Readers' comments - Down by the Water
(Please feel free to contact Jo-Anne by clicking here to give your feedback too!)
I just finished reading Down by the Water and really enjoyed it. It was interesting seeing the unfolding of history over time and getting a glimpse of family life in that era. And there were so many vital principles for healing woven into the story. I felt inspired to be more available for younger women, to encourage and support them in their journeys ... as time allows. Thank you!
Susan Brown, author of Skinny Girl, Elephant House Press
What an interesting book! It starts off light and entertaining, and then the intensity of its message creeps up on you. …
I loved the historical details throughout the story, and the way the characters interacted. … But the book spoke to me very deeply too. It describes so beautifully what it is to have a creative gifting and how exercising this gift is so necessary to the artist (or writer) as it brings them into God’s presence like nothing else can. …
Mostly though, I was struck by how this book had God’s heavenly handprint all over it. … Thank you, Jo-Anne, for this amazing book. I’ve no doubt it will speak to other people in other ways, but it certainly has spoken directly and powerfully to me.
Kerry O.
Just to say how very much I enjoyed your latest book, Down by the Water. It was truly amazing to be so absorbed in reading your book, I even missed eating lunch and almost missed an appt!
Carol L.
I finished Down by the Water last night. I liked that you were able to include different ways of connecting with God, the impact of allowing another to take their own journey with God, the reality that he will engage with us in the tough challenges of life and of course the clear theme of forgiveness.
Ruth S
I've just finished reading Down by the Water and my first question is - is there a sequel coming? ... I love the way you've shown how Meg grew in her faith as she experienced trauma and also creativity. It's wonderful to show that we learn and grow through positive and negative things and how God uses different people with their different gifts to encourage and challenge.
I really believe that God will use this novel to talk to people about forgiveness and that beautiful intimate relationship with him demonstrated through Isobel, Rev Fisher and Hettie. Love the modeling of the mentoring relationships too and way Meg becomes a mentor herself, sowing into others what had been sown in her.
Carolyn B
I've just finishing reading Down by the Water and it was one of the best books I've read! I slowed down so I wouldn't finish too soon, because I was enjoying the story plus the many encouragements and things to learn and apply to life.
Liz D.
I finished your book last night and wow—what a journey. I loved your characters and the way you weave their relationship with God through them and show how God sends us His love through all sorts of people. I thought you did a great job too showing Richard's paternalism which in our day looks chauvinistic but was the way men were brought up to be in those days. And I also identified with the relationship between mother and daughter. Thank you so much for a great read.
Jeanie Wood, author of The Travel Club series, Elephant House Press
A great story of redemption and restoration through real life examples of loss.
Karen B
A beautiful snapshot of life as it once was in a part of the world we know so well. I believe it is my favourite of all your books. ... Your portrayal of Richard and Meg and their relationship is mature and realistic, and Meg comes across as a commendable woman, a Proverbs 31 woman, especially in using both her head and her heart in deciding to accept Richard's suit. This is more than a fluffy pink romance. It's real.
Marion A
MORE COMING SOON
I just finished reading Down by the Water and really enjoyed it. It was interesting seeing the unfolding of history over time and getting a glimpse of family life in that era. And there were so many vital principles for healing woven into the story. I felt inspired to be more available for younger women, to encourage and support them in their journeys ... as time allows. Thank you!
Susan Brown, author of Skinny Girl, Elephant House Press
What an interesting book! It starts off light and entertaining, and then the intensity of its message creeps up on you. …
I loved the historical details throughout the story, and the way the characters interacted. … But the book spoke to me very deeply too. It describes so beautifully what it is to have a creative gifting and how exercising this gift is so necessary to the artist (or writer) as it brings them into God’s presence like nothing else can. …
Mostly though, I was struck by how this book had God’s heavenly handprint all over it. … Thank you, Jo-Anne, for this amazing book. I’ve no doubt it will speak to other people in other ways, but it certainly has spoken directly and powerfully to me.
Kerry O.
Just to say how very much I enjoyed your latest book, Down by the Water. It was truly amazing to be so absorbed in reading your book, I even missed eating lunch and almost missed an appt!
Carol L.
I finished Down by the Water last night. I liked that you were able to include different ways of connecting with God, the impact of allowing another to take their own journey with God, the reality that he will engage with us in the tough challenges of life and of course the clear theme of forgiveness.
Ruth S
I've just finished reading Down by the Water and my first question is - is there a sequel coming? ... I love the way you've shown how Meg grew in her faith as she experienced trauma and also creativity. It's wonderful to show that we learn and grow through positive and negative things and how God uses different people with their different gifts to encourage and challenge.
I really believe that God will use this novel to talk to people about forgiveness and that beautiful intimate relationship with him demonstrated through Isobel, Rev Fisher and Hettie. Love the modeling of the mentoring relationships too and way Meg becomes a mentor herself, sowing into others what had been sown in her.
Carolyn B
I've just finishing reading Down by the Water and it was one of the best books I've read! I slowed down so I wouldn't finish too soon, because I was enjoying the story plus the many encouragements and things to learn and apply to life.
Liz D.
I finished your book last night and wow—what a journey. I loved your characters and the way you weave their relationship with God through them and show how God sends us His love through all sorts of people. I thought you did a great job too showing Richard's paternalism which in our day looks chauvinistic but was the way men were brought up to be in those days. And I also identified with the relationship between mother and daughter. Thank you so much for a great read.
Jeanie Wood, author of The Travel Club series, Elephant House Press
A great story of redemption and restoration through real life examples of loss.
Karen B
A beautiful snapshot of life as it once was in a part of the world we know so well. I believe it is my favourite of all your books. ... Your portrayal of Richard and Meg and their relationship is mature and realistic, and Meg comes across as a commendable woman, a Proverbs 31 woman, especially in using both her head and her heart in deciding to accept Richard's suit. This is more than a fluffy pink romance. It's real.
Marion A
MORE COMING SOON
Reviews - Down by the Water
The book blurb of Down by the Water doesn’t do enough justice to the story—it deserves better. The novel is a deep dive into Meg’s life, and the reader is taken on her journey in a way that feels like it’s a privilege to observe. It is a gentle journey which lovingly draws the reader in and invites the reader to grow alongside Meg through the ups and downs of her life.
In all honesty, I couldn’t put it down. This is Jo-Anne’s best work to date.
Jane L.
Having finished Down By The Water, I realise it is a book to stay with me as I consider a number of significant themes woven through the story. The characters faced the challenges of life with different perspectives and ways of coping and seeing things through their eyes as the story unfolded was enriching.
Ruth S.
MORE COMING SOON!
In all honesty, I couldn’t put it down. This is Jo-Anne’s best work to date.
Jane L.
Having finished Down By The Water, I realise it is a book to stay with me as I consider a number of significant themes woven through the story. The characters faced the challenges of life with different perspectives and ways of coping and seeing things through their eyes as the story unfolded was enriching.
Ruth S.
MORE COMING SOON!