Coldwater Revival

by Nancy Jo Jenkins

One of Emma Grace Falin's six-year-old twin brothers died while in her care, sending her on a journey that will take her through the dark valley of guilt, sorrow, depression, and anger. Although she rejects Him, God continues to offer restoration and healing into her troubled life. Nancy Jo Jenkins has woven an unforgettable tale of shattering loss, desperate grief and despair, and one family's amazing journey to restoration and forgiveness. A masterful debut, Coldwater Revival will forever be etched in your memories and upon your heart. Download the Readers' Guide.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2006

Reviews

[Sarah]

Well, this was an overly long and mostly depressing read. Well-written mostly and emotional, but one I wish I hadn't spent the time on.

Personally, I don't like books that jump around as much as this one did, at times wondering where in the timeline I was, but I am easily confused by non-linear stories.

I loved getting to see historical Texas, particularly Galveston. However, it didn't make up for the extremely sad tone, Emma Grace prolonged time of wishing to die to the point of trying to commit suicide . Also, I started skimming at one point. When Emma goes to break up with her faince, he comes back and tries to rape her. That is also after a passionate kiss the day before where he undoes some of her buttons. It was totally uncessisary for the story and just felt stuck in for shock sake. .

At the 70% mark, when I am supposed to be excited about the changes coming, I ended up just skiming because the book was just dragging on.

This wasn't a bad book, but just wasn't worth the time I took to read

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, although it seemed to drag on. I was so glad Emma Grace and Tate found each other again, even if it took 5 years. She needed that time to grow up, and to find her way back to God, and to forgive herself for the accidental death of her brother. I loved all the characters in her family, including her granny. Each one had their own grief, but also helped her see she wasn’t at fault. A wonderful revival story.

[Sabina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize this was a Christian novel. It did not appear so for the first bit of the book. By the end, it was overwhelming. I liked the analogies, the metaphors and the use of descriptive words. The sense of family and what one does for family; the commitment involved was clearly shown throughout the book as well. I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book more than the last 1/4.

[Charlene Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good novel based on sorrow, guilt and the wonderful gift of redemption we can find in God's loving hands. I found myself relating to Emma Grace in the guilt she carried for years, and how she ultimately had to face her past to move on to her future.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coldwater Revival is an absolutely stunning debut novel, a literary work of art chronicling the story of one woman's journey from crippling loss and self-condemnation into the light of healing and the freedom of restoration. Set to marry Gavin O'Donnell, Emma Grace seeks healing for her heart which was shattered by devastating loss and guilt years before. Her journey into the past forces Emma to confront not only her guilt, but also the God she thought had abandoned her in her greatest need years before.
Nancy Jo Jenkins writes of life and loss, heartbreak and joy with the pen of a master wordsmith. The narrative flows seamlessly between Emma Grace's present struggles and past recollections. Jenkins' characters are crafted like finely polished gems -- while flawed, their heartbreak and struggles make them all the more real. Her prose positively drips with Southern charm, possessing a seductive quality that completely draws in and immerses the reader in the world of the novel.
Coldwater Revival is a story to savor. Jenkins has penned an awe-inspiring debut, filled with unforgettable characters whose lives are richly seasoned with grace and restoration. One of the best books of the year, I highly recommend it.

[Bethany Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. The story was really good and it was an enjoyable historical fiction.

It's about this 18 year old woman who just 3 weeks before getting married decides to deal with the guilt of losing one of her young twin brother.

I really liked the character of Emma Grace who is our main character. She was willing to finally deal with that guilt. It was a hard thing for her to do but she really felt that she needed to deal with it so she could move on.

It was an some heart breaking moments but it was encouraging and hope filling. It was needed to help Emma to move on and enjoy life again.

It was an amazing read.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book that sucks you in and transports you back in time from the very first word. You become part of a bigger family with whom you share in laughter and tears. There you remain until the last word when you are gently transported back to reality where you are left wondering if it was just a story for it seemed to real. This is one of those books that in your mind, you will continue to remain in for days to come.

[Melissa]

It was a good book although it was somewhat easy to predict the outcome at the end, but still definitely worth the read. The characters were well portrayed and the book was hard to put down once I had read a few chapters.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written with lyrical prose. I felt like I could see exactly what the author was describing. I even learned a few new words thanks to her interesting way with words. The story was definitely sad but still enjoyable.

[Miranda Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet novel about grief.

[Jmarie Centeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great easy read. The story immediately captures your attention and it is very hard to put down once you start.

[Joycebrosnahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm, heart-wrenching story and a great read. Holds your interest all through the book.

[Jodi Insalaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

took a while for me to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down .

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, if predictable, story.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring.

[Lisa Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. I loved the writing style, the author created word pictures that I could see in my head. I would highly recommend this book.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, nice characters, and setting.

[Laura Luann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad scene toward the end, so would not recommend, but since I've already read it...I loved a lot of the main character's journey

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves more than five stars!!!!

[Holly Murphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe 1.5. I found the language way too flowery and her use of metaphors over the top. Would not recommend.