"As Waters Gone By" by Cynthia Ruchti

Rich. If I could only use one word to describe Cynthia Ruchti's new novel, that is what it would be. Rich like triple chocolate cake. Rich like a long soak in a hot bath. Rich like faith which has gone through the fire and come out stronger on the other side.

Emmalyn's world was shattered when her husband's bad decision landed him a 5-year prison sentence, and again when he asked her not to contact him while he was serving his time. Now less than a year remains until he is released, and Emmalyn isn't sure he will still want to be married when he gets out. Knowing she can no longer live with all the broken dreams that came first with her infertility and then with Max's incarceration, Emmalyn sets off for Max's hunting cabin on remote Madeline Island, Wisconsin, hoping for a fresh start.

While Emmalyn is dismayed to find the hunting cabin not in livable condition upon her arrival, she finds a temporary home at The Wild Iris Inn and Cafe. The owner is a unique and stunningly insightful individual with the name of Boozie Unfortunate, who is a great help in pointing Emmalyn towards people who can help with the restoration of the cottage. Is it too much to hope that on this small island she could also find restoration for her soul and spirit?

Emmalyn's tentative journey to hope is beautifully chronicled. This is a book that draws you in and sinks into your mental pores like a soft, soaking rain. While not all of us have experienced the exact losses that Emmalyn has gone through, I think we can all relate to times in our lives when we've faced sorrows and great uncertainty. Add in unexpected delays and some of those crazy twists that life has a way of throwing in, and you have the makings of of a story that rings true to life. I won't spoil the treasures that Emmalyn finds throughout the pages of this novel, but I can share her sentiment - and mine! - from this quote on page 154: "Life could be enormously disappointing and still be good."

I received my copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.



Can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls? Find out in Cynthia Ruchti's new book, As Waters Gone By. Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out.

Cynthia is celebrating the release of As Waters Gone By by giving away a summer of fun to one lucky reader!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 cash card to put toward your trip to Madeline Island (discover the beauty of the setting of As Waters Gone By) or your summer vacation destination


• A book-club set (10 copies of As Waters Gone By and a downloadable starter kit) so you can start your own summer book club

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 10th. The winner will be announced June 11th on Cynthia's blog.

Plus, now through mid-July, sign up for Cynthia's mailing list for a five-day virtual tour around Madeline Island for the chance to win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack. Each day begins with an email from Cynthia that introduces where you'll be “visiting” that day (all key places from As Waters Gone By) with various interactive elements, including “I wish you were here” postcards, trivia quizzes, and an ongoing Island scavenger hunt. The person who interacts the most will win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack (valued at more than $200). That includes:

• The letterpress block Hope sign from DaySpring


• A set of 6 Hemmed in Hope notecards showing a hope-themed Bible verse


• A leather “I can’t unravel, I’m hemmed in hope” journal


• Signed copies of each of Cynthia’s books, fiction and non-fiction