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Book Review of Time is a River

Time is a River
Time is a River
Author: Mary Alice Monroe
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
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Recovering from breast cancer and still reeling from the revelation of her husband's infidelity, Mia Landan flees her Charleston home for the healing serenity of the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. She seeks refuge in a neglected cabin belonging to her fly-fishing instructor, Belle Carson.

Belle has recently inherited the cabin, which once belonged to a grandmother she never knew - a legendary fly fisher and journalist from the 1920s. Kate Watkins may have once been spoken of with great reverence and pride among her peers, but after she is accused of murdering her lover, her life falls into ruins. Her fortune lost in the stock market crash and her reputation utterly destroyed, Kate retreated into seclusion in the remote cabin. After her death, the fishing cabin remained locked and virtually abandoned for decades.

Little does Belle realize that by opening the cabin doors to Mia for a summer's sanctuary, she will be reopening the scandal that has plagued her family for generations.

From her first step inside the dusty cabin, Mia is captivated by the remnants of Kate's mysterious story left behind in the eccentric furnishings of her cabin. And though Belle, ashamed of the tabloid scandal that tortured her mother, warns Mia not to fan the flames, Mia feels compelled to find out more about Kate...especially when she discovers Kate's journal.

The inspiring words of a remarkable woman echo across the years; and Mia - just learning to fly-fish - finds Kate's wise words comparing life to a river resonate deeply. She begins a quest to uncover the truth behind the lies. As she searches newspaper archives and listens to the colorful recollections of the local residents, the story of a proud, fiercely independent woman emerges.

Mia feels a strange kinship with the woman who, like her, suffered fears, betrayal, the death of loved ones, and a fall from grace - yet found strength, compassion and, ultimately, forgiveness in her isolation. A truly inspiring story is revealed - timeless in its appeal, with the power to reopen old wounds, but a story which also is a miraculous balm - bringing peace and healing for Mia, for Kate's descendants, and for all those in Mia's new community.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. I found that the plot was relatively fast-paced - although there were some scenes that moved along at a more leisurely pace. Overall though, this was a very quick read that drew me in right from the beginning. I was also intrigued by the mysterious subplot and wanted to know what would happen next. I give this book an A! and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.