If the Ocean Has a Soul is a heartfelt invitation: dive deep into the natural world, let curiosity lead, and encounter spiritual truths along the way. Jordan’s warmth, authenticity, and delicate blend of science with Scripture offer a rare gift—one that encourages awe, encourages stewardship, and invites healing, both ecological and personal. If you’re drawn to memoirs that teach, minister, and move you, this one’s a keeper!

I’m afraid this book isn’t quite what I expected. I absolutely adored the beautiful and poetic descriptions of the sea & nature, however the theology side fell a bit short for me. Rather than an examination of how science & faith connect, it was more of a devotional that used nature stories as metaphors for biblical principles/truths. It was well-written & the author’s passion for God & nature shone brightly, but it was just not what I had in mind or as sciencey as I hoped.

That being said, while it wasn’t for me, those looking for a devotional with gorgeous nature commentary will likely enjoy it though!

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

There is a pervasive and long held belief in our society that science and faith are like oil and water: they don't mix. In If the Ocean Has a Soul, Rachel shows us another way.

Here is a way that doesn't compromise on the truthfulness of scripture *or* the reality of modern science. A way that looks at a natural world so beautiful and yet so broken, looks it full in the face and yet loves it with fierce intensity.

This book harkens back to the early scientists, many of whom were Christian and viewed their work as deeply spiritual. For them, science was a way to know and worship the God they loved. Rachel invites us to see in this same way through a series of metaphors and personal anecdotes from her work as a marine biologist.

And how refreshing it is! It can be so easy to approach Christian non-fiction with a vague sense of guilt, on high alert for what we need to *do*, and I have to admit that I started this book with that mindset. I am, however, finishing it with a greater sense of what God has already *done*.

We feel the author's grief, her aching weariness, as she spends countless hours underwater fighting a losing battle to save the corals she loves from deadly disease (SCTLD). While this battle may have been lost for now, Rachel meditates, creation will one day be renewed and so we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Death and brokenness and suffering are not the end because of the victory Jesus has already secured.

Snatching the spare moments I had to read this book meant I sometimes found myself reading in line at the bank- yet somehow even in this dreary setting, the writing and *gorgeous* illustrations were so vivid I felt I could have reached out and touched a passing school of fish as their scales reflected the light filtering down from the ocean's surface. What a rare gift to be able to transport a reader like that.

I loved how Rachel wasn't afraid to showcase the less-than-glamorous side of diving, and despite the emotional and theological depth of the book there were many lighthearted and humorous moments. I teared up reading about Tree, head of maintenance and national park service veteran and his act of immense kindness, but I also grinned inwardly as the author was dragged into an unintentional battle with a mischievous Grouper fish.

Science and faith, grief and hope- we have been taught that they do not mix. But maybe we should take another look. We might just be surprised.

5/5!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tyndale House for this ARC, I am so grateful!

This was a very different book than any I've read (and that's not a bad thing). I only finished about half of it before I was overwhelmed with life events. I do look forward to eventually returning to the book to finish it. It's a uniquely written book that uses various personal stories, scripture, and commentary to link together the incredible world under water with our Creator.

IF THE OCEAN HAS A SOUL is informative, engaging, and truly inspirational. What an awesome God to create such a fascinating and diverse natural world. The author brings the ocean and underwater realm to life in the most vivid way imaginable. Her scientific facts, anecdotes, and wise insights kept me captivated. This is a remarkable book, and I applaud the author on all the work she did to bring this into the world. Readers of educational non-fiction, inspirational texts, and personal memoir will find much to admire.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.