4/5 stars
Book two of the four-part ‘Tate Family’ series, Through the Rivers by Embassie Susberry is a marvelous story that emphasizes the significance of family, faith, and forgiveness. Written with superb character development as well as an engaging plot, Through the Rivers is an awesome story in a marvelous series.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV): Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Katherine ‘Kate’ Tate, the vivacious and witty protagonist of the story, is at a transitional point in her life. Set in the early 1960’s, the novel opens with Kate leaving the bustling city of Chicago, where she is departing a life as a successful sultry nightclub singer and returning to her small and drab hometown in Texas, as a saved Christian. When she arrives, she quickly discovers that not much has changed. Her family is still in shambles, and the town continues to operate with underhanded racism. However, Kate is on a mission. She believes that she was sent by God back to her hometown to restore peace and encourage emotional healing within her family. She hopes that her love and dedication to the Lord will inspire change within her family. Upon her return, she becomes involved in the local church she grew up in and is met with criticism and contempt from a few church members. Yet, she receives a warm welcome back from a few members, including her childhood friend, Jesse Waters, whom she is surprised to find is the incoming pastor of the church. Their reunion will forge an amicable reconciliation between them and uncover a newfound sense of love. When she is asked to assist in solving a decades-long mystery, it will expose hidden secrets and unleash a series of thrilling events.
Things were not perfect in any way, but I knew that what God’s Word promised was true: when I went through the rivers, they would not overflow me (Kate, Through the Rivers).
Enthralling and inspiring, Through the Rivers, is an exceptional tale that engrosses the reader throughout the entire story. The novel is well written and magnificently paced, with an amusing plot. The story has an impactful message of faith, that emphasizes the redemptive love of Christ and the power of forgiveness. If you enjoy family sagas rooted in the Christian faith, with memorable characters, I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series.
