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Of Saints and Rivers: A Sweeping Historical Family Saga
A father's expectations. A son's search for redemption. A family shaped by love, loss, and the relentless passage of time.
From the wild frontier days of the late 1800s to the post-war reckoning of the 1950s, this award-winning novel follows three generations of the McClellan family through the eyes of the youngest son. Growing up in the shadow of his celebrated father and brother, Jordan is more into books than farmwork or sports. But when tragedy strikes, guilt drives him spiraling down a path with dire consequences.
His relentless search for meaning and atonement sends him far from home-to places as far ranging as the Caribbean, a small Mexican village, and seminary. Yet, no matter how far he runs, the shadows follow. As Jordan grapples with his past and its impact on those he loves, he discovers a new understanding of his father-and himself.
Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and William Kent Krueger, Of Saints and Rivers is a sweeping historical saga of faith, doubt, resilience, and the unbreakable ties of family.
From the wild frontier days of the late 1800s to the post-war reckoning of the 1950s, this award-winning novel follows three generations of the McClellan family through the eyes of the youngest son. Growing up in the shadow of his celebrated father and brother, Jordan is more into books than farmwork or sports. But when tragedy strikes, guilt drives him spiraling down a path with dire consequences.
His relentless search for meaning and atonement sends him far from home-to places as far ranging as the Caribbean, a small Mexican village, and seminary. Yet, no matter how far he runs, the shadows follow. As Jordan grapples with his past and its impact on those he loves, he discovers a new understanding of his father-and himself.
Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and William Kent Krueger, Of Saints and Rivers is a sweeping historical saga of faith, doubt, resilience, and the unbreakable ties of family.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
4 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Jim Logan
1 book1 follower For complete information, (reviews, interviews, press, etc.) see the author's website at jimloganauthor.com.
A fourth-generation Oklahoman, author Jim Logan began writing historical articles for Oklahoma Today magazine in 2011. His pieces have been recipients of a Western Heritage Wrangler Award, a Spur Award finalist, and received seven IRMA and SPJA Awards. Of Saints and Rivers, his newly-released first novel, has received positive reviews from Kirkus and others, a Literary Titan Gold Book Award, and a "Recommended" rating from the U.S. Review of Books.
Aside from history and writing, his interests include following college sports, good films, and good music. Following the loss of his wife of thirty-six years, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee a few years ago to spend more time with children and grandchildren. He returns regularly to Oklahoma, which he'll always consider home.
A fourth-generation Oklahoman, author Jim Logan began writing historical articles for Oklahoma Today magazine in 2011. His pieces have been recipients of a Western Heritage Wrangler Award, a Spur Award finalist, and received seven IRMA and SPJA Awards. Of Saints and Rivers, his newly-released first novel, has received positive reviews from Kirkus and others, a Literary Titan Gold Book Award, and a "Recommended" rating from the U.S. Review of Books.
Aside from history and writing, his interests include following college sports, good films, and good music. Following the loss of his wife of thirty-six years, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee a few years ago to spend more time with children and grandchildren. He returns regularly to Oklahoma, which he'll always consider home.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 16, 2025
"The Shawshank Redemption" meets "Lilies of the Field" meets "A River Runs Through It"
Jordan McClellan is “the youngest son of a celebrated father I worshipped, disappointed, and fought with.” Jordan’s father was a Texas Ranger in the 1880s and part of the Oklahoma Land Run in 1892. Favored older brother, Danny, pitched professionally and became a decorated war hero. Jordan? He prefers books over horses or baseball. “I dreamed of someday becoming a teacher or minister. If there was some higher meaning or purpose in life, I wanted to know about it.”
Many stories have been written of sons with overbearing fathers. What makes "Of Saints and Rivers" stand out is that Jordan goes to prison. Distraught over a farm incident he’s to blame for that leads to serious injury for his father and brother, he turns to alcohol. One night, while driving, he accidentally hits a pedestrian, and is sentenced to four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.
Jordan’s effort to atone for his actions - on the family farm and behind the wheel of his car - is the heart of this novel. In prison, he befriends a Native American inmate and a closeted gay man. After his release, he travels to a village in northern Mexico, where he meets a nun who further leads him on the path of redemption. Yet he experiences loss after loss. Of family. Of women. Of faith and convictions. He enters seminary, but leaves when professors can’t answer his questions about why God lets all of this happen.
If you want gorgeous writing, a family saga set during one of the most interesting periods in U.S. history, or just a story that makes you think, then Jim Logan's "Of Saints and Rivers" is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jordan McClellan is “the youngest son of a celebrated father I worshipped, disappointed, and fought with.” Jordan’s father was a Texas Ranger in the 1880s and part of the Oklahoma Land Run in 1892. Favored older brother, Danny, pitched professionally and became a decorated war hero. Jordan? He prefers books over horses or baseball. “I dreamed of someday becoming a teacher or minister. If there was some higher meaning or purpose in life, I wanted to know about it.”
Many stories have been written of sons with overbearing fathers. What makes "Of Saints and Rivers" stand out is that Jordan goes to prison. Distraught over a farm incident he’s to blame for that leads to serious injury for his father and brother, he turns to alcohol. One night, while driving, he accidentally hits a pedestrian, and is sentenced to four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.
Jordan’s effort to atone for his actions - on the family farm and behind the wheel of his car - is the heart of this novel. In prison, he befriends a Native American inmate and a closeted gay man. After his release, he travels to a village in northern Mexico, where he meets a nun who further leads him on the path of redemption. Yet he experiences loss after loss. Of family. Of women. Of faith and convictions. He enters seminary, but leaves when professors can’t answer his questions about why God lets all of this happen.
If you want gorgeous writing, a family saga set during one of the most interesting periods in U.S. history, or just a story that makes you think, then Jim Logan's "Of Saints and Rivers" is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
What a beautifully written historical fiction! I kept thinking about the movie Forest Gump in how you experienced American history over decades through the personal stories. Of Saints and Rivers is from the late 1800s through early 1950s primarily through Jordan McClellan’s life experiences.
It is an emotional journey of family dynamics, sibling hierarchy, parental relationships, a war with faith, understanding, love and loss, heartache and purpose. While complex topics were addressed it in such a simple easy to read way, you felt drawn into the characters, experiencing their sadness and doubts along the way.
I think each period in history was well developed, sharing the experiences that shaped the perceptions of that time so respectfully, like the racism of the father. You get to see how over time he changed and grew from new found understanding he had gained over his lifetime.
Jordan was so relatable in his questioning of faith, the why thens, it was a beautiful interaction with love and respect in the deep faith conversations with Maria to the ending with his father.
It is an emotional journey of family dynamics, sibling hierarchy, parental relationships, a war with faith, understanding, love and loss, heartache and purpose. While complex topics were addressed it in such a simple easy to read way, you felt drawn into the characters, experiencing their sadness and doubts along the way.
I think each period in history was well developed, sharing the experiences that shaped the perceptions of that time so respectfully, like the racism of the father. You get to see how over time he changed and grew from new found understanding he had gained over his lifetime.
Jordan was so relatable in his questioning of faith, the why thens, it was a beautiful interaction with love and respect in the deep faith conversations with Maria to the ending with his father.
September 14, 2025
I am super thankful that I signed up to be a reviewer for this tour because this book was a very interesting and unforgettable read! I have read a lot of stories with this kind of plot over the years but this one was truly unforgettable and very inspirational. Jordan who is the novels narrator is a very relatable character and even though he has screwed up so many times in his life his family as never turned their backs on him.
I will say the family dynamic in this novel was truly breathtaking. This family goes through so many tragedies yet their strong belief in the lord carries them through so many hardships like the great depression and the second world war. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
I will say the family dynamic in this novel was truly breathtaking. This family goes through so many tragedies yet their strong belief in the lord carries them through so many hardships like the great depression and the second world war. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
June 3, 2025
Let me start off by saying that I do not normally enjoy historical novels. I'm usually bored within the first chapter, especially when they are about American or Oklahoman history. I am not lying when I say that I read this entire book in like six hours.
The writing was easy enough to read, but the lessons that the main character learns are so valuable. I loved the characters and how complex they all were, and I especially loved everyone's character arcs. I may be partial to this novel because I helped to proof it, but it was just so great. And again, I usually hate historical fiction, so this is a big deal.
The writing was easy enough to read, but the lessons that the main character learns are so valuable. I loved the characters and how complex they all were, and I especially loved everyone's character arcs. I may be partial to this novel because I helped to proof it, but it was just so great. And again, I usually hate historical fiction, so this is a big deal.
February 5, 2026
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but I enjoyed this one!! Even though it is fiction, it feels like a memoir. The author is able to convey the realness of life, doubt, joy.
The writing, though simplistic, is beautiful and clear. I was able to see the world through Jordan’s eyes so clearly. The characters are flawed and complex, making the story feel realistic.
The writing, though simplistic, is beautiful and clear. I was able to see the world through Jordan’s eyes so clearly. The characters are flawed and complex, making the story feel realistic.
June 19, 2025
In Jim Logan's Of Saints and Rivers we follow the sprawling multi-generational saga of the McClellan family, primarily through the eyes of the youngest son, Jordan. It begins in the late 1800s with his parents' unlikely romance and settles into the vast Oklahoma frontier, tracing the family's joys and heartbreaks through the mid-20th century. The narrative centers on Jordan's relentless quest for purpose and healing, a journey propelled by personal tragedy and a gnawing sense of guilt that sends him far from home to unexpected places, such as a Mexican village and a seminary, only to find that the past, like a river, always finds its way back.
I loved Logan's masterful way with words. He crafts sentences with a gentle flow, making even complex emotional landscapes feel accessible. I found myself drawn into the characters' lives, experiencing their triumphs and sorrows alongside them. The author doesn't shy away from the hard questions, grappling with faith, destiny, and the human condition in a way that feels both profound and personal. It's rare to find a book that so honestly explores the nuances of forgiveness and self-acceptance, but this one does it with an understated power that resonated with me. The way the historical details are woven into the family's story, particularly the struggles of the Dust Bowl and the impact of the world wars, creates a vivid and immersive experience.
While the exploration of Jordan's internal struggles was compelling, there were moments I wished for a bit more outward joy or less immediate return to hardship. Yet, I think that's part of the book's honesty; life isn't always neat, and the author doesn't pretend it is. The relationships, especially between Jordan and his father, were incredibly raw and real. I felt my own emotions stirring as they navigated their complicated bond, a testament to the author's ability to create such authentic human connections.
Of Saints and Rivers is a moving and introspective read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who appreciates historical fiction with a strong emotional core. If you enjoy stories about family, redemption, and the search for meaning in a world that doesn't always provide easy answers, then this book is for you. It's a journey that leaves you pondering life's big questions.
I loved Logan's masterful way with words. He crafts sentences with a gentle flow, making even complex emotional landscapes feel accessible. I found myself drawn into the characters' lives, experiencing their triumphs and sorrows alongside them. The author doesn't shy away from the hard questions, grappling with faith, destiny, and the human condition in a way that feels both profound and personal. It's rare to find a book that so honestly explores the nuances of forgiveness and self-acceptance, but this one does it with an understated power that resonated with me. The way the historical details are woven into the family's story, particularly the struggles of the Dust Bowl and the impact of the world wars, creates a vivid and immersive experience.
While the exploration of Jordan's internal struggles was compelling, there were moments I wished for a bit more outward joy or less immediate return to hardship. Yet, I think that's part of the book's honesty; life isn't always neat, and the author doesn't pretend it is. The relationships, especially between Jordan and his father, were incredibly raw and real. I felt my own emotions stirring as they navigated their complicated bond, a testament to the author's ability to create such authentic human connections.
Of Saints and Rivers is a moving and introspective read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who appreciates historical fiction with a strong emotional core. If you enjoy stories about family, redemption, and the search for meaning in a world that doesn't always provide easy answers, then this book is for you. It's a journey that leaves you pondering life's big questions.
September 13, 2025
This is a sweeping, multi-generational novel that balances history, family drama, and personal redemption with remarkable depth. Told largely through the perspective of Jordan McClellan, the youngest son of a proud and demanding father, the story examines what it means to carry both legacy and loss.
Jordan is a deeply compelling character—introspective, bookish, and often overshadowed by his more accomplished brother. His struggle to live up to his father’s expectations while coping with guilt and tragedy makes him achingly human. I was especially drawn to how Logan portrays Jordan’s restless journey, from the family farm to distant corners of the world, as both a physical and spiritual search for meaning.
The novel also has a great supporting cast. Jordan’s father is stern yet complex, shaped by both love and an unwavering sense of duty; his brother embodies the weight of being the “golden child,” while Jordan’s relationships with those he meets abroad—particularly in the Mexican village and seminary—highlight his yearning for forgiveness and belonging. These characters are not just background figures; they echo Jordan’s inner turmoil and growth, making the family saga feel both intimate and universal.
Logan really captures the texture of the time and place beautifully, from the rugged expanses of the late 1800s frontier to the post-war disillusionment of the 1950s.
This isn’t my normal genre but I really enjoyed it, I was pulled in from the start and read it on one sitting. At times, the pacing lingers a little too long in Jordan’s wanderings, which slightly dampens momentum. Still, the novel’s emotional core more than compensates, culminating in a moving reconciliation between father and son.
Of Saints and Rivers is a thoughtful exploration of expectations, loss, and the lifelong search for redemption. It’s a novel that lingers after the last page—not perfect in its execution, but powerful in its heart.
Jordan is a deeply compelling character—introspective, bookish, and often overshadowed by his more accomplished brother. His struggle to live up to his father’s expectations while coping with guilt and tragedy makes him achingly human. I was especially drawn to how Logan portrays Jordan’s restless journey, from the family farm to distant corners of the world, as both a physical and spiritual search for meaning.
The novel also has a great supporting cast. Jordan’s father is stern yet complex, shaped by both love and an unwavering sense of duty; his brother embodies the weight of being the “golden child,” while Jordan’s relationships with those he meets abroad—particularly in the Mexican village and seminary—highlight his yearning for forgiveness and belonging. These characters are not just background figures; they echo Jordan’s inner turmoil and growth, making the family saga feel both intimate and universal.
Logan really captures the texture of the time and place beautifully, from the rugged expanses of the late 1800s frontier to the post-war disillusionment of the 1950s.
This isn’t my normal genre but I really enjoyed it, I was pulled in from the start and read it on one sitting. At times, the pacing lingers a little too long in Jordan’s wanderings, which slightly dampens momentum. Still, the novel’s emotional core more than compensates, culminating in a moving reconciliation between father and son.
Of Saints and Rivers is a thoughtful exploration of expectations, loss, and the lifelong search for redemption. It’s a novel that lingers after the last page—not perfect in its execution, but powerful in its heart.
September 10, 2025
I don’t often read historical fiction, but every now and again it is good to reach outside the norm. This time around, I read Of Saints and Rivers by Jim Logan, and found a very thought provoking multigenerational family saga, that is emotional and captivating, exploring the human condition through struggles, atonement, and self discovery.
Though this is a historical fiction, there is truly a lot of heart in this story that is more reminiscent of a contemporary fiction. The historical parts were very interesting and nostalgic, and it was enjoyable to see how the author included the big events, like World War 2, into the story of the family.
The main story is about a young man who is the son of a generational ranching family who, much to his father’s dismay, does not follow the family footsteps. The author masterfully writes the family relationships, the romance and the grit, with wonderful character development and relatable dynamics between the characters. The reader gets to see the family history through the love affair between the parents when they first settle their roots in Oklahoma, and the trials and tribulations that bring Jordan, the son, on his quest to find meaning and healing. The author writes Jordan’s story so well, making the reader feel like they are living his experiences beside him as well as grieving his losses and celebrating his breakthroughs, while joining him on his journey of redemption. This book was so moving and emotional, especially for me since I have experienced familial loss and also had relationship struggles within my family. I love that the author has you asking the hard questions and really having to self-examine your answers. This book was very unexpected for me, and was easily a favorite of 2025!
Though this is a historical fiction, there is truly a lot of heart in this story that is more reminiscent of a contemporary fiction. The historical parts were very interesting and nostalgic, and it was enjoyable to see how the author included the big events, like World War 2, into the story of the family.
The main story is about a young man who is the son of a generational ranching family who, much to his father’s dismay, does not follow the family footsteps. The author masterfully writes the family relationships, the romance and the grit, with wonderful character development and relatable dynamics between the characters. The reader gets to see the family history through the love affair between the parents when they first settle their roots in Oklahoma, and the trials and tribulations that bring Jordan, the son, on his quest to find meaning and healing. The author writes Jordan’s story so well, making the reader feel like they are living his experiences beside him as well as grieving his losses and celebrating his breakthroughs, while joining him on his journey of redemption. This book was so moving and emotional, especially for me since I have experienced familial loss and also had relationship struggles within my family. I love that the author has you asking the hard questions and really having to self-examine your answers. This book was very unexpected for me, and was easily a favorite of 2025!
January 4, 2026
I really really enjoyed this book. The narration style was different to most of my usual reads which made it feel fresh and different. I actually had to double check at one point that it was a fictional story and not someone's real family history as it felt so genuine.
The McClellan family felt real, honest and full of exactly the type of people that make up a real family. And much like my real family, I found that I loved them all whilst being utterly infuriated by them at times.
The storytelling style, whereby all 3 generations were told through the eyes of one character was really interesting. It means that however well I felt I'd got to know other characters, I only ever knew them through Jordan's eyes.
I also loved the historical element of the early days of the modern America. From men winning parcels of land, to flourishing towns with schools, shops and churches.
This was a great read overall and I'll definitely look out for more books by this author, or in this style, again.
The McClellan family felt real, honest and full of exactly the type of people that make up a real family. And much like my real family, I found that I loved them all whilst being utterly infuriated by them at times.
The storytelling style, whereby all 3 generations were told through the eyes of one character was really interesting. It means that however well I felt I'd got to know other characters, I only ever knew them through Jordan's eyes.
I also loved the historical element of the early days of the modern America. From men winning parcels of land, to flourishing towns with schools, shops and churches.
This was a great read overall and I'll definitely look out for more books by this author, or in this style, again.
July 8, 2025
This was a really thought-provoking read. It starts with a Western feel in late 19th century Oklahoma and gradually shifts into a more modern story, following Jordan McClellan, the youngest son of a ranching family. I’m always drawn to stories set during these hard, gritty times, and this one captured the spirit of change and struggle beautifully.
Jordan is an academic, much to his father’s disappointment, and that tension adds depth to the family dynamic. I found his reflections on faith and God especially compelling. The book raises big questions without being heavy-handed, and I think many readers would benefit from sitting with them.
The writing is nostalgic and slightly somber, which fits the tone of the story. I really enjoyed how it carried through into the 20th century, touching on events like Pearl Harbor and World War II - both favourites of mine in fiction. A moving, emotional read. Four stars.
Jordan is an academic, much to his father’s disappointment, and that tension adds depth to the family dynamic. I found his reflections on faith and God especially compelling. The book raises big questions without being heavy-handed, and I think many readers would benefit from sitting with them.
The writing is nostalgic and slightly somber, which fits the tone of the story. I really enjoyed how it carried through into the 20th century, touching on events like Pearl Harbor and World War II - both favourites of mine in fiction. A moving, emotional read. Four stars.
September 12, 2025
I enjoyed this moving family saga tied to the development and growth of Oklahoma. It addresses the struggles society is facing and how one family, the McClellan’s, handles it. Full of tragedies and bad decisions there is also change and hope and moving forward for the McClellans. Jordan McClellan is the main character and on his journey he faces many obstacles and much loss which leaves him questioning his beliefs and ultimately leads him to the seminary and his future. I recognized his struggle and I am still thinking about some of his questions and thoughts. The writing drew me in to the story and I was invested in the McClellans and the changes and losses they faced as the world changed. I recommend this to readers that enjoy family sagas or historical fiction books documenting development of an area.
Thanks to Love Book Tours and the publisher for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Love Book Tours and the publisher for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 26, 2025
As a genre, historical fiction isn’t my favourite but I have read some really impressive historical books this year and this one looked different and interesting, so I thought I would dive in. I have no regrets. What a beautiful, well told story. The writing is absolutely top tier, rich and descriptive. I was absolutely blown away to discover that this is a debut novel. The author’s voice to me comes across as so weathered, so seasoned. A family saga told in a very unique way, spanning decades and generations. This would translate into a film or a TV miniseries beautifully and the landscapes and scenery would be like the story is - stunning. A perfect read. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2025
I enjoyed reading about the McClellan family and their growth. The story centers around one son, Jordan, and his views on his family and the world around him in the early 1900s. I liked how all tue characters throughout the story intersect in some ways, and everything gets nicely tied up at the end. There was a lot of religion in the story that dragged on. that's just not my thing. Otherwise, it was a captivating story.
Thank you, NetGalley and Yorkshire Publishing, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Yorkshire Publishing, for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
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