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Riverbend
Amber Lawrence didn’t come to Bend, Oregon, looking for love, she came to heal. After her aggressive cancer treatment, she's determined to reclaim her strength, one hike at a time. The last thing she wants is a guide, but Grace Howe isn’t what Amber expects.
Grace traded her city life for the dream of running an outdoor adventure company only to end up heartbroken and stuck behind a desk. When Amber hires her for a series of low-key treks, Grace jumps at the chance to make enough to move back home.
Neither is looking for more. But sapphic sparks have a way of catching, and sun-drenched trails and winding rivers aren’t the only natural beauty they’re noticing. Together, they navigate grief, desire, and the wild terrain of second chances while finding their way back to themselves—and each other.
Grace traded her city life for the dream of running an outdoor adventure company only to end up heartbroken and stuck behind a desk. When Amber hires her for a series of low-key treks, Grace jumps at the chance to make enough to move back home.
Neither is looking for more. But sapphic sparks have a way of catching, and sun-drenched trails and winding rivers aren’t the only natural beauty they’re noticing. Together, they navigate grief, desire, and the wild terrain of second chances while finding their way back to themselves—and each other.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Karis Walsh
31 books161 followersKaris Walsh is a native of the Pacific Northwest and an adopted citizen of Texas. When she isn’t wrapped up in a book—either reading or writing one—she spends her time with her animals, playing music on her viola or violin, or hiking among the prickly pears.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 8, 2026
This is a story about Amber, a breast cancer survivor who comes to Bend, Oregon to regain her physical and emotional strength in the beautiful setting. She meets Grace who runs a river rapids company. Amber hires Grace to take her on several easy hikes to make sure she doesn’t fall.
The slow burn romance was predictable and believable.
Both characters struggle with what to do about their careers going forward and how to deal with a long distance relationship.
Amber’s emotional support dog was wonderful. I really liked the setting in the mountains and rivers of Bend Oregon. I can believe it could help cure a broken person and give them back a healthy life.
Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The slow burn romance was predictable and believable.
Both characters struggle with what to do about their careers going forward and how to deal with a long distance relationship.
Amber’s emotional support dog was wonderful. I really liked the setting in the mountains and rivers of Bend Oregon. I can believe it could help cure a broken person and give them back a healthy life.
Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
August 10, 2026
Riverbend is a beautiful, slow-healing story about the power of connection, community, and healing. The book follows Amber Lawrence and Grace through their dual perspectives on a summer to remember. Amber is a headstrong and willful cancer survivor who underwent aggressive treatment, and Grace is reeling after the loss of a partner left her with her self-confidence dimmed. She is ready to pack it in and sell her once-loved company. Amber is reluctant and struggles with the fact that she needs a guide to do the simplest of things around Bend, Oregon. She hires Grace to ensure that she 'won't kill herself' on the trails alongside her stressed-out dog, Hope. How will the forced proximity and daily outings in nature change their relationship? This book is perfect for a quiet contemplation of how those around us can impact our lives.
I really appreciated Karis Walsh's storytelling within this audiobook. She does a great job of making sure the characters are well-rounded and have their own personalities. Amber's narration is a lot snarkier than Grace's friendly, upbeat voice, which really helps you see the dynamic between them bloom. Also, I loved how descriptive the environment is.
Tessa Stavers' audio performance made the characters in the novel feel like real people. Her narrator's voice is nice and soft, and it goes wonderfully with the tone of the book. She doesn't overexaggerate anything; in a book about having difficult discussions and truth-telling, all of her characters feel natural. It is easy to distinguish each character just by voice alone.
The pacing of the story worked well for me. The story is a slow burn with the characters taking their time. Since the story is about taking your time to heal and learning vulnerability, I think it's natural that the pace moves slowly. For some, I could see the pacing as being a bit too slow, but for me it works.
I would recommend this to anyone who feels lost in life and is trying to reconcile a difficult transition. Thank you to Tantor Media and the author for access to this ARC.
Some triggers to be aware of: The book discusses cancer and hospitals; just be aware if that is uncomfortable right now.
I received this book as an ARC; all opinions are my own
I really appreciated Karis Walsh's storytelling within this audiobook. She does a great job of making sure the characters are well-rounded and have their own personalities. Amber's narration is a lot snarkier than Grace's friendly, upbeat voice, which really helps you see the dynamic between them bloom. Also, I loved how descriptive the environment is.
Tessa Stavers' audio performance made the characters in the novel feel like real people. Her narrator's voice is nice and soft, and it goes wonderfully with the tone of the book. She doesn't overexaggerate anything; in a book about having difficult discussions and truth-telling, all of her characters feel natural. It is easy to distinguish each character just by voice alone.
The pacing of the story worked well for me. The story is a slow burn with the characters taking their time. Since the story is about taking your time to heal and learning vulnerability, I think it's natural that the pace moves slowly. For some, I could see the pacing as being a bit too slow, but for me it works.
I would recommend this to anyone who feels lost in life and is trying to reconcile a difficult transition. Thank you to Tantor Media and the author for access to this ARC.
Some triggers to be aware of: The book discusses cancer and hospitals; just be aware if that is uncomfortable right now.
I received this book as an ARC; all opinions are my own
August 1, 2026
This was a very inspirational story. Good feelings all the way through. The surrounding descriptions were very realistic and vivid. I felt I was on the trails experiencing the hikes with them.
The romance is very warm and the growth of the 2 main characters was gradual and felt real.
All the characters and their relationships were sweet and warm...even the dogs.
No villains.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
The romance is very warm and the growth of the 2 main characters was gradual and felt real.
All the characters and their relationships were sweet and warm...even the dogs.
No villains.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and author Karis Walsh for this ARC opportunity. I’m happy to share my honest thoughts.
I was deeply moved by the summary description of this book and was thrilled to be able to read an early copy. The idea of using nature to aid in a form of physical, mental and spiritual healing after a trauma. Riverbend is a beautiful sapphic romance that really forces you to take stock of what's truly important in our lives. This was a lovely story with a ton of emotional depth and outdoor adventure coupled with finding joy in the simple beauty of nature. I very much enjoyed it.
I must admit, I was apprehensive about reading this book because it tackles some pretty emotional stuff. Amber has done the damn near impossible and survived a terrifying and taxing bout with breast cancer. She is not unscathed though and is struggling with finding her new normal and making peace with the life she is lucky to have. She feels physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted and chooses to challenge herself to an outdoor journey in an effort to heal her mind and body along with to feel empowered. She wants to take control of herself and her life and believes the best way to do that is through a wondrous outdoor adventure in Bend. I found myself so moved by Amber. Honestly, I have lost a few of the most important people in the world to me to cancer and am completely terrified by it. It was refreshing and compelling to read of a redemption story like Ambers. Amber hires Grace to guide her through an outdoor journey full of pretty demanding hikes. Grace is going through her own crap and her business running whitewater and hiking tours is struggling. She is fed up with spending so much time behind a desk and realizing having your own business is tough. She is thrilled to work with Amber and even though the type of guide she needs is not Grace’s typical guide work she is pulled toward Amber. I could feel the immediate chemistry between Amber and Grace on that first meeting in Grace’s office.
As Amber and Grace embark on a series of outdoor adventures they begin to develop something so sweet and so real. Amber's journey is incredibly compelling and she must confront the many fears regarding her cancer and her persistent uncertainty about her future to truly embrace nature. In doing so she begins a remarkable journey of healing, growth and sheer gratitude for life. Grace finds profound healing in their shared journey as well and it is moving to see her be so vulnerable and face her own fears. I really liked both main characters and felt excited to watch them grow ever closer. The long hikes give way to riverside conversation and shared meals. I could see how physically attracted they were to each other right away but the realistic and organic development of a much deeper relationship was deeply profound. I loved the two of them together and was so happy to watch them choose each other and find happiness.
This was my first book by Karis Walsh and it was quite enjoyable. She uses smooth and straightforward writing that is easy to read. I appreciated the strong attention to detail in describing the beautiful nature and it made me feel a part of the story. The characters were created with love and care and in return I felt a strong connection to them. I loved each and every conversation and appreciated the tender moments a great deal.
Overall, Riverbend is a sweet and introspective sapphic romance about healing and the power of nature to aid in that. The characters are lovely and the journey is profound. I would encourage anyone looking for a wonderful slowish burn sapphic romance that will make you feel all the feels.
I was deeply moved by the summary description of this book and was thrilled to be able to read an early copy. The idea of using nature to aid in a form of physical, mental and spiritual healing after a trauma. Riverbend is a beautiful sapphic romance that really forces you to take stock of what's truly important in our lives. This was a lovely story with a ton of emotional depth and outdoor adventure coupled with finding joy in the simple beauty of nature. I very much enjoyed it.
I must admit, I was apprehensive about reading this book because it tackles some pretty emotional stuff. Amber has done the damn near impossible and survived a terrifying and taxing bout with breast cancer. She is not unscathed though and is struggling with finding her new normal and making peace with the life she is lucky to have. She feels physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted and chooses to challenge herself to an outdoor journey in an effort to heal her mind and body along with to feel empowered. She wants to take control of herself and her life and believes the best way to do that is through a wondrous outdoor adventure in Bend. I found myself so moved by Amber. Honestly, I have lost a few of the most important people in the world to me to cancer and am completely terrified by it. It was refreshing and compelling to read of a redemption story like Ambers. Amber hires Grace to guide her through an outdoor journey full of pretty demanding hikes. Grace is going through her own crap and her business running whitewater and hiking tours is struggling. She is fed up with spending so much time behind a desk and realizing having your own business is tough. She is thrilled to work with Amber and even though the type of guide she needs is not Grace’s typical guide work she is pulled toward Amber. I could feel the immediate chemistry between Amber and Grace on that first meeting in Grace’s office.
As Amber and Grace embark on a series of outdoor adventures they begin to develop something so sweet and so real. Amber's journey is incredibly compelling and she must confront the many fears regarding her cancer and her persistent uncertainty about her future to truly embrace nature. In doing so she begins a remarkable journey of healing, growth and sheer gratitude for life. Grace finds profound healing in their shared journey as well and it is moving to see her be so vulnerable and face her own fears. I really liked both main characters and felt excited to watch them grow ever closer. The long hikes give way to riverside conversation and shared meals. I could see how physically attracted they were to each other right away but the realistic and organic development of a much deeper relationship was deeply profound. I loved the two of them together and was so happy to watch them choose each other and find happiness.
This was my first book by Karis Walsh and it was quite enjoyable. She uses smooth and straightforward writing that is easy to read. I appreciated the strong attention to detail in describing the beautiful nature and it made me feel a part of the story. The characters were created with love and care and in return I felt a strong connection to them. I loved each and every conversation and appreciated the tender moments a great deal.
Overall, Riverbend is a sweet and introspective sapphic romance about healing and the power of nature to aid in that. The characters are lovely and the journey is profound. I would encourage anyone looking for a wonderful slowish burn sapphic romance that will make you feel all the feels.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the past five years, Amber Lawrence, has lost her mother to breast cancer and Amber has also undergone aggressive cancer treatment, a mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. She is on the mend but lacks confidence and stamina on her recovery journey. Amber is supported by a recovery team of Dr. Bea and Dr. Chris in Portland, who suggest an extended trip to Bend, Oregon, to reclaim her stamina with a guide, one challenge at a time. Initially Amber doesn't listen to the doctor's recommendation and is injured, with emotional support animal, Hope, a retriever, by her side. After another discussion with her doctors via an online check-in, Amber is forced to go to town and hire a guide. Amber has a good interaction with the first guide she meets in the town and hires Grace Howe to begin slow and short hikes with her. During these walks Grace slowly learns about Amber's recent past and the challenges that she has been presented with both physically and emotionally.
Grace has also had challenges of her own, giving up life in Eugene, Oregon, to relocate to Bend to open a guide and expedition business with her then girlfriend, Lou. But Grace caught Lou cheating prior to the move, and she opened the business by herself, taking on the office manager role that Lou was to have assumed, versus the expedition guide role that she got certified to hold. Grace is tied to the office and welcomes the opportunity to spend a little time in the fresh air with Amber.
This was a spectacularly written book by Karis Walsh, likely her best to date. The story was replete with emotional and physical challenges for Amber and some of the secondary characters, a rebirth of sorts for both Amber and Grace, and eventual healing. The author's use of the secondary characters such as Kyle, Esther, and Matt, demonstrated that community is helpful and necessary in a person's healing journey. Personally, I also enjoyed Walsh's very visual descriptions of each destination that Grace guided Amber and the group to over the month or so that Amber was initially in Bend. As a reader I had to look up every destination to view and vicariously experience it. Finally, I loved the connection that Amber and then Grace had with Hope, the emotional support dog, and the joy that Amber got out of seeing Hope "act like a dog" as Amber became more comfortable in her rec0very. 5 ⭐stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Grace has also had challenges of her own, giving up life in Eugene, Oregon, to relocate to Bend to open a guide and expedition business with her then girlfriend, Lou. But Grace caught Lou cheating prior to the move, and she opened the business by herself, taking on the office manager role that Lou was to have assumed, versus the expedition guide role that she got certified to hold. Grace is tied to the office and welcomes the opportunity to spend a little time in the fresh air with Amber.
This was a spectacularly written book by Karis Walsh, likely her best to date. The story was replete with emotional and physical challenges for Amber and some of the secondary characters, a rebirth of sorts for both Amber and Grace, and eventual healing. The author's use of the secondary characters such as Kyle, Esther, and Matt, demonstrated that community is helpful and necessary in a person's healing journey. Personally, I also enjoyed Walsh's very visual descriptions of each destination that Grace guided Amber and the group to over the month or so that Amber was initially in Bend. As a reader I had to look up every destination to view and vicariously experience it. Finally, I loved the connection that Amber and then Grace had with Hope, the emotional support dog, and the joy that Amber got out of seeing Hope "act like a dog" as Amber became more comfortable in her rec0very. 5 ⭐stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I picked this up for escape and found gentle healing instead.
Thank you to NetGalley and BoldStrokesBooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I expected a solid sapphic romance from an author I already trust for a good read. What I didn’t expect was a story about rebuilding after life changes, rediscovering yourself, and learning how to move forward when the old version of your life no longer fits.
The romance is warm, believable, and tastefully done (low spice), but for me, it served as the backdrop to a much bigger story about healing, growth, grief, resilience, and second chances.
Depth:
A thoughtful story about healing, reinvention, grief, and learning to build a new path when the old one no longer fits.
Connection:
Very high for me—this felt like the right book at the right time in my life, and the emotional themes landed harder than expected.
Momentum:
Strong and easy to read. The romance kept things moving, but the emotional growth and healing are what stayed with me after finishing.
Final Call: STAYS ON THE SHELF
This surprised me in the best way. Usually, sapphic romances are read and release for me, but this one earned its place because it felt like so much more than romance.
Who It’s For:
Readers who enjoy sapphic romance with emotional depth
Stories about healing, reinvention, and second chances
Character growth over high drama
Low-spice romance with strong emotional payoff
Anyone navigating a season where life looks different from what was expected
Who It’s Not For:
Readers wanting high spice or relationship drama
Those looking for constant angst or breakup/reunion tropes
Readers wanting plot-heavy action over emotional growth
Thank you to NetGalley and BoldStrokesBooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I expected a solid sapphic romance from an author I already trust for a good read. What I didn’t expect was a story about rebuilding after life changes, rediscovering yourself, and learning how to move forward when the old version of your life no longer fits.
The romance is warm, believable, and tastefully done (low spice), but for me, it served as the backdrop to a much bigger story about healing, growth, grief, resilience, and second chances.
Depth:
A thoughtful story about healing, reinvention, grief, and learning to build a new path when the old one no longer fits.
Connection:
Very high for me—this felt like the right book at the right time in my life, and the emotional themes landed harder than expected.
Momentum:
Strong and easy to read. The romance kept things moving, but the emotional growth and healing are what stayed with me after finishing.
Final Call: STAYS ON THE SHELF
This surprised me in the best way. Usually, sapphic romances are read and release for me, but this one earned its place because it felt like so much more than romance.
Who It’s For:
Readers who enjoy sapphic romance with emotional depth
Stories about healing, reinvention, and second chances
Character growth over high drama
Low-spice romance with strong emotional payoff
Anyone navigating a season where life looks different from what was expected
Who It’s Not For:
Readers wanting high spice or relationship drama
Those looking for constant angst or breakup/reunion tropes
Readers wanting plot-heavy action over emotional growth
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
bend Oregon was where amber was heading..... she had booked a month though at the moment she thought she might just head back home but this had been her doctors idea.. she needed time to heal from the aggressive cancer she had been fighting the last couple of years... but her exhaustion and stamina just wasnt there...
so the day she arrived she just dumped her stuff and collapsed in bed....
her first walk around didnt go well and with her doctors orders she went looking for a guide or as she felt a nursemaid to see her through this month long visit with the hopes that a guide could be found to help her build her strength and stamina and maybe push those boundaries that needed to be pushed...
grace had great plans for her business ... the planning and thought she had had but now she was stuck behind the desk doing paperwork whilst her guides did all the tours she put together.... it wasnt how she had planned it .... she thought she was building a business that she and her partner could build on together ... she was thinking about jacking it all in selling up but first she needed this first year to do well to recoup her losses before she sold it
and then in walked amber who needed help and an idea formed in grace head... a way to help ....
have to say i was gripped by it all and if there was some sort of retreat here in england i would sign as this sounded great... pushing boundaries but being safe and celebrating those wins... this story gripped me
cant wait to see what is next from this author
bend Oregon was where amber was heading..... she had booked a month though at the moment she thought she might just head back home but this had been her doctors idea.. she needed time to heal from the aggressive cancer she had been fighting the last couple of years... but her exhaustion and stamina just wasnt there...
so the day she arrived she just dumped her stuff and collapsed in bed....
her first walk around didnt go well and with her doctors orders she went looking for a guide or as she felt a nursemaid to see her through this month long visit with the hopes that a guide could be found to help her build her strength and stamina and maybe push those boundaries that needed to be pushed...
grace had great plans for her business ... the planning and thought she had had but now she was stuck behind the desk doing paperwork whilst her guides did all the tours she put together.... it wasnt how she had planned it .... she thought she was building a business that she and her partner could build on together ... she was thinking about jacking it all in selling up but first she needed this first year to do well to recoup her losses before she sold it
and then in walked amber who needed help and an idea formed in grace head... a way to help ....
have to say i was gripped by it all and if there was some sort of retreat here in england i would sign as this sounded great... pushing boundaries but being safe and celebrating those wins... this story gripped me
cant wait to see what is next from this author
July 1, 2026
Amber Lawrence comes to Bend, Oregon to heal and get some strength back. She is recovering from cancer, a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She plans to spend a month with her support dog Hope as her faithful companion. They are still getting to know each other. Grace Howe owns and runs an outdoor adventure company. She had dreams of leading the hikes and water rafting adventures. Her ex was going to run the office part of the business. But the ex cheated and never came to Bend. At this point Grace wants to make money this season and sell her business. When Amber approaches her about being her guide on small hikes, barely more than walks, Grace accepts the challenge.
This is a lovely novel by Walsh. First, cancer sucks. But I like that we join Amber’s battle in recovery. I appreciate how small the first walks are and how challenging they are to someone in a weakened condition. Grace seems a little one note in how she describes getting herself stuck not quite living her dream but then she shines as she thinks of new hikes, and challenges. And I love that they include others in their group.
The romance grows in conversations and small touches. And I appreciate the care of dealing with first intimacy after radical surgery. I love that the characters are mature (no ages given) and communicate well. And you love the outdoors, the descriptions will make you want to take a hike or raft ride. This is an easy book to recommend for its gentleness and kindness. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
This is a lovely novel by Walsh. First, cancer sucks. But I like that we join Amber’s battle in recovery. I appreciate how small the first walks are and how challenging they are to someone in a weakened condition. Grace seems a little one note in how she describes getting herself stuck not quite living her dream but then she shines as she thinks of new hikes, and challenges. And I love that they include others in their group.
The romance grows in conversations and small touches. And I appreciate the care of dealing with first intimacy after radical surgery. I love that the characters are mature (no ages given) and communicate well. And you love the outdoors, the descriptions will make you want to take a hike or raft ride. This is an easy book to recommend for its gentleness and kindness. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amber has survived breast cancer but the battle has taken a heavy toll, and her life isn't anywhere near where she thought it would be. Taking some advice from her therapist and friend, she takes a month long break out of town to Bend, to try to gain back some of the strength she had lost and a sense of her old self. There she reluctantly got assistance from Adventure Guide Grace, who helps her find excursions that meet her physical needs. Grace, the owner has her own struggles with coming to Bend with grand plans of adventures finds herself riding a desk until Amber offers her a way to the outdoors. As they go on adventures and expand their group, their connection becomes undeniable, especially out in nature where the great outdoors stripes away fears, insecurities, and reveals the truth.
I love this book. It was a bit heavy with Ambers journey of healing after a terrible illness crushed her sense of self and self-worth. It is a beautiful journey and one that can be seen in many aspects of life. Finding your way through adversity and challenges, finding your community and who could be. I love both Grace and Amber. They complement each other so well and provide the help and support that they each need and they talk to each other. It is so wonderful when characters talk to each other.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It is a cute romance with serious themes of finding yourself and the importance of nature.
I love this book. It was a bit heavy with Ambers journey of healing after a terrible illness crushed her sense of self and self-worth. It is a beautiful journey and one that can be seen in many aspects of life. Finding your way through adversity and challenges, finding your community and who could be. I love both Grace and Amber. They complement each other so well and provide the help and support that they each need and they talk to each other. It is so wonderful when characters talk to each other.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It is a cute romance with serious themes of finding yourself and the importance of nature.
August 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook in advance. All opinions are my own.
*Riverbend* was a beautiful, heartfelt five-star read. Amber's journey toward healing and learning to trust her body again after everything she has been through was handled with so much tenderness. I loved watching her gradually reclaim pieces of herself, and Grace's role in that process was equally moving. She supports Amber without becoming responsible for fixing her, which made their relationship feel especially meaningful.
I also loved the community surrounding them. The other outdoor guides and the various people who join Amber and Grace on their adventures give the story warmth and make the outdoor setting feel alive rather than simply providing a pretty backdrop.
One scene that particularly stood out to me was their first love scene. The tenderness and nervousness of becoming intimate while Amber is still learning how to exist in a body that has changed so much felt incredibly thoughtful. It was romantic and vulnerable without minimizing what Amber had been through.
Tess Stavers was fantastic as the narrator. She brought so much warmth and emotional nuance to both characters and made an already touching story even more immersive.
And perhaps the best endorsement I can give the setting: this book made me desperately want to get outside. I ended up impulsively taking a three-mile walk while listening to the final part of the audiobook because sitting indoors suddenly felt completely unacceptable.
Touching, hopeful, romantic, and deeply satisfying from beginning to end. I loved the way *Riverbend* approached healing, love, and rediscovering what your body can do after it has carried you through something incredibly difficult. Absolutely recommended.
*Riverbend* was a beautiful, heartfelt five-star read. Amber's journey toward healing and learning to trust her body again after everything she has been through was handled with so much tenderness. I loved watching her gradually reclaim pieces of herself, and Grace's role in that process was equally moving. She supports Amber without becoming responsible for fixing her, which made their relationship feel especially meaningful.
I also loved the community surrounding them. The other outdoor guides and the various people who join Amber and Grace on their adventures give the story warmth and make the outdoor setting feel alive rather than simply providing a pretty backdrop.
One scene that particularly stood out to me was their first love scene. The tenderness and nervousness of becoming intimate while Amber is still learning how to exist in a body that has changed so much felt incredibly thoughtful. It was romantic and vulnerable without minimizing what Amber had been through.
Tess Stavers was fantastic as the narrator. She brought so much warmth and emotional nuance to both characters and made an already touching story even more immersive.
And perhaps the best endorsement I can give the setting: this book made me desperately want to get outside. I ended up impulsively taking a three-mile walk while listening to the final part of the audiobook because sitting indoors suddenly felt completely unacceptable.
Touching, hopeful, romantic, and deeply satisfying from beginning to end. I loved the way *Riverbend* approached healing, love, and rediscovering what your body can do after it has carried you through something incredibly difficult. Absolutely recommended.
July 13, 2026
True strength, true north
I wasn‘t sure what to make of this book when I read the blurb - another love conquers all love story, fighting illness by staying strong? But Karis Walsh is an author I trust with sensitive subject matters. And the story proved me right: this is a touching, sensitive exploration of what it‘s like to find your feet (quite literally) after a major illness and how you find true north when and where you‘re least looking for it.
Amber comes to Bend, Oregon, to come back to life after an aggressive cancer therapy. The ground beneath her literally and figuratively shifted and she needs a guide for even the most basic walk in nature. Grace who owns an Adventure Company reluctantly agrees to take the job although she is looking to sell the Company and leave town. Well, who knew that there is a market and even more important a joy to support people who need a gentler approach to adventure? I totally loved the concept and enjoyed vicariously the communing with nature which is described in loving detail throughout the book. I wish this would be on offer everywhere. At the same time Grace finds the joy of being in Bend again and offer those specialized tours: her true North.
The added bonus was a tender love story of two lost souls and those wonderful side characters which let the story come to life.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
I wasn‘t sure what to make of this book when I read the blurb - another love conquers all love story, fighting illness by staying strong? But Karis Walsh is an author I trust with sensitive subject matters. And the story proved me right: this is a touching, sensitive exploration of what it‘s like to find your feet (quite literally) after a major illness and how you find true north when and where you‘re least looking for it.
Amber comes to Bend, Oregon, to come back to life after an aggressive cancer therapy. The ground beneath her literally and figuratively shifted and she needs a guide for even the most basic walk in nature. Grace who owns an Adventure Company reluctantly agrees to take the job although she is looking to sell the Company and leave town. Well, who knew that there is a market and even more important a joy to support people who need a gentler approach to adventure? I totally loved the concept and enjoyed vicariously the communing with nature which is described in loving detail throughout the book. I wish this would be on offer everywhere. At the same time Grace finds the joy of being in Bend again and offer those specialized tours: her true North.
The added bonus was a tender love story of two lost souls and those wonderful side characters which let the story come to life.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
July 21, 2026
This is a well-written story about healing and resetting expectations. Walsh once again develops her characters so readers begin rooting for them early - that is especially true in this book. In other hands, this book could become an angsty mess. Walsh, however, didn’t take the easy route - she takes the extra time and work to solidly develop her characters. By the end of the book, readers are sad to be leaving both Amber and Grace behind. Surprisingly, readers will be sad to say goodbye to Hope - Amber’s comfort dog - as well.
Walsh uses Bend, Oregon as an important part of her story. Readers will learn a lot about Bend and about the outdoor adventure business. Walsh does such a good job of describing both the business and Bend that readers will find themselves almost believing that they’re in Bend with Amber and Grace.
Walsh is careful not to denigrate Amber’s health issues nor does she try to make Amber a victim and thus drown her story in angst.
If you are a fan of Walsh, you’ll love this book if you take the time to savor the writing, the location, and her characters. If this is your first book, be prepared to spend money on her other books as soon as possible.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
Walsh uses Bend, Oregon as an important part of her story. Readers will learn a lot about Bend and about the outdoor adventure business. Walsh does such a good job of describing both the business and Bend that readers will find themselves almost believing that they’re in Bend with Amber and Grace.
Walsh is careful not to denigrate Amber’s health issues nor does she try to make Amber a victim and thus drown her story in angst.
If you are a fan of Walsh, you’ll love this book if you take the time to savor the writing, the location, and her characters. If this is your first book, be prepared to spend money on her other books as soon as possible.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
August 4, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. At first, I found Amber's self-doubt and almost pessimistic outlook a little repetitive, but as the story progressed, it became clear why the author spent so much time there. If that part of Amber's journey had been rushed or glossed over, her growth wouldn't have felt nearly as authentic or rewarding. Watching her slowly change her perspective and gain confidence made every setback worth reading.
Grace was the perfect name for the other FMC because that's exactly what she represented. She was patient, supportive, and quietly steadfast. She gave Amber the space to grow while still being there when she needed someone to lean on. She challenged Amber without pushing too hard and became the kind of safe, steady presence we all hope to find.
As someone who has gone through a life-changing injury myself, this story resonated on a deeply personal level. The community Amber found is one I wish I had during my own recovery. It reminded me how much healing comes not just from determination, but from the people who choose to stand beside you.
More than anything, this book is a reminder that it's never too late to try something new. Growth doesn't have to happen all at once. Sometimes it's the baby steps that end up taking you the farthest.
Grace was the perfect name for the other FMC because that's exactly what she represented. She was patient, supportive, and quietly steadfast. She gave Amber the space to grow while still being there when she needed someone to lean on. She challenged Amber without pushing too hard and became the kind of safe, steady presence we all hope to find.
As someone who has gone through a life-changing injury myself, this story resonated on a deeply personal level. The community Amber found is one I wish I had during my own recovery. It reminded me how much healing comes not just from determination, but from the people who choose to stand beside you.
More than anything, this book is a reminder that it's never too late to try something new. Growth doesn't have to happen all at once. Sometimes it's the baby steps that end up taking you the farthest.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Riverbend by Karis Walsh is a tender and hopeful sapphic romance that does something rare — it lets healing be messy, slow, and worth it. Amber’s journey to Bend, Oregon, after cancer treatment is not a dramatic reinvention story but something quieter and more honest: a woman learning to ask for help, take small steps, and trust again. The outdoor setting of trails and rivers feels like a character in its own right, making the emotional arc feel deeply grounded.
What makes this novel stand out is how fully both protagonists are drawn. Amber and Grace each carry their own grief and disappointment, and their dynamic never feels rushed. Walsh gives them room to be complicated — guarded, hopeful, frustrated, tender — and shows how two people in transition can become each other’s unexpected anchor. Every step forward feels genuinely earned.
Riverbend is the kind of book that leaves you with a warm, full feeling. For readers who appreciate character-driven romance with emotional depth, nature-soaked settings, and a sapphic love story that takes its time, this is a beautiful read.
I voluntarily wrote this review after receiving a complimentary copy of the book.
What makes this novel stand out is how fully both protagonists are drawn. Amber and Grace each carry their own grief and disappointment, and their dynamic never feels rushed. Walsh gives them room to be complicated — guarded, hopeful, frustrated, tender — and shows how two people in transition can become each other’s unexpected anchor. Every step forward feels genuinely earned.
Riverbend is the kind of book that leaves you with a warm, full feeling. For readers who appreciate character-driven romance with emotional depth, nature-soaked settings, and a sapphic love story that takes its time, this is a beautiful read.
I voluntarily wrote this review after receiving a complimentary copy of the book.
August 16, 2026
Riverbend is a beautiful story about healing, vulnerability, and growth. Bend, Oregon’s stunning landscape comes alive through vivid details as readers follow along on the characters’ many excursions. I appreciated how special Bend becomes for both Amber and Grace, who each have wonderful character arcs.
The supporting characters play such a significant role in the story’s development, adding so much joy, warmth, and support for our main characters. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how absolutely incredible Hope, Amber’s support animal, is. Her devotion, support, and unconditional love for Amber are truly incredible. I just want to snuggle her!
Tessa Stavers’ narration is the perfect blend of emotion and joy. Her cadence, character voices, and pacing add so much depth to the story. She brings each character to life with distinct voices while capturing the emotional nuances of their journeys. Her warm, engaging performance drew me further into the story and made the listening experience truly special.
Riverbend is a heartfelt story filled with beautiful characters, meaningful growth, and a wonderful sense of place.
The supporting characters play such a significant role in the story’s development, adding so much joy, warmth, and support for our main characters. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how absolutely incredible Hope, Amber’s support animal, is. Her devotion, support, and unconditional love for Amber are truly incredible. I just want to snuggle her!
Tessa Stavers’ narration is the perfect blend of emotion and joy. Her cadence, character voices, and pacing add so much depth to the story. She brings each character to life with distinct voices while capturing the emotional nuances of their journeys. Her warm, engaging performance drew me further into the story and made the listening experience truly special.
Riverbend is a heartfelt story filled with beautiful characters, meaningful growth, and a wonderful sense of place.
June 16, 2026
Amber has been going through aggressive cancer treatment a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after losing her mother to breast cancer. Amber has been recovering but have a lack confidence and stamina she has support from her doctors Bea and Chris who gives her suggestion to extend her trip to help with her confidence and stamina. Grace relocate to Bend, Oregon and open up guide and expedition business with her girlfriend Lou but finds out she was cheating and decides to work on her own. Grace and Amber meet when Amber needs a guide as they take longs walk they get to know each other as they both starts to heal and finding their way back to themselves and even each other. The author did very well with both characters journey it’s a shame we haven’t had cure yet I have family members going through this and it’s sad to see what it’s takes out them not just physically but mentally.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
August 11, 2026
Riverbend brings us Amber, a breast cancer survivor who comes to Bend, Oregon to recover and build her life back after recovering and there she runs into Grace who runs a local river rapids company and is recovering from a traumatic relationship. When Amber hires Grace to take her on some introductory hikes to make sure she’s up to it and “won’t kill herself”, the two slowly unravel for each other.
The entire premise is incredibly predictable but I think we could all see that coming from the title so let’s let that go. The backdrop of the mountains and the rapids were really cute and the coworkers that Grace brings to the story were great bounces of energy. The star of the show was obviously the service dog, Hope.
The pacing was a little slow but the whole book is pretty short so I wasn’t too frustrated by it.
Riverbend was published June 16, 2026 and I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my review.
The entire premise is incredibly predictable but I think we could all see that coming from the title so let’s let that go. The backdrop of the mountains and the rapids were really cute and the coworkers that Grace brings to the story were great bounces of energy. The star of the show was obviously the service dog, Hope.
The pacing was a little slow but the whole book is pretty short so I wasn’t too frustrated by it.
Riverbend was published June 16, 2026 and I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was such an amazing story of healing and love! It had everything I wanted, nature, sapphics, found family, a cute dog, and hiking. This is obviously so much more than a romance. We get to see one MC fight for her “normal” and another we see fight for what she wants to be her “normal”. Both women’s journeys are very different but unfold beautifully throughout their hikes.
The way the book wrapped up was beautiful. I was so glad to see how nicely it all ended and it made me so happy to see all the characters in Riverbend together and having a happy ending. I think the only thing that prevents me from giving it a full 5 stars is that I did want a little bit more romance between the two MCs shown more. Their individual stories are great but I did want a little more of them together. 4.5 stars!
This was such an amazing story of healing and love! It had everything I wanted, nature, sapphics, found family, a cute dog, and hiking. This is obviously so much more than a romance. We get to see one MC fight for her “normal” and another we see fight for what she wants to be her “normal”. Both women’s journeys are very different but unfold beautifully throughout their hikes.
The way the book wrapped up was beautiful. I was so glad to see how nicely it all ended and it made me so happy to see all the characters in Riverbend together and having a happy ending. I think the only thing that prevents me from giving it a full 5 stars is that I did want a little bit more romance between the two MCs shown more. Their individual stories are great but I did want a little more of them together. 4.5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The past 5 years have shaken up Amber’s life. Soon after losing her mother to breast cancer, Amber began her own battle with the illness. After surgery, radiation and chemo, Amber heads to Bend Oregon to get away from the recent past and rediscover the woman she used to be. At the insistence of her care team, she hires Grace, a guide to help her get active and aid in her recovery.
Riverbend tells a beautiful story about the complex nature of healing, acceptance and transitioning into a new normal. Karis Walsh show a realistic picture how messy the journey came be. Her descriptive writing brings nature to life. It is a slow burn, but the romance feels authentic and builds naturally.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
Riverbend tells a beautiful story about the complex nature of healing, acceptance and transitioning into a new normal. Karis Walsh show a realistic picture how messy the journey came be. Her descriptive writing brings nature to life. It is a slow burn, but the romance feels authentic and builds naturally.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
June 24, 2026
Reading this book is like sitting in an inner tube and floating down a very long river with no rapids, just an occasional current to push you gently along your path. The trees provide a nice shady canopy overhead, so the temperature is very comfortable. You float and occasional you get a tingle of something building, but it's a very slow build up and that's okay. You are just here to enjoy the day and the surroundings. But then you happen upon something you didn't expect, and you are surprised at the rapids, but in a good way. Things can sneak up on you and that can be okay. Sometimes you just have to let them happen.
June 30, 2026
Usually Walsh is a go to author for me, but this one didn't quite hit the mark. Still good, but Walsh has had better.
This is a story about Amber, a breast cancer survivor who comes to Bend, Oregon to get back to who she was. She meets Grace who runs a river rapids company and hires her to take her out on some rides. It was a slow burn romance and believable, as I hate the instant love which never seems legit. Long distance played a factor and how they dealt with it was good. I oved Amber's dog and the setting was wonderful and made me want to visit.
Overall, not a bad book. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about Amber, a breast cancer survivor who comes to Bend, Oregon to get back to who she was. She meets Grace who runs a river rapids company and hires her to take her out on some rides. It was a slow burn romance and believable, as I hate the instant love which never seems legit. Long distance played a factor and how they dealt with it was good. I oved Amber's dog and the setting was wonderful and made me want to visit.
Overall, not a bad book. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2026
This is a very sweet story of healing. Even though on the surface Amber comes to Bend, Oregon to heal her body after a fight with cancer, she ends up healing so much more than that and healing several others around her along the way. Beautiful story in a beautiful setting with a beautiful message. Loved it.
with gratitude to netgalley and Tantor Media for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I listened to this one on audio and it made for a very lovely companion while I painted.
with gratitude to netgalley and Tantor Media for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I listened to this one on audio and it made for a very lovely companion while I painted.
August 19, 2026
Riverbend is the first book I’ve read by Karis Walsh and first time listening to Tessa Stavers. I enjoyed the slow burn of the sweet relationship between Amber and Grace. The writing made me feel as if I was on the hiking trails or on the river with the characters. I loved how Hope helped Amber learn to trust herself again. I would have preferred more spice…the slow burn was great but the payoff felt more “tell than show”. I know there is an audience for low spice and I have no doubt that audience will love everything about this book. I just wanted more.
July 29, 2026
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Amber comes to Oregon to recoup and heal from the cancer treatments she’s done. She decides to take a risk and heads to check out an outdoor place that does guided hikes and river rafting. She meets Grace, the owner, along with the guides. She learns to take risks and have fun along the way. Sometimes you’ve got to take risks to find yourself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lots of reviewers love this book. A gentle unfolding sapphic romance in countryside USA. For me it didn’t have enough character development or depth. Thanks to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
August 5, 2026
This had all the makings of a great sapphic romance but the pacing was glacial. The first few chapters the characters POVs were so similar in voice it was also not immediately clear who was talking. It coulda used some editing to make it a bit tighter
June 29, 2026
This book is about a cancer survivor trying to find her way back to who she was before the diagnosis and treatment. To do this, she decides to spend a month in Bend, Oregon, exploring nature, building stamina, and trying to regain some strength. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the trails and the river. It was a fascinating book, especially in how so many different people came together. I would definitely recommend it.
I received an arc
I received an arc
Want to Read
July 8, 2026I can’t wait to get into this book
August 7, 2026
I highly recommend Karis Walsh's latest novel. It's a powerful exploration of resilience and the transformative nature of human connection.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, the story follows Amber, a cancer survivor, and Grace, a wilderness guide, whose lives beautifully intertwine. Their shared journey of healing and self-discovery profoundly illustrates the impact of finding a kindred spirit and the restorative power of nature.
This is an inspiring and uplifting read about navigating life's challenges and rebuilding one's world. A truly moving experience.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, the story follows Amber, a cancer survivor, and Grace, a wilderness guide, whose lives beautifully intertwine. Their shared journey of healing and self-discovery profoundly illustrates the impact of finding a kindred spirit and the restorative power of nature.
This is an inspiring and uplifting read about navigating life's challenges and rebuilding one's world. A truly moving experience.
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