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A River for Gemma
Coming soon! Three spirited women. One perilous past. And an unlikely heroine...
In a place where miracles abound, lives twenty-six-year-old Gemma Porter—a woman with an intellectual disability who is underestimated by the world. But Gemma is fiercely loved. When the bullies and naysayers only see Gemma’s limitations, her beloved grandmother sees the heart of a genius and a soul of divination. But Gemma isn’t the only one with a secret.... When her longing to become a mother collides with her grandmothers hidden past, the lives of three generations of Porter women are put in peril. Gemma must prove that regardless of age or intellect, a mother’s love knows no bounds....
To be released 2021!
In a place where miracles abound, lives twenty-six-year-old Gemma Porter—a woman with an intellectual disability who is underestimated by the world. But Gemma is fiercely loved. When the bullies and naysayers only see Gemma’s limitations, her beloved grandmother sees the heart of a genius and a soul of divination. But Gemma isn’t the only one with a secret.... When her longing to become a mother collides with her grandmothers hidden past, the lives of three generations of Porter women are put in peril. Gemma must prove that regardless of age or intellect, a mother’s love knows no bounds....
To be released 2021!
Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2021
3 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Debra Whiting Alexander
10 books41 followersDebra Whiting Alexander | Award winning author | Stories that uplift
The desire to write—
When I was nine-years-old, I read the poem, “I heard a Fly buzz—when I died” by Emily Dickinson. That little poem stirred something in me—a desire to capture on paper compelling moments of life in a simple way. From then on I started writing.
I longed to write fiction but non-fiction was a natural place to start my writing career. As a mental health therapist, clinical supervisor and former educator, I’ve specialized in post trauma treatment my entire career.
At age 31, a publisher in New York offered me a contract to write two series of workbooks for children and teens healing from trauma. My nonfiction writing took off from there.
I published more than fifteen books to help children, teens and families recover from traumatic life events. I also served as a consultant to the award winning video series: "Saving Our Schools from Hate and Violence" (HeartLand Media, San Francisco, CA).
One of my most meaningful projects, "The Emotional Recovery Resource Kit" was created at the request of my New York publishers in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Written to help educators and parents assist children, it was a great privilege and honor for me to write.
Over the next few years, my desire to venture into fiction only grew stronger. The story of Zetty began to consume my thoughts, paper tablets, and even the backsides of gas receipts. I became more determined to make the leap into fiction and went to work learning the craft.
Written during stolen moments between work and motherhood, I finally gave birth to my award-winning novel, "Zetty" in 2017, and "A River for Gemma," an uplifting story about three spirited women followed in 2021. It's a sparkling tale of wild courage and unexpected miracles.
The landscapes of life—
Raised on the warm sandy beaches of San Diego, it was my good fortune to grow up within the safety and support of a loving family—something I never take for granted.
When not at the beach, a pool, or on a family road trip, I was likely consuming a steady diet of old westerns and musicals. I still have a weakness for both.
My debut novel, Zetty, takes place in Windansea—a small, beautiful beach community not far from where we lived. Like the main character in the story, I grew up with a love for the ocean, cowgirls, neighborhood dance shows, pianos, golden retrievers, and art. Friendship and motherhood have always been central themes in my life and will always be central in my characters’ lives as well.
After graduate school, I moved to upstate New York with my husband, a native New Yorker, and lived there for nearly four years. We returned to San Diego where I completed a Ph.D. in Psychology and became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Oregon. I miss the San Diego coast, but now our home backs up to lush green fields, horses, stunning sunsets, and hazelnut orchards. Southern California was the inspiration for my first novel, but it’s in the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest that I’ve found my vision for the next one.
I recently semi-retired to allow more time to do what I love: write fiction and care for my granddaughter. Married for 35 years, my husband and I live with our two loveable labs in Oregon.
© 2021 Debra Whiting Alexander
The desire to write—
When I was nine-years-old, I read the poem, “I heard a Fly buzz—when I died” by Emily Dickinson. That little poem stirred something in me—a desire to capture on paper compelling moments of life in a simple way. From then on I started writing.
I longed to write fiction but non-fiction was a natural place to start my writing career. As a mental health therapist, clinical supervisor and former educator, I’ve specialized in post trauma treatment my entire career.
At age 31, a publisher in New York offered me a contract to write two series of workbooks for children and teens healing from trauma. My nonfiction writing took off from there.
I published more than fifteen books to help children, teens and families recover from traumatic life events. I also served as a consultant to the award winning video series: "Saving Our Schools from Hate and Violence" (HeartLand Media, San Francisco, CA).
One of my most meaningful projects, "The Emotional Recovery Resource Kit" was created at the request of my New York publishers in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Written to help educators and parents assist children, it was a great privilege and honor for me to write.
Over the next few years, my desire to venture into fiction only grew stronger. The story of Zetty began to consume my thoughts, paper tablets, and even the backsides of gas receipts. I became more determined to make the leap into fiction and went to work learning the craft.
Written during stolen moments between work and motherhood, I finally gave birth to my award-winning novel, "Zetty" in 2017, and "A River for Gemma," an uplifting story about three spirited women followed in 2021. It's a sparkling tale of wild courage and unexpected miracles.
The landscapes of life—
Raised on the warm sandy beaches of San Diego, it was my good fortune to grow up within the safety and support of a loving family—something I never take for granted.
When not at the beach, a pool, or on a family road trip, I was likely consuming a steady diet of old westerns and musicals. I still have a weakness for both.
My debut novel, Zetty, takes place in Windansea—a small, beautiful beach community not far from where we lived. Like the main character in the story, I grew up with a love for the ocean, cowgirls, neighborhood dance shows, pianos, golden retrievers, and art. Friendship and motherhood have always been central themes in my life and will always be central in my characters’ lives as well.
After graduate school, I moved to upstate New York with my husband, a native New Yorker, and lived there for nearly four years. We returned to San Diego where I completed a Ph.D. in Psychology and became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Oregon. I miss the San Diego coast, but now our home backs up to lush green fields, horses, stunning sunsets, and hazelnut orchards. Southern California was the inspiration for my first novel, but it’s in the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest that I’ve found my vision for the next one.
I recently semi-retired to allow more time to do what I love: write fiction and care for my granddaughter. Married for 35 years, my husband and I live with our two loveable labs in Oregon.
© 2021 Debra Whiting Alexander
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 1, 2021
"A River for Gemma” is a story that is all about love, mystery, and knowing who you are.
In the small town of Sugar Creek, Oregon, lives Gemma Porter, a twenty-six-year-old woman who possesses secrets that she is afraid to reveal. Gemma lives with her mother, Magnolia, a high-powered lawyer, and her grandmother, Olivia. The Porter women are well-known in Sugar Creek, but not all for the best reasons. From a young age, Gemma has struggled with issues accompanied by lower intelligence. Gemma has never had it easy in life and is no stranger to being bullied. Despite what life has thrown her way, her biggest desire is to be a mother. She feels confident in herself and her ability to love and care greater than anyone else. Gemma also has shown otherworldly powers that aren’t so widely accepted by society. During Gemma’s strive to be a mother, her biggest struggle is believing in herself and proving others wrong. Meanwhile, Magnolia and Olivia have their storylines interweaved to make “A River for Gemma” a complete tapestry for the whole Porter family.
While the story is Porter family-friendly, I wouldn’t say it is reader family-friendly. “A River for Gemma” is wonderfully written to make the reader feel in the story; however, the content is more appropriate for young adults. The situations are relevant and show the reader both sides to each moral and ethical issue. Within the pages are many life lessons that can be learned or reinforced for any reader. The characters portray both physical and mental problems with Alexander writing the perfect way of solving the issues. This book has its fair share of mystery, romance, action, and some religion mixed in. Alexander includes the religious situations tastefully to flow with the story and shows a different view of religion from how most people view it.
“A River for Gemma” took me on an adventure. I felt that I could relate to each character, even though they had something unique going on. Film characters popped into my mind for each of them, making it easier to follow along. Depending on your reading speed, reading a 400+ page book can feel like an investment of time; after reading all 400+ pages, I felt so many emotions, especially in the last 100 pages of the book. “A River for Gemma” made me smile, cry, and think about people, situations, and myself, and ponder over how brave of a woman that Gemma Porter is in the face of adversity and complications.
In the small town of Sugar Creek, Oregon, lives Gemma Porter, a twenty-six-year-old woman who possesses secrets that she is afraid to reveal. Gemma lives with her mother, Magnolia, a high-powered lawyer, and her grandmother, Olivia. The Porter women are well-known in Sugar Creek, but not all for the best reasons. From a young age, Gemma has struggled with issues accompanied by lower intelligence. Gemma has never had it easy in life and is no stranger to being bullied. Despite what life has thrown her way, her biggest desire is to be a mother. She feels confident in herself and her ability to love and care greater than anyone else. Gemma also has shown otherworldly powers that aren’t so widely accepted by society. During Gemma’s strive to be a mother, her biggest struggle is believing in herself and proving others wrong. Meanwhile, Magnolia and Olivia have their storylines interweaved to make “A River for Gemma” a complete tapestry for the whole Porter family.
While the story is Porter family-friendly, I wouldn’t say it is reader family-friendly. “A River for Gemma” is wonderfully written to make the reader feel in the story; however, the content is more appropriate for young adults. The situations are relevant and show the reader both sides to each moral and ethical issue. Within the pages are many life lessons that can be learned or reinforced for any reader. The characters portray both physical and mental problems with Alexander writing the perfect way of solving the issues. This book has its fair share of mystery, romance, action, and some religion mixed in. Alexander includes the religious situations tastefully to flow with the story and shows a different view of religion from how most people view it.
“A River for Gemma” took me on an adventure. I felt that I could relate to each character, even though they had something unique going on. Film characters popped into my mind for each of them, making it easier to follow along. Depending on your reading speed, reading a 400+ page book can feel like an investment of time; after reading all 400+ pages, I felt so many emotions, especially in the last 100 pages of the book. “A River for Gemma” made me smile, cry, and think about people, situations, and myself, and ponder over how brave of a woman that Gemma Porter is in the face of adversity and complications.
November 19, 2021
This book was not for me, sadly. i didn`t find the story or the characters enjoyable. Gemma was sort of interesting, but it was so much other things happening (it didn`t feel beliveable) and her mother was annoying.
Got this eArc from netgalley :)
Got this eArc from netgalley :)
December 13, 2021
. . . Three spirited women. One perilous past. And an unlikely heroine.
Miracles abound in Sugar Creek, a small-town nestled near the horse trails and hazelnut orchards of Oregon’s lush countryside. It is here, where twenty-six-year old Gemma Porter lives a vibrant life chasing her dreams. But Gemma is underestimated by a world that pigeonholes her as “intellectually disabled.”
While the naysayers and bullies only see Gemma’s limitations, her beloved grandmother sees the heart of a genius—and a soul of divination. When Gemma’s longing to be a mother collides with her grandmother’s hidden past, three generations of Porter women are put in peril.
A harrowing adventure unfolds into a heroic quest to save their lives. As Gemma’s bravery is tested, she will need to prove that regardless of age or intellect, a mother’s love knows no bounds.
A River for Gemma, written by Debra Whiting Alexander, was an August, 2021 release by the Wild Rose Press.
Our Review: Rarely have we read a book which brought us to our feet, cheering for three very different, extremely brave characters. Each faces their own individual challenges—for different though valid reasons. Each stands on their own and the reader is better for knowing them. This is a truly exceptional book.
Based on a scale of 1-5, A River for Gemma deserves an 8.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews.
Miracles abound in Sugar Creek, a small-town nestled near the horse trails and hazelnut orchards of Oregon’s lush countryside. It is here, where twenty-six-year old Gemma Porter lives a vibrant life chasing her dreams. But Gemma is underestimated by a world that pigeonholes her as “intellectually disabled.”
While the naysayers and bullies only see Gemma’s limitations, her beloved grandmother sees the heart of a genius—and a soul of divination. When Gemma’s longing to be a mother collides with her grandmother’s hidden past, three generations of Porter women are put in peril.
A harrowing adventure unfolds into a heroic quest to save their lives. As Gemma’s bravery is tested, she will need to prove that regardless of age or intellect, a mother’s love knows no bounds.
A River for Gemma, written by Debra Whiting Alexander, was an August, 2021 release by the Wild Rose Press.
Our Review: Rarely have we read a book which brought us to our feet, cheering for three very different, extremely brave characters. Each faces their own individual challenges—for different though valid reasons. Each stands on their own and the reader is better for knowing them. This is a truly exceptional book.
Based on a scale of 1-5, A River for Gemma deserves an 8.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews.
April 21, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Gemma has an intellectual disability but she isn't that letting her stop her from living her dream and becoming a mother. She develops a relationship with Walter, a man with autism, and together they prepare to become parents.
The Porter women, Gemma, her mother Magnolia, and her grandmother Olivia, share a fierce love for each other. When Gemma informs her grandmother she is pregnant, Olivia insists she share the news with her mother as soon as possible. Together, they work to form a plan to help Gemma learn to be a mother. Through this, the reader is led through both sides of an ethical issue with compassion and understanding.
Though the focus is on Gemma and her struggles learn what it means to be an adult, I found myself drawn more to Olivia and her secret and intriguing life. Unfortunately, Magnolia failed to draw my interest. While she has the potential to be a strong character, it is lost through the focus on Olivia and Gemma. I feel it's a missed opportunity. I debated between a three and four star review but in the end, having a family member with an intellectual disability helped me appreciate the effort in portraying the moral dilemma of the desire to be a parent compared with the ability to do so.
Gemma has an intellectual disability but she isn't that letting her stop her from living her dream and becoming a mother. She develops a relationship with Walter, a man with autism, and together they prepare to become parents.
The Porter women, Gemma, her mother Magnolia, and her grandmother Olivia, share a fierce love for each other. When Gemma informs her grandmother she is pregnant, Olivia insists she share the news with her mother as soon as possible. Together, they work to form a plan to help Gemma learn to be a mother. Through this, the reader is led through both sides of an ethical issue with compassion and understanding.
Though the focus is on Gemma and her struggles learn what it means to be an adult, I found myself drawn more to Olivia and her secret and intriguing life. Unfortunately, Magnolia failed to draw my interest. While she has the potential to be a strong character, it is lost through the focus on Olivia and Gemma. I feel it's a missed opportunity. I debated between a three and four star review but in the end, having a family member with an intellectual disability helped me appreciate the effort in portraying the moral dilemma of the desire to be a parent compared with the ability to do so.
September 12, 2022
A River for Gemma, by Debra Whiting Alexander, a novel that touched my heart, takes place in Oregon’s rural and rugged Willamette Valley, 2018.
Gemma Porter, 26, is considered “intellectually disabled” by many, but her grandmother sees a beautiful soul, a special person capable of great love. Gemma longs to have a baby, but there are those, including her mother, who feel she is not capable of handling such a responsibility. Although Gemma has her own apartment, a job, and can drive a car, she sometimes has trouble thinking things through.
When Gemma announces she is pregnant, and that she and her boyfriend intend to raise the child, many are outspoken about the couple’s ability to give the child adequate care.
Along with the turmoil of Gemma’s pregnancy, there’s a sinister, underlying threat that apparently involves Gemma’s grandmother’s hidden past. Threats of the family’s safety become more frequent and dangerous as they occur closer to home.
A River for Gemma is a story of limitless love, of overcoming restraints dictated by naysayers. It’s about possibilities, about hope. I enjoyed this novel and appreciated another way of looking at “disabilities” as “special abilities.”
Gemma Porter, 26, is considered “intellectually disabled” by many, but her grandmother sees a beautiful soul, a special person capable of great love. Gemma longs to have a baby, but there are those, including her mother, who feel she is not capable of handling such a responsibility. Although Gemma has her own apartment, a job, and can drive a car, she sometimes has trouble thinking things through.
When Gemma announces she is pregnant, and that she and her boyfriend intend to raise the child, many are outspoken about the couple’s ability to give the child adequate care.
Along with the turmoil of Gemma’s pregnancy, there’s a sinister, underlying threat that apparently involves Gemma’s grandmother’s hidden past. Threats of the family’s safety become more frequent and dangerous as they occur closer to home.
A River for Gemma is a story of limitless love, of overcoming restraints dictated by naysayers. It’s about possibilities, about hope. I enjoyed this novel and appreciated another way of looking at “disabilities” as “special abilities.”
June 5, 2022
A River For Gemma
Debra Whiting Alexander, Author
This...!
Honestly, my heart was broken when this story ended, and literally found myself carrying this book around the house as if in fear of never seeing it again.
Debra Whiting-Alexander has created an extraordinary narrative full of joy, empathy, wisdom, and yes~ danger.
A River for Gemma certainly has all the makings of its already multi-award winning status that lead this reader on an emotionally charged journey that I won't forget!
From the mysterious to the moving , and familial ties that bind from generation to generation, this story not only captured me heart and soul, but I marveled at its unique and most meaningful way of delivering a story through its descriptive characters, vivid scenery, and heart-lifting, inspiring moments.
I thank the author for bringing this exceptional story to life~ one of acceptance and love that will tug at the heartstrings, and in my opinion, one which deserves a perfect 10 on the rating scale!
5+ Stars
#ARiverforGemma
#DebraWhitingAlexander
#TheWildRosePress
Wild Sage Book Blog
Debra Whiting Alexander, Author
This...!
Honestly, my heart was broken when this story ended, and literally found myself carrying this book around the house as if in fear of never seeing it again.
Debra Whiting-Alexander has created an extraordinary narrative full of joy, empathy, wisdom, and yes~ danger.
A River for Gemma certainly has all the makings of its already multi-award winning status that lead this reader on an emotionally charged journey that I won't forget!
From the mysterious to the moving , and familial ties that bind from generation to generation, this story not only captured me heart and soul, but I marveled at its unique and most meaningful way of delivering a story through its descriptive characters, vivid scenery, and heart-lifting, inspiring moments.
I thank the author for bringing this exceptional story to life~ one of acceptance and love that will tug at the heartstrings, and in my opinion, one which deserves a perfect 10 on the rating scale!
5+ Stars
#ARiverforGemma
#DebraWhitingAlexander
#TheWildRosePress
Wild Sage Book Blog
August 6, 2024
A River for Gemma brings us an unconventionally bright and daring heroine to challenge our ingrained perspectives on disability and capability, and her equally unusual and somewhat mysterious grandmother to challenge our stereotypes of female aging. The juxtapositions in the book and the tensions they create are exquisite. We’re constantly asked to question the difference between “hard” and “easy” and “normal.” The characters don’t behave in typical or expected ways that seem preposterous at first but end up being quite believable. The universality of things that connect all of us as humans comes through vibrantly—the urge for parenthood and the resistance against being denied it, the right of everyone to experience love and sexuality, and the rejection of the idea that a certain level of intellect is necessary to experience love, enjoy our sexuality, and be competent parents.
A much-needed story for our times, compassionate and well-told.
A much-needed story for our times, compassionate and well-told.
August 28, 2021
A River for Gemma is a delightfully escapist and uplifting read.
The novel is full of engaging characters and Gemma herself is charming and easily lovable. Like many of us, she pines for belonging and for motherhood, but Gemma has to face unique obstacles to achieve her dreams.
Through every challenge she faces, as a reader I wanted to see Gemma succeed. Like many of us, she’s wants to live her fullest life despite her own limitations, and her struggle for normality, motherhood, yet making mistakes along the way is relatable to any woman.
Full of engaging characters, and beautiful descriptive Oregon scenery vividly capturing the changes in seasons, A River For Gemma is an uplifting, hopeful, and delightfully escapist read.
The novel is full of engaging characters and Gemma herself is charming and easily lovable. Like many of us, she pines for belonging and for motherhood, but Gemma has to face unique obstacles to achieve her dreams.
Through every challenge she faces, as a reader I wanted to see Gemma succeed. Like many of us, she’s wants to live her fullest life despite her own limitations, and her struggle for normality, motherhood, yet making mistakes along the way is relatable to any woman.
Full of engaging characters, and beautiful descriptive Oregon scenery vividly capturing the changes in seasons, A River For Gemma is an uplifting, hopeful, and delightfully escapist read.
October 24, 2021
The love among family runs deep
A River for Gemma is a wonderful story about a young woman that is likely autistic, (even though a diagnosis isn’t provided in the story ) that teaches those around her the true meaning of love. Gemma has matured into a woman that has decided she wants a child of her own more than anything. After she becomes pregnant she informs her Mother and Grandmother of her decision. Even though she has matured much over the years she realizes she still has a lot to learn. And from there things just become more complicated. It seems everyone around Gemma has secrets. The one sure thing Gemma can count on is the love that surrounds her.
A River for Gemma is a wonderful story about a young woman that is likely autistic, (even though a diagnosis isn’t provided in the story ) that teaches those around her the true meaning of love. Gemma has matured into a woman that has decided she wants a child of her own more than anything. After she becomes pregnant she informs her Mother and Grandmother of her decision. Even though she has matured much over the years she realizes she still has a lot to learn. And from there things just become more complicated. It seems everyone around Gemma has secrets. The one sure thing Gemma can count on is the love that surrounds her.
September 6, 2021
A RIVER FOR GEMMA offers a hefty dose of drama
and tension with a superb conclusion. With a thread of
mystery, this story keeps readers turning pages.
Gemma is determined to have a child, longing to be a mother. Like so many of us. Obstacles out of her control stand in her way. Yet she's determined. Loveable. Precious. As is Alexander's voice and storytelling.
This is a fascinating read!
and tension with a superb conclusion. With a thread of
mystery, this story keeps readers turning pages.
Gemma is determined to have a child, longing to be a mother. Like so many of us. Obstacles out of her control stand in her way. Yet she's determined. Loveable. Precious. As is Alexander's voice and storytelling.
This is a fascinating read!
September 18, 2021
This story is different and special. It will hit a range of emotions and pose true equality and independence struggles faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Recommendable 4 star read.
My thanks to goodreads and the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
Recommendable 4 star read.
My thanks to goodreads and the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
September 2, 2021
Reviewed for Reader Views
October 7, 2022
What an interesting story - sometimes hard to follow.
January 6, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2022
I loved her book Zetty so much, I couldn’t wait to read this. The book did not disappoint. At the heart of the story - Gemma, who was born with an intellectual disability, proves she is brave and capable enough to handle unexpected challenges and she teaches both her grandma and mother how brave she is as well as the joy of love and acceptance. The importance of family, the strength of women and the addition of a few other engaging characters added to Ms. Alexander’s story telling ability all result in an inspirational novel of hope, joy and resilience.
I loved her book Zetty so much, I couldn’t wait to read this. The book did not disappoint. At the heart of the story - Gemma, who was born with an intellectual disability, proves she is brave and capable enough to handle unexpected challenges and she teaches both her grandma and mother how brave she is as well as the joy of love and acceptance. The importance of family, the strength of women and the addition of a few other engaging characters added to Ms. Alexander’s story telling ability all result in an inspirational novel of hope, joy and resilience.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews