The Same River

by Lisa Reddick

Ever since a childhood tragedy bonded Jessica Jensen to Oregon’s mighty Nesika River, she has seen herself as its guardian. Now a courageous field biologist, she has just finished gathering scientific evidence that could bring about the dismantling of the massive hydro dam that threatens to destroy her river. But then she discovers that her boss is suppressing her scientific evidence―leaving the dam’s fate at the mercy of a far-reaching corporate conspiracy―and she falls into a current of loss and desperation.

As Jess’s life spirals out of control, she mysteriously starts to make contact with Piah, a member of the Native American Molalla tribe who lived on the riverbanks of the Nesika two hundred years before Jess. Piah, too, faces a terrible threat that could destroy all that’s left of her world. As the veil between their two worlds begins to lift, each woman learns important lessons from the other about how to love, and to rekindle their faith in the future―even in the face of tragic loss and uncertainty.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Adult, Suspense

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2018

About the author

Lisa M. Reddick has lived in, loved, and written about the Pacific Northwest for most of her life. After completing her PhD in ecopsychology, she went on to design and facilitate an MA program for Antioch University Seattle. She currently lives in Edmonds, Washington, with her husband and two fabulous Australian shepherds.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely, rich novel is the perfect blend of believable characters, science, passion about the environment, and the mystical world of the space between two different ages, hundreds of years apart. It seemed unbelievable when I saw the description, and I wondered if the author could really make it believable, but YES, she did! I was with the main character every step of her journey, and am deeply satisfied with the ending. If you love the realm of the mystical, and the realm of the environment, and animal companions, with a side of romance thrown in, along with a deep bond between sisters, this is the book for you.

With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Aleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a amazing story with great strong female characters it had everything romance mystery suspense thrown in with environment sciences issues it also had mystical element to it. I will definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next book from this author.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mika Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, Lisa Redick's "The Same River" tells a deeply spiritual story of our connection and interdependence with our planet's wildness through the struggles of one river and the champions, families and wildlife that live on her. The urgency to protect this wildness from the assaults of over consumption and greed grabbed me and held me to the end. It channels the efforts of some very courageous youth who are now suing to protect our planet from global warming, despite continued efforts of the Trumpers to stifle them. Very relevant.

[Donna Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this book. The writing is vivid and fresh. The interwoven stories are fascinating and page-turning. And the theme of the interconnectedness of all life—threatened by those who ignore environmental truths—is a message for our times. I loved how beautifully the author made the Nesika River a character with just as much presence and vitality as Jess, Piah, Jeff, or the most beloved Miko. Reddick is a masterful storyteller whose passion for the river and the environment captivated this reader. Whether I am reading fiction or nonfiction, I want to come away knowing something I didn’t know before and feeling something new has entered me. I got that with The Same River.

[Cathy Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much going on in this novel – environmental science, Native American spirituality, and the mystical connection of lives two hundred years apart -- but Reddick masterfully weaves them all together in an engaging and enjoyable story with wonderful characters and descriptive prose. The protagonist, Jess, is likable, strong and passionate about “her river,” and the secondary protagonist, Piah’s story was beautifully evocative, vivid, and heartbreaking. And I have to add – I’m always a sucker for a good love story – and this one was authentic and enjoyable.

[Debi Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story and I enjoyed how the author provided readers with strong female characters. The storyline itself provided us with romance, murder and suspense woven together with environment sciences issues. The part of the story that was not my usual genre but made the story complete was the mystical element.

The story was well written, the characters seem genuine and overall this was a great read.

[Judy E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and a very compelling story. Lisa Reddick has written a touchstone story for our time. About people, the environment, big business corporations, and today's always present "alternative facts." She lifts the veil between cultures who live(d) in the same location displaying an understanding for loss, history, and intuition. Once started you won't want to put it down.

[Jennifer Nidalmia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing style was the put off for me. I felt it was juvenile

[Greg Chenoweth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful First Novel

Lisa Reddick has written a terrific first novel about life in the wilderness and the things that can happen when man interferes with nature’s environment. I have found her narrative very fascinating. Sometimes her dialogue is a little forced but it doesn’t take away from the beauty and the grandeur of the story she is trying to tell in this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone. The theme of the river winds its way throughout the scenery, characters, behaviors and animals in this story that was so well written.

[Ellen Notbohm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid, poignant, and alarming, The Same River forces a young wildlife biologist to confront her conflicting passions as they collide at the crossroads of irrefutable science, the wounds of childhood tragedy, and the heartrending boundaries she must set on love. Reaching back to our native ancestors for the wisdom and strength to do what’s right, this urgent tale of for our times compels us to look our priorities in the eye when government and corporate bureaucracies willfully skirt problematic truths.

[Linda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book. Characters I wanted to know, ethical dilemmas we all face, and so sadly timely -- just as Puget Sound is realizing that our Orcas are starving for lack of salmon, this book explains how the dams are killing the salmon. This should be required reading in high schools and colleges.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot and interesting structure to the book. I liked it but it needed a bit more editing to tighten it up and ensure that the narrative flows in a non confusing manner. At certain points it was difficult to determine who’s viewpoint it was written from. Loved the PNW setting.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellant

It took me a few chapters to really get into the story of this book . The past of the Nesika River and the Natives it affected and the Present day of the river and the woman, Jess that was trying to save the salmon.
So glad I continue to read! Five star!

[Cathy Habib · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting book but had way too many plot lines and "surprises". Liked the author's environmental messages though

[M L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book combined scientific information about protecting a river and the salmon that live in it, with a love story, with a fantasy story. It follows two women: a Native American from 200 years ago, and a scientist today who is trying to save the salmon and protect the river. The women have some paranormal experiences with each other, reaching across the centuries. There is even a suggestion of reincarnation. A lot of sex and strong language.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to have read this. It really is beautiful. Love the premise of the story so much, and I want to give it 5 stars. I love the weaving of the stories of the river, Piah, and Jess.
(I feel it could have used better editing to make it easier to followand eliminate repeating facts. The secondary characters could have used more show and less tell to keep it more captivating.)
I hope she writes another book - maybe about the daughter or Piah's ancestors or even Jeff.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway. I tried a couple of times to get into this book but it just wasn’t for me.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I was worried that the scientific angle for this novel would ruin the plot for me, as I am not a fan of it. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was integrated into the story. This was a unique read and I enjoyed it.