The Solace of Water Review!

Posted by abakersp in Contemporary / 3 Comments

I’m starting to think that 2018 is the year for Christian Fiction. There have been so may amazing books I have read this year. If I were required to do a top ten, or even twenty books from 2018 at the end of the year, there is no way I’d be able to without having several sleepless nights wrestling my thoughts about all these books. I’ve been reading for a while, and blogging for a few years now, and I don’t remember reading so many books that cut right into my soul so close together. Um…authors? I could use a break! Okay, not really, but man. You guys are putting out some good stuff this year!

That brings me to today’s read. Have you heard of The Solace of Water? It is a book like no other I have read. Set in the 1950’s, not only does it show the troubles of segregation between black and white people, it has Amish characters too. I don’t think I have ever read this mix of characters, at least from this time period. It was wonderful!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Solace of Water: A Novel by [Younts, Elizabeth Byler]
Click to purchase
In a time of grief and heartache, an unlikely friendship provides strength and solace.

After leaving her son’s grave behind in Montgomery, Alabama, Delilah Evans has little faith that moving to her husband’s hometown in Pennsylvania will bring a fresh start. Enveloped by grief and doubt, the last thing Delilah imagines is becoming friends with her reclusive Amish neighbor, Emma Mullet—yet the secrets that keep Emma isolated from her own community bond her to Delilah in delicate and unexpected ways.

Delilah’s eldest daughter, Sparrow, bears the brunt of her mother’s pain, never allowed for a moment to forget she is responsible for her brother’s death. When tensions at home become unbearable for her, she seeks peace at Emma’s house and becomes the daughter Emma has always wanted. Sparrow, however, is hiding secrets of her own—secrets that could devastate them all.

With the white, black, and Amish communities of Sinking Creek at their most divided, there seems to be little hope for reconciliation. But long-buried hurts have their way of surfacing, and Delilah and Emma find themselves facing their own self-deceptions. Together they must learn how to face the future through the healing power of forgiveness.

Eminently relevant to the beauty and struggle in America today, The Solace of Water offers a glimpse into the turbulent 1950s and reminds us that friendship rises above religion, race, and custom—and has the power to transform a broken heart.

 

MY PERSPECTIVE

This is one of those reviews that is hard to write, because you don’t think you can do the book justice. First of all, I took my time reading this book, which is extremely difficult for me. Not only am I a fast reader, but I often find myself wanting to read and read to get to the end of a book, so I can read another great one. But this book was different. I knew right from the start that it needed to be read at a slower pace. I needed to soak in the words and give the characters the time they deserved. There is so much emotion in this book: highs and lows, laughs and cries, worry and joy. Prepare yourself. You’ll need some tissues nearby, and I would kindly suggest not reading this in public. Or on your lunch break at work surrounded by your coworkers. It makes for awkward conversations.

Although there are some tough topics presented in this beautifully written novel, Elizabeth Byler Younts has found a way to tackle them gracefully and poetically. She writes in such a way that will tug at your heart and make you feel all the emotions right along with the character. I loved having the three POVs in this story. Emma, Delilah and Sparrow each had their own story to tell, yet they fit so perfectly together like a puzzle. Each one had a secret. Each one needed help. And little did they know that the solace they really needed was there all along.

This powerful novel is one that will be on my heart and mind for years. It’s one I know I’ll go back and reread every now and then. It packs a punch friends. It’s that strong cup of coffee that you need to jump-start your day. No, it’s not all frills, roses and romance. Honestly, I’m glad for that. The story wouldn’t have been as powerful and emotional that way. But it is a story of forgiveness. Of moving on. Of trusting in the One who put you on this earth in the first place. Read this book. When you’re done, lend it to a friend and then talk about it. I think you’ll be glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts gained a worldwide audience through her first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl and is a RITA nominated writer. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and a cockapoo named Fable.

Go to www.elizabethbyleryounts.com to learn more.

3 responses to “The Solace of Water Review!

  1. WOW! Your review has prompted me to request the book from NetGalley.
    I can understand your dilemma while reading the book. I read rapidly, also and most of the time can’t wait to finish so I can get to the next book. But, like you, sometimes there is a book you just aren’t able to rush through to the end.
    Great review!!!
    Blessings~