Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The River Witch

by Kimberly Brock (Goodreads Author)

3.65 of 5 stars 3.65 · rating details · 340 ratings · 109 reviews

Broken in body and spirit, she secludes herself in the mystical wilderness of a Georgia island. Can she find herself in the sweetness of old songs, old ways, and the gentle magic of the river people?

"Kimberly Brock has an amazing voice and a huge heart; The River Witch welcomes the reader to a haunted landscape, authentically Southern, where the tragedies of the past and...more Broken in body and spirit, she secludes herself in the mystical wilderness of a Georgia island. Can she find herself in the sweetness of old songs, old ways, and the gentle magic of the river people?

"Kimberly Brock has an amazing voice and a huge heart; The River Witch welcomes the reader to a haunted landscape, authentically Southern, where the tragedies of the past and the most fragile, gorgeous kind of love-soaked hope are equally alive. This is one debut that you absolutely should not miss."-Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author of Gods in Alabama

"Kimberly Brock's The River Witch achieves what splendid writing ought to achieve-story and character that linger in the reader's consciousness. Such is the power of Roslyn Byrne, who retreats to Manny's Island, Georgia, in search of herself, only to discover her great need of others. Tender and intriguing, often dazzling in its prose, this is a mature work of fiction worthy of the celebration of praise."-Terry Kay, internationally known author of the classic novel, To Dance With The White Dog

"There is magic and wonder in The River Witch, but the real enchantment here is the strength of the characters Roslyn and Damascus. Their voices are the current that carries the reader along in this compelling tale of healing and discovery."- Sharyn McCrumb, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Ballad of Tom Dooley

"With lyrical prose, Kimberly Brock explores the hidden places of the heart. The River Witch is a magical and bewitching story that, like a river, winds its way through the soul. In the voices of her wounded characters, Brock takes us through both the breaking and the healing of a life." -Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Perfect Love Song

Kimberly Brock is a native Southerner, a former actor and special needs educator. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines. She lives with her husband and three children north of Atlanta, Georgia. The River Witch is her first novel. Visit her at KimberlyBrockBooks.com.(less)

Paperback, 246 pages

Published April 6th 2012 by Bell Bridge Books

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Great Books of Southern Fiction

53rd out of 93 books — 267 voters

The Most Beautiful Covers (ya and middle school)

149th out of 379 books — 176 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,283)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jul 03, 2012 Ingrid George rated it 5 of 5 stars

High quality writing! As I read this book, I was wishing I could hear the music that is described throughout it and streams through the main character's mind when she needs to feel close to home. Then I put two and two together and wondered if the music the congregation was singing in the movie Cold Mountain is the same. It is, and native to Appalachia. I think I like that most about the book, though my heart ached for both the lost "little girls" whose lives the story surrounds. It is memorable...more

3 likes · like · see review

May 01, 2012 Jessica McCann rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a strong debut by a fellow Bell Bridge Books author. Kim's writing is lyrical and captivating, and kept me turning page after page to learn its secrets. My only complaint is that I wanted more. The story she weaves is so complex and multilayered, the book could have been twice the length and would have held my interest.

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 09, 2012 Ginifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

The River Witch is phenomenal – one of the best books I’ve ever read; the kind of book that resonates deep inside and you know will linger there always. It is unfathomable to me that this is Kimberly Brock’s debut novel…and there is no way I’m going to do the book justice in this review, but I’ll try.

Roslyn Byrne has experienced multiple tragedies in quick succession that have left her completely lost and broken. As a professional ballerina, Roslyn worked hard to be the best dancer so her mothe...more The River Witch is phenomenal – one of the best books I’ve ever read; the kind of book that resonates deep inside and you know will linger there always. It is unfathomable to me that this is Kimberly Brock’s debut novel…and there is no way I’m going to do the book justice in this review, but I’ll try.

Roslyn Byrne has experienced multiple tragedies in quick succession that have left her completely lost and broken. As a professional ballerina, Roslyn worked hard to be the best dancer so her mother and grandmother would be proud of her. Faced with a tragic accident that leaves her unable to dance, and the subsequent loss of her unborn child and the death of her grandmother, Roslyn seeks refuge for the summer on Manny’s Island in Georgia.

The recluse house she rented for the summer seems like the perfect place to find herself, but Roslyn discovers seclusion may not be what she needs after all. Just maybe a family, also in desperate need of healing themselves, is the key to forgiveness and moving on.

This is one of those books written so well you actually hear and smell and feel everything as though you’re actually there. The southern culture is portrayed absolutely perfect; it’s not overdone or forced. You can tell Brock is from Georgia – she knows the South. There was not a single negative in this book for me. The characters, the plot, the setting, the writing style – it’s all brilliant.

The narrative switches back and forth between 10 year old Damascus (a native of the island) and Roslyn; Damascus in third person and Roslyn in first, which lends the reader even more distinction between the characters. Although, their personalities are both well-defined, even if this weren’t the case. I adore Damascus. I wanted to reach in and bring her home with me. And Roslyn – she’s a flawed character, but I loved her to death. You really can’t help but fall in love with both of them and all the secondary characters, Manny’s Island, the river, the ENTIRE book.

Poignant, timeless, and breathtaking - those are the three words that come to mind for The River Witch. It reminded me of an old classic, like To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s completely different, but it just has that kind of feel. When it ended I was completely choked up…for a while. The ending is completely satisfying; it’s just that it was over. I usually devour a book in a couple of days or less if I really love it, but I spread this one out over a couple weeks to hang on to it a little longer. I’m definitely buying the print copy, so I can pull it off my shelf and lose myself in Manny’s Island every year.

I realize I didn’t describe very much of the book in this review, but I don’t want to spoil anything. The story is very complex and emotional, sometimes humorous, and it is every bit as much about Damascus healing as it is Roslyn. Trust me; this is one you want to read immediately.

**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No incentive was offered or accepted for a favorable rating or review.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 16, 2012 Janga rated it 5 of 5 stars

From Roslyn and Damascus, the point of view characters, to the minor characters, even those who people the book only as memories, Brock creates a cast of crazy-quilt personalities of shifting colors, contradictory impulses, and secrets hidden sometimes even from those who possess them. They challenge the mind and touch the heart. I found Damascus, part lost child and part old soul, particularly appealing. She reminded me of other girl children in cherished Southern novels, characters like Carso...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 15, 2012 LAURA KAY A Novel Review rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2012...

With her grannies Sacred Heart songs, Roslyn Byrnes heads to Manny’s Island, Georgia for a reprieve from the world around her. Having recently suffered from a career ending car accident and a miscarriage, she just needs some time to herself. Once getting to the house, that’s the last thing she gets.

The home she rents is owned by the Trezevants family. Who bring their family problem/issues to her doorstep where she welcomes them in. With them, they bring a...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 09, 2013 Nerine Dorman rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of my favourite authors, Alma Katsu, recommended this book a while ago, and upon reflection, I can see why she did. The River Witch did not turn out quite the way I expected it to (for which I am very grateful), and while I feel the novel could have benefited from having its various arcs tightened, it will nonetheless stay with me for a long time.

Roslyn Byrne is a broken women, an ex-ballerina fallen from grace who’s suffered an accident and a miscarriage—all of which have conspired to drive...more One of my favourite authors, Alma Katsu, recommended this book a while ago, and upon reflection, I can see why she did. The River Witch did not turn out quite the way I expected it to (for which I am very grateful), and while I feel the novel could have benefited from having its various arcs tightened, it will nonetheless stay with me for a long time.

Roslyn Byrne is a broken women, an ex-ballerina fallen from grace who’s suffered an accident and a miscarriage—all of which have conspired to drive her into seclusion. When she rents a house in Manny’s Island it is to find healing and a fresh current for her own life. While this is the ultimate result of her sojourn, she also plays a massive part in the lives of the family there. At times I felt she verged on being wangsty and overly self-indulgent in her misery; other times she came across as a bit of a manipulative busy body. I’ll be honest and say I personally didn’t like her at all, but I enjoyed watching her find her feet as she is a compelling narrator.

Damascus lost her mother at a young age, and her father Urey has been distant, leaving much of her upbringing in the hands of her aunt Ivy. All she has left of her mother is an envelope containing pumpkin seeds (those giant ones) and all throughout one summer, she focuses on growing these massive pumpkins in order to find some closure (and direction) in her own young life. She’s a confused, angry young person, but her quiet determination to grow her pumpkins hinted at a resilience and a strength of character beyond the ordinary. Some powerful imagery just there.

Roslyn is renting the old family home where Damascus and her father used to live, and the girl is drawn there and enters a complicated, almost mother-daughter relationship, with Roslyn. Urey is a ghost who hovers at the edges of their lives, somewhat threatening, but also tragic, for his inability to provide an emotional connection with those close to him in the aftermath of his wife’s death.

Brock’s voice is rich and textured. She weaves a wonderful, tactile world with a wealth of imagery; it’s easy to immerse oneself in Manny’s Island and be reluctant to leave. Her description of The Sacred Harp music was fascinating, and led me to do further research into an American cultural tradition I’d never heard of before (go look up the music, there are plenty of fascinating resources online). Magic underpins the milieu, always suggesting that there might be more to the story than one initially expects—haunting; downright eerie at times.

Ultimately this is a story about coming to terms with one’s past, and also people’s expectations and finding one’s own identity, perhaps despite what one thought of others’ expectations. It’s a coming of age story, and a tale of personal alchemy. It’s about accepting the past but not being shackled by it. It’s about burying one’s dead and finding a fresh current. It’s about finding one’s identity. It’s about taking a definite step. The River Witch is rich in symbolism of growth, rebirth and harvesting, and running through it is the inexorable flow of a river. Perhaps to try to look too deeply into this story is to rob it of meaning, and I suspect each of you who go on to reading The River Witch will take with you something slightly different from the telling. (less)

like · see review

Feb 01, 2013 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: literature-fiction

Story Description:

BelleBooks|April 6, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-1-61194-123-4

Broken in body and spirit, thirty-year-old, Roslyn Byrne secludes herself in the mystical wilderness of Manny’s Island Georgia. Can she find herself in the sweetness of old songs, old ways, and the gentle magic of the river people?

Kimberly Brock is a native Southerner, a former actor and special needs educator. Her work has appeared in anthologies and magazines. She lives with her husband and three children north o...more

like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Charlie Kravetz rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone looking for a great book without violence.

This review is for the Kindle edition ebook.

A tearjerker at times, a touching story at all times.

This is a story of healing, when healing seems so far away as to be impossible. It is also a story of love, kindness, and self-forgiveness, for without self-forgiveness, healing would not happen.

I really got involved in this story. At times, it is difficult to separate life in the book and life as I could easily imagine it. I grew up in northern Michigan, about as far north as you can get in Michigan...more

like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Marleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Received from Bell Bridge Books through NetGalley

“The only thing that really ever haunts a person is a regret.”

Roslyn Byrne is twenty-four years old and feels her life is over.
Formerly a professional ballet dancer she lost her career in a car wreck. When she loses the baby she wasn’t sure she wanted during a premature and lone birth she also loses a bit of her mind and most of herself.
With the future seemingly without any prospects, Roslyn yearns for the past and the Appalachian foothills where...more Received from Bell Bridge Books through NetGalley

“The only thing that really ever haunts a person is a regret.”

Roslyn Byrne is twenty-four years old and feels her life is over.
Formerly a professional ballet dancer she lost her career in a car wreck. When she loses the baby she wasn’t sure she wanted during a premature and lone birth she also loses a bit of her mind and most of herself.
With the future seemingly without any prospects, Roslyn yearns for the past and the Appalachian foothills where her grandmother lived until her recent death and was part of a gospel singing group.
Warned against travelling back to what used to be her home by her mother, Roslyn instead travels to Manny’s Island, Georgia for the summer bringing her granny’s music with her.
On the island the broken dancer meets ten-year-old Damascus Trezevant, a girl with her own broken heart, looking for a way to mend her life with the aid of pumpkin seeds.
When Roslyn reluctantly gets involved with Damascus and her family she finds herself stumbling into a world where superstition and hoodoo magic are part of everyday life and where blind alligators will find their way into your home.
Over the course of the summer Roslyn has to find a new purpose for her life and the Trezevant family has to bury the ghosts from the past in order to move forwards. It will be a time of pain and dashed hopes as well as insights that lead to new opportunities.

This is a beautiful and very well written story. Roslyn’s pain and despair are palatable for the reader as are Damascus’ childish yet very recognisable hopes.
The setting of Manny’s Island is equally haunting and beautiful. The descriptions of the place make it easy to believe that magic could and would happen there, without turning the island into a Fantasy Island style paradise. In fact, paradise is far removed from Manny’s Island and those who live there, except that it is a place where some may find hope and redemption.

There are no easy, happy endings in this book. This is real life where hard-knocks come to people and they have to deal with them best they can regardless of their age, history or past mistakes.
I admire the author for not taking what early on in the book seemed to be the easy and predictable way out. It made this story more real, if a lot sadder.

I’m not at all surprised that this book comes with a host of very positive editorial reviews; it deserves every single one of them. I will therefore leave the final word on this book with Sharyn McCrumb because I couldn’t put it better myself:

"There is magic and wonder in "The River Witch," but the real enchantment here is the strength of the characters Roslyn and Damascus. Their voices are the current that carries the reader along in this compelling tale of healing and discovery."
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 19, 2012 Sheila rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cultural, relationships, spiritual

A haunting novel filled with haunted characters, echoing to the lonesome cry of alligators and the longing of old songs, Kimberly Brock’s The River Witch is a slow beautiful read, perfect for a hot summers’ day.

Roslyn Byrne has lost a child and her career as a dancer. Her self-image lies broken and she runs away to hide on Georgia’s Mannys Island. Meanwhile Damascus has lost her mother and looks to her mostly absent father to give meaning to her life.

The music of the river flows beautifully thro...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 26, 2012 Liz rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! The author did an amazing job of keeping me engaged in the story line of Rosalyn and Damascus, Donnie, Otis, Ivy, JB and Urey and well every character was lovely! There were many times when I felt all wrapped up in the "pumpkin of life" there on the Damascus River. I love stories about water, old homes with great history to tell, and a new life being woven into the tides of life. I loved the fact that this book was NOT repetitive in lines. I hate a book with the sam...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 25, 2012 Jaime Boler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Book Review: The River Witch by Kimberly Brock

The River Witch by Kimberly Brock (Bell Bridge Books; 239 pages; $14.95).

Kimberly Brock knows books; in fact, she loves them. Brock, a native Southerner and former actor and special needs educator, is the blog network coordinator at She Reads. She also reviews fiction and interviews authors on her website. Her intense love of storytelling is readily apparent.

It should come as no surprise to learn that Brock wrote her first novel when she was in fou...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 30, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!

I just finished reading The River Witch. If I'd had the time, I might have read the book in one sitting. It was difficult to put down! I absolutely loved the telling of this story. I was captured within the first couple of pages. Her descriptions of the river and island made me feel like I was walking around seeing it for myself. It is very rare that I become so caught up in a book that I can feel what the characters are feeling. Without giving much of the story away, I felt l...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 27, 2012 Zabet The Dark Empress of Dark Chocolate rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books, magical-realism

This and other reviews can be found on Reading Between Classes

Cover Impressions: The cover is pretty but were I to see it on a bookshelf I am not sure that it would stand out enough to entice me to buy it.

The Gist: Former ballerina Rosyln Byrne lost everything that defined her in one fell swoop. She has retreated to a remote Georgia island in the hopes that solitude and serenity will allow her to patch up her broken life. Instead she finds herself in the middle of another shattered family and i...more
This and other reviews can be found on Reading Between Classes

Cover Impressions: The cover is pretty but were I to see it on a bookshelf I am not sure that it would stand out enough to entice me to buy it.

The Gist: Former ballerina Rosyln Byrne lost everything that defined her in one fell swoop. She has retreated to a remote Georgia island in the hopes that solitude and serenity will allow her to patch up her broken life. Instead she finds herself in the middle of another shattered family and in the path of a little girl desperately seeking something magical.

Review: Every summer I tend to feel the urge to dive into the world of magical realism. The River Witch falls into that category, but also offers up something unexpected. The setting of this novel makes for a fantastic summer read. It left me longing for a big old house with lots of history and a river with more than a little danger. As the days start to stretch, the thought of retreated to an island and escaping the stress of everyday life is more than a little tempting.

This is not a novel with a fast paced plot and the story clearly falls on the character's very capable shoulders. Rosyln has an impressive voice and her pain is almost palpable as she reflects on losing her child and the life she left behind in her mountain home. The music from her homeland weaves in and out of the narrative, binding it beautifully together. Ten year old Damascus is outspoken, precocious and utterly charming. She is especially broken by the loss of her mother and her father's inability to fulfill his role as caregiver. While searching for answers inside a pumpkin seed, she and Rosyln slowly allow themselves to open up to the idea of being cared for.

This is not a novel for the thrill seeking or action obsessed. The plot unwinds slowly, like a lazy afternoon, and wraps itself around your heart. The writing is beautiful and gentle, occasionally erupting with witty moments (usually through Damascus). Brock weaves a story of regret and eschews the easy, romantic route that sometimes defines this genre. There are no storybook endings here, but what the reader does get is a much more realistic portrayal of human nature and the strength of history and family.

A stunning debut novel and a wonderful addition to anyone's summer reading.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 21, 2012 Teeliles rated it 4 of 5 stars

So far I truly, truly love this book. I'll write a more detailed review when I've finished, but it's so beautifully written and the characters so evocative! Favorite quotes: "If I wanted to sing, I had to learn to listen first"; "Magic, like glitter, like dust, could slip from your fingers". I love the combination of rural religious mysticism and South Carolina Geechee folklore. Can't wait to find out what happens next!

I can definitely recommend this book. Roslyn, a woman seeking to recover afte...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2013 Katie Brady rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think this is a really beautifully written book. I absolutely loved that about it, but at the same time I also agree with one of the other goodreads reviews that pointed out some problems with the writing. Sometimes I'd have to read a passage a couple of times because it didn't seem to completely make sense (though somehow managed to still be really beautiful.) It was like the author was suddenly talking about about something totally different, mid sentence or paragraph.

My only other complain...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 11, 2012 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

I just couldn't get into this book. I kept waiting for something to happen, which annoys me. But mostly it was the characters. I just couldn't identify with any of them. The 24 year old ballerina who lost everything but had all this deep insight into the behaviours of people she'd never met before, who clung to a grandmother she barely knew and a religion & people she didn't know at all, who inexplicably decided she was like or at least understood the "conjure woman" into whose house she mov...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 27, 2012 Melissa Crytzer Fry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brock’ debut novel is a tale of forgiveness and growth, ripe with originality: a story filled with alligators, hoodoo, pumpkins, and haunting choral music of the south, known as Sacred Harp. The characters– Roslyn, Damascus, Ivy, Urey – find fear and redemption in the waters that swirl in the Damascus River outside their doorsteps on Manny Island in the Sea Isles of Georgia. Ballerina Roslyn, after a series of poor decisions, a career-ending accident and a miscarriage, must forgive herself befor...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Rebecca Brothers rated it 4 of 5 stars

How could you resist a title like this? I am all ready now to read Ron Rash's "The Cove" and dive deep into Southern Gothic. This story had me from page one, from the dedication page and the quote from Thoreau:

Though I do not believe
that a plant will spring up
where no seed has been,
I have great faith in a seed.
Convince me that you have a see there,
and I am prepared to expect wonders.

To the ghosty stories that follow, this began as a page-turner. The story switches back and forth between the vo...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 15, 2012 Denise Cuenin rated it 3 of 5 stars

I would really give this book 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story but had a bit of a problem relating to some of the characters and their motivations. After suffering both a devastating car accident and the loss of a baby, Roslyn, a professional prima ballerina has a life crisis/nervous breakdown. Her mother arranges for her to go stay on an isolated sea island off the coast of Georgia. She becomes reluctantly involved with the troubled family who own the property and keep secrets from one another. T...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 04, 2012 Brittany rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, owned-read

*I was given a free copy of this book for review purposes. The review is based solely on my opinion and was not influenced by author or publisher.*

Roslyn Byrne hit rock bottom, hard. Three back to back tragedies force Roslyn to seek solitude on Manny's Island, where she's hoping to search within herself for answers. It's not solitude that she finds once she lands on the island. For the summer she has rented a house that is shrouded in mystery and rumors. She reluctantly finds a friend in her lan...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 21, 2012 June rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reading now....got very good reviews.

1 like · like · see review

May 22, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book quite a bit. It was a gently moving book, full of lost souls, a river, and an alligator. Roslyn washes up on the shores of Manny's Island (not literally) to find it inhabited by a family with its own problems. Roslyn has chosen this place to hide from the world, and heal from the loss of her child and her career. She meets Damascus (named for the river by her mother), a little girl who is just as lost as Roslyn is. The other characters of importance are Urey, who is Da...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 28, 2012 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book started with great potential, as the main character is flawed and dramatic; however, I slowly grew tired of the gross inconsistencies in the story development. This book read as such that it presented many sub-plots that would lead you to presume the story would go in one direction, when in fact, the book never fully answered what resolution/end came to many of these sub-plots.

Additionally, the story and character dialog was at times hard to follow due to the occasional comma splice,...more

like · see review

Jul 22, 2012 Jennifer King rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kimberly Brock's THE RIVER WITCH is a gentle Southern story with eclectic characters, in the tradition of Sue Monk Kidd and Beth Hoffman's SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT.

Roslyn, a former ballerina, retreats to a Georgia sea island to recover from career-ending tragedy, yet in the process of her summer away, finds the most healing through relationships with a variety of locals. Damascus, a 10-year-old girl, among others, lights up the narrative with her spunk and charm, involving Roslyn with a giant pu...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 27, 2012 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kimberly Brock's novel, The River Witch, is a beautifully written, haunting tale about loss, love, self-discovery and healing. I invite you to read a book about a beautiful, magical and mystical place, Manny’s Island, Georgia where seeds sprout, sending tiny shoots upward, their tendrils spreading love, hope and wonder. Beauty can be seen all around, from the cascading moss, to the winding river and glorious shimmering moonlight. You can almost feel the warm island breeze touching your face. Won...more Kimberly Brock's novel, The River Witch, is a beautifully written, haunting tale about loss, love, self-discovery and healing. I invite you to read a book about a beautiful, magical and mystical place, Manny’s Island, Georgia where seeds sprout, sending tiny shoots upward, their tendrils spreading love, hope and wonder. Beauty can be seen all around, from the cascading moss, to the winding river and glorious shimmering moonlight. You can almost feel the warm island breeze touching your face. Wondrous landscape, mystery, music and just a touch of magic surrounds all who live on the island.

Just imagine summer on Georgia’s coastline, the warm breeze coming off the river, singing a familiar lullaby. Let’s take a walk along Manny’s Island where you will find cord grass gently swaying, low-hanging moss, groves of live oaks, growling alligators and the comforting sound of sweet music. In this book, you will learn about the healing power of nature as well as music.

This story begins with thirty-year-old Roslyn Byrne who has experienced a series of tragedies. She lost her career as a professional ballerina and had a miscarriage after a car accident. Her mother recommends a realtor so she can get away for the summer. She spends her time on Manny’s Island, Georgia where she can recover and discover herself again. There, she meets a ten-year-old girl, Damascus, who is intelligent, spirited, and exactly who Roslyn Byrne needs in her life right now. Roslyn rents a house from Damascus’ family, the Trezevants, who are an interesting bunch. Well, Roslyn becomes more involved in family secrets, mysterious occurrences and tales from the past. The island is full of voodoo magic, mystery and dark beauty. As a result of the people and magic of Manny's Island, Roslyn discovers a new passion for life.

Kimberly Brock uses beautifully descriptive language to blend loss and tragedy with love, magic and wonder. If you are a fan of Southern Fiction, you will want to spend some of your summer reading this memorable debut novel. Just find a place on the porch, relax and enjoy this splendid tale. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 08, 2012 Lynne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, realistic-fiction, family-ties, first-reads-from-goodreads, own

I received this book in a GoodReads first-read giveaway.

About halfway through The River Witch, my husband asked me if it was a book about witches that live around a river ... I had to think about it for a moment, but my answer at that point was "well no, not really ... it's really about alligators…. and pumpkins"

this was NOT a sarcastic answer.

well, maybe it was .. sort of.
but actually, not really - because there ARE alligators and pumpkins and they really DO play a fairly significant (symboli...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 27, 2012 Mandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

A haunting tale of loss and healing, Kimberly Brock's debut novel, The River Witch, is ripe with talent, showing both depth of plot and characters. Roslyn is broken. A car crash ended her ballet career. A miscarriage ended the chance at a family she wasn't certain she wanted, leaving her feeling alone and confused. Set on an island in Georgia, where Roslyn has gone to seclude herself from the world, Brock has managed to portray a diversity of Southern culture to a group of readers with no person...more

like · see review

Jul 23, 2012 Jillyn rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Women, southern lit fans

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.

Needing a break from a more than stressful life, Rosalyn Byrne rents a house for the summer on Manny's Island, Georgia. Forced to walk away from a career as a ballerina from a car accident & a miscarriage, this little island is the perfect place to just disappear for a while. But that old house holds secrets of its own. The Trezevants own that building, & not all of them are willing to let go so easily. There's Damascus, a little girl na...more I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.

Needing a break from a more than stressful life, Rosalyn Byrne rents a house for the summer on Manny's Island, Georgia. Forced to walk away from a career as a ballerina from a car accident & a miscarriage, this little island is the perfect place to just disappear for a while. But that old house holds secrets of its own. The Trezevants own that building, & not all of them are willing to let go so easily. There's Damascus, a little girl named for the river who has a mission to grow pumpkins, her father, Urey, who's not always around, old Nonnie who claims that Rosalyn is the one calling all the alligators to the island with her hoo-doo. Together, all of them will learn, change, grow, but will Rosalyn ever come to terms with her past?

First of all, this cover is beautiful. To be honest, I judged this book by its cover, & I am very glad I did so.

Now, for what's on the inside of the pretty wrapping. I was stunned to find out that this is a debut novel. This is a very striking start, & I hope Ms. Brock produces more in the future.

This book is a beautiful work of Southern fiction. I'm not usually a fan of the genre, admittedly, but if all of them were written like this, my shelves would be stocked with them.

Her words effectively paint a picture to the extent that I felt I was watching Damascus & Rosalyn's stories unfold, not just reading some text. Each of the characters was detailed & relatable, & by the time the book was over I thought I truly knew them.

I am pleasantly surprised that this book didn't end at all how I thought. On about page fifteen or so, I thought I had it figured out. I was off. Very off. And that is a great thing.

This book definitely isn't a light read. It's full of emotion & drama. I admit that I cried, which I also wasn't expecting. It's very powerful, & even in the happier parts there is an underlying tone of haunting & despair. In my opinion, that makes it even more beautiful.

The only negative for me was that I felt it ended too abruptly. It lazes along at a good pace, like a summer day in Georgia, but then all of a sudden everything unravels (or ravels, depending on the character) & then the story's over. It was a bit rushed for me.

But all that aside, this book was a solid 4/5 stars. I recommend it for women & fans of Southern fiction.(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 18, 2012 Hallie Sawyer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, galley

This debut novel was magical in its complexity as the author weaved a variety of emotions into every storyline. The southern voice and setting were so perfect for this type of story; the foothills of the Appalachians and the sea islands off the coast of Georgia served as a wonderful backdrop.

Roslyn's soul-searching pain was so raw that I could feel her frustration as I read. She finds herself treading in unknown waters because of her past choices as well as things now out of her control.

Damascus...more

2 likes · like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 42 43 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Great New Books: Final Quotes from The River Witch, and Announcing September's Book Pick	1	5	Aug 29, 2012 08:32am
Great New Books: Names and The River Witch	1	7	Aug 24, 2012 08:38am
Great New Books: A Giveaway! and The River Witch: Discussion on Names	1	7	Aug 18, 2012 06:11am
Great New Books: The River Witch: Our August Book Pick	1	3	Aug 08, 2012 10:49am

combine
Other Editions (2)

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Contemporary

6 users

American > Southern

5 users

Adult Fiction

4 users

Romance

2 users

Realistic Fiction

2 users

Fantasy

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Kimberly Brock

A nominee for Georgia Author of the Year 2013, first novel, Kimberly Brock is the author of The River Witch (April 2012, Bell Bridge Books), a southern mystical work set against the backdrop of the southern Appalachian foothills and the Georgia Sea Islands.She is also coordinator for the She Reads national online book club Blog Network. www.shereads.org

"Kimberly Brock has an amazing voice and a hu...more

More about Kimberly Brock...

Books by Kimberly Brock

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The River Witch

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: The River Witch
avg rating	preview: The River Witch Goodreads rating: 3.65 (340 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13502935-the-river-witch?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333390592l/13502935.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13502935-the-river-witch?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The River Witch by Kimberly Brock[/url]

The River Witch

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website