By Way of the River

by Lacey Lorraine

How long does it take to fall in love?

For Joshua Foster, it wasn’t a question of months or weeks, but hours.

Sixty-three hours to fall for her.
Sixty-three hours to live for her.
Sixty-three hours to jeopardize everything he’d built.

After losing her parents in a car accident and growing up with overprotective grandparents, freedom was something Belle Adams could only dream about. So when she lands a job thousands of miles from home, she doesn’t hesitate. But being so far away awakens old fears she thought she’d outgrown, and a true fresh start means facing what haunts her.

As a psychologist specializing in phobias, Joshua Foster has built a reputation for helping others conquer their deepest fears. He takes pride in his career and his integrity, vowing to never become the kind of man his father was—reckless, selfish, and morally corrupt. But when Belle walks into his office, everything begins to unravel. Because he’s met her before, and she’s the one woman he shouldn't treat.

He should’ve turned her away, but he just couldn’t say no. And when a natural disaster leaves them stranded together, falling for her is the easiest thing in the world. But can he reconcile the man he’s sworn to be with the man who can’t stop wanting her before his own demons push her away forever?

By Way of the River explores what happens when love challenges our deepest values and fear becomes the very thing that sets us free.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

294 pages, Paperback

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

Lacey Lorraine has been writing since she was a child, be it essays, short stories, blog posts, or journal entries. As an Army Brat she has lived all over, including Alaska and Bahrain, and it shaped her love for adventure. When she isn't writing, Lacey can be found traveling with friends and family, doing one of her many, many hobbies, or curled up with a good novel. Currently, she is married to her high school sweetheart, and they live in Florida with their children and pets…and Lacey's two thousand-book collection.

Reviews

[Sammie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was EVERYTHING! I'm still smiling so hard after reading it! For someone who has struggled with anxiety for years, this book touched me deep in my soul.

Belle has just moved to Washington state as a wildlife ecologist and her anxiety and phobia of bridges is starting to rule her life. She starts to see Joshua, a psychologist, for help. When a deadly earthquake traps them together, they spend three days struggling to stay sane and alive. At some point, their budding attraction turns to more.

Once they're rescued, they start a secret relationship but it's constantly dimmed by the big secret because Joshua is obviously not allowed to date his patient. A lot more happens, but these two are so sweet together and so REAL, and I was kicking my feet and giggling the entire time! Oh, and shout out to Snacks who is the cutest cat ever!

[Lacey Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

How am I reviewing my second book?! I never thought I'd be able to finish one, let alone two. :)

This book represents a year and a half of my life, an awe-inspiring trip to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, my struggle with anxiety, bridges, and agoraphobia, and an all-consuming love for the written word.

I hope readers love Belle and Joshua as much as I do, and that they take away something beautiful from this love story.

<3, Lace

[Dominique Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are SO MANY great things to be said about this book! It took me a day to read it because it had me in a chokehold, and I’m honestly so sad to be saying goodbye to these characters. Not only is Lacey a great descriptive writer, she also expressed her love and compassion in bringing this world to life. I’ve learned so much—in the importance of a good ecosystem, in phobias, and immersion therapy. I wasn’t expecting that! I felt seen because I’ve had an anxiety disorder most of my life so this book meant a whole lot to me. I fell in love with Belle and Joshua (even with Piper and Junie 😭) I laughed, I cried, I kicked my feet with a big smile on my face. This book hit me right in my feels, and I look forward to reading more by Lacey Lorraine.

[D.K. Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to get to read another book by an indie author - and this was easily the best indie book I've read in a long time!
I love the PNW, so I was immediately ready to love the setting. It didn't take long to fall in love with Belle. She leapt off the page and made me smile over and over. And who doesn't love a cat mascot??
I particularly appreciate the secondary characters in this book. Even the ones with little presence in the book had powerful personalities and really made an impression.
I highly recommend this book if you want a cozy romance set in nature and full of quirky lovable characters!

[Linnie Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5⭐

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a different type of storyline that I was happy to read. It felt very unique and that made it stand out for me. I absolutely had a fun time reading it and I was on the edge of my seat and many times kicking my feet. Joshua, the man that you are! Also Feliks, I need more of you! I love Belle's growth and how she reminds me a lot of myself. It felt like I was reading myself as a book character and I could absolutely relate to her. Definitely can't wait to read more from this author!

[Brittney H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book that makes me feel and this book did. I laughed and cried. The forbidden love aspect of the book was so different than any other book I have read. While I rooted for their love, I also had a moral dilemma whether I should or not. The characters all had very strong personalities and my favorite character was Joshua’s sister Juniper. The ending was beautiful and perfectly rounded out the story.

[Felicia Escobar · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Way of the River is an emotional, slow-burning romance that blends vulnerability, healing, and moral conflict into a deeply character-driven story. At its heart, the novel asks whether love can survive. The writing style leans introspective and emotional, focusing heavily on inner conflict and personal transformation. Readers who enjoy fast-paced romance may find parts of the story slower, but those who appreciate character depth and emotional tension will likely find the journey rewarding.

[D.J. Rowlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This book had character growth, romance issues, and characters who found themselves and learned forgiveness.

The author also had funny characters that weren't trying to hard. :)