ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jackina (pronounced with a long “i” to rhyme with China) Stark recently retired from teaching English at Ozark Christian College to spend more time writing and traveling.
Jackina says: "Although I loved my subjects and my students, I retired to do more writing and speaking, to spend more time with my family, and to travel with family and friends (including trips to encourage two missions in Cambodia). I have also spoken nationally and internationally at many retreats and seminars and enjoy running into many readers and former students. I have written frequently for both Christian Standard and Lookout, periodicals of Standard Publishing. Years ago I wrote two non-fiction books, published by College Press, but currently out of print. These days, I’m exploring fiction. My first novel, Tender Grace, was released by Bethany House January 30, 2009, and Things Worth Remembering, is the second. I’m working on new projects, including a third novel, as time permits. Whether speaking or writing, I love the opportunity to tell about Him whom Jesus called “Holy Father” and “the only true God.”
She has been married to her husband, Tony, for forty-two years. They live in Carl Junction, Missouri, and have two daughters and six grandchildren.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Kendy Laswell and her daughter, Maisey, used to do everything together--until one fateful summer when Maisey witnessed something she shouldn't have, and their relationship fractured. Now, Maisey is back home to get married and Kendy realizes this is her last chance to reconnect with her daughter. Will Kendy and Maisey be able to reclaim the bond they once shared?
Maisey asked for a bride doll the Christmas she was five, mesmerized by her aunt's wedding the fall before. Since then I've been dreaming of the day, or days, we would shop for her wedding dress. A mother helping her daughter find just the right creation for that momentous walk down the aisle strikes me as one of life's happiest endeavors. The night she called to tell us she'd bought her "dream of a gown," I sat beside Luke on the couch, a striking contrast to Maisey's exuberance.
My dejection seemed a tad inappropriate. "Being hurt because I wasn't included is silly, isn't it?" I asked.
"Not so silly," he said.
Will I ever quit longing for the Maisey who was once mine?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Things Worth Remembering , go HERE
My Review:
Things Worth Remembering is a very touching novel. Heart wrenching in parts it held my attention from beginning to end. I wanted to shake one of the main characters Maisey at times. The timeline for the book is the week before Maisey's wedding. She lives in another state from her parents so she goes home to get ready for the wedding but leaves her mother out of everything she can. From the beginning the reader wonders what caused the rift between mother and daughter. Kendy seems like a wonderful mother and all of our Maisey's friends love her. The book is told in both Kendy and Maisey's voices. The chapters are the different days of the week and within each day Kendy and Maisey have their own sections. It really adds to the overall feel of the book. I loved it. In the book Marcus, Maisey's fiancee calls her on her awful behavior toward her mother. The result is a catalyst for the book. The characters, plot, and setting are great. The writing is beautiful and the title fits perfect. Highly recommended! :)
