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Sullivan Crisp #2
Healing Waters
When life seems to conspire against you, how do you find the courage to dive into healing waters?
When Lucia Coffey looks at her reflection, she sees fat and failure. When she looks at her sister Sonia, she sees svelte and success. When she looks at God, she sees that divine love can't possibly be doled out equally. All her life, Lucia has coped by throwing herself into taking care of those who seem more worthy of God's goodness, and feeding the dreams she has buried alive.
But when tragedy strikes Lucia's family, she meets Sullivan Crisp--a decidedly offbeat psychologist who is trying to cope with his own shattered past. They form an alliance to try to hold her family together and, in the process, both tentatively dip their toes into the waters of healing. Step by faltering step they wade in, forging an unlikely community and digging deep for the courage to face a lurking danger that could pull them under . . . or remind them what it's like to dance on the waves.
Inspirational contemporary readThe second book in the Sullivan Crisp series, but can be enjoyed as a standaloneBook Healing StonesBook Healing WatersBook Healing SandsNamed Women of Faith Novel of the Year (2009)Includes discussion questions for reading groups and an excerpt from Healing Stones
When Lucia Coffey looks at her reflection, she sees fat and failure. When she looks at her sister Sonia, she sees svelte and success. When she looks at God, she sees that divine love can't possibly be doled out equally. All her life, Lucia has coped by throwing herself into taking care of those who seem more worthy of God's goodness, and feeding the dreams she has buried alive.
But when tragedy strikes Lucia's family, she meets Sullivan Crisp--a decidedly offbeat psychologist who is trying to cope with his own shattered past. They form an alliance to try to hold her family together and, in the process, both tentatively dip their toes into the waters of healing. Step by faltering step they wade in, forging an unlikely community and digging deep for the courage to face a lurking danger that could pull them under . . . or remind them what it's like to dance on the waves.
Inspirational contemporary readThe second book in the Sullivan Crisp series, but can be enjoyed as a standaloneBook Healing StonesBook Healing WatersBook Healing SandsNamed Women of Faith Novel of the Year (2009)Includes discussion questions for reading groups and an excerpt from Healing Stones
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2008
32 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Nancy N. Rue
223 books291 followersNancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
May 9, 2015
Finished this one last night. This (these so far) are good reads. They do a good job of dealing with lives in general and opening Christian insights specifically.
I'll get a little more personal here than I did in my review of the first book. Many of you who are my friends here know that I'm a widower and the my wife passed a few years ago. She struggled with ill health all he life and in the last few years had a lot of pain and progressive debilitation. She was bed-fast for almost the last two years of her life.
I didn't go into much of what the first book in this series dealt with in detail as it would have inevitably meant spoilers. Here there is one key point that we see as the book opens so it's no spoiler to mention it. The female protagonist in this book (while the books are about Dr. Crisp they have both been "about" a female protagonist in the midst of struggle) is "somewhat overweight". Her self loathing seeps through the book as it moves along. We can (if we let ourselves) "feel" the pain the permeates her being.
My wife "fought" with her weight all her life. She was a beautiful woman but her body did put on weight more easily than some. She would go on weight watchers and maintain her weight when others were losing. Diabetic, thyroid trouble, ruptured disc, etc. she was constantly self conscious. She was unable to eat in restaurants or at parties, she was convinced everyone was watching her...judging her. This is one of the issues in this book. The attitude put forth in some ministries that physical problems imply spiritual failure.
And Jean dealt with many of the problems faced by some of the people in these books. So this helped me to understand and even identify with the content. No matter how much I told my wife I loved her a part of her doubted it..or worse. She struggled with this. There was a female TV minister she really liked (this would have been sometime in the '90s). She sent for this woman's "multi-volume cassette series on The Holy Spirit". The entire course hammered on how heavy people didn't have enough faith and the Holy Spirit would make them thin....or at least "the right weight".
It tore her up.
So...an example of a subject this book deals with, and that's just a part of it.
I like these books (as I said so far).
Now I must give the same caveat I gave for the first book. Other than Dr. Crisp the male characters in this book are shallow, stereotypes. They are just cutouts, cardboard figures used to fill negative rolls.
Be ready guys in both books "men in general" come out looking pretty bad.
I'll also say here (by the way) that in both books (so far as plot goes) I spotted the "villain" early on. I suspect many of you will to. "The person" will walk on stage and you'll go..."that one".
Just a part of having read a lot of books (and sadly watched a lot of TV, movies, etc.).
Still good books. I think women readers will like them more if they/you are reading them simply as novels. There is however a lot of valuable content. In my review of the first book I used the word insight. I think that applies here to, at least in some ways.
Recommended.
I'll get a little more personal here than I did in my review of the first book. Many of you who are my friends here know that I'm a widower and the my wife passed a few years ago. She struggled with ill health all he life and in the last few years had a lot of pain and progressive debilitation. She was bed-fast for almost the last two years of her life.
I didn't go into much of what the first book in this series dealt with in detail as it would have inevitably meant spoilers. Here there is one key point that we see as the book opens so it's no spoiler to mention it. The female protagonist in this book (while the books are about Dr. Crisp they have both been "about" a female protagonist in the midst of struggle) is "somewhat overweight". Her self loathing seeps through the book as it moves along. We can (if we let ourselves) "feel" the pain the permeates her being.
My wife "fought" with her weight all her life. She was a beautiful woman but her body did put on weight more easily than some. She would go on weight watchers and maintain her weight when others were losing. Diabetic, thyroid trouble, ruptured disc, etc. she was constantly self conscious. She was unable to eat in restaurants or at parties, she was convinced everyone was watching her...judging her. This is one of the issues in this book. The attitude put forth in some ministries that physical problems imply spiritual failure.
And Jean dealt with many of the problems faced by some of the people in these books. So this helped me to understand and even identify with the content. No matter how much I told my wife I loved her a part of her doubted it..or worse. She struggled with this. There was a female TV minister she really liked (this would have been sometime in the '90s). She sent for this woman's "multi-volume cassette series on The Holy Spirit". The entire course hammered on how heavy people didn't have enough faith and the Holy Spirit would make them thin....or at least "the right weight".
It tore her up.
So...an example of a subject this book deals with, and that's just a part of it.
I like these books (as I said so far).
Now I must give the same caveat I gave for the first book. Other than Dr. Crisp the male characters in this book are shallow, stereotypes. They are just cutouts, cardboard figures used to fill negative rolls.
Be ready guys in both books "men in general" come out looking pretty bad.
I'll also say here (by the way) that in both books (so far as plot goes) I spotted the "villain" early on. I suspect many of you will to. "The person" will walk on stage and you'll go..."that one".
Just a part of having read a lot of books (and sadly watched a lot of TV, movies, etc.).
Still good books. I think women readers will like them more if they/you are reading them simply as novels. There is however a lot of valuable content. In my review of the first book I used the word insight. I think that applies here to, at least in some ways.
Recommended.
January 20, 2022
More than ten years after reading this story, I still have it on my shelf. What I remember about it is how smart it was. There is nothing contrived or too sweet about this book; it's totally believable. I will read it again soon, but I will start with the first book in the series this time.
Excellent and insightful. Real-life issues.
Excellent and insightful. Real-life issues.
January 4, 2009
I didn't like it quite as much as Healing Stones, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. The characters were intriguing, and the story line was thought provoking. I enjoyed going through the healing process--spiritually and emotionally--with Lucia, the main character.
November 7, 2022
More than ten years after reading this story, I still have it on my shelf. What I remember about it is how smart it was. There is nothing contrived or too sweet about this book; it's totally believable. I will read it again soon, but I will start with the first book in the series this time.
Excellent and insightful. Real-life issues. This counselor recognized the authenticity of Healing Waters and will always remember how lovely the story and writing are.
Excellent and insightful. Real-life issues. This counselor recognized the authenticity of Healing Waters and will always remember how lovely the story and writing are.
January 25, 2015
I listened to this as an audiobook. It seemed a little slow getting into the story, but by the end I was having trouble waiting until the next installment (I listen during my commute). As a person who has struggled with weight all my life, I was instantly sympathetic to Lucia Coffey, the main character. She has been blessed with a younger sister who is everything she believes she is not: beautiful, slender, successful, popular. Sister Sonia heads up her own Christian ministry, and even has Lucia's husband working for her, and Lucia fears that he is having an affair with one of the staffers. While Lucia has every reason to hate and be jealous of her sister, when a horrible accident occurs, she immediately steps in, as the professional nurse she is, and starts taking care of everyone, especially her sister.
Following the accident, Lucia meets a psychiatrist friend of Sonia's who is dealing with his own stresses - many years ago, his wife took her own life and the life of their child in the throes of postpartum depression. The friend, Sullivan Crisp, comes to offer Sonia his continued friendship and a counseling referral, but stays to give a helping hand to Lucia, who really needs him as her world falls apart around her. Together they explore the meaning of suffering in the life of a Christian.
This is a complex read, and I admire the author(s) who managed to deal with all the issues brought up in this book. It is obvious that one of the authors is a Christian psychologist. I highly recommend this series (the Sullivan Crisp series of 3 books)for Christian women's fiction.
Following the accident, Lucia meets a psychiatrist friend of Sonia's who is dealing with his own stresses - many years ago, his wife took her own life and the life of their child in the throes of postpartum depression. The friend, Sullivan Crisp, comes to offer Sonia his continued friendship and a counseling referral, but stays to give a helping hand to Lucia, who really needs him as her world falls apart around her. Together they explore the meaning of suffering in the life of a Christian.
This is a complex read, and I admire the author(s) who managed to deal with all the issues brought up in this book. It is obvious that one of the authors is a Christian psychologist. I highly recommend this series (the Sullivan Crisp series of 3 books)for Christian women's fiction.
October 26, 2016
The second book featuring quirky psychologist Sullivan Crisp is as stunning as the first. The shocking, gripping story, coupled with realistically broken characters, adds up to another triumph. The clear spiritual message about God's love despite our weakness is stellar.
Lucia Coffey feels invisible behind the superstar persona of her gifted sister Sonia, the figurehead of a worldwide ministry. Even Lucia's husband, Chip, has gone to work for Sonia after experiencing some troubles. Next to Sonia, Lucia feels fat, ugly and untalented. But all that changes instantly with a terrible accident. Barely able to cope, Lucia begins counseling with Sullivan Crisp and discovers some unsettling things about herself. Does she have the courage to be transformed? https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
Lucia Coffey feels invisible behind the superstar persona of her gifted sister Sonia, the figurehead of a worldwide ministry. Even Lucia's husband, Chip, has gone to work for Sonia after experiencing some troubles. Next to Sonia, Lucia feels fat, ugly and untalented. But all that changes instantly with a terrible accident. Barely able to cope, Lucia begins counseling with Sullivan Crisp and discovers some unsettling things about herself. Does she have the courage to be transformed? https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
January 7, 2009
Nancy Rue's engaging prose, realistic dialogue and storytelling acumen, combined with Stephen Arterburn's knowledge of psychology and experience as a counselor, make for fiction which is difficult to put down.
January 25, 2025
Nancy Rue and Stephen Arteburn slam the ball out of the park again with Healing Waters. Lucia's deftly crafted and realistic voice echoes long after finishing the book, and as a character, she feels as real as any person you'd meet on the street. She indulges in some common insecurities, such as wearing black because it's "more slimming." But as she and others stand to learn, Lucia is much, much more than a big lady. Her difficulties and heartbreak have formed her into an empathetic, loving, and intelligent woman with an understandable cynic's edge. With help from Sullivan Crisp, a therapist named Wesley and Wesley's little boy, her niece Bethany, and others, Lucia learns to see beyond her body. She finally hears what no one has ever told her: You have immense value.
Once again, the secondary characters truly shine. Sullivan Crisp is back, and this time he's partnering with his old mentor Porphyria (love that name) to deal with his own psychological fallout. In Healing Waters, we learn about the death of his wife and their baby girl, who and what caused it, and how Sullivan will begin to heal. That's a fantastic psychological arc. Porphyria takes it to the next level, leaping off the page with bluntness, humor, and homespun wisdom. The other characters I've mentioned add richness and depth, especially little Bethany. I love the scenes between Bethany and Lucia, as well as how Lucia goes out of her way to give Bethany a normal childhood.
In Healing Stones, Nancy and Stephen dealt with the dangers of legalism. Here, through Sonia, they tackle the pitfalls of "name it and claim it" theology. Sonia and some of her friends buy into this, as well as prosperity gospel, hook, line, and sinker. However, they're not bad people, nor are they one-dimensional. I actually felt sorry for Sonia and wanted to see her work through her own issues so she could embrace the true nature of God. I also loved how the Nashville setting--right in the heart of the Bible Belt--contributed to the story and brought the spiritual issues closer to home. Name it and claim it is not a uniquely Southern philosophy, but we do have a lot of it down here. Bravo to Stephen and Nancy for confronting it, and anyone who might be misled by it, without condemnation.
If it's possible, I loved Healing Waters even more than Healing Stones. It stands alone, so read it as part of the series or not--but I definitely recommend reading it. I know you'll love it.
Once again, the secondary characters truly shine. Sullivan Crisp is back, and this time he's partnering with his old mentor Porphyria (love that name) to deal with his own psychological fallout. In Healing Waters, we learn about the death of his wife and their baby girl, who and what caused it, and how Sullivan will begin to heal. That's a fantastic psychological arc. Porphyria takes it to the next level, leaping off the page with bluntness, humor, and homespun wisdom. The other characters I've mentioned add richness and depth, especially little Bethany. I love the scenes between Bethany and Lucia, as well as how Lucia goes out of her way to give Bethany a normal childhood.
In Healing Stones, Nancy and Stephen dealt with the dangers of legalism. Here, through Sonia, they tackle the pitfalls of "name it and claim it" theology. Sonia and some of her friends buy into this, as well as prosperity gospel, hook, line, and sinker. However, they're not bad people, nor are they one-dimensional. I actually felt sorry for Sonia and wanted to see her work through her own issues so she could embrace the true nature of God. I also loved how the Nashville setting--right in the heart of the Bible Belt--contributed to the story and brought the spiritual issues closer to home. Name it and claim it is not a uniquely Southern philosophy, but we do have a lot of it down here. Bravo to Stephen and Nancy for confronting it, and anyone who might be misled by it, without condemnation.
If it's possible, I loved Healing Waters even more than Healing Stones. It stands alone, so read it as part of the series or not--but I definitely recommend reading it. I know you'll love it.
March 23, 2024
It's been quite a long while since I've devoured a book like I did this one. I enjoyed this book much more than the first, although you could easily read this on its own and not miss out on any crucial details. The story kept me turning pages and unable to put the book down. My only critique is that the author(s) often times make it difficult to know who exactly is speaking and occasionally, what precisely they're speaking about. This occurred in yhe first book as well. It didn't cause too much issues but it does happen enough to notice it. With that said, this book was less of a self help and more of a self discovery for multiple characters. They, the plot and the subject matter were believable and well developed. Although this book touched on the topic of loving yourself regardless of weight, I found it to be more concerned with simply loving yourself and only toeing the line of weight issues. I recommend this book for the lessons but more for the story itself.
September 19, 2018
I want to preface my review by saying that I listened to the audio version of this book.
I almost stopped the book after the first two chapters because I didn't like the female protagonist at all. She is such a complainer and I saw nothing redeeming in her personality.
But, as I tend to do, I gave the book another chapter and then another, hoping for an upturn. The last half of the book saw changes to that character which kept me plugging away. The 3 stars is simply because the final chapters of the book included some nice exciting plot elements.
In all honesty, I wonder if I would have enjoyed the paper version of the book more. I didn't care at all for the reader. Too much melodrama. On the basis of the reader, I'd have given it only 1 star, or maybe none.
I almost stopped the book after the first two chapters because I didn't like the female protagonist at all. She is such a complainer and I saw nothing redeeming in her personality.
But, as I tend to do, I gave the book another chapter and then another, hoping for an upturn. The last half of the book saw changes to that character which kept me plugging away. The 3 stars is simply because the final chapters of the book included some nice exciting plot elements.
In all honesty, I wonder if I would have enjoyed the paper version of the book more. I didn't care at all for the reader. Too much melodrama. On the basis of the reader, I'd have given it only 1 star, or maybe none.
January 9, 2025
I’m not quite sure if I liked this book as much as the first one but it’s just as good! What an amazing story about healing through suffering, even when there are no answers. We can move forward and really live. The writing quality is top notch and the storyline kept me interested. And once again, Nancy Rue surprised me with a twist at the end. I will definitely be reading her next book in this series.
February 25, 2024
I liked this more than expected. Didn't feel so much like religion being forced down my throat like I thought maybe it would after reading the description and more like witnessing the love and kindness that holds people together. Lucia was relatable and it was awesome to watch her growth throughout the book.
May 5, 2017
I really liked this book. I liked the 1st book in the series a little bit better, but this one was still good too. It was a surprise toward the end when I found out who blew up the plane. Wasn't expecting that.
December 1, 2017
There's a boatload of hurt and pain in this book but also much healing, as the title suggests. I loved this book. It's quite different from most of the Christian fiction I've read. I didn't find it to be preachy, which I liked. It's a book I think lots of us can relate to in one way or other.
February 7, 2017
Wow! This is the first book to bring tears to my eyes in a year! This book was not at all what I was expecting, but exactly what I needed.
November 7, 2017
I love this 3 book series! It is one of my go-to books when I am not sure what to read next.
September 11, 2017
Real stories about life and God
June 12, 2018
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The plot moved quickly, the characters were interesting and I could identify with the main character completely.
March 1, 2021
I really enjoyed it.
July 2, 2021
Love this series!!
October 8, 2021
Enjoyed reading the book about two very different sisters.
February 14, 2025
Lots of relevance. Besides that it's a well-written story with sharp characterization, excellent pace, and a surprisingly believable plot.
February 28, 2017
Oh man...another great book! I loved that this book explained more about sully's life before. I felt there was a lot going on in this one tho. A lot of devastating things happened back to back. I did enjoy watching eyes open to who God really is!!
September 17, 2011
"Healing Waters" is a Christian general fiction novel that deals with God's role when it comes to suffering. The characters were complex, varied, and dealt with realistic relationship problems and faith challenges. The suspense mainly came from relationship tensions--Lucia and her husband, Lucia and her sister, etc.--but there was also a mystery as to who was trying to harm Sonia. I was somewhat surprised that the authorities weren't more suspicious of the person who turned out to be "whodunit," so I wasn't surprised by the whodunit.
While the book wasn't "preachy" (except when pointing out the flaws in the "if you just had enough faith...." and "suffering is God's punishment for a sin in your life" belief system), there was a lot of God Talk ("God's going to heal me. I'm expecting a miracle.").
I would agree with Crisp's briefly-stated points about why and how Sonia's belief system wasn't correct (and neither was Lucia's view of God). However, his own stated beliefs about suffering, while sounding profound, left me uncertain as to what he actually believed. Perhaps this will become more clear in the next books in the series since this book makes the point that he's in the process of working through his own questions about suffering.
There were no sex scenes (or anything more intimate than a hug by a husband). There was a minor amount of explicit bad language and some fake bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this well-written, interesting novel.
While the book wasn't "preachy" (except when pointing out the flaws in the "if you just had enough faith...." and "suffering is God's punishment for a sin in your life" belief system), there was a lot of God Talk ("God's going to heal me. I'm expecting a miracle.").
I would agree with Crisp's briefly-stated points about why and how Sonia's belief system wasn't correct (and neither was Lucia's view of God). However, his own stated beliefs about suffering, while sounding profound, left me uncertain as to what he actually believed. Perhaps this will become more clear in the next books in the series since this book makes the point that he's in the process of working through his own questions about suffering.
There were no sex scenes (or anything more intimate than a hug by a husband). There was a minor amount of explicit bad language and some fake bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this well-written, interesting novel.
May 16, 2011
#2 of the Sullivan Crisp novels was entertaining though not as good as Healing Stones. In this one Lucia, who has issues with her weight and husband, walks away from whatever life she has to take care of her sister Sonia and her niece Betheny. Sonia was in a plane crash in which she suffered severe burns including her face. Her eyelids were even burned off. Sonia was a Christian evangelist who was used to people serving her. Those people walk away from her since God obviously has an issue with Sonia to let her go through this. Lucia, who has always served Sonia since they were kids sticks by her side.
Sullivan Crisp, a Christian counselor and friend of Sonia's, tries to help Sonia get through the accident. He finds, however, that he can be of more help to Lucia in dealing with the past she has stuffed down and ignored. It has had huge effects on her life.
A predictable ending but an entertaining read. I like books that bring God into them and address issues so many face.
Sullivan Crisp, a Christian counselor and friend of Sonia's, tries to help Sonia get through the accident. He finds, however, that he can be of more help to Lucia in dealing with the past she has stuffed down and ignored. It has had huge effects on her life.
A predictable ending but an entertaining read. I like books that bring God into them and address issues so many face.
June 19, 2013
This book was both good and very bad. The story was ridiculous and much more elaborate than what was necessary to convey the need for and process of healing in a woman's life. It was far-fetched and felt like a low budget action movie. I longed for a more typical story of a hurting woman that did not involve extremes of a plane crash, an extremely disfiguring & disturbing accident, an FBI investigation, and kidnapping. The ending was not believable and completed the story quickly and in a happy, resolved package. However, the psychology behind what was discussed was sound, the self-talk and self-criticism of the narrating main character I feel is very real in many women, and the therapist's humor seems similar to the co-author, Steve Arterburn, with whom I'm familiar and like through his radio program. I hung in there and finished it for those reasons. The story itself, though, is unnecessarily overdone to the point of absurdity.
November 19, 2013
This book starts out very slowly. I almost quit several times...but having read another book by this authour, Healing Stones, and being so extremely touched by it, I decided to hang on. And I can't tell you how thankful I am.
I learned so much. I prayed as I read. I cheered. I held my breath. I yelled at the characters. To say it was engaging would be the understatement of the year.
I checked this book out from my library through their e-loan program. I have the next book in the Sullivan Crisp series already checked out. I am anticipating more wonderfulness.
I was a counselor for many years. I have a degree. I wish that this series had been part of the curriculum. It could have made a huger impact on my life...and subsequently the lives of others.
I would give it more stars if I could. I know I will give it and recommend it to many.
I learned so much. I prayed as I read. I cheered. I held my breath. I yelled at the characters. To say it was engaging would be the understatement of the year.
I checked this book out from my library through their e-loan program. I have the next book in the Sullivan Crisp series already checked out. I am anticipating more wonderfulness.
I was a counselor for many years. I have a degree. I wish that this series had been part of the curriculum. It could have made a huger impact on my life...and subsequently the lives of others.
I would give it more stars if I could. I know I will give it and recommend it to many.
November 24, 2010
I love Sullivan Crisp and wish he was a real person! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, "Healing Stones", and found this one even more engaging because I could relate more to the main female character and it held more of what I thought was missing from the first book. Lucia is someone who has given up her desires and interests in favor of others all her life, but with her marriage on shaky ground and her televangelist sister needing her more than ever after a devastating airplane crash, will Lucia learn to value herself as a person and dare to explore her own personal needs?
Sully's story continues seamlessly from the first novel. I can't wait to see how he his own healing comes full circle in the final book of this strong trilogy.
Sully's story continues seamlessly from the first novel. I can't wait to see how he his own healing comes full circle in the final book of this strong trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews