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River Valley #1
Riversong
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
In an effort to survive an unthinkable predicament, a city girl returns to her small-town roots in this suspense-filled, tissues-required romance by USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
In the wake of her husband's tragic death, Lee is pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a dangerous loan shark willing to do anything to collect. Out of money and options, Lee seeks refuge in the small Oregon town where her mother's dilapidated home sits vacant, as desperate for a fresh start as Lee herself.
With a baby on the way and a living to make, Lee opens a restaurant and begins to rebuild her life. But just as she catches her breath, and the eye of a local musician offering a second chance at love, she finds herself right back in the clutches of the debt collector with more to lose than ever.
In an effort to survive an unthinkable predicament, a city girl returns to her small-town roots in this suspense-filled, tissues-required romance by USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
In the wake of her husband's tragic death, Lee is pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a dangerous loan shark willing to do anything to collect. Out of money and options, Lee seeks refuge in the small Oregon town where her mother's dilapidated home sits vacant, as desperate for a fresh start as Lee herself.
With a baby on the way and a living to make, Lee opens a restaurant and begins to rebuild her life. But just as she catches her breath, and the eye of a local musician offering a second chance at love, she finds herself right back in the clutches of the debt collector with more to lose than ever.
Paperback
First published March 30, 2011
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About the author
Tess Thompson
119 books1,732 followersTess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
July 24, 2011
I was hoping for a story similiar to Home is Where the Heart is or Whistlestop Cafe and instead got an unbelievebale plot - the mafia wants her to payback her dead husband's million dollar loan for a start-up computer company but can't figure out that she might have fled to her home town? With no restuarant experience - she opens a fine dining restaurant in a destitute Oregon town and saves the town by becoming a tourist draw? Maybe I am just too cyncial to enjoy what was meant to be sweet story of hope but it just didn't resonate with me.
February 18, 2017
I just finished reading Riversong, Tess, an amazingly beautiful story! I've always had a close relationship with my Savior and several people always come to me asking me questions and sometimes the " why does God allow things to happen" especially when it comes to grieving, And I can't always answer, but I always say " one things for sure, we'll have the answer when we get there" when Tommy told Lee "life isn't understandable, " only God understands and we have to wait until the end, where I imagine I'll see my question answered, spread out across the Heavens in waves of clarity" I almost cried! Spread out across the heavens in waves of clarity" beautiful just beautiful, it touched my soul and because of the well written storyline of never feeling good enough and never feeling good enough to deserve happiness along with second chances, I think this will now be my favorite book I've ever read!!
December 23, 2011
As a kid, I hated when an adult would always point out a morale to what every story I was engrossed in, whether it was TV or a book. When your nine, you really don't want your parents having the sex talk with your after watching an episode of Joanie Love Chachi. So now being the adult, I find myself doing the same damn things to my kids and asking them what they learned from that episode of Fresh Prince of Bel Air or Sponge Bob. I cringe each time I do it, but sometimes you can't let those little tidbit go by without pointing them out.
What does this have to do with Riversong? This is one of those books where I feel compelled to pass out to all those that complain how bad their life is yet do nothing to change it. Lee Tucker encompasses that life lesson of "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps". Sure she got everything tied up in a pretty bow for her in the end, just like those TV shows of my youth, but she went through some pretty hellish stuff to get that pretty bow and I think she earned it.
The plot points aren't perfect (the loan shark/mafia hit man was a little too over the top for me) but where certain plot points may bug you as a reader, the others more than make up for. The best one for me was Lee coming back home again and finding the place she thought was full of ugly memories was the one place that could make her happy.
Second chances and coming home is what Riversong is all about and I think Tess Hardwick did a good job in bringing those points across. I liked the book and think it's a thought provoking choice for book clubs to read in 2012.
What does this have to do with Riversong? This is one of those books where I feel compelled to pass out to all those that complain how bad their life is yet do nothing to change it. Lee Tucker encompasses that life lesson of "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps". Sure she got everything tied up in a pretty bow for her in the end, just like those TV shows of my youth, but she went through some pretty hellish stuff to get that pretty bow and I think she earned it.
The plot points aren't perfect (the loan shark/mafia hit man was a little too over the top for me) but where certain plot points may bug you as a reader, the others more than make up for. The best one for me was Lee coming back home again and finding the place she thought was full of ugly memories was the one place that could make her happy.
Second chances and coming home is what Riversong is all about and I think Tess Hardwick did a good job in bringing those points across. I liked the book and think it's a thought provoking choice for book clubs to read in 2012.
May 20, 2012
I really wanted to like this book. I did. The premise was interesting, but once I got into it, I realized it was just a teensy bit far-fetched. What businesswoman in her right mind doesn't seek protection from law enforcement when she discovers her husband left her over a million dollars in debt to the mafia? And what businesswoman in her right mind "hides out" in her hometown? What criminal organization in the world can't find someone in their freaking place of birth?
I tried to set all of that aside, to suspend my sense of reality for the few hours it would take to read Riversong, but even then, there was trouble. There's just so much cheese here. So, so much cheese. With a little helping of corn. The writing itself is shallow, while the message vacillates between boring and preachy. The messages about trust and God pretty much beat you over the head thanks to some seriously overdone repetition, and the dialogue is third-rate soap opera pontification. To top it all off, the grammar is atrocious. Sentences were clunky and awkward thanks to Ms. Hardwick's apparent lack of comprehension regarding commas.
"Eleanor dazed, said to her daughter...
"She shivered, yawned, and rubbing her eyes shuffled to the bathroom."
"She lobbed a pebble into the water and hearing footsteps turned her head to see Zac Huller approaching..."
Now, perhaps the commas that I would have placed in the second and third sentences aren't strictly called for, but they definitely would have made the material a bit less confusing.
Then there were sentences that appeared to suffer from nothing more than a lack of imagination and sheer laziness:
"A few moments later Lee sat on the master bedroom toilet, wearing a bra and panties around her ankles."
Why was her bra around her ankles?
I loved this one:
"He unhooked the clasp of her bra and her heart beat inside her chest."
What the hell else is her heart supposed to be doing?
"...kissed her mouth again, this time pulling at her bottom lip with his own...
Now that is one talented lip.
It seems as if the entire book is constructed of just one mediocre sentence after another.
Then there was the classic repeating of words and/or phrases, and at times it appeared as if Ms. Hardwick actually forgot what she'd written just a few pages before. We're treated to a few pages of Tommy telling Lee all about his life while they travel to get dinner, and the reader is informed that Tommy has been married twice. When he mentions this again while at dinner, however, Lee is shocked. Tommy says he thought he mentioned it, and Lee says, "No, no, you didn't." I was sitting there holding my Kindle, thinking, "Uh, yes, yes, he did."
Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. I have 34 highlighted passages in my Kindle showcasing mistakes, and they all could have been remedied with simple proofreading. Or perhaps not. At the very least, the repeated words/phrases, conflicting information, and tense confusion could have been fixed.
Even without grammatical errors, however, Riversong just wasn't that good. It was boring. Premise; OK. Execution; bad.
I tried to set all of that aside, to suspend my sense of reality for the few hours it would take to read Riversong, but even then, there was trouble. There's just so much cheese here. So, so much cheese. With a little helping of corn. The writing itself is shallow, while the message vacillates between boring and preachy. The messages about trust and God pretty much beat you over the head thanks to some seriously overdone repetition, and the dialogue is third-rate soap opera pontification. To top it all off, the grammar is atrocious. Sentences were clunky and awkward thanks to Ms. Hardwick's apparent lack of comprehension regarding commas.
"Eleanor dazed, said to her daughter...
"She shivered, yawned, and rubbing her eyes shuffled to the bathroom."
"She lobbed a pebble into the water and hearing footsteps turned her head to see Zac Huller approaching..."
Now, perhaps the commas that I would have placed in the second and third sentences aren't strictly called for, but they definitely would have made the material a bit less confusing.
Then there were sentences that appeared to suffer from nothing more than a lack of imagination and sheer laziness:
"A few moments later Lee sat on the master bedroom toilet, wearing a bra and panties around her ankles."
Why was her bra around her ankles?
I loved this one:
"He unhooked the clasp of her bra and her heart beat inside her chest."
What the hell else is her heart supposed to be doing?
"...kissed her mouth again, this time pulling at her bottom lip with his own...
Now that is one talented lip.
It seems as if the entire book is constructed of just one mediocre sentence after another.
Then there was the classic repeating of words and/or phrases, and at times it appeared as if Ms. Hardwick actually forgot what she'd written just a few pages before. We're treated to a few pages of Tommy telling Lee all about his life while they travel to get dinner, and the reader is informed that Tommy has been married twice. When he mentions this again while at dinner, however, Lee is shocked. Tommy says he thought he mentioned it, and Lee says, "No, no, you didn't." I was sitting there holding my Kindle, thinking, "Uh, yes, yes, he did."
Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. I have 34 highlighted passages in my Kindle showcasing mistakes, and they all could have been remedied with simple proofreading. Or perhaps not. At the very least, the repeated words/phrases, conflicting information, and tense confusion could have been fixed.
Even without grammatical errors, however, Riversong just wasn't that good. It was boring. Premise; OK. Execution; bad.
August 23, 2020
I had to suspend belief for parts of it (it is a book of fiction, after all), but for the most part thought it was a good beginning to this series. I do enjoy Tess Thompson's books. ;)
3.5
3.5
January 28, 2016
What a wonderful story...I simply loved it.
It took me awhile to get to this book and with all that is going on in my life I couldn't spend so much time with it but when ever I had a moment I would read this delightful and inspiring story.
The author's well described story took you right into the pages and you could experience all the scenes, smells, colors and atmosphere with the main character.
The plot was heart warming, touching you deeply as you tag along with Lee as she tried to pull her life together after a great loss, many emotional heartaches and the beginning of new life.
From the beginning the name of the book had my attention and reading it and learning the origin of the name it made so much sense and said so much in the one word. Riversong implies new beginnings, the bubble of new life, a place where everything was possible-you can hear the "water" rushing over rocks as it makes its way thru the earth - all symbolic of the story and Lee's life story.
Really a great book that I enjoyed thoroughly.
Oh, and Tommy...my, what a man. He was sincere, truthful and in love from the moment they met and through out his support and love was what pulled Lee thru.
Ellen, she was a beacon in a very dark place, fulfilling her role beautifully as mother, friend, adviser and support system. She was literally a lot of powder in a small package with a heart of gold. I just loved her.
It took me awhile to get to this book and with all that is going on in my life I couldn't spend so much time with it but when ever I had a moment I would read this delightful and inspiring story.
The author's well described story took you right into the pages and you could experience all the scenes, smells, colors and atmosphere with the main character.
The plot was heart warming, touching you deeply as you tag along with Lee as she tried to pull her life together after a great loss, many emotional heartaches and the beginning of new life.
From the beginning the name of the book had my attention and reading it and learning the origin of the name it made so much sense and said so much in the one word. Riversong implies new beginnings, the bubble of new life, a place where everything was possible-you can hear the "water" rushing over rocks as it makes its way thru the earth - all symbolic of the story and Lee's life story.
Really a great book that I enjoyed thoroughly.
Oh, and Tommy...my, what a man. He was sincere, truthful and in love from the moment they met and through out his support and love was what pulled Lee thru.
Ellen, she was a beacon in a very dark place, fulfilling her role beautifully as mother, friend, adviser and support system. She was literally a lot of powder in a small package with a heart of gold. I just loved her.
September 25, 2011
Lee Tucker is a woman who has never had it easy, and never taken anything for granted. Even as a girl, she struggled with serious life issues, without parental support. As soon as she is able, she leaves her past behind for a new life in a new place.
Years later, just as she thinks she has found happiness as an adult, tragedy hits her again. Her husband, overwhelmed by debt he kept hidden from her, and running from loan sharks, commits suicide. Dealing with the loss and the debt he left in his wake, Lee also realizes that she is pregnant.
She has no choice; Lee is forced to return to her childhood home. Her negligent mother has since passed away, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and a house in ruins. All Lee has is that house. She must go back to where she started, to the town she never felt comfortable in. In a strange twist, it is the place she left behind that now offers a new start. Pulling herself together again, survivor that she is, Lee throws herself into making the restaurant named Riversong, and herself, a success.
Tess Hardwick has written a very entertaining novel. It is full of lovable small town folk, friendship and love, renewal, hope, and a heroine you can believe in.
Years later, just as she thinks she has found happiness as an adult, tragedy hits her again. Her husband, overwhelmed by debt he kept hidden from her, and running from loan sharks, commits suicide. Dealing with the loss and the debt he left in his wake, Lee also realizes that she is pregnant.
She has no choice; Lee is forced to return to her childhood home. Her negligent mother has since passed away, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and a house in ruins. All Lee has is that house. She must go back to where she started, to the town she never felt comfortable in. In a strange twist, it is the place she left behind that now offers a new start. Pulling herself together again, survivor that she is, Lee throws herself into making the restaurant named Riversong, and herself, a success.
Tess Hardwick has written a very entertaining novel. It is full of lovable small town folk, friendship and love, renewal, hope, and a heroine you can believe in.
October 10, 2011
This novel leaves much to be desired.
To start, it is cheesy. Any romantic or emotional scenes are described in such a cheap way, I feel I can't relate to them at all. I actually skipped most of these. The author adds a lot of character description about 3/4 of the way through the novel, which to me seems like very poor structure. At a few points, Hardwick goes on for PAGES describing a character reminiscing or having an internal struggle. Once again - skipped. A few comments from other reviewers that I agree with: Why would Lee run away to her home town and not expect to be found? I mean, she literally returns to the house she grew up in. On top of that, it is a little unrealistic that she's being hunted by someone very mafia-esque. Yeah, right. Her boyfriend is supposed to be Hispanic, but to be honest, I couldn't picture that. In my head, he became tall, dark and handsome. Sorry, Tess.
To top it off, the editing is awful. I've never read a book before that had so many issues! Grammar, spelling, punctuation, repeated phrases, the whole nine yards. It became distracting. (This was my first ebook though; could it have had to do with my NOOK somehow???)
To start, it is cheesy. Any romantic or emotional scenes are described in such a cheap way, I feel I can't relate to them at all. I actually skipped most of these. The author adds a lot of character description about 3/4 of the way through the novel, which to me seems like very poor structure. At a few points, Hardwick goes on for PAGES describing a character reminiscing or having an internal struggle. Once again - skipped. A few comments from other reviewers that I agree with: Why would Lee run away to her home town and not expect to be found? I mean, she literally returns to the house she grew up in. On top of that, it is a little unrealistic that she's being hunted by someone very mafia-esque. Yeah, right. Her boyfriend is supposed to be Hispanic, but to be honest, I couldn't picture that. In my head, he became tall, dark and handsome. Sorry, Tess.
To top it off, the editing is awful. I've never read a book before that had so many issues! Grammar, spelling, punctuation, repeated phrases, the whole nine yards. It became distracting. (This was my first ebook though; could it have had to do with my NOOK somehow???)
July 3, 2023
Romance set in the early 2000’s in the Oregon area.
The book has the feel of a suspense novel or possibly a murder mystery for the first chapter or so then the pace falls off like a transmission died and the rest of the book mostly meanders along with the characters occasionally mentioning something exciting happening “off screen”.
The romance was pretty one sided and I wasn’t feeling a connection for the characters. The perspective is from the female main character and since she’s going through some stuff and is pretty wrapped up in her own struggles all the interesting cast of characters the author introduces get too little development.
The dialogue was just okay and got a little repetitive for the female main character as she sticks to her story and refuses to open up.
Some of the major problems are solved by the ending but it felt very forced rather than happy.
Violence. Sex. Swearing. Addiction, drugs, some mob/loan shark stuff, grief, depression, mention of abortion, child neglect and abuse, sexism, racism, etc
The book has the feel of a suspense novel or possibly a murder mystery for the first chapter or so then the pace falls off like a transmission died and the rest of the book mostly meanders along with the characters occasionally mentioning something exciting happening “off screen”.
The romance was pretty one sided and I wasn’t feeling a connection for the characters. The perspective is from the female main character and since she’s going through some stuff and is pretty wrapped up in her own struggles all the interesting cast of characters the author introduces get too little development.
The dialogue was just okay and got a little repetitive for the female main character as she sticks to her story and refuses to open up.
Some of the major problems are solved by the ending but it felt very forced rather than happy.
Violence. Sex. Swearing. Addiction, drugs, some mob/loan shark stuff, grief, depression, mention of abortion, child neglect and abuse, sexism, racism, etc
March 19, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I liked the main character and the community that she grows to build around her when she goes home to start over. On the other hand, the plot of the million dollar debt is too far-fetched and the romance and hero alike were bland. But most damningly, though the writing was decent, I felt bored with the story and kept waiting to be done, which is not something you want out of a book!
July 20, 2022
This was a cute, "second chance" romance. The characters were enjoyable and the plot well constructed, with just enough "syrup" to make it sweet but not over the top. And I am a sucker for "...and they all lived happily ever after" endings.
June 18, 2019
Love this start to this series! Can't wait to read the rest!
February 9, 2021
Lovely story
Lee left years ago to try to make something of herself, now she is back to fix all the bad that happened in her life.
Lee left years ago to try to make something of herself, now she is back to fix all the bad that happened in her life.
August 2, 2022
Easy Read, predictable
If your looking for something that has a bit more plot than a basic romance, this book fits the bill. It’s not complex and it’s very predictable, but it beats watching the news!
If your looking for something that has a bit more plot than a basic romance, this book fits the bill. It’s not complex and it’s very predictable, but it beats watching the news!
September 2, 2013
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
Riversong is book one in the River Valley series and is a Contemporary Romance written by Tess Thompson. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through Tasty Book Tours .
3.5 Small Town Stars!
Lovely Little Romance About Starting Over and Second Chances!
The Review:
I had a hard deciding on a rating this one. It was charming and cute with loveable characters and a nice story yet it folded in on itself a bit. I love complicated plot twists and little surprises throughout my reads but I'm not crazy about plots that come together easily in the end with barely any conflict, especially when the characters are tense the whole way through because of the pending outcome. And though this read was sweet and really enjoyable, the conflict itself wasn’t complicated enough for my tastes.
Character/Story...
Lee Tucker has escaped the small town she grew up in, leaving behind bad memories, an alcoholic mother and a desperation to be something more. Years later, after college, business ventures and marriage, she thinks she’s on top of the world. That is until her husband commits suicide and leaves her in a crisis she could never have imagined.
Going back home is always tough but with secrets and lies trailing close behind, how can she start over when her past is ever present.
I enjoyed Lee’s character. She was strong and independent and had a will to survive her circumstances. She was in a terrifying predicament. She’s gone back to the small town she thought she'd never return to and is surrounded by bad memories and a past she’d rather forget. But there, she also finds a whole new life, filled with quirky friends, potential love and opportunity for a successful future.
I loved all the River Valley characters! The whole cast of misfits were well written and you can’t help but love each and everyone of them.
The romance was sweet and I loved Tommy as he works his way into Lee’s life, taking on the responsibilities of her situation. Even with the secrets between then, he’s caring, understanding and the much needed shoulder she needs to lean on. He was protective and trustworthy and just a well rounded hero.
I grew up in a small town so I know the charms it can hold as well as the displeasure and the author did a wonderful job pulling the reader in and making them feel like a part of the community.
My biggest complaints are the plot holes...
I didn't understand why, at no point, did Lee try to contact the authorities. She didn’t know about the business dealing her husband made and she did nothing illegal that would warrant her just giving in and paying that kind of money to anyone. She’d already lost her business and she was selling everything she owned so she really couldn’t lose anything by going to the authorities. She runs back to her hometown, to the house she grew up in, but somehow she’s safe and hidden away? The plot had holes in it that I felt could have been avoided with a bit more thought. Also, why did it never occur to her that Linus might be in trouble? It occurred to me the moment she left town.
The Wrap Up:
With the overabundance of reading material out there, a story has to be well thought out and have something that makes it shine and stand out from the rest. And though this story was really good, it left me questioning too much of the plot. If you’re looking for a sweet, easy read that has a non-complicated story with likable characters, then this is definitely the story for you. And with that being said, I really want to read book two of this series and see Annie’s story. Her and her son, Alder, were fun and I loved the spirit and joy Alder brought to the canvas. So I'm on to the next...
Riversong is book one in the River Valley series and is a Contemporary Romance written by Tess Thompson. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through Tasty Book Tours .
3.5 Small Town Stars!
Lovely Little Romance About Starting Over and Second Chances!
The Review:
I had a hard deciding on a rating this one. It was charming and cute with loveable characters and a nice story yet it folded in on itself a bit. I love complicated plot twists and little surprises throughout my reads but I'm not crazy about plots that come together easily in the end with barely any conflict, especially when the characters are tense the whole way through because of the pending outcome. And though this read was sweet and really enjoyable, the conflict itself wasn’t complicated enough for my tastes.
Character/Story...
Lee Tucker has escaped the small town she grew up in, leaving behind bad memories, an alcoholic mother and a desperation to be something more. Years later, after college, business ventures and marriage, she thinks she’s on top of the world. That is until her husband commits suicide and leaves her in a crisis she could never have imagined.
Going back home is always tough but with secrets and lies trailing close behind, how can she start over when her past is ever present.
I enjoyed Lee’s character. She was strong and independent and had a will to survive her circumstances. She was in a terrifying predicament. She’s gone back to the small town she thought she'd never return to and is surrounded by bad memories and a past she’d rather forget. But there, she also finds a whole new life, filled with quirky friends, potential love and opportunity for a successful future.
I loved all the River Valley characters! The whole cast of misfits were well written and you can’t help but love each and everyone of them.
The romance was sweet and I loved Tommy as he works his way into Lee’s life, taking on the responsibilities of her situation. Even with the secrets between then, he’s caring, understanding and the much needed shoulder she needs to lean on. He was protective and trustworthy and just a well rounded hero.
I grew up in a small town so I know the charms it can hold as well as the displeasure and the author did a wonderful job pulling the reader in and making them feel like a part of the community.
My biggest complaints are the plot holes...
I didn't understand why, at no point, did Lee try to contact the authorities. She didn’t know about the business dealing her husband made and she did nothing illegal that would warrant her just giving in and paying that kind of money to anyone. She’d already lost her business and she was selling everything she owned so she really couldn’t lose anything by going to the authorities. She runs back to her hometown, to the house she grew up in, but somehow she’s safe and hidden away? The plot had holes in it that I felt could have been avoided with a bit more thought. Also, why did it never occur to her that Linus might be in trouble? It occurred to me the moment she left town.
The Wrap Up:
With the overabundance of reading material out there, a story has to be well thought out and have something that makes it shine and stand out from the rest. And though this story was really good, it left me questioning too much of the plot. If you’re looking for a sweet, easy read that has a non-complicated story with likable characters, then this is definitely the story for you. And with that being said, I really want to read book two of this series and see Annie’s story. Her and her son, Alder, were fun and I loved the spirit and joy Alder brought to the canvas. So I'm on to the next...
July 23, 2013
Lee Tucker is a woman who has had her share of hard times growing up with an alcoholic mother, and as soon as she was able, she left her past behind for a new life in Seattle. Years later, just as she thinks she has found happiness as an adult, tragedy strikes. Her husband Dan, overwhelmed by the one million dollar debt that he has kept hidden from her, runs from the loan sharks and commits suicide. Dealing with the loss and the debt that Dan has left in his wake, Lee also realizes that she is pregnant. With no option left, Lee has no choice but to return to her childhood home of River Valley, a small town in Oregon. Lee's negligent mother has succumbed to alcoholism and has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and a house in ruins. All Lee has is that house, she decides to fix the house up and sell it in order to pay off the debt. Lee's return to the small town she never felt comfortable in, now offers her a new start. Hoping to turn her life around, Lee accepts a job as the manager of Riversong, a struggling restaurant, and is determined to make the restaurant a success.
Riversong is a heartwarming tale about one woman's journey of second chances at coming home, rebuilding her life, and finding love and happiness.
In her debut novel, Tess Thompson has written a very entertaining novel that is full of lovable small town folk, friendship and love, it is a wonderful story of renewal and hope, with a heroine you can believe in. The story has a little bit of everything: there is romance, crime, intrigue, drama and suspense that keeps the reader turning the pages. The characters are realistic, they are ordinary people facing the same sets of circumstances in life that you may come across. The author gives the reader a gentle reminder that sometimes love is right there in front of your face, that family and friends are found in the most unlikely places, and you can go home again!
Riversong is a poignant portrayal of loss, hope, second chances, redemption, renewal, strong bonds of friendship, and the power of love that makes everything in life possible.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Riversong is a heartwarming tale about one woman's journey of second chances at coming home, rebuilding her life, and finding love and happiness.
In her debut novel, Tess Thompson has written a very entertaining novel that is full of lovable small town folk, friendship and love, it is a wonderful story of renewal and hope, with a heroine you can believe in. The story has a little bit of everything: there is romance, crime, intrigue, drama and suspense that keeps the reader turning the pages. The characters are realistic, they are ordinary people facing the same sets of circumstances in life that you may come across. The author gives the reader a gentle reminder that sometimes love is right there in front of your face, that family and friends are found in the most unlikely places, and you can go home again!
Riversong is a poignant portrayal of loss, hope, second chances, redemption, renewal, strong bonds of friendship, and the power of love that makes everything in life possible.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 9, 2018
Riversong is the first book of the River Valley series. I opened the book up and was into the story so quickly. This is a journey that took me on a ride that left me wanting more of Tess Thompson's story telling talent. She writes in such descriptive passages that it took me into the book and I felt like I was there. I like the way she can spin words into a visual like in this passage: "There was an undeniable energy between them, but he moved toward the attraction with the lightheartedness of the unscathed, and she fought it with the intensity of the walking wounded. On the surface he seemed the type of man all women wanted: sensitive, strong, someone to take care of you. But she knew there was no such thing as Prince Charming, especially for a pregnant Cinderella. She'd believed in all that once. But now she was a grown woman and could not allow herself, even under the circumstances, to believe a savior."
This book is the story of Lee Tucker. Her life takes a tailspin after her husband commits suicide, leaving her with a monstrous debt to a loan shark demanding payment. With no other options and desperate, she returns to her childhood home which she had fled from because of an abusive mother. Will she find what she needs in this small town she so wanted to avoid returning to? How will she cope with the fear of being traced by the goon wanting the outstanding loan payment? Who can she trust? Where will her life go from here? Will she be accepted in this small town or will she have to keep running?
The main characters are so likable and I felt myself hoping so much for the best for them. The way Tess Thompson develops her characters makes me want to be a part of their lives. I also get feelings of dread on some of them, too. She has a way of working the story out in the end....HEA....and then leaves an opening to the next book that makes me dive right in again! TY, Tess Thompson for such great writing!
This book is the story of Lee Tucker. Her life takes a tailspin after her husband commits suicide, leaving her with a monstrous debt to a loan shark demanding payment. With no other options and desperate, she returns to her childhood home which she had fled from because of an abusive mother. Will she find what she needs in this small town she so wanted to avoid returning to? How will she cope with the fear of being traced by the goon wanting the outstanding loan payment? Who can she trust? Where will her life go from here? Will she be accepted in this small town or will she have to keep running?
The main characters are so likable and I felt myself hoping so much for the best for them. The way Tess Thompson develops her characters makes me want to be a part of their lives. I also get feelings of dread on some of them, too. She has a way of working the story out in the end....HEA....and then leaves an opening to the next book that makes me dive right in again! TY, Tess Thompson for such great writing!
May 26, 2013
The book is a good read, but nothing to get thrilled about or get goosebumps for. The flow of the story is medium paced, it does not get you on the edge of your seat nor does it make you bored of the whats happening. It does not grip you in to attention with what is going to happen, nor does it leave you discouraged to read further. There are no surprises or page turners in the story.
You know from the beginning that the Lee is going to go in to hiding to escape from thugs and you also know that at some point they are going to find her and that she is going to be able to free herself from the thugs with new found friends. The suspense of "what" is taken out as the story beings to unfold; the "who" of the story does not really appear to matter; you realize "when" the minute she takes up the job to manage a restaurant - it has to be when the restaurant makes a name and she is unwillingly thrust in to the limelight. That leaves the "how" - how does she manage to fend off the thugs chasing her, how does she manage to hold on to her new found life and friends, how does she adjust to living in a place that she once wanted to get away from. It is the how that drives the story forward and makes you want to finish the book.
It is a heartwarming tale of romance, with a delicate sprinkle of an attempted thrill by involving a thug chasing Lee for money that her late husband owed. However, there is hardly any thrill. The only death in the story is that of Lee's husband when he commits suicide and the only violence is when Lee's friend is beaten up - both of which are side note mentions as the story progresses.
The book might remind you of a Christmas movie with its subtle miracles, but of course without the elves, reindeer, Santa or any trees. The book is written so that it may be easily scripted for television.
You know from the beginning that the Lee is going to go in to hiding to escape from thugs and you also know that at some point they are going to find her and that she is going to be able to free herself from the thugs with new found friends. The suspense of "what" is taken out as the story beings to unfold; the "who" of the story does not really appear to matter; you realize "when" the minute she takes up the job to manage a restaurant - it has to be when the restaurant makes a name and she is unwillingly thrust in to the limelight. That leaves the "how" - how does she manage to fend off the thugs chasing her, how does she manage to hold on to her new found life and friends, how does she adjust to living in a place that she once wanted to get away from. It is the how that drives the story forward and makes you want to finish the book.
It is a heartwarming tale of romance, with a delicate sprinkle of an attempted thrill by involving a thug chasing Lee for money that her late husband owed. However, there is hardly any thrill. The only death in the story is that of Lee's husband when he commits suicide and the only violence is when Lee's friend is beaten up - both of which are side note mentions as the story progresses.
The book might remind you of a Christmas movie with its subtle miracles, but of course without the elves, reindeer, Santa or any trees. The book is written so that it may be easily scripted for television.
July 1, 2012
This was one of those free (or incredibly cheap) Kindle downloads that had a promising plot description, so I decided why not?
Lee Tucker is left pregnant and broke after her husband kills himself. She owes about $700,000 to a loan shark (or rather, her husband did) - the kind that won't let you get away with not paying - so she escapes to her mother's run-down house in small-town Oregon. Hoping to refurbish the house and sell it, all while hiding from the loan shark, Lee doesn't anticipate the tall, dark and handsome musician who will capture her heart - or the family surprises she will uncover. Should she stay and leave herself vulnerable to love once again, or make her way back to the big city so she doesn't have any reminders of ghosts past?
Somewhat predictable, Hardwick's prose was well-written, the kind that keeps you page-turning because you do care about Lee and want to know what happens next. A few of the subplots were a little corny (how she stumbles across her new best friend Annie, who happens to be a classically-trained chef, when Lee is looking for one at the restaurant she's hired to consult; and especially the way the loan shark is handled at the end). And, Tommy, Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome is a little too perfect, but hey, it's fiction and that's why we love these guys! So if you are looking for a quick read with some steamy love scenes, then this is a book to download.
Lee Tucker is left pregnant and broke after her husband kills himself. She owes about $700,000 to a loan shark (or rather, her husband did) - the kind that won't let you get away with not paying - so she escapes to her mother's run-down house in small-town Oregon. Hoping to refurbish the house and sell it, all while hiding from the loan shark, Lee doesn't anticipate the tall, dark and handsome musician who will capture her heart - or the family surprises she will uncover. Should she stay and leave herself vulnerable to love once again, or make her way back to the big city so she doesn't have any reminders of ghosts past?
Somewhat predictable, Hardwick's prose was well-written, the kind that keeps you page-turning because you do care about Lee and want to know what happens next. A few of the subplots were a little corny (how she stumbles across her new best friend Annie, who happens to be a classically-trained chef, when Lee is looking for one at the restaurant she's hired to consult; and especially the way the loan shark is handled at the end). And, Tommy, Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome is a little too perfect, but hey, it's fiction and that's why we love these guys! So if you are looking for a quick read with some steamy love scenes, then this is a book to download.
June 9, 2012
This book was alright, it was a little slow and forgettable but still moderately enjoyable. There were times I felt interested in what was happening but I didn't get that need-to-know feeling that an amazing book gives.
March 4, 2016
If I suspend my disbelief for all the far-fetched elements of the story, which I pretty much could while I was reading it (it only caught up with me if I stopped to think about details), I can say I enjoyed the story. It was kind of like reading a fairy tale with an element of suspense.
It was a little heavy on the details for me - in a suspense story, I don't care about dewdrops on daisies, and that is my major complaint. The story just moved too slowly.
I was on the fence about Lee. I could kind of relate to her worry-wart personality, but man did she make a lot of dumb moves. I liked Ellen, Tommy, Billy and Annie, oh, and Mike.
I bought this as part of the series bundle, and it took me a year to get to it. It may take a while longer to get to the next book in the series.
It was a little heavy on the details for me - in a suspense story, I don't care about dewdrops on daisies, and that is my major complaint. The story just moved too slowly.
I was on the fence about Lee. I could kind of relate to her worry-wart personality, but man did she make a lot of dumb moves. I liked Ellen, Tommy, Billy and Annie, oh, and Mike.
I bought this as part of the series bundle, and it took me a year to get to it. It may take a while longer to get to the next book in the series.
May 12, 2011
Tess Hardwick's novel, Riversong, is a beautiful story about love, struggles, empowerment, and redemption. I instantly fell in love with the characters, the small town charm, the gripping plot, and the details so well described, I felt as if I was watching a movie. I look forward to reading her next novel and secretly hope, it's the sequel to Riversong.
February 3, 2020
I think I got this book for my Kindle awhile ago via Pixel of Ink or similar. The story was good. Some of the characters were....well...characters. I stayed up late to finish it? Will it be a classic or a favorite? Probably not, but it was an enjoyable story.
May 26, 2017
What an awesome story. I have never read this author before but I really like the way she writes.. she keeps you totally involved in the story. It is exciting and touching and tender. I will be reading the second book very soon. Thank you!
June 17, 2012
A poignant portrayal of loss expertly blended with redemption, renewal and the love that makes everything possible. If you enjoy contemporary women's fiction, Riversong won't disappoint.
May 9, 2020
Riversong by Tess Thompson is the first book in the River Valley series. It is the story of Lee Tucker, who has lived a troubled life with her drunk mother, leaves River Valley, her small southwestern Oregon town in 1988 to attend college in Seattle. Fast forward 15 years later, she is in dire straits. Her husband, Dan, had committed suicide after their business failed, leaving her with a massive debt she cannot buy. She decides to head back to her hometown, fix up the house her mother left her and pay the debt. Soon her plan goes awry as she gets a job as a business consultant for a failing restaurant and becomes a part of a community and a family that she did not count on. Will her troubles from Seattle find her there? Will she ever be free of the past? Can she find a place to truly call home?
Riversong is my first book from Tess Thompson and I must admit I am a bit disappointed. It was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters, although I did not care for Lee much, but the overall story was okay. The plot was a bit farfetched and the timeline and the characters’ relational connections are screwy that the author messed up and no one caught in editing. However, it is one of the author’s first books, Riversong was first published in 2011, and I would like to give her other titles a chance as there is a learning curve when writing. If you like fiction featuring a small town, you may enjoy Riversong as an introduction to the River Valley series.
Riversong
is available in paperback and eBook
Riversong is my first book from Tess Thompson and I must admit I am a bit disappointed. It was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters, although I did not care for Lee much, but the overall story was okay. The plot was a bit farfetched and the timeline and the characters’ relational connections are screwy that the author messed up and no one caught in editing. However, it is one of the author’s first books, Riversong was first published in 2011, and I would like to give her other titles a chance as there is a learning curve when writing. If you like fiction featuring a small town, you may enjoy Riversong as an introduction to the River Valley series.
Riversong
is available in paperback and eBook
August 6, 2021
Not True Christianity
It is sad that this is listed as Christian fiction. The story line is good, but why all the immorality and loose talk and lifestyles n that do not reflect Christ at all. It is not the first time I have downloaded books thinking on was getting a wholesome book, only to delete within the first chapter of reading it. I did read this book because I did not want to read the details. You may think I am .just being critical and old fashioned, but believe me when I say I am sad because Jesus.Christ is dishonored by the classification as Christian fiction....even more sad is that nothing.alligns itself nor focuses on Christ and the way He can transform lives from the inside out according to Biblical standards. Praying for Tess Thompson.and readers who thinks this is Christianity. You are an excellent writer, but may your gift be used for Christ's glory...maybe you just don't know. Read the books of John and Luke and other in the Bib!e. God is love, but His love is 20/20 vision and is not blind. Love and prayers.
It is sad that this is listed as Christian fiction. The story line is good, but why all the immorality and loose talk and lifestyles n that do not reflect Christ at all. It is not the first time I have downloaded books thinking on was getting a wholesome book, only to delete within the first chapter of reading it. I did read this book because I did not want to read the details. You may think I am .just being critical and old fashioned, but believe me when I say I am sad because Jesus.Christ is dishonored by the classification as Christian fiction....even more sad is that nothing.alligns itself nor focuses on Christ and the way He can transform lives from the inside out according to Biblical standards. Praying for Tess Thompson.and readers who thinks this is Christianity. You are an excellent writer, but may your gift be used for Christ's glory...maybe you just don't know. Read the books of John and Luke and other in the Bib!e. God is love, but His love is 20/20 vision and is not blind. Love and prayers.
April 29, 2018
What do you do when you have lost everything and have some very unsavory characters after you because of something someone else did? You return home and that’s exactly what Lee does. Heartbroken, scared and alone, Lee decides to refurbish her mother’s home and while she’s at it she better get a job too. Lee’s hometown is also looking to refurbish its image. With a wonderful cast of characters, can Lee finally find a place to be truly happy, never feel alone again and maybe find love?
Tess Thompson writes in such a way that you care about the characters and the Town. Vividly written you can imagine exactly what the town and the people look like. For a debut book, I believe she has a hit series on her hands.
I enjoyed this book tremendously! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book. Tess made me care about the characters and had me smiling when things went the way I had hoped.
Tess Thompson writes in such a way that you care about the characters and the Town. Vividly written you can imagine exactly what the town and the people look like. For a debut book, I believe she has a hit series on her hands.
I enjoyed this book tremendously! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book. Tess made me care about the characters and had me smiling when things went the way I had hoped.
October 23, 2021
free ebook
her husband killed himself owing a lot of money to loan shark. she sold everything she had and ran away to the small town where her mom had died and left her the family home in disrepair. she found out she was preg after her husband died
she got a job in a bar/restaurant, and made the owner a deal to get it going and make more money.. his son was dealing drugs in the alley. the man in the band really liked her and tried to help her but she wouldn't tell him she owed all that money
when the restaurant was in the paper they said who she was and the loan shark came to collect. she was in a car accident running away, the owner of the restaurant got her to tell him what was going on.
they devised a scheme to have his druggie son give his money to the loan shark and go into rehab
the restaurant was a success
she found out from a letter that had fallen behind the dresser when her mom was alive that her dad was the lady next doors son who died in a car accident with her grandparents.
she had a baby girl
her husband killed himself owing a lot of money to loan shark. she sold everything she had and ran away to the small town where her mom had died and left her the family home in disrepair. she found out she was preg after her husband died
she got a job in a bar/restaurant, and made the owner a deal to get it going and make more money.. his son was dealing drugs in the alley. the man in the band really liked her and tried to help her but she wouldn't tell him she owed all that money
when the restaurant was in the paper they said who she was and the loan shark came to collect. she was in a car accident running away, the owner of the restaurant got her to tell him what was going on.
they devised a scheme to have his druggie son give his money to the loan shark and go into rehab
the restaurant was a success
she found out from a letter that had fallen behind the dresser when her mom was alive that her dad was the lady next doors son who died in a car accident with her grandparents.
she had a baby girl
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 22, 2018Lee Tucker was not born with a silver spoon! Her grandparents died when she was young and her mother was an alcoholic who cared more about booze than Lee
Lee leaves town to make a better life , right before high school graduation, she gets herself through College and Wharton and earns herself her MBA and forms a successful business with her husband. Her husband committed suicide leaving her alone, pregnant and in debt to the wrong people.
Lee returns home to fix up her mothers house thinking she can sell it and pay off the debt!
Returning home she finds this small town will help one of their own time and time again. Lee creates a new life for herself and her unborn child , will she have to run when she is found ?
This book was so good! I loved Lee’s resilience, tenacity and grit ! Thank you Tess Thompson for another great read!
Lee leaves town to make a better life , right before high school graduation, she gets herself through College and Wharton and earns herself her MBA and forms a successful business with her husband. Her husband committed suicide leaving her alone, pregnant and in debt to the wrong people.
Lee returns home to fix up her mothers house thinking she can sell it and pay off the debt!
Returning home she finds this small town will help one of their own time and time again. Lee creates a new life for herself and her unborn child , will she have to run when she is found ?
This book was so good! I loved Lee’s resilience, tenacity and grit ! Thank you Tess Thompson for another great read!
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