Over the Waters by Deborah Raney
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Raney Day Press (February 13, 2019)
Review by Gwen M. Plano
Writer Deborah Raney’s book, Over the Waters, is a layered journey through wealth and poverty, hope and despair, faith and its absence. The setting is the small Caribbean nation of Haiti, and specifically, one of its orphanages. In this impoverished community, we meet the characters.
Raney draws us into the lives of several Christian missionaries, focusing on a young doctor who serves as a pediatrician. When this beloved character loses his life, his estranged father travels to Haiti in search of clarity. The bereaved man is a well-respected plastic surgeon, and he wants answers. His bitterness drives him into the heart of the missionary community where his son lived. Slowly, the father’s anger morphs into compassion, and he begins to see his son among the barefoot children. As he does so, understanding replaces his harsh judgments, and his heart opens to the possibility of forgiveness and a rebirth of love.
“… have you ever considered that God is speaking, guiding you through your dissatisfaction, through your disillusionment with your present circumstances?
“I don’t know the secret to knowing God’s will. But I think sometimes, all we can do is take the next step and trust that he’ll turn us around if it’s wrong.”
Over the Waters, by Deborah Raney
Over the Waters prompted a personal journey. Through Raney’s well-crafted characters, I re-experienced my missionary years in the 1970s among the untouchables (Burakumin) in Japan. Poverty isn’t something distinct. Rather, it is universally heartbreaking.
Due to my past, I am unsure how objective I can be regarding this book. I will share that Raney very effectively captures the psychological and spiritual transformation that occurs when one lives among the poor. Contrasts, such as images of operating rooms in the U.S. and the makeshift medical wards in Haiti, help the reader see the separate worlds. Similarly, the smiles of orphaned children and photos of privileged children reveal a preciousness that should be treasured everywhere. This is a Christian romance story, and I would have enjoyed reading more of the budding love attractions. That aside, the story was an unexpected homecoming for me, and I’m pleased to give it five healthy fish.
I purchased the Kindle version of Over the Waters.
The Well Read Fish 
Hi Gwen, this sounds like a compelling read. To loss your son would be very hard.
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Thank you, Robbie. It truly was a compelling read, very thought-provoking and tender.
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😊💗
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This sounds like an eye-opening book. Most of us have never been on the mission field nor encountered poverty in the way you describe. Thanks for your review, Gwen.
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It was a story that opened my eyes as well, Joan, for it brought me back into impoverished areas. Out of sight, out of mind, I guess. But because of the story, I think more about how I live and why.
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Gwen, your review stirred my emotions. I think this is the kind of book that would make me contemplate my place in life. I’m off to check out Over the Waters. Thanks for your review!
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If you decide to read it, Priscilla, I hope you find it interesting. You used the word contemplate, and that’s a perfect choice. I’ve been contemplating my life since reading this story.
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I don’t think I’m in the right emotional space to read this one, but it sounds like a powerful story. I’m impressed by the realism, and the comparisons probably bring it all home. Thanks for sharing this, Gwen.
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The book is listed as “Christian Romance”, but that relational dimension was quite secondary to the setting, the suffering, and the basic needs of people. You are right about emotional space, Staci–it is needed. Thank you for sharing that perspective.
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What an inspiring story. It seems to be one of many she’s written about compassion and love. So many problems in Haiti. I can only imagine the plot. Thanks for sharing this.
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This is the first book I’ve read by Raney, and it will probably not be the last. I agree with you about Haiti, Jacqui, it’s so sad how that country has been used and abused.
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I’m always amazed by those who give of themselves in the mission field. My church has a sister school and parish in Haiti that we support through financial donations. Every now and then, the priest who oversees the parish visits to talk about progress. There is so much need, but those in the mission field are definitely making a difference.
I think this book might be too much of an emotional read for me, but I applaud the author for writing what sounds like a strong and moving story. A wonderful review, Gwen!
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Thank you, Mae. I didn’t expect to be as moved as I was. The circumstances, the people, the challenges — all touched me deeply. I understand your hesitancy about reading the book.
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Lovely review. I’ve read several of her books and she is usually very careful with research, spot on with characters, and her romance level is typically a lightly woven thread. I’ll have to check this story out. Thanks for the review!
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Wonderful, Kelly. This was a first for me, and I loved the story. Deborah has landed another fan.
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Hi Gwen, I have read another book about poverty in Haiti although that one was more of a thriller than a romance. Your review is lovely and conveys the essence of this sort of work and the situations encountered.
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