Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Book Review - The River by Michael Neale


“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.

I WAS GYPPED!!


This was my first thought when I finished this book.  The author couldn't have finished it there.  There was so much more I wanted to know.  Did the character get married, did he have kids, did he end up owning the business?  Come on!  You can't just stop there!

This was a good, solid book.  For Michael Neale's first published book, this was a good beginning.   Let me begin by giving kudos to the publisher, Thomas Nelson.  For those of us who have not gone over to the dark side of e-readers (I kid, I kid), the esthetics of this book are outstanding.  The cover of the book has an old leather look and feel to it that makes it a joy to hold.  The pages are reminiscent of older books with the uneven edges.  It's the kind of book that makes you sigh in satisfaction just from holding it.

Then comes the story.  Written in a style reminiscent of Andy Andrews, who happens to write an endorsement on the back, this book is written in allegory form with a sometimes meandering, winding, and peaceful, but other times forceful, rushing, in-your-face description of God's presence in Gabriel's life.  How circumstances that seem beyond his control were actually put into motion to eventually move him to the place he needed to be for God to redeem and heal and to show Himself constant in all things.

I will not lie, there were a few times in this book that were a little slow moving, where it felt I was trudging through, but I am a firm believer that it's how you finish the story that is the proof.  If you leave me wanting to know more about the characters, then you have more than done your job.

I look forward to more books by Mr. Neale, and maybe, hopefully, a sequel to The River?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


1 comment:

  1. I also read and enjoyed The River. It's really a book about trusting God, letting go of past hurts so that you can move forward in life. It's an inspiring story about the possibilities that unfold when you are willing to take a risk. Life with God is meant to be an adventure--this book reminded me of that truth! Also, the author has free chapters available on his Facebook page if your readers want to read them. http://www.facebook.com/MichaelNealeOfficial

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