyer is one of my personal literary favorites I jumped at the chance to read this one. I am such a huge history fan of World War II, that this was such a rare delight to see how the war impacted someone on a personal level and that's why I believe this one deserves all 5 out of 5 stars!(less)

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Nov 26, 2011 Whitney rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I loved the story of Grandpa Jack and Ava and Grand-Paul and Dennis. It was delightful to journey with the four of them through Europe and relive the experiences that the two grandfathers had during World War II while they were fighting in the 41st Cavalry Recon Squadron, Eleventh Armored Division, Patton’s Third US Army. The author’s ability to make you feel as if you are touring with them is amazing. Her descriptions of the Parisian people were spot...more I have very mixed feelings about this book. I loved the story of Grandpa Jack and Ava and Grand-Paul and Dennis. It was delightful to journey with the four of them through Europe and relive the experiences that the two grandfathers had during World War II while they were fighting in the 41st Cavalry Recon Squadron, Eleventh Armored Division, Patton’s Third US Army. The author’s ability to make you feel as if you are touring with them is amazing. Her descriptions of the Parisian people were spot on.

I thought that Ms. Goyer did a great job of portraying what happens in a friendship that moves on. Most of us have experienced having a great friend that we thought we would always be close to. Then life happens and you wind up on different paths. The awkwardness of this is depicted well in the relationship between Ava and Tana.

The relationship between Ava and Grandpa Jack is rocky because of past misunderstandings. I enjoyed watching them work through that and realize how important they are to each other. Grandparents are such an amazing part of our lives. Once Ava understood how much her grandfather and his buddies sacrificed, the story really took off.

What I did not like was the relationship between Ava and Dennis. Their romance just fell flat for me. I do not want to say too much and ruin the ending, but I just thought that they had several issues to work through. I did not like the way that Dennis always seemed to assume the worst of Ava.

If you are looking for a moving romance, this probably is not the book. But if you are looking for a book about a time in history that changed our world, pick this one up.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” (less)

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Nov 23, 2011 Lydia (Overweight Bookshelf) rated it 3 of 5 stars

First reviewed here: http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot....

November in Canada is a sacred military month with the pinnacle being November 11th, Remembrance Day. Remembering Me is told in a spirit befitting this atmosphere of contemplation and gratitude. The draw of this novel is the atmosphere of reverence and and gratitude towards the armed forced during WWII and evaluating the implications their service has had on their life since. Grandpa Jack and Paul have a brotherhood bound through sacri...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ava doesn't want to miss anymore special times with her grandfather. She realizes as she looks back over the years that the things they talked about were not the things that were important to him. So this trip with him to retrace his steps that he took as a young nineteen year old fighting in WWII was important. Meeting up again with an old flame that she deeply fell in love with when she was eighteen, makes this trip a bit stressed, but very interesting.

I enjoyed the book very much, it was a g...more

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Nov 19, 2011 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tricia Goyer in her new book “Remembering You" published by Guideposts gives us a wonderful thriller.

From The Back Cover: Television producer Ava Ellington cannot refuse her grandfather's last wish--that she accompany him to Europe on a tour of World War II battle sites. Ava has little interest in historical battles, but this may be her last chance to break down the barriers that have grown up between them, and she sets off, camera in hand, ready to record and report on their journey. She and Gr...more Tricia Goyer in her new book “Remembering You" published by Guideposts gives us a wonderful thriller.

From The Back Cover: Television producer Ava Ellington cannot refuse her grandfather's last wish--that she accompany him to Europe on a tour of World War II battle sites. Ava has little interest in historical battles, but this may be her last chance to break down the barriers that have grown up between them, and she sets off, camera in hand, ready to record and report on their journey. She and Grandpa Jack are greeted in Paris by Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The Dennis who just happens to be Ava's first love. History comes alive as the group travels across Europe--from the romantic sights of Paris to the bleak battlefields of Belgium to the Austrian labor camp these men liberated so many years before--and Ava sees a side of her grandfather she's never known before. As he shares his memories of those bitter days on the battlefield, she begins to understand how his experiences in the war made him the man he is today. Throughout the journey, Ava and Dennis are drawn together in ways neither of them expected. Can their memories of the past lead to a bright new future?

"Remembering You" is a special reading experience. Tricia Goyer explores the relationships that exist between Grandparent and Granddaughter by having them go on a tour of WWII battle sites that Grandpa Jack fought in. By giving us a present day story with its roots in the past Ms. Goyer tells us the stories of WWII through the eyes of the men who fought and lived them. Can the past be redeemed? And is there a way to start fresh despite old wounds? The answers are found when we go to God and ask Him to heal. Ms. Goyer has done a superb job in giving us history, romance and relationships all in one great big tasty meal that everyone can feast at.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Nov 16, 2011 Valentina rated it 2 of 5 stars

There’s a nice atmosphere to this book. The European scenarios definitely add charm to the pages, but unfortunately, not enough to raise this book past the “average” threshold.
The main issue I found was that Ava, the main character, is just not likeable. She is so indecisive, so weak, that it takes a lot of effort on the reader’s part to warm to her. She is affected by every little comment anyone in her vicinity makes, sending her into existential drama that gets tiring after the first couple of...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ava's life is falling apart. Her career is crumbling, her engagement broken with no contact with the former groom when her mother breaks her leg and can't accompany her aged grandfather to a WWII reunion in Austria. Her grandfather was part of the company that opened the gates to the concentration camp of Mauthausen. Hesitant at first, Ava pitches an idea to her boss and turns it into a segment on the morning show. It might revive her career. On top of that, just as Ava is leaving to her grandfa...more Ava's life is falling apart. Her career is crumbling, her engagement broken with no contact with the former groom when her mother breaks her leg and can't accompany her aged grandfather to a WWII reunion in Austria. Her grandfather was part of the company that opened the gates to the concentration camp of Mauthausen. Hesitant at first, Ava pitches an idea to her boss and turns it into a segment on the morning show. It might revive her career. On top of that, just as Ava is leaving to her grandfather's Jay, her former fiance sends a cryptic text.

Ava and Grandpa Jack meet up with the veterans in Paris where they quickly discover their tour guide is hospitalized. They are on their own. Grandpa Jack is anxious to reach Belgium and Grand Paul, Jack's best friend who shares secrets with him, is anxious for some closure. Some of that closure is that his own grandson, Dennis, still carries a flame for Ava, after 15 years.

The strongest point about the book was the subject matter. World War II was an ugly war. Not that any war is pretty but it was still fought mostly on the ground and the infantry suffered huge loses. The Battle of the Bulge was long and cold. War also puts soldiers in difficult situations that strain their ethical and moral compasses. There are ghosts hiding in Grandpa Jack's closet and he may need to face them. He did things he still regrets. Only Grand Paul knows what those are.

The weakest point of the book was the romance and progression of relationships. With much, MUCH tension, the reader is reminded over and over again that Ava and Dennis ended their summer romance at the age of 18 due to Ava saying stupid things and a big fight. Dennis is moody and unpredictable. Ava and her grandfather seem to be strained because of words they exchanged some time ago. It seems that the arguments of both of these conflicts take forever to be revealed and then they are anti-climactic. The story seemed like a weak filler for the real story which was the experiences these men survived then carried with them for most of their lifetime. At the end of the book, the author provides background information of how she came up with the story which was completely fascinating. I would have been happy just with that. (less)

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Oct 21, 2011 Krystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ava is the main character of this novel. The reader meets her in her normal, busy state...right before her life changes slightly. Her grandfather, as a last wish, asks her to go on a tour of World War II battle sites. Along the way, she learns much more about her grandfather's past, some of it hidden and very unexpected. Her grandfather and her have always had a "guarded" relationship, they never had that easygoing type of relationship. Ava hopes to move towards the latter type of relationship d...more

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Nov 20, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: REMEMBERING YOU
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Guideposts
November 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8249-4812-2
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary/general

Ava Ellington has just broken up with her boyfriend, Jay, and her job is quickly going south. Fearing she’ll be fired, Ava promises to come up with a news story that people will want to see, not turn the channel. But she doesn’t know what it is—at least until her mother falls and breaks her leg, and Ava is asked to accompany her elderly grandfather to Europe...more Title: REMEMBERING YOU
Author: Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Guideposts
November 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8249-4812-2
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary/general

Ava Ellington has just broken up with her boyfriend, Jay, and her job is quickly going south. Fearing she’ll be fired, Ava promises to come up with a news story that people will want to see, not turn the channel. But she doesn’t know what it is—at least until her mother falls and breaks her leg, and Ava is asked to accompany her elderly grandfather to Europe to visit all the World War II battle sites and concentration camps. She plans to video tape the men talking about their memories and the battle fields.

When Ava and her grandfather get to Paris, plans go awry. First, Ava is shocked that her grandfather’s best friend, Paul, is accompanied by his grandson, Dennis—Ava’s first love. Secondly, their tour guide cancelled and they were going to skip all the battlefields but go straight to the concentration camp. Ava’s and her grandfather decide to break off from the tour and go on their own, but then Ava learns that Dennis and his grandfather are breaking off too. They decide to travel together.

But traveling with two elderly men and an old flame isn’t easy—still, Ava hopes that she’ll be able to reconnect with her grandfather, keep her job—and possibly stir up the embers that once connected her and Dennis.

REMEMBERING YOU is another “World War II” book from Ms. Goyer. Not exactly like the ones I loved (From Dust to Ashes, etc) but instead this one is contemporary with a modern day hero and heroine, and the war heroes of the day telling their stories. As a result, the book is more telling, as the men looked at the fields and talked, but it is still quite interesting. I think I would have liked to have seen pictures.

If you like contemporary romances with a large helping of history, then Tricia Goyer’s REMEMBERING YOU will be perfect. It might also be perfect for the WWII veteran on your Christmas gift list. Fascinating notes from the author are included at the end of the book, as well as discussion questions. $14.99. 311 pages.

I received this book in return for review from Litfus.
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Nov 02, 2011 Alice Bola rated it 4 of 5 stars

Remembering You is a sweet and powerful story about a woman’s journey through remembrance of her grandfather’s World War II experience. I am a bit of a World War II buff. I love reading stories, fact or fictional, set during that time. What starts as a way to get closer to her grandfather while resurrecting her career, because a journey of love and the rekindling of faith for Ava.

I enjoyed this novel very much. The highlights for me are Grandpa Jack and Grand-Paul. I believe Ms. Goyer did an ex...more Remembering You is a sweet and powerful story about a woman’s journey through remembrance of her grandfather’s World War II experience. I am a bit of a World War II buff. I love reading stories, fact or fictional, set during that time. What starts as a way to get closer to her grandfather while resurrecting her career, because a journey of love and the rekindling of faith for Ava.

I enjoyed this novel very much. The highlights for me are Grandpa Jack and Grand-Paul. I believe Ms. Goyer did an excellent job in embracing both characters in a very realistic way. They could be anyone’s grandfather. A part of me wishes they were mine. I enjoyed their camaraderie, it was very believable. I loved that their friendship stood the test of time and distance. There was a bit of humor in Grand-Paul. Of the two, he was the one with more spunk while Grandpa Jack was the more thoughtful one.

I enjoyed the journey the four main characters, Ava and her Grandpa Jack along with Grand-Paul and his grandson Dennis, who just so happened to be Ava’s first love. I got a real sense of the emotion building between the grandfathers especially during their travel from Paris to the Concentration Camp in Mauthausen, Austria. Ms. Goyer interviewed countless Veterans of WWII and her research shows. There is an authentic feel to her writing. There were times I had to remind myself this was fiction.

Sadly the lowlights of Remembering You were Ava and Dennis. I thoroughly enjoyed their backstory and the hint of a possible romance. What I did not enjoy were the characters themselves. In the beginning, Ava was too self-centered and a bit whiney. Dennis was a little too self-righteous for my taste. I don’t want to seem too harsh with them, both had redeeming factors that made me root for them in the end.

Ms. Goyer is an incredibly gifted writer. There were quite a few morsels of goodness in this novel. My favorite was this:
“Ava could picture that. She felt the same way. Not looking back because of the pain. Afraid to look ahead. Maybe she was just watching her feet too.”

I think that captured the essence of who Ava was at the moment her journey started. I could relate to it because I’m just watching my feel. The hope of this novel is that Ava does begin to look ahead. And what a journey it is.
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Nov 28, 2011 Jennifer (Crazy-for-Books.com) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: received-for-review, received-in-2011, virtual-book-tour, christian-fiction, read-in-2011

From my blog.

I love novels centered around World War II and although this is a contemporary work of fiction, it is based on two grandfathers recalling their stories from the front lines of the war against Hitler’s regime and the ultimate liberation of the Jewish people from one of the many concentration camps, specifically Mauthausen in Austria. In their 80′s, Grandpa Jack and his best friend and WWII buddy, Gran Paul, are fantastic characters, brimming with life. You can feel their emotional tu...more From my blog.

I love novels centered around World War II and although this is a contemporary work of fiction, it is based on two grandfathers recalling their stories from the front lines of the war against Hitler’s regime and the ultimate liberation of the Jewish people from one of the many concentration camps, specifically Mauthausen in Austria. In their 80′s, Grandpa Jack and his best friend and WWII buddy, Gran Paul, are fantastic characters, brimming with life. You can feel their emotional turmoil as they recount their numerous stories as the foursome make their way across Europe, from Paris to Belgium, through Germany into Austria. The angst lying under the surface as they watch their friends dying; their joy and horror at opening the gate to the Mauthausen concentration camp rings very true to life and I was very caught up in their tales. The side stories with Jack as he comes to terms with some of the things he had to do during battle were heartbreaking and I felt truly sorry for the young man that he was, having to experience what he did.

Although I loved the historical aspects of this novel, the rest of it fell flat for me. I did not care for the main character, Ava. She was not a likable character at all. I kept wanting to like her, but she kept doing silly and stupid things that made me dislike her even more. Eventually I just got tired of her. I never connected with her as a character or really knew what she was about. All she seemed to care about was her job and getting the next camera shot. It was agonizingly frustrating considering how much I enjoyed the other parts of this book. Her relationship with her grandfather, Grandpa Jack, seemed strained at best and I never really felt a connection between them, which is unfortunate.

Dennis and Ava’s relationship is pretty awkward. It isn’t until 230+ pages in that we learn the whole story of their past and why things are so weird between them. They are on a roller coaster of emotions with each other and it is frustrating trying to figure out what the issues are between them when neither of them will talk about anything!

Finally, considering this book is Christian Fiction and published by Guideposts, I was a little surprised that there wasn’t some conclusion to Ava’s spiritual development at the end of the novel. Prayer and God were touched on throughout the book (but not overly so), but I was expecting some kind of wrap-up to the journey I went though for 300 pages, or at least some type of “it’s in the works” statement. But, it seemed to solely focus on the relationship between her and Dennis and making sure all of those loose ends were tied up. It left me wanting more.

Overall, an okay read, especially for those who love the historical aspects of World War II. There’s a fantastic author’s note at the end regarding her interviews of veterans and some of her research.(less)

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Nov 28, 2011 Kendra Neal rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW! I LOVED this book!! I began reading it and thought that I would be "Bored" and would not be able to get into it. Well, I guess the saying "Never judge a book by its cover" rings very true right now! Remembering You is a fictional book based on real life events and Tricia Goyer really brings the story and characters "Alive" and makes the reader feel like you are there in the story and time of the book.

I admit I am not one who is much of a "history buff" when it comes to Wars, but I must say...more

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Dec 24, 2011 Lorri rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ava hasn't done anything interesting at her job in a while. When her mother asks her to travel with her grandfather to Paris, she jumps at the chance, thinking this would be the only opportunity to go during her lifetime. She mentions the story line to her boss, who thinks it would be interesting and gives her the ok to go. Ava also thinks she may be able to get closer to her grandfather, something that has slipped away over the years.

As they meet up with Paul and Dennis and tour the old sites,...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-book-group-reads, relious-inspirational

World War II, two grandparents who were in the war together go back to Europe to re-visit where they once fought and freed the people from the concentration camps. This may be the only way to find peace for both of them. One last trip. Grandpa Jack who has to try and find someone from the past. Grand-Paul who remembers the war in his own way.

The two grandpa's go back on a trip with their grandaughter and grandson. Grandpa Jack whose grandaugther Ava is a jouralist/newsreporter who wants to get...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars

What started out as a reluctant obligation, turned in to a trip she didn't want to end. This story is full of everything you want - relationships (through generations and friendships), history, travel, & growing up. It started out good & ended great. I really wanted to read until I finished, but, I wasn't ready to let the characters go. This story really made me want to talk to my grandparents again. I can't wait to be with my parents again & just hug them. It is a shame that as youn...more

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Nov 15, 2011 Trish rated it 4 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed this book. The more typical storyline of a man and woman who were romantically involved in the past meeting up again years later is set against the fascinating backdrop of a trip to honor their two grandfathers’ service in Europe during World War II.

Ava, the main character, is on the defensive almost from the beginning, both with her former boyfriend and with her grandfather, but, as the trip goes on, she lets her guard down and begins interacting more openly and honestly with th...more

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Nov 25, 2011 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

Tricia Goyer knows how to write fiction on World War II. Remembering You takes a different approach to the war, in that it’s not a historical. Set in modern times, Ava Ellington journeys with her ‘Grandpa Jake’ back through France, Germany, and Austria as he relives his experiences during the war. A trip that first began as a way to help reestablish both her job and her relationship with her grandfather, this journey down memory lane soon becomes so mu...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Freda mans rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a great story and with a well thought out premise. It had me wondering what it would be like, to experience it myself, and would I have valued the journey? My guess is yes. To be able to see what others fought for, and to feel the impact by being at the actual spot it took place in, that alone marvels me.
The romance was an added bonus. The story was best when it revolved around the trip and the family connection, but the love story was the story in the end. And a good one at that.
Tricia...more

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Dec 23, 2011 Andi Newberry ~Tubbs rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a sentimental journey and I found myself completely absorbed in it. Ava is a producer of Seattle's top morning show and she knows that if she doesn't come up with something good for the show she may not have a job. When the opportunity arises that she could travel with her Grandfather Jack back to Europe where he was during WWII she is leery because they had a falling out at Thanksgiving over her fiance. Ava decides to go and tape her grandfather along the way as he sees where he was as...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved this book! A young working girl travels to Europe with her grandfather & interviews him about his WWII experiences as they travel back to all the sites. A very family experience book, which I loved. The generation gap between the girl & her grandfather is explored, which was very real. I plan to read another of this author's books.

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Nov 03, 2011 Sarah Sundin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Remembering You takes you on a scenic tour of Europe with secrets, history, romance, and tension around every bend. History lovers will appreciate Tricia Goyer’s research and detail, and story lovers will delight in four fascinating characters with clashing goals. I highly recommend this novel.

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Sep 17, 2012 Kentnkim Nelson added it

A book about WWII that made me weep at the loss of life and how life was taken brutally away from the innocent. I thought it was well written and lots of research went into it.

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Nov 11, 2012 Joshua rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a pretty stirring read. The author does a remarkable job with immersing us into the main character's world.

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Nov 26, 2011 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Thirty-five-year-old Ava Andrews' dream job is interrupted by an unusual request -- to fulfill her 84-year-old grandfather's last wish by joining him on a battle site tour of Europe. Ava is sure her boss will refuse her request. But, instead, he gives her a directive of his own -- to videotape the tour and send it back as mini-segments for the show she produces.

Read my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...

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