Book review and giveaway: A River Too Deep by Sydney Tooman Betts

Book review and giveaway: A River Too Deep by Sydney Tooman Betts

About the book:

In the spring of 1817, Alcy Callen and her father visit a step-uncle they have long presumed dead; but instead of enjoying a loving reunion, they are plunged into treachery and deceit. Nothing is as they expected and little is what it seems. Even the man who helps her escape is not the reliable suitor he appears.  Alcy is caught between gratitude and fear, unable to avoid her rescuer's attentions or understand the responses they stir. Neither can she tell what sort of man he is or what he intends to do with her in the strange place they are going. Will he keep her for himself or will he sell her to the highest bidder?  Of one person only is she certain, but will he come for her before it is too late?

The story is set in 1817 and we are introduced to Alcy and her uncle. They travel to visit her step-uncle . Upon their arrival you could sense an unsettling presence there. The step-uncle was very convincing but so greedy  that I wanted to scream at him. He took a shine to Alcy right away, but was it for love or something selfish? When a tragedy strikes in the home Alcy is devastated. She soon realizes that she is not safe staying with her step-uncle.

Alcy makes a daring escape and is rescued by someone she never would have gone with. Before her is a man who she didn't know and is suddenly whisked   away to a land she will come to love and call home. I was so engrossed in the story that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Can you imagine living in that time period and being taken to an Indian camp ? Alcy comes from a very wealthy background and this was a culture shock to her.

The author writes a very moving story of a young woman who relies on her faith to adapt to her surroundings. I loved how there were scriptures throughout the book and at the end of each chapter. Alcy begins to share her faith with others at the camp and it was so interesting to read how they were so focused on the Word and accepting of it. Alcy realized that this was her calling and she felt safe there.

The beautiful relationship between her and her adopted father , Running Deer, at the camp was so moving I was brought to tears. The interaction between the two was written with complete beauty and love that a father has for his daughter. As a relationship develops between her and Preying Eagle, the author delivers a very realistic look at the Native American culture ."A worthy daughter trusts her father to wisely choose a husband for her and grows to love his choice."

There were so many memorable moments throughout the book that you must pick up a copy and read this story that not only shows unconditional love but of different cultures living together in unity. 'All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit for an honest review.

You can purchase the book here:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G5KOL8G/

About the author:

Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside in the Shenandoah Valley near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book.  While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities.  Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.

Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.

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