Wonders In The Deep

by Chuck Carr

Love. Loss. Hope. Heroism. Is there safe passage through the torrents and storms of life?

Wonders In the Deep is a dramatic illustration, an emotionally charged depiction of the elements that keep us human, fuel our spirit, and give us the courage to continue.

The life of eighteen-year-old Brandon Lawrence is one riddled with questions. Pained sore inside, he seeks answers that have been swallowed deeply by his own grandfather, whom he lovingly calls Pap. How did his parents and grandmother die? Why does his grandfather resent Natalie, Brandon’s best friend since childhood? Why is he forbidden to step foot on a boat, to ride the waves of the sea? Will he ever find answers?

Pap’s journals. Could they hold the secrets?

Set in the rocky and rugged coastline of Maine, the story uncovers Brandon’s world in the summer of 1998. The 1930s and 40s of his grandfather’s world are now over, along with the flat plains of a corn-belted Illinois town he had decided to leave as a young man. What had happened to cause a man to run from a life he couldn’t handle? What had turned Pap into a man withdrawn from life? A man holding tight to the secrets of his life.

Sitting alone on the same weathered dock Brandon had come to with Pap every Thursday growing up, he tries to piece together the puzzle of an unspoken life. Face to face with the only solution he knows, he must choose between honor and answers; an act of thievery plagues him hard, haunting and jolting his conscience. If his grandfather is too brokenhearted to speak of such things, could Brandon steal the answers he needs from the journals?

Wonders In the Deep is a soothing balm, medicine to a hurting and wounded soul. Faced with the harsh realities of grief and loss, two men embark on a great journey to find healing in the deep and uncertain oceans of life. As you journey with Brandon and Pap, you may identify with their struggles.

Is there true triumph over adversity? How far will one go for answers? How far will you go?

Genres: Fiction, Christian

436 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2021

About the author

As a youth pastor, Chuck Carr has influenced hundreds of people throughout his life. Author of The Convergence, Navigating Grief, and All That the Locusts Have Eaten, he desires to help others live effectively despite hardships, as his testimony proves that sufferings can be changed into blessings. Losing a spouse in 2008, he strives to help those hurting from the same pain. A life altering accident in 2018 left him with a traumatic brain injury, and his vision and life goal has been refocused to help others heal from devastating traumas. Now remarried to a woman of shared life goals, he has chosen to live with purpose despite his injuries, being an inspiration to others.

Reviews

[Corrine Ardoin]

This is a Christian-themed novel that uses story to teach important life lessons involving loss and grief. Alan has suffered multiple losses. His heart is frozen in grief and bitterness from wartime experiences and the tragic loss of loved ones. Already one who has difficulty expressing himself to others, these losses have severely wounded him, breaking him down as he turns cantankerous and extremely guarded. But, like the image of a lighthouse in the story, there is always hope, even for someone as tortured and unforgiving as Alan.

Having raised his grandson, Brandon, through the lens of toxic grief and rage toward God, Alan passed along what he believes are life's real lessons, like avoiding love so that you won't suffer any emotional pain. But, Brandon has grown up only wishing to live and to love his beautiful girlfriend, Natalie. He rejects the damaging words his sadly bitter grandfather impressed upon him. Through extreme circumstances brought on by himself, Alan eventually comes to terms with the fact that he has led a cowardly life of needless pain and suffering since the death of his wife. With the aid of her memory and a loving God who never gave up on him, Alan stops fighting the lesson he must learn. Though he comes to the lesson late in life, it is not too late to pass it along to his grandson.

Using the ocean as metaphor, life can deal us hard knocks and strike tremendous blows that wreak havoc in our lives. How do we survive the storm that will inevitably come? The novel's title theme, Wonders in the Deep, teaches us a great lesson. The story about Alan and his wife, Bonnie, told through the book's narrative and through Alan's journal entries, give a powerful example of having the courage to live life to its fullest so we may reap the treasures and joyful rewards granted to us through our loving faith.

Wonders in the Deep is a wonderful novel with an important message of hope and reassurance. Though Life's struggles can be brutal and seem heartless, there is a power that is guiding us to quieter shores, if we could only open our hearts and minds to see it and willingly accept it. Written in an unusual style, like a boat bouncing along with the waves, the story is best enjoyed with an open heart and mind, letting it carry you to its further shores where answers are given and peace is restored.

[Louise Bélanger]

This beautifully written book has so many important lessons. No life is free of pain, of hardship or seasons of testing. You can’t shelter anyone from it, if you do, you rob then of truly living. God is Light. God can heal if you let Him…

This passage from Wonders In The Deep is such a powerful one:

"Those who go down to the sea in the ships of life, who do their business in these very places of torture and hard toil, those who are in the midst of the storm of the sea and all the tragedy that dwells there, these are the very people who see the works of the Lord most evident_His wonders, His blessing, and the beauty of Himself joined and standing with you_even, the wonders in the deep."

[Joan]

This novel is quite an exploration of grief and the irrational behavior experiencing grief can generate. “Grief is not logical; it never has been. It makes one do irrational things without the slightest precaution of reason.” (441/6420) Much of the narrative of this novel deals with the irrational acts of Brandon's grandfather. He experienced grief to the extent I don't think I have ever seen. “He was terribly tangled up and confused, pained, and sorrowed – all possibly beyond recovery.” (1519/6420)

Carr is a wordsmith. “The aged letters from a vaulted page silenced the world.” (2913/6420) He describes scenes with a poetic style. He is also verbose. A scene that would be be a page or two in another novel might be a score of pages in this one. I did skim some of the text after a while. The narrative moves around time wise. Successive chapters, for example go from 1986 to 1951 to 1998 to 1938 to 1998 to 1938 (chapters 8-13). Carr's writing style is such that everything seems greatly heightened. Emotions are over the top. Actions are heightened too. It did seem a bit too intense for reality.

This is a good book for those who like to read about sailing, the initial forty pages describing a crazy sailing adventure in a storm, for example. There is a message of emotional healing that does come almost at the end of the book. This is a novel for readers who like to get lost in majestic descriptions and intense emotions. I did like the novel but would have preferred it having been edited to a length more typical for this type of novel.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[J.E. Grace]

Wonders In the Deep is a story of loss, redemption, and finally peace. With a background of sailing and a person's desire to fulfill his destiny and great love in his life, the author paints a picture of Alan that is filled with pain, heartbreak, and breaking away from God. Alan's grandson, Brandon, is searching for answers that his grandfather is not willing to give.

The author's writing style is a lot different than others I have read. His descriptions of settings and feelings are more in-depth. It gives you a lot to digest while reading. The storyline is uplifting but also heart-wrenching at times and will give you a lot to ponder about. The ending wrapped everything up nicely and answered questions I had as I went on their journey.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and I willingly choose to review it.

[Brent Soderstrum]

I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.

This is the story of a crabby old man who has suffered a lot throughout his life. Alan Lawrence lost his wife early in their marriage. He also lost his son and his son's wife at a young age. He kept all of his feelings inside. He didn't even share with his grandson Brandon Lawrence who wanted to know about his parents and his grandmother.

The story is about the relationship between Brandon and Alan. Brandon is now 18 and has lots of questions his Pap won't answer. Alan also seems to dislike Natalie, the girl Brandon grew up with. Their relationship seems to be headed towards something Alan doesn't want to happen.

Alan keeps journals which Brandon gets into. The journals give Brandon some answers. I found the journal entries very wordy and really unrealistic for Alan's character.

There also wasn't enough God in this book for me. Oh God was working in the background but I would have liked to see more of the faith of all the characters.

[Deana Dick]

With a deep appreciation for this book I have to say that I was swept away by the beautiful story that gave me a feeling of both hope and expectation of healing from within my soul. The author captures a love story that is so personal I felt like I was invading upon moments that were too precious to share. Through the pages we see inside a man’s heart, witness his grief as he comes to terms with a past that changed him forever.

It was easy to figure out that grandson and grandfather have a close relationship but maybe there was something buried deep within the journal that Brandon finds that will explain some unanswered questions. Why was Brandon’s grandfather so angry at God and the world? Could those emotions have been passed to Brandon? The vividness of the storm Alan was in was very emotional. The author captures how we feel when we are in the midst of a storm. It may be from grief, struggles in our life or feeling lost but God is there with us as we go through the storm. I loved the reference of the lighthouse which for me has always been a beacon of light. Over the years I have collected lighthouses because it reminded me of the dark days I had and how God shined His light on me and gave me hope.

I enjoyed the times that Brandon and his Pap spent together. Their time sitting on the dock looking at the water was soothing but it didn’t help the mood Pap was in lately. Yes there was much for Pap to share but he just couldn’t push himself to do it. He knew Brandon wanted to know what had happened to his parents and grandmother but there was grief and anger holding Pap back from sharing.

“A noose of grieving heaviness rested around his throat like a chain.” That one sentence brought me to tears. That is actually how I have felt the last few years after losing my brother. We can try to push those thoughts away but that grip is tight and at times consumes us. Pap was in so much turmoil trying to get past his pain that he pushed everyone out of his life. His relationship with Brandon should have been deeper but he was afraid to show weakness around him.

Through the journey we take with Brandon and Pap we witness forgiveness and healing. Pap has always wanted to protect Brandon from pain and forced his insecurity and fear on his grandson. I loved how the author takes two characters and weaves them into a lesson on trust, letting go of the past and finding hope in the midst of a storm. With trips out to sea we come to understand that in the storms we face, light is there if we look for it.

“Light triumphed over darkness.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Becca Hope]

It took me a few chapters to actually get into this book. But once I did, I fell in love with everything about it. The story, the characters, the setting, the author's writing style. I didn't want it all to end.

Alan is a grumpy old man, grieving the loss of his wife, his son, and his daughter-in-law. All he has left in the world is his grandson, Brandon. While at first I didn't understand Alan's anger at the world, the more I read about him and his story, the more I understood. I love the way that the author presented Alan's life--specifically his love story with Bonnie. It was beautiful, sweet, and pure. Readers get to see it all through Alan's eyes, and because of that, we understand why he loved Bonnie so much, why he grieved her death so much, and why he hadn't let go of his past yet.

Brandon is the only true purpose is Alan's life in the present. Brandon doesn't fully understand why his grandfather is angry all the time, either. He never got the answers of his grandmother's and parents' deaths. And that's all he wants from his grandfather, but Alan refuses to reveal anything. Even reading Alan's journals doesn't reveal much. Brandon's own love story is intertwined with Alan's. While I enjoyed reading about Alan's and Bonnie relationship more, I still liked seeing the stories side by side, watching each of them blossom and grow in their own different ways.

Overall, I would highly recommend this novel. The author will draw you in and keep turning the pages until you get to the end, where you will be left, sad that Alan's and Brandon's story is over.

I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

[Erin]

Wonders in the Deep is a novel that reads like a true story because there is some truth behind it but also because it’s that compelling. I felt like I was sitting next to a real person going through all of this. It was raw and real. It was such a great novel really. I’ve read nonfiction by this author before and I loved his style for that but I think I love this work of fiction more.

You go through grief and hardship in this novel but you also find hope and healing. You find God and His mercy. And you get a good book that makes you feel so much in this novel.

We meet Brandon and Alan where they are and follow them as they find healing on their path. This is a great novel that I hope you get to enjoy as well. Grab a copy and read along! I think this would be a fun one to use as a book study book because you can find some great lessons within.

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.

[Debbie]

I am sure if I was a different time in my life and in a different grief period, I would have liked this book a lot better. I did like reading the journals. I plan on rereading this book again, maybe next year. I thought the book was really long. I have read other reviews for this book and most are 5 stars, again my 3 stars might be because of my own grief on losing my son in Nov. I did feel like I was suffering along with Brandon and his grandfather. I did enjoy the ending when the grandfather explained why he was the way he was.


I read the author's book "All That the Locusts Have Eaten" and it was about grief too but maybe I like that book a bit more because it wasn't fiction and it was a true account about someone actually grieving., not that I am glad that other went through grief but that book helped me realize that what I was feeling was normal.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Patti Pierce]

As I began reading Wonders in the Deep, I found myself struggling to stay interested initially. But, I am glad I continued reading. This story covers two timelines – the past dealing Brandon’s grandfather, and the present dealing with Brandon, his grandfather, and Brandon’s girlfriend Natalie.

The author dives deep into the way grief and secrets potentially destroy lives. Set in Maine on the coastline, I loved the setting. I loved how Brandon wanted answers from his grandfather about his grandmother, and parents who died in the past, but I wish he found the answers in a better manner.

Pap, as Brandon refers to his grandfather, maintained journals that I found fascinating to read about in the story. The words and the descriptions of the illustrations Pap created intrigued me. I definitely felt the ending made the book worth reading. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy]

Wonders In The Deep is another great book I have read by Chuck Carr. It is one of those reads that spoke to me and I was able to connect with. It is one that toyed with my emotions and found myself having to grab my tissues many times. So much is learned in this story: how to heal, power of forgiveness, element of faith, and having hope. I had to stay up late to keep reading until I have it all read.

I am giving Wonders In The Deep a very well deserved five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction with the element of faith and healing. I would be interested in reading more by by Chuck Carr in the future.

I received a digital copy of Wonders In The Deep from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Ashley Dawn]

Such a good book. The author uses how someone harmed in so many with grief relays life lessons to someone in the next generation. I really loved the relationship between Pap and Brandon. You can just feel how much Pap loves him (and Brandon loves Pap). There has just been so much loss in Pap's life.

The two love stories side-by-side was a great way to see them and see the way the developed. The depth of the love for both was great. I liked how Brandon so wanted to understand Pap's outlook, and so much wanted answers. You could feel how torn he was on that. I think the author did a great job of showing how grief changes people and the lengths we go to out of love.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Carol Keen]

If you ever pick up a book unsure of what you will find, and then find something that impacts you more than you anticipated, this would be one of those books. It's healing, and uplifting, this story. It's heartfelt, real and raw as well. Brandon and Pap show that throughout the entire tale, all woven into the depths of the ocean, of how God cares for us. Grief and loss defy logic, and as such we struggle with them. This book, helps. It's full of hope, faith and God's love.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and contains what I think about this book. A positive review is never required.

[Melanie]

I just finished reading Wonders In the Deep. I really enjoyed this book. I have read 2 other books by Chuck Carr. Each book by Mr. Carr seem to get better and better. I felt like I personally knew Alan, Brandon and Natalie. I felt sorrow, guilt, forgiveness and hope right along with the characters. I loved the setting of this book. The state of Maine is one of my favorite places. Through reading Mr. Carr’s books I can see his strong faith in God and it has challenged me to examine my own faith. I hope that Mr. Carr publishes another book soon.

[SUSAN SKOGLUND]

Beautifully, poetically written story of loss and grief! A wonderful tale.

[Georgi_Lvs_Books]

I listened to this on audio and it just didn’t work for me unfortunately. I didn’t enjoy it.