H2O is a beautiful story full of descriptive imagery and eternal truths that came to life all over again as I turned the pages. Full of depth and honesty, you could see the care and craftsmanship that the authors poured into the story over a three-year writing period. This is a master of a novel!

Kate Pepper is the Ice Queen. Highly successful, but also cold and isolated. In everything she does she seeks to remove herself from her past and from needing anyone else. Yet she longs to be known, to have her life touched by someone who cares. Out of the blue she begins having visions when she comes into contact with water. Not realizing at first what sparks the visions, she finds herself collapsing into unconsciousness in various places, such as inside her shower or on the sidewalk during a rainstorm. The visions change everything about how she views herself and the people around her. Desperately searching for answers, Kate begins to hear the call of One who does know her better than she knows herself, One whose touch can heal every part of her troubled heart. But will she embrace Him, or run from Him?

What I loved about this novel was the transformation we see in the way Kate looks at things. In the beginning it seems everything in her life is in shades of grey. Even the cover confirms this monochromatic theme. I think that was why it was so shocking to me when Kate would injure herself and blood would be mentioned: it was something bright and alarming in my mind’s eye. But throughout the story, as Hope begins to make an appearance, other colors are introduced. By the end there’s a brilliant rainbow on your mental palette, and you want to weep at the fullness and beauty of it all. There is a Redeemer who knows your name! He is calling to you to walk with Him and with other people who love Him, in a relationship unlike anything you may have known before. The metamorphosis took my breath away.

To give you any more hints about the plot would spoil your own reading experience. Get yourself to a bookstore or an online retailer and read this one for yourself. Due to some of the subject matter I would not recommend this for young readers, but those with maturity are sure to recognize the deep truths. It will be a treat to your senses, your mind, and your spirit!

(Originally published at ReviewsByErin.LiveJournal.com.)