Title: As Waters Gone By
Author: Cynthia Ruchti
Publisher: Abingdon Press (May 5, 2015)
Pages: 304
When I was given the chance to read, AS WATERS GONE BY by
CYNTHIA RUCHTI, I accepted with enthusiasm. I am very involved in the prison
and jail ministry through my church, so the plot had me eager to read it. I
have to admit the title seemed a bit of a tongue twister and baffling. But I
will get back to that, later.
With money running out and no other options, Emmalyn Ross
moves to Madeline Island. There she meets others that welcome her into their
world with open arms. A group of individuals with character, kindness, and
passion. As Emmalyn begins to renovate the small cottage, God begins to do His
own work within her.
There are stories that are fast paced, and stories that have
peaks and valleys. Then there are stories that glide along smooth and tranquil,
like waters on a night with no breeze or current. AS WATERS GONE BY is the
latter.
As a writer, I can be critical when it comes to books. I no
longer read with an untrained eye. What I have come to learn is there are
several key elements to storytelling. Having all of them, and done well, is
what makes a great story. If just one of those elements is not present and or
not done properly, it can be the downfall of a potentially great story.
The typical style story I read is ones with peaks and
valleys. AS WATERS GONE BY did not provide that element…for much of the story.
Other books I may have stopped reading sixty or so pages into it. What kept me
going in MS RUCHI’S story is that she did an amazing job with the other
elements needed for a great read. Knowing the story had to do with someone in
prison, was another key to continuing. I have to admit, I hoped it would be
worth it in the end.
Like a light being turned on in a very dark room, the shift
happened. Everything started to click and move along in a way that had me
wanting more. In many books, you sense where things are leading, yet I was
unsure where MS RUCHTI was going with AS WATERS GONE BY. What I didn’t expect
was to read the last pages with a fuzzy warm feeling, AND tear filled eyes.
The characters are unique, three dimensional, and endearing.
The content realistic. The choice of words and lines, remarkable. Often a title
doesn’t mean much. Doesn’t stand out or have importance to it. In AS WATERS
GONE BY, that was not the case. As perplexed as I was about the title, in the
end it all came together in a profound way. A way that made me say, awe. So
that’s why. Yet it’s so much more than that…
MS RUCHTI is an amazing writer. There have not been many
stories I’ve read that I enjoyed reading at a slow pace, soaking in each word.
I am at awe of her choice of words, having dog-eared pages, and highlighted a
few lines. Something I rarely do in fiction. I am blown away how a book can
turn from a “I’m not so sure about this” to a “an amazing story that will
remain with me for a very long time.” One that not only tugged at my heart,
but showed me how to string words
together and weave a story that will resonate in reader’s hearts.
*Please see my profile for more information on this review.
