Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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.

9 comments:

  1. Despite the dialogue being stilted this one sounds good. I love the cover and I think I may read this one. Great review!

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  2. I have these books on my Kindle and they do look good. Great review!

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  3. Ooo the Emily March type setting appeals. Bummer about the conversation and lack of character development. I am glad you ended up enjoy this one.

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  4. I can see how the blurb drew you in because as I was reading it I was getting hooked. Plus Emily March feel to it is a big plus. EM for me is a big auto read.

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  5. I remember reading Emily March books, too! This also reminds me a little but of Jackie Collins books from back in the day. I was reading a book the other day where the dialogue was stilted, and on the pile it went! lol Hugs...

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  6. This sounds interesting. It can be hard to find the right balance of religion in a story and it sounds like it was well done. Too bad the dialogue wasn't great.

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  7. I've noticed this series but haven't had time to find out what it's about. Glad you enjoyed this book. I'll keep it in mind.

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  8. Pretty cover. That might be an iffy one for me. I do appreciate the heads ups on it.

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  9. I admit I always pause before picking up a book involving actresses or actors. This does sound good though--especially given how well the author balanced the religion on the story and dealt with the trigger subject matter. Shorter books do tend to sometimes fall prey to poor character development, don't they? Thanks for your great review, Katherine!

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