I started this book before going to bed one night. I only read the first couple of pages but was too tired to read much more than that. The next day was a Sunday so I knew I had time to finish the book. I sit in my chair in my office with my dog and I just could not stop reading. I got frustrated every time something pulled me away from the book. This book is not a quick read but it is an amazing thought provoking read.

River's End is the third in The Shining Waters series of books. I honestly did not know there were other books in this series until I was looking up the book. This is a great stand alone read. The characters and plot is amazing. When reading it feels like the author wrote about experience. I admit to never reading anything by this author before however I have found a new author to follow.

Anna is a strong female that is trying to keep her family together. It takes time but Anna realizes that just like the river she has to let everyone decide on their own path.

Sarah a young female that is headstrong that learns forgiveness is more than just saying "I'm sorry". She learns that running away is not the answer to life's problems.

Lauren a mother that learns the past cannot be changed, life must go forward and that forgiveness is hard to come by.

Reading this book will make you think about your past. It will make you think about that grudge you are still holding against someone in your past. This book can help you look into your heart and find that forgiveness for that person. It will make you realize that the bitterness you are holding on to is just putting poison in your heart and life. That bitterness just grows and makes you and everyone around you a hateful person that no one wants to be around.

Yes, there is talk about God in this book. That is what helps to make this book so great.

On the back of the book it has this great blurb:

"Three generations of women return to their roots to discover who they are and who they are meant to be."

The above statement is so true. People have to return to their roots to discover who they are and what they are meant to be in life.

If you or your teenager (16 ) is looking for a great Christian read, then check out Melody and her books. You will not be sorry. The writing, the message, everything about the book I read was wonderful. I laughed and cried while reading this book.

Thanks for an amazing read Melody.

The bunnies and I give this book carrots. ( )

"Three generations of women return to their roots to discover who they are and who they are meant to be."

The Inn at Shining Waters trilogy follows the story of three generations of women: Anna Larson, daughter Lauren, and granddaughter Sarah, through the decades of the 1950s-1970s. In River's End, their story comes to a conclusion with the primary focus on Sarah, and her two year journey from the familial inn to a religious commune (cult) and back to her family.

This trilogy deals with the family dynamic of three generations of women: their joys, sorrows, love, heartbreaks, disappointments, forgiveness and faith. It is the journey of three women who had to walk their own "trail of tears," in order to discover themselves, the strength of their family bond, and their faith and love in God, who was with them through each step of their journey.

River's End is a wonderful conclusion to The Inn at Shining Waters trilogy. River's End brings the story of the three generations of women full circle, for life is like the river it keeps flowing and we must eventually heed the call and come back home. The author weaves a story that is spiritual and inspirational, as it sends a message about the beauty of God's love and the ability to heal by showing forgiveness and allowing love in our hearts as we go through the trials and tribulations that occur in our lives.

The author has created a wonderful cast of characters, and does a great job of developing them throughout the trilogy. The reader can relate to the individual strengths, weaknesses, beauty and faith that made up these three women. Their individual stories were captivating, while the dialogue and interactions kept the storyline flowing smoothly through the decades, it made the stories in the trilogy that much more of a compelling read. Rich in detail and vivid descriptions, the author transports the reader to the beautiful scenic river and Inn at Shining Waters in Oregon, while capturing the essence and events of the decades of the 1950s-1970s, it was like taking a walk down memory lane. This is a beautifully written and thoughtful trilogy; the heartwarming and inspirational stories of Anna, Lauren and Sarah will resonate with you long after the last page is read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/rivers-end-by-melody-carlson-a... ( )

Author: Melody Carlson
Published by: Abingdon Press
Age Recommend: 16
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"River's End" by Melody Carlson was a wonderful great ending read for this series. Dealing with Anna Larson's granddaughter Sarah ...where Sarah is unwilling to forgive her parents, running away and then being caught up in a religious cult (commune)...that only Sarah could get out of when she was ready to do so.....however, the family was always trailing behind, hoping that they can save her, but could they? With all of this going on everyone suffers until it is made known that only forgiveness and grace could only bring this family back into the the folds. This was "three generations of family heartbreak and disappointments at 'Shinning Waters' as Sarah finds God right in the center of it all." I could not have said or thought of this novel in any other way. The author has written a wonderful novel dealing with the grandmother, mother and daughter...showing no matter what has happened to Sarah, how she had treated her parents.... God still loved her and so did her family. In the end it has to be said that this was a story of all of us... "The Heritage of Shinning Waters and how they all had their own' Trail of Tears' to walk."

If you are looking for a real christian book....I believe you have found it in this novel: "River's End" that Melody Carlson has delivered so wonderfully. I would recommend this as a good read. ( )