What do you think?
Rate this book
Where Two Rivers Meet
""We may be free from slavery, but we still fight the slavery within our own hearts and minds."" On the brink of the Revolutionary War, a plantation known as Washington's Woods which borders the Ohio River, becomes a center of controversy. Forbidden romance crosses racial lines and a family secret is left hidden in the symbols of a star sampler. Generations later, the truth emerges as best friends, Nicole and Kate realize they are actually related through a newly discovered biracial bloodline. This painful revelation tears at the heart of their friendship, but in the end a renewed understanding of family comes to light. Thus begins the journey to find true freedom and hope for a promising tomorrow at the place where two rivers meet. ""Londa Hayden takes us from 1767 to present day with seamless skill and delight. There are times when a writer discovers personal genealogy which touches the grander scale of history. Londa took such a risk to weave this family tale during uncertain times. A must read for those who love historical and contemporary romances. This book has it all."" -Dr. Trisha Petty, ThD Founder of Cellophane Ministries and Antebellum Productions
402 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2015
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 25, 2016
Londa Hayden has written an intriguing novel with roots in the past and a hope for the future. In Where Two Rivers Meet, racial tensions, forbidden romance, and suspense-filled action combine in a dual story set in the present day and in the early years of our nation’s history.
Two parallel stories are explored in Where Two Rivers Meet. Two young women are connected by family and common experiences across the decades. Constance is a young white woman, daughter of a landowner in the colony of Virginia. Her family is sympathetic to the plight of slaves and helps many achieve their freedom. Nicole is modern day high school student in love with the wrong boy — she is biracial and his father is a powerful man with ties to the KKK. Both experience the depths of man’s prejudices that can be overcome through love, faith and forgiveness.
While Constance’s story has a definite adult feel to it — some heat-filled, though not explicit scenes, Nicole’s story seems written for a YA audience. This disparity threw me off a bit, and makes it hard to label it for a particular audience. Both stories are told in the first person, allowing the reader to get into the minds and hearts of the two main characters. Emphasis is placed on the historic with the inclusion of historical figures, places and artifacts (journals, samplers, etc.), but the latter part of the book is action-packed suspense. A Christian novel, much of the faith message is shared at the end of the book after the characters have experienced loss, grief, and danger. Although there were times when I felt like the story dragged, Where Two Rivers Meet, was an interesting read with enjoyable characters.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Two parallel stories are explored in Where Two Rivers Meet. Two young women are connected by family and common experiences across the decades. Constance is a young white woman, daughter of a landowner in the colony of Virginia. Her family is sympathetic to the plight of slaves and helps many achieve their freedom. Nicole is modern day high school student in love with the wrong boy — she is biracial and his father is a powerful man with ties to the KKK. Both experience the depths of man’s prejudices that can be overcome through love, faith and forgiveness.
While Constance’s story has a definite adult feel to it — some heat-filled, though not explicit scenes, Nicole’s story seems written for a YA audience. This disparity threw me off a bit, and makes it hard to label it for a particular audience. Both stories are told in the first person, allowing the reader to get into the minds and hearts of the two main characters. Emphasis is placed on the historic with the inclusion of historical figures, places and artifacts (journals, samplers, etc.), but the latter part of the book is action-packed suspense. A Christian novel, much of the faith message is shared at the end of the book after the characters have experienced loss, grief, and danger. Although there were times when I felt like the story dragged, Where Two Rivers Meet, was an interesting read with enjoyable characters.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Read
November 29, 2015This book is written different than most. One chapter is set in the 1700's then the next is set in modern times. The stories unfold in both. This may cause confusion for some, but Londa Hayden does an amazing job keeping you informed.
In the 1700's the main characters are two girls who even though one is the masters daughter her best friend is her maidservant. They have been raised together and have a blood sister bond, even though the people of that era do not believe that slaves have any say. Their story is important in the past and in the present. In the 1700's there were many for slavery and some that had the underground railroad and tried to help free them. You will find both types of people in this section of the story. It is full of love, drama, prejudice, difficulties, and forgiveness.
In the modern chapters we still focus on two best friends, one is white and one is biracial. Even though the times are now, there is still prejudice. Kate and Nicole have a history assignment that leads them down paths they never thought they would find. When the truth behind their heritage is revealed will everyone be happy about the outcome or will it tear apart a family, friendship and even the town? Then when love finds a way is it more than any of them are willing to overcome? This is full of love, forgiveness, struggles, hatred,and God's power.
I was given a copy of this novel from the author for my honest review.
In the 1700's the main characters are two girls who even though one is the masters daughter her best friend is her maidservant. They have been raised together and have a blood sister bond, even though the people of that era do not believe that slaves have any say. Their story is important in the past and in the present. In the 1700's there were many for slavery and some that had the underground railroad and tried to help free them. You will find both types of people in this section of the story. It is full of love, drama, prejudice, difficulties, and forgiveness.
In the modern chapters we still focus on two best friends, one is white and one is biracial. Even though the times are now, there is still prejudice. Kate and Nicole have a history assignment that leads them down paths they never thought they would find. When the truth behind their heritage is revealed will everyone be happy about the outcome or will it tear apart a family, friendship and even the town? Then when love finds a way is it more than any of them are willing to overcome? This is full of love, forgiveness, struggles, hatred,and God's power.
I was given a copy of this novel from the author for my honest review.
November 7, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Great title too!, November 6, 2015
By Brenda L.Murphree
Edit Review
Delete Review
This review is from: Where Two Rivers Meet (Kindle Edition)
I've took quite awhile to read this book. It wasn't because I didn't like but it was because I've simply got a lot going on. I'm starting off with the title because it really was perfect for the book to me. This book has two different times going on but when you read it, it fits perfectly, Historical Fiction & present day both. It was really interesting and kept my attention. I don't remember any boring places. Some unexpected things happened for sure which kept you wanting to read more. This book will sure open your eyes to an era that we need to know about. We can be friends with everyone if we would learn how to get along. We all have feelings no matter the color of our skin. Matter of fact I liked this book so much that I bought a paperback from the author where I could keep it for my daughters and granddaughters to read. I'm not going into detail about the story cause you can read the description from the publisher. I read part of the ebook that I was given and read the rest from my paperback. I was given the ebook by the author for an honest review and everything I've said is my opinion.
By Brenda L.Murphree
Edit Review
Delete Review
This review is from: Where Two Rivers Meet (Kindle Edition)
I've took quite awhile to read this book. It wasn't because I didn't like but it was because I've simply got a lot going on. I'm starting off with the title because it really was perfect for the book to me. This book has two different times going on but when you read it, it fits perfectly, Historical Fiction & present day both. It was really interesting and kept my attention. I don't remember any boring places. Some unexpected things happened for sure which kept you wanting to read more. This book will sure open your eyes to an era that we need to know about. We can be friends with everyone if we would learn how to get along. We all have feelings no matter the color of our skin. Matter of fact I liked this book so much that I bought a paperback from the author where I could keep it for my daughters and granddaughters to read. I'm not going into detail about the story cause you can read the description from the publisher. I read part of the ebook that I was given and read the rest from my paperback. I was given the ebook by the author for an honest review and everything I've said is my opinion.
October 6, 2015
I couldn't put this book down! It was very unique & not at all predictable. The book alternates between present day and the late 1700's, but the author does this very skillfully so it's not confusing. Really this novel is 2 books in one - the stories are related yet could stand alone. It is a clean read, but the Christian aspect is not overwhelming. I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 for two reasons. First I found a few things pretty far fetched, but they didn't ruin it for me at all. Second, I reserve 5 stars for truly life changing books. This was a very enjoyable read but not a life changer. I'm very happy I gave an author who is new to me a chance, and I will see if she has published other books.
October 10, 2015
here Two Rivers Meet is intriguing and captivating. It was wonderful to get a glimpse of the past and to see how it related to the characters in the present. I was spellbound because I wanted to see how things were going to play out between Constance, Jasmine and Simon. I need to know what Kate and Nicole would discover about themselves and their families. You will not have a dull moment reading this book it will keep engaged and turn pages rapidly. Great story!
October 26, 2015
Rarely does a book hold my mind for days after I have finished it, but this book did. I thought about it for days. It is beautifully written- full of surprises, twists, and tension. I loved the characters. I cried when they cried & laughed when they laughed. This book will challenge your heart, your mind, and delight your very being! This book will be around a long time.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews