MY REVIEW:
I was blessed to be an early reviewer for Janet Ferguson’s The Art of Rivers. I have always enjoyed her books but this one touched me in ways the others haven’t. I have experienced the effects of addiction up close and personal with a family member who was thankfully able to break free and remain that way for over fifteen years so far. I also have friends who have lost children to its evil grasp. I so appreciate the way the author managed to depict this subject realistically yet with compassion.
The characters were skillfully portrayed, each with events from their past that impinge on their present lives and make it difficult to trust themselves as well as others. The setting of St. Simons Island is so beautifully described that I would love to see it for myself.
I loved reading Cooper and Rivers’ story complete with each and every obstacle they encountered. At times it was heart-rending but yet was filled with faith, hope, second chances, and romance. Janet Ferguson has a masterful way with words and keen insight into what makes humans tick. I look forward to each and every novel she cares to write in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.
After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.
Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.
Learn more about Janet and her books on her website – https://www.janetfergusonauthor.com
Thank you so much for this lovely review! I really appreciate it, and I hope your readers enjoy!
Blessings,
Janet