Riversnow - Fiction Review

Riversnow (River Valley #4) by Tess Thompson

Rating: Good
Source: Author

Description:  Genevieve Banks is beautiful and successful - and one of Hollywood's highest paid actresses.
While filming opposite Hollywood's heartthrob Stefan Spencer in River Valley, Genevieve and Stefan form a deep friendship. He wants to take their relationship to the next level, but a violent incident from Genevieve's past has made her feel intimacy is an impossibility.

When her closely guarded secret is revealed, Genevieve is forced into a decision: Stay silent and let others suffer or bravely confront her violent past and the man who hurt her.

Genre: Fiction

Why I Picked This Book: The blurb caught my attention and it sounded like an interesting read.

My Impression:  
I liked:
The world Thompson created.  It reminded me a little bit of the world Emily March creates with her books.  Gennie and Stefan need a refuge and they find it in River Valley.

That it's a stand alone but part of a series.  While there are other couples from previous books involved in the story not reading their books did not keep me from enjoying this book.  Though I do want to go back and read earlier books.

The message.  There's some trigger issues here.  Sexual assault is a plot point and abortion is discussed.  The message and the discussion is very empowering and non-judgemental without straying over too preachy.  The religious angle was also done well.  Gennie's Catholic upbringing is discussed but never in a way that felt like an agenda was being pushed.  It was strength and comfort.

The writing style was incredibly readable.  This really connected with me in quickly and was a book I could have easily read in one setting if it had been possible.

I Didn't Like:
The dialogue was a bit stilted.  I liked what the characters were saying but the way they said it read a little forced.

Not a huge amount of character development.  Gennie and Stefan are a little on the perfect side and I didn't feel like I knew them much better from when I started though I did like them from beginning to end.  The book is only about 200 pages so this could be just a length limitation.

Overall:
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Riversnow.  I liked Gennie and I really wanted to see what happened as the story unfolded.  It wasn't perfect but it was a quick enjoyable read that was perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  I would.  I'd like to read the stories of the other couples I met in this book - especially Tommy and Lee's.

Would I Recommend this Book?: If you enjoy contemporary fiction and are looking for a quick read that will keep you engaged this is a good pick.