“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45
~Review~
(SPOILER-FREE)
4/5 Stars
No doubt in mind, Living Water is a story of sorrow, brokenness, mistakes, and growth. It just goes to show no one is defined by their pasts, but who they are in Christ.
❤
(Briefing)
Living Water, authored by the talented Allison Wells, is a reimagined Bible story. Inspired by The Woman at the Well we read about in the New Testament, Living Water takes you deeper into the life of the woman who met Jesus at the well. With a twist of moderation, this story doesn’t fail to entertain its reader.
❤
(First impression 5/5)
From the first chapter, Roxie’s (protagonist) personality was easily portrayed. It was also interesting to be reading from a perspective belonging to a person whose father was a person of status. After reading Roxie’s first romantic relationship, it’s obvious just how lost she is, and how she’s trying so hard to find satisfaction in life, in flesh and love, but searching in the wrong place. Her mind was obscured by lust and the idea of finally having something to do with her life.
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(Character development 5/5)
When I first heard about the plot of this book, I wondered how all five marriages would differ from one another. And I must say, Allison does an excellent job at creating different romantic scenarios and relationships. Each one was unique in its own way. They didn’t get boring or repetitive. They kept me turning the pages.
Along with the various relationships came personalities and characteristics. The character growth in this book was phenomenal. Every person was different and complex, adding something new to the story.
Alas, though many of the characters were admirable, it was frustrating and heartbreaking to read how fast Roxie would fall for a man. Over and over she just threw herself and her worth away. Once the ending hit me, it was like I was there with Roxie every step of the way. I was amazed to see how far she had come from where she started in the first chapter.
❤
(World-building 4/5)
I don’t remember there being a lot of world-building, yet I imagined everything with ease. It wasn’t at all a struggle to get lost within the pages. Although, I sometimes forgot what era the story was centered on since there weren’t many details to remind me and transfer me into the late 90s/early 2000s.
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(Pace 4/5)
This book moved forward very fast. Certainly never a dull moment, however, with such a quick pace, one must be careful with rushing things that should’ve taken time to progress. Throughout the majority of the book, I thought Allison did a good job with pacing situations. Even so, I found moments seeming too rushed for me. Many scenes could’ve been drawn out more. Although, I suppose that’s how a novel usually is. Quick-paced and straight to the point.
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(Emotions 3/5)
I believe the emotional aspect could’ve been written more discretely. In the beginning, I found it challenging to make emotional connections. I understood the emotions of the characters perfectly, but some sad situations happened so fast I didn’t have time to get attached to the characters enough to feel their pain. It’s not hard to make me cry, yet I struggled with this aspect in the first couple of chapters.
Nevertheless! Near the middle and end, I made the emotional connection effortlessly. Soon, the waterworks came bustling in at full speed, my goodness.
❤
(Style 4/5)
I thought the dialogue could’ve been lazier. For example, instead of saying things like, “I am here,” I feel it would’ve been more realistic to say, “I’m.” Though, this is simply a minor flaw compared to how beautiful everything else is written. Perhaps that was the way one spoke in the late 90s? I wouldn’t know…(2002 baby).
I love the modernistic twist of Living Water, and the writing style Allison chose; how Roxie is reciting all the happenings of her life. Telling a story. The wording was always fresh, easy to read, and get lost in. A few repetitive words and statements here and there, but for the most part the sentences flowed smoothly.
❤
(Cleanliness 4/5)
Living Water is a clean read, though I suppose it depends on one’s definition of cleanliness. The few sexual situations—if you can even call them so, considering how vague they are—are only suggestive and not at all described. Other than that, it’s just kissing, which isn’t profusely described either. There’s not a large amount of foul language, besides some name-calling falling into the grungy category.
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(Conclusion 5/5)
The book concluded better than I could’ve guessed; the definition of one picking up their cross, giving up their life, to follow Jesus. This could mean something different to everyone, for God has a unique plan for each of our lives. Reading this I’ve realized, following Christ means leaving OUR path behind and letting God direct us toward a new one. A better one. This path might not be what we had planned, but in the end, it’s more extravagant than whatever we originally thought was in store for us. The ending made my eyes flood. It struck me deep in the heart, so deep I was close to sobbing. Truly an uplifting story.
Thank you, Monster Ivy Publishing and Allison Wells, for giving me this gift of encouragement and inspiration.
Genres: Christian, fiction, retelling, romance
!Trigger Warning!
Alcohol abuse, violence, physical abuse, suggestive sexual abuse,
some foul-name calling, mild gore, anxiety, depression, death.
Go follow:
Allison’s Instagram (@whatallisonsaid)
Monster Ivy Publishing’s Instagram (@monsterivypublishing)
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24
Julia Rose Books 