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After the Water Brooks
Book two of The Gold Series . . .
Once she was lost, but now she’s found.
1981—Kitty and Claude Fisher have built a good life after leaving the small, dusty town of Goldfield, Nevada. Yet, as her fiftieth birthday approaches, Kitty can’t help but feel something is missing from her idyllic life. It doesn’t help that she and Claude are on a road trip to the Oregon coast to spread her father’s ashes as a final tribute to his legacy. The trip causes old hurts to resurface, as a painful loss brings the past into the present. When she stumbles across a mystery at a coastal retirement home, Kitty allows it to distract her from a deeply buried grief. As her heart becomes entangled within the quaint town where the forest meets the sea, her faith in God’s provision is put to the test when she discovers a secret she could never have imagined.
1937—Lia Monroe is a woman on the run from a shameful past. Yet no matter the future she carefully constructs for herself, her life before and the people she left behind, are never far from her mind. As her heart battles to reconcile the past with a fragile future, she turns to pen and paper to find relief from the memories that plague her. She hopes that someday the truth will set her free, but will she find the courage to make things right before it’s too late?
From the award-winning author of Come Forth As Gold comes an emotional sequel exploring God’s grace and provision as the past, present, and future collide in a story that will touch your heart and spark your faith anew.
Once she was lost, but now she’s found.
1981—Kitty and Claude Fisher have built a good life after leaving the small, dusty town of Goldfield, Nevada. Yet, as her fiftieth birthday approaches, Kitty can’t help but feel something is missing from her idyllic life. It doesn’t help that she and Claude are on a road trip to the Oregon coast to spread her father’s ashes as a final tribute to his legacy. The trip causes old hurts to resurface, as a painful loss brings the past into the present. When she stumbles across a mystery at a coastal retirement home, Kitty allows it to distract her from a deeply buried grief. As her heart becomes entangled within the quaint town where the forest meets the sea, her faith in God’s provision is put to the test when she discovers a secret she could never have imagined.
1937—Lia Monroe is a woman on the run from a shameful past. Yet no matter the future she carefully constructs for herself, her life before and the people she left behind, are never far from her mind. As her heart battles to reconcile the past with a fragile future, she turns to pen and paper to find relief from the memories that plague her. She hopes that someday the truth will set her free, but will she find the courage to make things right before it’s too late?
From the award-winning author of Come Forth As Gold comes an emotional sequel exploring God’s grace and provision as the past, present, and future collide in a story that will touch your heart and spark your faith anew.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2023
23 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Erica Dansereau
5 books234 followersErica Dansereau is an award-winning author known for her compelling storytelling and exploration of faith. She currently resides in Idaho with her husband and children. Aside from reading and writing books, Erica loves spending quality time with her family and friends, embarking on new adventures, and savoring a nice cup of coffee or tea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 12, 2023
This story was breathtaking. You know the books that find you at just the right time? After the Water Brooks is that book for me. I think no matter what stage you're at in life, this book has a little something for everyone.
My favorite parts were rediscovering my love for Kitty and Claude. Yes, this story is largely told from Kitty's POV, but we get glimpses of both past and present, all the while an intricate plotline unfolds. And, the classic banter of their relationship adds just so much heart and genuineness to this story.
Dansereau has outdone herself again. I cried at the beauty and relatability of this story, and I know lovers of Come Forth as Gold will find Erica's new tale a worthy sequel all the same. It was breathtakingly beautiful, heartfelt, and bittersweet all at once.
I can't say enough good things about this book, and I have no doubts it will touch the hearts of many.
Erica Dansereau remains one of my all time favorite authors, and that's not changing any time soon<3
My favorite parts were rediscovering my love for Kitty and Claude. Yes, this story is largely told from Kitty's POV, but we get glimpses of both past and present, all the while an intricate plotline unfolds. And, the classic banter of their relationship adds just so much heart and genuineness to this story.
Dansereau has outdone herself again. I cried at the beauty and relatability of this story, and I know lovers of Come Forth as Gold will find Erica's new tale a worthy sequel all the same. It was breathtakingly beautiful, heartfelt, and bittersweet all at once.
I can't say enough good things about this book, and I have no doubts it will touch the hearts of many.
Erica Dansereau remains one of my all time favorite authors, and that's not changing any time soon<3
September 29, 2023
Wow, what a book. After reading Erica's debut novel, Come Forth As Gold, I fell in love with her writing. And when she announced she was writing a sequel to Kitty and Claude's story?! I was beyond excited. After the Water Brooks is such a meaningful and deep read. That's one of my favorite things about Erica's writing: she keeps it real, honest, and relatable, while telling a compelling and faith-building story.
I absolutely loved revisiting the past from Kitty's perspective and the present through her eyes as well. I really don't have any complaints about this book. If you're looking for a book that has beautiful lines, strong faith, characters that make you laugh and cry, and a story that won't soon leave your heart, After the Water Brooks is just for you.
Favorite quotes:
"The Lord is good, even in the wreckage."
"Changing doesn't right past wrongs, but it does prevent future ones."
"We can't expect God to heal us if we're guarding our wounds."
Thank you *so* much, Erica, for allowing me to read an early copy of your book. <3
I absolutely loved revisiting the past from Kitty's perspective and the present through her eyes as well. I really don't have any complaints about this book. If you're looking for a book that has beautiful lines, strong faith, characters that make you laugh and cry, and a story that won't soon leave your heart, After the Water Brooks is just for you.
Favorite quotes:
"The Lord is good, even in the wreckage."
"Changing doesn't right past wrongs, but it does prevent future ones."
"We can't expect God to heal us if we're guarding our wounds."
Thank you *so* much, Erica, for allowing me to read an early copy of your book. <3
September 16, 2023
How do you rate a book, that again; has touched a place in your heart you didn’t think was reachable? How do you give it the review it deserves without spilling the beans?
This was my very first privilege and honor to read an ARC of “After the Water Brooks”, and to say it reached me at a time I didn’t even know I needed these words would be almost unbelievable. The way Erica, is able to share the gospel, hope, encouragement, yet also a feeling of relation to the story even though yours is real and this was fiction. How can someone truly write a story like this without having gone through a hardship of their own!
This is exactly the kind of story that makes you ‘dare to believe’ … believe in healing, believe that it’s not in our strength, but HIS. Believe that God never deems the wayward or broken void. Believe that we CAN let go and LET GOD.
A direct quote I cling to from her book is “We can’t expect God to heal us if we’re guarding our wounds”. How deeply I felt that. The relief that floods my soul the feeling that I’m not alone, and that a story could offer so much healing ? Stills me. Slows my breathing and reminds me it’s not by my works or grip on him. It’s his on me. It’s his strength and wings that keep me afloat.
To be able to enter back into the world of Claude and Kitty in their next phase of life approaching fifty, was a true privilege. It felt like a true insider edition on lives I never thought I would have the honor to read about again.
My hope for all readers is that through this beautiful story, we can all find our peace and trust is God that we can give him our worst and he’ll offer his best.
I will forever be a fan of Claudes tenderness, love, and wit towards Kitty. I’ll never be ready for their story to be over ❤️
This was my very first privilege and honor to read an ARC of “After the Water Brooks”, and to say it reached me at a time I didn’t even know I needed these words would be almost unbelievable. The way Erica, is able to share the gospel, hope, encouragement, yet also a feeling of relation to the story even though yours is real and this was fiction. How can someone truly write a story like this without having gone through a hardship of their own!
This is exactly the kind of story that makes you ‘dare to believe’ … believe in healing, believe that it’s not in our strength, but HIS. Believe that God never deems the wayward or broken void. Believe that we CAN let go and LET GOD.
A direct quote I cling to from her book is “We can’t expect God to heal us if we’re guarding our wounds”. How deeply I felt that. The relief that floods my soul the feeling that I’m not alone, and that a story could offer so much healing ? Stills me. Slows my breathing and reminds me it’s not by my works or grip on him. It’s his on me. It’s his strength and wings that keep me afloat.
To be able to enter back into the world of Claude and Kitty in their next phase of life approaching fifty, was a true privilege. It felt like a true insider edition on lives I never thought I would have the honor to read about again.
My hope for all readers is that through this beautiful story, we can all find our peace and trust is God that we can give him our worst and he’ll offer his best.
I will forever be a fan of Claudes tenderness, love, and wit towards Kitty. I’ll never be ready for their story to be over ❤️
September 18, 2023
I just finished Come Forth as Gold earlier this month and while you don’t necessarily need to read that one first before starting After the Water Brooks, I appreciated it SO much more. I was so excited to delve back into Claude and Kitty’s story- this time from Kitty’s perspective. The way everything tied together with book 1 was fantastic and adding a touch of mysterious intricacy made this hard for me to put down. Her love for Jesus Christ is evident in her beautiful captivating writing. The atmosphere was idyllic. I appreciated how she touched on how precious life is at every stage. The spiritual warfare aspect was a nice touch throughout and the struggles we all face one way or another in this life. I felt a personal connection with her writing and I will always hold it near and dear to my heart.
I absolutely love how the titles of her books are named after Bible verses with this one reflecting Psalm 42:1. She is one of my auto buy authors and I’ll read anything she writes!
Thank you so much for early access to this lovely story, Erica.
𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒:
⋄ Christian representation
⋄ Wholesome stories
⋄ Past/present timeline
I absolutely love how the titles of her books are named after Bible verses with this one reflecting Psalm 42:1. She is one of my auto buy authors and I’ll read anything she writes!
Thank you so much for early access to this lovely story, Erica.
𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒:
⋄ Christian representation
⋄ Wholesome stories
⋄ Past/present timeline
October 26, 2023
I don't think I've ever loved a book more than After the Water Brooks, the sequel to Come Forth As Gold. My heart found such a kinship in Kitty's story of healing and trust in God. Every character in this book nestled their way into my heart and found a home there. Erica Dansereau's prose is melodic and evocative, smooth and uplifting, realistic and inspiring. She weaves in Scripture, faith, and truth in a way that blends seamlessly into the flow of the story. The tears were many with this emotional book, and there are many lines so beautiful that I'll never forget them. And Claude. He got even better with age. He definitely has my heart forever.
I had the great privilege and honor of being the editor of this book. If you are searching for an author who values truth, beauty, and the goodness of God, while also being one of the most talented writers in the field, look no further than Erica. I think you'll find a new favorite series and author with her work.
I had the great privilege and honor of being the editor of this book. If you are searching for an author who values truth, beauty, and the goodness of God, while also being one of the most talented writers in the field, look no further than Erica. I think you'll find a new favorite series and author with her work.
December 10, 2024
“Heaven isn’t full of people who deserve to be there. It’s full of broken people who’ve accepted His grace.”
There isn’t anything quite like an Erica Dansereau novel.
This story filled in many questions from the first in this series. A little bit of mystery, found family, lots of testimony, and unfailing love and forgiveness.
I absolutely devoured this story and I definitely recommend having your annotation supplies handy!
There isn’t anything quite like an Erica Dansereau novel.
This story filled in many questions from the first in this series. A little bit of mystery, found family, lots of testimony, and unfailing love and forgiveness.
I absolutely devoured this story and I definitely recommend having your annotation supplies handy!
September 28, 2023
In this stunning sequel to Come Forth as Gold, Erica Dansereau demonstrates the beauty and power of forgiveness. Told from multiple points of view from the early 1900s to the 1980s, the plot satisfyingly culminates to drive home the message: There is healing and grace in abundance for you. Take it. This is a sequel that fans of Come Forth as Gold will not want to miss.
August 11, 2025
This was an excellent follow up to Come Forth As Gold. We get Kitty’s perspective on life as she’s turning 50. It is dual timeline so we are bouncing back and forth and getting a different angle on her childhood and earlier years of marriage. Erica has some of the most beautiful writing I’ve ever read. Whenever I come across a book and it makes me check my own heart with Jesus that is truly something special. I often thought, while reading - “Wow, how would I react if this was me? What would my faith look like?”
I loved this one so very much. This story was completely unexpected in the best way. I am very much looking forward to the final one in this series.
Quotes ✨
For so long, the enemy had fought for access to the thorn in my side, longing to twist the brier, to bring me to my knees. But what the enemy failed so often to remember is that in weakness, the Lord is made strong.
If we don’t expose our wounds to the only One who can bring true healing, they’re going to fester all of our lives.”
“Heaven isn’t full of people who deserve to be there. It’s full of broken people who’ve accepted His grace.”
Content ⚠️
Sexual assault
Grief
Dementia
No foul language
Kissing only
Parental abandonment
I loved this one so very much. This story was completely unexpected in the best way. I am very much looking forward to the final one in this series.
Quotes ✨
For so long, the enemy had fought for access to the thorn in my side, longing to twist the brier, to bring me to my knees. But what the enemy failed so often to remember is that in weakness, the Lord is made strong.
If we don’t expose our wounds to the only One who can bring true healing, they’re going to fester all of our lives.”
“Heaven isn’t full of people who deserve to be there. It’s full of broken people who’ve accepted His grace.”
Content ⚠️
Sexual assault
Grief
Dementia
No foul language
Kissing only
Parental abandonment
February 6, 2024
4.5⭐️ I loved it🥹🤍
September 30, 2023
After the Water Brooks is one of the most beautiful novels I’ve read this year. The author outdid herself with this sequel to Come Forth as Gold. After the Water Brooks is so rich in Biblical truth. It is a story of God’s redemptive power to bring beauty, healing, and restoration to the broken pieces of a person’s life, whether inflicted by one’s sinful choices or by others. Erica Dansereau’s writing style lends itself so perfectly to this reflective look at the past. While much of this story looks back to a broken yesterday, the thread of future hope and restoration woven throughout keeps the reader looking heavenward.
I absolutely loved revisiting Claude and Kitty and hearing Kitty’s perspective on her life. Everything I loved about them in Come Forth as Gold grew as I read this story. Claude and Kitty are in their autumn years and Kitty’s mission to spread her father’s ashes leads her to reflect on God’s past faithfulness and to trust His faithfulness in the present and for the future. Claude’s tender love for Kitty will always be one of my favorite things.
I voluntarily received an advanced copy from the author. No positive review was required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved revisiting Claude and Kitty and hearing Kitty’s perspective on her life. Everything I loved about them in Come Forth as Gold grew as I read this story. Claude and Kitty are in their autumn years and Kitty’s mission to spread her father’s ashes leads her to reflect on God’s past faithfulness and to trust His faithfulness in the present and for the future. Claude’s tender love for Kitty will always be one of my favorite things.
I voluntarily received an advanced copy from the author. No positive review was required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (I’m grateful to have received a digital ARC of this book, I was under no obligation to write a positive review and all thoughts below are my own xx) also apologies in advance for the rambling review, my thoughts aren’t particularly well-structured but hopefully you get the picture!
This book follows the story of Kitty as she grieves the loss of her father and uncovers the story of her long-lost mother. The story has a non-linear timeline and goes through Kitty’s childhood (1940s-1950s), the story of Lia (1930s) and the ‘present-day’ storyline for Kitty and her husband Claude (1981). Every chapter generally switches between the timelines, and the chapters are short so it keeps the story progressing quickly. This book is the sequel to Come Forth as Gold, which I didn’t read before I read this book but I don’t think that negatively impacted my reading experience. I also will be reading book 1. The characters were all beautiful and Claude and Kitty’s marriage is goals. Their story was a beautiful image of God’s redeeming and transformative love.
I really liked Erica’s writing, she managed to beautifully weave scripture and biblical encouragement into this story in a way that was natural!
Most books I read end up being love stories where the ending is the romantic ‘happily ever after’. You know the ones, with the story that ends after the characters FINALLY fall in love, or get married or adopt 6 cats or have a child together. Which is all well and good but as a single Christian woman, reading lots of those stories can shift my desire and focus off of being united with Christ and working for His purposes and on reaching that earthly HEA. So this story about Kitty and Claude who have been married for 30+ years (again their relationship is goals #feysand step aside 😉), are empty-nesters and dealing with all that comes with aging has been REFRESHING! This story ultimately points to the beauty of Jesus, who makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him.
(I’m not going to stop reading romcoms btw, and I don’t think they are bad but it’s nice to read something different, about the beauty of life after the milestone of marriage or having children)
I’d say I’m pretty sensitive to heavy subject matter in media but this book handled topics of grief, abu$e & negl€ct really well. Nothing explicit.
This book follows the story of Kitty as she grieves the loss of her father and uncovers the story of her long-lost mother. The story has a non-linear timeline and goes through Kitty’s childhood (1940s-1950s), the story of Lia (1930s) and the ‘present-day’ storyline for Kitty and her husband Claude (1981). Every chapter generally switches between the timelines, and the chapters are short so it keeps the story progressing quickly. This book is the sequel to Come Forth as Gold, which I didn’t read before I read this book but I don’t think that negatively impacted my reading experience. I also will be reading book 1. The characters were all beautiful and Claude and Kitty’s marriage is goals. Their story was a beautiful image of God’s redeeming and transformative love.
I really liked Erica’s writing, she managed to beautifully weave scripture and biblical encouragement into this story in a way that was natural!
Most books I read end up being love stories where the ending is the romantic ‘happily ever after’. You know the ones, with the story that ends after the characters FINALLY fall in love, or get married or adopt 6 cats or have a child together. Which is all well and good but as a single Christian woman, reading lots of those stories can shift my desire and focus off of being united with Christ and working for His purposes and on reaching that earthly HEA. So this story about Kitty and Claude who have been married for 30+ years (again their relationship is goals #feysand step aside 😉), are empty-nesters and dealing with all that comes with aging has been REFRESHING! This story ultimately points to the beauty of Jesus, who makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him.
(I’m not going to stop reading romcoms btw, and I don’t think they are bad but it’s nice to read something different, about the beauty of life after the milestone of marriage or having children)
I’d say I’m pretty sensitive to heavy subject matter in media but this book handled topics of grief, abu$e & negl€ct really well. Nothing explicit.
January 17, 2025
Wow. This was a sequel I didn’t know was needed. But it rounds out the “Gold series” so well.
The descriptions of the coastal town and the multiple POVs spanning many years was well done. Themes of grief, redemption, and God’s love of detail and his perfect timing are expertly woven throughout the entire story.
I did cry. Act surprised.
In my opinion, this book is best read as a sequel and not a standalone. The first book, Come Forth As Gold, gives this sequel so much more meaning and power to its message.
The descriptions of the coastal town and the multiple POVs spanning many years was well done. Themes of grief, redemption, and God’s love of detail and his perfect timing are expertly woven throughout the entire story.
I did cry. Act surprised.
In my opinion, this book is best read as a sequel and not a standalone. The first book, Come Forth As Gold, gives this sequel so much more meaning and power to its message.
October 2, 2023
"They're too busy to be unremembered. Everyone is bent on burying the living when they aren't even dead." This quote from the novel After the Water Brooks by Erica Dansereau perfectly encapsulates this novel. A novel about the value of life. Regardless of background, age, or circumstance, they all deserve to be cared for, seen, and loved.
A dual-timelined story, After the Water Brooks, follows Kitty, a woman who just turned fifty, as she travels to a beach-side town whose sole purpose while there is to lay her father's ashes to rest by the water he always wanted to see. However, after she runs into a lost older woman, she gets roped into a family and mystery she never saw coming. It is a mystery that involves a woman named Lia with a secret from fifty years before.
After the Water, Brooks has depths that are hard to explain fully. The grief, pain, and absolute journey of redemption this novel takes you on is amazing. My favorite parts of the book were, by far, the descriptions of characters finding Christ, "The other day, he came from a meeting at the church, all wound up in the best way. 'Don't these people know? Honey, these people...they, they've gotta hear this! Don't they know how easy it is to be free? Free indeed?'" and that is just one example. Every single one made me tear up and hold my Kindle close to my chest because of the beauty and truth she expertly wove through every page. Dansereau writes truths as well as an authentic look at hardships like an alcoholic father, absentee mother, shame, and so many more.
By the end of this book, I was an emotional wreck, but in the best way. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come. And probably writing down some of the beautiful quotes to be found in the pages of After the Brooks.
Also, Claude was just the best.
A dual-timelined story, After the Water Brooks, follows Kitty, a woman who just turned fifty, as she travels to a beach-side town whose sole purpose while there is to lay her father's ashes to rest by the water he always wanted to see. However, after she runs into a lost older woman, she gets roped into a family and mystery she never saw coming. It is a mystery that involves a woman named Lia with a secret from fifty years before.
After the Water, Brooks has depths that are hard to explain fully. The grief, pain, and absolute journey of redemption this novel takes you on is amazing. My favorite parts of the book were, by far, the descriptions of characters finding Christ, "The other day, he came from a meeting at the church, all wound up in the best way. 'Don't these people know? Honey, these people...they, they've gotta hear this! Don't they know how easy it is to be free? Free indeed?'" and that is just one example. Every single one made me tear up and hold my Kindle close to my chest because of the beauty and truth she expertly wove through every page. Dansereau writes truths as well as an authentic look at hardships like an alcoholic father, absentee mother, shame, and so many more.
By the end of this book, I was an emotional wreck, but in the best way. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come. And probably writing down some of the beautiful quotes to be found in the pages of After the Brooks.
Also, Claude was just the best.
September 23, 2023
After the Water Brooks was an amazing story. It was the perfect continuation of Come Forth as Gold, although not necessary to read in order.
I honestly feel like there are so many notable sections of this book that it would make it hard to go through and break down my favourite parts.
I loved being able to read from Kitty's eyes, and see the immense changes in her heart and life, and to be able to further understand why she made the choices she did. It felt like a special privilege to be able to follow Claude and Kitty through their travels, and to be at the centre of their bantering and epic love.
Erica Dansereau has a special way of writing that I haven't experienced anywhere else, and I am so thankful that I was able to read her books at the perfect time.
I honestly feel like there are so many notable sections of this book that it would make it hard to go through and break down my favourite parts.
I loved being able to read from Kitty's eyes, and see the immense changes in her heart and life, and to be able to further understand why she made the choices she did. It felt like a special privilege to be able to follow Claude and Kitty through their travels, and to be at the centre of their bantering and epic love.
Erica Dansereau has a special way of writing that I haven't experienced anywhere else, and I am so thankful that I was able to read her books at the perfect time.
January 17, 2026
I adored this sequel! The first book, and Erica’s debut novel, Come Forth As Gold, introduced us to Kitty & Claude - and in this book we follow those characters again & get to know them even more!
I personally enjoyed the multiple timelines in this book: one from Kitty’s past and stories told from her perspective, one from Kitty’s present as her & Claude are in a new stage of life and nearing their 50s, and the third told to us from Lia’s past.
I highly recommend this series! It was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
So beautifully written, I can’t wait to read more books written by Erica!
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
CONTENT:
No language
No spice
TW: loss, dementia, sexual assault, alcoholism
I personally enjoyed the multiple timelines in this book: one from Kitty’s past and stories told from her perspective, one from Kitty’s present as her & Claude are in a new stage of life and nearing their 50s, and the third told to us from Lia’s past.
I highly recommend this series! It was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
So beautifully written, I can’t wait to read more books written by Erica!
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
CONTENT:
No language
No spice
TW: loss, dementia, sexual assault, alcoholism
September 24, 2023
This book was phenomenal. To read the story of Kitty & Claude facing challenges and turning to God in all circumstances is something we can all apply to our lives. They were such great examples to their families to walk in love and allow God to use them in any and all circumstances. It was heartbreaking but also heartwarming. I did not want the story to end!
Erica is one of my new favorite authors & I can’t wait to see what else she has in store to write!
Erica is one of my new favorite authors & I can’t wait to see what else she has in store to write!
September 25, 2023
New to me author, was pleasantly surprised! Book was captivating and hard to put down.
I've been searching for faith based authors, like Rives and Kingsbury that pull you in and inspire. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Dansereau's work.
I was part of an early release and my only complaint was I couldn't highlight lines that really spoke to me. The storyline was engaging and really points to the redemption in Jesus we all need.
I've been searching for faith based authors, like Rives and Kingsbury that pull you in and inspire. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Dansereau's work.
I was part of an early release and my only complaint was I couldn't highlight lines that really spoke to me. The storyline was engaging and really points to the redemption in Jesus we all need.
September 21, 2023
This is a beautiful story, expertly told. It took me a little while to figure out the timeline, but Ioved the way Kitty's journey unfolded for the reader through the different phases of her life. This book rings with truth. I particularly love the portrayal of a mature marriage between Claude and Kitty.
My review is hastily written, but I solidly recommend this book. 🙂
My review is hastily written, but I solidly recommend this book. 🙂
November 20, 2024
"I wanted to bottle it up. The way he made me feel." -Kitty
That is the best way I can think to describe this book.. the way it made me feel. I am sad to have finished it because I want to sit in its pages a while longer. Maybe I should reread it. This story is so well-written. The vulnerability of the characters woven beautifully with the truth of the Christian faith. It is just too good.
That is the best way I can think to describe this book.. the way it made me feel. I am sad to have finished it because I want to sit in its pages a while longer. Maybe I should reread it. This story is so well-written. The vulnerability of the characters woven beautifully with the truth of the Christian faith. It is just too good.
September 25, 2023
This book hit all of the feelings for me. It was wonderfully written, it shows raw emotions of the characters while walking you through there life. I wanted to know how the story ended. But so badly didn’t want the story to end.
October 12, 2023
Thank you Erica Dansereau for an Advanced Ebook Reader Copy!
It was an absolute joy to revisit these wonderful characters. Dansereau's writing is beautiful and engaging. You cannot help but care deeply about these characters and what they are going through. Dansereau's character development is very well done. She did a fantastic job presenting the hope of the Gospel. This book is Dual Timeline and Dual POV. There are some topics handled in this book that are sensitive in nature such as rape, illness, and death. The author handled these topics in a very gracious way. If you have not read Come Forth As Gold, I highly recommend reading that book first as the main characters in that book continue their stories in After the Water Brooks. Do not sleep on reading either of Erica Dansereau's books! Your heart will be blessed!
It was an absolute joy to revisit these wonderful characters. Dansereau's writing is beautiful and engaging. You cannot help but care deeply about these characters and what they are going through. Dansereau's character development is very well done. She did a fantastic job presenting the hope of the Gospel. This book is Dual Timeline and Dual POV. There are some topics handled in this book that are sensitive in nature such as rape, illness, and death. The author handled these topics in a very gracious way. If you have not read Come Forth As Gold, I highly recommend reading that book first as the main characters in that book continue their stories in After the Water Brooks. Do not sleep on reading either of Erica Dansereau's books! Your heart will be blessed!
October 3, 2023
Whew. This is not a light, easy read, but it IS a powerful one, and Erica has written it beautifully.
In Come Forth as Gold, which is the author's first book, you see everything through Claude's point of view, and it was really interesting to see Kitty's side of things in After the Water Brooks. It was also heartbreaking to see things from Lia's point of view.
This book is unashamedly Christian, and I loved the message spoken throughout: forgiveness and redemption. I shed many tears while reading this book, but can say that I'm so thankful I did. We always have hope in Jesus, and this book does a masterful job in showing this to us.
~I received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
In Come Forth as Gold, which is the author's first book, you see everything through Claude's point of view, and it was really interesting to see Kitty's side of things in After the Water Brooks. It was also heartbreaking to see things from Lia's point of view.
This book is unashamedly Christian, and I loved the message spoken throughout: forgiveness and redemption. I shed many tears while reading this book, but can say that I'm so thankful I did. We always have hope in Jesus, and this book does a masterful job in showing this to us.
~I received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
September 22, 2023
After The Water Brooks
By Erica Dansereau
I feel my heart will burst - in a really good way! Erica Dansereau has done it again in her amazing sequel to Come Forth as Gold! This author's ability to pull you into the story and help you really feel the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the characters as if you are there in their heads and hearts is phenomenal.
As Kitty and Claude embark on an errand to fulfill a dream for some else - life takes an unexpected turn. God's goodness, love, and care are revealed through many answered prayers prayed by several different characters across the years. It brings to light that God's timing is not our timing, but His timing is always perfect and working for our good, even and especially when we can't see the big picture of our entire lives and the ways He will grow us toward Him. It encourages us to know He can make our biggest messes into things of beauty when we surrender it all to His loving touch. All of this is accomplished without being "preachy" or "spirituality pushy" but flows naturally through the thoughts and actions of the characters.
Although After The Water Brooks could be read as a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend reading Come Forth As Gold first in order to get the effect of book 2 in this series.
I would put this at the top of the Christian fiction best seller list.
I was given an early copy of this book to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
By Erica Dansereau
I feel my heart will burst - in a really good way! Erica Dansereau has done it again in her amazing sequel to Come Forth as Gold! This author's ability to pull you into the story and help you really feel the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the characters as if you are there in their heads and hearts is phenomenal.
As Kitty and Claude embark on an errand to fulfill a dream for some else - life takes an unexpected turn. God's goodness, love, and care are revealed through many answered prayers prayed by several different characters across the years. It brings to light that God's timing is not our timing, but His timing is always perfect and working for our good, even and especially when we can't see the big picture of our entire lives and the ways He will grow us toward Him. It encourages us to know He can make our biggest messes into things of beauty when we surrender it all to His loving touch. All of this is accomplished without being "preachy" or "spirituality pushy" but flows naturally through the thoughts and actions of the characters.
Although After The Water Brooks could be read as a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend reading Come Forth As Gold first in order to get the effect of book 2 in this series.
I would put this at the top of the Christian fiction best seller list.
I was given an early copy of this book to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2025
I enjoyed this follow up story to Come Forth as Gold. It was interesting to get Kitty’s perspective in her and Claude’s relationship. I enjoyed the dual timeline and the way that the story unraveled. I also appreciated the faith in this story. There were a lot of moments that encouraged even me in my faith journey!
There were really 3 timelines in this book. One was Kitty’s more current timeline, Lia’s timeline and Kitty’s younger year timeline. I enjoyed the first two. While I enjoyed Kitty’s perspective on the events of the first book, I found it rather redundant to reread all of those details again. This may be because I struggled to related with Kitty’s character, even in the first book. So, I’d take that with a grain of salt. For my experience it took me out of the story.
The plot of this story was very unexpected and the scenery was very ethereal. Erica’s writing is very poetical and yet still easy to read and enjoy. This definitely redeemed the story for me and I really enjoyed getting a little more of Kitty’s background and her story with Claude.
Overall, I recommend this book if you enjoy dual timeline, historical fiction, family secrets, and lots of faith-filled encouragement!
Content Guide:
Language: No Language
Spice: Level 1: Kissing Only
TW: Grief, dementia, parental abandonment, prostitution, child abuse (past), sexual assault
There were really 3 timelines in this book. One was Kitty’s more current timeline, Lia’s timeline and Kitty’s younger year timeline. I enjoyed the first two. While I enjoyed Kitty’s perspective on the events of the first book, I found it rather redundant to reread all of those details again. This may be because I struggled to related with Kitty’s character, even in the first book. So, I’d take that with a grain of salt. For my experience it took me out of the story.
The plot of this story was very unexpected and the scenery was very ethereal. Erica’s writing is very poetical and yet still easy to read and enjoy. This definitely redeemed the story for me and I really enjoyed getting a little more of Kitty’s background and her story with Claude.
Overall, I recommend this book if you enjoy dual timeline, historical fiction, family secrets, and lots of faith-filled encouragement!
Content Guide:
Language: No Language
Spice: Level 1: Kissing Only
TW: Grief, dementia, parental abandonment, prostitution, child abuse (past), sexual assault
September 22, 2023
After the Water Brooks is a beautiful story of God's grace, redemption, and reconciliation. Through a profound and moving narrative, Erica Dansereau draws the reader into the intricate lives of Kitty, Claude, Lia, and so many more characters over a lifespan, making us feel their joys, sorrows, and struggles.
Biblical truths resonate throughout the story, bringing one to consider so much about life's short journey and the importance of being eternally minded. I especially appreciated how Dansereau brought to light the great depth of God's love for humanity. One of my favorite passages was: "I smile as I feel my heart turn to You. Finally. I have been running, hiding, turning every which way aside from toward You, shriveling into a heart so stale and dying. But now...Can I just bask in Your goodness...surrender myself to Your presence?" That passage continues on with more beautiful truths which I will refrain from spoiling for other readers.
After the Water Brooks is a story which will linger in one's heart and mind long after turning the last page. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a meaningful and emotionally rich reading experience.
I am a recipient of an ARC, and my thoughts above are an honest opinion (which were not required).
Biblical truths resonate throughout the story, bringing one to consider so much about life's short journey and the importance of being eternally minded. I especially appreciated how Dansereau brought to light the great depth of God's love for humanity. One of my favorite passages was: "I smile as I feel my heart turn to You. Finally. I have been running, hiding, turning every which way aside from toward You, shriveling into a heart so stale and dying. But now...Can I just bask in Your goodness...surrender myself to Your presence?" That passage continues on with more beautiful truths which I will refrain from spoiling for other readers.
After the Water Brooks is a story which will linger in one's heart and mind long after turning the last page. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a meaningful and emotionally rich reading experience.
I am a recipient of an ARC, and my thoughts above are an honest opinion (which were not required).
December 29, 2025
After the Water Brooks by Erica Dansereau is the sequel to Come Forth as Gold, and while it’s framed around Kitty’s midlife as the present, the chapters jump back and forth between her past and present and also alternate with chapters from another unnamed woman’s POV. This story is best read after the first to fully understand the impact of the events, both current and past. Like the first book, it beautifully and poignantly captures the ebs and flows of life—living with sinful people and our own imperfections and the ripples they cause in our lives and others around us.
With it including Kitty’s midlife, we see parts of her relationship with Fly more fully developed from young love to a mellowed love between two people who have loved one another through the highs and lows of life. Mysteries and left out events from the first book are revealed that add depth and bring parts of the previous story full circle.
Like the first book, After the Water Brooks also exposes dark places in the lives of the characters but shows how God can bring these things to light and that His plan is bigger than the brokenness we often see surrounding us. I highly recommend both of these books.
With it including Kitty’s midlife, we see parts of her relationship with Fly more fully developed from young love to a mellowed love between two people who have loved one another through the highs and lows of life. Mysteries and left out events from the first book are revealed that add depth and bring parts of the previous story full circle.
Like the first book, After the Water Brooks also exposes dark places in the lives of the characters but shows how God can bring these things to light and that His plan is bigger than the brokenness we often see surrounding us. I highly recommend both of these books.
April 17, 2024
Absolutely heart wrenching in the best and most beautiful way. You definitely have to read the first (Come Forth As Gold) before this one, since it brings us Kitty's perspective on timelines mentioned in the first. Which, I absolutely loved by the way - having Kitty's POV in this second one, as well as the different timeframes covered.
"...a story that will touch your heart and spark your faith anew" is exactly what this is. Both of these books will be ones that I read again and again. My cheeks are still stained with tears - cries of hope, happiness, heartbreak and restoration. Thank you Jesus for guiding Erica's writing and may she continue to bring forth books that draw readers closer to you with stories that connect us to the reality of human life and the realness of our emotions in various seasons of life.
"...a story that will touch your heart and spark your faith anew" is exactly what this is. Both of these books will be ones that I read again and again. My cheeks are still stained with tears - cries of hope, happiness, heartbreak and restoration. Thank you Jesus for guiding Erica's writing and may she continue to bring forth books that draw readers closer to you with stories that connect us to the reality of human life and the realness of our emotions in various seasons of life.
October 9, 2025
Where the prequel in this series ‘Come Forth As Gold’ is told from Claude’s (MMC) POV, AFTER THE WATER BROOKS should be considered Kitty’s (FMC) story. It gives her background and fills in her POV in ‘Come Forth As Gold’ which was a treat to experience and see as a follow-up to book one.
This story also is a bit of a dual timeline, floating between past and ‘present’- which is actually in the early 1980’s about 30-40 years after the end of the last book and picks up as Claude and Kitty take a trip to Oregon to scatter Kitty’s dad’s ashes in the ocean.
Early on in the book we are introduced to a new character who receives her own POV chapters set in the past (mostly in the 30’s and 40’s). You quickly are able to piece together her role and place in the story.
Overall, this is a beautiful story of faith, forgiveness, and divine intervention.
This story also is a bit of a dual timeline, floating between past and ‘present’- which is actually in the early 1980’s about 30-40 years after the end of the last book and picks up as Claude and Kitty take a trip to Oregon to scatter Kitty’s dad’s ashes in the ocean.
Early on in the book we are introduced to a new character who receives her own POV chapters set in the past (mostly in the 30’s and 40’s). You quickly are able to piece together her role and place in the story.
Overall, this is a beautiful story of faith, forgiveness, and divine intervention.
Read
October 6, 2023This is a compelling piece of Christian Fiction and a must-read for anyone wondering what happened next for Kitty and Fly. ♡
We follow Kitty after a life well lived and bonds rebuilt as she begins to come to terms with the ceaselessness of time. Even the happiest life comes with loss, and even half a century of missing someone doesn't soften the pain of abandonment, and so we finally get to see Kitty's life come full circle. This story was full of healing and growth, focusing on the discovery of beauty in pain even as the injustice of it all was honored.
This duology is perfect for readers of all ages, but would make the perfect choice for a Christian Book Club pick.
We follow Kitty after a life well lived and bonds rebuilt as she begins to come to terms with the ceaselessness of time. Even the happiest life comes with loss, and even half a century of missing someone doesn't soften the pain of abandonment, and so we finally get to see Kitty's life come full circle. This story was full of healing and growth, focusing on the discovery of beauty in pain even as the injustice of it all was honored.
This duology is perfect for readers of all ages, but would make the perfect choice for a Christian Book Club pick.
October 3, 2023
The perfect companion to Come Forth as Gold.
“Even when the walls we find ourselves in have changed, He’s still with us. So, are we ever really not home?”
As Kitty is entering the autumn of her life in this book, it makes for a great fall read. After the Water Brooks follows Kitty and Claude on a journey of discovery after her dad dies, his parents lose their home, and their last child flies the nest. Intertwined im their current day is scenes from Kitty's POV to fill in some gaps in Come Forth as Gold - as well as scenes from another character who we eventually come to see holds the keys to everything else.
Kitty's story is sad but full of hope- it never really wallows, which I appreciate, resulting in a story that doesn't drag the reader down but feels restorative. Claude is and has always been, precious. Erica's writing is lyrical and beautiful, and the story she weaves held me captive, which not every midlife crisis book can do well. For example, lines like this: "As time passed, we all unlearned our brokenness, relearning how to love one another with fresh, willing hearts."
What a lovely way to put it.
And to close:
“The more I’m figuring this whole thing out,” Claude glanced at his parents, then back to her, “the more I realize that this life isn’t about me anymore.” He squeezed her thigh. “It’s about serving and showing Christ to others. And how can I do that if I’m holding onto anger?”
I read a copy provided by the author so I could write an honest review but a positive one was not required and all opinions are my own.
“Even when the walls we find ourselves in have changed, He’s still with us. So, are we ever really not home?”
As Kitty is entering the autumn of her life in this book, it makes for a great fall read. After the Water Brooks follows Kitty and Claude on a journey of discovery after her dad dies, his parents lose their home, and their last child flies the nest. Intertwined im their current day is scenes from Kitty's POV to fill in some gaps in Come Forth as Gold - as well as scenes from another character who we eventually come to see holds the keys to everything else.
Kitty's story is sad but full of hope- it never really wallows, which I appreciate, resulting in a story that doesn't drag the reader down but feels restorative. Claude is and has always been, precious. Erica's writing is lyrical and beautiful, and the story she weaves held me captive, which not every midlife crisis book can do well. For example, lines like this: "As time passed, we all unlearned our brokenness, relearning how to love one another with fresh, willing hearts."
What a lovely way to put it.
And to close:
“The more I’m figuring this whole thing out,” Claude glanced at his parents, then back to her, “the more I realize that this life isn’t about me anymore.” He squeezed her thigh. “It’s about serving and showing Christ to others. And how can I do that if I’m holding onto anger?”
I read a copy provided by the author so I could write an honest review but a positive one was not required and all opinions are my own.
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