Robyn Roste, Systems & Funnels

The River Rose: A Water Wheel Novel [Book Review]

A month or so ago I received a review copy of The River Rose: A Water Wheel Novel. The main reason I decided to read it was because when researching author Gilbert Morris I found him so intriguing my curiosity got the better of me.

The River Rose Review Header

Here’s why: Morris is prolific, to say the least. After writing his first novel at age 50 he’s gone on to write an average of one book per month…for a running total of 288.

Right

So I not only signed on to read The River Rose, but to participate in Gilbert Morris’ blog tour as well

The reason I hesitated to take this project on is because I don’t indulge in a lot of inspirational historical romances. Because the ones I have read are cheesy. And was nervous this book would be cheesy. And then I wouldn’t know what to write about.

However, after asking around to (what I assume is) the target audience of this genre I learned there are many people who enjoy not only the subject matter but this author in particular. So I opted to press on. Maybe they were on to something.

The River Rose: A Water Wheel Novel [book review]

We meet Jeanne in Memphis, at the turn of the 20th century. Over the past few years she’s had a rough go of things but a surprise inheritance—of half a steamboat—is about to change her life…in more ways than you expect!

That’s my blurb, just so you know. The book blurb goes on for a few more sentences (like 17) and tells you most of the plot. This makes the first 100 pages a bit redundant but once you actually get on the steamboat the story picks up.

Because the steamboat actually is the main setting, not Memphis. For me this is where the story line became interesting as I’ve rarely read about steamboats. And I’ve never considered how trading and export actually happened along the rivers before trains and planes and automobiles.

And guess what? It was a grand adventure! And it wasn’t too cheesy!

After swearing to my husband this book would NOT cause me to cry I found myself not only getting teary, but laughing out loud at a couple surprising plot twists.

Although predictable in some aspects (it is a romance) there were really enough logical surprises to hold my interest. I’m glad I read this book.

If you’re a writer you’ll understand how impressive it is to write one book in one month, so one book PER month is really amazing. However, if you’re a writer you’ll also be able to tell it was quickly written. There are some problems with head hopping and distracting and redundant adjectives. My advice would be to employ a really thorough editor, but what do I know. I’ve never written a book.

The River Rose: A Water Wheel Novel was released June 1, 2012 from B and H Publishing Group. It is available in hardcover, in paperback, and for Kindle.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from B and H Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions on this blog (as always) are my own. And if you want to win a copy of The River Rose just leave a comment on this post telling me why you want to win. There’s one hitch, you need a US mailing address to enter. The winner will be chosen on July 13, 2012 by random.org and notified by email (so make sure you leave a way for me to contact you). The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

A month or so ago I received a review copy of The River Rose and the main reason I decided to read it was because I found the author intriguing.

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