River's Song by Melody Carlson - REVIEWED

This book will be published in August by Abingdon Press

About the Book:

Following her mother’s funeral, and on the verge of her own midlife crisis, widow Anna Larson returns to the home of her youth to sort out her parents’ belongings, as well as her own turbulent life. Her relationship with her daughter is in shambles, and the tension between Anna and her vicious mother-in-law escalates daily.

Anna's unique family home sits on a picturesque coastal tributary and is filled with years of memories. For the first time since childhood, Anna embraces her native heritage and river roots. But Anna soon learns that more than just her past resides along the banks of the Siuslaw River.

By transforming her old family home into The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna hopes to create a place of healing—a place where guests experience peace, grace, and new beginnings.

Starting with her own family . . .

My Thoughts:

“Forgiveness is the sweet fragrance of violets on the heel that crushed them.” (p. 248)

Anna Larson finally responds to the River’s Call, and she returns to the home of her childhood to take care of her mother’s property after her death. What Anna finds along the banks of the Siuslaw River is a heritage rich in love and friendship, family and devotion. She comes upon these treasures slowly and rather unexpectedly, but as she makes each discovery, she uncovers a part of her own identity that was buried along with her husband years ago.

The reader will have an unexpected experience as well as they follow Anna on her journey. Hazel and Babette are some of the first treasures Anna discovers. Establishing new friendships proves easier and more fulfilling that Anna ever dreamed. As she settles in to life along the river, her heart and mind are free to explore her dreams and longings in a way she has never been free to do before. Anna takes a long look at her past, present and future, and the transformation that begins during that process takes Anna completely by surprise!

When Anna decides to transform her river home into the Shining Waters Inn, it is as though her own life is renewed and refreshed right along with the inn itself. With every coat of paint, new piece of furniture, and a great group of new friends, Anna’s life becomes something new that beckons her to remain in her river home and begin to dream new dreams for the future. Will her daughter chose to be part of her dream?

River’s Song is a new and refreshing addition to Melody Carlson’s work, and readers will find that Carlson is quite adept at writing effectively in many genres. River’s Song is a book that will refresh the reader’s soul. I am happy to recommend it to everyone!

About the Author:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 200 books, including Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon, Limelight, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, Melody is also the author of Homeward, which won a Rita Award. Melody and her husband live in central Oregon.