It is a poignant and powerful novel that explores themes of grief, friendship, and forgiveness in the midst of societal divisions. Through the unlikely friendship between Delilah, Emma, and Sparrow, the author delves into the complexities of personal pain and the transformative power of connection. Set in the turbulent 1950s, this book offers a glimpse into a time of racial and cultural tensions, while emphasizing the universal need for healing and understanding. With its beautifully crafted characters and thought-provoking narrative, the book is a beautiful read

There is a lot of motives and arcs I like about this novel - and there is a thing that complicates my reading experience to the level I am going for the three stars. This is a personal opinion, so others’ take might be totally different from mine.

I liked the setup - year of 1953, one heroine Amish, two - mother and daughter - are Black. This is a powerful setting where the two minority worlds clash and the very unexpected friendships are born in and from the situation - this alone makes for an interesting read. But the thing is - all the women suffers. Some pains and traumas are more visible than other (the hidden ones are the ones that are more painful), but everyone present - both women and their men - needs hope, grace and redemption.
Ms Byler Younts does not only tip her fingers into the dark waters, she very much takes a deep dive into the issues not often associates with the nice Christian families. And I bow down to her for exploring these circumstances! They are human, as we are. When hiding from the sin, we can also hide from redemption, and this is not a good outcome.

But I am burdened also by what is called a sin here - combined with the toxicity in the family life. There are questions I have been debating (not all connected to the actual book, but some are): What is the meaning of a good wife? Can the effect of a spouse abusing be called a sin? Are all sin equal or is there a difference in responsibility and gravity? Is covering the hidden life of your husband a good thing? What about desperation, mask-wearing, shame, pain? What is sin and what is trauma?
Honestly, a good therapy/counselling for some of the characters might come handy, too - they would understand the nature of their acts better.
My answers might differ from these given by the novel. But I am thankful to the authoress for all this food for thought.

One African American woman, one Amish woman, living in PA. A friendship developes and this is the book that allows us to walk with these woman on their journey. You will feel like you are walking right beside them, crying with them, etc. Beautiful book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

After the death of 4-year-old Carver, the Evans family moves from Montgomery, Alabama to Sinking Creek, Pennsylvania as a chance to start over. Delilah “DeeDee” Evans doesn't want to move and leave behind her son's grave. In addition, they find 1950s Pennsylvania isn't quite as progressive as they had been led to believe. DeeDee's oldest daughter, Sparrow, is drowning in guilt, knowing that she is responsible for Carver's death and that her mom won't forgive her. Emma Mullet, an Amish woman in Sinking Creek, is dealing with problems of her own. DeeDee and Sparrow's lives will intersect with Emma's in ways none of them could have imagined.

This book started out slow, and while it did pick up, I was never fully immersed in this story. Heavy emotional issues were in this book from start to finish, and yet the book never made me feel the characters' feelings. I did appreciate that this book had realistic characters, which a lot of Christian fiction lacks.

Loved reading this! I wasn't sure what to expect, but this book is so much more than I first thought! So good!

The very first page of this book broke my heart. From that page forward, I was mesmerized by this well-written, unusual story. There is not one page of this book that’s comfortable. The themes of racism; deep grief over the tragic loss of a child; alcohol addiction; anger; and deceitfulness run through every part of this story. But just when I thought the there was no way out of the grief these characters were experiencing, the powers of friendship, faith, love, and forgiveness came alive just when they were needed the most. The characters of Emma, Sparrow, and Delilah are quite complex and we view this broken story through their eyes. Reading this book is a remarkable journey of seeing how faith can change even the most desperate of situations.

The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts is the story of an unlikely friendship in the 1950s. But it is so much more than that. It’s the story of hurts and secrets. It’s the story of race and prejudice. Told so eloquently by a skilled writer, the prose in this book is melodic at times. I highly recommend this book. You won’t be able to forget it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Thank you Netgalley and ThomasNelson for an ARC of this wonderful book .

This was a fabulous book that has me returning to it in my thoughts many weeks later. Highly recommended.

Wonderful book. Truly inspirational. I couldn't stop reading once I started! Not an amish book. Not a ethinic book. Just a book about people who never would have expected to be friends running into each other and life happening! Lovely read!

The Solace of Water is not your run-of-the-mill Christian fiction.
It’s set in 1956, in the small town of Sinking Creek, Pennsylvania. The writing is excellent, with strong and original character voices. The story is told in first person from the point of view of three main characters: Emma, Delilah, and Sparrow. Each hides secrets and pain. No, this isn’t an easy read (and there should be a trigger warning for self-harm).

Emma is Amish, and has lived in Sinking Creek her entire life. She gives the outward appearance of being a submissive Amish wife, but she’s hiding secrets—her own, and her husband’s. Delilah and her family have recently moved to Sinking Creek from Montgomery, Alabama, but she finds moving doesn’t take away her troubles. Sparrow is Delilah’s daughter. Sparrow knows Delilah blames her for her brother’s death, and knows there is nothing she can do to change that.

Delilah was a difficult character to empathise with.
Sure, she’s grieving the loss of her four-year-old son, but she’s an adult. She shouldn’t blame her daughter, even if her daughter was supposed to be watching the younger children. This provides plenty of conflict between Delilah and Sparrow, and is the impetus behind both Delilah and Sparrow’s developing relationship with Emma.

Emma has her own secrets.
A drunk for a husband, a rebel for a son, and a marriage fractured by hurt. She’s intrigued by this new family in town who worship in such a different way to her, and she’s puzzled at Delilah’s reluctance to befriend her.

I think Sparrow was my favourite character.
She’s the victim, the character who has had little control over the situation she finds herself in. Now she’s struggling to be in control. She is intrigued by Emma and her son, who treat her as equals. But this is 1950s America and segregation is real, whether the physical signs are there or not.

The Solace of Water is a fascinating exploration of racial differences and prejudice set in the early years of the Civil Rights struggle. It emphasises how we’re often afraid of “different”. It shows how it’s important to understand and work through our differences—especially with other Christians.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

The very first page of this book broke my heart. From that page forward, I was mesmerized by this well-written, unusual story. There is not one page of this book that’s comfortable. The themes of racism; deep grief over the tragic loss of a child; alcohol addiction; anger; and deceitfulness run through every part of this story. But just when I thought the there was no way out of the grief these characters were experiencing, the powers of friendship, faith, love, and forgiveness came alive just when they were needed the most. The characters of Emma, Sparrow, and Delilah are quite complex and we view this broken story through their eyes. Reading this book is a remarkable journey of seeing how faith can change even the most desperate of situations. This is not a “happily ever after” kind of story, but it’s a reminder that God is allowed to work in a life, even the bitter things become trophies of His grace.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was well-written, with characters so fleshed out, you knew who you were reading about without looking at their name heading. It was a compulsive read that I did not want to put down. My mixed feelings come in where I prefer books to have a lighter overall tone to them. The very ending was positive and redemptive, but 95% of the book was quite depressing with the characters all going through terrible things. Life can be like that, and I do appreciate the message that this author conveyed. I just wish it could have been a little more uplifting throughout the book at times to give relief to all the terrible circumstances. On a whole though, it is a book that I recommend, I would just give the disclaimer that it is a mostly sad, heavy book.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for my candid review.

What an excellent book! It is set in the 1950's when a black family moves from Montgomery Alabama to te Lancaster Pennsylvania area. The small town does not have signs posted about what whites and blacks can or can't do, but it still carries double standards. The town also includes an Amish settlement.

The book is about tragedy, and secrets and mistakes. And how all of those things impact people's lives. It is also about finding friends in the most unusual places. It is about sadness and hope and faith and salvation.

I literally could not put the book down. I loved the two women, their families and their children. I wish that I could count them as my friends.

Please read this book----you will not be disappointed! Six stars!!! Excellent book!

This novel, set in the 1950s, immediately grabbed my attention. This is the story of an African American woman and a white Amish woman and their unlikely friendship. Delilah, a preachers wife, has just moved with her family from Alabama to a little town in Pennsylvania for a fresh start after the death of their son. It was really interesting to see that time period from the eyes of both African-American and the Amish perspective. I don't believe I've heard of any book that has done that before. While the writing itself was simple, there was so much emotion and heartbreak I had to take a break from reading anything once it was finished. Readers will become completely absorbed the minute they start this book.

A compelling and sometimes difficult read. This story dives into some deep, dark issues like alcoholism, loss of a child, self-harm, and racism, but Elizabeth Byler Younts handles them with sensitivity and grace. The story has three main characters and parts are written from each persons point of view. At first I wasn't sure I was going to like that, but I think it helps you to understand each of the three characters better and form a bond with them.
The Solace of Water is definitely not an easy read, but it is well worth your time!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“My hands are the same color as the soil” The first line tugged at my heart-strings, peaked my interest and gave a peek into a turbulent time in history the mid-1950’s, Pennsylvania, were whites and colored folks didn’t mix.

This story had a slow start as the author lays the ground work for this compelling, powerful story. This helps the reader understand the magnitude of African-American Delilah Evans, a pastor’s wife and Emma Mullet, an Amish deacon’s wife; who grieve the loss of a child. The author goes deep into the secrets these women hold close to their heart and how they struggle through each day. It seemed most days the feeling of grief controlled their every move. The author also delved into a young girl named Sparrow as she deals with blame and cutting to cope with the pain. Other topics brought up in this story are family, love, relationships; loyalty, betrayal, redemption, religion, and freedom.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last. She has an amazing way with words compelling me to read more and experience things through these characters eyes that moved me and at times choked me up. The story is told through the POV of Delilah, Sparrow (her daughter) who Delilah blames for the death of her son and the Amish woman Emma whose very curious about the new family who moved in next door.

Delilah understands Emma didn’t see things the way other white women did. I was surprised at how Delilah and Sparrow keep telling her how white people should act around them. Just because there were no signs posted everywhere like in Montgomery there were rules to follow even in this small town.

Here’s an example of how Sparrow acts when she meets Emma for the first time, “…The lady smiled and patted my hand. That white woman done touched me. …I never had nobody try to help me so much…And they white…She touched me again. Someone needed to tell this lady that it ain’t proper. I looked at my arm…”You shouldn’t do that, ma’am,” …

This author is a gifted wordsmith here’s a peek into when Emma meets Sparrows’ mom the first time. “It’s nice to meet you, Delilah. I’m sorry to hear about the son you lost.” I’m just so sorry.”

“Her words brushed against me like the silk scarf my mama once gave me – all pretty and soft. But after Emma closed the door behind her, the silk-scarf words done wrapped around my neck and pulled so tight I couldn’t breathe.”

Great word picture that evokes emotion and understanding. This author goes deep into the grief of these three characters making me feel as if I were at the side of these ladies feeling their pain. This is a powerful read about a hard topic that’s beautifully written.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/NetGalley.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://tinyurl.com/y9lwbfrs
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The Solace of Water gets 3.5 stars.
The novel follows two families that are very different but are just as dysfunctional. In the time of segregation, Deliah and her family flee Montgomery Alabama to move up North after the death of one of their children. Hoping for a new start, Deliah tries to make her place without her son as well as make peace with her teenage daughter Sparrow. The two cross paths with a local Amish family. The woman, Emma, hides secrets of her own. Together the three women will journey through what it means to be themselves while balancing their social roles.
The story trickles slowly like a leak before bursting out two-thirds of the way through the book. This is the part of the book that is truly moving; the part where I was completely invested in the characters and their fates.
I wanted to give this four stars but the story was so slow and until the action truly started I only really liked one character. I wasn't happy with the way with the way Emma's story ended but to see see the hoper and love that faith brings is beautiful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Solace of Water is the compelling and powerful story of an African-American woman, her daughter, and an Amish woman. Set in the 1950’s, the unexpected friendship of Delilah and Emma is beautifully told by the author.

I loved the Evans family and had such empathy for Delilah as she made a new home for her family in a different state. I also loved Emma but her husband was not an easy character for me to like at first.

Told in the POV’s of Delilah, Emma and Sparrow their secrets are revealed and my heart ached for them. The topics were difficult especially, racism ,struggling with grief and the loss of a child. It’s also a story of faith, forgiveness and love.

It had been awhile since I had read a novel by this author, yet her characters and dialog stay with me long after I’m finished reading her work. This book will be no different. I took my time reading this one because the writing demanded my full and undivided attention.

Overall, I found the characters to be well-developed with a storyline unlike any that I have ever read. I never once lost interest in what was happening because the story flowed so smoothly. I love historical and Christian fiction and recommend this book to other fans of these genres.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a
positive review. All opinions are my own.

This is a very intense story. This tale is so gripping I wanted to reach out and shake (maybe slap) one of the characters. I marked Amish as part of the shelves categories but this isn't really an Amish story per se. It is a story about what grief can do to women and their families. I predict this book is going to gain a lot of attention. It is award-winning material in my opinion. It is an incredible piece of fiction that could so easily be a true story from the 1950's or today.

The story is told by three characters, Emma, Delilah and Sparrow. Usually I don't like this type of format but it really works here. We get the feelings and experiences from two grieving and fearful mothers along with one of their children. It really hit a nerve in me as a person who saw hard times during my childhood so I can relate to the young girl Sparrow, the guilt she is made to feel and the devastated self-worth she owns. She is also on the bridge between childhood and adult beginnings and needs her Mama. I also can relate to a mother who has lost a child before he or she was born. The author has powerfully described the kinds of feelings that can rule the two womens' thoughts and feelings in relationship to loss. I highly recommend this book. It's not an easy or feel-good story but it is --real.

The author has combined the two worlds of an Amish woman with dark secrets and a black minister's wife who is in mourning to a point where she isn't thinking straight.
I believe readers are going to be talking about this for quite a while.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy.

I’m not sure there are words adequate enough to describe just how amazing The Solace of Water is. This story is an intense experience. I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest and stomped on. As someone currently experiencing deep grief, I have to say that Ms. Younts does a phenomenal job of capturing what it feels like to be in grief’s ugly grip. By reading this wonderful novel I was able to cry tears I haven’t yet allowed myself to purge. The Solace of Water has been a real blessing for me in that sense.

The Solace of Water deals with pain. BIG pain. The pain of losing someone dear. Someone whose death leaves a crater-sized hole in the middle of your chest. At the start of The Solace of Water it’s 1956 in Pennsylvania. Even though it’s the North, whites and African Americans stick to their own kind. But pain…pain doesn’t understand color divides. Pain just hurts hard. Out of pain comes a deep friendship between Emma, an Amish woman, and Delilah, an African American mother and pastor’s wife. I love the relationship that fosters between the two women. It’s not really a relationship they want or seek, but it’s one that happens because God puts them in each other’s paths time and time again. At one point, Emma realizes that pain, no matter how it happens, speaks the same language. Pain bonds people. I can attest to what Emma means.

The last 17 months have been excruciating to say the least. I have helped (in my small way) my best friend as she struggles through and fights a very rare form of cancer. Last March, my family was evicted from our rental so the landlord could sell his house. I’ve gone through the stress — and joy — of finding and buying my first house. My dear brother, Tim, died in a freak accident. And, since May, I have been battling a very awful lady who has brought nothing but struggle and turmoil to my family. I’m short tempered, exhausted, and overwhelmed. I just want the bad to take a pause so I can catch my breath and get my brain straight. Every time I turn around, the pain seems to get bigger and bigger. I get what Emma means when she implies that pain bonds people. Through this rough stuff, my husband and my best friend, Lara, have had my back. Their shared pain as we deal with cancer treatments, funerals, and frustrations over other peoples’ meanness has allowed us to bond and help one another get through it all. It’s very odd to say, but our pain has created a sense of community. I am not alone as I deal with all these issues, and neither are my husband and Lara. This is actually quite a comforting realization.

The Solace of Water is a stunning novel. The characters are phenomenally written. Their behaviors and reactions to the pain they each feel is so lifelike. The plot of this story is highly engaging and fast paced. I truly could not put this book down, and when I had to I did whatever I needed to do quickly so I could pick this book back up. The issues within this story are varied and complex. Ms. Younts tackles a lot in this novel, it’s almost overwhelming. But she does so with such grace and aplomb. I don’t feel like any one topic is dealt with hastily or stereotypically. This is a novel that gets readers thinking — about life and death, about God and His ways, about the past and our current experiences, about trauma, grief, and PTSD, about addictions, and about the lies we tell ourselves. The Solace of Water is a novel that will stick with me for forever. I highly recommend this poignant story. Be warned though, grab LOTS of tissue before beginning this book. You are going to need it.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via NetGalley through TLC Book Tours. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.