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Rivers of Time #1
The Returning
"Some memories are meant to stay buried. Others demand to be found."
In the small town of Lazy Rivers, where secrets run as deep as the river that gave the town its name, three generations of Rivers women are about to discover that some memories can't stay buried forever.
When Serenity Rivers returns home to care for her dying mother, she brings with her a gift she's spent years trying to escape—the ability to see other people's memories. But as boys start disappearing just as they did fifty years ago, Serenity realizes her gift might be the key to solving both the present mystery and the shadows of the past.
Joined by her daughter Sam and a cast of compelling characters each harboring their own secrets, Serenity must navigate family bonds, unexpected romance, and decades of deception to uncover the truth about the missing boys. What she finds will challenge everything she thought she knew about her family's legacy and the true meaning of sacrifice.
The Returning is a spellbinding tale of family, redemption, and the power of facing our deepest fears. Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen, this atmospheric novel weaves together mystery, magical realism, and the unbreakable bonds between mothers and daughters.
In the small town of Lazy Rivers, where secrets run as deep as the river that gave the town its name, three generations of Rivers women are about to discover that some memories can't stay buried forever.
When Serenity Rivers returns home to care for her dying mother, she brings with her a gift she's spent years trying to escape—the ability to see other people's memories. But as boys start disappearing just as they did fifty years ago, Serenity realizes her gift might be the key to solving both the present mystery and the shadows of the past.
Joined by her daughter Sam and a cast of compelling characters each harboring their own secrets, Serenity must navigate family bonds, unexpected romance, and decades of deception to uncover the truth about the missing boys. What she finds will challenge everything she thought she knew about her family's legacy and the true meaning of sacrifice.
The Returning is a spellbinding tale of family, redemption, and the power of facing our deepest fears. Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen, this atmospheric novel weaves together mystery, magical realism, and the unbreakable bonds between mothers and daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 14, 2025
I haven't read any books by this author before, but I was drawn interested in these characters and drawn into their story. I felt potentially as though every character could have had their own story, from the way the author talked about them and brought them to life. I wasn't sure what genre this would fit into exactly, but it was an easy, relaxing read and quite comforting.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2025
Decades of secrets
Nice entertaining mystery. The only problem I had with this long read was trying to keep up with the many characters of who was who and what their secrets were. It kind of became confusing. However, the characters were great, and the storyline was interesting and intriguing . I really couldn't figure out who's secret was the one that was why the boys were missing.
I was surprised at the end in how it ended and that it ended happily.
The author did a splendid job of weaving each character and what their secrets were and how each character presented themselves through the story without giving away any clues.
Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nice entertaining mystery. The only problem I had with this long read was trying to keep up with the many characters of who was who and what their secrets were. It kind of became confusing. However, the characters were great, and the storyline was interesting and intriguing . I really couldn't figure out who's secret was the one that was why the boys were missing.
I was surprised at the end in how it ended and that it ended happily.
The author did a splendid job of weaving each character and what their secrets were and how each character presented themselves through the story without giving away any clues.
Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2025
I like a small town atmosphere because it brings a unique cast of characters. Like the magical aspect that they have the secret power. There are a few twists in the story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what is going on. There are secrets to be revealed. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2025
This is a well written book with strong characters and an interesting storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in with the magic and secrets and kept me turning the pages with the twists along the way. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
March 20, 2025
The Returning is a well written tale of redemption dealing with family, secrets, and a mystery. The tale flows smoothly, the characters are intriguing, and the twists will keep you interested until the very end.
July 11, 2025
Beautiful
This is a masterpiece for the ages! Well written and prosaic. Characters you fall in love with and a setting that feels like you're right there. I can't wait for the rest of the series! The Practical Magic of this era.
This is a masterpiece for the ages! Well written and prosaic. Characters you fall in love with and a setting that feels like you're right there. I can't wait for the rest of the series! The Practical Magic of this era.
August 5, 2025
Interesting premise. Families reunite and solve a mystery.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews