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When the Rivers Swell
Fans of dual perspective books will love this Christian historical fiction novel about the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt.
RIVERS OF BLOOD. HORDES OF FROGS. THE WRATH OF GOD ON EARTH.
Hannah has lived her life as a farmer’s daughter in Ancient Egypt, taught by her Hebrew parents to fear the Egyptians. She soon finds herself mixed up with a dangerous group of rebels fighting to free her people from slavery.
Meanwhile, Anipe’s wealthy, Egyptian family has just moved to Pi-Ramesses, unaware of the growing upheaval. Things go from bad to worse when a mysterious man named Moses arrives from the desert and calls down a series of deadly plagues.
After the girls meet, they must decide if their budding and unlikely friendship will end in disaster or be their salvation.
RIVERS OF BLOOD. HORDES OF FROGS. THE WRATH OF GOD ON EARTH.
Hannah has lived her life as a farmer’s daughter in Ancient Egypt, taught by her Hebrew parents to fear the Egyptians. She soon finds herself mixed up with a dangerous group of rebels fighting to free her people from slavery.
Meanwhile, Anipe’s wealthy, Egyptian family has just moved to Pi-Ramesses, unaware of the growing upheaval. Things go from bad to worse when a mysterious man named Moses arrives from the desert and calls down a series of deadly plagues.
After the girls meet, they must decide if their budding and unlikely friendship will end in disaster or be their salvation.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2023
529 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Sierra A. Elliott
4 books79 followersChristian fiction author of When the Rivers Swell, #1 New Release in Religious Biblical Fiction. Her passion for God’s Word as well as art, animals, and nature are all weaved into her stories. Currently, she writes full-time from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband, Kyle, and dog, Rudy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 29, 2023
I was sent this arc in exchange for an honest review.
My official rating for this book is 3.5 stars
Elliott’s writing is clean and considerate of the time and the culture. I can tell through the story that she has done a lot of research to accurately represent the struggles and life of each family. While I appreciated that aspect, it made the story, at times, read like a history book. At times the dialogue also feels a little box-ey.
I loved the parallel stories and I’ve always had a tender heart thinking of Egyptian families that were swarmed by plagues. This story does a really great job at fleshing out what you might think those families were going through at that time. Anipe, for me, was a more compelling character and found myself emotionally connecting with her.
My only real struggles in this book was how the Hebrews were portrayed as a united and faithful people. In some ways I think the story missed the overarching theme of the gospel, not that the people were faithful to God, but that God is faithful, despite his people’s adultery. However, I am grateful that Elliott had some of the Hebrew characters stumble and sin against other characters, and having them ask for forgiveness, not making them “perfect”.
As a debut novel I enjoyed this, and if any young women ask for biblical fiction recs this is on my list.
My official rating for this book is 3.5 stars
Elliott’s writing is clean and considerate of the time and the culture. I can tell through the story that she has done a lot of research to accurately represent the struggles and life of each family. While I appreciated that aspect, it made the story, at times, read like a history book. At times the dialogue also feels a little box-ey.
I loved the parallel stories and I’ve always had a tender heart thinking of Egyptian families that were swarmed by plagues. This story does a really great job at fleshing out what you might think those families were going through at that time. Anipe, for me, was a more compelling character and found myself emotionally connecting with her.
My only real struggles in this book was how the Hebrews were portrayed as a united and faithful people. In some ways I think the story missed the overarching theme of the gospel, not that the people were faithful to God, but that God is faithful, despite his people’s adultery. However, I am grateful that Elliott had some of the Hebrew characters stumble and sin against other characters, and having them ask for forgiveness, not making them “perfect”.
As a debut novel I enjoyed this, and if any young women ask for biblical fiction recs this is on my list.
January 27, 2023
When the Rivers Swell is a beautiful story of the events leading up to the Exodus as told from the perspectives of Hebrew Hannah and Egyptian Anipe. From the clothes they wear to the beliefs they hold, the young girls couldn’t be more different. Both Anipe and Hannah’s faith is tested when plagues take hold of Pi-Ramesses and their lives begin to intertwine. Sierra Elliott’s writing allows the reader to witness the love of God for all of His people and experience the story of the Israelite Exodus as never before.
August 28, 2023
Incredible Story
Wow. This book is a must read.
The author does an amazing job at immersing you into Egypt at the time of Exodus. It’s evident that lots of research went into creating this book. I loved seeing the plagues from the perspectives of not only the Hebrews, but also the Egyptians. A lot of questions the characters had about who God is and why He would let such terrible things happen were very relatable. The author highlights the goodness of God, his faithfulness, and his sovereignty in the midst of circumstances we don’t understand.
The threads of redemption weaved into this story will draw you closer to the Lord and overwhelm you with thanksgiving at His goodness throughout history.
I pray that this book reaches many people and encourage them as it as done for me.
I look forward to what’s to come in the future from Sierra!
Wow. This book is a must read.
The author does an amazing job at immersing you into Egypt at the time of Exodus. It’s evident that lots of research went into creating this book. I loved seeing the plagues from the perspectives of not only the Hebrews, but also the Egyptians. A lot of questions the characters had about who God is and why He would let such terrible things happen were very relatable. The author highlights the goodness of God, his faithfulness, and his sovereignty in the midst of circumstances we don’t understand.
The threads of redemption weaved into this story will draw you closer to the Lord and overwhelm you with thanksgiving at His goodness throughout history.
I pray that this book reaches many people and encourage them as it as done for me.
I look forward to what’s to come in the future from Sierra!
October 12, 2023
I love biblical historical fiction because it reminds us that the people in the narratives of Scripture were real. Sierra's story of a young Egyptian girl and a young Hebrew girl during the time of the plagues and exodus also reminded me that there were droves of people not specifically named in Scripture, and yet their stories are as precious to God as my own.
Anipe and Hannah's parallel experiences also remind me that we can experience the same time in history and process it very differently. These girls shared traits like loyalty, grief, betrayal, and forgiveness.
I loved how Sierra portrayed the cultures in a way that added historical context for my imagination as I returned to Scripture. I also liked thinking of how probable it is that there were "factions" of the Hebrew people who thought Moses' way was not necessarily God's way.
Both Hannah and Anipe experienced the voice of God. Both filtered His voice through a worldview that was shaped by their upbringing. And they both got it wrong in some ways. What a wonderful reminder that God still speaks, even though we might get it wrong.
My favorite line was from a dream Anipe had where she met Yahweh. "He met her where she was. He taught her. He was like a father and a friend." This has been my experience with the Lord as well.
I was pulled out of the story at times when the girls reacted/reasoned more like adults than the young girls they are. But overall, I recommend this delightful read.
Anipe and Hannah's parallel experiences also remind me that we can experience the same time in history and process it very differently. These girls shared traits like loyalty, grief, betrayal, and forgiveness.
I loved how Sierra portrayed the cultures in a way that added historical context for my imagination as I returned to Scripture. I also liked thinking of how probable it is that there were "factions" of the Hebrew people who thought Moses' way was not necessarily God's way.
Both Hannah and Anipe experienced the voice of God. Both filtered His voice through a worldview that was shaped by their upbringing. And they both got it wrong in some ways. What a wonderful reminder that God still speaks, even though we might get it wrong.
My favorite line was from a dream Anipe had where she met Yahweh. "He met her where she was. He taught her. He was like a father and a friend." This has been my experience with the Lord as well.
I was pulled out of the story at times when the girls reacted/reasoned more like adults than the young girls they are. But overall, I recommend this delightful read.
January 24, 2023
This is a beautifully written story of two young girls during the time of The Book of Exodus. I love that it told two individual stories and how they intertwined during the harsh times and big choices they were facing. Highly recommend!
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January 31, 2023I felt God’s presence so strongly reading this book. I admire and look up to the author for writing this and following God’s lead. I dream of writing my own books one day and this was so inspiring and encouraging to read. I know God is going to use this book in AMAZING ways! 10/10 would recommend
February 7, 2023
I loved this book!! Such a fun and interesting read. Even though it is fiction, I feel like I learned so much! Elliott has a great way of making the words flow and grabbing your attention so you are excited to find out what happens next! Definitely recommend!!⭐️
October 21, 2023
My Musings
What an outstanding story with incredible characters. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. I loved the plot and the message. A very grateful reader!
What an outstanding story with incredible characters. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. I loved the plot and the message. A very grateful reader!
December 28, 2024
This was an interesting read. I’ve read others about the plagues in Egypt that I liked better.
February 15, 2024
A story of the Hebrews enslaved in Goshen when Moses is announcing God's conditions for lifting the plagues to Pharoah.
A young Hebrew woman works as a nurse for a well off Egyptian family. She does her best to share her faith, but will it be enough that they will believe God and follow the Hebrews out of Egypt after Passover? Will it be enough to show them the futility of the Egyptian religion?
Beginning with the plague of bloody water and ending with the exodus after Passover, the book explores the effects of the plagues, how humans mess up God's plans, how He woos us through our hesitation & uncertainty. It does not include the first (and last) chase given by Pharoah's armies after Passsover.
A young Hebrew woman works as a nurse for a well off Egyptian family. She does her best to share her faith, but will it be enough that they will believe God and follow the Hebrews out of Egypt after Passover? Will it be enough to show them the futility of the Egyptian religion?
Beginning with the plague of bloody water and ending with the exodus after Passover, the book explores the effects of the plagues, how humans mess up God's plans, how He woos us through our hesitation & uncertainty. It does not include the first (and last) chase given by Pharoah's armies after Passsover.
September 15, 2023
This is my first biblical fiction book that I’ve read. I loved it! It takes place in during the Exodus in Egypt. The main story is between 2 13 year old girls. One is Hebrew, one is Egyptian. It goes back and forth between their perspectives. It was really fascinating to see what each of their lives could have been like during the plagues of Egypt. And yes Moses does make an appearance amongst the Hebrew people. And there is lots of talk of Moses. I really liked the friendship between the two girls, Anipe and Hannah. Hannah and her cousin Nia tell Anipe about the one true God. The writing is really well done. Overall this is a great book and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 26, 2024
I loved it!
It involved 3 families, during the time of Moses and the plagues in Egypt.
Two of the families were Hebrew, and one was Egyptian.
What was especially compelling for me, was how the plagues,
affected all three families.
In the past, I focused mostly on the interaction between pharoah, Moses and Aaron.
Of course, I knew, that both the Hebrews and the Egyptians,
had to suffer the consequences,
of the head of Egypt's stubborn, and foolish Pharoah.
But this novel deviled deeply into how both populations would have been affected.
Also, the author deep a deep historical study, into the differences of each group's:
lifestyle, morals, religion, dress, etc. etc.
Even better, was how God was able to save many Egyptians,
as well as the Hebrews.
I am looking forward to the next novel in this series.
It involved 3 families, during the time of Moses and the plagues in Egypt.
Two of the families were Hebrew, and one was Egyptian.
What was especially compelling for me, was how the plagues,
affected all three families.
In the past, I focused mostly on the interaction between pharoah, Moses and Aaron.
Of course, I knew, that both the Hebrews and the Egyptians,
had to suffer the consequences,
of the head of Egypt's stubborn, and foolish Pharoah.
But this novel deviled deeply into how both populations would have been affected.
Also, the author deep a deep historical study, into the differences of each group's:
lifestyle, morals, religion, dress, etc. etc.
Even better, was how God was able to save many Egyptians,
as well as the Hebrews.
I am looking forward to the next novel in this series.
March 6, 2023
As a student of the Scriptures and a lover of Jesus, I found this fictional account (based on real events) refreshing and enlightening. It shed new light on stories of old and ignited a passion in me as I was enveloped in the friendship of two girls who would otherwise have an unlikely relationship. It is often when two people have a simple, common goal that God supersedes what we see as “right” or “impossible” and He shows up in miraculous ways that encourage our souls. When The Rivers Swell does just that! It gives the reader insight into the Exodus and inspires her that God is still a God of amazing miracles. Sierra Elliott is a gifted and eloquent author, I’m very much looking forward to her next book!
March 6, 2023
This was my first Christian fiction book, and I must say, it was extremely well written. I have been studying Exodus, the second chapter of the Bible, and this author really transports you to that time. I really enjoyed reading from two different viewpoints during the Exodus from Egypt, one Hebrew and one Egyptian. I also appreciated that it included factual information about the different cultures of that time and how their everyday life looked. I was hooked reading it. Even though I knew the story of the Exodus, this really put everything into context and made me understand things on another level. My 9 year old daughter is reading it now that I’ve finished, and loves it so far too! We are excited to see what this author does next. Well done!!
February 7, 2023
This book grabbed my attention from the first page. I loved that it was a fiction and kept my attention. You can tell the author really did her research to make the events, characters, and their surroundings accurate. It gave me a glimpse into the Egyptian perspective of the plagues and made Exodus come alive in a way that made me continuously want to go back into the Bible. It made a book that can be challenging to read interesting and more memorable for me. I felt like I was in the middle of the book with Anipe and Hannah. I found that after I went back and read the book of Exodus I was able to understand it so much more because of When the River Swells.
June 12, 2023
Biblically sound story that helps you imagine what it would have been like for both groups of people
I'll admit that it started off a little slow with the first couple chapters where you are learning the backgrounds of the two main characters. But once the plot began unfolding, I was sucked right into their world. I absolutely loved the characters. The author does an amazing job at sticking to the biblical facts while building a fictional story. She also does a great job at bringing to light what it would have been like for the Egyptians. Can't wait to read more from this author!!
I'll admit that it started off a little slow with the first couple chapters where you are learning the backgrounds of the two main characters. But once the plot began unfolding, I was sucked right into their world. I absolutely loved the characters. The author does an amazing job at sticking to the biblical facts while building a fictional story. She also does a great job at bringing to light what it would have been like for the Egyptians. Can't wait to read more from this author!!
January 16, 2024
I LOVED the message of this book!!! I cried at the end when Anipe realized how much Yahweh loved her! I also loved the “story behind the story” at the very end. It was maybe a little bit slow for me at the beginning, but I knew there was a lot of character building that needed to happen. Otherwise, I absolutely loved the creativity! Sierra did a beautiful job describing scenes, and I could totally picture what the landscape in the homes looked like! I really appreciate all of the deep studying the author did to bring the story to life. I feel blessed to have read this! Can’t wait for book #2!!!
April 5, 2023
-4.5 stars-
Wow! What an interesting read. This book was rich in history and Hebrew and Egyptian culture! It was very evident the author did her research! I really liked the characters and the faith content as well. The only problem I had with it was the characters spoke more like modern day people than ancient Egyptians and Hebrews. That could have been an active choice, just for me personally, I'd rather have the characters speak a little more like the time period they are in :). Overall, this was a great read and I would definitely recommend!
Wow! What an interesting read. This book was rich in history and Hebrew and Egyptian culture! It was very evident the author did her research! I really liked the characters and the faith content as well. The only problem I had with it was the characters spoke more like modern day people than ancient Egyptians and Hebrews. That could have been an active choice, just for me personally, I'd rather have the characters speak a little more like the time period they are in :). Overall, this was a great read and I would definitely recommend!
March 22, 2023
Fabulous book!
Surprised and delighted by this book. Not sure how I found it but I absolutely love the storyline based on the Bible book of Exodus - which I just read. I always love learning through historical fiction and this was no exception. Everything rang true and biblical and I love that this author didn’t take the liberties that some take in books like this for the benefit of a story. Great read!
Surprised and delighted by this book. Not sure how I found it but I absolutely love the storyline based on the Bible book of Exodus - which I just read. I always love learning through historical fiction and this was no exception. Everything rang true and biblical and I love that this author didn’t take the liberties that some take in books like this for the benefit of a story. Great read!
August 14, 2023
Captivating
A lovely story that depicts the events of the Exodus through the eyes of two young girls. The insights into both Hebrew and Egyptian culture at the time are fascinating. The story is beautifully woven and gives an close-up perspective of how God was at work. It addresses fear, uncertainty and the courageous faith it took to follow his plan. A captivating book with engaging dialogue and depth of faith.
A lovely story that depicts the events of the Exodus through the eyes of two young girls. The insights into both Hebrew and Egyptian culture at the time are fascinating. The story is beautifully woven and gives an close-up perspective of how God was at work. It addresses fear, uncertainty and the courageous faith it took to follow his plan. A captivating book with engaging dialogue and depth of faith.
September 28, 2023
WOW!
Growing up in church, the story of the plagues and God providing a way for the Hebrews to leave Egypt is one I am very familiar with; however, I have never thought about it in such a personal way. I can’t imagine what both the Hebrews and the Egyptians lived through during this time. This book is such a good way to help put things into perspective! I loved reading this book! Thank you for helping this Bible story come even more alive and relevant. Thank you, Sierra!!
Growing up in church, the story of the plagues and God providing a way for the Hebrews to leave Egypt is one I am very familiar with; however, I have never thought about it in such a personal way. I can’t imagine what both the Hebrews and the Egyptians lived through during this time. This book is such a good way to help put things into perspective! I loved reading this book! Thank you for helping this Bible story come even more alive and relevant. Thank you, Sierra!!
February 6, 2023
This book is beautifully written and captures your attention from the very beginning! I love the biblical aspect of the book and it is an excellent option for Christian women who want a fictional story based on biblical events. The characters and scenes are descriptive and give you a clear image in your mind. I highly recommend it!
February 28, 2023
This book held my attention from the beginning! It immerses you in the story of the plagues against Egypt in a way I’ve never heard the story told. I appreciated the well researched pieces of history and culture. It’s an easy read and flows well. It’s definitely geared towards young girls but overall a great story for any age!
March 21, 2023
God conquers the hearts and minds setting the lost free
Should be made into a movie! As the plagues stormed Egyptian and the people of the true God the characters were well written. I sensed that Hannah’s brother noticed the Egyptian heroine and was one of God’s evangels who was making sure she came to faith in God so they could have a future!
Should be made into a movie! As the plagues stormed Egyptian and the people of the true God the characters were well written. I sensed that Hannah’s brother noticed the Egyptian heroine and was one of God’s evangels who was making sure she came to faith in God so they could have a future!
May 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I have read a lot of Biblical fiction about the Exodus, but this one is the first to show what it might have been like for Egyptians during the plagues. This would be a perfect book for pre-teen girls and up. The story of these two young girls, Hannah (Hebrew) and Anipe (Egyptian) and their families was hard to put down.
June 24, 2023
A Must-read for fans of biblical fiction!
What a blessing to find this book! I loved the story from beginning to end. I recently visited Egypt on a Bible study tour and learned a lot about the history of Hebrews in Egypt and she did her research well. Swept up in the story, I had a hard time putting the book down, particularly near end.
What a blessing to find this book! I loved the story from beginning to end. I recently visited Egypt on a Bible study tour and learned a lot about the history of Hebrews in Egypt and she did her research well. Swept up in the story, I had a hard time putting the book down, particularly near end.
September 24, 2023
Fascinating read
I've read books about the Exodus before but never from both the Egyptian and Hebrew perspectives. I loved the main characters and how the same circumstances affected them each so differently. Well written book! I haven't checked if this is a series but I sure hope so
I've read books about the Exodus before but never from both the Egyptian and Hebrew perspectives. I loved the main characters and how the same circumstances affected them each so differently. Well written book! I haven't checked if this is a series but I sure hope so
January 25, 2024
A beautiful story set in the times of Moses freeing God’s People from Egypt. New Christians, people curious about God, baby Christians- I would reccomend this to anyone. It is so beautiful and shows just how good our God is. It also can help you understand more about the time during the Exodus. Loved it.
March 31, 2024
It was hard for me at first when they weren't using references for the scripture they quoted but then remembered, "duh, it wasn't written down like that yet." Very good read, really made you think about what life could have been like for both sides.
May 17, 2023
Time to wake up.
I enjoyed your book as you followed the Bible and it is our living word. You made it very interesting how you weaved the families together. I pray God richly blesses you.
I enjoyed your book as you followed the Bible and it is our living word. You made it very interesting how you weaved the families together. I pray God richly blesses you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews