Through Rushing Water

Jul 29, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianfiction, forreview, forpleasure, historicalfiction

Through Rushing Water is an eye-opening novel about the hardships suffered by the Indians back in the 1800s and specifically the Ponca Nation. I enjoyed reading about the first impression that the people had regarding Sophia, the heroine, and how over time she changed their opinion of her. The things the tribe and the people working with the trible suffered were horrible, and yet they hung in there and kept pressing on. I loved how the author showed the blessing that came from helping the helple...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 23, 2012 Marcie rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW. I loved this book so much! This is a story for historians, advocates, everyday people making the world more just, one student or construction project at a time. In many romance novels, the focus is on attraction -- the redeeming and/or compatible qualities of the main characters are secondary (or absent) to describing the feelings of butterflies, intrigue, flirtation, passion, etc. Not so here! Sophia and Will are awesome, admirable, believable people, and you totally want them to get toget...more

like · see review

Nov 01, 2012 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Through Rushing Water
Catherine Richmond

Book Summary: Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory. Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim. With drea...more

like · see review

Oct 16, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read

Through Rushing Water is the first book by Catherine Richmond that I have read, but it won’t be the last. Through Rushing Water is beautifully written. For the review, I had scheduled to read chucks of this book through out a week. To say the least, that schedule was an epic fail. I stayed up to nearly three a.m. on two different nights simply because I was so drawn into the story that I could not put it down. This is not something I do regularly, so that really tells you how much I enjoyed the...more Through Rushing Water is the first book by Catherine Richmond that I have read, but it won’t be the last. Through Rushing Water is beautifully written. For the review, I had scheduled to read chucks of this book through out a week. To say the least, that schedule was an epic fail. I stayed up to nearly three a.m. on two different nights simply because I was so drawn into the story that I could not put it down. This is not something I do regularly, so that really tells you how much I enjoyed the story.

I was easily drawn to Sophia’s character. The way she was spurned by the man she thought she was going to marry made her very sympathetic. Her decision to become a missionary seemed to go against what I saw her character being. It wasn’t her becoming a missionary so much as that it was such a spur-of-the-moment decision, which I thought went against the traits we had come to know about her from earlier in the book. I saw Sophia as being more in control and even keeled. But that decision sets the course for the resplendent story to come. I relished watching Sophia’s faith grow and how God took her spur-of-the-moment decision and molded it for His glory. Sophia’s romance with Will is sweet and satisfying. I was enchanted by their sweet romance set against such a stark and tragic background.

While Sophia and Will were an integral part of the story, it was the Ponca people that kept me engaged. I became so invested in their fate that I simply could not put the book down. I was really struck by how much we take for granted today. The absolute poverty and the abysmal treatment of the Ponca Indians was disheartening. This treatment of the American Indians is a shameful chapter of our country’s past.

Through Rushing Water is a well researched book and is broadly based on true events, which are explained in the Author’s Note at the end of the book. I’m a history junkie and am drawn to books that are true to history and life. Nothing frustrates me more than reading an historical novel filled with inaccuracies. I didn’t find that with this book. Richmond has done and admirable job with Through Rushing Water . She has woven a beautiful romantic tale, while still staying true to the tragic facts of the dismal treatment of the Ponca people. Richmond now has a new fan, and I look forward to reading more from her. I simply cannot recommend Through Rushing Water highly enough!

NOTICE:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. 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.”(less)

like · see review

Sep 23, 2012 Iola rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, christian-fiction, historical-fiction, kindle

When twenty-eight year old Sophia Makinoff doesn’t receive the marriage proposal she expected, she volunteers as a teacher for the Board of Foreign Missions, expecting to be sent to China. Instead, she is assigned to the Ponca Agency in the Dakota Territory, where she finds extremely primitive conditions and her fellow workers: James Lawrence, the agent, Henry Granville, the minister, Nettie, Henry’s mother, and Willoughby Dunn, the Agency carpenter.

Despite first impressions of Sophia as an educ...more When twenty-eight year old Sophia Makinoff doesn’t receive the marriage proposal she expected, she volunteers as a teacher for the Board of Foreign Missions, expecting to be sent to China. Instead, she is assigned to the Ponca Agency in the Dakota Territory, where she finds extremely primitive conditions and her fellow workers: James Lawrence, the agent, Henry Granville, the minister, Nettie, Henry’s mother, and Willoughby Dunn, the Agency carpenter.

Despite first impressions of Sophia as an educated lady and social climber, we gradually get to know her as the daughter of a Russian Army officer who escaped from Russia with nothing, and has lived in surroundings both palatial and extremely basic. She draws on her many experiences befriend the Ponco people, and works hard to help them as outside forces threaten the Ponco way of life.

Neither James nor Henry have positive feelings towards the local people, and the Army officers who occasionally visit are even less polite. Nettie is such a likeable and matter of fact character that it is hard to believe she is the mother of Henry, a self-righteous 'ninny' (as Sophia describes him). Will, a strong Christian even though not serving specifically as a missionary, has befriended the local people and teaches Sophia a lot about their culture.

Overall, this is an excellent novel. The characters are real, with real hopes, fears and dreams. They are placed in difficult circumstances, and lean on their Christian faith to get through. They make mistakes as they learn and change. And there is a lovely romance element.

Through Rushing Waters is broadly based on true events, and has been meticulously researched. There is a note at the end of the book in which the author explains which characters what aspects of the plot are based on fact, and this is enlightening. To modern readers, parts of the story (and aspects of the character’s personalities) seem racist and repugnant: not only were the Ponco not American citizens, they were not even considered human in the eyes of the law. I really enjoy historical fiction where I feel I have actually learnt something of history.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and BookSneeze® for providing a free ebook for review.
(less)

like · see review

Aug 29, 2012 McKenzie rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Ignore the rushing water.....Ignore everything that tries to pull you under or knock your feet out, or obscures your view. Plant your feet on the solid rock."

Book Description:
Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.
Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is s...more "Ignore the rushing water.....Ignore everything that tries to pull you under or knock your feet out, or obscures your view. Plant your feet on the solid rock."

Book Description:
Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.
Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

My Thoughts:
When I started reading this, I felt like it was going to be a sappy love story and, sighing, I settled in for the ride. But, I ended up being wrong. Some might say that there wasn't enough romance, but I enjoyed the tale of Sophia and Will defending and providing for the Indians.
All the characters were enchanting; with their determination,protective-nature, and even some of the characters' rotten characteristics. Richmond knows how to draw emotions out of you in a way that plants you in the character's shoes, showering you with their emotions.
I loved that the author focused on the plot and occurring events on the reservation and not just centering on Will and Sophia's romantic relationship. The plot was very intriguing, giving you a glimpse into what the Indian reservation was like.

Recommended to anyone who loves a historical romance on the reservation.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Maryann rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is another wonderful historical offering from the gifted writer who debuted with Spring for Susannah. This new inspirational novel fictionalizes the true events experienced by the Indians on the Ponca Reservation of Dakota Territory when they were forced to relocate in the middle of the winter. It is true to the details of the broken promises and the horrible way the Indians were treated and brings forward one of our most embarrassing times as a nation. Greed and prejudice drove so many who...more This is another wonderful historical offering from the gifted writer who debuted with Spring for Susannah. This new inspirational novel fictionalizes the true events experienced by the Indians on the Ponca Reservation of Dakota Territory when they were forced to relocate in the middle of the winter. It is true to the details of the broken promises and the horrible way the Indians were treated and brings forward one of our most embarrassing times as a nation. Greed and prejudice drove so many who had the power to make decisions that impacted a whole group of people in such horrible ways.

The central character, Sophia Makinoff, is strong, self-assured and planning to marry a US Congressman. She has just finished college and is making her plans for a life in Washington DC, when said congressman proposes to her roommate. Heartbroken and anxious to escape the talk about being jilted, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions, hoping to go to someplace like China. Instead, she is assigned to the Ponca Indian Agency in Dakota Territory.

There she meets Willoughby Dunn, a man who touches her heart and her soul and teaches her the ways of the Indians and the ways of faith.Together, they try to improve the conditions of the Indians and fight for their right to stay on the land that was given to them in the initial treaty. They also forge a bond that is so solid, it carries them through the many challenges they face.

For people not familiar with what happened to the Ponca Indians, this is a sometimes harsh introduction to what they experienced at the hands of the white man. But it also gives an insight into the pride and dignity and willingness of those Indians to try to assimilate, while still hanging on to their land and their birthright.

I am not normally a huge fan of inspirational fiction as sometimes the message is delivered with a hand that is too heavy, but Ms. Richmond has managed to give that message of faith and hope without being preachy. The key to that I think is that the faith is so much a part of the characterization that it rings true. The romance is handled with the same deft hand and has the classic feel of great romances like Gone With the Wind and Casablanca, with many layers of intimacy that do not involve sex. I am not a prude, and in some stories the bedroom scenes are necessary, but a book like this proves that it is possible to portray a deep love without putting the characters in bed together.

I thoroughly enjoyed Spring for Susannah and am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 11, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I so enjoyed Catherine Richmond's Spring for Susannah that I really wanted to read her next book...and it does not disappoint!
We begin with Sophia Makinoff teaching at girls college, and convinced she is about to marry a new Congressman. When things don't turn out as planned she attends a Missionary Meeting and immediately signs up...thinking she is going to China. Again things don't turn out as she has planned and we find her in South Dakota at Ponca Indian Agency where she will teach. What tur...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 02, 2012 Meg - A Bookish Affair rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, fiction, historical-fiction, the-americas

Sophia Mackinoff wanted to see the world and I feel her on that (there are very few places where I would not travel if I were given the opportunity). Sophia is definitely a lady after my own heart. She thought she'd be a congressman's wife, hosting parties and rubbing elbows with new and exciting people. That life was not to be, which, of course, would be devastatingly disappointing. So she joins up with the Board of Foreign Missions, expecting that she'd be posted in some far off country only t...more

like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Renn Shearin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.

Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.

With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dis...more Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.

Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.

With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.

It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When U.S. policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond was an interesting and truly novel that chronicled the sad story of the Ponca and the growth that Sophia experienced. The plot line was well written and clearly displayed the plight of the Poncas as well as their incredible faith and strength through the hard times. The story centered around Sophia and her growth as a person and her finding the truth about God and ministry. Because of this, I felt like the story reached its climax halfway through the book when the Poncas were forced to leave instead of in the last fourth of the book as is typical. This caused the last third of the book to really drag for me and it was not nearly as interesting and spellbinding as the rest of the novel.

Despite this, I enjoyed the effort and research that the author put into discovering the truth about the Poncas and realistically portraying their forced way of life by the Americans. The suffering that the Poncas endured at the hands of white men made me extremely sad, and their wise response and their trusting in God despite it all left me speechless. I was glad to see some of the Poncas take their story public and force the government to make a change to their policies.

The main characters were well developed while some of supporting characters played the stereotypical roles one finds in many stories involving Indian and white men interactions. Will and Sophia both showed astounding and touching love and respect for the Poncas and continued to speak on their behalf even after the Poncas were forced to move. Will was a godly man who lived what he believed and ministered and taught more Poncas about God than the snobby minister. Henry, the minister to the Poncas, was the stereotypical ''missionary'' to the minister who cared more about "Americanizing" the Poncas than ministering to the people and teaching them about God in love. However, he did begin to change as the story went on and by the end was acting out of love and treated the Poncas with respect. Sophia was a spirited and determined woman who, though she became a missionary teacher for the wrong reasons, soon discovered that she loved the Poncas and realized that simply memorizing prayers does not make a relationship with God. She realized that she had to have faith in Him and pray from her heart.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and learning more about the Ponca people. While it was sad to read about their mistreatment, the courage and boldness they displayed to the Americans was truly inspiring. I highly recommend this novel for anyone wanting a romantic yet historical read.

I received this ebook for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review. (less)

like · see review

Jun 19, 2012 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Thoughts On This Book

Sophia had her life all figured out, and her soon engagement to Congressman Montgomery will make her life complete. Or so she thinks. To her surprise and horror, Mr. Congressman decides to propose to Sophia’s roommate, totally turning her life upside down.

She couldn’t stay around to see the happy couple so Sophia decided to become a missionary to China. But again, she is met with a horrible surprise that she is being sent to a Ponca Village in Dakota Territory to be a sch...more My Thoughts On This Book

Sophia had her life all figured out, and her soon engagement to Congressman Montgomery will make her life complete. Or so she thinks. To her surprise and horror, Mr. Congressman decides to propose to Sophia’s roommate, totally turning her life upside down.

She couldn’t stay around to see the happy couple so Sophia decided to become a missionary to China. But again, she is met with a horrible surprise that she is being sent to a Ponca Village in Dakota Territory to be a schoolteacher. How on earth is she suppose to live in the wild west among Indians and teach children? She was soon to find out yet another surprise, but this one is a more pleasant one. She ends up falling in love with the Ponca Village people. And then there is a special pretty handsome carpenter that she finds she can’t keep her eyes off as well. But being humiliated by one man is enough, isn’t it? Can she trust carpenter Will enough to give him her heart?

Will is a handyman and a good person to be around. The Indians have very little, and Will is there to build homes for them to live in. But then the Indians are forced to leave their land and Will and Sophia have to leave as well, both taking jobs in the same town.

Things are just not working out the way Sophia wanted them too. It seems everything she wants turns bad. Will she be able to trust God with her future, and will she and Will have a future together? What happened to the Indians that they were helping?

This is a really good light read that will warm your heart. Catherine Richmond creates characters that will steal a place in your heart as you follow their lives working in the Ponca Village and after they leave and work elsewhere. I appreciate that Catherine weaves Biblical principles into the lives of her characters as they trust God for their future. This is the second book I have read by this author, and I am looking forward to more Catherine Richmond books in the future.

I highly recommend this book for you to read and enjoy. You will not be disappointed.

I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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 55.

Purchase this book at Barnes and Noble
(less)

like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Anastacia Knits rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, christian, e-books, historical-fiction

Sophia Makinoff is certain that 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.

This book draws you in from the very first page - you are routing for Sophia, you are heartbroken when her original plans for marriage go wrong, and you cheer for her as she...more

like · see review

Aug 11, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Catherine Richmond in her new book, “Through Rushing Water” published by Thomas Nelson takes us to the Dakota Territory in 1876.

From the back cover: Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.

Sophia Makinoff is certain 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heart...more Catherine Richmond in her new book, “Through Rushing Water” published by Thomas Nelson takes us to the Dakota Territory in 1876.

From the back cover: Sophia has her life all planned out—but her plan didn’t include being jilted or ending up in Dakota Territory.

Sophia Makinoff is certain 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. Hoping to flee her heartache and humiliation, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions on a whim.

With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the bleak Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.

It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When US policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

Sophia Makinoff, of Russian descent, grew up in America and became a teacher. When her dreams of marriage are shattered she signs up for missions work and is sent to the Dakota Territory. As she teaches the Ponca tribe children she falls in love with them and sees their need. Sophia teams up with Willoughby Dunn to stop the stealing of their land. Together these two make a stand through rushing water standing on the Rock of God. This is an exciting story even though there are no runaway stage coaches, no train robberies or take overs of the town by evil gunmen. Just one couple against evil men who want to steal the Indian land and force them to march hundreds of miles in the dead of winter. Ms. Richmond gives us wonderful characters that we care for and root for and shows us a dark period in American history. This is a wonderful read and I recommend it highly. Looking forward to more from Catherine Richmond

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson 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.”(less)

like · see review

Jun 24, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

First of all, I just have to say: gorgeous cover. I know what they say about judging a book by its cover and all that, but I am drawn to pretty book covers.

Thankfully, Through Rushing Water, by Catherine Richmond, lives up to its lovely cover. :) The story focuses on Sophia Makinoff, a Russian-born young woman who is teaching at a women's college in America in 1876. She expects her next position to be the wife of a young Congressman, but her plans fall apart when he unexpectedly proposes to her...more First of all, I just have to say: gorgeous cover. I know what they say about judging a book by its cover and all that, but I am drawn to pretty book covers.

Thankfully, Through Rushing Water, by Catherine Richmond, lives up to its lovely cover. :) The story focuses on Sophia Makinoff, a Russian-born young woman who is teaching at a women's college in America in 1876. She expects her next position to be the wife of a young Congressman, but her plans fall apart when he unexpectedly proposes to her roommate and fellow teacher instead. Sophia impulsively signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions, but this escape doesn't go as planned, either. Instead of being sent to China or somewhere else in the east, she is assigned to be a teacher to the Ponca Indians in the Dakota territory. Once there, she quickly falls in love with the peaceful people and their fight to remain on their land. Oh, and there might be a kind, selfless carpenter named Will mixed in there somewhere, too. :)

I really enjoyed this book. It's the first historical novel that I've read in years that includes the plight of the Native Americans as an important part of the plot. I couldn't get over the average citizen's apathy towards the people, based solely on stereotypes. I loved reading about Sophia and Will standing up for the Poncas and trying to inform people about their poor living conditions. I also loved that Will had learned their language and culture and tried to teach them his trade.

The characters were well-written and likable (except the ones that aren't meant to be likable, of course :). I did have a problem keeping Henry and James straight at first, for some reason. It should have been fairly simple, considering one was a pastor (though a pessimistic, misguided one) and the other was the slightly alcoholic agent.

I liked the pace and the writing style. Sophia and Will's romance is part of the story, but there's much more to the book than that. There were a few spots of unexpected humor. I had to laugh at the part where the Ponca schoolchildren are reenacting scenes they've experienced with the shopkeepers. I was a little surprised by the turn the story took when the Poncas were forced to leave their land. I guess I expected Sophia and Will and the others to go with them or something? It threw me off a bit at first but I ended up liking how the rest of the book turned out.

Anyway, I can't think of anything I didn't like about this book. Through Rushing Water was a very enjoyable piece of historical fiction, filled with memorable characters and set during an interesting, though disturbing, time in our country's history.

{I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.}(less)

like · see review

Jun 19, 2012 JoyAnne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sophia is expecting a marriage proposal from Congressman Rexford Montgomery. Imagine her shock when her roommate gets the proposal!

Sophie is shocked and humiliated and decides to leave the area. She becomes a missionary and is hoping for an assignment out of the country. Where does she end up? In Dakota Territory teaching the Ponca Indian children. The living arrangements are a far cry from what she's used to.

Sophia meets the Agency carpenter and quickly comes to rely on him for more than carpe...more

like · see review

Jun 14, 2012 Raya Whitehouse rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: booksneeze

By Catherine Richmond
Published by Thomas Nelson

Sophia had her heart set on being married to the US Congressman, but he ended up getting engaged to her roommate. She is heartbroken and signs up to be a missionary. She ends up being sent a Ponca Indian Agency in the Dakota Territory. She believes this to be a mistake that God made, she believes she will be more useful somewhere else, like China.

The men help build an outhouse for the school (where Sophia is to teach in) the second day she was there...more

like · see review

Jul 06, 2012 Patricia Kemp Blackmon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: booksneeze-for-review

In 1876 Sophia Makinoff is teaching at a college and is soon to be engaged to a U.S.Congressman. To be the wife or even fiancee was just a fabrication of her own making. Congressman Montgomery chose her roommate and friend instead of her. Annabelle a complete and utter mistake for the wife to a U.S.Congressman when everyone knew Sophia would have been the best choice. How would she face her students and faculty? She was utterly humiliated.

She decides to volunteer to be a missionary in the far ea...more In 1876 Sophia Makinoff is teaching at a college and is soon to be engaged to a U.S.Congressman. To be the wife or even fiancee was just a fabrication of her own making. Congressman Montgomery chose her roommate and friend instead of her. Annabelle a complete and utter mistake for the wife to a U.S.Congressman when everyone knew Sophia would have been the best choice. How would she face her students and faculty? She was utterly humiliated.

She decides to volunteer to be a missionary in the far east. But instead she is assigned as teacher to the children of Ponca Indian Agency in the Dakota Territory. She had every intention in requesting to be re-assigned to the far east rather than stay in Dakota Territory. It does not take long for her to fall in love with the Ponca Indians especially the children she is teaching. She knew this was the mission God had meant for her to serve.

Willoughby Dunn was the agency carpenter and also loved the Poncas. He had appointed himself as protector to the new school teacher and was at her beck and call. She tried to ignore his her new shadow but soon she felt her heart warming to this special man. It was Sophia's job to teach the children about the white man's world and ways. And it was Will's job to teach the men to build houses, barns and many other things that were needed to live in a white man's world. But all of this was almost impossible to do without the clothing, blankets, supplies, tools, rations and money. These were things the government had promised the Poncas. On top of that they had no way to defend themselves from other tribes attacking them.

Sophia and Will worked hard to get what was absolutely necessary for survival for the Poncas to get through the bitter cold winter, sickness and near starvation. They refused to give up on their mission.

This is a heart wrenching story of neglect and abuse against the Ponca Agency. The author was very thorough in her description of the conditions and neglect the Poncas were forced to endure. The author provides many facts of this historical event.

If you are more interested do a search of The Ponca Agency in the Dakota Territory. Here is a link if you want to learn more. White Eagle was the hereditary chief of the Poncas when they came to Indian Territory in 1877. As chief, he led the Poncas in their last war against the Sioux before they left Dakota Territory and Nebraska. He was also the medicine man and religious advisor. White eagle led the "hot country" Poncas, those who chose to remain in Indian Territory, for 50 years.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson/Booksneeze for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

(less)

like · see review

Jul 09, 2012 Casey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-kindle

At the prologue, I couldn’t help having sympathy for this main character. Being spurned by the guy who has made you think he wants to marry you in front of hundreds of people? People that all knew he was sure serious about our heroine. Yeah, I cringed more than a little bit for the poor woman.

After being “left at the altar”, Sophia is determined to do something that will give her something…and hopefully get her back to her homeland. Being a teacher to Indians wasn’t really her plan. Watching her...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 Clarissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Clarissa by: booksneeze

Shelves: kindle-reads, booksneeze

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond is about a Russian born, American implanted teacher Sophia Makinoff. She's pretty sure she has her future figured out when the man she thought would propose chose another instead. In a sudden decision to join a mission board, with hopes of going to China, she finds herself the new teacher on a small Ponca Indian reservation. Its the last place she wanted to be, but God proves what we want and what we need are two different things.

I loved this story mor...more

like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Lindsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Books about missionaries aren't my go-to genre, but this one is by my friend Marcie's mom, so I picked it up for the personal connection. It wasn't preachy at all, though, and was a wonderful story! The historical details about the tribe's forced relocation were already heartbreaking and feel even more so after you become attached to the Ponca families. I also loved the two main characters, and their sweet love story reminded me of both "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" and one...more

like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Lanan added it

While reading the first few pages, I had a little trouble getting into the story; however, after the first chapter or two, I changed my mind. I liked the way the Ponca worked their way into Sophia's heart. Of course, this started with the children she taught. I also liked the way Sophia stood up for the Ponca as a whole, not just the children that she fell in love with.

I've always felt the Indians were cheated, treated very unfair and of course in this story, that's true also in the way the gove...more

like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Amber Stokes rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amber-s-kindle

Catherine Richmond's debut, Spring for Susannah, wowed me with its characters and its sweet portrayal of love surviving harsh trials. While Through Rushing Water didn't have quite the same personal impact for me, as far as depicting a horrific time in history with grace, understanding, and conviction, Richmond's sophomore novel does it all.

Sophia is an intriguing heroine who has experienced terrible events, lived in various countries, and tried to forge an "important" future for herself. But whe...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Bookworm1858 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, read-2012, historical-fiction, netgalley

I read this author's previous work, Spring for Susannah, and absolutely loved the romance so despite not being excited about the setting (1876 Dakota Territory), I was very eager to learn more.

Sophia Makinoff is preparing to become engaged to a rising young Congressman until he announces his engagement to her frivolous roommate and she applies to be a missionary. Her goal is to go to China and perhaps eventually return to her birthplace in Russia. Instead she is sent to Dakota Territory to serve...more I read this author's previous work, Spring for Susannah, and absolutely loved the romance so despite not being excited about the setting (1876 Dakota Territory), I was very eager to learn more.

Sophia Makinoff is preparing to become engaged to a rising young Congressman until he announces his engagement to her frivolous roommate and she applies to be a missionary. Her goal is to go to China and perhaps eventually return to her birthplace in Russia. Instead she is sent to Dakota Territory to serve as a missionary and teacher to the Ponca Indians. Running from the pain of the broken relationship, Sophia is soon immersed in the lives of those around her, battling for the Ponca tribe and their livelihood against an encroaching American government.

I have to say that I LOVED Sophia. She is so tough, loving, and full of grace. She could have given up at multiple points but she just kept persevering and attempting new avenues to get the support she needed. She gave her whole heart to the challenge of making a new life in the Dakota Territory. Another notable character is Will, the village's carpenter. Despite warnings from the local pastor and land agent, he learned the Ponca language and has been accepted by them, also putting forth his best efforts in seemingly hopeless conditions.

However plot-wise, the book seemed a bit soggy. I think you could divide the book roughly into thirds. The first is Sophia becoming acclimated; the second is fighting the US government's demands that the Poncas move; and the last third is in Omaha where Sophia and Will's romance really takes off. While I loved the romance, I did think the Ponca storyline was more powerful so to have it almost shelved was frustrating and to the story's detriment.

There were a couple of elements that were new to me, as a sporadic reader of Christian fiction. First Sophia was born in Russia and was raised in the Russian Orthodox Church to the shock of the local Episcopal priest; I've really only read books with Protestant heroines. The second element was the inclusion of the Ponca Indians. Since I tend to read historical fiction set in Regency and WWII, I'm not as familiar with the period. It's also a tough one to read about because of the appalling way the US government behaved; it's hard to read about the underhanded behavior when I know that the bad guys aren't really punished.

Overall: I loved the bits of romance but thought the plot as a whole wasn't as strong and powerful as it might have been.

Cover: The cover does not appeal to my personal preferences as I like bright colors but its muted tones are fitting for this more somber story.(less)

like · see review

Aug 28, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I very much have conflicting feelings about this book.

On the one hand, the novel was rich in historical detail and feeling. The events that are described in this novel actually happened to the Ponca tribe, and some of the characters were real people (Standing Bear, for one). I truly felt for the Poncas and the horrible treatment they received at the hand of the U.S. government. I appreciated the feelings that Will and Sophia had towards this native tribe, especially how Sophia’s love for the pe...more

like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sophia Makinoff is positive Congressman Montgomery is going to propose to her today. He has arrived at the school where she teaches so she is hurrying to get downstairs to him as all of the students and other teachers are watching. Much to her disappointment, as she nears her destination, he is announcing his engagement to her roommate. She can't stay at school now to face the humiliation so she signs up with the board of Foreign Missions so she can serve in the Far East, like China. Sophia is i...more Sophia Makinoff is positive Congressman Montgomery is going to propose to her today. He has arrived at the school where she teaches so she is hurrying to get downstairs to him as all of the students and other teachers are watching. Much to her disappointment, as she nears her destination, he is announcing his engagement to her roommate. She can't stay at school now to face the humiliation so she signs up with the board of Foreign Missions so she can serve in the Far East, like China. Sophia is in for another disappointment when she is assigned to the Ponca Indian Agency in Dakota Territory.

She finally reaches her assignment after a long, fearful trip and teams up with Reverend Henry Granville, his mother Nettie, James Lawrence the government agent and Will Dunn the carpenter. This is the team that is supposed to teach the Ponca Indians to be American. The government is supposed to by paying the Poncas for their land and supplying them with supplies and tools to build homes, plant crops, and educate them. The government is failing to do their part but the Poncas are learning, doing their part. They trust the government until so many promises fall through they are losing their faith in them but with the help of the team their faith in God is getting stronger.

Dakota Territory was not Sophia's choice but she is soon fighting for them. Sophia takes it upon herself to write letters to friends, the school she taught at and her old church for donations so the people will have shoes, socks, clothes and learning materials. She also writes the government letters telling them how they are failing the Poncas.

The letters did more harm than good, it seems she'll have to move on after falling in love with what she's doing and the people she came to help, without completely finishing her job. The whole team is moving on, thanks to the very grumpy Reverend, Sophia has a new job to go to, but her fight for the Poncas doesn't end there. You will have to read the book to get the real story, sad as it is, and how she continues to help them after leaving.

Catherine wrote a story that lets you know how badly the white people, our government, treated the Indians who they promised to pay for their land but fell down so badly on their part. You get a whole new outlook from this perspective. I'm not much of a history person, and I won't say this came as a shock to me, but it does make you stop and think how could anyone treat another human being the way our government treated them.

I enjoyed this book even more because it takes place in areas that I'm familiar with, the Black Hills was a favorite vacation spot of my step-dad's when I was younger. She talks about the Yankton, SD, Sioux City, IA and Omaha, NE as well as the newspapers from those areas, the same one's we have there today. I was raised there so it brought this closer to home for me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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.”(less)

like · see review

Aug 14, 2012 Rachel Brand rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, christian, historical, romance, thomas-nelson, net-galley, catherine-richmond, 2012

GENRE: HISTORICAL ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON
PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 03, 2012
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 – NEAR PERFECT

PROS: Great spiritual message about relying on God’s direction and guidance; unconventional non-American heroine; realistic plot progression and conclusion; well-researched historical details about the Poncas

CONS: None!

Sophia Makinoff thought she had her entire life planned out. She was to marry a congressman and become a woman of substantial influence in the political world – that is...more GENRE: HISTORICAL ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON
PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 03, 2012
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 – NEAR PERFECT

PROS: Great spiritual message about relying on God’s direction and guidance; unconventional non-American heroine; realistic plot progression and conclusion; well-researched historical details about the Poncas

CONS: None!

Sophia Makinoff thought she had her entire life planned out. She was to marry a congressman and become a woman of substantial influence in the political world – that is, until the congressman in question decided that her roommate would make a better wife than Sophia. Humiliated, Sophia takes the first opportunity she has and escapes the women’s college where she used to teach, signing up to become a missionary. But although the life of a missionary appealed to her, Sophia imagined that she would be spending her time witnessing to natives in China, not teaching the poverty-stricken children of the Ponca tribe in Nebraska. The way her students live couldn’t be further from what Sophia experienced as a child, growing up amongst nobility in Russia. The other agency workers are reticent to Sophia, both because she wasn’t born on American soil and because her Orthodox Christian beliefs confuse them. Sophia doesn’t see how she’s ever going to adapt to life with the Poncas, but as she becomes aware of how much her students need and how little the government provides them with, she uses the links and influence from her previous lifestyle to aid the Agency’s work. But no amount of letter-writing can stop the government from moving the Poncas away from their homeland to Indian Territory. Sophia and the other agency workers fight to stop this move from occurring, but only Sophia and Will, the agency carpenter, truly know the full affects of such a decision. Will is the only employee who has learned the Ponca’s language and understands when Sophia needs to bend the Agency’s rules to suit the needs of her students. But it seems that all of their efforts will have been in vain, if the Poncas are forced from their homes. Will this also mean the end for Sophia and Will’s relationship, if they no longer have their common cause to unite them?

Although I had my issues with the structuring of Catherine Richmond’s debut novel, Spring for Susannah, her writing showed a lot of originality and promise, which prompted me to add Through Rushing Water to my wishlist as soon as I heard about it. I was a little cautious at approaching Through Rushing Water, in case the book didn’t live up to its absolutely stunning cover, but thankfully this novel far surpassed my expectations. The little quirks that made Spring for Susannah so unique have come into their fullness in Catherine’s second novel, proving that new and innovative books can still come out of the Christian historical fiction genre.

One of the things that can grate me about any novel that deals with racism or the treatment of minority groups is the sheer improbability that the average white American in any given time period just happens to have not bought into the racial stereotypes of their peers. What are the chances, honestly, that the daughter of a prosperous splantation owner in Texas in 1850 just happens to be a militant abolitionist? Through Rushing Water, thankfully, avoids this problem by making Sophia an outsider to the issue of Christianising and relocating Indian groups. Although Sophia has lived in the United States for several years and taught at a women’s college in New York, she was brought up in Russia and also spent part of her life in France. She’s familiar with other cultures and races, and this allows her to see the treatment of the Poncas from a different angle from those she works with. While I was initially surprised that Catherine had chosen a non-American heroine for her novel, it was a pleasant surprise, especially to a reader who is also an outsider to American culture. Sophia’s background and experiences of other cultures brought an angle to Through Rushing Water that just couldn’t have been explored with an American heroine without seeming too forced or modernised, and I commend Catherine for taking a step outside the traditional comfort zones of Christian fiction to choose a non-American heroine.

As I mentioned previously, my biggest struggle with Spring for Susannah was the unconventional pacing of the novel. When I reached the three-quarters mark in Through Rushing Water and realised that Sophia’s time with the Poncas was coming to an end, I did wonder if this chance of pace and location was going to affect my rating of this book. But what I expected to be a flaw in this novel actually ended up making it more realistic. Anyone who has studied this period of history knows that Sophia couldn’t have saved the Poncas from being relocated to Indian Territory, and her move to the city of Omaha actually brought a lot of contextualisation into the story. Sophia’s encounters with her new friends and neighbours made her realise how little the people of Nebraska knew about the local tribes and she was able to use her experiences as an opportunity to educate those who had bought into stereotypes about “wild Indians”. As much as I love a neatly tied-up happy ending, I felt that the end of Through Rushing Water was optimistic yet realistic in the way it was left open, with the hope that Sophia might still be able to help the Poncas while living in Omaha.

The final quarter of the novel also allows Sophia’s relationship with Will to develop. Some readers may be disappointed that the hero and heroine found little time to profess their love for each other while working among the Poncas, but again, this is probably quite understandable, given the stressful conditions under which they were living and working. Towards the end of the book, we get the chance to see their relationship blossom under different circumstances, and Sophia and Will realise the false nature of the assumptions they had made about each other when they first met. Their romance is sweet, but not the main focus of the novel. That said, I did love the epilogue, which not only gives hope for the Ponca tribe but also for Sophia and Will’s relationship. Some epilogues can come across as cheesy in the way that they skip forward a few years to prove that the hero and heroine are still happy, but Through Rushing Water managed to avoid this while still being optimistic.

Through Rushing Water is far from being a conventional historical romance, considering the Russian heroine, unusual plot progression and focus on historical details over romantic intrigue. I encourage potential readers to not be put off by these quirks that so endeared Through Rushing Water to me, and to take a chance on a budding author who I hope will continue to bring something original to this popular genre.

Review title provided by Thomas Nelson.(less)

like · see review

Jul 25, 2012 Margaret Metz rated it 4 of 5 stars

One of the things I enjoyed so much about this book was how easy it was to relate to the characters. Sophia starts off a little proud and overly sure of herself and what her life will hold. Working with the Indians makes her feel . . . small and insignificant. She sees so much need and doesn't know how she can make a dent in the problems.

Many of us can relate to these feelings. Ignoring the rushing water is a concept I hope I never forget.

The conditions for the Indians made my heart break. The...more

like · see review

Oct 23, 2012 Naomi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Like Janette Oke? Check out Catherine Richmond. While the stories were more involved than Oke's books, the storyline was laid out well. Characters were inviting. Now, there is frequent reference to God and scripture, as this is a Christian author, but it wasn't too distracting for me.

like · see review

Jul 22, 2012 Tanama rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, western

I had a hard time at first really getting into this book, but I'm SO glad I read it. It really is an awesome book. It is sad to read about the way the Indians were treated, but it needs to be remembered. This is a very heart warming, inspirational yet sad story with a great ending. I highly recommend it!

like · see review

Jul 11, 2012 Jami rated it 5 of 5 stars

Through Rushing Water, by Catherine Richmond, is a great novel. I'd already read Spring for Susannah, Catherine's first novel, and I'll say that Through Rushing Water is not a disappointment!

When Sophia Makinoff, teacher at a girl's college, was disappointed to learn that she would not be the wife of a future Congressman, she decided to become a missionary to China. When the Board of Missions sent her to minister to the Ponca Indians in the Dakota Territory instead, she was quite disappointed.

ht ...more

like · see review

title link	preview: Through Rushing Water
avg rating	preview: Through Rushing Water Goodreads rating: 4.05 (92 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12970405-through-rushing-water?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323726463l/12970405.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12970405-through-rushing-water?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond[/url]

Through Rushing Water

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

About Catherine Richmond

Books by Catherine Richmond

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Through Rushing W...

Through Rushing Water

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (4)

Genres

About Catherine Richmond

Books by Catherine Richmond

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Through Rushing W...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (4)