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Just River
The Otis, an inconsequential river—not the Hudson—flows through Wattsville, a small city a few hours north, but a universe away from the real City, capital C. You might think the everyday people who live here, in this land of scarce opportunity, are also inconsequential. Until you meet them.
Sam, a cross-dresser with a voice like Tina Turner's and his best friend Carol, a cashier who stress eats, prove their mettle when Carol's daughter Garnet is imprisoned for defending herself against a violent boyfriend. Sam and Carol's plots to save Garnet have consequences, however. An innocent boy is blamed for their actions and kidnapped, a dog gets poisoned, and Garnet's life is imperiled as parole becomes a distant dream. In the end, it's the river that offers up justice for these heroes-at-heart. But they will need to be able to swim.
Sam, a cross-dresser with a voice like Tina Turner's and his best friend Carol, a cashier who stress eats, prove their mettle when Carol's daughter Garnet is imprisoned for defending herself against a violent boyfriend. Sam and Carol's plots to save Garnet have consequences, however. An innocent boy is blamed for their actions and kidnapped, a dog gets poisoned, and Garnet's life is imperiled as parole becomes a distant dream. In the end, it's the river that offers up justice for these heroes-at-heart. But they will need to be able to swim.
- GenresFictionContemporary
Audible Audio
Published November 3, 2023
36 people are currently reading
2477 people want to read
About the author
Sara B. Fraser
2 books38 followersSara B. Fraser writes short stories and novels. She lives near Boston, teaches high-school Spanish, and goes surfing every chance she gets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 28, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
That woman’s gotten so much Botox, her eyebrows have fused to her skull.
It feels odd, smiling at them, like something might escape her mouth if she doesn’t keep her teeth clenched.
In Wattsville he is one of a kind, whereas he would find many like-minded people in the city. But he’s afraid. Its size scares him, and furthermore he wouldn’t be particularly special. Here, he explains, he’s a unicorn, a big fish in a small pond. “Puddle,” says Chloe. “It’s not a pond, it’s a puddle, my dear. You want to swim or lie there getting splashed? Heavens, the place is bound to evaporate in warm weather.”
Garnet is developing the rigid jaw and tight lips of a person expecting the worst. He is reminded of the way people’s faces look when they’re stuck in traffic, or when they pick the wrong checkout lane in the supermarket.
He must be outside his body… The pain is fading. Is there a solar eclipse? Sam sees, through a vague foggy tunnel, like the ending of the Looney Tunes cartoons he used to watch as a child— D-d-d-d-dat’s all folks!
My Review:
This was a shrewdly paced and cleverly plotted tale of knotted woe and intriguing complexities that boil down to simple thorny social problems. After I finished I went back and reread the first chapter and found a treasure chest full of tidbits I had not noticed the first time through. Sara B. Fraser has a special brand of magic sprinkled into her wordcraft and I fell right under her spell.
The storylines and writing style were often realistically gritty, flinch-worthy with complex issues, keenly insightful, painfully observant, and yet bewitchingly humorous - all at the same time! Which takes crazy good skills. The characters were well nuanced and oddly compelling while deeply flawed. Most were repressed, oppressed, suppressed, and vulnerable. I was holding my breath while fully invested and rooting for them, even when they annoyed me. Ms. Fraser is a wily minx with a wicked wit and going to the top of my list of ones to watch.
That woman’s gotten so much Botox, her eyebrows have fused to her skull.
It feels odd, smiling at them, like something might escape her mouth if she doesn’t keep her teeth clenched.
In Wattsville he is one of a kind, whereas he would find many like-minded people in the city. But he’s afraid. Its size scares him, and furthermore he wouldn’t be particularly special. Here, he explains, he’s a unicorn, a big fish in a small pond. “Puddle,” says Chloe. “It’s not a pond, it’s a puddle, my dear. You want to swim or lie there getting splashed? Heavens, the place is bound to evaporate in warm weather.”
Garnet is developing the rigid jaw and tight lips of a person expecting the worst. He is reminded of the way people’s faces look when they’re stuck in traffic, or when they pick the wrong checkout lane in the supermarket.
He must be outside his body… The pain is fading. Is there a solar eclipse? Sam sees, through a vague foggy tunnel, like the ending of the Looney Tunes cartoons he used to watch as a child— D-d-d-d-dat’s all folks!
My Review:
This was a shrewdly paced and cleverly plotted tale of knotted woe and intriguing complexities that boil down to simple thorny social problems. After I finished I went back and reread the first chapter and found a treasure chest full of tidbits I had not noticed the first time through. Sara B. Fraser has a special brand of magic sprinkled into her wordcraft and I fell right under her spell.
The storylines and writing style were often realistically gritty, flinch-worthy with complex issues, keenly insightful, painfully observant, and yet bewitchingly humorous - all at the same time! Which takes crazy good skills. The characters were well nuanced and oddly compelling while deeply flawed. Most were repressed, oppressed, suppressed, and vulnerable. I was holding my breath while fully invested and rooting for them, even when they annoyed me. Ms. Fraser is a wily minx with a wicked wit and going to the top of my list of ones to watch.
November 15, 2022
Thank you Goodreads Giveaways and to the author Sara B. Fraser.
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS
#GOODREADSGIVEAWAYS
November 26, 2021
There are some interestingly drawn and diverse characters in this novel. I particularly enjoyed the relationships between Carol and her friend the cross-dressing Sam. Their hapless plans to make life a little easier in prison for Carol’s daughter, Garnet, create some humorous moments. The novel uses an inside (as in behind bars) and outside feel which creates an unusual structure. An engaging read.
January 11, 2022
The town of Wattsville, NY along the Otis River is a relic of the industrial age, part of the rust belt. The people of Wattsville are mostly stuck in dead-end jobs, poverty and drugs. Carol is a single mom who works in the dining hall of the local college that her daughter, Garnet attends. Garnet is dating Ethan, one of the town's wealthy residents. When Garnet and Ethan get into a fight, Garnet is the victim of an unjust system and sent to prison with a two-year sentence. With her daughter in prison, Carol leans on her friend Sam and new coworker Ronaldo. When Garnet begins to get hassled in prison, Carol and Sam try to help Garnet and end up starting a chain of events that will affect the whole town.
Just River snapshot of a small town in the 1990's. The story flowed through the connected action of the characters with each chapter narrated by a switching point of view between Garnet, Carol and Sam. The diverse range of characters shows a range of viewpoints, motivations and emotions as everyone deals with what life has dealt them. Sam was an intriguing character as a gay man who dressed as a woman but did not identify as transgender. It was interesting to see his motivations for staying in a small town and how he goes through everyday life. Carol's outlook changes several times throughout the story as regret, depression and acceptance work their way through her life. Garnet's point of view was fun to read as she figured out some important lessons in prison. Just River offers a steady plot with a mix of comedy and tragedy that reflects the real world.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Just River snapshot of a small town in the 1990's. The story flowed through the connected action of the characters with each chapter narrated by a switching point of view between Garnet, Carol and Sam. The diverse range of characters shows a range of viewpoints, motivations and emotions as everyone deals with what life has dealt them. Sam was an intriguing character as a gay man who dressed as a woman but did not identify as transgender. It was interesting to see his motivations for staying in a small town and how he goes through everyday life. Carol's outlook changes several times throughout the story as regret, depression and acceptance work their way through her life. Garnet's point of view was fun to read as she figured out some important lessons in prison. Just River offers a steady plot with a mix of comedy and tragedy that reflects the real world.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
November 10, 2021
Just River is an interesting tale of trouble in a small town, masterfully woven together through multiple narratives. Fraser has a talent for writing engaging characters who are so real. I enjoyed following the lives of the people of Wattsville immensely.
November 22, 2021
Originally published on my book blog, TheBibliophage.com.
2.5 stars rounded up
Just River by Sara B. Fraser is a novel about hopeless people in Wattsville, a small upstate New York town. Once a place with a booming factory, it’s now slower and sadder. It’s the kind of town people leave as soon as they can. And yet, Carol raised her daughter Garnet here. And her best friend Sam finds a kind of grudging acceptance from people around him. Still, their lives are rough and Fraser reminds us that life is unpleasant.
The time is the 1990s, before the promise of a new century. Carol works in a community college cafeteria, ringing up purchases. Her constant worry is Garnet, who’s doing time nearby for accidentally (or not) injuring her wealthy boyfriend. The two depend on each other, but Carol also particularly depends on Sam for support.
At the time, we would’ve described Sam as a gay man into cross-dressing. Fraser uses he/him pronouns for him but gives him strong feminine sensibilities. As the book starts, he finds a decent job at the local paper with an understanding boss. Then he meets Ronaldo and the two circle around a possible connection. But what Sam really loves is singing karaoke, dressed to the nines in high heels and sparkly dresses.
Both Sam and Carol would do anything for Garnet, since they believe she’s wrong incarcerated. She’s in a world of hurt living in prison. But then she asks them to do something risky. Their plan to fulfill the request goes off the rails more than once.
My conclusions
Just River hovers on the edge of depressing, with moments of groaning laughter at the follies perpetrated by its main characters. It’s a tough balance, but Fraser manages to keep propelling the story forward amidst the difficulties.
Carol is every schlumpy middle-aged woman. Sam’s teetering gender queerness is a bit of a trope. And Garnet is a selfish twenty-something who expects life to go her way, despite all indications. I didn’t find any of these main characters especially likable, but I empathize with them. Their lives are a constant struggle to keep from drowning in a strong downstream river current.
This is Fraser’s second book, and I hope she keeps writing. Her work will likely continue to gain polish and subtlety. Right now, though, she delivers many heavy-handed descriptions and a somewhat rushed ending.
Still, I recommend Just River if you appreciate character studies, books set in the 1990s, and a Keystone Kops style “can they pull this plan off?” storyline.
Pair with other developing writers like Elle Marr (The Missing Sister) and Mateo Askaripour (Black Buck).
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to NetGalley, Black Rose Writing, Mind Buck Media, and the author for a digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for this honest review.
2.5 stars rounded up
Just River by Sara B. Fraser is a novel about hopeless people in Wattsville, a small upstate New York town. Once a place with a booming factory, it’s now slower and sadder. It’s the kind of town people leave as soon as they can. And yet, Carol raised her daughter Garnet here. And her best friend Sam finds a kind of grudging acceptance from people around him. Still, their lives are rough and Fraser reminds us that life is unpleasant.
The time is the 1990s, before the promise of a new century. Carol works in a community college cafeteria, ringing up purchases. Her constant worry is Garnet, who’s doing time nearby for accidentally (or not) injuring her wealthy boyfriend. The two depend on each other, but Carol also particularly depends on Sam for support.
At the time, we would’ve described Sam as a gay man into cross-dressing. Fraser uses he/him pronouns for him but gives him strong feminine sensibilities. As the book starts, he finds a decent job at the local paper with an understanding boss. Then he meets Ronaldo and the two circle around a possible connection. But what Sam really loves is singing karaoke, dressed to the nines in high heels and sparkly dresses.
Both Sam and Carol would do anything for Garnet, since they believe she’s wrong incarcerated. She’s in a world of hurt living in prison. But then she asks them to do something risky. Their plan to fulfill the request goes off the rails more than once.
My conclusions
Just River hovers on the edge of depressing, with moments of groaning laughter at the follies perpetrated by its main characters. It’s a tough balance, but Fraser manages to keep propelling the story forward amidst the difficulties.
Carol is every schlumpy middle-aged woman. Sam’s teetering gender queerness is a bit of a trope. And Garnet is a selfish twenty-something who expects life to go her way, despite all indications. I didn’t find any of these main characters especially likable, but I empathize with them. Their lives are a constant struggle to keep from drowning in a strong downstream river current.
This is Fraser’s second book, and I hope she keeps writing. Her work will likely continue to gain polish and subtlety. Right now, though, she delivers many heavy-handed descriptions and a somewhat rushed ending.
Still, I recommend Just River if you appreciate character studies, books set in the 1990s, and a Keystone Kops style “can they pull this plan off?” storyline.
Pair with other developing writers like Elle Marr (The Missing Sister) and Mateo Askaripour (Black Buck).
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to NetGalley, Black Rose Writing, Mind Buck Media, and the author for a digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for this honest review.
November 27, 2021
Just River is a book about people who have lost hope in their small hopeless city in upstate New York. It's 1990 and most industry has left the area and jobs are few and far between. A small group of friends work together to help each other. Sam is a cross-dresser and Coral, his best friend, work together to help Garnet who is in jail because of domestic violence. Despite their hard lives, their friendships are strong. All of the characters are quirky but my favorite was Sam. Sam is a stylish cross dresser who loves to sing karaoke.
Being gay wasn't acceptable in a 1990's small town and he suffers many negative comments but remains happy with this life. The novel isn't all depressing and gritty - there are some funny moments throughout that help balance out their lives. Even though Sam dreams of moving to the big city, I have a feeling that he stayed in his small town to help take care of his friends.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.
Being gay wasn't acceptable in a 1990's small town and he suffers many negative comments but remains happy with this life. The novel isn't all depressing and gritty - there are some funny moments throughout that help balance out their lives. Even though Sam dreams of moving to the big city, I have a feeling that he stayed in his small town to help take care of his friends.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.
May 13, 2022
Sara Fraser brings us quite a cast of typically marginalized characters who are so essentially human—that is, flawed. In a novel of misadventure, set in a fictional depressed town in upstate New York, Fraser’s characters are just trying to find a better life, which fundamentally includes being accepted and loved. Fraser effects this with humor and honesty. A highly readable, often humorous, novel that leaves you feeling that everyone gets their just deserts.
April 21, 2022
Well, aren't these people a mess! Carol enlists the help of her best friend Sam to get justice for Carol's daughter, Garnet. Garnet is in jail due to defending herself from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Ethan. Ethan's family has deep pockets & even deeper connections in a run down mill town that's trying to find its way now that the mill has closed. Based on the synopsis, the book might appear to be in danger of being a cliché. In the hands of Sara B. Fraser, it is not. There is an engaging supporting cast. Moments of sadness are balanced with levity. The main characters were complex & interesting.
December 2, 2022
I think that this would be a good book for high school students.
There are many types of dilemmas over the various age groups in this book.
I can sense there would be much discussion based on the cross-dressing, etc.
There are many types of dilemmas over the various age groups in this book.
I can sense there would be much discussion based on the cross-dressing, etc.
December 12, 2021
Struggling blue-collar residents, recent immigrants, weekend blow-ins, and an array of unusual characters all in survival mode, cross paths in this once thriving mill town. The writing captures more than the hard scrabble of the town’s dark underbelly. Some of the situations these characters get themselves into can be hilarious. Yet they are believable, loyal, funny and not above breaking the law when push comes to shove. Plus the dialogue is on the money. Well written with authenticity and empathy, Just River is a great read.
August 13, 2022
Sara Fraser’s characters leap from the pages—from Sam the cross-dresser you want to hug to Carol who is beaten down and elicits our empathy.
It is also a study in pride—Sam shows no shame about being a cross-dresser in a backwater blue-collar town. He loves who he is and it shows in very refreshing ways. There are also a number of characters that work in blue-collar jobs, including Carol who works in the cafeteria of the local community college, Tommy and Sam who work inserting advertisements into newspapers, and yet none of them are complaining.
The plot has several threads that weave themselves together rather seamlessly, and we see the characters act with kindness and sympathy for each other, but not without complex emotions.
I highly recommend reading Just River.
It is also a study in pride—Sam shows no shame about being a cross-dresser in a backwater blue-collar town. He loves who he is and it shows in very refreshing ways. There are also a number of characters that work in blue-collar jobs, including Carol who works in the cafeteria of the local community college, Tommy and Sam who work inserting advertisements into newspapers, and yet none of them are complaining.
The plot has several threads that weave themselves together rather seamlessly, and we see the characters act with kindness and sympathy for each other, but not without complex emotions.
I highly recommend reading Just River.
December 4, 2021
In Wattsville in the 1990s, the Otis River's "rusty water and yellow-tinted foam lips" are a reminder of the community's once-thriving but long-gone manufacturing plants. Here, a quirky, diverse cast of characters scrabble to survive. At the heart of the story is a plan by a cashier named Carol and her cross-dressing friend Sam to help Carol's imprisoned daughter, who is a victim of domestic violence. Sara Fraser effectively leverages rotating points of view to create a vivid cast of characters and provide the reader with a multi-faceted view of their lives and stories.
February 10, 2022
I loved this book. Fraser has such a gift for crafting wonderfully unique characters living in a brilliant world. Relatable people, that are still fun of depth and intrigue; a relatable setting, with this struggling town full of its struggling people. Fraser uses easily digestible language to drive home the fact that these characters are all of us, and I really loved it. I have already recommended this book to several people, and I will continue to. Kudos to the author, I'm looking forward to reading more from Sara Fraser.
June 27, 2022
Just River takes place in a small town in New York. Most of the industries have left town and jobs are hard to find. The characters in the book all have choices to make. To stay in the town or move. Most of the characters have issues with fitting in. There are many small towns like Wattsville in America and we wonder what makes people stay instead of moving for better opportunities. It is an interesting book to read.
Thank you to #goodreads, #SaraBFraser, and #BlackRoseWriting for a copy of this book.
Thank you to #goodreads, #SaraBFraser, and #BlackRoseWriting for a copy of this book.
April 29, 2022
My best kind of book/movie is a story about ordinary people (a great cast) struggling in a small-town setting. So, Just River had it all for me. Sarah’s description along the intriguing story line was not only interesting but entertaining (I always love doses of humor with real life stuff) – the characters were all believable and the dialogue (which if not done well, can throw me out of a story) was authentic. Great job and hope to be reading more from you soon!
July 8, 2022
A dying manufacturing town in need of some financial help. Excellent portray of how people live in such environments. The local bars are visited by the same people with little hope of improving their future. The characters were not very likable. Mostly because of no future in sight for any of them. Would recommend even though it is a dark read.
November 24, 2021
I love books set in the 90s for the nostalgia factor, and this novel paints a very vivid picture of an atmospheric and gritty setting--a small town that has seen better days. The characters are well-drawn and written with compassion. Would love to read more from this author!
June 14, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Just River
Author: Sara B. Fraser
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the authors’ strongest skill was ‘plotting the story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the authors’ strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the authors’ strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A very original story, character-led, with lots of underlying humour. I enjoyed it very much. I particularly enjoyed getting to know Sam, the cross-dresser. I liked hie style and the way he lived his life.” Male reader, aged 55
“Although there’s an interesting plot here involving domestic violence, it’s the characters which jump off the page. I loved the author’s writing style; the flow is excellent, and the character development is spot on.” Female reader, aged 49
“I suspect anybody interested in small town America and the way a community works (or might not work) will find this story compelling. The author is a strong writer who’s in no hurry to tell her story. As a result, the characters are given room to develop, and there’s plenty of suspense, particularly in the second half.” Female reader, aged 41
“For me, Garnet was the most interesting character. I felt she developed the most in the story. Interesting mix of gritty (domestic abuse, prison, etc.) and humour; I felt the author pulled it off well.” Male reader, aged 56
“Worth reading just for the small town, American setting. Utterly enjoyable.” Female reader, aged 44
To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling, character-led novel with a cleverly constructed plot. A SILVER MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Just River
Author: Sara B. Fraser
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the authors’ strongest skill was ‘plotting the story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the authors’ strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the authors’ strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A very original story, character-led, with lots of underlying humour. I enjoyed it very much. I particularly enjoyed getting to know Sam, the cross-dresser. I liked hie style and the way he lived his life.” Male reader, aged 55
“Although there’s an interesting plot here involving domestic violence, it’s the characters which jump off the page. I loved the author’s writing style; the flow is excellent, and the character development is spot on.” Female reader, aged 49
“I suspect anybody interested in small town America and the way a community works (or might not work) will find this story compelling. The author is a strong writer who’s in no hurry to tell her story. As a result, the characters are given room to develop, and there’s plenty of suspense, particularly in the second half.” Female reader, aged 41
“For me, Garnet was the most interesting character. I felt she developed the most in the story. Interesting mix of gritty (domestic abuse, prison, etc.) and humour; I felt the author pulled it off well.” Male reader, aged 56
“Worth reading just for the small town, American setting. Utterly enjoyable.” Female reader, aged 44
To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling, character-led novel with a cleverly constructed plot. A SILVER MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 20, 2022
Just River by Sara B. Fraser is a well-written story set in the imaginary town of Wattsville. The citizens of the town are authentic, memorable and totally unique: Sam is the cross-dressing middle-aged singer who longs for love; his best friend Carol is a mom who has seen much tragedy in her life, the latest being that her daughter Garnett has just been sentenced to 2 years in prison for a crime she didn't... (you'll just have to read this wonderful book to find out) and Larry is a supervisor at the newspaper who dreams of a connection with his son and a better life for them both.
You will laugh, tear up and cheer as these perfectly imperfect people struggle, fall down and ultimately persevere. 4 stars for a most memorable read- my first, but not last, from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
You will laugh, tear up and cheer as these perfectly imperfect people struggle, fall down and ultimately persevere. 4 stars for a most memorable read- my first, but not last, from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
February 7, 2025
Totally surprising ending
I never saw it coming but it took me by surprise, anyway.
I read constantly, always being able to lose my problems in a good plot.
Although this book started out slowly by the last page I was completely convinced I knew how it was going to finish up. I couldn't have been more wrong. It wrapped up so neatly and with the sort of " huh" feeling of absolute deja vu irony that any good mystery deserves.
I'm absolutely not going to reveal anything. You'll have to read it for yourself to find out why this one is a first class winner.
I was surprised and thrilled just because it was so satisfyingly complete, complex and perfectly simplistic.
Really worth a few hours investment.
I never saw it coming but it took me by surprise, anyway.
I read constantly, always being able to lose my problems in a good plot.
Although this book started out slowly by the last page I was completely convinced I knew how it was going to finish up. I couldn't have been more wrong. It wrapped up so neatly and with the sort of " huh" feeling of absolute deja vu irony that any good mystery deserves.
I'm absolutely not going to reveal anything. You'll have to read it for yourself to find out why this one is a first class winner.
I was surprised and thrilled just because it was so satisfyingly complete, complex and perfectly simplistic.
Really worth a few hours investment.
November 24, 2021
What happens to a small town when its business and industry leave? Sara B Fraser's incredibly compelling and well-written second novel shows the rippling effects of a small town that has lost its economy, painting a stark, eerie yet compassionate and sympathetic view of Wattsville's sad, lost inhabitants. At the center of the story is Carol and Sam, two best friends who stop at nothing to save Carol's daughter from her abuser and a corrupt police system, while they themselves struggle to survive a town on the brink of collapse.
June 13, 2023
Just River takes a common idea—small town life that opens up to a deeper criminal plot—and does the uncommon with it. The success of the story is thanks to the writing of author Sara B. Fraser. The novel's prose is fundamentally honest, empathetic, and with great attention to detail. Fraser's set of flawed and diverse characters bring a dose of reality to the story, seamlessly weaving each plot thread through the different viewpoints, dysfunctional decisions affecting each character in ways that are masterfully revealed.
March 27, 2024
Just River, Sara B. Fraser’s latest novel is a story of vanished hopes and stubborn dreams. The main characters, Carol, Sam, and Garnet, struggling to find happiness, somehow find themselves trapped in a cycle of poor choices and harsh consequences. Fraser has a gift for descriptive writing and effortlessly draws the reader into the complex and intertwined lives of the citizens of Wattsville, an old manufacturing town on the Otis River. Insightful, thought-provoking, and honest, Just River is literary fiction at its finest.
January 23, 2022
Fraser writes a diverse range of characters with real feeling, empathy and humor. The story moves along well and should appeal to a wide audience. On a personal level I thought she captured the essence of life in a post-industrial town we’ll as well as the mixed emotions of pride, sadness and nostalgia. Would definitely recommend and look forward to her next book.
January 28, 2023
Fraser has written a vivid slice of life in a small town with a cast of interesting characters that, true to life, connect like a web in interesting ways. Garnet has gone to jail for sticking up for herself against her abusive boyfriend, who gets off scot-free. Her mother and her best friend do their best to help Garnet in prison as she matures and improves her self-esteem.
Read
January 23, 2022Wonderful engaging read,
Fraser delights with this intriguing story,full of pathos and humor.
A kaleidoscope of entertaining and complex characters that keeps you turning the page.
Highly recommend “Just River”
Fraser delights with this intriguing story,full of pathos and humor.
A kaleidoscope of entertaining and complex characters that keeps you turning the page.
Highly recommend “Just River”
January 24, 2022
I must say I really enjoyed this book. I found it very entertaining with many colorful characters a gripping story line with a wonderful ending. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good read.
April 18, 2022
I loved this book. Fraser’s characters are so deeply drawn. You are instantly pulled in the complexity of the story as she masterfully uses a light and refreshing narrative. I couldn’t put the book down.
January 31, 2022
Emotional, dark, difficult to read at times.
Small town America, shrinking economy, lost jobs and gay people trying to find their way in a bleak situation.
Small town America, shrinking economy, lost jobs and gay people trying to find their way in a bleak situation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews