2018 Selah Book of the Year/Fiction2018 Selah First Novel2018 BRMCWC Director’s Choice Award2018 INSPYS Short ListCora Anne Halloway has a history degree and a plan: avoid her own past—despite being wait-listed for graduate school. Then her beloved grandmother requests—and her dispassionate mother insists—that she spend the summer at Still Waters, the family cottage on Edisto Beach, South … family cottage on Edisto Beach, South Carolina.
Despite its picturesque setting, Still Waters haunts Cora Anne with loss. At Still Waters her grandfather died, her parents’ marriage disintegrated, and as a child, she caused a tragic drowning. But lingering among the oak canopies and gentle tides, this place also tempts her with forgiveness—especially since Nan hired Tennessee Watson to oversee cottage repairs. A local contractor, but dedicated to the island’s preservation from development, Tennessee offers her friendship and more, if she can move beyond her guilt.
When a family reunion reveals Nan’s failing health, Cora Anne discovers how far Tennessee will go to protect her—and Edisto—from more desolation. Will Cora Anne choose between a life driven by guilt, or one washed clean by the tides of grace?
Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar women’s fiction novels in this genre may be categorized as: women’s fiction, inspirational women’s fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome women’s fiction.more
Lindsey Brackett fleshes out characters beautifully and has a a fine skill for making them achingly real and honest. I loved the lush setting of this story, the summertime atmosphere, the family dynamics, the romance, the humor and love. In short, I loved this book!
Still Waters is the debut for this author and after reading it, I can’t wait to read her new book that publishes in the summer, 2019. She takes us to the LowCountry of SC to Edisto Beach for a story of family, love and redemption.
Cora Ann has just graduated from college and the internship that she hoped for was put on hold so she returns home. She lives a very rigid life and it’s difficult for her to cope with changes so when her grandmother asks her to come to Edisto Beach and help her with some projects. Even though she used to love the ocean and the beach house, she is very reluctant to go back due to a tragedy that happened when she was a child – a tragedy that she can’t forgive herself for. It’s also the place where her grandfather died and her parents marriage ended. She loves her grandmother so she decides to go but is not happy about it and she wants everyone around her to avoid their happiness. Her grandmother, Nan, has a plan for Cora Ann’s summer and a plan to get her to fully accept the past and look forward to the future. Will Nan be successful or will Cora Ann continue to live her life based on things that happened in the past? Will Cora Anne choose between a life driven by guilt, or one washed clean by the tides of grace?
This is a lovely well written novel with very likable characters. I especially enjoyed Nan who loved her granddaughter and tried to help her change her life. I also loved the setting of Edisto Beach and made me want to pack up and take a vacation at the beach in a small cottage.
This is a novel about family and love and forgiveness – not forgiveness of others but forgiveness of ourselves.
Still Waters is poignant, gripping, and full of the Southern dynamics I grew up with. This novel seemed to tap into everything I love. A loving family that isn’t without its flaws. A romantic storyline that isn’t the whole point of the novel. A faith journey that drags you into the story because you need those answers, too. I loved all the characters, even the ones who got on my nerves a time or two. But hey, what’s family without a few annoying members?
(My full review can be found at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/09/13/just-read-still-waters-by-lindsey-brackett/)
A wonderful novel that allows its readers to take a trip to Edisto Island and fall in love with the Coultrie and Watson families. You will finish the novel wanting to know what happens next in the lives of these characters.
I loved entering the world of the Holloway family and their summers spent on beautiful Edisto Island. The setting was lovely, wrapping around you like a comfortable blanket, while the characters’ emotions are deeply felt and experienced. I love this family, their history, and the way forgiveness is dealt with. So much to love – the budding romance, the family values and loyalty, the wisdom, and of course, all things Edisto!
Can’t say enough about how much I loved this story! Well written, grab me right away and took me for a ride through the colorful descriptions of the beauty of Edisto Beach. I loved all the big as life characters and cried right along with them! I love it when a story moves me like Still Waters did so it gets a 5 star and a strong recommendation you take some time to read this lovely story!