WHEN THE WATERS CAME by CANDICE SUE PATTERSON is a well written novel that takes place in Johnstown during the horrific floods that destroyed the town in May 1889. The flood and its aftermath is well documented, with relevant quotations starting each chapter. While there are some people mentioned who were actually there at the time, the story revolves around Pastor Montgomery Childs and Red Cross nurse, Annamae Worthington.
I like the way the author documents the emotional upheaval in her characters’ lives, as they battle to come to terms with devastating loss, and also the fact that the devastation was caused by the greed and selfishness of the members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, one of whom is Monty’s despicable uncle Henry. When Monty was ready to give up he remembered that “the Lord had called him to help save others’ lives. He had to at least try.” The beautiful Red Cross nurse has a lot to do with his recovery. Both Monty and Annamae need to forgive and forget the past. Annamae is still very bitter about her father’s death which causes her to act unwisely….
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I highly recommend this heart wrenching and also heart warming read for the well researched story and the strong Christian message flowing through the book.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
