Fantastic story. There are so many twists and turns throughout the story. I had a very hard time putting this book down. It would be so horrible to live through what Alicen went through. She was unable to get past the idea that it was her fault that her daughter drowned. She goes to a place where she had been happy as a child with a long time friend to try to heal. Instead of healing she seems to get worse. I love how the author works through all this pain. This was so well done. I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I finished this book in two days! It is definitely a page turner and I wasn't sure what was going to happen next.

This story is about Alicen (can I admit here that it took me a few pages to realize how to pronounce this as Alison - lol) and how she deals with the tragic circumstances that befall her. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like Alicen but I think that's all part of the story - how she changes and evolves.

When she goes back to Montana, as place that holds dear memories as a child, things start to happen that have her, and those around her, unsettled. She starts hearing voices and seeing children that seem to speak to her and know her. Not only that, but she has heard of these children before from someone else.

I really like Alicen's friend, Louise. If only we could all have a friend like this! She is Alicen's advocate and helps her in so many ways. I like how she sees the good in Alicen, even when other's don't. I'm not too crazy about Alicen's mother, although her attitude really does have something to do with the story and how Alicen feels about herself.

This story really is the classic good versus evil story and Rachelle really does it well. There was a small area in the middle of the book where I thought it was dragging a bit, but other than this, I really enjoyed the book wholeheartedly. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the Tyndale Blog Network ( )

The story begins with Alicen’s daughter drowns in the family pool. Her marriages falls apart as does her life. A childhood friend invites her to Red Lodge, Montana to help he pack up her family’s belongings and Alicen seeks help at the Clover Mountain Retreat Center.

One would think this is a story of pain and learning to move forward after such grief, but it is more of a psychological and spiritual journey. Is it a thriller, I don’t believe so. The story moves slowly and I could not relate to Alicen, her mother nor the director of the retreat, Victoria (who has her own demons). I am not one for stories with a spiritual theme and this is one that I could not get into. ( )

Title: When Through Deep Waters
Author: Rachelle Dekker
Pages: 400
Year: 2018
Publisher: Tyndale
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Rachelle Dekker is the daughter of author Ted Dekker. Both write novels that aren’t the norm and usually the reader doesn’t know until later in the book that it is packed with deep spiritual truths. I am not sure what I was expecting when I opened the book, but during my travel in the tale the truth punched my right in heart. So as not to ruin anyone’s enjoyment or the story or where God may speak to you, I won’t elaborate further what or where in the book my heart was impacted.
However, in true Dekker fashion, the story drew me in from the start. I could tell it would have the aspect of spiritual warfare in it, but there was more to come. The characters and their battles I would have to say are unusual but no less realistic. I am not sure that everyone can read this book. If they are dealing with any psychological or emotional battles, they will have to decide that for themselves.
I will say that though it is an unusual story, setting, and the characters seem real or at least their private battles do as well as their interactions with others, I wouldn’t have missed reading the tale for anything. Why? For me, when God speaks, that makes it even more special to me. I will never look at or understand the same way again the Word of God as it is used in the book. It means something deeper and the hope that grew from that is exponentially out of the ballpark!
The book reminded me of Ted Dekker’s Circle series, and I plan on rereading them as well. Be assured that this reviewer doesn’t elevate fiction above the Word of God. I just treasure the truths their fictional works reveal. I hope you read Rachelle’s latest book, and perhaps then venture into other works by both Rachelle and her father Ted!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter@lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

A departure from Rachelle Dekker’s dystopian trilogy, When Through Deep Waters is just as engaging.

Much of this book takes place in the minds of a couple characters. Dekker delves into the difficult topics of grief and mental illness. There is definitely a little suspense going on in the book but it isn’t the main fabric of this tale.

Alicen is struggling after a tragedy shatters her ideal life. In order to cope, she travels with Louise (Lou), her childhood friend, to Red Lodge, Montana. The small town holds memories for Alicen—both good and bad.

A bit of a supernatural element makes an appearance, especially the light versus shadows angle. As Alicen copes with losing her sanity, which many believe her grandmother dealt with as well, she must grieve her loss.

There is a danger in burying grief. One that hurts the griever and others around them. Victoria, a secondary character, provides a contrast to Alicen as readers spend time in both of their heads.

I loved Lou (and Lou’s mom). Alicen's friend is an anchor. Alicen’s mother is a bit ulikeable (read: pushy) but perhaps it comes from a place of love and concern.

Dekker does an excellent job of allowing readers to feel Alicen’s turmoil and pain while joining her in a fight to hold onto reality.

Perhaps a bit of the suspense could have been build up a little more. The book is near its end before I felt a sense of danger. There were some hints of it but some threats to Alicen sooner would have taken me out of the cerebral element of this story for a bit.

There’s a theme of grace running throughout, but more strong is the importance of forgiving oneself. Overall, a good read with hints of influence from Dekker’s father.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )