Review of The River by Michael Neale

A friend of mine texted me a month or so ago and asked if I was going to read The River.  I had not heard of the book and really wasn't sure, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized Jennifer and I tend to be drawn to the same kind of books, so it would probably be a good book!  I am so glad that she texted me and let me know about this book.

The back cover states: “You were made for The River . . .”

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

 It starts out with the author sitting in an airport and meeting Gabriel Clark.  Gabriel really wanted to share his story with someone and after the first couple of pages, you are so drawn into his story.  He grew up living near the river with his Dad.  The parallels in his life and my life, as a child that grew up after losing a Father way too soon, kept me riveted to this book.  I did not want to put it down.  The author tells the story absolutely beautifully.  The ending shocked me, but it turns out so amazing.  I would recommend this book to anyone.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson through Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.