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River Valley #3
Riverstar
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01N68FJVD
A sassy, troubled makeup artist deals with her demons to clear the name of the charming executive with whom she’s fallen in love in this small-town romantic mystery by USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
Bella Webber is reeling from the end of the most toxic relationship of her life. In an effort to regroup, she ventures to the small town of River Valley to work on a movie filming there. A chance encounter with a strikingly handsome business executive has her falling instantly and unexpectedly in love.
But the object of Bella's affection soon finds himself at the center of a murder investigation, accused of the crime and under arrest. Convinced of his innocence and hopelessly in love, Bella bands together with friends to find the real killer, facing her biggest fear to ensure the truth is revealed.
A sassy, troubled makeup artist deals with her demons to clear the name of the charming executive with whom she’s fallen in love in this small-town romantic mystery by USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.
Bella Webber is reeling from the end of the most toxic relationship of her life. In an effort to regroup, she ventures to the small town of River Valley to work on a movie filming there. A chance encounter with a strikingly handsome business executive has her falling instantly and unexpectedly in love.
But the object of Bella's affection soon finds himself at the center of a murder investigation, accused of the crime and under arrest. Convinced of his innocence and hopelessly in love, Bella bands together with friends to find the real killer, facing her biggest fear to ensure the truth is revealed.
276 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2013
600 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Tess Thompson
119 books1,734 followersTess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.
Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites
Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 5, 2013
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
Riverstar is book three in the River Valley series and is a Contemporary Romance/Suspense written by Tess Thompson. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through Tasty Book Tours .
4 Heroic Female Power-Stars!
They Say Save The Best For Last? They Weren’t Wrong! This Book Was Definitely The Best So Far!
The Review:
This series keeps getting better and better. After a rocky start with book one, I was a bit leery of starting book two, but after I did, I really enjoyed it. I was excited to go into book three and I was absolutely not disappointed. Riverstar was suspenseful, romantic, a bit thrilling and as with her other books in this series, warm and tender. These stories are simple, sweet, colorful and soothing. I loved returning to River Valley and I loved Bella and Ben’s story!
Story/Characters...
Bella Webber has come back to River Valley to be the makeup artist on the new movie filming in the area she’s come to think of as home. She’s staying with her family Drake, Annie and Alder (from book two) and to her surprise, also Ben, who’s living in her would-be guest house. She met Ben the year before on a visit with her brother Drake and they had one incredible night together, but her past came calling and much to Ben’s disbelief, she answered, leaving him and herself heartbroken. But she’s back now and she’s ready to try and win the love of the one man she knows could make her happy forever... if only he’d give her a chance.
I loved how strong and independent, how capable and how determined Bella was! She fought for her man even given all the things against them individually and as a couple. She had ambition even though she was a bit scared of an unknown future and she was smart and brave. I did think she wallowed in all the pain of lost loved ones and hurtful memories of so long ago a bit much but she never hid behind that pain. She decided what she wanted and she went for it. She was even a bit wise. I just really liked her character a lot!
Ben Fleck has set up camp in River Valley. The company he works for has decided the growing community is the perfect location for their new offices and he’s spearheading it. He works hard and he puts a lot of time, effort and pride in what he does. But he’s still hung up on the past and the betrayals they include. He’s been hurt by women and the gorgeous Bella, who he can’t seem to get out of his system, is the latest hurt he’s had to endure. He thinks she’s too dangerous to get involved with, assuming she will shatter his heart and leave him more broken and distrustful than he already is. But something about her keeps pulling him to her and no matter how bad an idea he feels getting involved with her is... he can’t stay away.
Just when everything seems to be falling into place for them as a couple, someone is murdered and Ben is the main suspect.
We didn't physically see a whole lot of Ben, mostly because Bella was working towards helping him and this was told in her POV, but regardless of his lack of physical appearances, he was always front and center on the canvas as Bella thought about him, worked for his freedom and fought to have him by her side.
I loved how the River Valley family gathered around Ben and protected him, helped him, supported him and cheered him on. They are a small group that keeps growing with each book and they are accepting, loyal and kind.
But... Small But, but, But Nonetheless...
I really thought the “I Love You’s” and the “Lets Get Married” chats came way too soon. By page 100, they were professing their undying love to one another. I know in actuality they knew one another for a while, even though most of that time was apart, but I felt all the “future” talk was added in to make it more dramatic for when it fell apart. I just seemed obvious that’s where it was headed and I wished it had been spread out instead of thrown at you in the beginning.
The Wrap Up:
I really liked the suspense of the story, the strong and caring heroine and the conflict and plot all worked so well together. And of course seeing the cast once again and getting tidbits of their progressing lives is always fun. This was definitely the best of the series so far and I really hope we get to visit River Valley and its colorful cast of misfits again very soon!
Riverstar is book three in the River Valley series and is a Contemporary Romance/Suspense written by Tess Thompson. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through Tasty Book Tours .
4 Heroic Female Power-Stars!
They Say Save The Best For Last? They Weren’t Wrong! This Book Was Definitely The Best So Far!
The Review:
This series keeps getting better and better. After a rocky start with book one, I was a bit leery of starting book two, but after I did, I really enjoyed it. I was excited to go into book three and I was absolutely not disappointed. Riverstar was suspenseful, romantic, a bit thrilling and as with her other books in this series, warm and tender. These stories are simple, sweet, colorful and soothing. I loved returning to River Valley and I loved Bella and Ben’s story!
Story/Characters...
Bella Webber has come back to River Valley to be the makeup artist on the new movie filming in the area she’s come to think of as home. She’s staying with her family Drake, Annie and Alder (from book two) and to her surprise, also Ben, who’s living in her would-be guest house. She met Ben the year before on a visit with her brother Drake and they had one incredible night together, but her past came calling and much to Ben’s disbelief, she answered, leaving him and herself heartbroken. But she’s back now and she’s ready to try and win the love of the one man she knows could make her happy forever... if only he’d give her a chance.
I loved how strong and independent, how capable and how determined Bella was! She fought for her man even given all the things against them individually and as a couple. She had ambition even though she was a bit scared of an unknown future and she was smart and brave. I did think she wallowed in all the pain of lost loved ones and hurtful memories of so long ago a bit much but she never hid behind that pain. She decided what she wanted and she went for it. She was even a bit wise. I just really liked her character a lot!
Ben Fleck has set up camp in River Valley. The company he works for has decided the growing community is the perfect location for their new offices and he’s spearheading it. He works hard and he puts a lot of time, effort and pride in what he does. But he’s still hung up on the past and the betrayals they include. He’s been hurt by women and the gorgeous Bella, who he can’t seem to get out of his system, is the latest hurt he’s had to endure. He thinks she’s too dangerous to get involved with, assuming she will shatter his heart and leave him more broken and distrustful than he already is. But something about her keeps pulling him to her and no matter how bad an idea he feels getting involved with her is... he can’t stay away.
Just when everything seems to be falling into place for them as a couple, someone is murdered and Ben is the main suspect.
We didn't physically see a whole lot of Ben, mostly because Bella was working towards helping him and this was told in her POV, but regardless of his lack of physical appearances, he was always front and center on the canvas as Bella thought about him, worked for his freedom and fought to have him by her side.
I loved how the River Valley family gathered around Ben and protected him, helped him, supported him and cheered him on. They are a small group that keeps growing with each book and they are accepting, loyal and kind.
But... Small But, but, But Nonetheless...
I really thought the “I Love You’s” and the “Lets Get Married” chats came way too soon. By page 100, they were professing their undying love to one another. I know in actuality they knew one another for a while, even though most of that time was apart, but I felt all the “future” talk was added in to make it more dramatic for when it fell apart. I just seemed obvious that’s where it was headed and I wished it had been spread out instead of thrown at you in the beginning.
The Wrap Up:
I really liked the suspense of the story, the strong and caring heroine and the conflict and plot all worked so well together. And of course seeing the cast once again and getting tidbits of their progressing lives is always fun. This was definitely the best of the series so far and I really hope we get to visit River Valley and its colorful cast of misfits again very soon!
August 25, 2020
This one turned out to be a romantic murder/mystery. It was good! This book also was like a walk down memory lane for me. Bella visits her apartment in Venice, CA. She strolls along the boardwalk there and the author describes, perfectly, the Venice Beach sights and scenes. For about 20 years, in my youth, that was my hangout along with Marina del Rey right next door. The Sidewalk Cafe was my favorite place to hang out for terrific food, cocktails, playing trivia games, watching the tourists, the rollerbladers, the guys working out on the beach and relaxing watching the ocean. You saw everything and anything walking that boardwalk. It was much more entertaining than reality t.v. could ever be. Ah, those good old days. Anyway, Tess Thompson captured the feel of it perfectly in that one part of the book. Great read. ;)
September 17, 2013
If you are a fan of Small-Town Romance, then RIVERSTAR, and the RIVER VALLEY SERIES is a must read. They are a bit of Romance Suspense, a bit of Women's Fiction and a Hint of Contemporary Romance. Gives you a little bit of everything you might like in a Romance.
RIVERSTAR stars Belle and Ben, who met in RIVERBEND, Book Two in the series. They have a brief fling and then she escapes back to her married lover, who she in turn gets rid of, because she felt something more with Ben. But months and one apology later, and Belle is at her brother's wedding watching the man she loves flirting with his date, who is another woman.
From there....the drama unfolds...Hollywood moves into RIVER VALLEY for filming of a movie, and the married ex-lover just happens to be working on the movie, and the man she loves is being charged with murder of a Hollywood starlet....WHAT?? I know...It gets better!
Take a chance on Belle and Ben, and take a crazy ride with this couple as they try to find the real killer, while finding the balance in their relationship and keeping their heads above water!
Exciting, Fun and Drama-filled...What a fun weekend read!!
RIVERSTAR stars Belle and Ben, who met in RIVERBEND, Book Two in the series. They have a brief fling and then she escapes back to her married lover, who she in turn gets rid of, because she felt something more with Ben. But months and one apology later, and Belle is at her brother's wedding watching the man she loves flirting with his date, who is another woman.
From there....the drama unfolds...Hollywood moves into RIVER VALLEY for filming of a movie, and the married ex-lover just happens to be working on the movie, and the man she loves is being charged with murder of a Hollywood starlet....WHAT?? I know...It gets better!
Take a chance on Belle and Ben, and take a crazy ride with this couple as they try to find the real killer, while finding the balance in their relationship and keeping their heads above water!
Exciting, Fun and Drama-filled...What a fun weekend read!!
January 3, 2025
Loved It
I liked that Bella’s character is totally badass. This story was unpredictably and I enjoyed it so much. The lengths Bella went to prove Ben’s innocence was remarkable. Loved that Ben came to senses and let Bella did her thing. I loved the mystery surrounding Tiffany’s death and how finding the killer played out. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to believe in themselves. Also, to anyone who needs to be reminded that they are not alone and that they are worthy of love. I gave this book 5 stars because when I wasn’t reading the characters stayed active in mind. Can’t wait to see what the next book brings.
I liked that Bella’s character is totally badass. This story was unpredictably and I enjoyed it so much. The lengths Bella went to prove Ben’s innocence was remarkable. Loved that Ben came to senses and let Bella did her thing. I loved the mystery surrounding Tiffany’s death and how finding the killer played out. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to believe in themselves. Also, to anyone who needs to be reminded that they are not alone and that they are worthy of love. I gave this book 5 stars because when I wasn’t reading the characters stayed active in mind. Can’t wait to see what the next book brings.
February 15, 2014
With a tragic past hinting at PTSD, Bella is recovering from a three-year relationship with a married man. Regardless of reason, a heroine’s morals will be questioned when written as the “other woman”.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 10, 2019
I won this book on a Facebook contest. The author is new to me and I loved this book. It had a lovely small town feel full of loving characters and brilliant dialogue. Makeup artist Bella Webber returns to River Valley for a movie being filmed in her town. She is living with her big brother who is recently remarried, a stepfather and expecting a baby of their own. Bella had previously had a brief affair with her brothers best friend Ben and found she couldn't get over him. Because she hurt him Ben wasn't ready to let her back into his heart. But true love prevails and they reunite. Just when she thinks she has found happiness, one if the actresses on the film is murdered and Ben is the prime suspect. Bella knows in her heart that he is innocent so she and another friend of her brothers, Peter Ball a big city detective begin to investigate. The investigation takes them from Oregon to California and into police corruption. Will Bella and Peter find the real murderer and save Ben? Will Bella finally find her happily ever after? This book is a wonderful story filled with compassion, sadness and the true meaning of family and friendship that allow one to survive the tough times. I will be reading more books by this author and in this series.
May 13, 2017
Riverstar is the third novel in Tess Thompson’s River Valley series. I came late to this collection of books, but because of that, I’ve had the opportunity to read one right after the other. The storyline is seamless, each book focusing on a particular set of characters while allowing the whole River Valley gang to take part in each book. Every novel is strong within its own right, but together they make a very enjoyable and continuous narrative.
Riverstar has many different elements. As in the previous novels in this series, at the heart of the tale is a love story. This one is also a mystery—one that is well crafted and captivating.
Hollywood has come to visit the small town of River Valley. All is going well until one of the actresses—a young and troubled starlet—is found murdered in her hotel room. When one of River Valley’s own is arrested for the heinous act, other members of the town rally together to prove his innocence.
This is also a story of overcoming one’s demons and finding within one’s self the power to fight for what is right, even when it’s difficult to do so. Riverstar is a powerful and incredibly enjoyable addition to the River Valley series.
Riverstar has many different elements. As in the previous novels in this series, at the heart of the tale is a love story. This one is also a mystery—one that is well crafted and captivating.
Hollywood has come to visit the small town of River Valley. All is going well until one of the actresses—a young and troubled starlet—is found murdered in her hotel room. When one of River Valley’s own is arrested for the heinous act, other members of the town rally together to prove his innocence.
This is also a story of overcoming one’s demons and finding within one’s self the power to fight for what is right, even when it’s difficult to do so. Riverstar is a powerful and incredibly enjoyable addition to the River Valley series.
May 4, 2020
Another great book. Bella met Ben in the last book; both fell immediately, but then she went back to her old life and it devastated him. They met again at her brother Drake’s wedding but he ignores her. But that doesn’t last long. Then there’s a murder and Ben is arrested for it. Drake brings in a lawyer and an old friend who is a detective to find the real killer. And Bella helps him. They figure out part of the case, thinking it’s solved. But then Bella ends up in danger, overcomes her greatest fear, and winds the case up. I’m really loving this series, and the friends who always have each other’s backs and welcome new members to their group.
February 20, 2021
In this volume, we focus on Bella Webber, a makeup artist who works on film sets in California. We met Bella in the books before this one. Now we have the opportunity to get inside her head, and it helps us to understand why she behaves the way she does. The bonus is that this is a bona fide murder mystery. The movie comes to River Valley to shoot, and Bella is here to make everyone look their very best for the camera. Her favorite friend is the star. There is one of Hollywood's most troubled female stars who has a part in this movie. Imagine the chaos that ensues when she is murdered. I won't give away the ending, but I think you will enjoy reading this as much as I did.
August 24, 2018
I feel like this book should’ve had more substance to it like her previous books in this series. I just didn’t get it, it felt like something was missing. I felt like Ben’s and Bella���s relationship should’ve taken longer to build up to (for lack of a better term). I like the anticipation of a story right before they fall into a lust-filled relationship. It wasn’t there for me. Also I kept waiting for something else to happen with Ben after he was released, but it never did. It needed more!
July 5, 2018
Riverstar the 3rd book in the River Valley Series by Tess Thompson is just as good if not better than the last 2.
This is Bella’s and Benjamin’s story. You will totally enjoy a little murder mystery along the way of them enjoying finding their way to each other.
I know now I can’t pick just one book by Tess Thompson as my favorite, because they all are!!
This is Bella’s and Benjamin’s story. You will totally enjoy a little murder mystery along the way of them enjoying finding their way to each other.
I know now I can’t pick just one book by Tess Thompson as my favorite, because they all are!!
August 29, 2021
I enjoyed every minute of this story. Bella was searching for something and found happiness in the small town of River Valley. But there was one problem, the man she loved was arrested for a murder he didn't commit. She teams up with a Seattle detective to prove the police are wrong. The twists and turns of this story made is hard to put down!
April 21, 2022
Ben and Bella
This book is about Ben and Bella's courtship. They fell in love at first sight but soon fought which ended the courtship. They both were very miserable but would not admit it. Many more things happened in which Ben almost lost his life.
Read the book to find out what happens!
This book is about Ben and Bella's courtship. They fell in love at first sight but soon fought which ended the courtship. They both were very miserable but would not admit it. Many more things happened in which Ben almost lost his life.
Read the book to find out what happens!
September 12, 2023
Riverstar
Lots of things happen in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat. New characters added a new dimension to the story, this was an absolute page turner, even though I worked out who the blackmailer and murderer were.
I'm totally enjoying this series, the ladies are doing a great job.
Lots of things happen in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat. New characters added a new dimension to the story, this was an absolute page turner, even though I worked out who the blackmailer and murderer were.
I'm totally enjoying this series, the ladies are doing a great job.
February 15, 2019
Wow! This book was amazing... honestly all of Tess’s books really are! I loved the characters, love how the story pulls you in and making you want to keep turning the pages.. and how you have not only romance but suspense too!
June 1, 2022
An excellent read
This author knows how to put a book together! Great characters, wonderful story line, some suspense thrown in, A goid romance, not quite clean but not tons of raunchiness either. I enjoyed this from cover to cover and didn't want to put it down.
This author knows how to put a book together! Great characters, wonderful story line, some suspense thrown in, A goid romance, not quite clean but not tons of raunchiness either. I enjoyed this from cover to cover and didn't want to put it down.
May 20, 2024
Another good one!
Lots going on in this third book. Be sure to read them in order!
Excellent plot line and character development. The author(s) is great at creating believable and compelling people in all the books.
Lots going on in this third book. Be sure to read them in order!
Excellent plot line and character development. The author(s) is great at creating believable and compelling people in all the books.
January 24, 2025
Very courageous story. The main characters’ bravery were challenged to very punishing intensities, yet they sought their way to stability with logic, participation, and proofs. The River Valley people are so communal, and the extended friends were right there with love too.
May 1, 2019
Ok
I found this to be less interesting than the rest of the series. It had its points but seemed to flounder a bit.
I found this to be less interesting than the rest of the series. It had its points but seemed to flounder a bit.
March 18, 2021
Amazing series
Looking for a series that will get you hooked? Check out the river series by Tess Thompson. It’s so good!
Looking for a series that will get you hooked? Check out the river series by Tess Thompson. It’s so good!
March 26, 2022
Great book
September 24, 2024
Riverstar (River Valley Book 3)
Riverstar is my favorite in this series so far. It’s a good story. Not as silly as some. I’m excited to read Riversnow.
Riverstar is my favorite in this series so far. It’s a good story. Not as silly as some. I’m excited to read Riversnow.
September 3, 2013
Description:
After ending an affair with a married movie producer, feisty Hollywood makeup artist Bella Webber finds herself back in the quaint Oregon town of River Valley, the location of a famous director’s latest film. Despite trying to distract herself with work, Bella is unnerved by the proximity of Benjamin Fleck – a man who once so expertly made love to her she’d temporarily forgotten everything painful about her life. But now Ben sees her as nothing more than a heartbreak waiting to happen.
When an actress is found murdered after she’s seen leaving the restaurant Riversong with Ben, he is accused of the crime and arrested. Convinced of his innocence, the River Valley ‘gang of misfits’ band together to find the real killer, and Bella must face her biggest fear to ensure the truth is revealed.
Review:
Loved it loved it loved it :-)
I totally couldn’t wait for the Riverstar by Tess Thompson. I did wonder if Ben and Bella would get a story after reading their side story in RiverSong and RiverBend (Which I really, really liked) I wasn’t sure where Tess could take this story, as they had met. loved and fell apart….. Boy did she lead me on an adventure.
If you haven’t read the first two books , it’s not really a problem, but it does give you an insight into the main and the secondary characters, as we have met most of them in the first two books.
Bella is a make-up artist and has been having a long term affair with the producer (who is married), this broke up in book one and two, and in fact book two sees the new lovers fight and split apart for good (that’s in Ben’s words). Bella has family in River Valley, so she comes home to lick her wounds after telling the producer that it is FINALLY over !!
Ben is also here, after being asked by his company to start a call center station here. Things are very tense and angry between Bella and Ben, as he sees her wasting her life on a married man. He was wanting to start a life with her himself.
But they finally set aside their differences (with the help of the “misfits”) and make a go of their tentative feelings for each other. Bella is crazy for Ben, and I get the feeling Ben is madly in love with Bella already, (we find out in previous books that his fiancée was caught in bed with his best friend the day before their wedding, so Ben has MAJOR trust issues.)
So, the filming begins and Bella returns to work, we see a few new faces, including the starlet trying to revive her career, and her scarred twin sister. As Bella knows these girls a little, she decides to take them under her wing (the starlet has a drinking problem).
There are a few new characters, and they are all important to the story.
Ben and Bella do FINALLY get their act together and decide that they are meant for each other, and want to spend the rest of their lives as man and wife. But before this happens Ben is arrested for the Starlets murder !!!!! Bella knows in her heart that Ben is innocent, but trying to tell Ben that is impossible, he decides that Bella needs to stay away from him and that he will do this on his own !!
The misfits (these were some of the characters from the previous books, they named themselves the misfits, as they all felt they didn’t belong to society, but they belonged to each other, they were each others family .) decide to help both Bella and Ben , as they all believed that Ben didn’t murder the girl.
It does move at a very good pace, Tess leaves nothing out. It is full of emotion, and lots of Bella’s past comes to light. I had tissues in my hand, and they were needed at several key moments in the book. I’m hoping Tess does at least 2 more stories :-) But I won’t mind if she wants to write me more. LOL Please read this book, and read the previous 2, I really can’t recommend them enough .
After ending an affair with a married movie producer, feisty Hollywood makeup artist Bella Webber finds herself back in the quaint Oregon town of River Valley, the location of a famous director’s latest film. Despite trying to distract herself with work, Bella is unnerved by the proximity of Benjamin Fleck – a man who once so expertly made love to her she’d temporarily forgotten everything painful about her life. But now Ben sees her as nothing more than a heartbreak waiting to happen.
When an actress is found murdered after she’s seen leaving the restaurant Riversong with Ben, he is accused of the crime and arrested. Convinced of his innocence, the River Valley ‘gang of misfits’ band together to find the real killer, and Bella must face her biggest fear to ensure the truth is revealed.
Review:
Loved it loved it loved it :-)
I totally couldn’t wait for the Riverstar by Tess Thompson. I did wonder if Ben and Bella would get a story after reading their side story in RiverSong and RiverBend (Which I really, really liked) I wasn’t sure where Tess could take this story, as they had met. loved and fell apart….. Boy did she lead me on an adventure.
If you haven’t read the first two books , it’s not really a problem, but it does give you an insight into the main and the secondary characters, as we have met most of them in the first two books.
Bella is a make-up artist and has been having a long term affair with the producer (who is married), this broke up in book one and two, and in fact book two sees the new lovers fight and split apart for good (that’s in Ben’s words). Bella has family in River Valley, so she comes home to lick her wounds after telling the producer that it is FINALLY over !!
Ben is also here, after being asked by his company to start a call center station here. Things are very tense and angry between Bella and Ben, as he sees her wasting her life on a married man. He was wanting to start a life with her himself.
But they finally set aside their differences (with the help of the “misfits”) and make a go of their tentative feelings for each other. Bella is crazy for Ben, and I get the feeling Ben is madly in love with Bella already, (we find out in previous books that his fiancée was caught in bed with his best friend the day before their wedding, so Ben has MAJOR trust issues.)
So, the filming begins and Bella returns to work, we see a few new faces, including the starlet trying to revive her career, and her scarred twin sister. As Bella knows these girls a little, she decides to take them under her wing (the starlet has a drinking problem).
There are a few new characters, and they are all important to the story.
Ben and Bella do FINALLY get their act together and decide that they are meant for each other, and want to spend the rest of their lives as man and wife. But before this happens Ben is arrested for the Starlets murder !!!!! Bella knows in her heart that Ben is innocent, but trying to tell Ben that is impossible, he decides that Bella needs to stay away from him and that he will do this on his own !!
The misfits (these were some of the characters from the previous books, they named themselves the misfits, as they all felt they didn’t belong to society, but they belonged to each other, they were each others family .) decide to help both Bella and Ben , as they all believed that Ben didn’t murder the girl.
It does move at a very good pace, Tess leaves nothing out. It is full of emotion, and lots of Bella’s past comes to light. I had tissues in my hand, and they were needed at several key moments in the book. I’m hoping Tess does at least 2 more stories :-) But I won’t mind if she wants to write me more. LOL Please read this book, and read the previous 2, I really can’t recommend them enough .
September 5, 2013
Make- up artist to the stars, Bella Webber returns to her home town of River Valley to film the next movie. When she returns home she finds Ben Fleck, an old lover that she has not gotten over, giving her the cold shoulder but the sparks are still flying between them. Ben sees her as a risk since she left him to go back to her married lover the last time. Luckily, he decides she is worth the risk and they decide to give it a second chance. When an actress from the movie is found murdered the little town is shaken. Ben happens to be the last person anyone saw with the actress. Bella vows to clear her boyfriend’s name with the help of her friends.
As I started this book I was unsure what to think of Bella. I loved that she came back to her home town and fell right back in with the locals. She did not come across as being bigger and better than her family and friends just cause she was “Hollywood”. What I was unsure about was her relationships. She left a man who worshipped her to go back to a married man. She ran, no explanation, nothing. No wonder Ben was put off by her. But as the story went on I realized that Bella was not that “Other” woman. She had to finish one part of her life before she was able to open herself up to another bigger and better part. When she stood by Ben even when the evidence was pointing to him being the killer, I knew she would be ok.
Ben, I loved from the very beginning. He was strong, manly, and had an openness about him. He kept his secrets close, but was willing to put himself out there and give Bella another try. From his very first scene in the book I could feel the heat radiating off him and the sparks flying between him and Bella. He is the type of man everyone loves. He truly cares, not about himself, but about the people around him even when they are strangers.
Tess Thompson wrote a great book that will pull you right in. I love that there are more books in this series, but yet you can read this one as a standalone and not miss a thing. I will be going to look up the rest of her books and reading them.
As I started this book I was unsure what to think of Bella. I loved that she came back to her home town and fell right back in with the locals. She did not come across as being bigger and better than her family and friends just cause she was “Hollywood”. What I was unsure about was her relationships. She left a man who worshipped her to go back to a married man. She ran, no explanation, nothing. No wonder Ben was put off by her. But as the story went on I realized that Bella was not that “Other” woman. She had to finish one part of her life before she was able to open herself up to another bigger and better part. When she stood by Ben even when the evidence was pointing to him being the killer, I knew she would be ok.
Ben, I loved from the very beginning. He was strong, manly, and had an openness about him. He kept his secrets close, but was willing to put himself out there and give Bella another try. From his very first scene in the book I could feel the heat radiating off him and the sparks flying between him and Bella. He is the type of man everyone loves. He truly cares, not about himself, but about the people around him even when they are strangers.
Tess Thompson wrote a great book that will pull you right in. I love that there are more books in this series, but yet you can read this one as a standalone and not miss a thing. I will be going to look up the rest of her books and reading them.
September 4, 2013
In Riverstar, the third book in The River Valley Collection, author Tess Thompson once again weaves an entertaining tale that transports the readers back to the small town of River Valley, Oregon, where they revisit with the unforgettable townsfolk and follow the story of Bella Webber and Benjamin Fleck.
The reader was introduced to Bella and Ben in the second book of the collection, Riverbend, now in Riverstar, their drama filled relationship continues, but they have started to find their way back to each other, giving their love a second chance. As they learn to grow as a couple, their path has obstacles to overcome: their individual past baggage, trust issues, and a murder of an actress, that has Ben being accused of murder. Bella and Ben struggle to keep their relationship alive as they try to figure out who is framing Ben, and fight to prove his innocence, while also trying to find the real murderer in River Valley.
With a continuity of memorable characters (old and new) and subtle revisiting of the storyline from the first two books in the collection, the author weaves an intriguing story filled with captivating twists and turns, and enough secrets, danger, suspense and romance that keeps the reader guessing and turning the pages.
Once again author Tess Thompson has written another heartwarming story full of romance, secrets, drama and suspense that keeps the reader wanting more. Riverstar is a wonderful story of community, friendship, hope, love, second chances, and the ability to overcome even the most traumatic of life experiences.
The River Valley Collection is a collection of stories that is a must read. While the books can be a stand alone read, do yourself a favor and read them in sequential order, the easy flow and continuity of the stories will leave you wanting more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The reader was introduced to Bella and Ben in the second book of the collection, Riverbend, now in Riverstar, their drama filled relationship continues, but they have started to find their way back to each other, giving their love a second chance. As they learn to grow as a couple, their path has obstacles to overcome: their individual past baggage, trust issues, and a murder of an actress, that has Ben being accused of murder. Bella and Ben struggle to keep their relationship alive as they try to figure out who is framing Ben, and fight to prove his innocence, while also trying to find the real murderer in River Valley.
With a continuity of memorable characters (old and new) and subtle revisiting of the storyline from the first two books in the collection, the author weaves an intriguing story filled with captivating twists and turns, and enough secrets, danger, suspense and romance that keeps the reader guessing and turning the pages.
Once again author Tess Thompson has written another heartwarming story full of romance, secrets, drama and suspense that keeps the reader wanting more. Riverstar is a wonderful story of community, friendship, hope, love, second chances, and the ability to overcome even the most traumatic of life experiences.
The River Valley Collection is a collection of stories that is a must read. While the books can be a stand alone read, do yourself a favor and read them in sequential order, the easy flow and continuity of the stories will leave you wanting more!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
October 11, 2013
Book Review- Riverstar by Tess Thompson
This is the third book in the River series. Riverstar picks up where Riverbend left off with Bella and Ben’s story. In the previous book Bella meets Ben while she is trying to figure out her life and getting out of her relationship with a married man. When her former married lover asks her to come back, she has to have closure. Ben doesn’t see that and believes she is no longer available. He leaves River Valley and her behind. Bella tried to reach out to Ben after she left so abruptly before and after she has figured out what she wants. However, Ben told her he wasn’t interested. She sees him again at Annie and Drake’s wedding. She still has feelings for him, but he came with a date and tells her again he is not interested.
A movie is being shot in River Valley and Hollywood descends on the small Oregon town. Bella is there to work on the movie as a make up artist. She is a bit broken hearted after Ben told her no. Her feelings for him haven’t changed in the weeks she has been gone.
Ben is staying with Drake and Annie while he gets the call center up and going. So Bella will see him on a regular basis. Ben continues to fight his attraction and feelings for Bella. He is scared of getting hurt again and he knows she could do a lot of damage if he lets her in.
Just as they are finding their way to each other, tragedy strikes the movie set. Bella and Ben find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. It will test all the feelings and trust they have for each other.
I really like this series so far. I like the group of characters and how they support each other like their own family. With each book that comes out all past characters are accounted for.
The murder mystery was a great touch to this story. The reader is drawn in as Bella tries to help solve the murder. There are many ways the author could have taken the story, so the reader is constantly trying to figure out what is going to happen. I love books like this. Trying to solve the case with Bella and Peter keeps you reading to see if your theories are right. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
This is the third book in the River series. Riverstar picks up where Riverbend left off with Bella and Ben’s story. In the previous book Bella meets Ben while she is trying to figure out her life and getting out of her relationship with a married man. When her former married lover asks her to come back, she has to have closure. Ben doesn’t see that and believes she is no longer available. He leaves River Valley and her behind. Bella tried to reach out to Ben after she left so abruptly before and after she has figured out what she wants. However, Ben told her he wasn’t interested. She sees him again at Annie and Drake’s wedding. She still has feelings for him, but he came with a date and tells her again he is not interested.
A movie is being shot in River Valley and Hollywood descends on the small Oregon town. Bella is there to work on the movie as a make up artist. She is a bit broken hearted after Ben told her no. Her feelings for him haven’t changed in the weeks she has been gone.
Ben is staying with Drake and Annie while he gets the call center up and going. So Bella will see him on a regular basis. Ben continues to fight his attraction and feelings for Bella. He is scared of getting hurt again and he knows she could do a lot of damage if he lets her in.
Just as they are finding their way to each other, tragedy strikes the movie set. Bella and Ben find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. It will test all the feelings and trust they have for each other.
I really like this series so far. I like the group of characters and how they support each other like their own family. With each book that comes out all past characters are accounted for.
The murder mystery was a great touch to this story. The reader is drawn in as Bella tries to help solve the murder. There are many ways the author could have taken the story, so the reader is constantly trying to figure out what is going to happen. I love books like this. Trying to solve the case with Bella and Peter keeps you reading to see if your theories are right. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
August 12, 2013
Warning!! I’m about to totally go fan girl! I just can’t help myself! Tess Thompson just has a way of pulling out all the stops and making me laugh, cry, laugh, and cry again!
Ok… this is right on par with Tess Thompson’s other writings, which is amazing. When I first started reading her work I fell in love and this book has cemented that fan girl relationship! This book has it all, a bit of mystery, definitely romance, hard headedness, and an elusive villain! What’s not to like!?
There was also a lot of background story in this one. If you haven’t read her other books you could pick this up and know what everyone was about and feel right at home, however, I can not recommend the first two highly enough! They really get this story going, and I believe this one is a little longer so the first two are great to pick up if you don’t have a lot of time. Although, I did read this in one glorious, quiet day!
Bella and Ben actual start in book two, Riverbend, so this starts right off with where they ended, and boy… there is some drama! And then the murder!!! Let’s just say, although I’m not into mysteries, these kind of romantic mysteries just do something for me, I love them! And Tess’s writing just does it for me anyway! She’s brilliant.
The plot is engaging, although I suspected the culprit early on, but that’s just because I’m suspicious and watch a lot of CSI! But the ins and outs of finding the villain is marvelous and said villain is a tough nut to crack too! I loved it! And then we have the relationship with Ben and Bella… ohhh these two! They both have so much baggage that I just wanted to knock them over the head with a mallet so they would get amnesia and just fall in love already!!
All in all… I really hope there is a fourth. I’m totally a fan of Tess Thompson and I can not wait for her next book. This series is deliciously romantic and completely worth reading. And re-reading, which I plan to do SOON!
Ok… this is right on par with Tess Thompson’s other writings, which is amazing. When I first started reading her work I fell in love and this book has cemented that fan girl relationship! This book has it all, a bit of mystery, definitely romance, hard headedness, and an elusive villain! What’s not to like!?
There was also a lot of background story in this one. If you haven’t read her other books you could pick this up and know what everyone was about and feel right at home, however, I can not recommend the first two highly enough! They really get this story going, and I believe this one is a little longer so the first two are great to pick up if you don’t have a lot of time. Although, I did read this in one glorious, quiet day!
Bella and Ben actual start in book two, Riverbend, so this starts right off with where they ended, and boy… there is some drama! And then the murder!!! Let’s just say, although I’m not into mysteries, these kind of romantic mysteries just do something for me, I love them! And Tess’s writing just does it for me anyway! She’s brilliant.
The plot is engaging, although I suspected the culprit early on, but that’s just because I’m suspicious and watch a lot of CSI! But the ins and outs of finding the villain is marvelous and said villain is a tough nut to crack too! I loved it! And then we have the relationship with Ben and Bella… ohhh these two! They both have so much baggage that I just wanted to knock them over the head with a mallet so they would get amnesia and just fall in love already!!
All in all… I really hope there is a fourth. I’m totally a fan of Tess Thompson and I can not wait for her next book. This series is deliciously romantic and completely worth reading. And re-reading, which I plan to do SOON!
September 9, 2013
Review on my blog
This is the third book on the River Valley series, whose first book, Riversong, was a novel that I enjoyed a lot. All these books have the same location in common – River Valley, a fictional town in Oregon – and different main characters that have been introduced but not developed in the previous books.
In Riverstar the main character is a woman called Bella who works as a professional makeup artist for a film producer, and they are going to shoot the next film in River Valley, where Bella’s brother lives. There she meets Ben, her ex-boyfriend, and they both feel they are still in love with each other, so they decide to give their relationship another try. But just then, an actress of the film Bella is working in is found murdered and Ben is the main suspect. While he is in prison, Bella will have to investigate on her own in order to find the real murderer and prove Ben’s innocence.
This is an easy read in which the bulk of the story deals with the criminal investigation. Bella gets help from her brother and friends, who are characters that we already know from the previous books, but I must confess that I guessed who was the killer from the beginning so at the end of the novel, when I saw I was right, I felt a little bit disappointed since the story didn’t have any major surprises for me, and neither did I find Bella and Ben as attractive and well developed as the characters of Riversong.
It isn’t a bad story – in fact I read it in less than two days because I got hooked on the investigation, which in the end included drugs and blackmailing – but it’s just that I would have liked more intensity regarding the characters and their relationship.
February 17, 2017
Loved this book. Wrapped up quite a few loose ends from the other two books.
August 28, 2013
Review originally posted on Gin's Book Notes...http://ginsbooknote.com
Riverstar is another winning addition to Tess Thompson’s River Valley Collection. I’ve read all of the books in the series and have enjoyed each one. I love Tess’s characters and her writing style. I talked a lot about Tess’s writing style in my review of Book 2, Riverbend but I can’t help but think that each book keeps getting better. All of the characters feel like old friends and I love getting to visit with them again.
Book #3 tells the story of Bella Webber and Benjamin Fleck. We first met these two characters in Riverbend and to be honest I was a little worried that Bella and Ben weren’t going to find their way back to each other. Thankfully they did and in Riverstar we get to see them grow as individuals and as a couple. Their path isn’t an easy one. They both have a ton of baggage work through and they must learn to trust in themselves, each other, and “the gang” as they struggle to prove Ben’s innocence and find the real killer in River Valley.
The book can be read as a stand-alone. However, if it were me, I would take the time to read Riversong and Riverbend. All of the books are great, each one offers romance, mystery, suspense, and character growth. I find myself falling more in love with the town and characters of River Valley and I really hope that there is a book #4, #5, and so on, and so on. Thanks Tess for another great book! Looking forward to many more.
Riverstar is another winning addition to Tess Thompson’s River Valley Collection. I’ve read all of the books in the series and have enjoyed each one. I love Tess’s characters and her writing style. I talked a lot about Tess’s writing style in my review of Book 2, Riverbend but I can’t help but think that each book keeps getting better. All of the characters feel like old friends and I love getting to visit with them again.
Book #3 tells the story of Bella Webber and Benjamin Fleck. We first met these two characters in Riverbend and to be honest I was a little worried that Bella and Ben weren’t going to find their way back to each other. Thankfully they did and in Riverstar we get to see them grow as individuals and as a couple. Their path isn’t an easy one. They both have a ton of baggage work through and they must learn to trust in themselves, each other, and “the gang” as they struggle to prove Ben’s innocence and find the real killer in River Valley.
The book can be read as a stand-alone. However, if it were me, I would take the time to read Riversong and Riverbend. All of the books are great, each one offers romance, mystery, suspense, and character growth. I find myself falling more in love with the town and characters of River Valley and I really hope that there is a book #4, #5, and so on, and so on. Thanks Tess for another great book! Looking forward to many more.
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