Celestial River: a quirky, whimsical, uplifting novel that will make you laugh, cry, and wish you could live in this mountain town

by Eileen Laird

Genres: Fiction

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Caroline Stahlschmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celestial River has created something genuinely special: a small, internet-free mountain town so vividly drawn and full of warmth that you'll spend the whole book wishing you could move there. The Blue Ridge setting is breathtaking, and the landscape is written with such affection that it becomes a character in its own right.

The cast is wonderfully quirky and deeply likable, the kind of ensemble you don't want to leave when the book ends. Suzy is such an endearing protagonist, socially awkward, guarded, and completely out of her element when she lands in Celestial River. Watching her slowly, reluctantly fall in love with the place and its people is an absolute joy. Her journey from outsider to someone who truly belongs felt both earned and genuinely moving.

And there's real plot here too. Goat yoga and fly fishing give way to a battle against an entitled billionaire who wants to change everything that makes the town special. It's funny, it's tense, and it has a lot of heart.

This one made me laugh out loud, tear up, and slow down to savor every page. If you're looking for a cozy, uplifting read, I highly recommend it.

[Tomesha Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't many books that I find myself captivated by every single character. However, Celestial River is the book that makes me intrigued by each character who is introduced. From long-time residents to visitors, Eileen does a wonderful job at effortlessly weaving each person (and animal) into the story. What I found most enjoyable about the book was how many of the characters' stories resonated deeply with me. Whether they were navigating lost or moral dilemmas, it made this feel less like a story and more like a guide for life. I won't share any spoilers, but what I will say is that there were more than a few moments that left me wondering, "Would I do the same if I were placed in this situation?" Even though a part of me wanted to say, "absolutely not," I understand why certain characters made certain decisions. That made the story even more relevant to what is happening in the world and in my own life right now. Needless to say this is a book that you don't want to put down. Highly recommend!

[Marina Volin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, I was completely hooked. Eileen is a masterful storyteller. The characters, emotions, scenery, and the challenges they face all feel deeply relatable. The imagery is so vivid you can almost touch and smell it — this is not a book you can skim on autopilot. Instead, you slow down, sit with the feelings that surface, and travel back to different periods of your own life. What would you do if faced with the same challenges?
This book left me uplifted and inspired me to reach out to friends I haven’t spoken to in a while. That’s the mark of a truly special read — one that moves you to act, to connect, to reflect.
Bravo, Eileen!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a lovely escape. It transported me to a place I would love to visit in real life. With how plugged into technology we are these days, it was nice to be reminded that nature, quiet moments, friendships, and relationships still matter most and are what truly create a life. It hit all my favorite elements in a story… community, food, and nature, woven together so beautifully. It actually reminded me a bit of Louise Penny's, Inspector Gamache novels that I love so much. The descriptions were so vivid I could picture myself out on the mountain, staring up at the Milky Way or eating with everyone around the table at the Purple Pig. I really came to love and care for these characters, and I'm hoping this becomes a series of books.

[Virginia Magill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Celestial River! The way the story unfolded really draws you in to the life of the characters and the little town of Celestial River. A true sense of community and deep friendships are important here, and as those things become threatened the reader is taken on the journey to save them. With lots of twists and turns, this book is a page turner that sometimes had me cheering and other times groaning at the choices of the characters. As I neared the end, I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be but I loved it. I definitely recommend reading this debut novel, especially if you’re a lover of the Blue Ridge Mountains - I wish Celestial River was a real place that I could go!

[Kate Rice McHugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book creates a world I want to revisit for its beauty, resiliency, and interconnected community. I love the way Eileen Laird's voice blends deep empathy, friendship, reverence for the natural world, and defiance against technology without ethics.

Recommended if you like the gentle storytelling and care for the world of authors like:
- Eileen Garvin: Crow Talk, The Music of Bees, Bumblebee Season
- Wendell Berry: the Port William novels
- M.O. Walsh: The Big Door Prize
- Becky Chambers: Psalm for the Wild Built
- T.J. Klune, Under the Whispering Door

[Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky and whimsical are great adjectives to describe this debut novel! It was a delightful read and as a long time follower of Phoenix Helix (Eileen's other life), I recognized many tidbits from her other work including mentions of recipes from her cook books and self-care tips from The Healing Mindset. I especially loved how inclusive this book was. There are characters of various cultures, sexuality and abilities, which is so rare and wonderful. Many people will find a character to relate to in there as well as some powerful life lessons.

I'm looking forward to future novels!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky, whimsical, and uplifting are perfect descriptors of this book. I was hooked from the beginning. The characters are real and relatable. From her vivid description of Celestial River, I feel myself wanting to visit and never leaving. It would be great if a series developed from this book. I was a little sad when it was over.
Many of the events in the story were relatable to my own interests: female friendships, medically challenged characters, social and environmental justice, food, and nature just to name a few. So, it took me no time to finish. A perfect summer read!!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book without reservation. I had to force myself to take reading breaks because I didn't want to finish it too quickly, but I still read it in 2 days. And reread it a month later, because I had the physical book!
As an avid stargazer, I was engaged from the first mention of the Milky Way, in the first sentence. The language flows, imagery is vivid, characters and places beg to know them better.
A fabulous read especially for a summer weekend!
I've already sent a copy as a gift.

[Inez Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celestial River is a wonderful, down-to-earth story of a beautiful, out-of-the-way place set in the mountains. It is home to a group of strong, independent, but imperfect women who learn to laugh, grow and live. Celestial River is a wonderful escape! I didn't want to come back!