by Catherine Richmond
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available July 2012
Thomas Nelson
368 pages
About the Book
Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.
With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.
It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.
My Thoughts
I've been looking forward to reading the next book by Catherine Richmond since I turned the last page in Spring for Susannah. Through Rushing Water did not disappoint!
Certain that she will soon become the wife of a US Congressman, Sophia Mackinoff is shocked when he proposes to her flighty roommate instead. Embarrassed, she jumps at the opportunity to sign up with the Board of Foreign Missions. Her first assignment—not quite what she hoped for—takes her to the Dakota Territory to teach the children of the Ponca Indian Agency. The longer she stays, the more Sophia can't believe the horrible living conditions the Ponca must endure. She and Will Dunn, the Agency carpenter, find themselves on the same side in a fight against the US government on behalf of the Ponca people.
Wow . . . just wow! Catherine's writing style is simply beautiful. The way she paints pictures with her words made me feel as though I was in the middle of each scene. She made the Dakota Territory and the plight of the Ponca Indians come alive for me. The masterful characterization of Sophia and Will and the other Agency workers drew me in as well. The more I got to know her, the more I liked Sophia. She grew so much as a person—spiritually and in maturity—and I felt the many emotions she experienced throughout the book. Will is another strong hero (much like Jesse from Spring for Susannah), and I loved the way he demonstrated and talked about his faith.
Catherine also told the story of the Ponca and how the US government treated them (and other Indian tribes) in such a way that my heart was literally gripped by the truth of what happened to real people (not just the fictitious characters in this book). It's hard to imagine that people can treat others so horribly, but it's a good reminder to fight against racism and open your heart to people of other cultures and races. Unfortunately, this type of thing still continues today around the world.
Catherine Richmond has delivered another stunning novel—one I will not soon forget. [5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I've been looking forward to reading the next book by Catherine Richmond since I turned the last page in Spring for Susannah. Through Rushing Water did not disappoint!
Certain that she will soon become the wife of a US Congressman, Sophia Mackinoff is shocked when he proposes to her flighty roommate instead. Embarrassed, she jumps at the opportunity to sign up with the Board of Foreign Missions. Her first assignment—not quite what she hoped for—takes her to the Dakota Territory to teach the children of the Ponca Indian Agency. The longer she stays, the more Sophia can't believe the horrible living conditions the Ponca must endure. She and Will Dunn, the Agency carpenter, find themselves on the same side in a fight against the US government on behalf of the Ponca people.
Wow . . . just wow! Catherine's writing style is simply beautiful. The way she paints pictures with her words made me feel as though I was in the middle of each scene. She made the Dakota Territory and the plight of the Ponca Indians come alive for me. The masterful characterization of Sophia and Will and the other Agency workers drew me in as well. The more I got to know her, the more I liked Sophia. She grew so much as a person—spiritually and in maturity—and I felt the many emotions she experienced throughout the book. Will is another strong hero (much like Jesse from Spring for Susannah), and I loved the way he demonstrated and talked about his faith.
Catherine also told the story of the Ponca and how the US government treated them (and other Indian tribes) in such a way that my heart was literally gripped by the truth of what happened to real people (not just the fictitious characters in this book). It's hard to imagine that people can treat others so horribly, but it's a good reminder to fight against racism and open your heart to people of other cultures and races. Unfortunately, this type of thing still continues today around the world.
Catherine Richmond has delivered another stunning novel—one I will not soon forget. [5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Catherine Richmond was busy raising a family, working as an occupational therapist, and trying to remember where she hid the chocolate when a song sparked a story within her. Her journey to publication has been long but full of blessings. Catherine was born in Washington, DC, grew up in northern Virginia, attended Western Michigan University, and moved around a lot for her husband's aviation career. Through Rushing Water is her second novel.
Catherine Richmond Online
Brooke, I'm so glad you liked Through Rushing Water! Sophia is so different from Susannah - I was worried you wouldn't like her as much.
ReplyDeleteI'd gone on our church's mission trip to Jamaica, so Sophia was someone I could connect with. I knew what it was like to be surrounded by people of a different skin color, different language, different culture. The poverty is so bad - it's hard to get your mind around it. But oh, the faith! Worship in Jamaica is the best!
Blessings on your mission, Brooke!
A lovely recommendation! This is one on my list to read. Looking forward to it even more now!
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