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Waters Fall
Jake doesn’t remember what it means to be a champion. Nora doesn’t know how much longer she can tread water before she goes under.
Their fairytale marriage is hurtling toward a tragic end.
Then Tristan sweeps in—all feelings and fire and freedom—and Nora is carried out to where the waters flow fast and deep. Nora knows she’s risking far more than just her heart….
When it all comes crashing down, Jake and Nora are left standing amidst the ruins of everything they’ve built together. Will they walk away, or stay and fight for their happily-ever-after?
WATERS FALL - The anatomy of an affair. The price of forgiveness. The terrible beauty of grace.
Note: WATERS FALL is a novel written from a Christian worldview.
Their fairytale marriage is hurtling toward a tragic end.
Then Tristan sweeps in—all feelings and fire and freedom—and Nora is carried out to where the waters flow fast and deep. Nora knows she’s risking far more than just her heart….
When it all comes crashing down, Jake and Nora are left standing amidst the ruins of everything they’ve built together. Will they walk away, or stay and fight for their happily-ever-after?
WATERS FALL - The anatomy of an affair. The price of forgiveness. The terrible beauty of grace.
Note: WATERS FALL is a novel written from a Christian worldview.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2014
30 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Becky Doughty
101 books215 followersBecky writes heartfelt and wholesome contemporary commercial fiction filled with friendship, romance, humor, a touch of mystery, a sprinkling of whimsy, plus a bushel of family drama. And usually a four-legged or winged companion, too. She’s also the voice behind an ever-expanding library of more than 200 audiobooks.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 24, 2014
What a mess!
Oh, no, the novel itself isn't a mess, but the story is, if that makes any sense. Yet, that's how life is sometimes--downright messy--and we, no matter who we are or what belief systems we adhere to, have to find a way to deal with it. In Waters Fall, Becky Doughty handles messy subjects entangled within a crumbling marriage, and she does so with honesty, without sinking into vulgarity.
What I liked most about this novel were the uses of imagery, which began right off the bat. You'd almost expect to feel drops of water sliding down your skin, as though you've been submerged into the story, which is not at all a light read. There were moments of humor, mostly from Jake and Nora's children, but then even that reprieve dwindled away as the story got heavier.
I did empathize some with both Jake and Nora in the beginning, but it wasn't long before I didn't like either of them, as they were soon showing the worst of themselves, again and again. The constant roller coaster, the couple going spitefully back and forth about who was to blame for what. It's like I just wanted to scream out, "Yes! You're both right, and you're both wrong! Don't you see by now that all of the accusations and insults get you, your marriage, and your family absolutely nowhere? Unless 'worse off' is a destination." I might have been just as worn out reading as they were living, but I can't say the roller coaster was unrealistic. That, unfortunately, is often how human beings deal with one another.
It's a mess.
But, thank God, there's hope. If a pendulum swings in one direction, it'll surely swing in the other, on its way to finding the center again, even if you have to hold out a minute for it. I held out for hope with this story, and I first sensed it the best when Nora finally came to the realization of Whom she missed the most.
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love hopes.
_______________
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, no, the novel itself isn't a mess, but the story is, if that makes any sense. Yet, that's how life is sometimes--downright messy--and we, no matter who we are or what belief systems we adhere to, have to find a way to deal with it. In Waters Fall, Becky Doughty handles messy subjects entangled within a crumbling marriage, and she does so with honesty, without sinking into vulgarity.
What I liked most about this novel were the uses of imagery, which began right off the bat. You'd almost expect to feel drops of water sliding down your skin, as though you've been submerged into the story, which is not at all a light read. There were moments of humor, mostly from Jake and Nora's children, but then even that reprieve dwindled away as the story got heavier.
I did empathize some with both Jake and Nora in the beginning, but it wasn't long before I didn't like either of them, as they were soon showing the worst of themselves, again and again. The constant roller coaster, the couple going spitefully back and forth about who was to blame for what. It's like I just wanted to scream out, "Yes! You're both right, and you're both wrong! Don't you see by now that all of the accusations and insults get you, your marriage, and your family absolutely nowhere? Unless 'worse off' is a destination." I might have been just as worn out reading as they were living, but I can't say the roller coaster was unrealistic. That, unfortunately, is often how human beings deal with one another.
It's a mess.
But, thank God, there's hope. If a pendulum swings in one direction, it'll surely swing in the other, on its way to finding the center again, even if you have to hold out a minute for it. I held out for hope with this story, and I first sensed it the best when Nora finally came to the realization of Whom she missed the most.
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love hopes.
_______________
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2020
I enjoy reading Becky's books. Although some of the topics discussed surprised me from a Christian author.They were true to life and happen probably often in our world today. Becky did a great job addressing these sensitive matters. I want to give Becky a ten for the audio reading. Within just a few minutes I totally forgot this was being read by one person. How she can create so many characters and accents just blew me away. I have listened to audio books before. Some I have enjoyed and others not so much. Like I said Becky made this book come alive.
June 17, 2014
Arc provided by Netgalley.
I give Watersfall a five star. This is a very honest and real story of a marriage gone bumpy, of one spouse being drowned in her thoughts and wishes of how she wants her life to be and the other being oblivious to the unspoken words and tension and hostility growing between the two. They prefer to just ignore it hoping it will all disappear or right itself.
The writing was very good and I really could reason and sympathise with both. The advice woven through the book from various sources is Golden...... Completely vital in this day and age where we all have to be honest with each other and communicate our thoughts and minds. On the same note we get carried away with instant gratification and the exterior shiny polished look of so many things that we honestly think what we see is what we get and it's going to be that way forever. Every relationship takes work and in this books are tools which are very helpful. Insightful and hopeful
I give Watersfall a five star. This is a very honest and real story of a marriage gone bumpy, of one spouse being drowned in her thoughts and wishes of how she wants her life to be and the other being oblivious to the unspoken words and tension and hostility growing between the two. They prefer to just ignore it hoping it will all disappear or right itself.
The writing was very good and I really could reason and sympathise with both. The advice woven through the book from various sources is Golden...... Completely vital in this day and age where we all have to be honest with each other and communicate our thoughts and minds. On the same note we get carried away with instant gratification and the exterior shiny polished look of so many things that we honestly think what we see is what we get and it's going to be that way forever. Every relationship takes work and in this books are tools which are very helpful. Insightful and hopeful
June 27, 2014
A beautiful and sad story. About two people 'drowning' themselves and each other in their relationship. I should give it at least 4 stars, but I just didn't like the main character (Nora), which made it more difficult for me to enjoy...
Thank you, Becky Doughty, for sharing this!
Thank you, Becky Doughty, for sharing this!
June 5, 2014
I won this book and it came in yesterday I started reading it right away and I stayed up all night reading it. One of the best books I have ever read. Thanks so much for picking me as a winner
September 14, 2021
This is a hard story about the realities of a marriage that is in the middle of hard times.
True to life, gritty, raw, and real.
Not recommended for the faint of heart.
True to life, gritty, raw, and real.
Not recommended for the faint of heart.
December 6, 2023
An actual 4.5 read
An honest look of unfaithfulness thru a Christian perspective and how thru Christ one can overcome it. In this book they explore a lot of other issues as well. I thought it was a hard read but so worth the read for me. I’m glad the author went we’re she did in this novel. I am glad I read it. I would recommend this book.
An honest look of unfaithfulness thru a Christian perspective and how thru Christ one can overcome it. In this book they explore a lot of other issues as well. I thought it was a hard read but so worth the read for me. I’m glad the author went we’re she did in this novel. I am glad I read it. I would recommend this book.
July 30, 2014
Raw and unflinchingly honest! This is the heartrending story demonstrating the build-up of stress and discontentment between Jake and his wife Nora which devastatingly leads to Nora having an affair, and then powerfully and emotionally exposes the distressing aftermath. ‘Waters Fall’ effortlessly shows how easy it can happen and why it so important to immediately ‘flee’ from temptation. This book allows the reader to ride along on this heartbreaking journey with both Nora and Jake, gaining an enormous depth of understanding and empathy for them both, whilst still mentally berating them! Although with Nora, I could have shaken her in the hopes of dislodging some of that selfishness she carried for so long. The struggles and emotions portrayed are written articulately and with extraordinary insight and depth. The intensity of love, profoundly powerful..
I admit I was a little apprehensive when I first began reading this book as I wasn’t used to such a raw and penetrating story. After just a couple of chapters it became more and more difficult to put down as tears flowed freely, and hope for the survival of this severely hurting but authentic couple, laid a hold of my heart. I have to admit I really didn’t like the use of the word ‘scr..ing’ used, and maybe that’s just me personally hating that word, but I think there are other expressions that could be used. Nora and Jake obviously aren’t going well in their relationship with God, but it’s wonderful to see their honest struggles get real answers of both a faith and practical nature. Overall, I believe this novel is incredible, intense, and very insightful. And it would make a perfect read for anyone even slightly contemplating an affair, as it demonstrates the very likely overwhelming and destructive results to themselves and their partner going down such a path.
I admit I was a little apprehensive when I first began reading this book as I wasn’t used to such a raw and penetrating story. After just a couple of chapters it became more and more difficult to put down as tears flowed freely, and hope for the survival of this severely hurting but authentic couple, laid a hold of my heart. I have to admit I really didn’t like the use of the word ‘scr..ing’ used, and maybe that’s just me personally hating that word, but I think there are other expressions that could be used. Nora and Jake obviously aren’t going well in their relationship with God, but it’s wonderful to see their honest struggles get real answers of both a faith and practical nature. Overall, I believe this novel is incredible, intense, and very insightful. And it would make a perfect read for anyone even slightly contemplating an affair, as it demonstrates the very likely overwhelming and destructive results to themselves and their partner going down such a path.
August 26, 2016
The characters in this book will stick with me for life. Rarely do you find a story of marriage, so truthfully told. Though we can clearly see the main characters' faults, it makes us root for them to find healing in their relationship. Nora's frustrations in marriage are so relatable, as well as Jake's responses to her words and actions. I wish there were more stories on the market like this--stories for married couples who are going through issues they feel they can't voice to others. I felt this story portrayed both the husband and the wife in a very believable manner.
The harsh realities of mistakes in marriage are wrapped tenderly with Doughty's lilting prose, and we know the author took time crafting this novel. Even as truths are laid bare, we see how love can cover a multitude of sins. This book should be a must-read for couples struggling with infidelity.
The harsh realities of mistakes in marriage are wrapped tenderly with Doughty's lilting prose, and we know the author took time crafting this novel. Even as truths are laid bare, we see how love can cover a multitude of sins. This book should be a must-read for couples struggling with infidelity.
June 20, 2014
As a whole the story feels satisfying because at the end love conquers all and that's what my inner romantic wants to read, but the main character keeps bugging me.
May 7, 2014
Becky Doughty tells an amazing story of a marriage that is not perfect.
Nora is a wife who is struggling with her husband who is not "measuring up". Jake is working from home, and taking care of the kids. They struggle like a lot of marriages. When one of them has an affair, it could destroy them. A normal Christian couple, how could this happen? Life happens.
Becky Doughty has written this book for marriages and I think if you are married, you should read this book! Men and women alike!
Nora is a wife who is struggling with her husband who is not "measuring up". Jake is working from home, and taking care of the kids. They struggle like a lot of marriages. When one of them has an affair, it could destroy them. A normal Christian couple, how could this happen? Life happens.
Becky Doughty has written this book for marriages and I think if you are married, you should read this book! Men and women alike!
June 22, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a book on forgiveness, love, struggles in a marriage and affairs. It is a very realistic view of what can happen in a marriage. This is very well written and can be a book for women or men.
This is a book on forgiveness, love, struggles in a marriage and affairs. It is a very realistic view of what can happen in a marriage. This is very well written and can be a book for women or men.
July 9, 2024
Waters Fall was super edgy, risque, raw, and gritty . . . and totally out of my comfort zone. However, I love Becky Doughty's poetically descriptive writing, even when it's emotionally hard to read.
I can't think of a heroine I've disliked more than the selfish, "it's all about me", Nora Anderson. Her handsome, virile husband, Jake, cooks, keeps the house spotless, picks up the kids, prays, reads his Bible, and certainly tries his best to find more work. However, in Nora's eyes he can't do ANYTHING right which leaves their marriage on the cusp of collapse. I can't imagine speaking to my husband as disrespectfully as she does hers. No, he wasn't perfect and made mistakes which he redeemed many years prior.
I rated this four stars because when one of the parties involved has an affair, I felt like the other forgave much too quickly to the point of wanting to be intimate right after he/she finds out. Not realistic IMO. Although this book (as I mentioned earlier) was very much out of my comfort zone, I think couples whose marriages are on the rocks would benefit greatly by reading it. Ms. Doughty certainly did her research on how to save a hopeless, floundering marriage—with great wisdom and spiritual insight!
I can't think of a heroine I've disliked more than the selfish, "it's all about me", Nora Anderson. Her handsome, virile husband, Jake, cooks, keeps the house spotless, picks up the kids, prays, reads his Bible, and certainly tries his best to find more work. However, in Nora's eyes he can't do ANYTHING right which leaves their marriage on the cusp of collapse. I can't imagine speaking to my husband as disrespectfully as she does hers. No, he wasn't perfect and made mistakes which he redeemed many years prior.
I rated this four stars because when one of the parties involved has an affair, I felt like the other forgave much too quickly to the point of wanting to be intimate right after he/she finds out. Not realistic IMO. Although this book (as I mentioned earlier) was very much out of my comfort zone, I think couples whose marriages are on the rocks would benefit greatly by reading it. Ms. Doughty certainly did her research on how to save a hopeless, floundering marriage—with great wisdom and spiritual insight!
February 17, 2017
I am not really a person who will read Christian books but I really enjoyed reading this one. Some of the story hit true to my heart. Even though Jake and Nora get off track, they turn to God to try and help them put their family back together. And in my opinion, God should always come first. This is a story of how some marriages do fall apart but also how you can sometimes fix what is broken. A must read.
May 17, 2017
This book gave a great glimpse into the ways that a seemingly "perfect" Christian marriage can spiral downward fast. I found myself relating with the emotions of both of the main characters at various times, and actually gleaned some insight for my own life and marriage. Not a "fun" read, but a good read that really makes you think.
February 11, 2017
Jake is drifting through his marriage, letting his wife do all the heavy lifting. Nora is exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Into this fertile ground comes Tristan, a man who makes Nora feel less like a drudge and more alive than she has in a long time. When it's all over, will anything be left to salvage?
This book did an excellent job of showing just how easy it is to take a path in marriage that no one ever thinks they'll take. Both Jake and Nora made mistakes that were both easy to make and yet hugely detrimental not only to themselves but also to their children. Seeing the consequences of both of their choices laid out in a story like this is so valuable because it shows just how small decisions lead to big sins.
The characters were realistic and relatable, both at times likable and at others unfathomable. The plot was all too familiar, but well handled, showing the consequences of sin without glorifying it. Spiritually the story was very real. The diagnosis of Spiritual drift was spot on and while forgiveness can be given, there was no easy answer given, no quick fix offered.
A raw and real story of a marriage in turmoil and the grace that can redeem all things. Highly recommended.
This book did an excellent job of showing just how easy it is to take a path in marriage that no one ever thinks they'll take. Both Jake and Nora made mistakes that were both easy to make and yet hugely detrimental not only to themselves but also to their children. Seeing the consequences of both of their choices laid out in a story like this is so valuable because it shows just how small decisions lead to big sins.
The characters were realistic and relatable, both at times likable and at others unfathomable. The plot was all too familiar, but well handled, showing the consequences of sin without glorifying it. Spiritually the story was very real. The diagnosis of Spiritual drift was spot on and while forgiveness can be given, there was no easy answer given, no quick fix offered.
A raw and real story of a marriage in turmoil and the grace that can redeem all things. Highly recommended.
July 5, 2023
Can't give it more than 1. A whore who literally blamed her husband for her affair until almost the end of the book. I thought of adding another 1 for her brief remorse, but then again in the end, it was almost all about his faults, so 1 star it is.
August 4, 2014
I’ll be honest, at first the cover gave me pause, it seemed a bit risky for a Christian book but I moved past that and read the back cover and knew this was a book I had to read.
Becky did a great job of showing what a slow fade the destruction of marriage can go under. It can just sneak up on you. You think you are just entertaining thoughts that won’t hurt anyone but temptation gives birth to sin and sin to death.
This is what happens to Nora, she stumbles across Tristan and he blossoms under the light of his gaze. She feels things she hasn’t felt in a long time. She runs the first time and her counselor’s words echo in her head. But she stops meeting with her counselor and the truth gets drowned out by the lies of the enemy.
This book was so real. I know I have felt many times that I have prayed and prayed for change but don’t see God moving. I start to question what’s He doing, why doesn’t He answer, is He even listening?
Yet, this book is full of hope and God’s redeeming love, a love only He can give.
If you’re looking for a good women’s fiction book that touches on a tough subject then I highly recommend this book.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Becky did a great job of showing what a slow fade the destruction of marriage can go under. It can just sneak up on you. You think you are just entertaining thoughts that won’t hurt anyone but temptation gives birth to sin and sin to death.
This is what happens to Nora, she stumbles across Tristan and he blossoms under the light of his gaze. She feels things she hasn’t felt in a long time. She runs the first time and her counselor’s words echo in her head. But she stops meeting with her counselor and the truth gets drowned out by the lies of the enemy.
This book was so real. I know I have felt many times that I have prayed and prayed for change but don’t see God moving. I start to question what’s He doing, why doesn’t He answer, is He even listening?
Yet, this book is full of hope and God’s redeeming love, a love only He can give.
If you’re looking for a good women’s fiction book that touches on a tough subject then I highly recommend this book.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2014
A crumbling marriage... a wife dreams of how it should be...a husband that's oblivious to the problem. One of them has an affair and the other wonders how this could've happened. Where was God in this marriage? An insightful, real, heartbreaking story of struggling to repair their relationship. Wonderfully written, intense. It kept me reading into the night.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2016
Reading about a marriage in trouble is hard to do. It brought forth emotions in me that I didn't expect. The well-rounded characters were flawed, as we all are. Leaving God out of marriage problems only leads to more problems. But I like how Becky Doughty writes and narrates her book with real truth and emotion. I look forward to listening to more of her books.
I received this audio book in exchange for an honest an unbiased review.
I received this audio book in exchange for an honest an unbiased review.
November 8, 2014
I really liked this story. It was about muni platoon, dishonor, distrust, affairs... But it was also about love, unconditional love, forgiveness, God, family. Throughout the whole book the main character drove me crazy, she was annoying, mean, not fair.... Then I realized there was more to it than just her.... Her husband had faults as well... Great story
January 3, 2015
The writing, the unflinching honesty, the flawed characters make this book worth reading. I knew going in that I wouldn't like the characters. But they were real not perfect. The subject of the plot is one not usually dealt with in such a moving and realistic way. You care for these characters and want to see them make the right choices but know they will falter and stumble.
March 11, 2016
Very good!
Jake and Nora were real people with real problems. Each had their own issues to work through. This was refreshing because it dealt with real life and how, by trusting God, all things are possible. I will be reading more from Becky Doughty and will read this book again.
Jake and Nora were real people with real problems. Each had their own issues to work through. This was refreshing because it dealt with real life and how, by trusting God, all things are possible. I will be reading more from Becky Doughty and will read this book again.
December 23, 2016
A fabulous story of redemption. Doughty pulls you under the water fall with Nora to the point that you feel you are drowning with her, so that when you finally come up for air you see the world with new eyes. Beautifully written and developef.
July 30, 2014
Waters Fall was interesting book to read. A good story to read about a couple's struggles and learning how to love again - with or without each other. Good read.
4 stars.
4 stars.
February 4, 2017
Loved it! I could not put it down! Definitely a good read!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews