When the life she planned for herself is snatched away, Sophia’s eyes open to the life God has planned for her.
Sophia Makinoff is sure that 1876 is the year she’s going to become the wife of an up-and-coming congressman. But when the congressman humiliates her by proposing to her mousy roommate, Sophia wants nothing more than to disappear and avoid the wedding plans. She grasps at her first opportunity for escape and signs up for the Board of Foreign Missions.
She thinks she’ll be going to China . . . but even running away doesn’t go as planned when she’s instead sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the Dakota Territory. It’s an abysmal, primitive place for a lady of society, but as she gets to know the people, she discovers she can’t abandon them. The motives that led her there were anything but pure, but she finds a new purpose in trying to protect “the least of these.”
The water rushes around her—literally and figuratively—as Sophia learns that the only way to fulfill her purpose is to ignore the distractions and focus on God’s leading.
My Review:
published in 2012
A historical romance with substance. You’ll relive a piece of American history that should never be forgotten. The plight of Native Americans is heart-wrenching to read — the blatant prejudice, well-meaning ignorance, mis-guided charity — well let’s just say there’s enough fodder to drive a tender-hearted reader into despair.
Thank goodness for Sophia and Will. Their passion for the Ponca people and their way of life is a refreshing change — though will it be enough to change the course of the tribe’s fate? Well, you’ll just have to read Through Rushing Water to find out.
When I first started reading I wasn’t sure if I would like Sophia. She wasn’t shallow exactly, but definitely single-minded with a teensy lean towards entitlement — looking forward to becoming a congressman’s wife and the place in society that would afford her. Those dreams are quickly dashed and on the rebound she volunteers as a missionary to exotic China. It’s when she finds herself in the Dakota Territories instead that we really see what Sophia is made of. Richmond has given her a fascinating background which has uniquely prepared her for all she encounters.
And it’s as I watched Sophia come into her own that I came to love her. Much like Will, I was dubious at first, but quickly enchanted, astonished, and entertained by Sophia’s antics. And humour in unexpected places! Oh my, I’m still grinning!
This is the kind of the book that has your alternately laughing and crying and screaming out in frustration not to mention sighing over the slow and exacting romantic development. Definitely a fulfilling and thought-provoking read. Bravo, Catherine Richmond
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and open to any reader anywhere in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Through Rushing Water, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 30 2026
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