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The River Knows Your Name
For nearly thirty years, Nell has kept a childhood promise to never reveal what she and Evie found tucked inside a copy of Jane Eyre in their mother's bookcase—a record of Evie's birth naming a stranger as her mother. But lately, Nell has been haunted by hazy memories of their early life in Mississippi, years their reclusive mother, Hazel, has kept shrouded in secrecy. Evie recalls nothing before their house on Clay Mountain in North Carolina, but Nell remembers abrupt moves, odd accommodations, and the rainy night a man in a dark coat and a hat pulled low climbed their porch steps with a very little girl—Evie—then left without her.
In dual storylines, Nell, forty-two in 1971, reaches into the past to uncover dangerous, long-buried secrets, and Becca, a young mother in the early 1930s, presses ahead, each moving toward 1934, the catastrophic year that would forever link them.
From a windswept ghost town long forgotten, to a river house in notorious Natchez Under-the-Hill, to a moody nightclub stage, Evie's other mother emerges from the shadows of Depression-era Mississippi in a story of hardship and perseverance, of betrayal and trust, and of unexpected redemption in a world in which the lines between heroes and culprits are not always clearly drawn.
In dual storylines, Nell, forty-two in 1971, reaches into the past to uncover dangerous, long-buried secrets, and Becca, a young mother in the early 1930s, presses ahead, each moving toward 1934, the catastrophic year that would forever link them.
From a windswept ghost town long forgotten, to a river house in notorious Natchez Under-the-Hill, to a moody nightclub stage, Evie's other mother emerges from the shadows of Depression-era Mississippi in a story of hardship and perseverance, of betrayal and trust, and of unexpected redemption in a world in which the lines between heroes and culprits are not always clearly drawn.
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First published April 1, 2025
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About the author
Kelly Mustian
3 books714 followersKelly Mustian is the USA Today bestselling author of The Girls in the Stilt House and The River Knows Your Name. She is the recipient of the Mississippi Library Association's 2023 Author Award for Fiction, and The Girls in the Stilt House was shortlisted for the 2022 Crook's Corner Book Prize for best debut novel set in the American South. Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals and commercial magazines. Originally from Mississippi, she currently lives in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
April 2, 2025
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I loved Kelly Mustian's debut novel, The Girls in the Stilt House , so it was a no-brainer to request this from NetGalley. The book is deeply emotional and weaves two tales that take the reader on a journey from the Depression-era American South to the 1970s. Southern historical fiction is my favourite genre, so it's no surprise that I absolutely loved this one.
Dual timelines are a favourite format for me, and as usual, I loved the older timeline, BUT with the second being far back in the 1970s, I found that a plus. They're both complex storylines but are skillfully interwoven and seamlessly reveal the connection between the characters and their shared history.
The setting is atmospheric and took me to the Mississippi Delta and the North Carolina mountains in my head. I can't forget to mention the river of the title, as it is a character in and of itself and is a big part of the characters' lives. The characters are complex, and so are their backgrounds; each has their struggles and vulnerabilities to deal with. I liked how the author showed how family secrets from the past can affect the present and even the future. The women in these two timelines are strong and resilient and do whatever they can to protect those they love and survive. I enjoyed being on this journey with Nell, Becca, Evie and Hazel and their search for the truth.
Overall, this book was compelling and beautifully written and will be enjoyed by anyone who loves historical fiction with strong female leads and detailed, complex storytelling. All. The. Stars.
(MY FIRST FIVE-STAR READ OF 2025!)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
I loved Kelly Mustian's debut novel, The Girls in the Stilt House , so it was a no-brainer to request this from NetGalley. The book is deeply emotional and weaves two tales that take the reader on a journey from the Depression-era American South to the 1970s. Southern historical fiction is my favourite genre, so it's no surprise that I absolutely loved this one.
Dual timelines are a favourite format for me, and as usual, I loved the older timeline, BUT with the second being far back in the 1970s, I found that a plus. They're both complex storylines but are skillfully interwoven and seamlessly reveal the connection between the characters and their shared history.
The setting is atmospheric and took me to the Mississippi Delta and the North Carolina mountains in my head. I can't forget to mention the river of the title, as it is a character in and of itself and is a big part of the characters' lives. The characters are complex, and so are their backgrounds; each has their struggles and vulnerabilities to deal with. I liked how the author showed how family secrets from the past can affect the present and even the future. The women in these two timelines are strong and resilient and do whatever they can to protect those they love and survive. I enjoyed being on this journey with Nell, Becca, Evie and Hazel and their search for the truth.
Overall, this book was compelling and beautifully written and will be enjoyed by anyone who loves historical fiction with strong female leads and detailed, complex storytelling. All. The. Stars.
(MY FIRST FIVE-STAR READ OF 2025!)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
April 4, 2025
The novel takes place in alternating time frames relating the stories of sisters Nell and Evie and their mother in 1971 North Carolina and Becca’s story in 1932 Mississippi. There are vague memories and secrets unfolding about Nell and Evie’s childhood. My interest was held as Becca’s story unfolds and as it moves back and forth in the time frames. I was anxious for the stories to merge. While I was emotionally connected in the beginning , and even in the end, too many characters kept appearing. It would have been a more meaningful story for me if the connections were kept more simple . The story line at times felt a bit too much , almost soap opera like, and the basic story introduced in the earlier part of the book got diluted for me . Overall, I was disappointed. I will give it a generous three stars because I genuinely liked the characters I wanted to discover as they did what happened.
I received a copy of this from Sourcebooks through Edelweiss.
I read this with my book buddy , Diane. Wish we had read one we liked more. Hopefully, next time .
I received a copy of this from Sourcebooks through Edelweiss.
I read this with my book buddy , Diane. Wish we had read one we liked more. Hopefully, next time .
May 2, 2025
Which character is keeping the most secrets in this beautifully written dual timeline read?
The writing and storyline are just pull-you-in amazing.
We meet Hazel, Nell, Evie, Becca, Ben, and Mildred.
Evie is the connection to both time periods and families in both the 1930s and in 1971.
We follow Becca and Evie as they go through their days without Becca’s husband and Evie’s father Ben.
Becca finds out that her nasty mother-in-law, Mildred, kept information about her husband from her, and she does some other horrible things to Becca.
We also follow Hazel, Nell, and Evie as adults as we see what their life is like now and as they try to figure out what really happened during their childhood and the secrets their mother kept.
A marvelous, heartfelt, as well as heartbreaking read with wonderful characters you will love and feel for.
You will not want to put the book down, and you will need tissues at times.
THE RIVER KNOWS YOUR NAME has intrigue and is a you-have-to-know-how-it-all-happened read and how it all turns out. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The writing and storyline are just pull-you-in amazing.
We meet Hazel, Nell, Evie, Becca, Ben, and Mildred.
Evie is the connection to both time periods and families in both the 1930s and in 1971.
We follow Becca and Evie as they go through their days without Becca’s husband and Evie’s father Ben.
Becca finds out that her nasty mother-in-law, Mildred, kept information about her husband from her, and she does some other horrible things to Becca.
We also follow Hazel, Nell, and Evie as adults as we see what their life is like now and as they try to figure out what really happened during their childhood and the secrets their mother kept.
A marvelous, heartfelt, as well as heartbreaking read with wonderful characters you will love and feel for.
You will not want to put the book down, and you will need tissues at times.
THE RIVER KNOWS YOUR NAME has intrigue and is a you-have-to-know-how-it-all-happened read and how it all turns out. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
Nell Brown has kept a childhood promise to never reveal what she and Evie found tucked inside a copy of Jane Eyre in their mother's Hazel’s wardrobe, and it holds clues to where Evie came from. Nell remembers the night a man dropped the toddler off, she has memories of living in a blue house near the Mississippi and railway tracks, and then they were constantly on the move, and didn’t stay in one place for long.
The dual timeline story is set in 1971 and the 1930’s and told from Nell’s perspective and a young mother called Becca who’s trying to survive the Great depression and look after her baby.
Nell starts trying to uncover her mother’s past, it takes her to a ghost town, a river house in Natchez Under-the Hill district, to a nightclub where her mum went from being a check-in girl to a singer and lastly Clay Mountain in North Carolina.
Evie lives in Lillett and not far from Hazel, she’s married to Rob and has twin teenage sons and doesn’t remember anything prior to living with her mum Hazel and her sister Nell.
I received a copy of The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian from Edelweiss and Sourcebook in exchange for an unbiased review. The author is known for writing eerie and spooky historical fiction set in America’s south and her latest novel is no exception and it’s a page turning read that includes balls of lightening, swamps and the mighty Mississippi and it’s tribulations and snags.
A story about hardship and survival, betrayal and trust, vindication and being a champion to the poor, down and out, danger and secrets and the lines are very blurry between who’s a hero or heroine and those with bad intentions and what are they hiding and why?
Five stars from me and I highly recommend The River Knows Your Name and the author’s previous book The Girls in the Stilt Houses.
The dual timeline story is set in 1971 and the 1930’s and told from Nell’s perspective and a young mother called Becca who’s trying to survive the Great depression and look after her baby.
Nell starts trying to uncover her mother’s past, it takes her to a ghost town, a river house in Natchez Under-the Hill district, to a nightclub where her mum went from being a check-in girl to a singer and lastly Clay Mountain in North Carolina.
Evie lives in Lillett and not far from Hazel, she’s married to Rob and has twin teenage sons and doesn’t remember anything prior to living with her mum Hazel and her sister Nell.
I received a copy of The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian from Edelweiss and Sourcebook in exchange for an unbiased review. The author is known for writing eerie and spooky historical fiction set in America’s south and her latest novel is no exception and it’s a page turning read that includes balls of lightening, swamps and the mighty Mississippi and it’s tribulations and snags.
A story about hardship and survival, betrayal and trust, vindication and being a champion to the poor, down and out, danger and secrets and the lines are very blurry between who’s a hero or heroine and those with bad intentions and what are they hiding and why?
Five stars from me and I highly recommend The River Knows Your Name and the author’s previous book The Girls in the Stilt Houses.
October 7, 2025
This novel is set in two timelines. 1930s Depression era Mississippi and 1970s North Carolina.
It weaves together the lives of Nell and Evie, who are sisters, and Hazel and Becca.
Nell has kept a secret to never reveal what she and Evie have found inside a copy of Jane Eyre. It is a record of Evie‘s birth, naming someone else as her mother.
Nell has memories from when she was very young. She tries to discover her mother Hazel‘s past. And who was that stranger who delivered Evie to her mother’s doorstep.
This is a haunting tale of secrets and resilience during hard times. About women doing their best just to survive and the decisions they make.
It is a compelling story intriguingly woven.
A beautiful Southern fiction.
It weaves together the lives of Nell and Evie, who are sisters, and Hazel and Becca.
Nell has kept a secret to never reveal what she and Evie have found inside a copy of Jane Eyre. It is a record of Evie‘s birth, naming someone else as her mother.
Nell has memories from when she was very young. She tries to discover her mother Hazel‘s past. And who was that stranger who delivered Evie to her mother’s doorstep.
This is a haunting tale of secrets and resilience during hard times. About women doing their best just to survive and the decisions they make.
It is a compelling story intriguingly woven.
A beautiful Southern fiction.
March 26, 2025
THE RIVER KNOWS YOUR NAME by Kelly Mustian
This haunting atmospheric southern story paints a vivid picture of the Mississippi Delta and its people. The characters are well developed; complex and nuanced with compelling backstories. Kelly Mustian created an immersive read that engaged me from start to finish. We follow Nell and her sister, Evie, who discover their mother, Hazel, is not Evie’s mother. For nearly thirty years, Nell promised to never reveal what they found. Told in dual storylines, Nell, forty-two in 1971, delves into her past to uncover buried secrets, and Becca, a struggling young mother trying to survive during the thick of the Depression in 1930s.
A story touching upon secrets, heartache, betrayal, survival, endurance, love, family, mother-daughter relationships. Enjoyed her debut book, The Girls in the Stilt House, and I enjoyed this one, as well.
Thanks to BookBrowse and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of this beautifully written book.
This haunting atmospheric southern story paints a vivid picture of the Mississippi Delta and its people. The characters are well developed; complex and nuanced with compelling backstories. Kelly Mustian created an immersive read that engaged me from start to finish. We follow Nell and her sister, Evie, who discover their mother, Hazel, is not Evie’s mother. For nearly thirty years, Nell promised to never reveal what they found. Told in dual storylines, Nell, forty-two in 1971, delves into her past to uncover buried secrets, and Becca, a struggling young mother trying to survive during the thick of the Depression in 1930s.
A story touching upon secrets, heartache, betrayal, survival, endurance, love, family, mother-daughter relationships. Enjoyed her debut book, The Girls in the Stilt House, and I enjoyed this one, as well.
Thanks to BookBrowse and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of this beautifully written book.
December 3, 2024
In rural Mississippi in the 1930s, Nell is 6 years old when a new sister enters her life: 2 year old Evie. Their mother is the reclusive Hazel, but they know nothing about their past. Gradually, shocking secrets are revealed through the dual timelines: Nell in 1971 as an adult, and Becca in the early 1930s. Nell's curiosity leads her to search for Hazel's back story, and in the process she learns more about Evie's mysterious appearance one night. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
January 14, 2025
I really wanted to love this book. I devoured The Girls in The Stilt House and couldn't wait to read this one. Sadly, it didn't live up to its potential for me. The storyline was interesting and enjoyable, but the writing did not flow smoothly at all. Maybe it's just me, but at times, some of the dialogue and transitions didn't make sense. It took a while to understand the dual timelines as well as who all of the characters were, and I still forgot some of them as the story progressed. My main concern was that the writing lacked emotion. What should have been a tearjerker, felt more like a monotone retelling. I think that if the author portrayed Evie's POV instead of Nell's, and elaborated more on the synesthesia, it would have been a whole different ball game. I did like the characters but felt that some of them could have been more established. Especially Evie. Even though I was hoping for more, I would still recommend. Others seemed to have really loved it, so you may too!
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
March 21, 2025
I was excited to see that there was a new book out by this author. I loved The Stilt Girls, a lot!
This book has two timelines, 2 stories, seemingly unconnected. One timeline is in the 1930s, during the tough depression. Becca is a young widow trying to bring up a toddler without family support. The 1970s is about Nell and Evie, who were sisters by chance with a very enigmatic “mother”. Nell is trying to figure out their past. It takes place in the Deep South, often close to the Mississippi River, sometimes in the mountains in the Carolinas. As in the previous book, the setting is very descriptive and important to the story.
BUT. And, I hate that there is a “but”. This story fell short for me. There were a few too many characters, especially in the 1930s segments. I had trouble trying to keep them straight in my mind. A name would pop up and I’d have to stop to try to figure out who it was. Some of the story felt disjointed. Maybe there were too many words. I'm not sure what it was.
As happens with two timelines, they come together in the end, in ways that I did not expect. And, I enjoyed that. In fact, I enjoyed the whole storyline. It had good elements: secrets, family, perseverance. I think it could have been presented a little more smoothly.
I would rate this a solid 3.5 stars, but I have to go up or down. I'll go up to 4 stars because I did enjoy the story, through my own confusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
This book has two timelines, 2 stories, seemingly unconnected. One timeline is in the 1930s, during the tough depression. Becca is a young widow trying to bring up a toddler without family support. The 1970s is about Nell and Evie, who were sisters by chance with a very enigmatic “mother”. Nell is trying to figure out their past. It takes place in the Deep South, often close to the Mississippi River, sometimes in the mountains in the Carolinas. As in the previous book, the setting is very descriptive and important to the story.
BUT. And, I hate that there is a “but”. This story fell short for me. There were a few too many characters, especially in the 1930s segments. I had trouble trying to keep them straight in my mind. A name would pop up and I’d have to stop to try to figure out who it was. Some of the story felt disjointed. Maybe there were too many words. I'm not sure what it was.
As happens with two timelines, they come together in the end, in ways that I did not expect. And, I enjoyed that. In fact, I enjoyed the whole storyline. It had good elements: secrets, family, perseverance. I think it could have been presented a little more smoothly.
I would rate this a solid 3.5 stars, but I have to go up or down. I'll go up to 4 stars because I did enjoy the story, through my own confusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
April 9, 2025
4.5 stars.
November 14, 2024
The River Knows Your Name is a pilgrimage through time, wrought with emotion and a river flooded with secrets.
📖 I thought the plot was really good. It was interesting and I enjoyed the then/now format. Like the river referenced in the book, it weaves and bends the plot in ways that keep you turning pages, and as it approaches its thrilling conclusion - that's when I got super into it. And that's part of why it's not quite a 5 star read for me. I enjoyed the first +/-75%, I just didn't love it.
I also found the number of characters to be a bit confusing, their voices didn't feel quite distinct enough for me to quickly and easily orient myself. It pulled me out of the story multiple times before I was able to get a better grasp. The time jumps and which characters belong in each - I felt the voices could've been more distinctly different early on to aid the reader.
The last +/- 25% I loved, though. That's when it really brought out emotions - when the stories come together.
✍️🏼 I enjoyed the writing. It's clear and reads smoothly. The dialogue reads as natural.
⏳️The pacing is consistent, a bit on the slower side of medium up until the last 30% or so.
👥 The characters are well developed and dimensional.
🪟 I read a lot of this book via the 'read aloud' feature in the netgalley app. The AI voice certainly didn't help me orient myself with the characters. Since that's at least a small factor, I tried not to let that impact rating too much.
Thank you to @netgalley for the opportunity to read the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
📖 I thought the plot was really good. It was interesting and I enjoyed the then/now format. Like the river referenced in the book, it weaves and bends the plot in ways that keep you turning pages, and as it approaches its thrilling conclusion - that's when I got super into it. And that's part of why it's not quite a 5 star read for me. I enjoyed the first +/-75%, I just didn't love it.
I also found the number of characters to be a bit confusing, their voices didn't feel quite distinct enough for me to quickly and easily orient myself. It pulled me out of the story multiple times before I was able to get a better grasp. The time jumps and which characters belong in each - I felt the voices could've been more distinctly different early on to aid the reader.
The last +/- 25% I loved, though. That's when it really brought out emotions - when the stories come together.
✍️🏼 I enjoyed the writing. It's clear and reads smoothly. The dialogue reads as natural.
⏳️The pacing is consistent, a bit on the slower side of medium up until the last 30% or so.
👥 The characters are well developed and dimensional.
🪟 I read a lot of this book via the 'read aloud' feature in the netgalley app. The AI voice certainly didn't help me orient myself with the characters. Since that's at least a small factor, I tried not to let that impact rating too much.
Thank you to @netgalley for the opportunity to read the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
The River Knows Your Name was a first for me from the author. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately headed over to audible to add her first book to my library. Sadly it’s not there.
A family saga with a backdrop of mystery than spans time and small towns along the Mississippi River.
We meet Becca, in the 1930’s depression where her new husband Ben has set off in search of work and she’s just been informed of the death of her beloved second mother.
In the 1970’s we meet Nell and Evie. Sisters who have apparently known for most of their lives that they aren’t in fact related at all. Their reclusive mother has suddenly become a social butterfly and while she’s out the sisters make a discovery that leads Nell on a journey to discover exactly what happened in the past.
I absolutely loved the characters in this title. The story was really well thought out and it plucked at the heartstrings. Huge credit to Kelly Mustian, a talented storyteller. I could imagine being right in the middle of the story at any given time!
Lisa Larsen’s audio performance was amazing, I could listen to her voice all day…….i just have, actually 😊
The story unfolded really well, however there were several moments when j had to stop to remind myself who was who, it didn’t spoil anything about the story, and I genuinely don’t know what the author could’ve done to change this, so an observation rather than a critique.
Huge thanks to Tantor Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ELC 🎧
The River Knows Your Name was a first for me from the author. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately headed over to audible to add her first book to my library. Sadly it’s not there.
A family saga with a backdrop of mystery than spans time and small towns along the Mississippi River.
We meet Becca, in the 1930’s depression where her new husband Ben has set off in search of work and she’s just been informed of the death of her beloved second mother.
In the 1970’s we meet Nell and Evie. Sisters who have apparently known for most of their lives that they aren’t in fact related at all. Their reclusive mother has suddenly become a social butterfly and while she’s out the sisters make a discovery that leads Nell on a journey to discover exactly what happened in the past.
I absolutely loved the characters in this title. The story was really well thought out and it plucked at the heartstrings. Huge credit to Kelly Mustian, a talented storyteller. I could imagine being right in the middle of the story at any given time!
Lisa Larsen’s audio performance was amazing, I could listen to her voice all day…….i just have, actually 😊
The story unfolded really well, however there were several moments when j had to stop to remind myself who was who, it didn’t spoil anything about the story, and I genuinely don’t know what the author could’ve done to change this, so an observation rather than a critique.
Huge thanks to Tantor Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ELC 🎧
April 17, 2025
It pains me to write this review because I absolutely loved Mustian's debut novel, The Girls in the Stilt House.
The River Knows Your Name suffers from way too many underdeveloped characters, time jumps, and locales. After a point, all the back and forth and influx of cameo-appearance characters becomes confusing. The three main characters, Becca, Nell, and Evie, are well fleshed out, but Mustian could have cut at least half the secondary characters without affecting the plot. The writing is flat and unemotional, reading like journalistic reportage rather than engaging, heartrending fiction. The premise is intriguing, but the authorial execution just isn’t there. This one is a hard pass for me, a literary river that meanders all over the place.
The River Knows Your Name suffers from way too many underdeveloped characters, time jumps, and locales. After a point, all the back and forth and influx of cameo-appearance characters becomes confusing. The three main characters, Becca, Nell, and Evie, are well fleshed out, but Mustian could have cut at least half the secondary characters without affecting the plot. The writing is flat and unemotional, reading like journalistic reportage rather than engaging, heartrending fiction. The premise is intriguing, but the authorial execution just isn’t there. This one is a hard pass for me, a literary river that meanders all over the place.
December 27, 2024
Kelly Mustian is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved The Girls in the Stilt House and was very excited to receive an advance copy of her newest story. This one is the story of Nell and Evie, sisters who both know that their history together holds secrets. But they’ve been content to let those secrets stay hidden. When their mom starts acting strangely, however, their curiosity rises to the top. As the author takes us on a journey back in time, we learn how Evie came to live with her new family as a young child. The story is told so beautifully that you can imagine yourself walking along the Mississippi River along with Nell as she tries to find out the truth. Five stars!
April 19, 2025
Sacrifice and resolve are embodied by the different strong female characters in this story. Becca, a struggling mother in the depression alternates POV, with Nell in 1971 searching for truth about her mother and her sister. Both the story and the characters are interesting. My only quibble concerns my confusion between the characters during the first third of the book. An enjoyable story. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
Holy smokes what a gorgeous novel! I absolutely loved Kelly Mustian's The River Knows Your Name.
The story takes place over two timelines, the early 1930's and the early 1970's. When a girl discovers the woman who raised her isn't her birth mother, the story unravels to explain the mystery. The dual timeline format is beautifully executed by Mustian, and they absolutely nail this aspect of the story.
The novel is filled with vivid descriptions of the struggles of the widowed birth mother. The depression era issues, the evil mother-in-law, trying to care for her baby... all just so wonderfully done.
The audio version of The River Knows Your Name is performed by Lisa Larsen, and what a terrific job she does.
an audiobook copy of The River Knows Your Name was provided by Tantor Audio for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The story takes place over two timelines, the early 1930's and the early 1970's. When a girl discovers the woman who raised her isn't her birth mother, the story unravels to explain the mystery. The dual timeline format is beautifully executed by Mustian, and they absolutely nail this aspect of the story.
The novel is filled with vivid descriptions of the struggles of the widowed birth mother. The depression era issues, the evil mother-in-law, trying to care for her baby... all just so wonderfully done.
The audio version of The River Knows Your Name is performed by Lisa Larsen, and what a terrific job she does.
an audiobook copy of The River Knows Your Name was provided by Tantor Audio for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
May 10, 2025
This is a complicated mystery with a dual timeline, toggling back and forth between the 1930s and 1971, and dealing with Nell and Evie and their fractured childhood with their mother Hazel. The story concerns how Evie came into the family. There are lots of characters and honestly, the book was difficult to follow. The tone and atmosphere were lovely, and I wish I could have enjoyed the story more.
This one was 3.5 stars rounded up for me, but I know other readers loved it, so your mileage may vary.
I received a copy of the digital ARC via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
This one was 3.5 stars rounded up for me, but I know other readers loved it, so your mileage may vary.
I received a copy of the digital ARC via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
March 19, 2025
It appears that my catnip is well written Southern family messy drama filled with secrets and this was just that.
Young sisters find a birth certificate that indicates the younger sister is not related, so when they are adults, the search for understanding begins. Told in dual timelines, mysteries are slowly revealed.
Thanks to Bookbrose and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy.
Young sisters find a birth certificate that indicates the younger sister is not related, so when they are adults, the search for understanding begins. Told in dual timelines, mysteries are slowly revealed.
Thanks to Bookbrose and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy.
March 22, 2025
This book was a trip through time. Starting in the 30’s and moving into the 70’s. It’s a story of survival, endurance and love. I was so moved by the last quarter of this book that I’m still in awe of the way this writer gave me hope and found family and yet a deep sense of loss for many of the characters. My book club chose The Girls in the Stilt House for this month’s selection and I’m picking it up next to read by this same author and I’m looking forward to another story by this gifted writer. Excellent story I highly recommend. 4.5 stars!
May 7, 2025
Firstly, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC audiobook. This book had a lot going for it — dual timeline, female-focused, interesting setting, and exploring the emotions of female relationships. Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. The number of side characters and towns involved in this story took me out of it a bit and made the story feel convoluted. The first 50% drug on for me with no real propulsion. Conversely, the last half (and particularly the last 20%) was almost too packed with plot making the ending feel a bit rushed and tied up too neatly for the emotional arc to have much of an impact.
That being said, I would give this author another try. A 2.5 ⭐️ read for me.
That being said, I would give this author another try. A 2.5 ⭐️ read for me.
April 7, 2025
3.5 This was a good storyline but…at first the characters seemed like they were sleepwalking through everything, it was odd, like things just happened around them as they moved along. Then as they woke up a bit for me in the second half the writing format became indirect and confusing with some of the characters being brought up to speed by retelling and herky jerky jumps in multiple timelines and POVs.
November 18, 2025
While this is a really good novel, the narrative is uneven. There are a lot of pages in which the plot is being slowly—very slowly—unspooled, but once it hits the final third of the book, the pace picks up considerably. Just know that going in.
Written by Kelly Mustian, this is a novel told in two timelines, taking place from Clay Mountain, North Carolina to Natchez, Mississippi and several lonely, backwater spots in between.
Storyline No. 1: It's 1971 and at age 42 and in between jobs, Nell Brown is determined to uncover the mysteries and unanswered questions about her birth and her sister Evie's even more enigmatic early childhood. Nell's mother Hazel refuses to offer any information and is offended when Nell asks questions. Nell has no idea who her father is, and neither of them know about Evie's parents. Nell vaguely remembers a dark, rainy night when Evie not yet two years old was brought to their house by a man in a truck, and soon after Hazel fled the area with the two little girls. One day as children, they find a "cradle roll" tucked into a copy of "Jane Eyre" that lists two strangers as Evie's parents. Where had Evie come from?
Storyline No. 1: It's the early 1930s during the Great Depression. Soon after Becca Chambers loses the only woman she has ever known as her mother, a woman who cared for her since she was six years old, Becca is also widowed. After Ben's untimely death, Becca is left having to support their baby girl, Evie. Her evil, meddling mother-in-law causes Becca to flee far away with Evie. Even so, the unthinkable happens to Evie after the greatest betrayal imaginable, destroying Becca's life.
When the two stories finally merge after quite a few twists and turns, the novel becomes a page-turner that is impossible to put down. But you have to be patient until you get to this point. Tighter writing and better editing would have fixed the early issues.
Engaging and tender, this multilayered story that is filled with secrets just waiting to be revealed is one that celebrates the love of mothers, the desolation of betrayal, and the exaltation of redemption.
Written by Kelly Mustian, this is a novel told in two timelines, taking place from Clay Mountain, North Carolina to Natchez, Mississippi and several lonely, backwater spots in between.
Storyline No. 1: It's 1971 and at age 42 and in between jobs, Nell Brown is determined to uncover the mysteries and unanswered questions about her birth and her sister Evie's even more enigmatic early childhood. Nell's mother Hazel refuses to offer any information and is offended when Nell asks questions. Nell has no idea who her father is, and neither of them know about Evie's parents. Nell vaguely remembers a dark, rainy night when Evie not yet two years old was brought to their house by a man in a truck, and soon after Hazel fled the area with the two little girls. One day as children, they find a "cradle roll" tucked into a copy of "Jane Eyre" that lists two strangers as Evie's parents. Where had Evie come from?
Storyline No. 1: It's the early 1930s during the Great Depression. Soon after Becca Chambers loses the only woman she has ever known as her mother, a woman who cared for her since she was six years old, Becca is also widowed. After Ben's untimely death, Becca is left having to support their baby girl, Evie. Her evil, meddling mother-in-law causes Becca to flee far away with Evie. Even so, the unthinkable happens to Evie after the greatest betrayal imaginable, destroying Becca's life.
When the two stories finally merge after quite a few twists and turns, the novel becomes a page-turner that is impossible to put down. But you have to be patient until you get to this point. Tighter writing and better editing would have fixed the early issues.
Engaging and tender, this multilayered story that is filled with secrets just waiting to be revealed is one that celebrates the love of mothers, the desolation of betrayal, and the exaltation of redemption.
April 4, 2025
This is my first book by this author. I did go get a copy of her previous one, The Girls In The Stilt House, after reading this one though.
Main characters: Nell, Evie, Hazel and Becca. There are a few more that play a big part in this story but these four will steal your heart by the end of this book.
This book is at the top of my favorites list. It will definitely be in my top twelve at the end of the year. I highly recommend this book. It's heartbreaking, beautiful, loving, hold your breath good. It will immerse you into a world of a mother's love. Another mother's need for control. And another mother's survival while allowing her child to live. To survive. To be free. It's just one you truly will not forget and will not want to put down.
This book had be just a bit confused at first. Trying to see where it was headed. Trying to figure out what each part was about. How they would come together. They came together in a way that had me in tears. Some happy tears and just a few sad tears. This author knows how to capture your heart. How to make you feel what a true mother's love is...
Told in two timelines and different POVs throughout. You get to know each character and what they go through. How they feel about each other. The fears they have. The love of sisters who are not true blood sisters but sisters of the heart. Of mother's. Mothers in ways that only a true mother knows. Even if not by blood. How they survive and keep each other safe.
There are a few characters in this story and it's fairly easy to keep them separate. To know who is who and what each has going on. How friends help even without knowing it sometimes. To be there for someone when it truly counts. The loss of a child. Not in death but in life. How a mother can go on knowing she did what was best. Even after she has lost everything else. Not knowing if she will ever see her baby again. Proof that your child is always your baby even when they are all grown and have their own family. In some cases anyway.
This is one of those books that you don't want to say a lot about what happened because you certainly don't want to give anything away. But it also is one that shows how much you have to trust people sometimes. How the most desperate of times make you do things you never thought you could. Or would.
A masterpiece in my opinion. A book with such depth and feeling. Do not miss this one.
Thank you #NetGalley, #SourcebooksLandmark, for this ARC.
Main characters: Nell, Evie, Hazel and Becca. There are a few more that play a big part in this story but these four will steal your heart by the end of this book.
This book is at the top of my favorites list. It will definitely be in my top twelve at the end of the year. I highly recommend this book. It's heartbreaking, beautiful, loving, hold your breath good. It will immerse you into a world of a mother's love. Another mother's need for control. And another mother's survival while allowing her child to live. To survive. To be free. It's just one you truly will not forget and will not want to put down.
This book had be just a bit confused at first. Trying to see where it was headed. Trying to figure out what each part was about. How they would come together. They came together in a way that had me in tears. Some happy tears and just a few sad tears. This author knows how to capture your heart. How to make you feel what a true mother's love is...
Told in two timelines and different POVs throughout. You get to know each character and what they go through. How they feel about each other. The fears they have. The love of sisters who are not true blood sisters but sisters of the heart. Of mother's. Mothers in ways that only a true mother knows. Even if not by blood. How they survive and keep each other safe.
There are a few characters in this story and it's fairly easy to keep them separate. To know who is who and what each has going on. How friends help even without knowing it sometimes. To be there for someone when it truly counts. The loss of a child. Not in death but in life. How a mother can go on knowing she did what was best. Even after she has lost everything else. Not knowing if she will ever see her baby again. Proof that your child is always your baby even when they are all grown and have their own family. In some cases anyway.
This is one of those books that you don't want to say a lot about what happened because you certainly don't want to give anything away. But it also is one that shows how much you have to trust people sometimes. How the most desperate of times make you do things you never thought you could. Or would.
A masterpiece in my opinion. A book with such depth and feeling. Do not miss this one.
Thank you #NetGalley, #SourcebooksLandmark, for this ARC.
April 13, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I loved The Girls in the Stilt House by this author! This one wasn’t as good for me, but it was still a good story where one daughter’s quest to learn about their mother’s past leads to family secrets revealed. The timelines and POV alternate between 1934 and 1971. The themes most present are about the love between Mothers and Daughters and found family.
I loved The Girls in the Stilt House by this author! This one wasn’t as good for me, but it was still a good story where one daughter’s quest to learn about their mother’s past leads to family secrets revealed. The timelines and POV alternate between 1934 and 1971. The themes most present are about the love between Mothers and Daughters and found family.
July 23, 2025
This book has dual times lines that is well paced about two young women.
A slow start but was emotional layered. I felt like each chapter got better and better.
A slow start but was emotional layered. I felt like each chapter got better and better.
September 18, 2025
Painfully enjoyable read.
October 29, 2025
Took me a little bit to get into with the different characters and time frames, but once I figured it out it was great. Definitely some twists in there I didn’t expect and I like how it all came together in the end. Audiobook was enjoyable.
June 11, 2025
What a lovely, multi-faceted, and courageous story on a mother’s love and the depths that entails. Highly recommend
August 3, 2025
Too many peripheral, undeveloped characters and plots added little to the story and interrupted the pacing of the main plot.
August 14, 2025
A bit of a slow start with many characters and time periods to keep track of but it has really beautiful conclusion.
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