The Surface of Water - by Cynthia Beach (Paperback)

About the Book

Megachurch pastor Matthew Goodman is tired, focusing on the demands of his work. What he doesn't know about his new assistant Trish Card and her real reason for appearing will dismantle his world. In the #ChurchToo era, this novel invites readers to see life's shadowed edges--isolation, power, and abuse--illumined by the light of truth.

Book Synopsis

Megachurch pastor Matthew Goodman is tired, focusing on the demands of his work. What he doesn't know about his new assistant Trish Card and her real reason for appearing will dismantle his world. In the #ChurchToo era, this novel invites readers to see life's shadowed edges-isolation, power, and abuse-illumined by the light of truth.

Review Quotes

"The Surface of Water is a complex, richly interwoven story exploring the subtle-and not so subtle-allures of power and wealth, and the spiritual corruption that they encourage. As ministries and pastorates lose their way in this novel, the tensions that Cynthia Beach poses become more and more tangible-and recognizable to the modern church that can too easily embrace the contemporary culture it is called to question."

"The Surface of Water is an unflinchingly honest look at 'big' Christianity. Crafted before the recent spate of #ChurchToo scandals, it now reads as a prophetic harbinger of church abuses. It does for hypocrisy in the church what Demon Copperhead did for the opioid crisis."

"The Surface of Water presents a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of Matthew Goodman, pastor of a Chicago megachurch, whose public life is marked by power, adulation, and wealth, while the surface of his inner life is roiled by a troubled relationship with his late father and by a former indiscretion Goodman has kept hidden. With suspense and skill, but also compassion, Beach's novel reveals the damaging consequences when faith is overruled by ego, and desire for justice comes close to revenge. This timely novel deserves a wide reading."

"A poignant tale of power and mercy brought to life by characters we all recognize. Cynthia Beach hasn't only created a modern-day parable that should be read because of its subject matter-it stands on its own as a well-told, compelling story. I can't wait to read her next book."

"A timely examination of the human heart, The Surface of Water explores the complexities of frail faith and fractured family, proving that sometimes even the truth can become watery. Readers won't be disappointed as Beach delivers an emotional story through beautifully lyrical language, presenting characters who stick with us long after the last page is turned."

"Cynthia Beach weaves an intriguing thread of lies, love, and loss in this contemporary, relatable tale. I defy anyone to read the prologue and not be hooked by the premise of this powerful page-turner."

"Good fiction is made up of a million individual threads woven together into an enormous tapestry. The Surface of Water is such a novel. With complexity, careful skill, and nuance, Beach kept me on my toes as she led me through the telling of Pastor Goodman and Trish Card's story, coaxing me along with compelling narrative and fully realized characters. Beach shares a tale about the beauty and ugliness of relationships, the church, and the lives we choose to live."

"I have one complaint about The Surface of Water. Cynthia Beach's novel needs a warning label: Caution: Contents Are Compulsively Addictive. Though I had little time to spare, I could not turn my eyes away from this gaze behind the veil of a megachurch pastor and the affiliated human machinery. But don't think you know what the gaze reveals. Beach surprises at every turn, bringing us a fresh, sweeping, deeply wise exploration of success, fame, and faith."

"Pastor Goodman presents readers with a new archetype for a pastor. The ending is one that I will think about for some time."

"Trust Cynthia Beach to weave a good story, create authentic characters, and challenge the reader to greater wisdom and compassion. I hope to see more stories as honest as this one."

About the Author

Cynthia Beach is a professor of creative writing at Cornerstone University and author of Creative Juices for Writers. She has an MA in journalism from Wheaton College and an MFA in fiction writing from the Northwest Institute of the Literary Arts. She is also a trained spiritual director. Cynthia directs a faith-based writing workshop, Scriptoria, with Gary D. Schmidt. She lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan, on a quiet seven acres with her husband, Dave.