Wow! This was quite a book. Not an easy read, but I had grown up having heard about the Johnstown floods, as my parents grew up fairly near there. I was hoping that the 2 main characters were real people, but they actually aren't. However, I enjoyed the 2 main characters, and I did learn quite a bit of history that I hadn't known before! Some parts are very sad, but this book is definitely worth reading.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I love Candice's writing. In this instance, however, I had to shelve the book. It was very well written, but for personal reasons of a death, it set some triggers off for me. Excellent characterization however, and very moving scenes. Just not for me right now.

The first book in Barbour’s A Day to Remember series, is based on the Johnstown Flood of 1889. I had heard of it, but never really read much about it and the resulting devastation. This historical fiction grabbed so many emotions throughout the book. There were times I would stop and read a portion to my husband commenting I just was so unaware of it all.

History of the flood, descriptions of the horrors that resulted, Clara Barton, nurse Annamae Worthington and the Red Cross as they came to assist, to the minister and his emotions, brings the reader to a place of being completely so involved in the book that you cannot put it down.

I enjoyed learning this history so much and highly recommend it to those who like historical fiction based on actual happenings.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour and NetGalley and the comments are my own.

I had heard of the flood in Johnstown, PA in 1889, but knew none of the details. So much devastation and death as all the people of the town were affected in watching homes and businesses destroyed. Friends and family are washed away as the flood waters cascade through the town as the dam above collapses. Pastor Mongomery Childs (Monty) shepherds not only his flock, but the whole town as he has escaped through extenuating circumstances.

The Red Cross responds to the disaster with Clara Barton and her team, including Annamae Worthington. Funds and supplies are poured into the town as people are cared for, both physically and mentally. Not only are they suffering from the loss of human and animal life, but wounds are tended too and then Typhoid Fever affects many people due to the lack of sanitation and dead bodies, many having been buried in the mud and debris.

I enjoyed this Historical Fiction book by Candice Sue Patterson very much. Although it is fiction, she included so many true details which are included at the end of book. I could not wait to read that part of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this story. Based on true events this tragic flood is seen through the eyes of a pastor ministering the people of the community. Also, loved learning more about Clara Barton through the eyes of Annamae. Author's note is very informative. Recommended!

The flood of Johnstown, Pennsylvania May 31, 1899, was a horrendous event! This amazing new series from Barbour Books addresses one of the most devastating news stories of that era. Pastor Monty Childs has a been at his church in Johnstown, PA for two years. He loves his flock and desires to work alongside them and minister to their needs. But he is hiding a secret that haunts him. Annamae Worthington is a nurse working at a hospital in Washington, DC and apprenticing under Clara Barton at the American Red Cross. When the dam breaks and Johnstown is literally swept away, Monty is able to climb to the roof of his house and be pulled up by other men. Along with a little girl, these men take shelter in a church steeple to ride out the storm. Five days later Annamae arrives along with a Red Cross team to help those who have been devastated by the flood. Amidst the sorrow, heartache, and ruins, Monty and Annamae work to help those still alive to dig out from the mess and receive the care that is needed. But Annamae has her own struggles from the past and the secrets they both carry could drive them apart forever. This poignant tale of such a tragic time is masterfully woven by Candice Sue Patterson. She has enticed me to dig deeper and read more about this disaster.

I was gifted this book by the publisher and all opinions are soley my own.

When the Waters Came, the first book in Barbour’s A Day to Remember series, is a powerful, compelling story. This skillfully woven, poignant tale based on a true historical event, the 1889 Johnstown Flood, drew me in immediately and kept me immersed for the entirety of the story. The fictional characters are well-crafted and memorable. In addition, many real-life historical figures are wonderfully and believably infused into the fictional story. Rich sensory imagery and vivid, detailed descriptions of the flood and its aftermath put you at the scene allowing you to experience the story as you read. The amazing historical detail in the story reflects extensive, meticulous research. Monty and Annamae’s love story is sweet and at times bittersweet. I appreciate the strong, inspiring faith element with themes of hope, forgiveness, and restoration. This is the kind of story that stays with you long after the last word is read. I love this book and have added it to my Best Books Ever list. I recommend it as a must read for historical romance fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley with no obligation to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Johnstown Flood of 1889 was truly a day to remember. I had heard of it through history, but when I read "When the Waters Came" by Candice Sue Patterson, it really brought it to life. You will experience devastation & shock when the flood comes, grieve for lives lost, get caught up in assisting the injured & you faith will be tested as you begin again, even though all your questions may or may not get answered. Follow the lives of Monty & Annamae and other town members as they are tested like never before. The writing style really gives you day to day details of the aftermath as you experience this emotional journey. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

This is not just a story about the Johnstown flood disaster. It’s a story about, rebuilding, resilience, honesty and love.
I had never heard of this disaster. The author did a great researching job. The storyline was entertaining with great characters.
The Christian part was a little bit too but this story kept he reading far into the night.

Heartbreaking and inspiring...

The Johnstown Flood is not a new historical event for me. Not only did I read about it in a children's biography of Clara Barton but I also did some encyclopedia reading on it after reading Catherine Marshall's book Julie which she closely based on the events surrounding the infamous Pennsylvania flood. When The Waters Came, however, is all about the devastating flood and its heartrending aftermath. And, I think, that Candice Sue Patterson did it justice without being horrifically graphic.

But, what really caught my attention about this first book in the A Day To Remember series was how she portrayed the hero of the story as he grapples with the shock and horror of everything he has seen and he feels like he has nothing left to give his congregation as his own faith has been battered almost into oblivion. I found this to be one of the most realistic reactions that I've read in a novel like this. The heroine's reaction to specific revelations in the story was also quite understandable as is her struggle with willingness to start the process of forgiveness.

I was quite impressed with When The Waters Came. I learned quite a bit about the flood itself, I really appreciated Candice Sue Patterson's Author Note at the end of the book with its further details, it's immediate aftermath, and the resiliency of the townspeople of Johnstown. I found the story to be gritty but inspiring and I am greatly looking forward to wherever the author of the second A Day To Remember novel will take us...

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

backdrop for this hard-hitting, well-written novel is a devastating event in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The first couple chapters did not grab my attention, but when it did, I felt as if I were experiencing what the characters may have. There are both real and fictional people and events. I was happy to read about the Red Cross and Clara Barton. I enjoyed the townspeople and the growing relationship of one young couple. I appreciated seeing how the faith and hope of people carried them through a terrible, unforgettable time. The author gave me a new point of view about Noah and his family while in the ark, and some of the things they may have experienced during and after the flood. The notes at the end indicate the real events and people.

Memorial Day 1889 coincided with torrential rains and annual spring floods. Every year, residents feared that the dam at the exclusive South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club would collapse and destroy the town. The club and dam were owned by some of the wealthiest men in the country who refused to be identified, talk with anyone, or make modifications to the dam.

On May 31, the dam burst, sending a wall of destruction downhill that wiped out small towns before destroying Johnstown in the bowl-shaped valley at the bottom. People and livestock died, and streets and buildings were destroyed. The house of Pastor Monty Childs house left its foundation and landed against the church.

People from the new American Red Cross, founded by Clara Barton, arrived within days to provide medical help and other needs. It would take months to bury thousands of people and animals, to clear the buildings and materials, and rebuild Johnstown from the ground up.

The Red Cross from the Washington, DC office was the first to arrive. With them was Annamae, a young nurse. She and Monty met and became friends soon after she arrived. They grew interested in each other despite her plans to return to DC when their work was done.

The people of Johnstown knew the refusal of the club members to properly repair the dam caused the deadly flood. The secret membership prevented contact with owners. Monty, however, knew one of the men. His uncle, a ruthless man involved in steel and coke manufacturing in the state, and his aunt took Monty in when his family was killed. When Monty chose to go to seminary rather than work in the family business, he was dismissed from the family.

The author writes of each person with dignity. My favorite characters were Clara Barton, Ernie (a parishioner), Monty, and Annamae. The author brings them to life with realistic conversations, actions, and baggage from their pasts. I deeply understand the most troubling flaws that came between Monty and Annamae, and how they justified their behaviors. Only the Lord could heal their hearts.

I appreciate this novel, the faith lived and lessons learned, the history, and the relationships. Their views on alcoholism show how far we have come since then. I liked Monty and Annamae as a couple and, no matter what each discovered about the other, I wanted them to stay together. With only one exception, I was very satisfied with the end of the novel, and highly recommend it to fans of Christian historical novels with the substance of real people and events, people growing in faith, and romance.

From a thankful heart: I received an uncorrected early copy of this novel from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

When the Waters Came is a historical fiction novel that truly brings history to life. I read about this tragedy in school. And now I’m getting the chance to read more about it and give it a personal approach with the characters in this novel.

The people of the area had no idea what was going to happen. So many lost their lives. So much death and destruction. Could it have been prevented? Was there something that could have been done prior?

It was a natural disaster. Or was it more than that? Is there a chance that God was really judging and punishing people?

This novel definitely made me think. It drew me to the characters and I truly loved getting to know them. This is also the start of a new series. Book one of six I do believe. I’m ready for the next!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This book, When the Waters Came, was from an author I had not heard of before and about a historical event that I had no knowledge of before reading the book. I was not sure what to expect from the book!

From the beginning of the story I was completely taken in by the tragedy and the horror that occurred in Johnstown and also by the strength and resilience shown by the fictional characters portrayed in the book.

I loved how Monty and Annamae's characters grew as the book continued as well as the themes of forgiveness that were woven through the whole story. The book was well written and Candice's writing drew me in - I couldn't put the book down.

I look forward to reading more from Candice Sue Patterson and from this new series from Barbour Books in the future.

Thanks go to the publishers and Netgalley who provided me with a complementary digital copy of the book in return for my honest review.

This is why I love historical fiction. Until reading this book, I had never heard of the Johnstown Flood. The author did such a great job weaving real life people in between the story and writing the events so real that you couldn't help hold your breath while reading next paragraphs.

The main characters were honestly written. With determination and hope but a rawness amidst real life struggles, like pride, unforgiveness, injustice and hopelessness. In this honest portrayal there is heartbreak and devastation throughout. Disaster after disaster and wondering how could so much happen within such a small amount of time period. But throughout the characters are vividly human, begging you to feel their circumstances. All the while, making reading more immersive.

I love how the story shows the transformations and evolution of the characters of how they overcome being left with hardly nothing and the tragedies that befall them and rebuild. How they grow and lean on one another despite all their losses.

The story of Monty and Annamae is interwinted perfectly and adds light to a history that begins in a such a darkened event. The openness of the characters and their personalities and the lack of pretenses between the characters are refreshing. As I got through about a third of the of the book I was hooked. It got better the deeper I got into the story and could not put it down.

Thank you to the author for writing such a great telling of this piece of history. Beautifully written.

When the Waters Came is written by Candace Sue Patterson. This is the first book in a multi author series that focuses on historical disasters that transformed landscapes and lives.

This book is about the Johnstown Flood. Pastor Montgomery Childs grew up with a life of luxury and high society. However he saw the greed that came along with that society. He’s been pastor in Johnstown, Pennsylvania for two years. He’s saddened to see the rise of alcohol, salooons and soiled doves in a city where the evil ways of the world seem to be forefront.

When the flood hits so many are killed. Families are washed away, children become orphans. This leads Monty to struggle with why God would allow this to happen. The Red Cross shows up five days after the flood. Led by Clara Barton, Annamae Worthington is excited and nervous about her first disaster relief assignment.

I loved seeing Annamae grow and evolve throughout the book. She wants to make a difference. She’s got bitterness in her heart. I loved the authors reminder that God can heal all pain.

Well written with a throughly researched storyline. I am so excited for this new series. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed the first 50% of the book, which involves the retelling of the Johnstown disaster and the Red Cross' response, however the second half of the book quickly became focused on romance which is really not my style so I did lose quite a bit of interest

When the Waters Came is about the story of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood that happened on May 31st, of 1889. After a grand celebration for Memorial Day, the continual rain and the negligence of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, the town was almost erased off the map from the great flooding. The author has some really great notes at the end detailing and explaining more on this disaster.

The story focuses on two fictional people, Pastor Monty Childs who lives in the town and nurse Annamae Worthington who has arrived with the Red Cross and works alongside Clara Barton. Through their eyes the readers get a firsthand account of the destruction of property, and of a whole town of people being wiped away. The ripping apart of families and the loss of death is almost too much for Monty to bear, as we see him struggle with the madness of it all. He also blames his wealthy uncle and all those who cut corners to gain them more profit and hurt the townsfolk in the process that led to this outcome.

There was a lot of detail in this fictional account, and it was hard to read about all of the destruction. There were other dangers like typhoid fever spreading due to the contaminated water and the ruthless powerful men that Monty was to hold responsible for this catastrophe. Monty's and Annamae's romance was needed to bring light into their dark world. Even in this great woe, human kindness did show through.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

In some ways, this is a heart rending story. Given all the flooding we're seeing in the news these days, it is much easier to picture the devastation portrayed in When the Waters Came. And as in current life situations, there is hope and faith woven in.

I like how well researched this story is, and Candice's testimony how God laid it on her heart, and provided the resources, to portray this historical event.

If you enjoy history, natural disasters, or historical disasters, you will definitely want to add this story to your list.

“When the Waters Came,” the first book in the A Day to Remember series, is a captivating journey through historical tragedy and triumph. The book, centered around the 1889 flooding of Johnstown, immediately grabs attention with its alluring cover art and a poignant opening line that sets a haunting tone.

The story sheds light on a significant historical event filled with genuine emotion.

The writing is not only evocative but also nicely paced. The characters, particularly Monty and Annamea, are authentic and relatable, making it easy to empathize with their struggles and root for their faith.

This book is a beautifully displayed triumph over tragedy story, blending historical accuracy, engaging characters, and themes of faith, forgiveness, and fortitude.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

Barbour kicks off a new series, A Day to Remember, with When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson. Each historic American tragedy steals many lives and effects great changes in those left behind.

When the Waters Came recounts the chilling details of the 1889 Johnstown flood. This is a rough read, emotionally. Fortunately, I could keep reading because I knew that Patterson’s second goal, besides giving life to a horrific disaster, is to give hope.

The first sentence is forbidding and had the hackles on the back of my neck standing straight up. I was ready for the deluge of words that would describe this horrible tragedy. But, no, just as the people of Johnstown are caught unprepared, I was unprepared for the raw, gritty picture Patterson presents.

We meet Pastor Monty, who struggles to help his fellow survivors in town. Monty wants desperately to help his neighbors, but his faith is wavering amidst all the death and destruction. Plus Monty is hiding a secret that could destroy everything he has worked so hard to build.

We also meet Annamae, a nurse who accompanies Clara Barton to set up a Red Cross hospital camp and temporary residences for survivors. Annamae’s own past causes her to become very self-righteous as she seeks vengeance for those who lost their lives.

The burden of reading this story is twofold: first, I found the tragedies hard to work through, while knowing the value of understanding them. Secondly, Patterson forces the reader into both Monty and Annamae’s shoes. How would you handle their experiences that made more complex by the good they want to do and the answers they seek, plus the secrets they keep so carefully guarded? Don’t miss this chilling, but hopeful start to Barbour’s new series!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley, plus won a copy through GoodReads Giveaways. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“If every member of Johnstown, no matter their station, lined up and told their stories, the horrific tales would last for months. One thing the newspaper headlines had correct: the disaster was something ‘no pen could describe.’”

“Never take your eyes off the cross. No matter what happens in your life, you’ll always find healing at the cross.”

“My father taught me how to navigate the stars so I could always find my way home. Keep your gaze fixed upon the One who created those stars, Monty. He’ll guide you home.”

“The Lord’s words were powerful, His promises true, but one had to open their soul and allow it to soak in, to nourish, to heal. Circumstances such as these made trusting anything difficult.”