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The Kentucky Mountains #1
Sweetwater Run
In 1891 in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, two young women stand at a crossroads. Both are protégées of the same mentor, Copper Brown, yet they couldn’t be more different. Darcy Whitt falls in love with the town’s handsome yet unscrupulous attorney who plots to take not only Darcy’s land but that of her sister as well. Meanwhile, her beautiful sister-in-law, Cara Whitt, suddenly finds herself alone and afraid, living in a rickety cabin on the backside of nowhere. As they struggle with the realities of life, both women learn to rely on their faith above all else.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2009
200 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Jan Watson
18 books110 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Jan Watson won the 2004 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest for her first novel, Troublesome Creek. Her other awards include a nomination for the Kentucky Literary Award in 2006 and second place in the 2006 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Willow Springs and Torrent Falls are the sequels to Troublesome Creek. Jan was a registered nurse for 25 years at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She incorporated her nursing experience in the hospital's mother/baby unit into her novels. Jan resides in Kentucky.
Jan Watson won the 2004 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest for her first novel, Troublesome Creek. Her other awards include a nomination for the Kentucky Literary Award in 2006 and second place in the 2006 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Willow Springs and Torrent Falls are the sequels to Troublesome Creek. Jan was a registered nurse for 25 years at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She incorporated her nursing experience in the hospital's mother/baby unit into her novels. Jan resides in Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 18, 2014
This book reminds me of sitting on the front porch with my MawMaw draped in her goodness and wit. Drinking a tall glass of ice tea watching the change of seasons. They are not always perfect but there is still beauty to be found. My first but certainly not my last Jan Watson read.
March 27, 2025
Sweetwater Run by Jan Watson
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: 1893
Location: Hills of Kentucky
Characters:
Cara Whitt: Married to Dimmert, sent away to prison
Dimmert Whitt: Cara’s husband, falsely accused and imprisoned
Darcy Whitt: Cara’s sister-in-law, sweet and beautiful
Dance and Ace Shelton: Cara’s sister and brother-in-law
Henry Thomas: Unscrupulous lawyer out to get the Whitt land
Big Boy: Released from the prison Dimmert was in
No No No! That actually came out of my mouth when I read what a beloved character from the previous books was facing. Not sweet Dimmert who wouldn’t hurt a fly, much less steal something that wasn’t his. Falsely accused and convicted because of a lie someone told, Cara is left alone as her husband is sent away to a penitentiary in Frankfort, KY.
Meanwhile, the unscrupulous lawyer who set Dimmert’s conviction in motion (and, ironically, was hired to defend him) has his eye on Dimmert’s sister, Darcy. He was aware that in Fairy Mae Whitt’s will Darcy inherits the family property...thousands of acres of prime forest land. Marrying her would make it all his.
To date, none of the other books had nearly this much conflict or anxiety. It was almost too hard to read except for one aspect - the characters were aware that God had not abandoned them, that He was right there with them and they were not alone. But also that His plan was for them to get through this as better people on the other side. This gave me hope. Even though it was sad to see them go through so much, they had hope because of their faith in a God who is with them always.
Family was also essential for them all, and they had lots of family, but hope was what they relied on most.
Good book. Can’t wait to delve into the rest in the series.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
Format: Kindle
Timeframe: 1893
Location: Hills of Kentucky
Characters:
Cara Whitt: Married to Dimmert, sent away to prison
Dimmert Whitt: Cara’s husband, falsely accused and imprisoned
Darcy Whitt: Cara’s sister-in-law, sweet and beautiful
Dance and Ace Shelton: Cara’s sister and brother-in-law
Henry Thomas: Unscrupulous lawyer out to get the Whitt land
Big Boy: Released from the prison Dimmert was in
No No No! That actually came out of my mouth when I read what a beloved character from the previous books was facing. Not sweet Dimmert who wouldn’t hurt a fly, much less steal something that wasn’t his. Falsely accused and convicted because of a lie someone told, Cara is left alone as her husband is sent away to a penitentiary in Frankfort, KY.
Meanwhile, the unscrupulous lawyer who set Dimmert’s conviction in motion (and, ironically, was hired to defend him) has his eye on Dimmert’s sister, Darcy. He was aware that in Fairy Mae Whitt’s will Darcy inherits the family property...thousands of acres of prime forest land. Marrying her would make it all his.
To date, none of the other books had nearly this much conflict or anxiety. It was almost too hard to read except for one aspect - the characters were aware that God had not abandoned them, that He was right there with them and they were not alone. But also that His plan was for them to get through this as better people on the other side. This gave me hope. Even though it was sad to see them go through so much, they had hope because of their faith in a God who is with them always.
Family was also essential for them all, and they had lots of family, but hope was what they relied on most.
Good book. Can’t wait to delve into the rest in the series.
August 30, 2009
I had not read Jan Watson before picking up Sweetwater Run, but upon completion I certainly hope to read more of Jan Watson in the future. Sweetwater Run looks to be book #4 in the series, but I would not say that you have to read the other 3 to enjoy this one, I enjoyed it immensely and it was a first for me.
Sweetwater Run was refreshing and perplexing to me all at the same time. It is not your typical Historical Romance to say the least. First off, Cara and Dimmert are already married when this book starts (though I got the feeling that their story may have played out somewhat in previous books), so we watch a precious love in process, not a new love out of the gate. Second, in the first chapter Dimmert is hauled off to jail for something he didn't do and then sentenced to 2 years in prison. Um, what?!? You can't take one of the main characters away in the first chapter like that! This is supposed to be a romance! Oh, but wait. Jan can and did just haul him away... now what?
I'll tell you what. Now instead of the same old cliched romance that we always get, we get so much more. We see Cara develop and grow as a person without Dimmert to lean on, but rather God to lean on. We see her friend Darcy fall in love with the wrong man, the really wrong man and how that plays out. Love, life, murder and more in Cara's life without Dimmert, yet somehow Dimmert is always there in spirit. This is a beautiful book that I really enjoyed and recommend!
Sweetwater Run was refreshing and perplexing to me all at the same time. It is not your typical Historical Romance to say the least. First off, Cara and Dimmert are already married when this book starts (though I got the feeling that their story may have played out somewhat in previous books), so we watch a precious love in process, not a new love out of the gate. Second, in the first chapter Dimmert is hauled off to jail for something he didn't do and then sentenced to 2 years in prison. Um, what?!? You can't take one of the main characters away in the first chapter like that! This is supposed to be a romance! Oh, but wait. Jan can and did just haul him away... now what?
I'll tell you what. Now instead of the same old cliched romance that we always get, we get so much more. We see Cara develop and grow as a person without Dimmert to lean on, but rather God to lean on. We see her friend Darcy fall in love with the wrong man, the really wrong man and how that plays out. Love, life, murder and more in Cara's life without Dimmert, yet somehow Dimmert is always there in spirit. This is a beautiful book that I really enjoyed and recommend!
October 4, 2023
His name is Dimm Whitt.......
August 6, 2009
I have just so much praise for Jan Watson, and I am thinking "Where have I been?" I had no idea that Sweetwater Run was a part of a series. This is awesome for two reasons. First, the book totally stands firmly on its own. There is enough background given in the novel so that the reader does not feel as if they are walking in the middle of a conversation. Secondly, I now have the joy of having a new series to pick up!
This is a Christian novel, but it is a story in which the Christian theme enhances the story rather than feeling as if it is thrown in at every turn to make it Christian. I really enjoyed seeing Cara turn to her faith in her times of distress.
Obviously I have never lived in 1893, but the book brought scenes to my mind so vividly. The characters were solid and the relationships were drawn out so very well. I definitely caught myself giggling at moments but also touched in the heart at others. Sweetwater Run has all the makings of a fabulous story with a cast of characters that you grown to care for. I woud highly recommend this book, and I will certainly be catching up with the rest of the series.
This is a Christian novel, but it is a story in which the Christian theme enhances the story rather than feeling as if it is thrown in at every turn to make it Christian. I really enjoyed seeing Cara turn to her faith in her times of distress.
Obviously I have never lived in 1893, but the book brought scenes to my mind so vividly. The characters were solid and the relationships were drawn out so very well. I definitely caught myself giggling at moments but also touched in the heart at others. Sweetwater Run has all the makings of a fabulous story with a cast of characters that you grown to care for. I woud highly recommend this book, and I will certainly be catching up with the rest of the series.
January 11, 2010
I grabbed this book off the shelf based on the cover (yes, i judged a book by its cover) because i'm interested in old west/pioneer/little house-type stuff. I got it home and saw the dove sticker the library put on the spine. Inspirational. Damn. I think i actually said that out loud, making my Christian husband roll his eyes. But, lacking anything better to read, i decided to give it a try. And i loved it!
I'll tell you what i liked the most: My main interest, when it comes to historical fiction, is HOW people lived--what they ate, wore, how they washed, cleaned, made soap, what they used during "that time of the month", etc. And this book told me everything! You really get a feel of the life back then--a life just like what mine would be like, considering i'm not the daughter of a banker, not married to a lawyer, you know.
Great read. I plan to hunt down the rest in the series, and y'all were right in saying this book stands alone. You only get a sense that there might have been an interesting story worth telling regarding the characters' pasts, but you're able to move past your curiosity and focus on the story. Great book.
I'll tell you what i liked the most: My main interest, when it comes to historical fiction, is HOW people lived--what they ate, wore, how they washed, cleaned, made soap, what they used during "that time of the month", etc. And this book told me everything! You really get a feel of the life back then--a life just like what mine would be like, considering i'm not the daughter of a banker, not married to a lawyer, you know.
Great read. I plan to hunt down the rest in the series, and y'all were right in saying this book stands alone. You only get a sense that there might have been an interesting story worth telling regarding the characters' pasts, but you're able to move past your curiosity and focus on the story. Great book.
February 13, 2012
The people who lived in Eastern Kentucky in 1893 had a hard life and family and friends were everything to them. When Dimmert Whitt was convicted of stealing his own mule his wife was devastated. How could she exist without him for two years while he was in the prison? Cara had family that included Fairy Mae, Darcy, Ace and Dance and the little ones. While Dim was serving his sentence many unexpected things happened to him and to the folks who loved him most. Darcy's gift of sewing helped support them but she wanted her own family. Her dreams of meeting a man to love was uppermost in her mind and when she met Henry Thomas her course was set. What she did not know was that Henry had his sights on the Whitt family land. That little fact set the rest of the story in motion. The actions of Darcy and Henry made a huge difference in the lives of Cara, Dance, Ace, Darcy and Fairy Mae as well as all the children and Ace's parents. How could people who seemingly had so little be so caring and generous? Even Henry was about to find out.
Ms. Beth (2009)
Ms. Beth (2009)
March 31, 2018
Still good
This takes over with the lives of Cara and Dance. It doesn't match the writings of Copper's story, which I would like to see more of! Still it was enjoyable!
This takes over with the lives of Cara and Dance. It doesn't match the writings of Copper's story, which I would like to see more of! Still it was enjoyable!
March 23, 2020
Deep faith that God does protect us in bleak times
This story won my heart. The injustice against Dimmert, dimmert continued to trust in the lord and ministered to others while incarcerated. Bringing another to the lord bringing out the goodness of this person. The Whitt family suffered losses due to underhanded doings by a man that portrayed himself as an upstanding, and highly respected citizen. The continued faith in the lord renews my faith in the lord.
This story won my heart. The injustice against Dimmert, dimmert continued to trust in the lord and ministered to others while incarcerated. Bringing another to the lord bringing out the goodness of this person. The Whitt family suffered losses due to underhanded doings by a man that portrayed himself as an upstanding, and highly respected citizen. The continued faith in the lord renews my faith in the lord.
March 17, 2021
Really good book
The author did an outstanding job of developing her characters as the story involved. I inner liked Cara. It ended better th would. Some readders who are not familiar with Appalachian speed h may find it difficult but as for myself being from the hills of east Tennessee I was happy to remember some of the food such as "kilt lettuce" and no meal was complete without cornbread . I truly enjoyed this book and have just started on the second in the series.
The author did an outstanding job of developing her characters as the story involved. I inner liked Cara. It ended better th would. Some readders who are not familiar with Appalachian speed h may find it difficult but as for myself being from the hills of east Tennessee I was happy to remember some of the food such as "kilt lettuce" and no meal was complete without cornbread . I truly enjoyed this book and have just started on the second in the series.
October 10, 2017
Clean Christian novel
I loved this historical novel and how important the Lord was in their lives. The family's were mostly poor in material things but Eric in love and caring for others. The characters were easy to relate to. Thank you for writing this book. I recommend this author and this book series.
I loved this historical novel and how important the Lord was in their lives. The family's were mostly poor in material things but Eric in love and caring for others. The characters were easy to relate to. Thank you for writing this book. I recommend this author and this book series.
December 21, 2020
This book is listed as the first book in The Kentucky Mountains series, but it looks like most of the characters were actually introduced in the Troublesome Creek series. I kept feeling as though I was missing something. I think reading the Troublesome Creek series before reading this book would make sense.
March 15, 2021
I find most Christian literature unbearable, but...
Jan Watson writes authentic characters and gently weaves God and Bible and human nature together. The spirituality is subtle and heartfelt, much like I experienced growing up in the south. Compelling characters grappling with joy, tragedy, and the eternal. Well done.
Jan Watson writes authentic characters and gently weaves God and Bible and human nature together. The spirituality is subtle and heartfelt, much like I experienced growing up in the south. Compelling characters grappling with joy, tragedy, and the eternal. Well done.
June 23, 2023
Families, God, and both blessings and hardships
What a beautiful story! I loved every moment of it. The characters are brought to life, and the storyline kept drawing me in. I loved that this was a story of families who stayed together despite all the hardships and trials. But, what I loved most of all is that they grew closer to God, trusting Him to guide them.
What a beautiful story! I loved every moment of it. The characters are brought to life, and the storyline kept drawing me in. I loved that this was a story of families who stayed together despite all the hardships and trials. But, what I loved most of all is that they grew closer to God, trusting Him to guide them.
March 26, 2025
I absolutely adored this story. Jan Watson has a way of a writing that I love. She takes good care of the characters that she writes about.
I enjoyed Sweetwater Run so much that I have purchased 4 of Jan’s other books and have started reading Troublesome Creek and can’t put it down! Can’t wait to read the rest of her books!
I enjoyed Sweetwater Run so much that I have purchased 4 of Jan’s other books and have started reading Troublesome Creek and can’t put it down! Can’t wait to read the rest of her books!
July 23, 2020
I can’t love this book as much as the Troublesome Creek series with Copper as the main character. But I enjoyed an inspirational, historical read set in the Kentucky mountains as the author always delivers. Although I haven’t come to terms with Darcy and her choices regarding Henry.
Read
August 5, 2020Sweetwater Run by Jan Watson is an enjoyable, well-written novel about a Kentucky mountain community in the 1890s. I loved the "voice" of the story, in the mountain dialect. It is a powerful story, about family and faith, but entertaining at the same time.
June 16, 2021
Fairly good book
I had to take off one star because a serious main book character should not be named dimwit. It seemed like a joke all the way through the book and I could not get past it.
I had to take off one star because a serious main book character should not be named dimwit. It seemed like a joke all the way through the book and I could not get past it.
March 29, 2022
Sweet Read!
Sweet water run is the kind of book you never want to end but then you can’t wait to find out what happens to all the dear friends you made while reading it.
I highly recommend this book!
Sweet water run is the kind of book you never want to end but then you can’t wait to find out what happens to all the dear friends you made while reading it.
I highly recommend this book!
December 16, 2022
Good book. Typical of Jan Watson. Kentucky mountain folks. A great story about a family and the tragedy each faces. How they deal with hardship by keeping their faith in God. Life was hard and could be cruel but they dealt with and overcome mostly.
June 16, 2023
Loved this story
I think this is the best one yet! I loved the Troublesome Creek stories too but this story had some new characters I really liked. Big Boy turned out to be very endearing and smart. And Henry's change of heart is a good witness to God's changing power.
I think this is the best one yet! I loved the Troublesome Creek stories too but this story had some new characters I really liked. Big Boy turned out to be very endearing and smart. And Henry's change of heart is a good witness to God's changing power.
August 28, 2017
I love this book! This is the first book I have read by Jan Watson and I am so looking forward to reading more!
September 24, 2018
I just can’t say enough good things about this series. I couldn’t read them fast enough and I highly recommend them.
July 7, 2020
Another excellent book... love the continuation of the Troublesome Creek stories.
November 9, 2020
Good read
This is my first experience in reading this authors work. Overall, a very enjoyable story but, would have liked a few more unexpected turns.
This is my first experience in reading this authors work. Overall, a very enjoyable story but, would have liked a few more unexpected turns.
November 11, 2021
Great book
January 11, 2023
Loves it! Ole timey vibe!
February 19, 2025
Parts was slow but most was interesting. About living in a small Kentucky town in late 1800. Lots of history told.
May 5, 2025
What a wonderful story. Very intriguing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews