Love this book, I am from Johnstown and am familiar with the streets, areas and buildings that Ms. Patterson talks about throughout the book. She did a wonderful job of intertwining her romance story with the history of that horrific event of our town. I plan on reading more from Candace.

I have yet to read a book by Candice Sue Patterson that deserved anything less than 5 stars, and When the Waters Came is no exception! It was riveting from the very first chapter with historically haunting imagery of a town being wiped away by a devastating flood. I couldn't help but compare it to our present reality in 2024 when Hurricane Helene hit a large portion of the Southeast which caused immense damage.

While the storyline itself was no mystery, decisions made by influential people directly involved with the Johnstown community had sinister connections. I appreciated that Candice did not shy away from mentioning those directly responsible for the dam breaking and what the consequences were for their actions. She also included a very helpful author's note at the end describing which people were real vs. fictitious, how Clara Barton and the Red Cross were directly involved with medical assistance, and how politics and standing influenced the flooding.

This author does a masterful job with historical fiction, and if you enjoy authors like Elizabeth Camden, Allison Pittman, or Tara Johnson, Candice Sue Patterson is definitely an author you should have on your radar!

This is an excellent book, full of actual events and conversations as well as a well written fictional account that tied the events surrounding the Johnstown Flood of 1889 together. A wonderful read, with a bit of romance too

When the Waters Came is a fictional account of the horrible flood of Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1889. You will love Pastor Monty Childs as he leads and loves his congregation through this time. The newly formed Red Cross arrives five days after the flood with Clara Barton and nurse Annamae Worthington among others. You will be amazed at how resilient the townspeople are despite their great losses and how they depend on God. There is hope in the future despite such tragic events. I received a complimentary copy of When the Waters Came from Barbour Publishing. This is my honest opinion.

When the Waters Came is the first book in a new series, A Day to Remember. From the very beginning, author Candice Sue Patterson draws you in and you find yourself experiencing life alongside the characters. When the Waters Came is a story that is filled with hardships and trials, but where hope and healing are found.

If you enjoy books that are based on true events, When the Waters Came is a must read!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.