Beside Two Rivers (Daughters of the Potomac, # 2)

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Beside Two Rivers (Daughters of the Potomac #2)

by Rita Gerlach (Goodreads Author)

3.66 of 5 stars 3.66 · rating details · 71 ratings · 24 reviews

A tale of love won and love lost, and the faith to find it again. From the banks of the Potomac to the misty moors of England, Darcy follows a path where the secrets of the past slowly rise to the surface in this dramatic saga that began in Before the Scarlet Dawn. She meets Ethan Brennan, an aspiring English horse breeder, who embraces her independent spirit and marvels a...more

Paperback, 321 pages

Published September 2012 by Abingdon Press

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Sep 30, 2012 Naomi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Read my full review @ http://bit.ly/PvSMgP

My opinion: I have to be honest I was immediately sucked into the first book of this saga, Before the Scarlet Dawn and couldn't put it down. I wasn't as entranced with the characters or the storyline as before. However, Beside Two Rivers continues to have Ms. Gerlach's excellent writing and character development. Furthermore, Ms. Gerlach is a master at laying out a storyline slowly which come to stunning conclusions. I just would have liked to have been...more

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Dec 14, 2012 Margaret rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Margaret by: Colonial Quills

Shelves: christian-historical-fiction, abingdon-press, september-2012, favorites

It is one of those things that makes me think to myself, I wonder why I am surprised. When I first started this book as a PDF ARC, I got over 64% within one reading, much like with it's predecessor Before the Scarlet Dawn where I had read 50% of that one in one sitting. However in this case, I read and did not sleep that night, oh wait - that's what happened then too! . It's just too good. There is just too much to walk away from. I just have to turn the page. The only way that I got myself to s...more
It is one of those things that makes me think to myself, I wonder why I am surprised. When I first started this book as a PDF ARC, I got over 64% within one reading, much like with it's predecessor Before the Scarlet Dawn where I had read 50% of that one in one sitting. However in this case, I read and did not sleep that night, oh wait - that's what happened then too! . It's just too good. There is just too much to walk away from. I just have to turn the page. The only way that I got myself to stop was that I finished part two, and the next page was to start part three and I figured that at 5 AM, I might get at least two hours of sleep before the girls woke up. After that it was a couple days before I went back, because I was dying to read it and wanted it to be a sweet and uninterrupted time because I could not imagine my frustration and dire need to know what was happening next with my little interruptions (preschooler and almost toddler!). The second time that I picked it back up it was 2:30 in the morning when I finished. Beside Two Rivers is the second book in the Daughters of the Potomac Series and I'm sure you could try to read it alone, but to really get the benefit of the underlying issues, drama and true love levels you really need to read Before the Scarlet Dawn , the first book in the series. After this one I tell you that I am literally pining for the third novel Beyond the Valley expected in early 2013.

A little background, incase you haven't read my review of Before the Scarlet Dawn [link back http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...] . Rita Gerlach is one of the reasons I love hosting www.Christian HistoricalFiction.com . When I read her first novel Surrender the Wind in August 2009 I was enthralled, enchanted and craving for more from the language and imagery. She delivers so much in just 400 pages and on and on I can repeat that I cannot wait to read her next book and her next - she is an absolute favorite author for me. Many times when you read a Christian Historical novel as a reader you find yourself delving into a life and learning some facts and details and having a generally good romance with a bit of intrigue. Rita's characters and their lives come to life off the page. Her story brings in thoughts that I cannot hardly imagine which way I want this to end, much less how to get there. It's like Francine Rivers epic touching hearts and souls like the Marta Legacy Saga.

Coming from loving being behind Eliza and her turmoil to a calm in the storm it's hard to think that I could get behind her daughter's perspective in this book, but I found myself even more drawn to Darcy than I thought was even possible. And Ethan... oh Ethan! Parts of me scream, speak! say something! but then other logic in me says to just leave it. (You have to read it! to know what I mean without too many spoilers.) Darcy's story is full of what ifs and questions and is told in so a captivating way. But then at the same time, Beside Two Rivers is more than just Darcy's story. It is also Eliza, Ethan, and the Morgan family... With evil on the lines of Tracie Peterson and Kristen Billerbeck villains each page just has to be turned to get to the end! Oh, and again. You feel like it could not possibly ever get better or happy ever again and that there is no possible solution or way out of a situation and then you see the light is coming back. Surrender. There is no possible way without God's love. He is always there, every step of every direction. If he gives it to you, you can handle it but not maybe in the way you expected. This is quite real and fascinating. The sins of the father, or even mother seem to be visiting the children, but no matter what circumstances are making life difficult or confusing, giving it to God heals it all.

If you do not want to be moved, don't read this book. Don't even start the series if you cannot open your heart and set your soul along side these characters. Rita's prose will open you up and take you for a journey and educate you in history reminiscence. Just the way I love it with a bit of America and a bit of England as well. This is the epitome of romance with a flavor of Persuasion. I definitely had a flavor of regency in the wilderness that touched me like no other. Bring in a mix of Jane Austen with a kick of Laura Frantz and I'm on every page. Goodness, just looking back at my thoughts I feel like Rita Gerlach is presenting the best of all my favorite authors on the page! That and with Darcy's wit she even gives me a humor worthy of Mary Connealy. Could it get any better? Now, how am I suppose to wait until Beyond the Valley ? How can there be more?! Yet, oh please let there be plenty more!

*Thanks to Abingdon Press for loaning me a digital ARC - hoping to get a real copy soon...*

*Thanks to Rita for providing me with a copy!*

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

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Dec 06, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

I tend to enjoy historical settings in a novel and definitely appreciate what can be best described as ‘clean romance.’ Beside Two Rivers fits in both categories and does a wonderful job painting a picture of life in a time not too long after the American Revolution. While this is book 2 in a series, there was no feeling that you had to have read the first book to enjoy the second.
Overall, the story was engaging and you started to root for those who love Darcy and had made choices they thought w...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rita Gerlach is the best of historical fiction writers who gives us a slice of Americana and inspirational story together. She is a wonderful author of human relationships, and she's a solid storyteller. Her books simply wrap me up from the first sentence and keep me reading far into the night. I've come to love the characters she's invented in "The Daughters of the Potomac" series, as well as their great attachment to our country in its early years. Her knowledge and application of scripture bo...more Rita Gerlach is the best of historical fiction writers who gives us a slice of Americana and inspirational story together. She is a wonderful author of human relationships, and she's a solid storyteller. Her books simply wrap me up from the first sentence and keep me reading far into the night. I've come to love the characters she's invented in "The Daughters of the Potomac" series, as well as their great attachment to our country in its early years. Her knowledge and application of scripture bolsters her story but never becomes intrusive in the plot and development. I can't tell you how much I look forward to reading her books!

In "Beside Two Rivers" we find the daughter of the first star-crossed lovers of "Before the Scarlet Dawn" grown up in America and wondering what happened to a father who abandoned her as a young child to his brother and family. As far as she knows, her mother is dead, and she has no way of knowing if her father is, too. Darcy is a strong willed and strong minded young woman who gains the attentions of a dashing young man from England who visits to find horse stock. They fall in love and off goes the book!

This is not a sappy romance novel, rather the romance is beautifully and well-defined within the historical novel. Darcy's story helps round out the story of her parents who I came to love in the first book in this series. A story of redemption and forgiveness, this is told from the perspective of a child whose heart might have hardened in being injured and rejected, but whose faith and love caused her to rise above it.

Rita Gerlach's characters are so loveable and fully developed that they linger in the heart and mind long after her books are read. I've never forgotten Eliza, the main character of "Before the Scarlet Dawn," nor had I forgotten and stopped worrying about what happened to Darcy! I can't wait to read the next book in this wonderful series....which I'm going to do right away. I'll be reviewing "Beyond the Valley" asap!

These books are available in paperback or ebook. Please do yourself a favor and get the whole series. You won't want to stop after the first book. I can guarantee that much!
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Oct 31, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Beside Two Rivers is a story of love and forgiveness. The time period is just after the Revolutionary War, and takes place in Maryland and England.
Although this is the second book in this series, one does not have had to of read to the first to enjoy this one, however, I highly recommend you do.
I loved the way Uncle Will and Aunt Mari treated Darcy as one of their own, and made her feel like she was their daughter. Darcy though, has always wondered why her father left her, and never came back?
Y...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Rambling Readers rated it 3 of 5 stars

Beside Two Rivers is the anticipated sequel to Rita Gerlach's bittersweet novel Before the Scarlet Dawn. I was drawn into the plot of Before the Scarlet Dawn, and was anxious to read the continuing story in Gerlach's latest book. Beside Two Rivers picks up several years later. Darcy Morgan has grown up, sadly without the presence of her mother or father. As she discovers the truth of her childhood, the reader is reminded of the heartbreak faced by Hayward and Eliza Morgan in the first novel.

Bef...more Beside Two Rivers is the anticipated sequel to Rita Gerlach's bittersweet novel Before the Scarlet Dawn. I was drawn into the plot of Before the Scarlet Dawn, and was anxious to read the continuing story in Gerlach's latest book. Beside Two Rivers picks up several years later. Darcy Morgan has grown up, sadly without the presence of her mother or father. As she discovers the truth of her childhood, the reader is reminded of the heartbreak faced by Hayward and Eliza Morgan in the first novel.

Before the Scarlet Dawn ended on a sad note, so I sought closure in Beside Two Rivers. I was happy to learn that Darcy's childhood was pleasant and loving despite the troubling circumstances that defined her early years. Both Darcy and Ethan are upstanding and warm-hearted characters, but I had difficulty finding a connection. Their responses to situations are relayed more factually than emotionally at times. The love story between Darcy and Ethan does not find resolution until the end of the novel, but their love is quickly established in the first section of the plot. I always enjoy slower love stories, so I prefer strong feelings to progress more gradually.

Rita Gerlach's writing is somewhat reminiscent of classic romances, which is a quality I enjoy in her descriptions of the Potomac and Derbyshire, England. There are also times when the formal style creates stiff dialog and slows the plot. Beside Two Rivers is divided into three parts to correspond with significant changes in the plot. Part I moves the slowest for me, but once Darcy ventures to England in Part II, the plot picks up speed.

I am glad that Gerlach incorporates the main characters from Before the Scarlet Dawn to provide readers with a conclusion to their stories. Gerlach does not shy away from heartache and tragedy in her plots. Beside Two Rivers does not provide a happily-ever-after ending, and there are hardships that occur near the end of the novel. Last minute surprises keep the reader questioning how the novel will end; but at the same time, the changes can be unsettling. The reader does not directly witness some of the significant events, but reads about them after the fact.

The last chapter of Beside Two Rivers is the happiest and most promising of the novel. After the sad events of both books in the Daughters of the Potomac series, I hoped for happiness to linger longer. After anticipating a reunion of the Morgan family, I would have found much satisfaction in observing the reestablishment of familial bonds, especially between mother and daughter. Although I did not enjoy Beside Two Rivers as much as Before the Scarlet Dawn, it does provide a much needed conclusion for readers who were left wondering what would become of the Morgan family.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from NetGalley, courtesy of Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Nov 08, 2012 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Can the secrets from the past lead to love and forgiveness?

In the second book of the Daughters of the Potomac series: Beside Two Rivers, the story picks where it left off in book one, Before the Scarlet Dawn, where the reader is reintroduced to Eliza and Hayward Morgan's daughter Darcy, who is now twenty years old. Set in the post Revolutionary War period of 1797, in Potomac Heights, Maryland, Darcy has been living with the Breese family: Uncle Will, Aunt Mari and their five daughters, since her...more Can the secrets from the past lead to love and forgiveness?

In the second book of the Daughters of the Potomac series: Beside Two Rivers, the story picks where it left off in book one, Before the Scarlet Dawn, where the reader is reintroduced to Eliza and Hayward Morgan's daughter Darcy, who is now twenty years old. Set in the post Revolutionary War period of 1797, in Potomac Heights, Maryland, Darcy has been living with the Breese family: Uncle Will, Aunt Mari and their five daughters, since her father had left her as a small child to live with them. Darcy remembers very little of her early childhood, and the mysterious disappearance of her parents. She has always been curious about her parents, and has many unanswered questions as to why they had left her behind with the Breese family. While exploring the Potomac riverbank, Darcy falls in the river and gets swept by the strong river current, only to be rescued by a handsome young Englishman, Ethan Brennan. Ethan is an English horse breeder, who has come to Maryland on a secretive dual mission: to purchase a stallion; and a long-hidden secret that he has regarding Darcy that he cannot reveal. Darcy and Ethan fall in love with each other, but when Ethan returns to England, Darcy is left brokenhearted. Soon Darcy receives a letter from her grandmother Morgan in England, who beckons her to visit which leads Darcy on a journey that will reveal mystery and secrets of her past ... and may even provide her a chance to rekindle her love with Ethan ... Beside Two Rivers is the story of the romance between Darcy Morgan and Ethan Brennan ... it is a story about love found, lost and second chances ... it is about secrets, forgiveness and redemption.

Beside Two Rivers is a poignant continuation of an epic historical saga that takes the reader on a journey in the post Revolutionary War period of 1797 Maryland and England. Written in the third person narrative, author Rita Gerlach weaves a tale full of mystery, intrigue, drama and romance that sweeps the reader into the lives of Darcy Morgan and Ethan Brennan. Rich in details and vivid descriptions of the lush scenic settings and historical time period, the story flows seamlessly across the pond and engages the reader to follow along on Darcy's journey of a lifetime.

This historical romance captivated me from the start, the bond of friendship and love that Darcy and Ethan shared is emotionally charged and passionate as their relationship develops, only to be tested by the long held secret that Ethan has promised not to reveal. As Darcy learns about her family's mysterious secrets and past, the reader is drawn into the intriguing and dramatic twists and turns that Darcy encounters.

With characters who are complex; dialogue and interactions that are engaging; and a historical romantic storyline that transports the reader back to a genteel colonial time period; Besides Two Rivers is a compelling and powerfully emotional story of love, faith, hope, and forgiveness, that will keep the readers spellbound, wanting more, and anxiously awaiting for the story to continue in Beyond the Valley, the third book in the Daughters of the Potomac series.

Beside Two Rivers is the second book in the Daughters of the Potomac series. While this book can stand alone, I would suggest reading the series in sequence in order for the reader to follow the seamless flow of the storyline.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.

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Nov 05, 2012 Arlena rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars, adult-read, excellent-book, ebooks, my-reviews, fiction

Author: Rita Gerlach
Published By: Abingdon Press
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Beside Two Rivers" by Rita Gerlach was a wonderful story of love and forgiveness. This wonderful story took place in England and Maryland just after the Revolutionary War. This novel is a series book...only adding to how good the other novels have been. Ms. Gerlach presents such wonderful writings and her characters are off the chart..good....well driven...making this a gr...more

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Nov 09, 2012 Patty rated it 2 of 5 stars

This is the second installment of a trilogy in which I did not read the first - Before the Scarlet Dawn. I do have the first in my Kindle app so I might or might not read it some day. In this volume we meet Darcy Morgan, daughter of the protagonists of the first book - Eliza and Hayward Morgan. Darcy is a very free spirited girl - usually found walking along the rivers she loves and generally getting into trouble. A bit forward for her time as she is often off alone and in the company of young m...more This is the second installment of a trilogy in which I did not read the first - Before the Scarlet Dawn. I do have the first in my Kindle app so I might or might not read it some day. In this volume we meet Darcy Morgan, daughter of the protagonists of the first book - Eliza and Hayward Morgan. Darcy is a very free spirited girl - usually found walking along the rivers she loves and generally getting into trouble. A bit forward for her time as she is often off alone and in the company of young men unchaperoned. She lives with her Uncle's family as her parents are either dead or missing.

One day the family is invited to Twin Oaks (seriously - Ms. Gerlach couldn't come up with another name for her plantation? Far too reminiscent of Twelve Oaks and Ashley et al.) for a big party. While there Darcy meets an Englishman, Ethan Brennan and his snooty lady friend. Darcy and Ethan spend a fair bit of time together and start to fall in love but Darcy finds that the path to love is not smooth when an ocean separates families.

Ethan heads back for England and just after Darcy receives a letter from her *gasp* English grandmother - of whom she knows nothing - inviting her to visit. Off Darcy heads to England. There she meets her English relatives including the Lord of the manor who tries to hold sway over her while making veiled threats as to her person.

I had a hard time with this book. It read more young adult than adult and if it is someone should have told me 'cause then I would have approached it differently. I can find no comments anywhere that it is anything but a book for adult audiences and in that case I can't take it seriously for that audience. The characters are caricatures in many cases and the plot points are jokes. Maybe I just read too much, I don't know. I have read a fair amount of Christian fiction and don't find it as lacking as this one in the development of the people and places. When the Lord of the manor I mentioned above appeared I swear I pictured Snidely Whiplash in my head. Seriously. I just couldn't find much in this one to redeem it. For a young adult audience - it's slightly better.

I do love the cover though - for both this one and Before Scarlet Dawn. (less)

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Nov 17, 2012 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, adult, clean-read, christian-fiction, received-to-review, romance

Darcy has a happy life living with her Uncle and his family. They treat her as if she is one of the family. She loves her home near the Potomac. She has a free spirit and loves to explore her home.

Things change when the family is invited to attend a party at a neighboring estate. She meets the handsome gentleman from England, Ethan Brennan. Her heart is captured. An adventure awaits that will take her into danger and be reunited with those she has lost.

I loved this story. I didn't read the first...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Mary J rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romances, inspirational-fiction

I liked reading this second novel in this series. I knew from reading the first that a second installment was needed. The characters were too cut off from each other to finialize this story. There were some surprises I found that were unexpected. I was amaze how Hayward was so remorseful to how he treated Eliza. I wish the author would of explored how Hayward reached this decision to forgive or realize how Eliza was taken advantage of while she grieved over his (though to be) loss.
I liked Darcy'...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Maritza rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ok...so I read the first book and loved it so much and felt disappointed and found the ending was lacking...and I felt,it was left unfinished.....I was silently screaming for some kind of resolution, a small epilogue, something! Then I found there was a second book, (this one of course) and let me say....Could.Not.Put.It.Down! This book is perfect! Darcy and Ethan's story is adorable! I doubted at first when I began to read that it was mostly about Darcy, Hayward and Eliza's daughter, all grown...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A 3 1/2 stars would be a more accurate rating of this book, but since I don't do half stars, I rounded up ;-)

The first book in this series wasn't a "happily ever after" kind of book. It had many ups and downs, and then ended on a very depressing down. I know people had mixed feelings about this book--and I did, too, but decided to take the plunge and try out the next book in the series. While it kind of stuck to the trend of the previous book (lots of ups and downs), it was still a nice read. I...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Stacie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-review, on-my-shelf

I have received and read this book as part of the Virtual Blog Tour with Pump Up Your Book. As with any book in a series, you appreciate the characters and their stories more if you have read the books together rather than as a stand alone. This book will also be much more enjoyable if you know the history from Book One first. I am certainly glad I read BEFORE THE SCARLET DAWN, but this book would still be enjoyable without reading it.

In BESIDE TWO RIVERS, the story begins with Darcy, the daugh...more I have received and read this book as part of the Virtual Blog Tour with Pump Up Your Book. As with any book in a series, you appreciate the characters and their stories more if you have read the books together rather than as a stand alone. This book will also be much more enjoyable if you know the history from Book One first. I am certainly glad I read BEFORE THE SCARLET DAWN, but this book would still be enjoyable without reading it.

In BESIDE TWO RIVERS, the story begins with Darcy, the daughter of the main characters from BEFORE THE SCARLET DAWN. Darcy is now a grown woman and is struggling with her ties to her Aunt and Uncle who raised her in America and her familial ties to England. It does take a bit of time to get into this story, but at about the half-way point, the story-line becomes intense which made for a faster read all the way to the end. After many obstacles, you are anxious to see how Darcy perseveres.

This second book in the series had a little less historical information in this book due to the Revolutionary War being over, but much more descriptive characterization of both the people and the places in the story. The author certainly knows how to paint a picture with her words. Her use of the language and protocol/manners from the time period were also well done. I for one am thankful to have lived in this century. I'm not sure I could have bit my tongue as often as Darcy did!

I adored Darcy and was pleased with the woman she had grown up to be. She was much like her mother, even though she was away from her for most of her growing up years. I loved her spunk and was inspired with how she handled her fears and problems. Again, Gerlach weaves faith in God throughout the story without it being over-bearing and preachy. It is just the right touch to remind the readers of where we need to turn in our trials as well as our triumphs.

Even though not everything is tied up with a pretty bow in this story, I still appreciate the way it ended and leads me to be anxious for the third book in the series that will focus on Sarah, a character from BEFORE THE SCARLET DAWN. This third book, BEYOND THE VALLEY, is planned to debut in February 2013. (less)

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Mar 15, 2013 Annette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Summary:
When Beside Two Rivers begins it is 1797 Potomac Heights, Maryland. We are introduced to a young woman named Darcy Morgan who is the princple character in Beside Two Rivers. She's the daughter of Hayward and Eliza Morgan. This couple was the main characters in book one Before The Scarlet Dawn. Since she was a young girl Darcy's been living with her aunt and uncle and their daughters. Her father moved west. Darcy was told her mother died. Darcy is a wise and prudent person, unafraid of ha...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rita Gerlach in her new book, “Beside Two Rivers” Book Two in The Daughters of the Potomac Series published by Abingdon Press takes us into the lives of Darcy Morgan and Ethan Brennan.

From the back cover: A tale of love won and love lost, and the faith to find it again.

In this dramatic saga that began in “Before The Scarlet Dawn”, Eliza’s daughter, Darcy, follows a path where the secrets of the past slowly rise to the surface. Along the path, she meets Ethan Brennan, an aspiring English horse br...more Rita Gerlach in her new book, “Beside Two Rivers” Book Two in The Daughters of the Potomac Series published by Abingdon Press takes us into the lives of Darcy Morgan and Ethan Brennan.

From the back cover: A tale of love won and love lost, and the faith to find it again.

In this dramatic saga that began in “Before The Scarlet Dawn”, Eliza’s daughter, Darcy, follows a path where the secrets of the past slowly rise to the surface. Along the path, she meets Ethan Brennan, an aspiring English horse breeder, who embraces her independent spirit and marvels at the simplicity of her faith.

Darcy’s journey takes her far from her beloved home along the Potomac, to a manor house in faraway England. Soon the memories surrounding her family begin to unravel, and a sworn oath to a dying woman with a long-hidden secret may put Darcy’s hope for happiness with Ethan at a risk she could never imagine.

You know I think it is entirely possible that Rita Gerlach has a time machine in her basement. This is how she is able to describe these wonderful scenes where you feel as though you are there watching the event instead of reading about it. Ms. Gerlach does a wonderful job at bringing historical events to life while weaving in the fictional aspects of the story in a seamless flowing pattern. I commend Ms. Gerlach for all the research she had to do to before she could begin writing. Thank you for all your efforts as they clearly shine through in your writing. ”Beside Two Rivers” is the story of the romance between Darcy Morgan and Ethan Brennan. Ms. Gerlach makes you care for all the characters and their journey. Then there are secrets and promises that threaten to keep the two of them apart. They have to learn how to trust God and each other to deal with these issues so that they can let go and embrace their future. It is watching all of this happen that is just plain fun and exciting. Well done Ms. Gerlach. I look forward to the next book in the series.

If you missed the interview for “Surrender The Wind”, a different book from Rita Gerlach, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Apr 14, 2012 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fall-into-reading-2012, 100-books-in-2012, 2012-rrrc-s-books-i-read-for-a-chal, christian-fiction, historical, read-fall-2012, read-in-2012, review-books, the-challenge-factory-s-120-books-i, tlc-2012-series-r-us-challenge, november-2012

Beside Two Rivers is the second book in the Daughters of the Potomac series. While Beside Two Rivers was good and enjoyable, there was something about it that just didn't wow me like Before the Scarlet Dawn, the first book in the series.

Unlike the first book, which kept me turning pages late into the night, Beside Two Rivers was one that I had no problem putting down. Where the first book had an unexpected ending, this book's ending was a bit rushed and just a little too neat and perfect. There...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Melanie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-books

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2R36QGK...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

3.5 stars

After reading Before the Scarlet Dawn (book one) earlier this year, I was a little nervous about reading Beside Two Rivers. While I really enjoyed book one, the ending was SO sad and I didn't know if I could take a repeat of that in this book. While there were some sad moments, overall I was happy with Beside Two Rivers and found it enjoyable to read.

A negative I had with...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Kandra rated it 2 of 5 stars

The previous book in the series, Before the Scarlet Dawn, was more heartbreaking, more unsatisfying, but was nevertheless a better book. This one, even though it answered some screaming questions from the previous book, had an insipid plot, disconnected scenes and trite, flat characters. Frankly, it made me tired and I was glad when it was over.

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Feb 20, 2013 Steph rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, read___2013

Wasn't really impressed with the first, but I tried this one. It is as underwhelming at the first.

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Apr 13, 2013 Jennah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: emotional

This book had a bittersweet ending. Darcy finally got to be reunited with her mother and father and both of her parents forgave each other, but he died shortly after. I say it is bittersweet because both Eliza (mother) and Hayward (father)could've lived a "happily ever after" if hayward would've just forgiven Eliza. But God used this trial to to bring Hayward to Jesus Christ and Darcy found her true love.

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Mar 31, 2013 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Jun 03, 2012 MaryLu Tyndall rated it 5 of 5 stars

Beside Two Rivers stirred me like no other book has. Rita Gerlach has a epic style to her writing that is guaranteed to sweep you away to another place and time. With a deeply emotional storyline, characters of uncommon depth, heart-throbbing romance, and the boundless love of family lost and regained, this is truly a magnificent novel!

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Jun 18, 2012 Julia Reffner rated it 4 of 5 stars

Beautifully descriptive and well-researched historical for fans of Colonial fiction. Highly recommended.

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Jan 11, 2013 Mackenzie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Book 2 of 3

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May 24, 2013 Darci marked it as to-read

May 23, 2013 Heather Trahan marked it as to-read

May 23, 2013 Angela marked it as to-read

May 14, 2013 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 13, 2013 Megan marked it as to-read

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About Rita Gerlach

Rita Gerlach lives with her husband and two sons in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.

"Inspirational romantic fiction is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and...more

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Books by Rita Gerlach

Before the Scarlet Dawn (Daughters of the Potomac, # 1)

Beyond the Valley (Daughters of the Potomac, # 3)

Thorns in Eden & The Everlasting Mountains

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Beside Two Rivers (Daughters of the Potomac #2)

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