Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz

Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz is a haunting tale of sisters, secrets, and the fragile bonds of family.
 
Set in early 20th-century Wisconsin, Drowning Ruth unfolds after a tragic winter accident leaves one sister dead and the other rescued under mysterious circumstances. As the years pass, long-buried secrets rise to the surface, revealing a powerful story of love, jealousy, and survival.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
Atmospheric, character-driven historical fiction
A slow-building mystery layered with emotional depth
Complex female relationships at the heart of the story
Perfect blend of suspense and literary storytelling
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of literary historical fiction
Readers who enjoy family sagas with secrets
Book clubs looking for rich emotional themes
Those who loved novels like The Lovely Bones or The Secret Life of Bees
 
When Mathilda and her sister Amanda venture out onto the frozen lake one winter night, only Amanda returns alive. Rescued by a local farmer, she claims little memory of what happened—but whispers begin to circulate, and suspicion lingers.
 
Years later, Ruth, Amanda’s daughter, grows up in the shadow of that tragedy. As hidden truths gradually emerge, Christina Schwarz crafts a poignant exploration of memory, guilt, and the emotional costs of keeping secrets. Drowning Ruth is richly atmospheric, quietly suspenseful, and deeply moving—a novel that lingers long after the final page.