MY REVIEW:
“Through Raging Waters” was action packed from the very first pages. As if severe thunderstorms compounded with spring snow melt threatening to destroy the town of Timber Springs were not enough, personal health crises, a nearly impossible rescue effort, and a dangerous hostage situation complicate matters for everyone involved. The story moves along at a speedy pace that leaves very little room for the reader to catch her breath.
Most of the narrative revolved around the Fitzgerald family and those closely associated. It was evident early on that the Fitzgeralds had some serious problems among its members that played out often through their angry outbursts. Melissa Hampton, a close family friend, had her own issues. She was determined to prove herself and frequently made impulsive decisions that put her own life and those of others in serious danger.
On one hand, I enjoyed reading about life in Timber Springs and how the townspeople worked together to save it. Blare’s descriptions of the terrain and life in the area were intriguing. On the other hand, I never could develop much of a connection with any of the characters. The relationship between Paul and Melissa lacked something vital – I simply couldn’t seem to care one way or another if they got together. Hopefully some of the family issues will be resolved in a sequel to this novel. There were a few signs that was beginning to happen but I did not discern any actual resolution.
Overall, the author handled a very complicated story well. I did like the way her characters grew in their faith as they met nearly insurmountable odds. “Through Raging Waters” would be a good read for those who enjoy fast action and adventure.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
If Mother Nature has her way, Timber Springs will never be the same…
A warm spring and early rainstorms melt the snowpack. Spring runoff compounded by the storm of the century sends Timber Springs into a tailspin.
Tossed into the role of rescuer, local pharmacist Paul Fitzgerald must face his past before the whole world falls apart. While he fights to contain the beast around him, he finds his steadfast control slipping through his fingers. And life…everyone’s life…hangs by a thread…once again.
She isn’t a hero. Melissa Hampton has her own demons to battle. After she learns of her mysterious beginnings amidst her mother’s keepsakes, she faces more than just the river rushing outside her door. Now, she must discern friend from foe…but as waters rise and tension climbs within Timber Springs, she needs to rise to the challenge or lose the only man she’s ever loved.
Can two people find each other through raging waters?
Purchase your copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Renee Blare’s nose has been buried in a book for as long as she can remember. Raised in Louisiana and Wyoming, she started writing poetry in junior high school and that, as they say, was that. After having her son, a desire to attend pharmacy school sent her small family to the University of Wyoming in Laramie. She’s been counting pills ever since. While writing’s her first love, well, after the Lord and her husband, she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar.
Nestled in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains, she lives in Wyoming with her husband, crazy dogs, and ornery cat. She serves her beautiful small town as a pharmacist while penning her stories about struggling Christians as they travel along the journeys of their lives. She loves to interact with readers and invites you check out her website, blog, and social media.
Blog: Renee’s Inspirational Moments
Group Blog: The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction
Website: Renee Blare|Christian Author Website
GUEST POST FROM RENEE BLARE:
I Wrote a Book
Five years ago, I wrote a book…and then I wrote another and another and another. Many said that the words flowed like a river onto the page. Or I painted a picture with letters. As for me? I simply write what I see so you can see it too. What about you? Do you want to write a book?
If so, there’s one thing I’d like you to know. A book’s like a child. It starts out small or simple with garbled language…often repetitive and indistinguishable. Kind of like when a baby babbles “dada” over and over. And then that moment comes when you rejoice because you hear him say “mama.” That’s the growth every book…writer…reader…yearns for.
Different stories float around inside an author’s mind, flowing in a way much like labor. Some authors plot, others don’t. And still others combine the process in a convoluted method. But like birth, no matter how the words eventually find their way to the page, the development of a book doesn’t stop with its first dawn. It takes time, energy, and growth.
Take my first release, To Soar on Eagle’s Wings. Five years ago, I wrote it, my very first book, in three months. And it was awesome! I couldn’t believe it. God brought the plot together in a phenomenal way. But publication wasn’t the next step. I had a lot to learn before that could happen.
My latest release, Through Raging Waters is the example of a writer’s growth, but also her soul. I learned that I had to leave more than my knowledge and my heart on the page. I needed to leave a piece of my soul. When you read Paul’s struggles, you read mine. Melissa’s fear and confusion? Yes, they’re mine. The anger, the pain . . . the trials, the lessons learned are scriptural but also first-hand, taught by my Father.
Writing is more than a job. It’s more than a hobby. It’s sharing your knowledge, your hope with the world. So if you want to write a book. Do it. Then take that next step, and the next. You’ll get there. Oh, and I can’t wait to read it!
BLOG STOPS:
July 19: Pause for Tales
July 20: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
July 21: Captive Dreams Window
July 21: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
July 22: Singing Librarian Books
July 23: A Reader’s Brain
July 24: A Greater Yes
July 24: Eat, Read, Teach, Blog
July 25: bigreadersite
July 25: Cassandra M’s Place
July 26: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
July 26: Splashes of Joy
July 27: Blossoms and Blessings
July 27: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
July 28: Daysong Reflections
July 29: Quiet Quilter
July 30: Texas Book-aholic
July 30: Lights in a Dark World
July 31: Bukwurmzzz
July 31: Through the Open Window
August 1: Carpe Diem
GIVEAWAY:
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To celebrate her tour, Renee is giving away a wonderful package that includes a $20 Cabelas gift card, a set of her series paperbacks (books 1 and 2), and fleece blanket.
Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9f08 |
