Where Two Worlds Touch: An Outsider's Memoir in England

by River Faire

2024 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ winner (Independent Book Publishers Association award of excellence)

"[An] entrancing memoir ... a mindful examination of the heart and soul, and its interconnection with the divine, nature, and mystery." - Editor's Pick, BookLife Reviews by Publishers Weekly

Indie Books We Love selection, LoveReading, The UK's Leading Book Recommendation Website

4+ stars award, IndieReader

After the fairy tale of Happily Ever After ends in heartbreak, what then? From award-winning author River Faire comes an inspiring account of second chances, healing, inexplicable magic, and following the soul’s compass.

River, an alternative healer and Paris-trained chef—a decidedly reluctant mystic—returns to England from America to help his ex-partner, back from the brink of death. Stepping into a London life he left behind, haunted by ghosts, he finds himself on an unanticipated journey of the heart. When the two men relocate to the English countryside, he discovers more than a charming pastoral landscape, he unexpectedly glimpses the fabric of life itself.

With disarming honesty and a searching, lyrical voice, Where Two Worlds Touch is a transcendent narrative about navigating the intricacies of the human heart, no matter whom we love. An invitation to say yes to uncertainty and vulnerability, to trust the unknowable mystery of life, while seeking the place we belong and what is uniquely ours to bring. A genre-defying memoir—one part love story, one part celebration of the table, one part ode to nature, and one part soul guide—woven as an indelible offering that lingers long past the final page.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2023

About the author

River Faire is an award-winning author, body-centered therapist, and Paris-trained chef focused on holistic wellness.

Previously known as L.R. Heartsong, his writing has won three Nautilus Book Awards ("Better Books for a Better World"); one for Personal Transformation and Self-Help (2019), and two for Memoir and Personal Journey, Essay Format (2023 and 2025). His latest title received an IBPA Book Award (2024), recognizing excellence in independent publishing. In everything he offers, River illuminates how to become one’s most empowered, creative, and deeply authentic self—a radical being in vibrant wellness and alignment with the mysterious flow of life.

Learn more at RiverFaire.com

Reviews

[Cathryn Melani (cat.inspired) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Described as genre defying, it certainly was that. Part love story, part beautifully written memoir from the perspective of an author clearly in touch with their spiritual side and aware of the beauty of the world around them.

From the first few pages I was totally drawn into the beautiful writing style and most wonderful descriptions of everything. From his arrival back in London, to the everyday shopping trips, every small detail of beauty and wonder was so beautifully captured by River.

To be so self aware and to notice so much beauty in every day moments is a truelly magical gift. And to read this you can tell the author has put his heart and soul into this story. Truelly uplifting and wonderful.

I was totally captivated, page turn well into the night, as we followed River and Robert's reconnection after a year apart, the tragic details surrounding the reason why and the unfolding of their relationship in this period of the authors life.

Memoirs are not something I typically read, but this cover and synopsis draw me in to wanting to read this and this will honestly be a book that I can see myself reading again and again.

I'm excited to hear there is talk of an audiobook in the pipeline because reading this, one of my first thoughts was how beautiful this would be to listen to.

If you are looking for a book that makes you appreciate life this is certainly it. I highly recommend adding this to your tbr pile.

EDIT - I also listened to the audiobook of this recently and takes this book to a whole another level. Beautifully immersive and captivating hearing this told by the author

[Nic Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a beautifully written memoir and made me feel really emotional while reading it.

The love between these companions is just beautiful. The idea that they had clearly had a complex romantic background and things had gone wrong but they had really been able to put all of that aside to take care of each other. It really showed the depth of this love.

I got a sense of the author being quietly contented and confident to trust his own instincts and follow the signs his body and gut were telling him. I think this is something many of us struggle to do these days and this certainly got me thinking about my own ability to trust myself (or not).

This book felt especially beautiful to me as it was set in the villages I grew up around, the scenery, nature and even the home being described could have been my aunts house and I could picture it so vividly.

Overall the message that nature and spirituality (however you view it) is so important for our own wellbeing really struck true.

Just a beautiful memoir. I loved it

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautifully written and emotional memoir that I really wasn't expecting.
I find that memoirs are often so personal that it's difficult to truly connect with the writer, but this was obviously and immediately different.

After their relationship ended, River found himself returning to London from USA to care for his ex.
Following further difficulties, they moved out to the country where they both found a connection to nature itself.

I thought the way the couple were introduced to us was great.
The descriptions of the people, places and events were so detailed that it was easy to follow their journey and it was interesting and heartwarming to hear of the challenges and achievements they both faced.

[Joce_a_bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

River returns to London, England to help his very six ex-partner heal, an act that is harder than anticipated as he finds himself reminiscing about the life he had left behind. Together, the two men relocate to the country, where River discovers an entire world different from the one he saw himself in. Described as a genre defying memoir, read about the importance of vulnerability, trusting what is meant for you while seeking the home that you desire. An absolutely beautiful memoir of love, both of the self and another, and the importance of trusting as the entire world around you changes.

River's memoir is absolutely beautifully written: his prose and beautiful honesty hook the reader immediately. He is vulnerable and also self-aware, critical of what broke his relationship apart while demonstrating a deep and honest love between himself and Robert. River's ability to describe the world around him is especially unique and beautiful, making this memoir a must-read for anyone who loves or dreams of a trip to England!

Memoirs are a challenge for many to read, especially with no prior experience or knowledge of the author, but I found River's prose really allowed connection between the words on the page and the reader. This is a story for anyone who wants to read about a deep love connection, and a spiritual journey in the English countryside!

[Amorina Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-written journey through a unique second-chance love story and a difficult time in one man’s life. And, the really interesting part is it’s a true story.

Within these pages, the author opens up to us on a very vulnerable level, which requires a great level of courage and comfort with one’s self. I am always impressed when authors are willing to expose so much about their own lives in the hope of helping others glean insight.

The book is part memoir, part love story, part spiritual exploration, and all lyrically beautiful! The author has a lovely way with words and paints clear, gorgeous pictures with them. I enjoyed hearing about different parts of his spiritual journey, and the different stages of the two men’s relationship.

It was beautiful, and at times, heartbreaking to watch the pair find their way back to each other. I am pleased to have been allowed to go on this journey with the author.

Who’s It For?
This one is for anyone who enjoys memoirs, especially featuring travel, spiritual aspects, relationships, and finding yourself.

Content Warning: Medical Discussions, Discussion of Death, Spiritual/Religious Ideological Discussions, Adult Situations, Adult Language, and More. This is not meant to serve as a complete list of all potential subjects that one might find offensive or triggering.

[Laura Acock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Where Two Worlds Touch by River Faire. Described as ‘genre defining’ it most Cert is that and so much more. The book details the journey of two people who due to circumstances needing to find their way back to each other. Where Two Worlds Touch interweaves the memoir through the lens of love, family, connectivity, compassion and spirituality. It deals with all of these threads beautifully and you do not feel as though you are reading a typical memoir. The story had me hooked from the moment I began to read and I found myself wholly invested in the journey back to love between the two main characters.

For me the key image that will stay with me is River’s connection to nature especially his affinity with the fox family in their garden. The writing style is gentle and melodic, highly charged and passionate at times and gentle and loving at others. I highly recommend this memoir.

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this eloquently written memoir full of wisdom, gentle caring, spiritual insight, and delicious food. I know the geographical areas where the book is set, but thanks to the author's fine description and evocative light touch, I find myself more appreciative of nature's beauty. And the highlighted differences between our cultures are humorous and on point.
It's a beautiful book and I didn't want it to end.

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first memoir which I have read. And I'm so glad that I did. From when I started reading this book I was very intrigued about what it had to say. I enjoyed the historical account of what happened. To be able to read the author's memories of all the events I couldn't help but enjoy the writing style of the book and with this it kept me wanting to read. As I was reading there was parts of it which made me think alot.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful memoir telling the story of love. River Faire writes with such truthfulness you cannot help but be drawn in.

Where two worlds touch is the first book I have read by this author and it really gives you food for thought.

I do not read a lot of non-fiction but I am glad I agreed to read this. The detailed descriptions of people and places really made you feel like you were there with them.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartwarming and soul nourishing read.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is downright magical. I am so totally glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It is fantastic and I hope everyone has the chance to read it as this is a work of art. I absolutely adored this book. I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Amazing.

[Nelli Lakatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Two Worlds Touch is a beautiful and powerful memoir.

This book was incredibly well written, very emotional and filled with so much depth. The love between the companions was inspiring and so strong.

I had an amazing time reading this memoir and I highly recommend it to everyone!

[kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I really liked what I did get, a lot more than I thought I would. I have been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone with reading and non fiction has always been one of my least sought out genres including memoirs, although having read more non fiction this year than previous years I am finding that my reading tastes have changed and that I am enjoying them.

This was so well written with an almost lyrical tone to the words, which again is something I didn't expect from the genre in general and the book in particular but it was so beautiful. I found myself really drawn to the author and I really related to him, I think because the first time I studied in London, I went through a significant journey too and really found myself. For that place London will always have a special place in my heart and I was totally invested in River and his journey of love, truth and well being.

I found so much of interest in this book, especially the parts that showed a clear idea identity crisis and the hardships of moving to a new country, it was so honest and heartfelt, it really left me breathless at times.

I would highly recommend reading this book

[Mallika Ahuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book : Where two worlds touch
Author : River Faire
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format : E Book

This was a book from the heart and indeed touched my heart. It is a life changing work, had parts which brought out the struggle of identitiy crisis and making place in a new world. The characters were described intricately and were quite relatable.

The cover of this book is also beautiful and is quite relevant to the story, so is the title. The lyrical voice and the impeccable honesty portrayed in the story makes it worthy of a read this story of River and his ex partner is beyond all boundaries.The way the characters have developed over the course of this story was quite enthralling. It was quite an emotional memoir.

It was indeed a thought provoking work, it kept me glued. Trust me this book is irresistible once you begin reading. This is a really heartwarming and in depth memoir. This is a sure shot 5 starrer. All the details and heartfelt experiences after his arrival in London would make your heart melt and this book would for sure make you value all that you have been blessed with.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not sure what to expect, when I saw this book. I thought the cover was stunning and I was draw to just how lovely it looked. Then I read the blurb and something about this journey of the heart just grabbed at me. I knew I had to read it, so I grabbed the chance and dove in.
I really loved the opportunity to get to know the characters. There was a certain beauty in the way the author was able to describe their personalities and all the details about them, both emotionally and in appearance. Those detailed descriptions really made it easy to feel as though I was there with them on this heartfelt excursion.
The way their lives grew and changed in the breadth of the story was so interesting and exciting. The way hearts and minds were opened, and so many great things able to happen for the characters. I really found the book lovely and a treat to enjoy. Overall, a beautiful and wonderful read, with a brilliant level of detail and picturesque scenes.

[Likes2Explore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so Thankful that I stumbled on this audiobook narrated by the author.
What an absolutely beautiful story. It was soothing to my soul.

Thank You for sharing your story with us River.

[Jo Matey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starts with a gorgeous and evocative writing style that has meaning for travelers, lovers, foodies and poets. Ends more spiritually on a mystical note. Pleasure to read!