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Riverboat Point
Savannah Smith’s been hurt by life. She doesn’t need people, then she meets Ethan Daly. In the peace of Riverboat Point, magic can happen.
From the award-winning author of Right as Rain and Queen of the Road.
Savannah has a chip on her shoulder. And no wonder: apart from her tough teenage years, a car accident not only claimed her parents’ lives, but left her with permanent injuries.
She’s not close to her little brother Jax either – although she’s always been envious of his ability to just enjoy life. Jax moves to a small town, Riverboat Point, on the Murray River, and asks her to come too. She won’t leave the city but when Jax disappears leaving a vague warning to watch out for the neighbours, she’s forced to move and take over his houseboat business.
With no idea what to watch out for she keeps all the neighbours at arm’s length, including the mysterious guy next door, Ethan. Savannah is attracted to her tall dark neighbour but won’t admit it. She can trust no one. In spite of her fears, they work closely and she can’t deny the chemistry. Finally, she lets her guard down – only to discover he has been lying to her all along...
Will Jax ever return, or has he met with foul play? Who is interfering with the houseboats and stealing from the business? Will Savannah find out the truth about Jax and Ethan’s deal ... and can she ever trust Ethan again?
From the award-winning author of Right as Rain and Queen of the Road.
Savannah has a chip on her shoulder. And no wonder: apart from her tough teenage years, a car accident not only claimed her parents’ lives, but left her with permanent injuries.
She’s not close to her little brother Jax either – although she’s always been envious of his ability to just enjoy life. Jax moves to a small town, Riverboat Point, on the Murray River, and asks her to come too. She won’t leave the city but when Jax disappears leaving a vague warning to watch out for the neighbours, she’s forced to move and take over his houseboat business.
With no idea what to watch out for she keeps all the neighbours at arm’s length, including the mysterious guy next door, Ethan. Savannah is attracted to her tall dark neighbour but won’t admit it. She can trust no one. In spite of her fears, they work closely and she can’t deny the chemistry. Finally, she lets her guard down – only to discover he has been lying to her all along...
Will Jax ever return, or has he met with foul play? Who is interfering with the houseboats and stealing from the business? Will Savannah find out the truth about Jax and Ethan’s deal ... and can she ever trust Ethan again?
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
46 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Stringer
28 books384 followersTricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 18, 2016
Savannah Smith has survived tough times when a car accident left her with permanent injuries and also claimed the lives of her parents. Her brother Jaxon lives in a small town Riverboat Point where he operates his own houseboat business. Although they are not close, Savannah decides to go and see Jaxon as he wants to see her. But once Savannah arrives, she soon discovers Jaxon is not there. She had no idea where he was or long he'd be gone.
She discovers a letter which has instructions on running the houseboat. Savannah is less than impressed with her brother for putting her in this position as she knew nothing about houseboats. She quickly gathers her thoughts and tries to figure out what has to be done, but where to start was the big question.
Things started to fall into place, but it wouldn't have been possible if it hadn't been for Ethan Daly who was a neighbor. It was obvious that Ethan was a loner, but then again, so was Savannah. In time Savannah got the hang of things and began to relax and enjoy the beauty of the river views. She tried on many occasions to contact her brother, but it was like he had simply vanished. Savannah enjoyed the company of Ethan, but instincts told her he was hiding something and he knew more about what was going on than he was letting on.
Aussie author Tricia Stringer has written a beautiful and very enjoyable story. I really enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending it.
She discovers a letter which has instructions on running the houseboat. Savannah is less than impressed with her brother for putting her in this position as she knew nothing about houseboats. She quickly gathers her thoughts and tries to figure out what has to be done, but where to start was the big question.
Things started to fall into place, but it wouldn't have been possible if it hadn't been for Ethan Daly who was a neighbor. It was obvious that Ethan was a loner, but then again, so was Savannah. In time Savannah got the hang of things and began to relax and enjoy the beauty of the river views. She tried on many occasions to contact her brother, but it was like he had simply vanished. Savannah enjoyed the company of Ethan, but instincts told her he was hiding something and he knew more about what was going on than he was letting on.
Aussie author Tricia Stringer has written a beautiful and very enjoyable story. I really enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending it.
August 19, 2015
When Savannah Smith finally arrived at her brother Jaxon’s home on the banks of the Murray River, she was shocked to discover he was nowhere to be found. A letter with a list of instructions was the only evidence that he had expected her. But she didn’t know where he was; how long he would be gone for; even if he was safe. And it seemed the fate of J&S Houseboats was now in her hands. She was furious at Jaxon – how could he do this to her; he knew she had no clue about boats…
Slowly Savannah learned the ropes of what to do with the customers and the houseboats – but she wouldn’t have managed without the help of her enigmatic neighbour, Ethan Daly. It seemed Ethan was a loner – with only his dog Jasper as company, he obviously had his secrets. But then so did Savannah. The loss of both her parents in the car accident which had caused her horrific injuries had scarred her so much so that she had little trust for people. She too was a loner, and felt the only person she could trust was herself.
The little town of Riverboat Point slowly ate into Savannah’s defences and she grew to love the river views; the peace and tranquility was relaxing, though the quiet was intense after her life in Adelaide. But she wanted Jaxon to return – she was unable to contact him and it seemed Ethan knew more than he was letting on. Savannah also had concerns about little inconsistencies with the houseboats; was she just being paranoid or was her nervousness warranted?
I thoroughly enjoyed Riverboat Point by Aussie author Tricia Stringer. A beautifully descriptive story of the land and bush around the Murray River; the mystery surrounding the plot and the thread of romance – all blended together to create another masterpiece by an author I love! Romantic suspense with a rural outlook at its best – highly recommended.
Slowly Savannah learned the ropes of what to do with the customers and the houseboats – but she wouldn’t have managed without the help of her enigmatic neighbour, Ethan Daly. It seemed Ethan was a loner – with only his dog Jasper as company, he obviously had his secrets. But then so did Savannah. The loss of both her parents in the car accident which had caused her horrific injuries had scarred her so much so that she had little trust for people. She too was a loner, and felt the only person she could trust was herself.
The little town of Riverboat Point slowly ate into Savannah’s defences and she grew to love the river views; the peace and tranquility was relaxing, though the quiet was intense after her life in Adelaide. But she wanted Jaxon to return – she was unable to contact him and it seemed Ethan knew more than he was letting on. Savannah also had concerns about little inconsistencies with the houseboats; was she just being paranoid or was her nervousness warranted?
I thoroughly enjoyed Riverboat Point by Aussie author Tricia Stringer. A beautifully descriptive story of the land and bush around the Murray River; the mystery surrounding the plot and the thread of romance – all blended together to create another masterpiece by an author I love! Romantic suspense with a rural outlook at its best – highly recommended.
May 3, 2016
Three and a half stars.
City girl Savannah has been hurt by life. A car accident killed her parents and left her scarred. She come to Riverboat point after a desperate plea from her brother Jaxon. When she arrives Jaxon is gone and she is left to run his houseboat business, something she knows nothing about. There she meets her near neighbour Ethan, who also has his own scars from life courtesy of two tours in Afghanistan and a rocky relationships with his pacifist parents. Jaxon left Savannah a vague warning to watch out for the neighbours, but which of the few neighbours does he mean? Why do some inexplicable things seem to be happening with the houseboats? And who was responsible for the gunshot in the night? Could it have been the Vietnam vet known as Gnasher who lives as a recluse?
I liked the Australia setting on the Murray River and I liked Savannah, Ethan and his dog Jasper and Ethan’s brother Blake. It soon becomes clear there is a spark between Savannah and Ethan which they both try to deny. While I enjoyed this novel, I did think at times that it could have done with being shorter. Sometimes it seemed to drag a bit, but towards the end the action really ramps up. I also thought it was a shame that whoever designed the cover obviously hadn’t read the book. The girl on the front is nothing like the description given of Savannah. Those quibbles aside this was a good read with well-developed characters. I did think we could have done with more about Ethan’s nightmares and struggles. It seems to get mentioned early and then pretty much dropped rather than explored.
City girl Savannah has been hurt by life. A car accident killed her parents and left her scarred. She come to Riverboat point after a desperate plea from her brother Jaxon. When she arrives Jaxon is gone and she is left to run his houseboat business, something she knows nothing about. There she meets her near neighbour Ethan, who also has his own scars from life courtesy of two tours in Afghanistan and a rocky relationships with his pacifist parents. Jaxon left Savannah a vague warning to watch out for the neighbours, but which of the few neighbours does he mean? Why do some inexplicable things seem to be happening with the houseboats? And who was responsible for the gunshot in the night? Could it have been the Vietnam vet known as Gnasher who lives as a recluse?
I liked the Australia setting on the Murray River and I liked Savannah, Ethan and his dog Jasper and Ethan’s brother Blake. It soon becomes clear there is a spark between Savannah and Ethan which they both try to deny. While I enjoyed this novel, I did think at times that it could have done with being shorter. Sometimes it seemed to drag a bit, but towards the end the action really ramps up. I also thought it was a shame that whoever designed the cover obviously hadn’t read the book. The girl on the front is nothing like the description given of Savannah. Those quibbles aside this was a good read with well-developed characters. I did think we could have done with more about Ethan’s nightmares and struggles. It seems to get mentioned early and then pretty much dropped rather than explored.
March 31, 2019
Riverboat Point is about love, family and forgiveness. Savannah was out of work when she receives a phone called from her brother Jaxon asking for help with his houseboat business at Riverboat Point located on the Murray River. On arrival, Savannah found out that Jaxon went on holiday and left his neighbour Ethan to help her with the houseboat business. Savannah decided it could not be too difficult to keep the houseboat business going until Jaxon cames back from holiday. However, Savannah realises it was more difficult than she through especially when strange things were starting to happen with the boats. The readers of Riverboat Point will continue to follow Savannah to find out what happens.
I enjoyed reading Riverboat Point. I like Tricia Stringer writing styles she knows how to ensure that I engage with her books and Riverboat Point did not disappoint it was well written and research by Tricia. I like Tricia stringer descriptions of her settings and the plot of Riverboat Point. I love Tricia Stringer portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout Riverboat Point.
The readers of Riverboat Point will learn about running a houseboat business on the Murray River. Also, the readers of Riverboat Point will learn about what people will do to protect their illegal enterprises.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Riverboat Point. I like Tricia Stringer writing styles she knows how to ensure that I engage with her books and Riverboat Point did not disappoint it was well written and research by Tricia. I like Tricia stringer descriptions of her settings and the plot of Riverboat Point. I love Tricia Stringer portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout Riverboat Point.
The readers of Riverboat Point will learn about running a houseboat business on the Murray River. Also, the readers of Riverboat Point will learn about what people will do to protect their illegal enterprises.
I recommend this book.
December 9, 2014
Set on the bank of the Murray River, Riverboat Point is the third contemporary Australian rural romance title from author Tricia Stringer.
Savannah Smith is furious when she realises her brother, Jaxon, has lured her to his property in the middle of nowhere and then disappeared, leaving only a note asking her to run his houseboat hire business in his absence. City girl Savannah hasn't a clue as to what's involved and hates having to rely on her brother's tall, dark and handsome neighbour, Ethan, for help, but she is left with little choice. Despite her misgivings, the charm of Riverboat Point slowly wears down Savannah's defenses, and she considers taking a chance on a building a new life with new friends and new love. But its a risk that will leave more than her heart vulnerable to danger.
There is a thread of suspense introduced into Riverboat Point when, in his letter, Jaxon warns Savannah about his neighbours, the particulars are missing however, so Savannah is not sure exactly who she should be wary of - Ethan, the reclusive Vietnam vet known as Gnasher, or weekenders, Belinda and Ashton. I enjoyed the tension this subplot brought into the story though I think it was perhaps it could have been seeded more fully into the first half of the novel.
Stringer's main protagonists, Savannah and Ethan, are well developed and likeable characters. They have both weathered tragedy, Savannah still struggles with injuries she suffered in the horrific car accident that killed her parents, Ethan has recently resigned from the military after two tours in Afghanistan and is still vulnerable to nightmares and flashbacks. Though their mutual attraction is fairly instant, their romance develops slowly. I like the way in which Stringer brings the couple together and I think they complement each other well.
An engaging read blending contemporary romance with a frisson of suspense, I enjoyed Riverboat Point. By the way, I have always wanted to holiday on a houseboat and now even more so!
December 14, 2014
I was intrigued by this story because there aren’t that many stories set on the wonderful Murray River in Australia and also, there are houseboats involved. If you’re familiar with the Murray, you’ll also recognise the sight of houseboats idly wandering down the river. It’s always looked to me to be a perfect relaxing type of holiday, avoiding the hustle and bustle of city life, and then docking at beautiful towns like Echuca-Moama (one town for each side of the river, that also happen to be in different states) or Mildura. It sounds idyllic, but for Savannah running a houseboat business is the exact opposite…
Savannah’s called in to help her brother in the business she’s guarantor for, J & S Houseboats. Jaxon’s suddenly decided to take a holiday and Savannah’s in between jobs. She’s also broken in spirit, following a bad car accident that took her livelihood as a fitness instructor away and devastated her family. Savannah arrives at Jaxon’s property near the tiny town of Riverboat Point to be confronted with a completely different world. It’s quiet, almost eerie. When neighbour Ethan comes by to let a hand, he’s nice but Savannah worries that she’ll be too reliant on him for assistance. He’s also rather hot, and Savannah’s not looking for a relationship.
Ethan’s a war veteran from Afghanistan and is isolated from his family, his parents not believing in war or his choice to fight overseas. His hapless brother draws Ethan in to help after an accident, but Ethan’s still drifting, unable to focus after two tours of duty. His friend is Gnasher, a Vietnam veteran who fills his days with alcohol. Ethan doesn’t want to end up like him, so he’s trying to stay busy. Helping out Savannah and meeting the neighbours Belinda and Ashton draws him into action like he’s never seen before…
Right from the start, I could feel a tension and sense of eeriness underpinning Riverboat Point. My memories of the Murray are all happy ones, so I wasn’t sure if I was right in sensing this or just disappointed that Savannah’s experiences of the river weren’t matching mine. For the first half of the book, I thought it was just me wondering about the motives of some of the characters (especially Belinda), but then the sense of something not quite right picked up and the story entered full-on suspense mode. I enjoyed the second half much more as there was a lot more action, drama and hanging-on-a-knife edge suspense. Plus, there was more of Gnasher, who was a delightfully quirky character that becomes fully fleshed out in this part. My only disappointment was that there was not more to Jaxon’s disappearance; but as an amateur sleuth, I think I’m doing well.
I did like how Stringer revealed both Savannah and Ethan’s histories just a little at a time, which left me wanting more. It was like a puzzle, taking the parts of their histories and trying to marry them to a full history. This broken couple truly deserved the happiness they found with each other and Savannah’s foray into the Riverboat Point community shows just how welcoming a small town can be. I also enjoyed reading about the other side to having a houseboat that weren’t so glamourous, from dirty customers to pumping the sewer tanks. Just goes to show that everything has a less than perfect side!
This is a solid story and will appeal to fans looking for rural romance with a suspenseful side.
Thank you to Harlequin for the eARC. My review is honest and not influenced by the receipt of the eARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Savannah’s called in to help her brother in the business she’s guarantor for, J & S Houseboats. Jaxon’s suddenly decided to take a holiday and Savannah’s in between jobs. She’s also broken in spirit, following a bad car accident that took her livelihood as a fitness instructor away and devastated her family. Savannah arrives at Jaxon’s property near the tiny town of Riverboat Point to be confronted with a completely different world. It’s quiet, almost eerie. When neighbour Ethan comes by to let a hand, he’s nice but Savannah worries that she’ll be too reliant on him for assistance. He’s also rather hot, and Savannah’s not looking for a relationship.
Ethan’s a war veteran from Afghanistan and is isolated from his family, his parents not believing in war or his choice to fight overseas. His hapless brother draws Ethan in to help after an accident, but Ethan’s still drifting, unable to focus after two tours of duty. His friend is Gnasher, a Vietnam veteran who fills his days with alcohol. Ethan doesn’t want to end up like him, so he’s trying to stay busy. Helping out Savannah and meeting the neighbours Belinda and Ashton draws him into action like he’s never seen before…
Right from the start, I could feel a tension and sense of eeriness underpinning Riverboat Point. My memories of the Murray are all happy ones, so I wasn’t sure if I was right in sensing this or just disappointed that Savannah’s experiences of the river weren’t matching mine. For the first half of the book, I thought it was just me wondering about the motives of some of the characters (especially Belinda), but then the sense of something not quite right picked up and the story entered full-on suspense mode. I enjoyed the second half much more as there was a lot more action, drama and hanging-on-a-knife edge suspense. Plus, there was more of Gnasher, who was a delightfully quirky character that becomes fully fleshed out in this part. My only disappointment was that there was not more to Jaxon’s disappearance; but as an amateur sleuth, I think I’m doing well.
I did like how Stringer revealed both Savannah and Ethan’s histories just a little at a time, which left me wanting more. It was like a puzzle, taking the parts of their histories and trying to marry them to a full history. This broken couple truly deserved the happiness they found with each other and Savannah’s foray into the Riverboat Point community shows just how welcoming a small town can be. I also enjoyed reading about the other side to having a houseboat that weren’t so glamourous, from dirty customers to pumping the sewer tanks. Just goes to show that everything has a less than perfect side!
This is a solid story and will appeal to fans looking for rural romance with a suspenseful side.
Thank you to Harlequin for the eARC. My review is honest and not influenced by the receipt of the eARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
October 22, 2023
I absolutely loved this book another great novel by one of my favourite Australian authors. I felt sad when I had finished it but looking forward to reading another book written by Tricia.
October 11, 2019
I enjoy this author's books so much, I'm working my way through all of them!
April 10, 2020
A great rural romance with drama, love, spence, family and overcoming differences in relationships. Ethan ex army officer lives next to Jaxson Smith River boat hire business when Jaxson decides to go holidays he asks his sister Savannah to come and look after it and Ethan to help her.
Savvie as everyone begins to call her she meets the people of the Riverboat community Faye the shop keeper, Mandy, Nell tea house amd and others. Including neighbours Granger ex Vietnam Veteran and Belinda and Ash.
Ethan helps her with boats hire and over time they fall for each other but there hurdles Savannh was seriously hurt in car accident when she was younger killing their parents and is badly scared and self confidence around men is insured. There is Ethan PTDS from serving in the Army.
However there is Belinda and Ash strange relationship and Belinda firlting with Ethan has Savvie becoming jealous of her.
There notes left for Savvie by Jaxson of how run the business but also warning her of the neighbours but it comes to head when she ends up being kidnap by Belinda reveal what was going on.
Please read this book you will enjoy it.
Savvie as everyone begins to call her she meets the people of the Riverboat community Faye the shop keeper, Mandy, Nell tea house amd and others. Including neighbours Granger ex Vietnam Veteran and Belinda and Ash.
Ethan helps her with boats hire and over time they fall for each other but there hurdles Savannh was seriously hurt in car accident when she was younger killing their parents and is badly scared and self confidence around men is insured. There is Ethan PTDS from serving in the Army.
However there is Belinda and Ash strange relationship and Belinda firlting with Ethan has Savvie becoming jealous of her.
There notes left for Savvie by Jaxson of how run the business but also warning her of the neighbours but it comes to head when she ends up being kidnap by Belinda reveal what was going on.
Please read this book you will enjoy it.
March 17, 2025
An entertaining rural romance with a touch of suspense, set on the banks of the Murray River. Ethan Daly & Savannah Smith are both loners, scarred physically & emotionally by life's vicissitudes, & happy to remain so. When Savannah comes to visit her brother Jaxon, she finds he has placed his houseboat business in her hands & disappeared on a holiday. With little knowledge of boats, rivers & the business, Sav turns to Ethan for help & they soon start to loosen up with each other.
I enjoyed the characters & the setting, although I wasn't really convinced by their burgeoning relationship - attraction, yes, love, not really. Jaxon's return & Ethan's reconciliation with Mal were accomplished so rapidly & superficially that they might well have been dispense with altogether, particularly the latter; although, ideally, they would have been given more time & some of the other irrelevancies been left out instead.
Overall, an enjoyable read, but I do prefer this author's later style. I agree with another reviewer who noted that this cover model is completely wrong for the part, & seems to be dressed in some sort of C&W ensemble :0)
I enjoyed the characters & the setting, although I wasn't really convinced by their burgeoning relationship - attraction, yes, love, not really. Jaxon's return & Ethan's reconciliation with Mal were accomplished so rapidly & superficially that they might well have been dispense with altogether, particularly the latter; although, ideally, they would have been given more time & some of the other irrelevancies been left out instead.
Overall, an enjoyable read, but I do prefer this author's later style. I agree with another reviewer who noted that this cover model is completely wrong for the part, & seems to be dressed in some sort of C&W ensemble :0)
December 12, 2014
Savannah Smith hasn’t been living her life so much as merely existing in it. Ever since the accident that left her with terrible injuries and a limp, Savannah hasn’t been able to hold down a permanent job. She lives an isolated life in Adelaide until her brother Jaxon contacts her and asks her for help. Jaxon runs a houseboat business up on the Murray and Savannah’s future is tied up in it as well. When Jaxon disappears, saying he needs a holiday, Savannah is forced to head up to Riverboat Point and take over the business, despite not knowing anything about houseboats or how to manage them. Even more disconcerting is Jaxon’s vague warnings about watching out for one of the neighbours.
Savannah isn’t sure which neighbour he means but she’s forced to accept help from the mysterious Evan, who lives next door. Evan is a mechanic and he also possesses the license required to show the patrons how to reverse the boats out of the docks, something that Savannah doesn’t have. He helps with general maintenance work and has to be there each time a boat is ready to go out. The more time Savannah and Ethan spend together, the harder it is for her to deny the chemistry between them. Just as she lets Ethan into her bed and heart, she finds out that he definitely knew more about Jaxon’s disappearance then he was letting on. Shattered, Savannah is convinced that it’s all been a lie.
But there are bigger things for Savannah to worry about as she’s finally figured out who Jaxon was warning her about but it may be too late.
Riverboat Point is Tricia Stringer’s third novel for Harlequin and this time we head to the Murray River which is somewhere I’ve never been and always wanted to go. In fact I’ve wanted to hire a houseboat for as long as I can remember and there always seems to have been things to stop me. So I was immediately interested in this story and how someone who doesn’t really know anything about houseboats, would go running a business hiring them out. The answer is…pretty well, not without a few problems, but she has a lot of help!
Savannah is understandably annoyed at her brother for disappearing before she even arrives at his cabin, not even sticking around to help show her the ropes. She has to figure out every facet of the business herself including the banking, cleaning and stocking the boats ready for customers, not to mention the fact that she has to show them how to drive it, which you can only do if you have a special ticket – which she does not. It means she’s going to have to rely on Evan next door, who does which is not something Savannah is used to. She’s been alone for quite a while and she’s worked hard to get herself through her injuries and rehab. She’s very independent and a bit prickly – she’s not used to having to ask for help and it doesn’t sit well with her.
Despite her natural tendency to keep to herself, Savannah becomes quite a part of the Riverboat Point community as she makes friends and learns to call on people for help and provide it in return. She even manages to make friends with one half Jaxon’s other neighbour, the mysterious and flirtatious Belinda who is often popping over with bubbly. Despite a feeling of unease that there’s something a bit amiss, Savannah greatly appreciates the company and it reminds her that she hasn’t had a lot of it lately. Despite a rocky start with Evan on the other side, they come to be friends too, with the possible hint of more. Evan is a returned serviceman who twice served in Afghanistan and is still facing the demons that come as a part of that service. Both he and Savannah have their standoffish moments and their relationship seems to operate on a “two steps forward, one step back” pattern. There are several misunderstandings as well as both of their natural tendency towards isolation. However with the time they spend together, they are both becoming aware of wanting different things.
As well as negotiating the business and also Evan, Savannah ends up discovering something that’s going on nearby. She’s not sure who she can trust at first – her brother’s letter only warned her that one of the neighbours didn’t seem right. She didn’t even know if it might be Evan, despite the fact that he obviously occasionally helped her brother out. I didn’t really see coming what was going on, I’d had a few ideas and one was half right but the other was definitely a surprise. The tension was built very nicely as Savannah discovered exactly what was going on and ended up in a very dangerous situation.
I think that Savannah had quite a right to be furious with her brother, I would’ve been too to anyone who left me in that situation, no matter their motives (and to be honest, Jaxon’s motivation was a bit ridiculous). To risk not only his business but also Savannah’s financial security as his guarantor for anything less than a life-threatening situation struck me as careless and inconsiderate. Savannah wasn’t equipped to run the business single-handedly and having her rely on people could’ve gone horribly wrong, especially as Evan almost had to be in two places at once at some stages. It’s quite a large amount of pressure on Savannah and it could’ve gone wrong in quite a few different ways. Luckily Savannah’s determined and stubborn nature as well as her fitness served her very well both in the day to day running of the business and also when she finds herself in danger.
Riverboat Point is another highly enjoyable novel from Tricia Stringer and I’m really looking forward to her next release.
Savannah isn’t sure which neighbour he means but she’s forced to accept help from the mysterious Evan, who lives next door. Evan is a mechanic and he also possesses the license required to show the patrons how to reverse the boats out of the docks, something that Savannah doesn’t have. He helps with general maintenance work and has to be there each time a boat is ready to go out. The more time Savannah and Ethan spend together, the harder it is for her to deny the chemistry between them. Just as she lets Ethan into her bed and heart, she finds out that he definitely knew more about Jaxon’s disappearance then he was letting on. Shattered, Savannah is convinced that it’s all been a lie.
But there are bigger things for Savannah to worry about as she’s finally figured out who Jaxon was warning her about but it may be too late.
Riverboat Point is Tricia Stringer’s third novel for Harlequin and this time we head to the Murray River which is somewhere I’ve never been and always wanted to go. In fact I’ve wanted to hire a houseboat for as long as I can remember and there always seems to have been things to stop me. So I was immediately interested in this story and how someone who doesn’t really know anything about houseboats, would go running a business hiring them out. The answer is…pretty well, not without a few problems, but she has a lot of help!
Savannah is understandably annoyed at her brother for disappearing before she even arrives at his cabin, not even sticking around to help show her the ropes. She has to figure out every facet of the business herself including the banking, cleaning and stocking the boats ready for customers, not to mention the fact that she has to show them how to drive it, which you can only do if you have a special ticket – which she does not. It means she’s going to have to rely on Evan next door, who does which is not something Savannah is used to. She’s been alone for quite a while and she’s worked hard to get herself through her injuries and rehab. She’s very independent and a bit prickly – she’s not used to having to ask for help and it doesn’t sit well with her.
Despite her natural tendency to keep to herself, Savannah becomes quite a part of the Riverboat Point community as she makes friends and learns to call on people for help and provide it in return. She even manages to make friends with one half Jaxon’s other neighbour, the mysterious and flirtatious Belinda who is often popping over with bubbly. Despite a feeling of unease that there’s something a bit amiss, Savannah greatly appreciates the company and it reminds her that she hasn’t had a lot of it lately. Despite a rocky start with Evan on the other side, they come to be friends too, with the possible hint of more. Evan is a returned serviceman who twice served in Afghanistan and is still facing the demons that come as a part of that service. Both he and Savannah have their standoffish moments and their relationship seems to operate on a “two steps forward, one step back” pattern. There are several misunderstandings as well as both of their natural tendency towards isolation. However with the time they spend together, they are both becoming aware of wanting different things.
As well as negotiating the business and also Evan, Savannah ends up discovering something that’s going on nearby. She’s not sure who she can trust at first – her brother’s letter only warned her that one of the neighbours didn’t seem right. She didn’t even know if it might be Evan, despite the fact that he obviously occasionally helped her brother out. I didn’t really see coming what was going on, I’d had a few ideas and one was half right but the other was definitely a surprise. The tension was built very nicely as Savannah discovered exactly what was going on and ended up in a very dangerous situation.
I think that Savannah had quite a right to be furious with her brother, I would’ve been too to anyone who left me in that situation, no matter their motives (and to be honest, Jaxon’s motivation was a bit ridiculous). To risk not only his business but also Savannah’s financial security as his guarantor for anything less than a life-threatening situation struck me as careless and inconsiderate. Savannah wasn’t equipped to run the business single-handedly and having her rely on people could’ve gone horribly wrong, especially as Evan almost had to be in two places at once at some stages. It’s quite a large amount of pressure on Savannah and it could’ve gone wrong in quite a few different ways. Luckily Savannah’s determined and stubborn nature as well as her fitness served her very well both in the day to day running of the business and also when she finds herself in danger.
Riverboat Point is another highly enjoyable novel from Tricia Stringer and I’m really looking forward to her next release.
July 10, 2017
I started reading this book and the print was so small... so I went on read other books but I have come back to finish of reading Tricia's books. Interesting characters and storyline. I haven't taken a riverboat cruise but did a daytrip from Mannum on Queen Mary. Two wounded people trying to find their today n tomorrow.
May 22, 2021
Nothing wrong with it but I found it a little slow-paced; was getting bored and struggled to get through it. On the plus side, I’m now contemplating a houseboat holiday!!
August 13, 2021
A truly unexpected ending, really enjoyed the mystery and drama in this book
September 4, 2021
She writes a good story, I enjoyed this, easy to read
September 19, 2022
I’m booking a houseboat holiday ASAP!!!
March 5, 2024
I love books set in South Australia. Great story.
August 28, 2024
Loved this book. So easy to read. Engaging story and great characters. Houseboats, farm life, ex-army and relationship themes. A really good twist I didn't see coming. Loved it. Highly recommend.
December 31, 2024
Very easy read and enjoyable, I like how it’s set in Australia, still a bit bizarre some of it
March 12, 2015
4.5*'s
Reading Tricia Stringer’s 2014 release Riverboat Point, makes you want to drop everything and take a holiday on a houseboat - it did for this reader anyway! Riverboat Point is the latest and third book from Australian author Tricia Stringer, who is also one of my favourite authors in the rural romance genre. Riverboat Point has a cracking narrative, full of twists, turns, complications, a mystery to solve and a slow building romance. Savannah Smith is Stringer’s main character, I really liked and admired her feisty and determined nature. We gradually find out through the progression of the novel that Savannah and her brother Jax were involved in a tragic accident that left them orphans and Savannah with long term health problems. Savannah is thrown in the deep end when her brother Jax decides to take an impromptu holiday. Jax has his own electrical business and a houseboat hire company nestled on the picturesque Murray River. It is left to Savannah, with no prior knowledge of the houseboat business, to continue to run it while her brother is away. Savannah crosses paths with members of the tight knit Riverboat Point community, which includes mysterious neighbour Ethan, who offers her some much needed salvation in running the houseboat business. Ethan and Savannah make a connection, but both have their set of problems which affects their ability to place trust in a relationship. Further complications are added to the mix when some small scale but dubious happenings occur to houseboats. A shroud of suspicion and suspense occurs, which is resolved in surprising circumstances at the end of the novel. Riverboat Point marks another great novel from Tricia Stringer, I loved the engaging plot, characters and superb setting. Thank you again for a ripper read from start to finish Tricia Stringer.
Reading Tricia Stringer’s 2014 release Riverboat Point, makes you want to drop everything and take a holiday on a houseboat - it did for this reader anyway! Riverboat Point is the latest and third book from Australian author Tricia Stringer, who is also one of my favourite authors in the rural romance genre. Riverboat Point has a cracking narrative, full of twists, turns, complications, a mystery to solve and a slow building romance. Savannah Smith is Stringer’s main character, I really liked and admired her feisty and determined nature. We gradually find out through the progression of the novel that Savannah and her brother Jax were involved in a tragic accident that left them orphans and Savannah with long term health problems. Savannah is thrown in the deep end when her brother Jax decides to take an impromptu holiday. Jax has his own electrical business and a houseboat hire company nestled on the picturesque Murray River. It is left to Savannah, with no prior knowledge of the houseboat business, to continue to run it while her brother is away. Savannah crosses paths with members of the tight knit Riverboat Point community, which includes mysterious neighbour Ethan, who offers her some much needed salvation in running the houseboat business. Ethan and Savannah make a connection, but both have their set of problems which affects their ability to place trust in a relationship. Further complications are added to the mix when some small scale but dubious happenings occur to houseboats. A shroud of suspicion and suspense occurs, which is resolved in surprising circumstances at the end of the novel. Riverboat Point marks another great novel from Tricia Stringer, I loved the engaging plot, characters and superb setting. Thank you again for a ripper read from start to finish Tricia Stringer.
March 6, 2015
The length of the Murray River is scattered with small towns and Riverboat Point is another, it is also the home of Jaxon Smith and J&S Houseboats.
After thinking we were being a little creative I have to say I am a sucker for a book character called Jaxon these days so Riverboat Point was always going to be on my TBR pile. Jaxon may have caught my attention but he is not one of the lead characters in the story, though his home and business are centre stage.
Savannah receives a call from Jaxon claiming to need urgent help with the business, she doesn’t really want to head to Riverboat Point but being between jobs and guarantor on the loan means she doesn’t have a lot of options. Arriving at Jaxon’s to discover he’s gone without a trace is very disconcerting for her. She’s been dumped in the deep end of a business she has no idea how to run with a list of instructions and a vague warning to beware the neighbour – though she can’t be sure which one and there’s more than one that could be deemed questionable. She finds herself worried for his safety and when Ethan, the closest neighbour, claims that Jaxon left a week ago on holiday she isn’t sure whether to be relieved or ropable.
To read the rest of the review please head to: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
After thinking we were being a little creative I have to say I am a sucker for a book character called Jaxon these days so Riverboat Point was always going to be on my TBR pile. Jaxon may have caught my attention but he is not one of the lead characters in the story, though his home and business are centre stage.
Savannah receives a call from Jaxon claiming to need urgent help with the business, she doesn’t really want to head to Riverboat Point but being between jobs and guarantor on the loan means she doesn’t have a lot of options. Arriving at Jaxon’s to discover he’s gone without a trace is very disconcerting for her. She’s been dumped in the deep end of a business she has no idea how to run with a list of instructions and a vague warning to beware the neighbour – though she can’t be sure which one and there’s more than one that could be deemed questionable. She finds herself worried for his safety and when Ethan, the closest neighbour, claims that Jaxon left a week ago on holiday she isn’t sure whether to be relieved or ropable.
To read the rest of the review please head to: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
March 3, 2015
I loved this book, I had trouble putting it down. Thank you Goodreads for choosing me as a winner of your giveaways for Riverboat Point. The Murray River is a favourite part of Australia for me, reading a book that is set there was a bonus. I had many holidays there when I was young and I fell in love with the romance of the Murray River. I loved reading how Savannah coped with being thrown in at the deep end to run the house boat business after her brother up and left. She took it all in her stride, was willing to learn what she had to and also to rediscover herself. The romance that blossomed between her and Ethan was beautiful, I could tell the attraction between them from the beginning, I enjoyed reading how it all came together in the end. Savannah also learnt that you can't take people at face value, I'm not going to give anything away, but it was a great twist and I also found there was something weird about Belinda and Ash.
Thank you once again for choosing me as a winner, I will be looking out for more of Tricia Stringer's books in the future to add to my collection of Australian authors. :)
Thank you once again for choosing me as a winner, I will be looking out for more of Tricia Stringer's books in the future to add to my collection of Australian authors. :)
April 6, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was kind of disappointed for it to end and to leave the world of Savannah and Ethan.
I honestly liked Savannah as a main character and thought she was very realistic and likeable. It wasn't your typical 'useless female meets big macho romantic interest' story which tends to get a bit repetitive and old in romance books in my opinion. Savannah could hold her own and wasn't a brainless, needy female like what is so often portrayed in books of this nature these days.
I really enjoyed the way their romance developed slowly and that they didn't fall into bed with each other straight away. The houseboat angle was also quite interesting and not something that I've encountered in a story line before.
I was also very surprised about the ending and had no idea it was going to turn out the way that it did. Although I knew there was something sinister building, it definitely was not the result that I was thinking.
Overall, this is a story I would definitely recommend if you're after a refreshing change from most other romances and I'm certainly interested in reading more from this author in the future.
I honestly liked Savannah as a main character and thought she was very realistic and likeable. It wasn't your typical 'useless female meets big macho romantic interest' story which tends to get a bit repetitive and old in romance books in my opinion. Savannah could hold her own and wasn't a brainless, needy female like what is so often portrayed in books of this nature these days.
I really enjoyed the way their romance developed slowly and that they didn't fall into bed with each other straight away. The houseboat angle was also quite interesting and not something that I've encountered in a story line before.
I was also very surprised about the ending and had no idea it was going to turn out the way that it did. Although I knew there was something sinister building, it definitely was not the result that I was thinking.
Overall, this is a story I would definitely recommend if you're after a refreshing change from most other romances and I'm certainly interested in reading more from this author in the future.
January 14, 2015
Something about the mystery and allure of the outback sucks you into this novel. You feel as though you are right there on the Murray yourself. Everyone seems so real. Everything seems so real...until it turns into just another stupid romance fantasy about some ridiculous ideas on how things happen. Suddenly the author whips you out of the oh-so-convincing scene she has painted and plonks you into some twisted fan-fiction it seems she wrote in early high school, and you're just expected to keep reading as the plot twist is hidden among all that rubbish. You start getting into it and then suddenly the characters lose all their depth so that the author can play out this little romance. How wonderful this book would be if that affair was just flicked to the wind or written better into the story instead of seeming like an afterthought to an already great story. It's worth a go, but don't expect to fall in love with this book.
January 31, 2015
Riverboat Point has a good plot setting (Murray River) and the characters were well developed. It was an interesting read and one where you actually see the characters as people and not just empty templates.
For the most part I enjoyed the read but there were a few moments where I was wondering whether I was reading the same author and I was thinking 'wait, so is this book good or not'? But they were brief moments so it didn't change the overall quality of the story. The dodgy writing was to do with the romantic relationship developing between the characters. It was almost like the author had decided that the characters should be at x stage at y part of the book and just jumped there. I just found the characters were all of a sudden thinking about love in their minds when the actual relationship between the characters hadn't developed to that stage yet.
But otherwise it was a good read set in a beautiful part of Australia.
For the most part I enjoyed the read but there were a few moments where I was wondering whether I was reading the same author and I was thinking 'wait, so is this book good or not'? But they were brief moments so it didn't change the overall quality of the story. The dodgy writing was to do with the romantic relationship developing between the characters. It was almost like the author had decided that the characters should be at x stage at y part of the book and just jumped there. I just found the characters were all of a sudden thinking about love in their minds when the actual relationship between the characters hadn't developed to that stage yet.
But otherwise it was a good read set in a beautiful part of Australia.
June 10, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, I didn't.
It was written well, the characters were good, but the storyline was just slow and a little unbelievable.
I feel like it took too long to get into the story, and didn't build up the mystery as well as it could have. There was also very little chemistry between the two main characters. I didn't feel it.
There were parts of the story that were underdeveloped - for example, the relationship between Mal and Ethan... it was not resolved, nor discussed.
As I said, well written, but it just didn't do it for me.
I honestly wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, I didn't.
It was written well, the characters were good, but the storyline was just slow and a little unbelievable.
I feel like it took too long to get into the story, and didn't build up the mystery as well as it could have. There was also very little chemistry between the two main characters. I didn't feel it.
There were parts of the story that were underdeveloped - for example, the relationship between Mal and Ethan... it was not resolved, nor discussed.
As I said, well written, but it just didn't do it for me.
November 19, 2015
This story had a real Aussie feel, with engaging characters and enough drama to keep me reading.
Savannah is on a fast learning curve when she's thrown into looking after her brother's houseboat rental company alone. Add a reclusive ex-serviceman neighbour to help out, and there's bound to be trouble.
The push and pull between Savannah and Ethan was captivating, and their personal emotional frailty genuine. The involvement of the characters from the local community, and Ethan's family adds more layers to an already fraught situation, but the real danger isn't falling in love, but a saboteur Riverboat Point.
Savannah is on a fast learning curve when she's thrown into looking after her brother's houseboat rental company alone. Add a reclusive ex-serviceman neighbour to help out, and there's bound to be trouble.
The push and pull between Savannah and Ethan was captivating, and their personal emotional frailty genuine. The involvement of the characters from the local community, and Ethan's family adds more layers to an already fraught situation, but the real danger isn't falling in love, but a saboteur Riverboat Point.
January 31, 2015
thanks so much to goodreads and also to the author for running this great giveaway. i was very lucky to win a copy of this book. i thought the story was very original and complex and extremely interesting to me. it only took me two days to read this book but i went hardcore on the reading! i really enjoyed it and i liked the main character a lot. i think that i will be giving this book a re-read sometime in the future. i recommend this story to those who like a little mystery. thanks again to all who were involved in this giveaway.
February 7, 2015
***GOODREADS GIVEAWAY***
What first interested in this book was the setting because it was an area I had a little familiarity. I loved the setting and the mentions of a nearby town I knew thanks to childhood visits to family. That helped with picturing where Riverboat Point was in comparison. The writing style of the book itself was easy and enjoyable. Some of the subject matter was interesting too. My reason for only a three star rating is that it didn't stand out from most books I've read in my life. My enjoyment was for the reasons I'd already listed.
What first interested in this book was the setting because it was an area I had a little familiarity. I loved the setting and the mentions of a nearby town I knew thanks to childhood visits to family. That helped with picturing where Riverboat Point was in comparison. The writing style of the book itself was easy and enjoyable. Some of the subject matter was interesting too. My reason for only a three star rating is that it didn't stand out from most books I've read in my life. My enjoyment was for the reasons I'd already listed.
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