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The River #1
The River Between
The river had brought him to her—would the river also keep them apart?
From the belvedere of her Alabama mansion on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Lily watched for steamboats and dreamed of the man who would one day be united with her in mind and spirit. Torn between her duty to marry the handsome young socialite of her parents' choosing and her love for a mysterious riverboat captain who was far beneath her social station, Lily turned to God's Word for guidance. And as the tides of convention and the dangerous river swirled about her, she made a decision that would defy both.
From the belvedere of her Alabama mansion on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Lily watched for steamboats and dreamed of the man who would one day be united with her in mind and spirit. Torn between her duty to marry the handsome young socialite of her parents' choosing and her love for a mysterious riverboat captain who was far beneath her social station, Lily turned to God's Word for guidance. And as the tides of convention and the dangerous river swirled about her, she made a decision that would defy both.
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
473 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Cook
17 books8 followersWriters from Margaret Mitchell to Eugenia Price and John Jakes have shown that the market is enormous, dependable and insatiable for authentically researched historical novels of the antebellum, Civil War and Reconstruction period of the American South. For the past twenty years and more, Jacquelyn Cook has been publishing successfully into this lucrative and appreciative market. To date, her historical novels have sold close to 500,000 copies and counting.
The River Between, first published in 1985 as the first volume of Cook's five-volume, multi-generational saga known as The River Series, has sold nearly 165,000 copies, is still in print and selling more than 20 years after it's first release. The second in the series, The Wind Along the River, published the following year, has sold nearly 100,000 copies and counting. As recently as 2003, the entire River Series was collected into a single volume called Magnolias, and has sold some 64,000 copies to date. In addition, Wal-Mart ordered a special printing of 14,000 copies of Magnolias, and sold 8,000 copies in the first month.
Cook's credentials to write about this period could not be better. While she is known and celebrated for the deep and accurate research that she does for each of her books, another part of the appeal she brings to her readers is that the story of the American South runs in her blood. Born into a family that is Georgia bred for generations, she was raised on stories handed down from her great grandmother, who experienced Sherman's march, and so many other first hand experiences that were passed down to Cook as part of her own family heritage.
Cook sold her first story to Home Life Magazine in 1963. While she and her husband raised their two children, she free lanced for a wide assortment of newspapers and magazines. Coincidentally, she wrote some articles for the same editors at The Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine who had published some of Margaret Mitchell's early freelance work. Cook is past president of the Georgia Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, and past president of the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She won the Writer of the Year Award, 1970 from the Atlanta Writers Club. In 1987 she took second place in national competition from the National League of American Pen Women in the adult book category for her novel, Image In the Looking Glass. In 1995 she won First Place from the Georgia National League of American Pen Women for her historical novel The Gates Of Trevalyan. Over the years she has won many awards from the Georgia Writers Association, the Southeastern Writers Association, and the Dixie Council of Authors and Journalists, for her articles on history, religion, humor and fiction. Cook lives in Sumter County, Georgia on her own working farm that, like Greenwood, produces cotton and cattle.
The River Between, first published in 1985 as the first volume of Cook's five-volume, multi-generational saga known as The River Series, has sold nearly 165,000 copies, is still in print and selling more than 20 years after it's first release. The second in the series, The Wind Along the River, published the following year, has sold nearly 100,000 copies and counting. As recently as 2003, the entire River Series was collected into a single volume called Magnolias, and has sold some 64,000 copies to date. In addition, Wal-Mart ordered a special printing of 14,000 copies of Magnolias, and sold 8,000 copies in the first month.
Cook's credentials to write about this period could not be better. While she is known and celebrated for the deep and accurate research that she does for each of her books, another part of the appeal she brings to her readers is that the story of the American South runs in her blood. Born into a family that is Georgia bred for generations, she was raised on stories handed down from her great grandmother, who experienced Sherman's march, and so many other first hand experiences that were passed down to Cook as part of her own family heritage.
Cook sold her first story to Home Life Magazine in 1963. While she and her husband raised their two children, she free lanced for a wide assortment of newspapers and magazines. Coincidentally, she wrote some articles for the same editors at The Atlanta Journal Sunday Magazine who had published some of Margaret Mitchell's early freelance work. Cook is past president of the Georgia Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, and past president of the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She won the Writer of the Year Award, 1970 from the Atlanta Writers Club. In 1987 she took second place in national competition from the National League of American Pen Women in the adult book category for her novel, Image In the Looking Glass. In 1995 she won First Place from the Georgia National League of American Pen Women for her historical novel The Gates Of Trevalyan. Over the years she has won many awards from the Georgia Writers Association, the Southeastern Writers Association, and the Dixie Council of Authors and Journalists, for her articles on history, religion, humor and fiction. Cook lives in Sumter County, Georgia on her own working farm that, like Greenwood, produces cotton and cattle.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 42 reviews
September 29, 2025
So this is a perfect example of a book that I liked, thought it was written, beautifully, and was sweet as a willow tree at dawn.
I just didn’t adore it. I certainly thought I would.. I started it ,falling in delight with this sweet sunflower of a story that tells of Alabama in the mid 1800s.
Yes, it’s historical fiction and our protagonist Lily is torn between doing what is expected of her by her high society family and doing what’s in her heart, which includes loving the wrong man.
Perhaps not the most original plot, but sweet as a summer breeze all the same.
And I enjoyed it! I’ve often written that I am not a fan of the romance genre, and that is true.
But what I do like, what I’ve always adored is reading historical fiction where young girls are courted. It brings me back to a more innocent time. I wonder what it would be like in these times if all women were married to men that old fashion way, where days are spent courting with the men, the boys actually going to the families and asking for their beloved hand in marriage.
I bet the divorce rate would. be very low anyway!
There was a time when I actually wanted that for myself. When I was younger, I would joke with my parents telling them I was born in the wrong era, maybe even the wrong century!
Imagine I said , if I never had to go on another date again if you just used your best judgment and found me the right man. Would take a lot of pressure off would it not?
Ah, but then you have the issue of the lack of autonomy.
That’s precisely what happens with Lily.
She’s promised to a debonair, young gent, a man of high Society.
But she falls in love with a young riverboat captain, a quiet and gentle man, but one who is much below her social class.
What is a young Lilly to do?
As time goes on, Lily begins a secret relationship with Harrison , but meek by nature she does not know if she’ll have the strength to break free from the social constraints, from her families, and indeed, from society’s expectations of what she should do versus what she wants to do.
I really enjoyed this book in the beginning and even midway through. The writing is just as delicate as butterflies wings. You kind of feel like you’re there.
This is Southern historical fiction at its finest and everything from the house to the tea cups to the decor, are written about Colorfully and beautifully and it really does put you in the time period.And in the moment.
But as it went on and got , I got a little uncomfortable. First of all, although it’s not a very long book, I did find aspects of it extremely repetitive, and I started getting a little exasperated after a while.
You know how it goes —make a decision make a decision!
But more than that, and I’m going to be very honest here , the Christian overtones strengthened, and I am not of that faith. That’s OK. One of my favorite cozy mysteries is of a young Mormon girl. I love reading about all cultures.
But this became so strongly about Christianity that I really did feel a little uncomfortable if I’m being completely honest.
You know how it is , a lot of prayer comes into it and that was beautiful and it was Sweet. I was just a little unnerved. But I freely admit it was sweet as Nectar
It was a very old fashion style romance although there is some kissing, don’t expect a bodice ripper. This is as far away from that as you can possibly get.
In short – I liked, but did not love this sweet little tiger lily of a story.
I really enjoyed reading about Lily and Harrison and I love the echoes of warmth that are present through the book.
They’re delicious and the beauty and intricacy of how everything’s described was five stars . The book I would give 3.5 stars to.
May 14, 2023
Entertaining but the romance felt a bit fast for me, so if you don't like insta-love, you probably won't like this.
May 11, 2010
I am a sucker for anything historically based and i really loved the story that was told by the author. The description of the time period was really well done and i could see that the author did some research for the book. She used a lot of significant events in the period to help mesh the period with the mind set of the characters and the overall mood of the story. I also liked the romantic aspect of the story. I thought it was a true testament to love surpassing all barriers include the physical and the immaterial.
The story's underline message was about having faith even in the most difficult times. Christianity was central to the story as the main character had to constantly place in her faith in God whenever she felt unsure, had unresolved matters or more importantly needed guidance. The main theme was not so much about class and relationships but rather it was a story about a young woman who had to grow up against the wishes of her parents and against societal expectations. The main character Lily, is obviously a young woman whose mindset precedes her time and she's fighting against the established status quo of women in Nineteenth Century America. The only way she could have proven her maturity was through her constant faith in God and subsequently in her love for Harrison. Having said all that, Lily was still a product of her time and i thought that only a skilled author could remind us of that. Even though Lily was forward thinking, how she viewed Emma's life really made you realise that she is first and foremost an aristocrat.
My favourite character though would have to be Foy. Though he was not prominently featured in the story, his presence is integral to the climax as well as how the story resolves itself. Plus he was a light, funny, uncomplicated character and i connected to him more than the other characters. This is the first book in the River Series and i would love to know what becomes of him and the other characters.
None of the emotions in the story resonated with me though. At times it just felt like too much whining, too much pouting and way too much crying. Also for some reason the story did not read very well. There were times when the author would approach a cliff at the end of the paragraph and instead of breaking off and beginning a new paragraph, she continued writing.
Other than that, the story was good. If you like Historical Romance stories then you should give this story a chance.
The story's underline message was about having faith even in the most difficult times. Christianity was central to the story as the main character had to constantly place in her faith in God whenever she felt unsure, had unresolved matters or more importantly needed guidance. The main theme was not so much about class and relationships but rather it was a story about a young woman who had to grow up against the wishes of her parents and against societal expectations. The main character Lily, is obviously a young woman whose mindset precedes her time and she's fighting against the established status quo of women in Nineteenth Century America. The only way she could have proven her maturity was through her constant faith in God and subsequently in her love for Harrison. Having said all that, Lily was still a product of her time and i thought that only a skilled author could remind us of that. Even though Lily was forward thinking, how she viewed Emma's life really made you realise that she is first and foremost an aristocrat.
My favourite character though would have to be Foy. Though he was not prominently featured in the story, his presence is integral to the climax as well as how the story resolves itself. Plus he was a light, funny, uncomplicated character and i connected to him more than the other characters. This is the first book in the River Series and i would love to know what becomes of him and the other characters.
None of the emotions in the story resonated with me though. At times it just felt like too much whining, too much pouting and way too much crying. Also for some reason the story did not read very well. There were times when the author would approach a cliff at the end of the paragraph and instead of breaking off and beginning a new paragraph, she continued writing.
Other than that, the story was good. If you like Historical Romance stories then you should give this story a chance.
June 13, 2021
A lovely Christian, historical, love story, era 1858 in Eufaula, Alabama by the Chattahoochee River. Lily is 18 years old living at home with her parents. Papa and Mama, Lily' s parents has planned an arranged marriage for her to a cousin, Green Bethune. Green came to visit with the family and to court Lily. Lily meets a River Boat Caption, Harrison Wingate and immediately falls in love with him.
Lily battles with her parents against the arranged marriage, she is in love with the Captain. She is also battling with her faith in God to obey her parents. After numerous letters back and forth to Captain Wingate she is determined to marry Harrison Wingate the love of her life.
This is mostly a story about Lily's love and her faith in God. The family is also strong in God's faith and wants to do the right thing. If you enjoy historical romances this is the book for you. I enjoyed it, a fast paced love story. This book was written in 1985 but still a good love story.
Lily battles with her parents against the arranged marriage, she is in love with the Captain. She is also battling with her faith in God to obey her parents. After numerous letters back and forth to Captain Wingate she is determined to marry Harrison Wingate the love of her life.
This is mostly a story about Lily's love and her faith in God. The family is also strong in God's faith and wants to do the right thing. If you enjoy historical romances this is the book for you. I enjoyed it, a fast paced love story. This book was written in 1985 but still a good love story.
February 25, 2017
The River Between must have ended up in my e-book collection as an Amazon giveaway. Written in 1986, it is the story of a wealthy daughter of the slave-holding South as she is pushed into marriage. Although the historical details of Eufala, AL are clearly the author's biggest interest, it was difficult to pass over the way the plates were described in detail, but the slaves that made Lily's world a possibility were never mentioned.
I enjoy reading Christian romance from time to time because the struggle of the characters with their faith can lend an interesting element to the story. In this case, Lily's faith was used to set her apart, rather than engaging her in any interesting way. Although her parents want her to marry her morally bankrupt cousin for his riches, Lily holds out for the handsome river captain that she has fallen in love with. She does not learn or grow in any way, but she does get her man -- a rather flat character that turns out to also be an even wealthier son of the slave-holding South.
It was difficult for this reader to get past the flat characterization and failure of this novel to engage with the horror of its setting. While the novel was written 30 years ago, it feels like a failure, particularly combined with the Christian values of the protagonist.
I enjoy reading Christian romance from time to time because the struggle of the characters with their faith can lend an interesting element to the story. In this case, Lily's faith was used to set her apart, rather than engaging her in any interesting way. Although her parents want her to marry her morally bankrupt cousin for his riches, Lily holds out for the handsome river captain that she has fallen in love with. She does not learn or grow in any way, but she does get her man -- a rather flat character that turns out to also be an even wealthier son of the slave-holding South.
It was difficult for this reader to get past the flat characterization and failure of this novel to engage with the horror of its setting. While the novel was written 30 years ago, it feels like a failure, particularly combined with the Christian values of the protagonist.
November 16, 2020
This book is a historical Christian fiction setting on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Alabama 1854. Lily is pledged to Green Bethune, arranged by her rich parents, of course. However, she meets the captain of a river boat who sweeps her off her feet.
I thought the story was interesting, but Lily cried a lot which was a tad annoying. Other than that it was fine, but I did get the feeling it wasn’t published recently. I didn’t know it was originally published in 1985 until I specifically looked at the date of publication.
I thought the story was interesting, but Lily cried a lot which was a tad annoying. Other than that it was fine, but I did get the feeling it wasn’t published recently. I didn’t know it was originally published in 1985 until I specifically looked at the date of publication.
July 11, 2021
I used to enjoy this type of novel. Set in the early American south, featuring the stilted aristocratic ways of the wealthy of the day, this novel became tedious in its pretentiousness. As for my personal enjoyment, I would rate the novel one or two stars, but the skill of the writing deserves recognition even if the genre has lost my interest.
February 18, 2021
A wonderfully clean love story.
I enjoyed this story very much. I gave 4 stars because at times the dramas seemed over played. The use of scripture was important as it showed her true desire to follow God's will in her life.
I enjoyed this story very much. I gave 4 stars because at times the dramas seemed over played. The use of scripture was important as it showed her true desire to follow God's will in her life.
October 3, 2021
Heartwarming read
Ilily had strong convictions about her faith and she didn't let her parent's opinion decide her life for her. She was not disrespectful but pointed out what the Bible said about certain things. A wonderful Christian read.
Ilily had strong convictions about her faith and she didn't let her parent's opinion decide her life for her. She was not disrespectful but pointed out what the Bible said about certain things. A wonderful Christian read.
November 6, 2021
Outstanding writing!
A lovely tale of love and devotion in face of family pride! A devoted Christian young lady finds her future husband only to be told they can't marry. Learn how she copes with all the troubles. An excellent read!
A lovely tale of love and devotion in face of family pride! A devoted Christian young lady finds her future husband only to be told they can't marry. Learn how she copes with all the troubles. An excellent read!
August 7, 2019
Good
This is a romance that takes you back in history to a time before the civil war and how the culture of the south.
This is a romance that takes you back in history to a time before the civil war and how the culture of the south.
October 8, 2019
Great book
This is my kind of book love the Christian faith of the characters . Something you can read and not see the vulgar language.
This is my kind of book love the Christian faith of the characters . Something you can read and not see the vulgar language.
July 12, 2020
Nice, light reading
The overall story was enjoyable. I didn’t realize there would be scripture quotes. The ending rushed their life into a few paragraphs. It was disappointing.
The overall story was enjoyable. I didn’t realize there would be scripture quotes. The ending rushed their life into a few paragraphs. It was disappointing.
August 15, 2020
C-. fiction, Historical fiction, 19th c., inspirational, from stash, discard
August 25, 2020
Early southern social traditions
A fluffy tale of a headstrong young woman defying her parents plans for her future. She turns to Christian values to guide her decision.
A fluffy tale of a headstrong young woman defying her parents plans for her future. She turns to Christian values to guide her decision.
December 18, 2021
Wonderful look into history
Mrs. Cook preserves history. With her fictional account she gives color and breadth to the story. It is a great read.
Mrs. Cook preserves history. With her fictional account she gives color and breadth to the story. It is a great read.
December 24, 2021
Great boo
Want to read
March 17, 2025Spring Pile
July 30, 2016
Rating: 3.5
The river brought a handsome stranger to her. Would the river also take him away? From her Alabama mansion on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Lily watches the steamboats pass and dreams of falling in love with the perfect man, giving him her whole mind and spirit. But when the river gives her an irresistible steamboat captain, Lily is torn between him and her pledge to marry the wealthy man her parents have chosen for her. Torn by her love for the mysterious captain, she struggles with duty, honor and faith. Like the river's dangerous currents, her choice will change the course of her life forever.
This is a fairly predictable, short romance novel. It focuses on romance during the 1805's when a young woman's choices for marriage were dictated by social class and her parents' choice. Lily falls in love with a steamboat captain. This does not fit with her parents' plans. Quick, easy to read, fall in love quickly historical romance. It contains a good faith thread which added to the quality of the story.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Loving one's enemy is not impossible, but turning your check from an insult--I'd never realized how difficult that is."
"..important changes in a person's life should come before a marriage commitment is made. I believe
God ordained marriage as a permanent basis for building a Christian home."
"I cannot do something just because everyone is doing it. I have to listen to a higher voice."
"It is basic to building a lasting marriage that both partners believe the cornerstone to be faith in God."
The river brought a handsome stranger to her. Would the river also take him away? From her Alabama mansion on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Lily watches the steamboats pass and dreams of falling in love with the perfect man, giving him her whole mind and spirit. But when the river gives her an irresistible steamboat captain, Lily is torn between him and her pledge to marry the wealthy man her parents have chosen for her. Torn by her love for the mysterious captain, she struggles with duty, honor and faith. Like the river's dangerous currents, her choice will change the course of her life forever.
This is a fairly predictable, short romance novel. It focuses on romance during the 1805's when a young woman's choices for marriage were dictated by social class and her parents' choice. Lily falls in love with a steamboat captain. This does not fit with her parents' plans. Quick, easy to read, fall in love quickly historical romance. It contains a good faith thread which added to the quality of the story.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Loving one's enemy is not impossible, but turning your check from an insult--I'd never realized how difficult that is."
"..important changes in a person's life should come before a marriage commitment is made. I believe
God ordained marriage as a permanent basis for building a Christian home."
"I cannot do something just because everyone is doing it. I have to listen to a higher voice."
"It is basic to building a lasting marriage that both partners believe the cornerstone to be faith in God."
June 10, 2010
The River Between is a Christian fiction historical romance story. Lily is 18 and the only daughter in a well off southern family. Her parents have determined for her to marry a distant cousin. However, between a chance meeting with a steamboat captain and the lack of sparks between Lily and her intended, she refuses to marry as her parents wished. This is the main conflict in the story.
The plot is rather tried and true, and I would have liked it more had it not run such a predictable course. The writing also had much to be desired as the character development didn't happen naturally, and the many descriptive paragraphs that others seemed to love took me completely out of the story. Phrases like "the sweet smell of the roses only served to underscore her melancholy" (or something similar - not a direct quote) just seemed ridiculously trite to me.
I am not one for overtly moral lessons in my stories, and yet the Christian slant didn't bother me in this one. The religious beliefs were presented through the thoughts, words and actions of the character and were entirely believable and in line with how someone of that age and in that culture might think and behave.
All in all, not bad and a quick read. If the author's other books were to cross my path, I'd probably pick them up (especially if they were published after 1985) to see how the author's writing has matured.
The plot is rather tried and true, and I would have liked it more had it not run such a predictable course. The writing also had much to be desired as the character development didn't happen naturally, and the many descriptive paragraphs that others seemed to love took me completely out of the story. Phrases like "the sweet smell of the roses only served to underscore her melancholy" (or something similar - not a direct quote) just seemed ridiculously trite to me.
I am not one for overtly moral lessons in my stories, and yet the Christian slant didn't bother me in this one. The religious beliefs were presented through the thoughts, words and actions of the character and were entirely believable and in line with how someone of that age and in that culture might think and behave.
All in all, not bad and a quick read. If the author's other books were to cross my path, I'd probably pick them up (especially if they were published after 1985) to see how the author's writing has matured.
August 15, 2011
"The River Between", by Jacquelyn Cook, is a well-written, richly-detailed historical romance. The "river" not only refers to a body of water, but also to matters of class and social standing. It's scope as well encompasses faith and personal religious convictions. Lily Seymour is a well-to-do young woman who remains unmarried at the age of eighteen. Her parents are eager to see her well-settled, which will raise even further the level of social acceptance her family maintains. When the family sends for her socially prominent cousin Green Bethune, he seems the perfect suitor for Lily. However, Lily's heart and mind have been captured by the kind and handsome Harrison Wingate, a riverboat captain acquainted with Lily's cousin, Green. This is a very romantic tale, so descriptively written that you will smell the fragrant gardens, hear the swish of the hoop skirts, and feel the breeze from the riverfront. The pressure for Lily to marry well and to obey her parents is strongly felt. As she is caught between being a dutiful daughter and obeying her heart, she experiences great personal growth and a renewal of an already strong faith. Harrison is a worthy and devoted match for Lily. Their love and faith in each other, and also their spiritual faith, add depth to their struggles against the class-consciousness of the era. I very much enjoyed this story, and I would love to read the continuing entries in the series.
Review Copy Gratis Belle Books
Review Copy Gratis Belle Books
January 26, 2016
This was a free Kindle book - Christian romance. It was an easy read, enjoyable, but not of much substance. The characters are shallow, one-sided. The plot line is predictable. The historical background (Eufala, AL) not developed. It was also a bit too preachy for me. Good Christian literature shows the faith and struggles of the characters without having to explain it all in detail. It actually makes it hard to believe, as it appears the characters are not as deeply grounded in their faith as the author is trying to make the reader believe.
This is a love story - a young woman of the upper class is being pushed to marry a young man chosen by the parents. She wants to marry only the "right" man. She meets the shipmaster of a steam ship and falls in love. He returns her affections, but he is not the right "class."
The predictable ending - it turns out he is really upper class, but is just sailing one of his family's ships to find ways to make it safer. And they get married and live happily ever after. One of the thing that I do like about Christian romance is that it is about the characters and their emotions and not a detailed description of their physical acts.
I also did not like the author giving a brief ending of the rest of their lives as part of the end of the book. And yet, apparently, this is a first book in a series. I will not seek out the following books. Even so, it was an easy read and good for the beach.
This is a love story - a young woman of the upper class is being pushed to marry a young man chosen by the parents. She wants to marry only the "right" man. She meets the shipmaster of a steam ship and falls in love. He returns her affections, but he is not the right "class."
The predictable ending - it turns out he is really upper class, but is just sailing one of his family's ships to find ways to make it safer. And they get married and live happily ever after. One of the thing that I do like about Christian romance is that it is about the characters and their emotions and not a detailed description of their physical acts.
I also did not like the author giving a brief ending of the rest of their lives as part of the end of the book. And yet, apparently, this is a first book in a series. I will not seek out the following books. Even so, it was an easy read and good for the beach.
April 28, 2010
This review was written for Librarything early reviewers.
If a book could be described as quaint, this will fall within that category.
It tells the story of Lily and her struggle against tradition and family dictates to marry the guy she loved.
For some, not being able to marry a person of your choice may seem a foreign concept but this is still very much a common occurence now as it was in the 1840s. Having said that, the plot was predictable and took some effort to get involved in. It didn't evoke much of an emotion in the reader. Bearing in mind that the book was first published in 1985, much of the criticism might be explained by the passage of time.
Overall, it was a delightful and simple read.
If a book could be described as quaint, this will fall within that category.
It tells the story of Lily and her struggle against tradition and family dictates to marry the guy she loved.
For some, not being able to marry a person of your choice may seem a foreign concept but this is still very much a common occurence now as it was in the 1840s. Having said that, the plot was predictable and took some effort to get involved in. It didn't evoke much of an emotion in the reader. Bearing in mind that the book was first published in 1985, much of the criticism might be explained by the passage of time.
Overall, it was a delightful and simple read.
August 30, 2013
This story would have been extremely enjoyable for me had it not been the extremely Christian overtones running through it. Yes, I understand that it is a period novel, and religion was more of a prominent discussion then, but there is a point where religion becomes preaching. I don't like my books to preach to me. The characters were interesting, although I found the main character somewhat of a user, leading on the men she was involved with and then crying when something went wrong. It is only remotely historical, with snippets here and there mentioning the Civil War. It was an all right read, but it was very slow to get into, and I almost gave up, but kept reading. Read this novel carefully.
August 30, 2014
Easy to read story about a girl who went against her society parents to choose her husband. At first, I nearly couldn't get past about the first third of the book for the lengthy descriptions about the finery and riches. My initial thoughts were of rich snobs but as I kept reading I discovered Lily wasn't at all like her mother. The research was well done and the story was woven nicely around it.
There was lots of crying (by Lily), some manipulation, squeaky clean romance and a glance into the old South and the lifestyle during this period of time.
There was lots of crying (by Lily), some manipulation, squeaky clean romance and a glance into the old South and the lifestyle during this period of time.
April 9, 2010
This is a sweet innocent story about an eighteen year old girl, Lily Edwards, forced to become an adult and marry a man of her parents choosing. I feel sorry for Lily because she wants to obey her parents but she is so desperately unhappy. This story is set before the Civil War and it reminds me of Gone With The Wind except it has more of a religious aspect. Lily has a very strong faith in God and when she's unhappy she turns to God for comfort.
April 30, 2010
This book was not the kind that I would typically read although I do enjoy historical fiction and religious based books. The characters were sweet but thoroughly predictable. But it was a quick and easy read. I received this book for early review although its from the 80's, it's being rereleased. It was also my first ebook.
December 24, 2012
This was a wonderful Christian fiction love story. I loved the characters especially Lily who finds her voice as she puts her faith and focus on God in the midst of making a life changing decision about marriage and to whom.
March 6, 2015
Amazing book of faith, family and love.
I was really intrigued with Lily's courage and her outstanding faith of God and of her family. I really have enjoyed all volumes of The River Series.
I was really intrigued with Lily's courage and her outstanding faith of God and of her family. I really have enjoyed all volumes of The River Series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 42 reviews