Review: Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson
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This is Dana’s review. She found this book on the list I made of books I found in Christian categories on Amazon. I purchased the book for her for review purposes and neither one of us has had any contact with the author or publisher about reading or reviewing this book. I’m doing my best to provide completely honest and unbiased Christian book reviews.
About the Author
Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author. Her first novel, If We Make It Home, was honored as one of Library Journal’s top five inspirational novels of 2017.
When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her family.
You can visit the author’s website at www.christinasuzannnelson.com.
Book Description
Cassie George is barely staying above water as she works to get her doctorate and raise her daughter. But she stubbornly keeps swimming to prove a few bad decisions haven't ruined her forever. Plus, it's all a great excuse to stay away from the small Oregon town she fled in shame years prior. But when she receives a call that the aunt who raised her has had a major health crisis, she knows it's time to return.
Cassie is surprised to be more welcomed by the quirky seaside community than she expected, even if there's still tension between her and her former classmate Nora Milford. But she still can't help feeling unsettled and is mystified by a mysterious package that appears, full of typed pages that tell the story of an anonymous woman's life. As her curiosity sends her on a journey toward truth, Cassie will discover that who she thought she was and what she wants for her life are both about to change.
Dana’s Review of Shaped by the Waves
I'm so happy that I found this beautiful novel. Readers who enjoy contemporary, character-driven novels that explore the concept of family and coming home will enjoy this book.
Shaped by the Waves is a story of coming back. Back home. Back to family. And, back to Jesus. Shaped by the Waves begins when Cassie finds out that her “Aunt” Shasta has Parkinson's disease. She returns to Gull’s Bay to care for her. Returning was stressful. She felt like she was a disgrace to all the people who loved her. Instead of shame, she finds love.
Christina Suzann Nelson’s writing has such realness and depth. She doesn’t pussy-foot around the hard issues, but she also does not lay them out with all their gory details showing. And, yet, the situations and issues were beautifully and touchingly resolved. There was definitely a Christian undercurrent, but, again, not heavy handed. No great huge come-to-Jesus moment, just Cassie’s quiet realization of her desire for the One she left behind. She found the lover of her heart and the Lover of her soul.
The story is semi-dual timeline, in that Cassie receives several letters with a typed manuscript. The letters weave throughout the book. I was so absorbed with the story in the letters, that I almost (almost!) turned to the end to find out the answers to Cassie’s questions. As I read through the book, I kept thinking I knew the answers, but I didn’t. It kept me guessing until the end.
This story touched my heart in many ways, but one of the most significant ways was Cassie not letting people know she needed help. In some ways, the story brought resolution to my story. I understood Cassie and I can grow from her growth.
I liked Cassie, and empathized with her situation, but after a while her resistance to help and total self-reliance began to grate on me. However, I reminded myself, I was once “independent” and “self-reliant”. For me this came from my low self-esteem, which Cassie has in spades. Her precocious daughter, four-almost-five Lark, is so adorable. She is spirited and direct, and often just blurts out what she's thinking. I kind of love her to pieces. She is the comic relief in book, but also, she is a comfort to many, especially Aunt Shasta. In many ways, I loved Aunt Shasta the most. I so wish I had had someone like her in my life to hold my pieces together.
I also really liked Marshall. He was so patient, but still honest. The relationship Cassie & Marshall developed was probably one of the most realistic romance relationships I have ever read. And their “meet-cute” was so fun.
I was touched by how all Aunt Shasta’s long-time, small-town friends came together to show Cassie that family comes in many packages. Especially when family focuses on the needs of others. I was so moved when Shasta’s friends over-rode all Cassie’s excuses and compelled her to accept their help so she could rest and heal.
The side story of Cassie’s not too friendly former classmate, Nora, finding surprise relatives via DNA testing seemed kind of unnecessary. Nora’s perfectionism and insecurity due to her childhood are shaken and confronted by the things in life that are beyond her control. For a time, I thought somehow the two women would find out they were related to each other. But that didn’t happen and left me feeling like I missed something. It just didn’t feel it connected to the main story.
I recommend this book whole-heartedly. It is well written with friends, family, faith, mystery, and a sweet dose of romance.
Where To Find Shaped by the Waves
You can purchase Shaped by the Waves at the following links:
About the Reviewer
Dana
I am basically a "West Coast" girl. Born in CA about 70 years ago and continued moving up the coast as far as Seattle, WA. After college and marriage, I spent some time in FL and now live in AZ year round. As the child of an editor, I can fall into grammar police mode, but try not to let the words in my head come out of my mouth... It is not my job to correct the speech of others. I have been a born again Christian since I was in High School. I worked many jobs over the years but I worked for the Marine Corps for 20+ years. I am now retired from the workforce and a true introvert, but I try to keep socially active so I don't stagnate. I also volunteer at my church creating graphics and written materials.
