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Where the River Settles, The Lost Pages: An Epic 1940s Southern Historical Romance Saga • A Book Club Favorite
In Where the River Settles, the second book in the best-selling Hymns of Blue Hollow series, Kemma MarShall crafts a hauntingly beautiful tale of love, resilience, and self-discovery—filling in the lost pages of Esther and Ian’s slow-burn romance, where longing and uncertainty still linger.
Returning readers find themselves once more at the Old Reed Estate, nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, where the currents of love churn just beneath a deceptively serene surface.
German Ian Huggler is a man who knows what he wants—and what he wants is Esther Primm. But claiming her heart is no simple feat. She is still unraveling the foreign language of love, wary of its warmth yet aching for it in the same breath. For a woman who’s been scarred by hardship and taught to survive above all else, the kind of tenderness Ian offers feels dangerous. And yet, she can’t look away—the passion drawing them together, something she is unable to resist.
As Ian fights for her, Esther wages a quieter war within—caught between him and the fallout of her life with her preacher cousin, Clive Jones. Ian’s not a man who backs down once he’s made up his mind, and it might just take that kind of protective, unwavering devotion to help her face her fear of surrender. Theirs is a story carved from hesitation and yearning, where love does not come softly, and trust does not bloom without splinters. Everything must be earned.
Set in 1940s Tennessee, in the shadow of World War II, this Southern historical romance winds through secrets buried deep and past sins unconfessed.
Old ghosts stir, and danger is not just memory—it is flesh and blood, armed and emboldened. A battle is building between the moonshiners and the ATU, drawing Esther into their sights. The ghost of Clive’s dark business hasn’t died—it waits in the silence, ready to take everything she has finally begun to claim.
But Ian isn’t the only one who has discovered Esther—or wants to lay claim to her. Her innocent smile has captured the attention of Hank Calhoun, a charming and unexpected rival, creating a simmering love triangle that forces her to reckon with the pull of the unfamiliar. With the lines between protection and possession blurring, the question of who she will choose—and why—becomes all the more urgent.
As long-buried secrets claw their way to the surface, unexpected threats close in, threatening to break what was never meant to survive. What unfolds is a gripping, slow-burn, high-stakes romance rooted in female strength and emotional depth—a desire-driven women’s novel where love is both salvation and test. Gritty and real, with rich characters, Southern-banter-filled conversations, and a cast that breathes on the page.
Where the River Settles is a historical fiction saga, rich with desire, atmosphere, and lyricism. A story of a protective hero who risks everything to protect the woman who doesn’t yet know how to be his—and a woman who must decide if she is brave enough to stay
Returning readers find themselves once more at the Old Reed Estate, nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, where the currents of love churn just beneath a deceptively serene surface.
German Ian Huggler is a man who knows what he wants—and what he wants is Esther Primm. But claiming her heart is no simple feat. She is still unraveling the foreign language of love, wary of its warmth yet aching for it in the same breath. For a woman who’s been scarred by hardship and taught to survive above all else, the kind of tenderness Ian offers feels dangerous. And yet, she can’t look away—the passion drawing them together, something she is unable to resist.
As Ian fights for her, Esther wages a quieter war within—caught between him and the fallout of her life with her preacher cousin, Clive Jones. Ian’s not a man who backs down once he’s made up his mind, and it might just take that kind of protective, unwavering devotion to help her face her fear of surrender. Theirs is a story carved from hesitation and yearning, where love does not come softly, and trust does not bloom without splinters. Everything must be earned.
Set in 1940s Tennessee, in the shadow of World War II, this Southern historical romance winds through secrets buried deep and past sins unconfessed.
Old ghosts stir, and danger is not just memory—it is flesh and blood, armed and emboldened. A battle is building between the moonshiners and the ATU, drawing Esther into their sights. The ghost of Clive’s dark business hasn’t died—it waits in the silence, ready to take everything she has finally begun to claim.
But Ian isn’t the only one who has discovered Esther—or wants to lay claim to her. Her innocent smile has captured the attention of Hank Calhoun, a charming and unexpected rival, creating a simmering love triangle that forces her to reckon with the pull of the unfamiliar. With the lines between protection and possession blurring, the question of who she will choose—and why—becomes all the more urgent.
As long-buried secrets claw their way to the surface, unexpected threats close in, threatening to break what was never meant to survive. What unfolds is a gripping, slow-burn, high-stakes romance rooted in female strength and emotional depth—a desire-driven women’s novel where love is both salvation and test. Gritty and real, with rich characters, Southern-banter-filled conversations, and a cast that breathes on the page.
Where the River Settles is a historical fiction saga, rich with desire, atmosphere, and lyricism. A story of a protective hero who risks everything to protect the woman who doesn’t yet know how to be his—and a woman who must decide if she is brave enough to stay
555 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2025
About the author
Kemma MarShall
5 books28 followersAuthor of the best-selling and acclaimed Hymns of Blue Hollow series, an epic 1940s Southern historical romance, Kemma Marshall calls North Carolina home. With family roots in the Appalachian hills, the stories of her ancestors fuel her creative soul.
Growing up poor as one of nine children, Kemma writes with authenticity, painting with words to bring her characters to life. She knows what it feels like to be a young girl who goes unseen.
Inspired by the love of a good man and a lasting marriage, and shaped by her years as a mother, she has spent her life as an artist and researcher with a deep passion for history and bygone eras.
Her work has earned over 10 million Kindle Unlimited page reads and maintains a 4.5-star reader rating.
Growing up poor as one of nine children, Kemma writes with authenticity, painting with words to bring her characters to life. She knows what it feels like to be a young girl who goes unseen.
Inspired by the love of a good man and a lasting marriage, and shaped by her years as a mother, she has spent her life as an artist and researcher with a deep passion for history and bygone eras.
Her work has earned over 10 million Kindle Unlimited page reads and maintains a 4.5-star reader rating.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 10, 2025
Love in the hills
So many loves and lives intermingled to great a wonderful story. Some hints of racial hatred and predicist. What a hint of what the south was like in1943.
So many loves and lives intermingled to great a wonderful story. Some hints of racial hatred and predicist. What a hint of what the south was like in1943.
December 31, 2025
A heart of it's own
I am still intrigued and deeply invested in Blue Hollow, never wanting to put it down. A deeply heartwarming story of grit and love. It will pull you in as well.
I am still intrigued and deeply invested in Blue Hollow, never wanting to put it down. A deeply heartwarming story of grit and love. It will pull you in as well.
October 7, 2025
Where the River Settles
The Hymns of Blue Hollow series is very entertaining, book 1 was better than book 2 but it still kept me turning the pages to see what happens next. Book 2 did drag a bit in places I feel it could have been shortened by about 100 pages by leaving out all the long drawn out sex scenarios. My opinion!!!
The Hymns of Blue Hollow series is very entertaining, book 1 was better than book 2 but it still kept me turning the pages to see what happens next. Book 2 did drag a bit in places I feel it could have been shortened by about 100 pages by leaving out all the long drawn out sex scenarios. My opinion!!!
September 6, 2025
Must read series!
This series is so amazing! I literally couldn’t wait to finish one book and then starting another! I have read all 3 books! I literally can’t wait for book 4 to be published!
This series is so amazing! I literally couldn’t wait to finish one book and then starting another! I have read all 3 books! I literally can’t wait for book 4 to be published!
July 12, 2025
Absolutely an amazing series!
i cannot wait until the next book of this series. An amazing story of the 40s. Drama, romance, it had it all!
i cannot wait until the next book of this series. An amazing story of the 40s. Drama, romance, it had it all!
July 23, 2025
I am going to be very sad when I finish this series
What a beautiful story. It is very well written and I will be very sad when I finish the series. Don't miss out on this series.
What a beautiful story. It is very well written and I will be very sad when I finish the series. Don't miss out on this series.
August 6, 2025
Where the River Settles, The lost psges
Absolutely loved the book 2. Loved all the characters and the trouble they all got into. Would recommend this book series.
Absolutely loved the book 2. Loved all the characters and the trouble they all got into. Would recommend this book series.
August 14, 2025
Five stars
One of the best books I've read in a long time. My favorite time in history and the Appalachian area and peoples are truly inspiring.
One of the best books I've read in a long time. My favorite time in history and the Appalachian area and peoples are truly inspiring.
August 1, 2025
A great follow up to the first book ! I love the authors writing . I do wished there would have been more of the moonshiner drama . I needed a bit more drama like we had in the first book. Looking forward to the next book.
May 11, 2025
Wordy
The writing is quite descriptive and poetic but some times a little over done. However characters that keep your attention and keep you waiting to see what happens
The writing is quite descriptive and poetic but some times a little over done. However characters that keep your attention and keep you waiting to see what happens
May 23, 2025
Sight seeing
Loved this book bringing all the descriptions to life so you can see all the hills,trees,land,people and clothing and gel the love
Loved this book bringing all the descriptions to life so you can see all the hills,trees,land,people and clothing and gel the love
August 1, 2025
Heavy on the romance
This book focused too much on details of Esther and Ian's relations which took up too many pages. It needed more of a plot.
This book focused too much on details of Esther and Ian's relations which took up too many pages. It needed more of a plot.
May 13, 2026
Where the River Settles
The reason I gave this book a 3 was because of all the detailed encounters surrounding the sexual liaisons. Otherwise it was a good book.
The reason I gave this book a 3 was because of all the detailed encounters surrounding the sexual liaisons. Otherwise it was a good book.
May 26, 2026
great story too much unnecessary graphic detail
I very much enjoyed the storyline and the character development. I did not need the graphic detail of all the bedroom scenes. It did nothing to enhance the story.
I very much enjoyed the storyline and the character development. I did not need the graphic detail of all the bedroom scenes. It did nothing to enhance the story.
April 27, 2026
So very good! A little steamy, but deliciously so. I very much enjoyed diving into their world and how their love isn't a simple Hallmark movie but layered with complexities, much like real life. Esther clearly struggles with accepting Ian’s love, despite wanting it badly. I appreciated the way the author portrayed this, showing that people don’t heal from trauma overnight or wrap everything up with a pretty ribbon. Very original, gritty, and it pulls on your heartstrings. I found many chapters quite moving and breathtaking. It would make a phenomenal TV series. I applaud you, Kemma. You truly have a gift!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews