WHAT THE RIVER KEEPS by CHERYL GREY BOSTROM is a beautifully written novel, with an interesting story, unforgettable character analysis, and strong metaphors. As the Elwha River is set free from the two dams that hold it in check, will Hildy Nybo be set free as things are uncovered that explain her unusual childhood, which has caused her to doubt her sanity? Her father understood her - they were always close. They shared a love of fish, nature, and carpentry. He believed in her and his unexplained disappearance has affected her badly…….
Hildy is a highly educated biologist, passionate about wild fish which the demolition of the dams will set free to breed and repopulate the river. She returns to her family home to oversee a group of scientists who are working on this project.
Luke, Miranda Rimmer’s brother, is a carpenter who really “gets” Hildy. They grow close as she helps him do some work for his sister. Luke has also experienced tragedy. Will her secrets be safe with him, or will they chase him away?………
I cannot recommend this lovely read strongly enough, especially for the strong Christian message of loght in the darkness, forgiveness, deliverance and redemption.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This book made me long for the days at my grandparents’ cabin on Fox Lake. The author painted a place I could see, hear, smell and feel. Although much of the research and technical terms were beyond me, they were still general enough that I could follow the storyline without getting hung up.

Some of the characters were a bit too typical—the overbearing sisters, the good-time, distraction guy, the hero with a heartbreaking backstory, the wise father-figure—but the depth and struggles of Hildy’s story were enough to carry the book and keep me engaged. I saw my own struggles in her self-doubt. I cheered for her when she stepped outside of her comfort zone. I related to her bond with Butterness. My heart broke with hers when she was finally strong enough to take off her protective blinders and see truth.

There were some storylines dropped or grazed over that I wish had been pursued or resolved more fully. One being Hildy seeing shadows. What were they? Did they stop at some point? Was it a gift or burden? The book dipped its toes oh so gently into the realm of spiritual warfare, mainly around the lies we believe, but then seemed to back away and tie it up with a neat bow. I wanted more.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

After a troubled childhood where she is constantly losing things--toys, a favorite dog, and finally her father, a biologist returns to her home in the Pacific Northwest for both personal and professional reasons. There, she meets a man with a trouble history of his own, who may be able to help her face her past, if she can let him. Unusual but satisfying story about faith and love.

I enjoyed WHAT THE RIVER KEEPS, especially the personal journey of Hildy as she gets to know Luke better and confronts troubling memories and incidents from her past.

I don't know if this was a formatting error, but I grew tired of the following convention on a line level. The author will say something like, "She leaned elbows on the bridge" or "He twisted hands as he looked away." Why not say "her elbows" or "his hands"? Honestly, it started to really distract me.

The pacing is also very slow. I don't need an action thriller, and I'm quite accustomed to slower paced literary stories, but this one really took its time.

However, despite these issues, this is a lovely story with a meaningful message. I recommend it for fans of contemplative literary fiction.