REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY of AS WATERS GONE BY by CYNTHIA RUCHTI

About the author of 

AS WATERS GONE BY

Cynthia Ruchti

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in Hope through her novels and novellas, speaking for women’s events and retreats, writers’ events, nonfiction books, and devotionals, drawing from 33 years writing and producing an on-air radio broadcast. Her books have been recognized by RT Reviewers’ Choice, Selah Awards, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, CR’s BEST Awards, Carol Award honors, Family Fiction Readers’ Choice Award, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year honors and others. She has a total of 15 books on the shelves, with more contracted. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

In 2012, the radio broadcast Cynthia wrote and produced for 33 years–”The Heartbeat of the Home”–drew to a close. The scripted radio drama/devotional broadcast aired on many radio stations across the country and two cable/digital television stations. Cynthia served as the editor of the ministry’s Backyard Friends magazine, a twenty-page, twice annual publication that reached 5,000 homes, churches, and parachurch outreaches. 

Cynthia’s articles have appeared in a number of publications and online resources, including Christian Communicator, Charisma, Marriage Partnership, CFOM, and others (see press page). Her essay “Reading by Flashlight, Writing by Heart” appears in Cup of Comfort for Writers. She also has an essay in Writing So Heaven Will Be Different, a compilation commemorating the 35th year of the Write-to-Publish writers conference. For many years, she wrote a monthly column for Wisconsin Christian News and has written a number of feature articles for that publication as well as currently writing articles for More to Life, CBA Retailers + Resources, ACFW Journal, Christian Retailing, and other industry publications.

Cynthia spends her days diving into words, worship, and wonder and celebrating 42-plus years of marriage, three grown children, and five outrageously adorable grandchildren. One of her greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. To that end, she served as the assistant director and a faculty member of the Quad Cities Christian Writers Conference, has served as worship and devotions staff for the Write-to-Publish conference, and teaches at other conferences as opportunities arise. She speaks frequently for women’s groups, at mother-daughter banquets, and for women’s refresher days and retreats. It is her delight to serve on her church’s worship team and Creative Arts team. Rather than “busy,” she likes the term “active.”

Check out Cynthia's website at, http://www.cynthiaruchti.com/

My review of, AS WATERS GONE BY

Title: As Waters Gone By

Author: Cynthia Ruchti

Publisher: Abingdon Press (May 5, 2015)

Pages: 304

When I was given the chance to read, AS WATERS GONE BY by CYNTHIA RUCHTI, I accepted with enthusiasm. I am very involved in the prison and jail ministry through my church, so the plot had me eager to read it. I have to admit the title seemed a bit of a tongue twister and baffling. But I will get back to that, later.

With money running out and no other options, Emmalyn Ross moves to Madeline Island. There she meets others that welcome her into their world with open arms. A group of individuals with character, kindness, and passion. As Emmalyn begins to renovate the small cottage, God begins to do His own work within her.

There are stories that are fast paced, and stories that have peaks and valleys. Then there are stories that glide along smooth and tranquil, like waters on a night with no breeze or current. AS WATERS GONE BY is the latter.

As a writer, I can be critical when it comes to books. I no longer read with an untrained eye. What I have come to learn is there are several key elements to storytelling. Having all of them, and done well, is what makes a great story. If just one of those elements is not present and or not done properly, it can be the downfall of a potentially great story.

The typical style story I read is ones with peaks and valleys. AS WATERS GONE BY did not provide that element…for much of the story. Other books I may have stopped reading sixty or so pages into it. What kept me going in MS RUCHI’S story is that she did an amazing job with the other elements needed for a great read. Knowing the story had to do with someone in prison, was another key to continuing. I have to admit, I hoped it would be worth it in the end.

Like a light being turned on in a very dark room, the shift happened. Everything started to click and move along in a way that had me wanting more. In many books, you sense where things are leading, yet I was unsure where MS RUCHTI was going with AS WATERS GONE BY. What I didn’t expect was to read the last pages with a fuzzy warm feeling, AND tear filled eyes.

The characters are unique, three dimensional, and endearing. The content realistic. The choice of words and lines, remarkable. Often a title doesn’t mean much. Doesn’t stand out or have importance to it. In AS WATERS GONE BY, that was not the case. As perplexed as I was about the title, in the end it all came together in a profound way. A way that made me say, awe. So that’s why. Yet it’s so much more than that…

MS RUCHTI is an amazing writer. There have not been many stories I’ve read that I enjoyed reading at a slow pace, soaking in each word. I am at awe of her choice of words, having dog-eared pages, and highlighted a few lines. Something I rarely do in fiction. I am blown away how a book can turn from a “I’m not so sure about this” to a “an amazing story that will remain with me for a very long time.” One that not only tugged at my heart, but  showed me how to string words together and weave a story that will resonate in reader’s hearts.

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.

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AS WATERS GONE BY by CYNTHIA RUCHTI.

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