The Art of Rivers by Janet W. Ferguson. A Review

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Art of Rivers (Coastal Hearts #3) By Janet W. Ferguson Christian Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 299 Pages June 30th 2019 by Southern Sun Press LLC

Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.

After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.

Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

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My Thoughts

It’s obvious that this book comes from the authors heart. The way she tackles addiction and recovery it’s real, it’s painful, it’s hard but with God it’s definitely possible. It wasn’t a glossed over story on the topic of addiction but a painful reality of the effects of addiction on the individual, families and friends involved.
Cooper and Rivers drew me in from the start. Both affected by loss, connected in an unlikely way and dealing with insecurities.
Rivers is one strong character with all the pain she has gone and the darkness she feels she still holds onto her faith trusting that God will pull her through even though she doesn’t feel it will happen soon but being around Cooper and those in the recovery home threaten her more than she realises. The unforgiveness she feels is nearly her undoing and realising she may be falling for him makes her want to hide because it all just feels so wrong. I’m glad she didn’t let go and run away and hide, I’m glad she put herself out there and was willing to work with these people whose lifestyle had affected her in a very remarkable way. She grew and came out stronger.
And there’s Cooper. I can’t remember a character who is more real about their struggles like he is and his desire to help as many that were just like him. He has had to deal with the loss in his life brought on by the consequences of his actions due his addictions that has led to so much loss in his life. He knows he can’t do it alone and honestly without God and accountability he’s a sitting duck. I love the way he dealt with his struggles openly and sincerely.
Sidenote: Davis is by far my favourite side character his no filter love for God is a breath of fresh air.
A story of second chances, of forgiveness, of love and of redemption. We cannot stand on our own when struggles come. We need God and friends around to help us
Recommended for those who have been affected by addiction, are struggling with it or just want to know more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Prism Books as part of their book tour. All opinions expressed are mine.

About the Author

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card and signed copies of the first two books in the series, Magnolia Storms and Falling for Grace US only Ends November 6, 2019

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