My rating: 4/5
Psalm 29:10 (ESV): The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
The event killed thousands of people and is historically known as one of the deadliest floods in American history. In When the Waters Came, author Candice Sue Patterson created an inspiring tale that is a fictional retelling of the devastating event, known as the Johnstown Flood, that occurred in 1889. Patterson masterfully uses the horrific event as a backdrop to illuminate God’s grace. With themes of Christian faith, forgiveness, grief, and healing, the story will surely resonate in the heart of the reader long after the conclusion.
“The Lord’s words were powerful, His promises true, but one had to open their soul and allow it to soak in, to nourish, to heal” (Monty, When the Waters Came).
When the Waters Came is centered around two main characters. Montogomery ‘Monty’ Childs is a pastor in Johnstown whose survival of the flood has left him in a state of emotional shock and spiritually doubting, as he has witnessed the tragic death of many people and has experienced the wave of despair that has blanketed the survivors. Although usually a man of great faith, the event has left him despondent and questioning the will of God. Five days after the tragedy, the American Red Cross arrives to aide the survivors. Amongst the volunteers is a captivating nurse, whose compassionate and nurturing heart ushers him into healing. Her presence also forces him to confront a family secret that led him to flee his hometown four years prior and caused him to conceal his personal life and background. When a member of the very family he fled arrives, he is forced to tackle the truth of his family, even if it may prove life threatening.
Annamae Worthington is not just a pretty face, but is a highly skilled nurse who is benevolent, fiery, and purposeful. When she arrives in Johnstown, she sees the great devastation from the destruction of the flood and is immediately empathetic to the surviving residents. One specific resident not only catches her eye, but quickly steals her heart. Although the budding romance leaves her hopeful of her future, she becomes engulfed in bitterness when she discovers the identity of the people that may be responsible for the flood. This information surfaces feelings of sorrow and anger within her, when she is reminded of the sudden and unfortunate ‘accidental’ death of her father, in which she believes was at the hands of the people thought to be responsible for the flood. In her quest for revenge, she discovers a hurtful truth about her love interest, and about the intentions of her heart.
“Never take your eyes off the cross. No matter what happens in your life, you’ll always find healing at the cross” (Annamae, When the Waters Came).
When the Waters Came is a well-researched historical fiction novel. Quotes from actual newspaper clippings about the event were added, as well as direct quotes from witnesses of the flood. Although a fictional story, the author included several real characters within the plot. One of the most significant is Clara Barton, humanitarian and civil rights advocate, who most notably is known as the founder of the American Red Cross. Several authentic survivors of the flood are weaved within the storyline as well. Along with great character development, the author included phenomenal visual imagery within the plot. She was able to depict the sheer fear, intense panic, and catastrophic level of destruction that occurred during the Johnstown Flood. The Christian faith content in the story is both inspiring and convicting. The author successfully captured the abounding love of Jesus, His wondrous grace and peace, and the assurance of His perfect timing, even amid a terrible tragedy. This novel is for sure a page-turner that will incline the posture of your heart to Christ. I highly recommend this book.
“One must never grow complacent in their position but should desire and strive to grow taller in Christ” (Monty, When the Waters Came).
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