For “The Echo on The Water,” the second book in her “Sacred Trinity” series, JA Huss’s inner fashionista was front and center as she dressed up Amon Parrish and Rosie Harlow in 19th century and early 20th century fashion interspersed with retro 70s and 80s style.
Set in the Appalachia of West Virginia, in three fictional towns of Disciple, Bishop and Revenant, “The Echo on the Water” is a fictional discourse of a small swatch of Americana. The Revival, which is staged as a period drama wherein the crew, players and even the attendees have to wear a costume, is more of a scripted Broadway show and not a religious experience. The “fun” takes on The Revival do not hide the fact that all the residents/ citizens of Disciple get an income from it the moment they are born. Rather, it explains why everyone in town willingly participates in it, making it a part of their everyday life.
Through the eyes of Amon and Rosie, the story / history of the towns and The Revival are shared. As their love story/ romance progresses, we fall in love with them – their own persona and The Revival persona. It’s almost as if JA Huss is telling us two stories. For her fans like me, it’s not surprising. It is something which we always expect – a twist, a different perspective and a kaleidoscope of characters.
For Amon and Rosie’s romance, it’s a story of second chances. A teenage Mom, Rosie reinvented herself to raise her child Cross who is now 12 years old. She was never shunned in their small town but was an integral part of it. Still Rosie was also scared to give her heart to anyone after being shattered when she was 15.
On the other hand, Amon was the town’s bad boy who joined the Marines to get away but has come back home to start afresh after being dishonorably discharged. Their togetherness was unexpected but made a lot of sense.
Amon Parrish was voiced by Teddy Hamilton while Rosie was voiced by Ava Erickson. Hamilton spoke with a neutral accent but dropped a Southern drawl more often than not. His character Amon worked hard to get rid of his rural West Virginia enunciation when he was in the military. Being back home, he continually reverted without meaning to. This seemingly random drop in the accent is what made Hamilton’s interpretation of Amon one of his best works.
Ava Erickson rocked Rosie Harlow with her sweet Southern accent wherein she volleyed between a stern mom and a twenty-eight-year-old woman in love.
As a longtime reader of JA Huss’s works, “The Echo on the Water” is arguably my favorite. Being a fashion writer, I know that Julie had to do a lot of research to “dress up” Amon and Rosie. To borrow from 2 famous movie reviewers, I give JA Huss two thumbs up and lots of respect. She can give fashionistas a run for their money.
