A River Too Deep is a 274 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre and was released on October 23, 2013. To purchase your copy, click here.
About the Book
In the spring of 1817, Alcy Callen and her father visit a step-uncle they have long presumed dead; but instead of enjoying a loving reunion, they are plunged into treachery and deceit. Nothing is as they expected and little is what it seems. Even the man who helps her escape is not the reliable suitor he appears.
Alcy is caught between gratitude and fear, unable to avoid her rescuer’s attentions or understand the responses they stir. Neither can she tell what sort of man he is or what he intends to do with her in the strange place they are going. Will he keep her for himself or will he sell her to the highest bidder?
Of one person only is she certain, but will he come for her before it is too late?
Before this weekend, I’d heard so many great things about A River Too Deep by Sydney Tooman Betts. A lot of people have raved over it in the “Avid Readers of Christian Fiction” group I belong to on Facebook. So when the opportunity arose to join the blog tour with Celebrate Lit, I jumped at the chance to finally read this much-talked-about book for myself. I can now safely say that I see what all the fuss was about.
A River Too Deep is almost an allegory of our relationship with God, though it stops just short of fully falling into that category. Certain characters and plot points beautifully illustrate the concept of God as our Adopted Father, of Jesus as our Bridegroom. The history, the setting, the characters, the romance brought to mind Laura Frantz or Lori Benton but with a voice unique to this author.
In the first quarter of the book, I did think that some of the events/reactions felt a bit unrealistic. For example, after unexpectedly losing someone very close to her and then suffering some additional trauma of her own, Alcy didn’t have nearly the emotional reaction that I would have had, were I in her shoes. Maybe I’m just a wimp lol (entirely possible) but some of this first part fell flat like that to me.
On the other hand, the last three quarters of the book is stunning in its emotion, its richness, its characters. Alcy’s transformation into Eyes-Like-Water is poignant and bittersweet but “right”, highlighted by the power of the Creator and His Book to change lives. There was so much spiritual truth woven through these pages, not just what is blatantly expressed but subtle nuances that make it all the sweeter.
Bottom Line: A River Too Deep is rich with history and steady tones of faith, and while romance certainly plays a role in the story it is more of a subplot than the focus. Vivid characters gallop through the chapters, stealing your heart and carving out a permanent residence.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
My Rating: 4 stars / Enjoyed it!
KissingBook Level: 3 / May forget to breathe on occasion, particularly in the last half
About the Author
Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside in the Shenandoah Valley near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book. While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.
Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.
Blog Tour Stops
Feb 1: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
Feb 2: Cassandra M’s Place
Feb 3: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
Feb 4: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
Feb 5: Lavish Bookshelf
Feb 6: Daysong Reflections
Feb 7: Mary Hake
Feb 8: Christian Bookaholic
Feb 8: Reading Is My SuperPower
Feb 9: Texas Book-aholic
Feb 10: A Greater Yes
Feb 11: Simple Harvest Reads
Feb 11: Through the open window
Feb 12: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Feb 13: BukWurmzzz
Feb 14: For The Love of Books
Sounds like a great book.
Nice review Carrie!
thanks, Emilee! It was a great book!
I’ve been waiting for your day on the blog hop. I wanted to read your thoughts on this book. I’m A-OK with suspending reality in my reading. That’s part of the enjoyment for me. Any unrealistic elements don’t bother me unless it verges into fantasy when it’s clearly not supposed to be a fantasy book. I’m looking forward to eventually reading this one. Thanks Carrie. 🙂
thank you, Terrill! I very much enjoyed this book 🙂 I hope you get to read it soon 🙂
Carrie, I’m obviously not too good at the blog thing because I just now discovered how to leave you a comment here. I LOVED your review. Thank you for taking the time and giving your review so much thought. It was very encouraging.
Haha no problem 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to comment!! I really enjoyed the book!
What an intriguing plot! Looking forward to reading the rest of the story!
sounds like a great read.
It is a great read. Lots of adventure and romance!
Yes!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on A River too Deep. I look forward to reading this book.