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Tate Family #1
Through the Waters
1961, Alabama. Cecelia “Sissy” Little thought she had seen the last of Truitt Tate two years ago after he left her cousin at the altar. When he shows up at her door, claiming to be an undercover FBI agent and furthermore, in need of her assistance to play the role as his fiancé, Sissy is less than thrilled. Aside from the fact that Sissy can’t stand Tate, Sissy has worked hard to build a life for her and her nephews in their racially tense town. The last thing she wants is for Tate to come and upset things.
Truitt Tate hasn’t always been a gentleman, but he has changed, starting from the moment he first met Sissy Little. He comes to Alabama on assignment for business, but hopes to make it personal.
As Tate becomes immersed in the Civil Rights movement and Sissy is forced to face old fears and secrets, will they find out that they have much more in common than they ever thought?
Truitt Tate hasn’t always been a gentleman, but he has changed, starting from the moment he first met Sissy Little. He comes to Alabama on assignment for business, but hopes to make it personal.
As Tate becomes immersed in the Civil Rights movement and Sissy is forced to face old fears and secrets, will they find out that they have much more in common than they ever thought?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2015
132 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Embassie Susberry
23 books89 followersI still remember the exact day I fell in love with reading. It was nighttime and raining. Mom and Dad had already sent me and my sister to bed. But I couldn't sleep. We didn't have cable (and I'm pretty sure the parents wouldn't allow it) and cartoons were over for the day. I remember turning on the light, looking across the room at my snoring sister and then at my bookcase filled with books. I wasn't a reader at the time, but my mother was. She was constantly buying me something. I walked over to the bookshelf and pulled my newest book off the shelf and just began to read. For the first time, I learned what it was to leave my room and go someplace else; to care about imaginary people so much, I had to turn the next page; to get so caught up in a story, hours flew by. And it is that exact feeling that I want so much to create in my readers. Enjoyment, entertainment, and feeling blessed.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 10, 2016
Author Embassie Susberry weaves a brilliant tale of faith, family, love, and forgiveness. Sissy and Tate’s story takes you south during a time when evil reigned and fear kept good people from doing the right things. Plan on having a few sleepless nights as Ms. Susberry’s fast pace writing will keep you turning the pages. A master storyteller. Well done, Embassie Susberry!
March 13, 2025
I've been excited to read this one since last fall, and I'm glad I finally did! I first heard about this series, and Embassie Susberry herself, last autumn. At the time I couldn't find much about her or the series either one, and when I finally got an opportunity to read it I still didn't know much, but from the opening pages I could tell I was going to love the writing style and quickly found myself loving the characters as well.
Whew, Sissy! She's an interesting character, and my has she gotten herself in a pickle this time. I loved reading about their life and seeing unfolding. Each of these characters were varied and complex, and I enjoyed the wide variety of personalities and backgrounds that they brought to the story.
During this time of segregation and prejudices tensions run high, and this paints a vivid backdrop in Sissy's story. Broken friendships, painful pasts, and relationship woes open the story, and Embassie Susberry has taken all the broken pieces and painted a colorful and emotional story that pulls at the heart. I loved seeing how the friends learned to work together here. As much as I loved seeing Tate's faith, Red Boy kind of stole the show for me, haha. It's common for one of the side-characters to win me over, but I honestly think he is the unsung hero here, and I loved it! Which I definitely didn't expect when I started this one, but there you have it. :D
Official Rating: 4.5/5
Mentions:
Wiz*rd of Oz
Malcom X
Whew, Sissy! She's an interesting character, and my has she gotten herself in a pickle this time. I loved reading about their life and seeing unfolding. Each of these characters were varied and complex, and I enjoyed the wide variety of personalities and backgrounds that they brought to the story.
During this time of segregation and prejudices tensions run high, and this paints a vivid backdrop in Sissy's story. Broken friendships, painful pasts, and relationship woes open the story, and Embassie Susberry has taken all the broken pieces and painted a colorful and emotional story that pulls at the heart. I loved seeing how the friends learned to work together here. As much as I loved seeing Tate's faith, Red Boy kind of stole the show for me, haha. It's common for one of the side-characters to win me over, but I honestly think he is the unsung hero here, and I loved it! Which I definitely didn't expect when I started this one, but there you have it. :D
Official Rating: 4.5/5
Mentions:
Wiz*rd of Oz
Malcom X
July 8, 2025
I enjoyed this book! I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
September 18, 2019
This light in the darkness early civil rights novel is delightfully presented in first person, drawing in the reader from the very beginning. Despite being orphaned via KKK tactics, Sissy Little becomes a teacher and surrogate mother to her two nephews. Her brother brings home an undercover agent who once was her cousin's beau, but has always liked Sissy and desires to crack a local murder case of a FBI informer. This turns Sissy's predictable existence upside down when asked to assist, soon becoming the victim of scorn, racial tensions, and complicated emotions. This fascinating story weaves the events of the times with the culture portraying their spiritual faith, amidst an impeccably presented dialect of the era into a spell-binding experience.
January 31, 2019
Loved It!!
I just discovered this author yesterday and I am enamored with her style of writing. It is so vivid and wonderful! A constant reminder that God never fails and there are both good and bad people of all races. Do yourself a favor and buy this book!!!
I just discovered this author yesterday and I am enamored with her style of writing. It is so vivid and wonderful! A constant reminder that God never fails and there are both good and bad people of all races. Do yourself a favor and buy this book!!!
June 9, 2024
A heart-warming tale that amplifies the importance of family, love, and faith, Through the Waters by Embassie Susberry pulsates its brilliance into the chambers of the heart of the reader. Endearing characters and an inspiring plot make for a riveting novel.
“Sometimes, honey, we just have to believe God is good even when it really doesn’t seem like it. Even when things in life seem to fight that” (Tate, Through the Waters).
Set in 1961 in the fictional town of Tahatchee, Alabama, Through the Waters is told in first person narrative and centers on Cecelia ‘Sissy’ Little, who is also the point of view in the story. A well-educated local schoolteacher and innately integral woman, Sissy is presented with an implausible proposition by her brother Raymond, to marry his friend and work partner, Truitt Tate. The marriage is proposed to be used as a ploy to obtain significant information regarding a local brutal crime. Both Raymond and Tate are undercover FBI agents assigned to obtain substantial evidence concerning the crime. Sissy is stunned by the offer; due to the brewing resentment she holds towards Tate, who is her cousin’s handsome ex-fiancé. She presumes that he abruptly ended the relationship with her cousin a few years ago and abandoned her with a broken heart. Her decision is made with great risk, as it will profoundly impact their personal lives, faith, and reputations.
Author Embassie Susberry masterfully creates admirable characters, that effortlessly allows the reader to become invested in the story and series. Through the Waters is book one in the four book ‘Tate Family’ series. Set during the Civil Rights Movement in the South, Susberry proficiently depicts the Black cultural lifestyles during that period, which makes the story read authentically. It was a delight to see multiple characters who were believers in Christ, and exhibited their faith through prayers, Bible reading, and frequent church involvement. Ultimately, Susberry is an excellent writer who creates sublime stories. If you are interested in reading a page-turning novel, that illustrates community, a budding romance, and resilient faith, I highly recommend this.
“Sometimes, honey, we just have to believe God is good even when it really doesn’t seem like it. Even when things in life seem to fight that” (Tate, Through the Waters).
Set in 1961 in the fictional town of Tahatchee, Alabama, Through the Waters is told in first person narrative and centers on Cecelia ‘Sissy’ Little, who is also the point of view in the story. A well-educated local schoolteacher and innately integral woman, Sissy is presented with an implausible proposition by her brother Raymond, to marry his friend and work partner, Truitt Tate. The marriage is proposed to be used as a ploy to obtain significant information regarding a local brutal crime. Both Raymond and Tate are undercover FBI agents assigned to obtain substantial evidence concerning the crime. Sissy is stunned by the offer; due to the brewing resentment she holds towards Tate, who is her cousin’s handsome ex-fiancé. She presumes that he abruptly ended the relationship with her cousin a few years ago and abandoned her with a broken heart. Her decision is made with great risk, as it will profoundly impact their personal lives, faith, and reputations.
Author Embassie Susberry masterfully creates admirable characters, that effortlessly allows the reader to become invested in the story and series. Through the Waters is book one in the four book ‘Tate Family’ series. Set during the Civil Rights Movement in the South, Susberry proficiently depicts the Black cultural lifestyles during that period, which makes the story read authentically. It was a delight to see multiple characters who were believers in Christ, and exhibited their faith through prayers, Bible reading, and frequent church involvement. Ultimately, Susberry is an excellent writer who creates sublime stories. If you are interested in reading a page-turning novel, that illustrates community, a budding romance, and resilient faith, I highly recommend this.
July 12, 2018
Great book!
I didn't know what to expect from this book but it was a very nice surprise. It has everything that I like in a book: romamce, mistery, history and a great message of faith. Loved Sissy and Tate and how their relationship developed. Even if usually 1st person point of view is not my favorite, I couldn't put this book down. I'm looking forward to reading others book by this author
I didn't know what to expect from this book but it was a very nice surprise. It has everything that I like in a book: romamce, mistery, history and a great message of faith. Loved Sissy and Tate and how their relationship developed. Even if usually 1st person point of view is not my favorite, I couldn't put this book down. I'm looking forward to reading others book by this author
October 28, 2022
#Love Embassie Susberry Books
I truly enjoyed the book. Reading Ms Embassie books on enslaved during the 1800 was very informative. TheTate series is during my childhood. Lots in the story during the 1950s I recall. The Emit Till murder I recall hearing about and reading in the Jet Magazine. I highly recommend reading Me Embassie's books. Especially if you like to kick back and read a good book.
I truly enjoyed the book. Reading Ms Embassie books on enslaved during the 1800 was very informative. TheTate series is during my childhood. Lots in the story during the 1950s I recall. The Emit Till murder I recall hearing about and reading in the Jet Magazine. I highly recommend reading Me Embassie's books. Especially if you like to kick back and read a good book.
September 29, 2019
God's Love
God answers prayers is a way of summing up this book for me. Written during the time of racial tension, when blacks worked for white homeowners, KKK hangings, freedom riders, Dr. King, and the civil rights movement, this love story evolves and shows how prayer changes things and people while showing the struggle.
God answers prayers is a way of summing up this book for me. Written during the time of racial tension, when blacks worked for white homeowners, KKK hangings, freedom riders, Dr. King, and the civil rights movement, this love story evolves and shows how prayer changes things and people while showing the struggle.
July 7, 2020
Another series I'm sure I'll enjoy.
After gobbling up the Salis Plantation series by this author, I decided to give this one a try. I'm glad that I did. A different setting, but still lots of trouble, adventure and sweet romance to uncover. This was well written and very enjoyable.
After gobbling up the Salis Plantation series by this author, I decided to give this one a try. I'm glad that I did. A different setting, but still lots of trouble, adventure and sweet romance to uncover. This was well written and very enjoyable.
July 16, 2020
Good Stuff
This was a homerun right out the park. The writer gives us a story that slowly builds like a steam engine. This was not only a really enjoyable story but there are so many subjects that touch on the truth of the times. I loved the relationship between Sissy and Tate,.it's one that grows into not only a sweet friendship but a mural love. Just a good way to some time.
This was a homerun right out the park. The writer gives us a story that slowly builds like a steam engine. This was not only a really enjoyable story but there are so many subjects that touch on the truth of the times. I loved the relationship between Sissy and Tate,.it's one that grows into not only a sweet friendship but a mural love. Just a good way to some time.
May 22, 2025
Can't Stop Reading These Books!
I know better than to start out being skeptical about a book written by Embassie Sudberry, thinking that there's got to be one that doesn't hold my interest. After probably reading eight of them, I still find it hard to put them down!
Keep them coming!
I know better than to start out being skeptical about a book written by Embassie Sudberry, thinking that there's got to be one that doesn't hold my interest. After probably reading eight of them, I still find it hard to put them down!
Keep them coming!
February 2, 2019
A VERY GOOD READ I JUST FOUND THE SERIES AND LOVING IT ... NO MATTER THE TIMES FAITH PLAYS A HUGE PART OF OUR LYFE.. SISSY, HER FRIENDS AND TATE STOOD ON FAITH IT WAS NICE SEEING THINGS UNFOLD BAQ IN THE SOUTH FOR THE GOOD...
October 29, 2019
Good Read!
I enjoyed the book, It was a little unbelievable at first about a marrage to a person you once hated. But the story came together and kept me wanting to read more! Love those that put God first!
I enjoyed the book, It was a little unbelievable at first about a marrage to a person you once hated. But the story came together and kept me wanting to read more! Love those that put God first!
August 3, 2020
Better by Far Than ‘The Help’
Such an interesting and refreshing view of the civil rights movement from the inside and from a Christian perspective. Great characters, great story, great romance.
Such an interesting and refreshing view of the civil rights movement from the inside and from a Christian perspective. Great characters, great story, great romance.
August 17, 2020
Nice Book Based in the 1960's.
This is a Great book to read. Based on the 1960's Civil Rights Era. I gave it a four Star Rating because I was left wanting more and felt that the Story should have been Stretched Out a just tad bit more.
This is a Great book to read. Based on the 1960's Civil Rights Era. I gave it a four Star Rating because I was left wanting more and felt that the Story should have been Stretched Out a just tad bit more.
November 2, 2020
African American history meets Mystery meets Romance
Read the Salis Plantation books. I loved them and they led me here. I love mix of the genres and how well the characters seem real. The fact that Religion is also a overriding theme is the best aspect of all. Loved the books.
Read the Salis Plantation books. I loved them and they led me here. I love mix of the genres and how well the characters seem real. The fact that Religion is also a overriding theme is the best aspect of all. Loved the books.
May 15, 2022
Enjoyed it!
This was my first read of Embassie Susberry and I have to say that I loved it! From beginning to end I was enthralled. I love the characters and how everything resolved in the end! I am looking forward to the next book! Thoroughly enjoyed this read!
This was my first read of Embassie Susberry and I have to say that I loved it! From beginning to end I was enthralled. I love the characters and how everything resolved in the end! I am looking forward to the next book! Thoroughly enjoyed this read!
November 10, 2019
Good
This is the start of a series that shows how bad things were in some states in the South in the 1960's.
This is the start of a series that shows how bad things were in some states in the South in the 1960's.
March 14, 2020
Love all of Embassie’s books!
This book did not disappoint. I loved the characters, the plots, the twists, and the real-life stories for each character. My favorite read is African-American historical fiction that includes love stories.
This book did not disappoint. I loved the characters, the plots, the twists, and the real-life stories for each character. My favorite read is African-American historical fiction that includes love stories.
April 20, 2020
Love your story very exciting. Keep up the good work.
Loved you story very exciting. Keep up the good work. Your story just seemed to come to life me. Can't wait to start book two.
Loved you story very exciting. Keep up the good work. Your story just seemed to come to life me. Can't wait to start book two.
October 4, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this story. I really liked sissy and Tate. I know it was hard for her to be with him soo soon. But I’m ready to see what’s next for the Tate family
I enjoyed this story. I really liked sissy and Tate. I know it was hard for her to be with him soo soon. But I’m ready to see what’s next for the Tate family
June 1, 2022
Through the Waters (Tate Family book 1)
I like the fact that Sissy was a strong woman with a good heart. She also was educated and didn't like gossip.
I like the fact that Sissy was a strong woman with a good heart. She also was educated and didn't like gossip.
December 31, 2022
loved it!
I loved this story! The historical contents , love story, forgiveness and of course GOD being so present was perfect
I loved this story! The historical contents , love story, forgiveness and of course GOD being so present was perfect
May 18, 2023
a clean page-turner!
Loved the characters, loved the storyline. It’s refreshing to read something good that doesn’t have inappropriate images or profane language.
Loved the characters, loved the storyline. It’s refreshing to read something good that doesn’t have inappropriate images or profane language.
September 30, 2024
a refreshing and heartfelt story
This book is a definite most read for anyone who enjoys good Christian historical literature. Can not wait to read the next book in the series
This book is a definite most read for anyone who enjoys good Christian historical literature. Can not wait to read the next book in the series
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews