MY REVIEW:
“Through the Deep Waters” is an emotionally charged book about a young man and woman who have been rejected by their peers most of their lives. Dinah was looked down upon because of where she lived as well as her mother’s profession. A sacrificial decision led to a traumatic encounter that left her unable to sleep because of horrific nightmares and shame. She believes that becoming a “Harvey Girl” will be what it takes to gain the respect of others. Amos is a chicken farmer with a severe disability caused by an accident when he was a child. Determined to make a success of his farm, Amos is certain he can prove his worth to his father and maybe even himself.
Poignant and moving, “Through the Deep Waters” is not only a story about shame and rejection but about the redemptive power of the Lord to bring change and a second chance to lives when all hope seems lost. Sawyer’s characters are so very well defined that I cared what would happen to them. Physically, Amos was a less than perfect hero but his strong faith, integrity, and inner strength overcame his disabilities and gained my respect and admiration. Dinah had my sympathy throughout the story and I rejoiced with her when her life changed for the better. A pivotal scene between Dinah and her room mate was absolutely perfect!
As you can probably tell, I thoroughly enjoyed “Through the Deep Waters”. I could go on but fear I would reveal too much. Do yourself a favor and pick up or order your own copy.
This book was provided for review by the
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all
Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn’t old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.
The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her. Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ’s love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?
Click here to download chapter one of Through the Deep Waters.
Praise for Through the Deep Waters
“Kim Vogel Sawyer paints a picture of redemption and forgiveness in not one but many lives in Through the Deep Waters. Just as weary travelers found comfort in Mr. Harvey’s hotels, readers will find comfort in this wrenching tale of one woman’s shameful past and one man’s struggle to look beyond her indiscretions and accept the woman she has become—a woman redeemed by grace. Ms. Sawyer’s historically accurate novels tug the strings of the heart while giving hope to those who feel unworthy.”
—Pam Hillman, author of Claiming Mariah
“Kim Vogel Sawyer’s careful attention to detail and heartfelt writing make her one of the industry’s favorites.”
—Lori Copeland, author of The Healer’s Touch
“Kim Vogel Sawyer has crafted an emotion-packed novel about two damaged souls whose faith and courage ultimately come shining through. Readers will root for Dinah and Amos to overcome the wounds of their troubled pasts in order to find love and hope for the future. With its vividly rendered settings and well-rounded characters, this lovely story is sure to please Ms. Sawyer’s many fans.”
—Dorothy Love, author of Carolina Gold
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and nine grandchildren.
