The Art of Rivers
(Coastal Hearts #3)
By Janet W. Ferguson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 299 Pages
June 30th 2019 by Southern Sun Press
LLC
Rivers Sullivan bears both visible
and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her
heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her
background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity.
Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see
the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she
stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon
with her own healing.
After the tragic drowning of his
cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past
mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt
drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the
quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and
her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased
grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more
complicated.
Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and
Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been
sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in
recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further
apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if
they take a chance on love.
Also
available through KindleUnlimited
My thoughts:
There were two reasons I was drawn to this book, the first is the author and the second is this beautiful cover. I love Janet Ferguson's writing and loved the first book in the series, Magnolia Storms so I was excited to read this one.
What I liked so much in this novel is the way Ms. Ferguson tackles a heavy topic and she doesn't sugarcoat it at all. In fact she's very clear on the subject of addiction,, the effects it has on the person addicted and those in their lives. The character of Rivers Sullivan is unwittingly thrust in the middle of recovering addicts when she travels to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she has inherited from her fiancé. I was just as shocked as Rivers was to find her gallery being run by the recovering addicts but loved the premise of the storyline. I loved Cooper, a young man who has been sober for several years, has a heart for others and their struggles while truly caring for those who are still struggling.
There are secondary characters who I cared for almost as much as I cared for Rivers and Cooper. They all seemed so real to me and I wanted nothing but the best for each and everyone of them because I can't imagine the difficulties they faced. I loved the message of faith and hope woven throughout, the slow buildup of relationships and I loved the setting of St. Simons Island. The Art of Rivers is one of those books that will stay on my mind for quite awhile and I imagine the other books in the series will be the same which is why I'll be reading them as soon as possible.
My thanks to Prism Book Tours and the author for the complimentary copy provided. All opinions expressed are my own.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and
Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s
minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a
librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational
fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband
have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to
share the space.
Follow the Tour
Tour Giveaway
One winner will receive a $10
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series, Magnolia Storms and Falling for Grace
US only
Ends November 6, 2019
Thank you! I'm so happy your enjoyed the story!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janet