This is not my first foray into reading books by Candice Sue Patterson, but I was particularly disappointed by this offering.
The plot doesn't really move until significantly deep into the book, instead it reads more like a factual retelling of the events. I truly had to fight my way through the book and not give up on it. Once I got past the retelling of events, and the plot lightened up a bit, I somewhat enjoyed it.

The book details one of the most heart-breaking disasters in United States history--the Johnstown Flood. The greed, the power, and the personal desires of those who were in control of the upkeep of the dam on the Conemaugh River was outrageous, at the least, and criminal, at most. One of the gratifying parts of the book was Clara Barton's contribution to help in the aftermath of the flood.

When the reader finally gets to it, the heart of the plot is the story of Monty and Annamae, but it is quite a slog to get to that part of the novel.

There are many characters based on real people within the pages of this novel and that brings a bit of charm to the plot. I once read a book by Catherine Marshall called, Julie, which is about the same events. I was hoping for this book to be of the same caliber. It just fell short to me.

Still, others will like it and I hope my opinion doesn't stop them from reading it. There is a lot of actual history in this book which is fascinating to read. Still, I give it three stars.

Barbour Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed were solely my own.

“When the Waters Came- A Day to Remember” by Candice Sue Patterson is the first book in a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. The Johnstown flood of May 31, 1889 is the disaster that is the focus of this well-written and fascinating novel.

A historic amount of rain fell in the valley where Johnstown lay, causing an old and possibly failing dam to break and the walls of water wiped out Johnstown and several smaller nearby towns. Over 2,200 were killed.

This historical fiction deftly weaves real historic figures into the detailed presentation of the flood and its aftermath. Clara Barton and the Red Cross play a prominent role, and several industrialists (who may have contributed to the flood) appear. The two main characters in the book are a young preacher and a young Red Cross nurse. Plenty of other interesting characters, the townsfolk, business owners, and children lend color to this tragic story. In this book, the author has truly honored the victims, survivors, and descendants of the flood.

“God always keeps His promises” is the hope that outweighs the tragic flood. “Why does God allow bad things to happen is lovingly explained.” I highlighted many other positive mentions of the Christian faith in this stirring book.
I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to the entire series.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

Powerful and Moving!

Have your tissues handy as you read this first book in a new series. The description and historical record of the 1889 Johnstown flood and its aftermath was utterly heart wrenching, especially when it was a tragedy that was preventable. Johnstown pastor Montgomery (Monty) Childs met Red Cross nurse Annamae Worthington shortly after the flood and worked together to assist victims, help with typhoid, and disinfect the town. The withholding of information and confidentiality issues created problems in their developing relationship that would lead to much soul searching and the need for forgiveness. The spiritual message of forgiveness was woven beautifully into this story and instrumental in moving the characters forward with hope. Not a light read for sure, but well worth your time. I appreciated the detailed author’s notes at the end which gave more information about the facts of flood and actual people of the time.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.

WHEN THE WATERS CAME by CANDICE SUE PATTERSON is a well written novel that takes place in Johnstown during the horrific floods that destroyed the town in May 1889. The flood and its aftermath is well documented, with relevant quotations starting each chapter. While there are some people mentioned who were actually there at the time, the story revolves around Pastor Montgomery Childs and Red Cross nurse, Annamae Worthington.
I like the way the author documents the emotional upheaval in her characters’ lives, as they battle to come to terms with devastating loss, and also the fact that the devastation was caused by the greed and selfishness of the members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, one of whom is Monty’s despicable uncle Henry. When Monty was ready to give up he remembered that “the Lord had called him to help save others’ lives. He had to at least try.” The beautiful Red Cross nurse has a lot to do with his recovery. Both Monty and Annamae need to forgive and forget the past. Annamae is still very bitter about her father’s death which causes her to act unwisely….
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I highly recommend this heart wrenching and also heart warming read for the well researched story and the strong Christian message flowing through the book.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This is based on a disaster. Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was wiped out by a flood when the dam broke. Pastor Monty Childs survives, but is haunted by what he saw and struggles with his faith. Red Cross nurse Annamae Worthington has her own struggles when typhoid fever sweeps through the ravaged town. Both harbor wounds from the past which the flood exacerbates.
All the suffering made it difficult to read, but there is a romantic thread.

I saw this novel and thought it would be good. I wasn't disappointed.
A very good book about an historic event and how the townspeople came together to help one another.
It's too bad that people can't help each other in the good times too. I know some do but not very often.
I really got into after the appearance of Clara Barton and the Red Cross.
‘All a body can do is focus on what can be accomplished each day. Take care physically and spiritually so one can be of service to others. And most importantly, remember who holds the entire world in His hands.’”
This is actually what made me keep turning the pages!
I finished this wonderful book in one afternoon. The characters had a story to tell and they wouldn't let me put it down until the end.
This author has done a wonderful job with this novel and her research was very well done. I will be reading for more when she comes out with another one. I hope she does! I so enjoyed this one!
5 stars for a journey of forgiveness, lessons in life and helping others in times of trouble.
Another gentle reminder that God's always near and even I needed this just now
Keep your gaze fixed upon the One who created those stars, Monty. He’ll guide you home.”
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A good book about a historical event that was terrifying. Floods scare me so bad. It's amazing what these people did. Very well written and informative.

I loved the unique way that the author used a historical event, one which I had not heard of before, and wove it into such an intriguing story. I really enjoyed the use of Clara Barton and the Red Cross as a backdrop for the storyline, and I appreciated the little bit of romance woven in as well. This was a highly enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more in the series!

When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson showed one of America’s horrors stories of how a small American town was destroyed either by man’s negligence or an act of nature. Patterson’s story does start with the flood occurring, but then the rest of the story focuses on the clean up of the town. Of course, the story features a romance between the minister and the Red Cross nurse from Washington D. C. As the town builds back into some form of normalcy, the characters; journey for love mirrors the town’s transformation. As a lover of suspense novels, I could not wait to see the error mentioned on human’s behalf to come to justice. The story kept propelling in that direction, and it kept me glued to see what would come of this ending. On the other hand, the setting is detailed enough that I kept watching the town come back to life. It was nice to see the remaining town people come together to work on rebuilding their personal and town lives. Overall, When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson showed a horrible part of American’s history, but also showed the determination of the American people to bring this town back to its humble standing.

I received a complimentary copy of When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.