by Cynthia Ruchti
Available May 2015
Abingdon Press
304 pages
About the Book
How can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls?
Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to
mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she
could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship
a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to
beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake
Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how
they can ever be a couple again.
Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Café, a
circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who
desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island
cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by
learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins
to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she’s
ready for Max’s release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can
she rebuild a marriage?
My Thoughts
As Waters Gone By was a beautiful story that I enjoyed reading. As with previous books by this author, there are a lot of good things about this book. However, to me, two things stood out as my favorite elements of this book.
First, Madeline Island. An island that's essentially cut off from the rest of the world (except for a ferry) is so different from anything I've ever experienced. It felt a bit like mixing the past and present because of how life on the island plays out day to day. The descriptions of this lovely, quaint island had me itching to hop on a plane and take a little trip. Maybe one day.
Second, Boozie. Well, all the characters on the island were lovely, interesting people. But there was something special about Boozie. She just embraced who she was and her role of encourager and truth teller and light bringer to people who are down and out. She's a little "weird" (maybe), but I just adored her.
Don't get me wrong, there's a lot to love about this book. But if I told you everything, you might not want to read it for yourself. [wink] Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book if you're in the mood for a hope-filled story.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience
with "Heartbeat of the Home" radio and currently serves as Professional
Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.
Cynthia Ruchti Online
Giveaway
Cynthia is celebrating the release of As Waters Gone By by giving away a summer of fun to one lucky reader!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $100 cash card to put toward your trip to Madeline Island (discover the beauty of the setting of As Waters Gone By) or your summer vacation destination
- A book-club set (10 copies of As Waters Gone By and a downloadable starter kit) so you can start your own summer book club
Plus, now through mid-July, sign up for Cynthia's mailing list for a five-day virtual tour around Madeline Island for the chance to win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack. Each day begins with an email from Cynthia that introduces where you'll be “visiting” that day (all key places from As Waters Gone By) with various interactive elements, including“I wish you were here” postcards, trivia quizzes, and an ongoing Island scavenger hunt. The person who interacts the most will win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack (valued at more than $200). That includes:
- The letterpress block Hope sign from DaySpring
- A set of 6 Hemmed in Hope notecards showing a hope-themed Bible verse
- A leather “I can’t unravel, I’m hemmed in hope” journal
- Signed copies of each of Cynthia’s books, fiction and non-fiction
As Waters Go By sounds like a delightful read, Thank you for sharing your review of this book. I'll be adding it to my ever growing reading wishlist!!
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