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The River Hideaway
The year is 1967 and Wilmington, NC, like much of the country, is embedded in racial turmoil. Two boys on the brink of manhood- Bret Marin and Clarence (Money) Wilkins-forge an unlikely friendship that alters the course of their lives forever. Bret and Money find their friendship tested by the racially charged times, by the cruel demands of an overbearing father, and ultimately by an allure that develops between Bret and Money's sister, Teke.
322 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2014
177 people want to read
About the author
Billy Beasley
7 books19 followersBilly Beasley resides in Carolina Beach, NC with his wife Julie, and Teke, their Australian Cattle Dog.
He shares two simple beliefs with his favorite character in his first novel, The River Hideaway. Faith in God and a conviction that ‘hearts have no color'.
The Preacher's Letter released 1/18.
The Girl in the River released in 7/2020.
HOME released 4/2022.
All works are traditionally published.
He shares two simple beliefs with his favorite character in his first novel, The River Hideaway. Faith in God and a conviction that ‘hearts have no color'.
The Preacher's Letter released 1/18.
The Girl in the River released in 7/2020.
HOME released 4/2022.
All works are traditionally published.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 12, 2015
The River Hideaway is a great read. The author wrote characters that kept you involved in the story. I found that the storyline is still relevant in 2015. He draws you into the story and you find yourself cheering, crying, and laughing with the characters. He treats each character with respect, even the evil ones.
I believe this book is rated as "better than sex in the morning," because it delivers great feelings after I finished it.
Great job.
I believe this book is rated as "better than sex in the morning," because it delivers great feelings after I finished it.
Great job.
December 31, 2016
I received this book as a Christmas gift and read the whole thing within 4 days. The story was engaging and the characters brought it to life in a meaningful way.
October 9, 2019
About a month ago, a dear friend introduced me to a must-read book, THE RIVER HIDEAWAY, set in the 1960's in my hometown, Wilmington, N.C. Billy Beasley, a local author, gave a perfect description of life in 1967, my first year in high school. This novel did not disappoint. From the minute I started, I could not put it down. I must admit, the retired English teacher in me became distracted on several occasions comparing Billy's book to my all-time favorite novel, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, which I taught at last 100 times during my 30 years in the classroom. Both novels took place in the South during extremely trying racist times. Some of the major themes in each novel dealt with good and evil, racism, bravery, the law, and loss of innocence. The major characters had distinct similarities. Brett and Money, much like Dill and Jem, hung out with and respected each other even though there were times they didn't see eye to eye. Boo Radley and Brett's grandma Vicky were 2 completely misunderstood characters who heroically ended up saving the day. Scout and Brett's little brother Alex epitomized innocence, but by the novels' ends had been initiated into the adult world. Last but not least, Atticus and Money's Daddy Clarence were so much alike. Both men were honorable, wise, and compassionate.
If THE RIVER HIDEAWAY had been published during my 30 years in the classroom, I would have requested a class set to read after we finished TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD because of the novels' many similarities. I urge everyone to read THE RIVER HIDEAWAY. We never want to return to a time Billy has so eloquently described. I loved this book and feel quite certain Harper Lee would have loved it also.
If THE RIVER HIDEAWAY had been published during my 30 years in the classroom, I would have requested a class set to read after we finished TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD because of the novels' many similarities. I urge everyone to read THE RIVER HIDEAWAY. We never want to return to a time Billy has so eloquently described. I loved this book and feel quite certain Harper Lee would have loved it also.
February 23, 2016
“Despite what we accomplish in life, if we have not loved, we are nothing,â€according to Apostle Paul. “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it,†Solomon proclaimed. Such truths are played out in Billy Beasley's first novel, A River Hideaway. The book is set in my hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. The year is 1967 and Bret and his teammates at New Hanover High School have their eyes on the state basketball championship. But before the finals, they must win against their crosstown rivals, "Williston." The segregated days are drawing to a close and Williston, an African-American High School with a proud tradition will be closed as students are integrated into New Hanover High and a new high school that is being built in the county.
The fateful game features two stars. Bret is the son of one of the leading attorneys within the city. He lives a privileged and spoiled life centered on the country club, a sport’s car, and a string of girls. Money, on the other hand, comes from more modest circumstances. He lives with his father, a carpenter. Neither boy’s mother is in their lives. Bret's mother died when he was young while Money's mother moved back to her home in the north, unable to live in the segregated south. There, she lives with her daughter, Teke, Money's younger sister. Although Bret and his team play well, Williston wins. Bret's dreams are shattered, but he has more demons to battle. As the school year comes to a close, he has to decide if he will follow his father's predetermined path for him to leave basketball behind and head to the university to study hard so that he can go to law school and become a partner in the firm. But Bret isn't sure that's what he wants. Within this turmoil, he begins a forbidden friendship with Money and his father.
When Money's sister is sent to her dad's to avoid a violent ex-boyfriend, and even more forbidden friendship develops between Bret and Teke, one that challenges not only Bret's relationship with his family but also with Money and Teke's relationship with her family. You’ll have to read the novel to learn what happened and to be clued in on all the subplots.
It would be easy to dismiss this as just another love story, but don't be mistaken. Beasley’s story deals honestly with issues of race and friendship. Color doesn't seem to make any difference as there are good and bad people on, as we'd say down south, both sides of the tracks. Furthermore, the good and bad can be seen within the same character such as Bret, who uses and discards girls without being bothered by their feelings, but when necessary is able to rise to the occasion and stand for what he feels is right. Nor does this story seem preachy. When offering moral advice explicitly within the story, Beasley weaves it into the story such as having the “cliché†come from the mouth of a dedicated coach who has committed his life to the raising up of young men to be honest as they strive to do their best. In one scene, Bret conjures up a vision from his past, his first basketball coach, who taught him to "Focus on what you can control and waste no time or energy on what you can't." (247)
The story Beasley tells reminds me of the young adult writings of Gary Schmidt, that deals with issues of youth growing up and facing and challenging the adult world they're to inherit. This is especially true with his novel, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (which deals with race relations and the friendship of two children of different races) and The Wednesday Wars (which was also set in the late 60s).
As a matter of disclosure, Billy Beasley was a childhood friend. We both grew up in Wilmington and were together in the 4th grade in Miss Freeman's class during the spring of 1967, the time in which this story was set. I look forward to reading what Billy writes next.
The fateful game features two stars. Bret is the son of one of the leading attorneys within the city. He lives a privileged and spoiled life centered on the country club, a sport’s car, and a string of girls. Money, on the other hand, comes from more modest circumstances. He lives with his father, a carpenter. Neither boy’s mother is in their lives. Bret's mother died when he was young while Money's mother moved back to her home in the north, unable to live in the segregated south. There, she lives with her daughter, Teke, Money's younger sister. Although Bret and his team play well, Williston wins. Bret's dreams are shattered, but he has more demons to battle. As the school year comes to a close, he has to decide if he will follow his father's predetermined path for him to leave basketball behind and head to the university to study hard so that he can go to law school and become a partner in the firm. But Bret isn't sure that's what he wants. Within this turmoil, he begins a forbidden friendship with Money and his father.
When Money's sister is sent to her dad's to avoid a violent ex-boyfriend, and even more forbidden friendship develops between Bret and Teke, one that challenges not only Bret's relationship with his family but also with Money and Teke's relationship with her family. You’ll have to read the novel to learn what happened and to be clued in on all the subplots.
It would be easy to dismiss this as just another love story, but don't be mistaken. Beasley’s story deals honestly with issues of race and friendship. Color doesn't seem to make any difference as there are good and bad people on, as we'd say down south, both sides of the tracks. Furthermore, the good and bad can be seen within the same character such as Bret, who uses and discards girls without being bothered by their feelings, but when necessary is able to rise to the occasion and stand for what he feels is right. Nor does this story seem preachy. When offering moral advice explicitly within the story, Beasley weaves it into the story such as having the “cliché†come from the mouth of a dedicated coach who has committed his life to the raising up of young men to be honest as they strive to do their best. In one scene, Bret conjures up a vision from his past, his first basketball coach, who taught him to "Focus on what you can control and waste no time or energy on what you can't." (247)
The story Beasley tells reminds me of the young adult writings of Gary Schmidt, that deals with issues of youth growing up and facing and challenging the adult world they're to inherit. This is especially true with his novel, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (which deals with race relations and the friendship of two children of different races) and The Wednesday Wars (which was also set in the late 60s).
As a matter of disclosure, Billy Beasley was a childhood friend. We both grew up in Wilmington and were together in the 4th grade in Miss Freeman's class during the spring of 1967, the time in which this story was set. I look forward to reading what Billy writes next.
July 29, 2015
As a lifelong, avid reader, I have read literally thousands of books across all genres and I must say that The River Hideaway is a winner. The book kept me engaged from the first page to the last. In fact, I read it in one day it was that good! The story is filled with well developed characters and superbly described settings. This book engages you emotionally and will have you laughing and crying. The River Hideaway is hard to categorize in that it is a blend of family drama, romance, history, and mystery/suspense. In short, it is one great read! Beasley has written a winner with his first novel. I look forward to more from this author.
June 6, 2015
I highly recommend this fascinating book that includes so many familiar places on the Eastern Coast, especially Wilmington, N.C. I found myself reading it for hours just because I didn't want to put it down, and when it ended I wanted more it was just that good! You wont be disappointed when you get this book so don't wait another day, enjoy!! I sure did!
April 24, 2025
When I sit down and open a book, all I want is a great story that captivates my heart, stimulates my imagination, and takes me away to new place. "The River Hideaway" did just that!! Beasley writes heartfelt, captivating characters that you invest in whole-heartedly. I would recommend this book to adult and young adult readers. I am highly anticipating future stories from Beasley!
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July 24, 2015Love love love this book. It is one of my all time favourites. There is such a wonderful story in this book and so well written. I was captivated by the characters and the love they shared. I could hardly put it down. Must read more from Mr. Beasley soon.. I loaned my signed copy to my sister in law. She needs to get it back to me SOON....ready to read it again
November 19, 2016
Beasley wrote a story that captivates. The characters are three dimensional, well developed, and capable of invoking the emotions they're experiencing in the reader. Once I started the book, I didn't want to put it down until I finished. The River Hideaway has a story element for all readers: faith, perserverance, suspense, and love.
July 23, 2015
This is a very well-written book that unpacks the beauty and complexity of friendships in the 1960s. The glimpse it gives provides an important lesson in how far we've come as a society, but also how far we have to go. I highly recommend this book.
June 13, 2014
An absolute page turner from one of Wilmington's own about Wilmington in the 60s - love, hate and growing up on both sides of the south.
June 6, 2015
Two words for this book. Simply Amazing! Once you pick it up, you will NOT be able to put it down! Very well written.
-Lenny
-Lenny
June 6, 2015
Great book. I couldn't put it down! It took me back to the days when I was in grade school and the turbulent times back then. This is a must read.
July 7, 2015
You'll care deeply about these characters as their well-crafted story unfolds page-by-page... I recommend The River Hideaway for your beach read this summer!!
June 26, 2018
Excellent book! I cannot wait to see more from this author!!!!
September 11, 2016
Great read! Couldn't put it down, and didn't want it to end! Intense story of faith, love, and power during racial desegregation in the 1960's. Kudos to the author! Looking forward to the movie!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews