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Walk on Water
Rachel Cunningham is a recently divorced woman living in Texas. However, when a chance encounter with an old college friend and brief lover’s mother leads to a rekindled friendship, Rachel immediately finds all of her old feelings rushing to the surface. With more than twenty years and two failed marriages between her and Luke Sterling, can they overcome the distance and adversity and restore their past friendship and possibly more? Furthermore, can Rachel conquer her insecurities and learn to trust Luke again? Because after all, he left her once and she can’t seem to get the question of whether or not he will leave her again out of her mind. Touching on topics such as self-image, disability, trust, and social class, Walk on Water is a romantic novel that forgoes the traditional and stereotypical structures and settings. With a mature protagonist who has deep-seated insecurities and her recently disabled love interest, the novel broaches the subject of love and how it can overcome life’s adversities. Between Luke’s disability and elitist mother, and Rachel’s inability to trust him or herself, their love proves to be a struggle that may not have the happy ending that Rachel so desperately wants.
- GenresDisabilityFiction
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2013
9 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 3, 2021
To be perfectly honest, had I not read a favorable review from someone else, I would never have even read the synopsis of this book.based on the title and book cover. I reckon I’m glad I did, though. It was an easy read and the relationship between the two main characters was fun and well-written.
The characters were a bit older than the usual suspects of stories like these (at least the ones I’ve read), and I rather enjoyed that about this book.
Decent story, not sorry I picked it up, but definitely wouldn’t place it high on a TBR list.
The characters were a bit older than the usual suspects of stories like these (at least the ones I’ve read), and I rather enjoyed that about this book.
Decent story, not sorry I picked it up, but definitely wouldn’t place it high on a TBR list.
October 29, 2015
Here is the deal, I thought the book overall was a nice simple read. I should also say I love books were the characters are presented with some type of challenge or I should say were the characters are different from the norm... actually this is one of the reasons why I picked this book, based on a review which advised that the male character had some challenges ( I will just leave it at that in the event that you decide to read this book).
Again please note that overall I think this is a nice read.. however I didn't really like the story line. I will explain..
I thought that Rachel was very weak minded, I also thought she lived in the past far too much. Now I get that it was to let the readers know about the friendship she and luke had and how close they were but... yeah it came off as a woman who simply could not let go.. twenty years is a LONG time and it quite honestly felt like she was a second place prize only awarded based on his disability.. I never got the feeling that if this hiccup in life would have not taken place he would have came back for her.... so to keep it simple... even with the confession ( which was a bunch of freaking bologna and beyond annoying,.. actually it made no sense at all to me the reason "WHY".. I actually laughed and rolled my eyes at the level of BS that came from this dudes mouth smh) she seemed like second rate. I wanted her to grow a pair of balls so badly, get angry pissed off yell or something make him sweat a little, or try a little harder... but nope besides the scene at 95% she was as easy as pie... ugh.
oh and the fact that she continued to call her mother "mommy" drove me up a freaking wall. It felt like she was a child.
A few editing issues I believe were "walking on water" or the author's name would pop up at random but that wasn't too bad.
So with all that being said... Good read.. I just wasn't feeling Luke or Rachel or the situation much at all.
Signing off.. Simple read but personally wasn't feeling it
Again please note that overall I think this is a nice read.. however I didn't really like the story line. I will explain..
I thought that Rachel was very weak minded, I also thought she lived in the past far too much. Now I get that it was to let the readers know about the friendship she and luke had and how close they were but... yeah it came off as a woman who simply could not let go.. twenty years is a LONG time and it quite honestly felt like she was a second place prize only awarded based on his disability.. I never got the feeling that if this hiccup in life would have not taken place he would have came back for her.... so to keep it simple... even with the confession ( which was a bunch of freaking bologna and beyond annoying,.. actually it made no sense at all to me the reason "WHY".. I actually laughed and rolled my eyes at the level of BS that came from this dudes mouth smh) she seemed like second rate. I wanted her to grow a pair of balls so badly, get angry pissed off yell or something make him sweat a little, or try a little harder... but nope besides the scene at 95% she was as easy as pie... ugh.
oh and the fact that she continued to call her mother "mommy" drove me up a freaking wall. It felt like she was a child.
A few editing issues I believe were "walking on water" or the author's name would pop up at random but that wasn't too bad.
So with all that being said... Good read.. I just wasn't feeling Luke or Rachel or the situation much at all.
Signing off.. Simple read but personally wasn't feeling it
June 5, 2021
I loved this book. I read it a few times.
It stirred old unfulfilled feelings in my heart and made me long for things that never happened in my life (I am thankful they did not actually happen don't get me wrong..but the book was personal to me).
The story was beautiful. Old school sweethearts reunited after both of them suffered unhappy life events. It made me cry so many times.
The hero was adorable. And he shows her he cares. I could just fall in love with him myself. And maybe I already did.
The heroine was so sweet but I felt her a bit weak. How she was a bridesmaid in his wedding. It made me cringe. How could she? Not for any reason.
The author did a good job with the disability issue esp in sex scenes without leaving so much out.
So why the 3 ☆☆☆?
First if all. Author should NOT say this is a Christian book. It is not. And just because author writes about how the heroine goes to church..etc..I am sorry Christian people with faith do not have pre- or unmarried sex. They don't.
It is against our beliefs. So bible and church shouldn't be pushed into the book along with elaborate sex scenes.
Second thing. Like my friend said: calling her mother "Mommy" was SO annoying. So annoying. Maybe we call our moms so. But reading it in the text makes you feel she is 4!!
Third. The editing was bad. Really bad.
Fourth and final point was going back and forth between memories and current days was very confusing. Not separated by paragraphs or anything.
These things ruined the experience for me as a reader who is in love with this story. I hope if there will be a new edition that such things can be fixed.
I still recommend it for anyone with an unfulfilled love story in their lives, and anyone with a sensitive heart.
It stirred old unfulfilled feelings in my heart and made me long for things that never happened in my life (I am thankful they did not actually happen don't get me wrong..but the book was personal to me).
The story was beautiful. Old school sweethearts reunited after both of them suffered unhappy life events. It made me cry so many times.
The hero was adorable. And he shows her he cares. I could just fall in love with him myself. And maybe I already did.
The heroine was so sweet but I felt her a bit weak. How she was a bridesmaid in his wedding. It made me cringe. How could she? Not for any reason.
The author did a good job with the disability issue esp in sex scenes without leaving so much out.
So why the 3 ☆☆☆?
First if all. Author should NOT say this is a Christian book. It is not. And just because author writes about how the heroine goes to church..etc..I am sorry Christian people with faith do not have pre- or unmarried sex. They don't.
It is against our beliefs. So bible and church shouldn't be pushed into the book along with elaborate sex scenes.
Second thing. Like my friend said: calling her mother "Mommy" was SO annoying. So annoying. Maybe we call our moms so. But reading it in the text makes you feel she is 4!!
Third. The editing was bad. Really bad.
Fourth and final point was going back and forth between memories and current days was very confusing. Not separated by paragraphs or anything.
These things ruined the experience for me as a reader who is in love with this story. I hope if there will be a new edition that such things can be fixed.
I still recommend it for anyone with an unfulfilled love story in their lives, and anyone with a sensitive heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and this is why:
1. I loved the concept of the reuniting two young sweethearts twenty years later and see what happens. Was hooked from the start.
2. I loved that the characters were early 40s as I can related to them as I am of that age and loved the generational references.
3. I loved the scope of the story. It never forgot its focus and never wandered off into unnecessary back stories of minor characters.
4. I loved Luke, really nice and rounded. Perhaps too good to be true, how could she not see he was mad for her. I got the same feeling I did about Christian Grey.
5. I liked Rachel, she was beleivable, reacted like I dare say I would have in that situation eg. obsessing about him, just enjoying thinking about him. She was not perfect and I like that in a romantic female lead.
6. I thought the story was well paced if slightly repeatative, which was signposting the reader to the ending through clumsy exposition re the number of steps to her flat.
7. Fantastic research regarding Lukes disability. Didn't shy away from the details.
What I think the author should revisit.
1. Something has gone wrong with the formating and the authors namme and title of the story appear randomly in the text which is a bit head scratching for the reader.
2. I hated that Rachel called her mum Mommy all the time. It sounded just wrong. Would have prefered just Mom. It jarred me out of the narrative as it was like "how old is this woman?"
Other than that, really enjoyed the story. Made me feel good and look forward to reading it.
1. I loved the concept of the reuniting two young sweethearts twenty years later and see what happens. Was hooked from the start.
2. I loved that the characters were early 40s as I can related to them as I am of that age and loved the generational references.
3. I loved the scope of the story. It never forgot its focus and never wandered off into unnecessary back stories of minor characters.
4. I loved Luke, really nice and rounded. Perhaps too good to be true, how could she not see he was mad for her. I got the same feeling I did about Christian Grey.
5. I liked Rachel, she was beleivable, reacted like I dare say I would have in that situation eg. obsessing about him, just enjoying thinking about him. She was not perfect and I like that in a romantic female lead.
6. I thought the story was well paced if slightly repeatative, which was signposting the reader to the ending through clumsy exposition re the number of steps to her flat.
7. Fantastic research regarding Lukes disability. Didn't shy away from the details.
What I think the author should revisit.
1. Something has gone wrong with the formating and the authors namme and title of the story appear randomly in the text which is a bit head scratching for the reader.
2. I hated that Rachel called her mum Mommy all the time. It sounded just wrong. Would have prefered just Mom. It jarred me out of the narrative as it was like "how old is this woman?"
Other than that, really enjoyed the story. Made me feel good and look forward to reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2019
I really wanted to like this book but there were a couple of things that really kept frustrating me. First, the way Rachel kept calling her mother “mommy”. And she did it ALL the time and it made her sound like a child. It was a bit ridiculous. Second, she was a little too desperate for Luke. I didn’t like how clingy she was with him, especially since he was all cool about their relationship. The last thing I did not like was Luke’s reason for marrying someone else. He wanted to make Rachel jealous by sleeping with another woman and getting her pregnant??! How can you love someone yet have sex with someone else? And how was Rachel okay with this explanation? At one point she calculates the timeline of when he got the other woman pregnant and realizes that he cheated on her and she decides to be okay with it because they are together now. Um what?
Overall, it was an okay read.
Overall, it was an okay read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
This book was well written.I liked the heroine Rachel and I did like that the author had one of her characters representing for the disabled community.What I didn't like......Rachel and Luke's relationship.Rachel's love for Luke was so over the top....it was almost pathetic.And the reason he gave for marrying someone else....pure and utter BS.I'm trying not to give away any spoilers here so I can't really say what I want to lol.But you don't marry someone,and have 4 KIDS for the reason Luke gave.He played Rachel and still wouldn't admit it up to the end,and she was still not holding him accountable at all.I probably will not read this author again because she played the whole "Im not describing the characters appearances game". Some people like that style of writing......I don't.If you do like that style of writing then she would be a good author for you to check out.
August 9, 2021
Cute. A little tame without much depth for my taste at times.
June 22, 2021
A book about a rich boy and a poor girl who fall in love, part, re-connect 20 years later, and get together. He's divorced, four kids, and paralyzed. She's divorced, needy, calls her mother 'Mommy' incessantly throughout the book, and is so desperate it's almost disturbing. She's self-absorbed, and jumps to every wrong conclusion in the book. She's just freakin' awful.
The writing in this book is hideous. First, it's written almost clinically, like a narration, not a story. Second, is the lack of actual action. We're told they have a history. We don't SEE that. We're told she's excited to hear from him, but there's no catch to her breath, no moment she has to sit down... no SHOWING of her reaction. We have to go on what we're told by the author. That's not storytelling. Third, the *WRITING*. '"Mommy, I think I'm over that phase," I told her deceitfully dryly.' Deceitfully dryly? In what world is that okay?!
Worse, there's no description. The author is African American, but are her characters? Is this interracial? Are they both white? I have no idea. He's got dark hair and brown eyes and that's ALL the description you get. That means Luke could be Asian, Hispanic, White, Black... WHO the heck knows. I have no idea what Ted looks like. Or Mommy. Or Corrine, although I suspect she (and Ted) are black, because the author has Corrine call Ted's wife a 'sister'. Even with Rae getting dressed to go to an ART gallery, there's no mention of her hair, face... *nothing*. I'm assuming African American by the music they chose to listen to... which was dated beyond words.
The book is extremely dated, too. Polo shirts tucked in, Jazzercise... it's an older book, to be sure. He does have a cellphone, but it *feels* like it's dated. People don't buy belts to wear with their dresses, today. It was obvious that she was trying to update it with words like 'GPS' and 'fuck-buddy', but... wOw.
And more than that? The main character is SO.O.O.O.O. self-absorbed, I as a reader could not stand her. He says of his injury, "I was told that I'm lucky. Comparatively speaking." Her response SHOULD'VE been "You don't agree?" or "You don't hold the same view?" But she's too busy going *yummmmmmy.....!!!!* like a spoiled brat. In fact, he has to spoon feed her the information about his disability, because she can't see past *yummmmmmy!!* to ask him a thing about what's happened to him. Hello? How are we supposed to buy that they're best friends, if she isn't in the LEAST showing interest in him/his life/his accident/his story? It doesn't get better, either. Then it's *Mercedes!!!!*, etc. She's shallow and stupid and has nary a redeeming quality.
I *HATE* it when writers say 'confined' to a wheelchair. It was also beyond absurd when she pulled out things like "the chair wasn't obvious, and even when it was, he was so smooth... maneuvering it with proficiency", etc. Who the HECK talks like that, anyhow?! How exactly is it not obvious someone is pushing the rims of a wheelchair and not walking? Asking for a friend. She gets even MORE annoying: "I can't fix him, so I want to fix things for him. Is that so bad?" YEAH, actually. He's a big boy, he's lived with it s.e.v.e.n years without your idiocy, and he doesn't need a protector, hello.
The eye-rolling commenced when we had the requisite 'someone parked in my handicap space!!' moment, which is ALL of these books, like you can't write about a disabled person without someone getting offended by the injustice of handicapped spot-napping. Oh. UGH.
Then there's the fake spirituality. They're devout christians, sitting in pews bitching silently about the pastor, and then going to lunch saying things like, "I'm celibate, Mommy," followed by "Well, you don't have to be!" !?!?!?! She's *NOT* married, hello!! That's called fornication, and I'm pretty *DAMN* sure that's a sin, per scripture! She's using phrases from the 'Book of Luke' to describe her serious jonesing for him. Um, NO.
Anyhow, I kept hoping that there'd be a change in things, as it went along. Wanting to know about the Christine/kids thing, mostly.
But can I be brutally honest? This is the SAME STORY as Annabelle Costa's 'Like a Boss'. Luke is the rich guy who was the best friend from college who got away, but now he's back and a paraplegic, with a mother who puts the ramp on the side of her house because his disability is 'unsightly' and she won't accept it, etc. And he rediscovers his college love, who's still got a thing for him. Only Costa's version is WAY, WAY better.
So no. Just no. This was... not the greatest. And Annabelle's book is a much better option, if you're looking.
The writing in this book is hideous. First, it's written almost clinically, like a narration, not a story. Second, is the lack of actual action. We're told they have a history. We don't SEE that. We're told she's excited to hear from him, but there's no catch to her breath, no moment she has to sit down... no SHOWING of her reaction. We have to go on what we're told by the author. That's not storytelling. Third, the *WRITING*. '"Mommy, I think I'm over that phase," I told her deceitfully dryly.' Deceitfully dryly? In what world is that okay?!
Worse, there's no description. The author is African American, but are her characters? Is this interracial? Are they both white? I have no idea. He's got dark hair and brown eyes and that's ALL the description you get. That means Luke could be Asian, Hispanic, White, Black... WHO the heck knows. I have no idea what Ted looks like. Or Mommy. Or Corrine, although I suspect she (and Ted) are black, because the author has Corrine call Ted's wife a 'sister'. Even with Rae getting dressed to go to an ART gallery, there's no mention of her hair, face... *nothing*. I'm assuming African American by the music they chose to listen to... which was dated beyond words.
The book is extremely dated, too. Polo shirts tucked in, Jazzercise... it's an older book, to be sure. He does have a cellphone, but it *feels* like it's dated. People don't buy belts to wear with their dresses, today. It was obvious that she was trying to update it with words like 'GPS' and 'fuck-buddy', but... wOw.
And more than that? The main character is SO.O.O.O.O. self-absorbed, I as a reader could not stand her. He says of his injury, "I was told that I'm lucky. Comparatively speaking." Her response SHOULD'VE been "You don't agree?" or "You don't hold the same view?" But she's too busy going *yummmmmmy.....!!!!* like a spoiled brat. In fact, he has to spoon feed her the information about his disability, because she can't see past *yummmmmmy!!* to ask him a thing about what's happened to him. Hello? How are we supposed to buy that they're best friends, if she isn't in the LEAST showing interest in him/his life/his accident/his story? It doesn't get better, either. Then it's *Mercedes!!!!*, etc. She's shallow and stupid and has nary a redeeming quality.
I *HATE* it when writers say 'confined' to a wheelchair. It was also beyond absurd when she pulled out things like "the chair wasn't obvious, and even when it was, he was so smooth... maneuvering it with proficiency", etc. Who the HECK talks like that, anyhow?! How exactly is it not obvious someone is pushing the rims of a wheelchair and not walking? Asking for a friend. She gets even MORE annoying: "I can't fix him, so I want to fix things for him. Is that so bad?" YEAH, actually. He's a big boy, he's lived with it s.e.v.e.n years without your idiocy, and he doesn't need a protector, hello.
The eye-rolling commenced when we had the requisite 'someone parked in my handicap space!!' moment, which is ALL of these books, like you can't write about a disabled person without someone getting offended by the injustice of handicapped spot-napping. Oh. UGH.
Then there's the fake spirituality. They're devout christians, sitting in pews bitching silently about the pastor, and then going to lunch saying things like, "I'm celibate, Mommy," followed by "Well, you don't have to be!" !?!?!?! She's *NOT* married, hello!! That's called fornication, and I'm pretty *DAMN* sure that's a sin, per scripture! She's using phrases from the 'Book of Luke' to describe her serious jonesing for him. Um, NO.
Anyhow, I kept hoping that there'd be a change in things, as it went along. Wanting to know about the Christine/kids thing, mostly.
But can I be brutally honest? This is the SAME STORY as Annabelle Costa's 'Like a Boss'. Luke is the rich guy who was the best friend from college who got away, but now he's back and a paraplegic, with a mother who puts the ramp on the side of her house because his disability is 'unsightly' and she won't accept it, etc. And he rediscovers his college love, who's still got a thing for him. Only Costa's version is WAY, WAY better.
So no. Just no. This was... not the greatest. And Annabelle's book is a much better option, if you're looking.
November 15, 2014
An awesome book with a first person narrative by a not so perceptive heroine. Giving no direct access to the hero’s perspective (a paraplegic), the author elaborates a consistent plot (even if one feels surprised with the heroine’s spirit of submission (namely to her mother).
July 21, 2017
this is just scmuck and schmooze. I don't understand the reviews that says it talks about the difficulties of disability it is just a saccharine romance with one character in a wheelchair.
March 23, 2020
Basically story is about a rich handsome guy who was in a relationship with poor fat girl, but chose to marry a beautiful woman. 20 years later he is paralyzed waist down and his wife divorces him and he wants the fat girl back.
I really disliked the male lead in this book. I just can not understand how can main heroine forgive this horrible humiliation that she had to suffer.
There was no self respect. I can not see this scenario happen in the REAL life. Would anyone really be happy to be the second choice?
Yes I read the whole book and I still find it unsatisfactorily to say the least.
I really disliked the male lead in this book. I just can not understand how can main heroine forgive this horrible humiliation that she had to suffer.
There was no self respect. I can not see this scenario happen in the REAL life. Would anyone really be happy to be the second choice?
Yes I read the whole book and I still find it unsatisfactorily to say the least.
April 21, 2017
Walk on Water is a love story tested by time and proven true, that transcends the physicality of the bodies, their imperfections and limitations and flourishes in the essence of the soul.
There are many references in the book to fragrances, music, places, what I found delightful, because it makes everything in the story palpable, the five senses are involved in it, you feel the scent, hear the music, feel the touch etc.
The novel follows basically dealing with Rachel's expectations and fears about the chances of a reunion with Luke, her former college sweetheart, what he thinks of her now, if they would go back to being friends like in the old times, or if they even would be friends, if Luke's paralysis would keep them from being as before, from feeling her touch on his skin, and if he could love her back the way she loves him.
Luke had an accident seven years ago, that left him paralyzed from the waist down and took the life of the teenager that hit him with a car. As consequence of paraplegia, he has occasional spasms in his left leg and a leg bag attached to a catheter. The author is delicate and realistic in describing Luke's impairments duirng his intimate moments with Rachel, and how much she adores him fully, to the whole, as he is.
I'd like to have known more of his own thoughts and emotions, I mean, his inner universe, because we see him only through Rachel's point of view.
I loved the book! It is a favorite.
Five stars. ☆☆☆☆☆
There are many references in the book to fragrances, music, places, what I found delightful, because it makes everything in the story palpable, the five senses are involved in it, you feel the scent, hear the music, feel the touch etc.
The novel follows basically dealing with Rachel's expectations and fears about the chances of a reunion with Luke, her former college sweetheart, what he thinks of her now, if they would go back to being friends like in the old times, or if they even would be friends, if Luke's paralysis would keep them from being as before, from feeling her touch on his skin, and if he could love her back the way she loves him.
Luke had an accident seven years ago, that left him paralyzed from the waist down and took the life of the teenager that hit him with a car. As consequence of paraplegia, he has occasional spasms in his left leg and a leg bag attached to a catheter. The author is delicate and realistic in describing Luke's impairments duirng his intimate moments with Rachel, and how much she adores him fully, to the whole, as he is.
I'd like to have known more of his own thoughts and emotions, I mean, his inner universe, because we see him only through Rachel's point of view.
I loved the book! It is a favorite.
Five stars. ☆☆☆☆☆
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February 5, 2014Great!!!
The book flowed easily and kept my interest. The characters and events were comparable to those of real life. I really liked the fact that the author did not give a lot of characters at the beginning of the book (whose roles were not involved until the end of the story) and leave it to you to remember who they were! Who they were and their association with the leading characters was always very clear. A good book, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of reading.
The book flowed easily and kept my interest. The characters and events were comparable to those of real life. I really liked the fact that the author did not give a lot of characters at the beginning of the book (whose roles were not involved until the end of the story) and leave it to you to remember who they were! Who they were and their association with the leading characters was always very clear. A good book, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of reading.
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