At the Scent of Water

Second Chances Collection #3

by Linda Nichols

Life is rewarding for Samuel Truelove. He's a gifted surgeon, he's married to the love of his life, and he has a beautiful daughter. But when he's called to perform an emergency surgery, a deadly cascade of events is set in motion, and his picture-perfect life begins to unravel.... Annie Truelove, hoping to escape painful reminders of her grief, leaves her beloved home in the mountains of North Carolina and begins a new life in faraway Seattle. But a disturbing headline takes her back home, where memories of both joy and sorrow come flooding back. What will it take to heal two broken hearts?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Romance, Historical Fiction, Audiobook

601 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Linda Nichols is an American writer known for her contemporary romance and inspirational fiction novels. Initially gaining recognition with Handyman (2000), a romantic comedy that satirizes pop psychology, she later shifted toward faith-based fiction following a personal renewal of her religious beliefs. Her subsequent works, including Not a Sparrow Falls (2002), If I Gained the World (2003), and At the Scent of Water (2002), explore themes of faith, redemption, and personal growth. Nichols, who has also contributed articles to parenting magazines, is praised for her skill in crafting compelling characters and engaging narratives.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching, yet gripping.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"At the Scent of Water" is the story of Sam and Annie Truelove, whose marriage unravels after the death of their daughter. Sam throws himself into his work while Annie runs away to begin a new life as far from her past as possible. Sam refuses to give up hope that she will come back, but her return is not the joyful homecoming he has dreamed of.

Linda Nichols introduces her characters slowly, allowing us to get to know them well over the course of the novel. None of them are perfect people, and by the time we close the book at the end, they have become our friends. Nichols also unravels the plot slowly, giving us hints about the characters' pasts and why they are the way they are.

Just like real life, horrible things happen without reason and not everyone gets the happy ending they're praying for. But, just like real life, there is always hope. "At the Scent of Water" is a novel with a Christian message, but not one that beats you over the head. The message is in the beliefs of the characters and how they deal with the events that shape their lives.

"At the Scent of Water" is a beautifully crafted story that had me in tears at points, and laughing at others. It's not a quick read, but a book to curl up with on a rainy day and savour.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great read during a summer vacation. I would not share it with children because it deals with mature matters that a child may not understand in this book. However, high schoolers may be interested in this book since it covers some of the history of the south and one older man's view of his hometown 50 years later and how it changed. This story is touching and is free of obscene language and sexual content. It deals with the hurt and pain that come from losing a child, divorce, and loss of loved ones. A good read for someone who may need a book to help them deal with a similar circumstance. I did not expect for this book to become a favorite since it came from a book exchange from an older woman but I have since enjoyed it and plan to re-read it. The details of emotions and the soul of south (landscape, culture, etc) are immensely gratifying.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story that reminds us of God's redemptive Love! How beautiful that the main characters Sam & Annie's last name is TrueLove :)

Following the devastating loss of their young daughter, Sam and Annie separate and try to create new lives for themselves, 2,000 or so miles apart. But five years later, circumstances bring them both back to the same North Carolina town where they once lived and loved each other, and where both of their families have been praying for their reconciliation for half a decade.


The author weaves a story of answered prayer, renewal of faith, and the Sovereignty of God!!

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin on this review? First, I like the author's writing style. Every page, every paragraph, every sentence had meaning. There was no "filler". So much depth to every character. I was a weepy mess at the end (and a few other places) and I don't cry very easily. I highly recommend this book.

[Nanette Chladny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit slow in the beginning and I almost put it aside. But… I’m glad I persevered because it was very enjoyable, although a bit predictable!! I was able to determine the ending well before the end of the story.
Being a woman who takes her faith very seriously, I really enjoyed the biblical references throughout the novel. And the presence of faith in the characters brought a very calm sense of peace to me as I read. The underlying theme of the book for me is to always trust in the Lord; it will always be His plan. In this story the Lord works his way to help the characters through their turmoils, as He does for each of us every day! And we never know how the people in our lives will help us and affect us in His plan. A nice “ Feel Good “ story.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankfully, this book also surpassed the first Nichols book I reread a couple weeks ago.

Part of what appeals to me about this book is the setting. While it's not quite my hometown, it's close enough that I recognize the place names and the culture that pervades the southernmost parts of the Appalachians.

I loved all the characters in this book and the complex web that Nichols wove. The only part that I thought took away from the story was the lack of nuanced growth back together of the main characters, Annie and Sam. While it is obvious from the outset that they'll be getting back together, the conclusion was almost anticlimactic.

I do like the book and recommend it as a good read.

[Catherine Richmond]

I don't know why I put this on my to-be-read list. The deaths of two girls dragged heart surgeon Sam, his journalist wife Annie, and their family into the pit of grief. It's not a fun place to be. All these characters need to join a Grief Share group or get counseling. If you're grieving, you may want to start the story at Chapter 13, when Elijah brings a ray of hopeful sunshine to the story.

Margaret, Sam and Annie's daughter, never felt real to me. The family remembered her birth and death, but nothing in between.

My favorite character was Diane. She's quirky, creative, full of faith, loves fiercely, and isn't afraid to ask for help.

[Christine Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is I loved it, loved it, loved it. It's now in my top ten of favorite books. This book is one I'll pull out every few years and read again and again. Gorgeous prose that makes me jealous as a writer, but the story grabbed me by the fibers of my heart on page one and didn't let go. At the end of the story I was sad to say goodbye to characters I had truly come to love.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful heart-wrenching story. I really enjoyed it, however it is Christian fiction, which I don't usually have a problem with, but there was quite a bit more religion than I am comfortable with. Hence 4 stars rather than 5.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

have tissues near-by

[Vicki Cottingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and his wife, Annie, are torn apart by the death of their young daughter. Sam wraps himself in his work in the hospital and Annie leaves home to work as a journalist.

They are angry with each other, and also with God, and they are in danger of losing their faith. But God, through circumstances and the people they meet, such as Ginny, Elijah and Mrs Rogers, is gently and persistently calling them home.

A story of heartbreak and also forgiveness and hope. And how God is with us, even in our darkest times and when we doubt his goodness. He is always loving us and pursuing us. There are no coincidences, only God-incidences.

"She stopped, listened, and in her mind’s eye she could see Someone standing so far away she could barely make out His figure. Who knew how long He had been standing there, patiently waiting? But instead of the stern, harsh, crossed-arm figure she had imagined, she caught a glimpse of His face now, and it was longing, loving, yearning for her to return to Him."

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols follows Sam and Annie, separated and grieving after the death of their daughter. It's about them coming to terms with the tragedy and finding a way forwards, with the help of their families and friends.

I really enjoyed this book - much more than I thought I would because it's billed as Christian Fiction and I was worried I would find the religious aspects off-putting. But I went with it and it was a beautiful story overall, extremely well told and very involving.

I wasn't 100% sold on all the decisions reached by the characters, but the ending was largely satisfying and came together in a very sweet and heartwarming way - but still acknowledging the complexities of the situation and that there would likely be more hardships and difficulties to overcome, which was pleasing.

I would definitely read more by this author.

[Holley Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

In chapters 1 -11 the author tells the back story and "sets the stage", and while necessary, it was so drawn out that it became boring. However, I really enjoy this author's writing usually, so I continued to read the book, and I'm so glad I did! The novel is faith-inspired and the character's lives all weave together beautifully. As a good book does, it made me reflect on my own life and ask questions. Although The book is free of foul language or sexual innuendos, I would recommend this book to young adults and older simply because it focuses on adult issues that younger people may not be able to relate to.

[Dennis J. Pasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption Even When Loss is Great

The three main characters in this story experienced great loss, and could not let go of the grief and pain. Each either blamed themselves and/or blamed the others and could not forgive. Through divine encounters, they each find their way to receive forgiveness through God's Grace, restoration of the love they once experienced, and redemption from the thoughts and feelings that kept them bound up. They found the way to freedom in love, joy, and hope.

[Akanke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scent of Water
Although a work of fiction, this novel attempts to answer the Age-old questions of: Why does a loving God allow pain? How does one press on when your faith has been shattered?

This is the story of a southern family grappling with a series of unfortunate events and the toll it takes on them. Although this is Linda Nichols' third installment of the Second Chances Collection, each book stands alone and contains completely new characters and storylines.

[Michelle Nezat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The details, the writing, the story -- all of it was so good. I especially love how the author weaves in God's truth in the midst of real feelings and doubts. A friend who is not a Christian gave this book to my grandmother, stating, "It's a Christian book, but a really good story and not 'in your face' Christian." Sad to think that Christian themes are automatically deemed inferior to "real stories."

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm...almost gave up on this several times, as the intro chapters are excruciatingly slow! Still, Mr. Jenner's calm voice eventually grows on you, as do all the characters and all the minute details of their every day lives. Yes, you can see where it is all headed, and yes you can almost smell the coffee! In the end it is a sweet story with a happy ending. I do NOT like the cover though!

[Barbara Baydoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

And absolutely beautiful story and a nice positive story. Takes place close to where I live so I understood a lot of the history and the life style of the older people involved in the book. They sure do drink a lot of coffee though. A wonderful read to sit back and enjoy and lose yourself in

[Amy Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, beautiful story

I give 5 stars for a great story, well-developed characters, and excellent writing. With themes of love, loss, forgiveness and redemption, the author weaves a story about everyday lives, and shows how God is always working through it all. An absolutely beautiful story!

[Sandra Egli · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! The tragedy that brought such sadness to a family and the journey that each took to find peace was told in such a way that the reader could feel each of their pain. The author’s writing style was engaging and descriptive; each character seemed to come to life and I was drawn into their lives quickly. Well done!

[Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book.

This book was so awesome, God definitely used it to speak to me. Truly a blessing to me. I would encourage anyone who's in need of hope, and need a reminder of God's character to read it.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this once before long enough ago that I had forgotten most of it. The story is full of sorrow and tragedy but ultimately hopeful and redemptive, but the balance of those two is skewed towards the sorrow and tragedy which makes it a difficult read to get into.

[Angela Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

First time reading Linda Nichols. This book had me laughing, crying, and unable to put it down. It was well thought out and written. Not many books touch my heart like this one has done! I will be adding her to my list of favorite authors!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This touching story deals with the hurt and pain that come from losing a child, divorce, and loss of loved ones. The three main characters experience great loss and struggle with letting go of the grief and pain. The story is clean--free from obscene language and sexual scenes.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, even the second time I read it. Holding back tears throughout.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and well-written story and oh what an emotional rollercoaster! But I love a happy ending, so I'm glad it all worked out the way I hoped!

[Tracy Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick summer time read - I always enjoy Linda Nichols books.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it, the tale was raw yet profound showing how life can overtake us if we don't hold on to our faith. God is not the author of evil.

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Wonderful characters and story.