I loved Shannon Bowring's debut novel 'The Road to Dalton' and I loved LOVED her follow-up 'Where the Forest Meets the River.'
Dalton is a small town in Maine, where everyone knows just about everyone, and they all know a lot about everyone else's business too.
These lives - young, old, middle-aged - intertwine in all types of ways. There are couples, families, singles, people in love, people out of love, people wanting love.
Part way through the first book, a tragedy happens and all the characters work to deal with the aftereffects in their own ways.
If anything, I loved the second in the series even more - as lives move on after the tragedy. And just when you think people cannot change, they do!
These books (and there's a 3rd one in the works) remind me a lot of Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Barton novels (I just read the newest).
I think we would all recognize something of our own lives in these gems!

I loved the first book in this series, and she’s only gotten better with this one. The characters are so unbelievably solid that I began wondering if it’s really fiction. Beautiful book, beautiful world.

Oh how lovely it was to return to Dalton in Shannon Bowering’s new novel, 𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥. I’m not normally a fan of books in a series, but this sequel to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘰𝘯 felt like a warm hug of a book. ⁣⁣
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Picking up five years after the first, this second Dalton book brings us back to Maine and into the midst of the same quirky, earnest, heart-warming people we met last summer. Many are still grappling with an unexpected death at the end of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘰𝘯. This is especially true of those closest to that loss. They may be the heart of this story, but we also get many other rich storylines, all tying together in one way or another and all bringing back characters you can’t help but love.⁣⁣
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I’ve actually said little about the story because I don’t want to give much away. (I’d skip the publisher’s blurb.) Just know that if you were a fan of the first Dalton book, you’ll be equally happy with the second. I do think this is a book where you need to have read the first to truly understand the subtleties of its follow up. If you haven’t read either, you’re in for an even bigger treat because now you have two outstanding books to read. Would I read another book in this series? Most definitely! @ShannonBowring, I already can’t wait. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣⁣
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“Everything he does is for her, but nothing will ever be enough.”⁣⁣
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“Relief and recognition ripples across her face. “Thank you,” she says, and it’s just two small words, but that’s enough to say all the things they’re not saying. All the hard work and hard love that goes into being a mother.”

Bowring does an excellent job writing a slice-of-life story about the residents of Dalton. There are at times dark moments between the characters but the tone overall is one of hope. It was promising to see how the characters had moved on from the events of the previous novel. I thought the longer time gap was an excellent choice.

I feel sorry for every book that comes after 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳, just as what happened in 2023 with the first book in the series. Shannon Bowring is just simply brilliant, and I do NOT say this lightly.

Bowring has created a small cast of characters, in a small town in Maine, but there is nothing small about these books. She unwinds the threads of this town by looking briefly, yet deeply, at the lives of these people who interact with one another, each impacted differently by the death of a young woman five years previously (as showcased in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘰𝘯)

I literally cannot get these people out of my brain: the small, salty librarian; her best friend and lover, whose life became both small and large with the death of her granddaughter’s mother; the middle-aged doctor who wonders about his future; the young father experiencing parenthood alone; the young bisexual teenager trying to stand up for his life choices; the young woman escaping an abusive relationship.

Each character felt so real, like my neighbors, my relatives, my friends. Shannon Bowring has my undying loyalty and has become an auto-buy author in a very short period of time. Her words move me, breathe in me, live in me; what a gift she has brought us in these two books (and rumor has it a third one is on its way!!!!)

Do NOT miss these books, trust me trust me trust me.

A worthy follow-up to The Road to Dalton, I was so happy to return to the world of these characters. While there isn't the same tension that is found in the first book in this series, the follow up is a quiet reflection of what life has been like in the five years since. Those who loved this first book will love this one just as much.

As the previous book in this series, this novel wants to be seen in the tradition of American Literary Regionalism, as made explicitly clear by the numerous citations from famous torch-bearers of this style: Sarah Orne Jewett, Sinclair Lewis, ee cummings, or Sherwood Anderson. Despite being obviously shoved into my face to make sure I do not miss it, this trick works surprisingly well, preparing my mind for the reading. And the book is indeed a worthy addition to the genre. The complexity of a John Updike novel, minus the male gaze and the over-sexed plot parts or the looser-vibes of Rabbit.

Set five years after the first novel, The Road to Dalton, we meet again many from the ensemble of characters there. The plot is carefully developed to show what happened and what is happening now. The lesbian romance between Beth and Trudy still goes strong, despite having changed pace and character, due to what happened in their lives. Every character still in the novel has developed in a relatable, engaging way. Some new people appear also. This altogether makes me eager to read a potential third book in this series, hopefully not too far in the future!

I liked also the many unobtrusive cultural references to the time the book is set in, being the time I was a young adult, despite in a different country and culture.

(Based on an ARC from NetGalley)

Sequels are hard, but apparently not for Bowring. It was so great to be back in the world she has created. If you loved The Road to Dalton, I can almost guarantee you will love this equally quiet yet equally moving story.

Disclaimer: This is a sequel, but you can read it as a stand-alone. I have not read the first book in the series, and my review will take that into consideration. I would also recommend to go through the trigger warnings before reading. Some mentions are: suicide, homophobia and lgbtq+ issues, grief, hoarding, abuse, and more.

I'm at a loss of words after finishing Where the Forest Meets the River. This was an amazing read, and I feel like I stumbled upon a hidden gem on NetGalley. I truly loved this book. I was hesitant about if I should even ask for the book on NetGalley, but I'm trying to expand my bookshelf with new genres, and decided to give this a try.

It reminds me in many ways of We Deserve Monuments - in the way that it was written, and the small town vibe it gave off. Where the Forest Meets the River was definitely more relaxing and didn't have a clear plot, and just 'followed' several POVs with very different characters compared to We Deserve Monuments.

We have bisexual Greg, the widow Nate, the alcoholic Annette and Dr. Haskell (and more). This was definitely a challenge in the beginning, but I truly became invested in every POV throughout the book. Every character is unique, and I didn't have any trouble recognizing whos chapter it was.

It explores dark themes, like grief and loss - but Where the Forest Meets the River also shows that there's hope. I was on the verge of crying many times, became frustrated, happy and angry on behalf of the characters.

I've rated it 5/5 on StoryGraph. I can't really compare Where the Forest Meets the River to anything, as this is a genre I haven't gravitated towards before, but I will definitely try more books like this. Everything, from the writing style to characters, really resonated with me. I can't pinpoint what I loved so much about this book, but I truly loved it. You can say that I loved it based on vibes, as I didn't really notice the writing style, pace or anything else while reading. I was truly absorbed into this. I will definitely buy the first book when I have the money to do so.

This is a good back. It is the second in what seems to be the "Dalton Trilogy." The book, which takes place in northernmost Maine, follows the life of many different town characters who are inter-related. The first third of the book is mainly focused on character development. Many of the characters are still reacting to the suicide of a young mother who had post partum depression. The middle of the book slowly deepens the wants and desires of the characters, and the final third brings resolution for some of the characters and leaves the reader with one big cliff hanger. The author, Shannon Bowring, as a compassionate writer about American life, has been compared to Ann Patchett and Elizabeth Strout, She's not quite there yet;

A wonderful sequel to her spectacular debut Road To Dalton. I enjoyed revisiting all the characters and seeing their lived unfold five years after RTD. Touching, tangible, relatable, especially for readers in small town Maine. Thank you #netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

After reading The Road to Dalton last year and loving it, I was so glad to see that there was a sequel coming out! Even more happy when I received an advanced copy from @netgalley and @europaeditions.

We are back in the fictional, small town of Dalton, Maine five years after the last story and the tragic event that took place then. I was so glad to travel back here. Bowring creates such a strong sense of place in this quiet little town. You feel as though you have gone and had a visit with these characters. We catch up with many of the favorites from lasts time and see how they are dealing, or not dealing with the loss. Some are definitely doing much better than others. Bridgette's parents are each handling it in two totally different ways. It's a perfect account of the many ways grief affects us all differently. Loved catching up with Nate and seeing how little Sophie is growing up. We also get to see Trudy and Bev and the many changes their relationship has gone through in this time period, along with their husbands. Greg is also back from college for the Summer to help with his father's store. He has really gone through a transformation, but still battling some demons. We also see Rose and Vera and really loved watching their friendship grow, and also seeing them each come into their own.

This is another fairly quiet story about small town life. I really loved spending time here again and getting to know these characters more deeply. This author really creates memorable characters that stay with you. I cannot wait to see what she writes next, whether it's back to Dalton or a new adventure!!!

Back to Maine and the town of Dalton in Bowring’s follow up novel to The Road to Dalton. What an absolute gem - and happy to say it’s just as good as the first.
It’s five years after the death of Bridget Theroux and back becoming reacquainted with all those characters we fell for in Bowring’s first novel. A lot has changed for the characters in Dalton, and yet it’s really the same old town. You will be glad you made another visit.
I devoured this and can’t help but think we are going to be treated to a third installment. 5/5
Thanks to @europaeditions and @netgalley for the arc of Where the Forest Meets the River in exchange for an honest review. Look for this September 3. 2024.

What a delight to return to Dalton, to catch up with old friends (Bev, Trudy, Greg, Rose, Nate, and others), and to meet new ones like Vera and Annette. Where the Forest Meets the River picks up nearly five years after The Road to Dalton ended and the reverberations from Bridget Theroux's suicide are still being felt. Her mother, Annette, remains mired in grief and has succumbed to the lures of alcohol and online shopping. Sophie is now a vibrant and lively child who is beginning to ask questions about the death of her mother, questions her father struggles to answer. Greg, home from college for the summer, has to decide how much to share with his parents about who he is and what he wants from his life. These are just some of the plot strands that make up this beautiful novel. But plot doesn't drive this novel. What really matters are the characters and the community. Bowring excels at bringing to life a cast of characters so vividly that I felt they were people I knew in real life, and making her reader care deeply about each and every one of them and the struggles, both large and small, they face. Her writing is beautiful without being flowery and really captures so much of what it is to be human. It's a relatively quiet book, quieter and overall less heavy than its predecessor. With time, the pain of Bridget's death has lessened, and by the novel's end most characters seemed to be in a better space than they were at the beginning. However, Bowring did leave a couple of storylines on a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving me wondering if there will be another book in the series. I very much hope so. Regardless, Dalton and its inhabitants will always have a place in my heart. If you love quiet, beautifully written novels that centre character and community I think it's a book you'll love too. Just be sure to read The Road to Dalton first. It's not essential, but why deny yourself the pleasure.

This was a highly anticipated sequel for me, and it did not disappoint. Flashing five years into the future, Where the Forest Meets the River follows the lives of those found in The Road to Dalton after a surprising tragedy shakes their small town. I love these characters so much, they feel like people I know personally, and I am highly invested in their story. Funny, sad, reflective, and hopeful, the author's authentic and engaging writing style makes every story easy to find yourself fully absorbed in.

I was slightly disappointed by the ending - mostly because it is a clear setup for a third novel to come and I will have to wait a while - but I will definitely be thinking about these characters and keeping my eyes peeled for the next installment!

I wouldn't have thought "The Road to Dalton" needed a sequel, and yet this was a really wonderful follow-up that begins five years after the events of the first novel. Like the first book, this is a literary character-driven novel, and I am again impressed with Bowring's ability to vividly portray these people and convey the heart of small-town life. I have a feeling (I hope!) that there will be a third book before too long. Thank you to NetGalley and Europa Editions for a digital review copy.

I recently read The Road to Dalton (Dalton, Maine #1) and was delighted to find this sequel is soon to be published. Set in the very small fictional town of Dalton, Maine, it dives into the lives of those who have long lived there, their lives, loves, tragedies, and more, what's on the surface and what is hidden, as well as the relationships among them all. This sequel furthers the lives of those of the original main characters while also bringing to the fore those who had been secondary characters. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I do think the reading experience is richer if read in order. The author does a decent job here of wending in the earlier stories that are delved into deeply in book #1, but the full import will be missing without having first read #1. It's both a hard place to be, Dalton, and also generous of spirit. I enjoyed my time there yet again.

Thanks to Europa Editions and Netgalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this novel, even though I had not read the previous book, The Road to Dalton. The characters are so well described that you almost get the feeling that you know them. Life in Dalton is not marked by big events, but by the small dramas and joys that happen to all of us. I have a feeling that there will be a third book in the series, and it will be well worth the read.

Ho apprezzato molto questo romanzo, anche se non avevo letto il libro precedente, The road to Dalton. I personaggi sono descritti così bene che si ha quasi la sensazione di conoscerli. La vita a Dalton non è segnata da grandi eventi, ma dai piccoli drammi e dalle gioie che capitano a tutti noi. Ho la sensazione che ci sarà un terzo libro della serie e che varrà la pena leggerlo.

Oh, Dalton, I am so happy to be back!

It's been five years since the loss of Bridget hit the town of Dalton, Maine like a tidal wave and we get to catch up with all our favorite inhabitants. All of these characters feel so real living their mundane lives and I think that's where the magic of this story lies. It is so beautifully written that you feel like you truly know them and are their friends, together going through lifes ups and downs.

This book has special meaning to me and I feel such a connection to it. I read the first book when I knew that we would would be trying for a baby and my husband has always liked the name Dalton. Reading the first story helped me lean into the name a tad bit more. I read this second book while pregnant and after saying "Dalton" so many times in my head I fell in love with it and now we will be naming our daughter Dalton. If only this town were real, we would absolutely be traveling there for her to visit once she's older. I will certainly be passing along these books and hoping to see a third!

Pub date: Sept. 3, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Europa Editions for my advanced copy!

The return to Dalton was just as heartwarming as the first in the series. Getting reacquainted with the town and it's people was like visiting old friends. Dalton reigned as the beloved sanctuary and constant comfort to all whom were able to call it home. Each character was so human and masterfully portrayed - in love and sorrow and self discovery.
Can't wait to visit again as I'm pretty positive there will be a third in the series.
Thanks to #EuropaEditions and #NetGalley for the early read.