Harriet Sherwood has always adored her grandmother. But when Harriet decides to follow her footsteps to fight for social justice, she certainly never expected her efforts to land her in jail. Nor did she expect her childhood enemy and notorious school bully, Tommy O’Reilly, to be the arresting officer. Languishing in a jail cell, Harriet has plenty of time to sift through the memories of the three generations of women who have preceded her. As each story emerges, the strength of her familyand their deep faith in the God of justice and righteousness brings Harriet to discovery of her own goals and motives for pursuing them.
Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.
My Impressions:
Lynn Austin is one of the most talented authors in the Christian fiction business today. I have read a number of her Biblical fiction offerings and loved them. Though Waters Roar is the first historical novel I have read by her, but it reinforces that she is a must-read author. A multi-generational saga set against the backdrop of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Though Waters Roar explores the role of women in the political events of the times while creating a very personal story of survival, sacrifice and love. This book is a 5-star read! Exceptional!
The stories of four generations of women are told in this well-researced narrative. History comes alive through the eyes and actions of Hannah, Bebe, Lucy and Harriet. Told in first person and third person accounts, Though Waters Roar shows the impact of women on various social causes such as abolition, temperance, and sufferage. The stories become personal as Hannah hides runaway slaves on a stop on the Underground Railway, Bebe lifts up hymns and prayers in front of saloons and Lucy wields her charms to influence politicians to vote for extension of women’s rights. The bulk of the story is Bebe’s, a woman who fights against society and her own inclinations to keep her family afloat in difficult times. Harriet grows up hearing the stories of her courageous family and yearns to make a difference too. Austin also weaves a faith message throughout the story, a message of dependence and obedience to God. As the women struggle with their own desires, their focus becomes God’s call for His will above all else.
Though Waters Roar is filled with historical events and personages, yet feels like a story told by your grandmother. These characters lived history making this story very, very real for the reader. I cannot say enough about this book — it is a must-read I would recommend to anyone. I listened to the audio version and the reader was excellent. She did a great job of becoming the voices of ordinary women who attempt the extraordinary.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: older teens and adults.
Great for book clubs.
To purchase this book, click HERE.
(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Appreciated your review! I have this book on my Kindle app — just need to get to it! I’ve enjoyed many of Lynn’s historical fiction novels.
Thanks Barbara. You won’t regret reading it! But I know what you mean. I have so many books to read and need to whittle down the TBR pile. Thanks for commenting!