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Rescue at the Reef

August 4, 2025 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

4 Aug

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Rescue at the Reef cover

Title: Rescue at the Reef
Author: Jameson and Mary Catherine Reeder
Major Themes: Sharks, Disabilities, Injuries, Florida, Diving, Florida Keys, Caribbean
Synopsis: As a family was enjoying diving in the Florida Keys, a bull shark came out of nowhere and attacked their son, nearly killing him and changing the family’s life forever.

Ever since I started reading, I have enjoyed reading people’s stories of their lives. Well-written memoirs are some of my favorite types of books. When I read the description of Rescue at the Reef, it sounded like the kind of book I really enjoy.

Publisher’s description:

A two-week vacation to the Florida Keys meant Mary and Jameson Sr. could share the beauty of their favorite turquoise-blue waters with their four children. On that serene day at Looe Key Reef, their oldest, ten-year-old Jameson Jr., was swimming among the marine life, capturing breathtaking footage of a sea turtle when a massive bull shark attacked.

Nine miles from shore and even farther from a hospital, their son weakening, the Reeders prayed for help—and it came through a miraculous chain of events.

Rescue at the Reef is the true story of a young boy who defied death with an unshakable faith in the power of Jesus to save him. Even in immense suffering, he focused on caring for those around him, so much so that it surprised even hospital staff. His unshakeable peace made an impact on patients and visitors, and his story quickly spread, drawing the attention of strangers and the media.

With reflections on faith, suffering, and the hidden gifts that often go unnoticed, Rescue at the Reef is a living reminder that with God, even the most fearsome challenges can be faced—and conquered. This unforgettable story will leave you on the edge of your seat, inspired by the ripple effects of hope that overcome impossible odds.

My thoughts:

Rescue at the Reef kept my attention from the first page. Throughout this book, Jameson and Mary take turns telling the story of their son, from when the shark attacked him, throughout his time in the hospital with multiple surgeries. Throughout their ordeal, they kept their eyes on the Lord and trusted Him. I found this book inspiring and encouraging.

This story is very personal. Jameson and Mary shared the story of what happened from the perspective of parents whose son nearly died. Being a parent myself, I could feel their pain, and the joy when he recovered. Read this book if you want a true story of God working today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

WARNING: Description of a leg eaten by a shark.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

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Keywords: Caribbean · Christian Non-Fiction · Disabilities · Diving · Florida · Florida Keys · Injuries · Jameson Reeder · Mary Catherine Reeder · Memoirs · North America · Sharks · US History · US History 21st Century

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About Emma Filbrun

Emma Filbrun is a homeschooling mother of eight children. She has been a bookworm since she was taught to read at three years old, and now delights in sharing her finds with her husband, children, and friends. Besides being a reviewer for IgniteLit, she blogs at Lots of Helpers, where she shares tidbits of her life in a busy household and reviews homeschooling curriculum.

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