Heart-tugging story about a Harvey Girl.
Through The Deep Waters was my introduction to Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, and honestly, I'm surprised I haven't picked them up before.
One of the things that made me pick up this book is the Harvey Girl theme. Ever since I watched the old Judy Garland movie The Harvey Girls, I have really enjoyed reading stories about them. In a day and age where waitressing was NOT respectable, the Harvey Girls WERE respectable young women. In many ways they pioneered the profession for young women today.
An emotional book, Through The Deep Waters is a story that most of us can relate to in one way or another. This isn't just Dinah's story but it is also Amos's and Ruth's, each of them having much to learn about God's love, forgiveness, friendship, and true love.
This is a well-told story and I found it to be very emotionally compelling. It not only entertains but leaves you contemplating your own life, and where you need both forgiveness and to forgive.
As I read the book, it faintly reminded me of the Biblical Hosea and Gomer. I have no idea if the author intended it but personally I liked that little thread running through the story.
Fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer, historical fiction, or Harvey Girl stories will love Through The Deep Waters.
(I received a copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Through The Deep Waters was my introduction to Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, and honestly, I'm surprised I haven't picked them up before.
One of the things that made me pick up this book is the Harvey Girl theme. Ever since I watched the old Judy Garland movie The Harvey Girls, I have really enjoyed reading stories about them. In a day and age where waitressing was NOT respectable, the Harvey Girls WERE respectable young women. In many ways they pioneered the profession for young women today.
An emotional book, Through The Deep Waters is a story that most of us can relate to in one way or another. This isn't just Dinah's story but it is also Amos's and Ruth's, each of them having much to learn about God's love, forgiveness, friendship, and true love.
This is a well-told story and I found it to be very emotionally compelling. It not only entertains but leaves you contemplating your own life, and where you need both forgiveness and to forgive.
As I read the book, it faintly reminded me of the Biblical Hosea and Gomer. I have no idea if the author intended it but personally I liked that little thread running through the story.
Fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer, historical fiction, or Harvey Girl stories will love Through The Deep Waters.
(I received a copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Kim Vogel Sawyer is an author that is on my MUST read list. Her books are interesting, educational as well as teaching highly needed lessons. Take for example this book here, Through The Deep Waters. The heroine in the story is the daughter of a prostitute and she lives above a brothel. One night Dinah makes an appointment to finally be an "escort" for a wealthy "gentleman" but decides to back out at the last minute. She is frightened, scared and innocent and the man takes advantage of this and attacks her. She uses the money to help her mother, who is dying, but she feels violated and very aware of the fact that no real man will want a soiled woman for his wife. So she takes off wanting to make a new life for herself. She becomes a maid at the Clifton Hotel and her hearts desire is to become a famous Harvey Girl on the trains. She wants a career. Then enters Amos Ackerman. He throws her plans off when he shows her kindness and attention. She must decide what she really wants for her future. A career on the trains traveling all over? Or one of the most desired professions a woman can ever have, of being a devoted and cared for wife?
I like how tactfully Mrs. Sawyer deals with this tough subject but I will urge parents to check it out before you allow your teenagers to read it. We are very careful about what the girls read and this one was still a little bit too detailed for our tastes. As an adult you know what is meant and what to expect but for young ladies it might be just enough detail given to get them asking questions, etc. Again, this is personal preference for our girls, but just trying to be honest. I think for me it brought to mind to be thankful for the life I have been given and to pray and do more for those who may have been harmed, abused or put in situations beyond their control. The hearts that have been hurt and broken need our love and care, not angry words and condemnation.
The main character, Dinah, has a friend at the hotel whose name is Ruthie. She is the daughter of the Pastor and tries to befriend Dinah, as much as she wants to be left alone. Ruthie is constantly being kind, giving her Scripture, etc. But I enjoyed how the author shows that she is human as well, after Ruthie takes a shine to Amos. It goes to show that no matter how brought up you are in the Bible and taught these lessons, sometimes you just have to go through these things yourself to see how you will respond. The wisdom from her father is timeless and I loved how he brought her to the Bible and that God has plans we may not understand or even want to follow, but if we trust Him to guide us, then everything will turn out right in the end.
As you can see I got a lot out of this book. It isn't just a romance or a historical story. But a tale of love, compassion and reaching out to those who may need us, no matter how they react on the outside. I haven't said much about Mr Ackerman but I quickly fell in love with him. Because of his leg injury he looks beyond the outer shell and sees things that many don't. His sweet nature was a blessing to me. I would urge those who love historical books to pick this one up. It is an eye opening book from an amazing author!
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts are 100% mine.
I like how tactfully Mrs. Sawyer deals with this tough subject but I will urge parents to check it out before you allow your teenagers to read it. We are very careful about what the girls read and this one was still a little bit too detailed for our tastes. As an adult you know what is meant and what to expect but for young ladies it might be just enough detail given to get them asking questions, etc. Again, this is personal preference for our girls, but just trying to be honest. I think for me it brought to mind to be thankful for the life I have been given and to pray and do more for those who may have been harmed, abused or put in situations beyond their control. The hearts that have been hurt and broken need our love and care, not angry words and condemnation.
The main character, Dinah, has a friend at the hotel whose name is Ruthie. She is the daughter of the Pastor and tries to befriend Dinah, as much as she wants to be left alone. Ruthie is constantly being kind, giving her Scripture, etc. But I enjoyed how the author shows that she is human as well, after Ruthie takes a shine to Amos. It goes to show that no matter how brought up you are in the Bible and taught these lessons, sometimes you just have to go through these things yourself to see how you will respond. The wisdom from her father is timeless and I loved how he brought her to the Bible and that God has plans we may not understand or even want to follow, but if we trust Him to guide us, then everything will turn out right in the end.
As you can see I got a lot out of this book. It isn't just a romance or a historical story. But a tale of love, compassion and reaching out to those who may need us, no matter how they react on the outside. I haven't said much about Mr Ackerman but I quickly fell in love with him. Because of his leg injury he looks beyond the outer shell and sees things that many don't. His sweet nature was a blessing to me. I would urge those who love historical books to pick this one up. It is an eye opening book from an amazing author!
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts are 100% mine.
