Stories by Firefly! : The Old River Road Blog Tour // Book Review

Monday, July 11, 2016

The Old River Road Blog Tour // Book Review

I'm so pleased to be part of Ivy Rose's blog tour today for her novel, The Old River Road!! :D

Meet Ivy Rose and her debut novel, The Old River Road. This book is the first in a series of a yet-to-be-determined number of books based on the lives of the author’s ancestors. Written in a style similar to that of Janette Oke and Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Summary...

1885

When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.

This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Review...

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ahhhh, I just love this book so much!!! :D Seeing as how I read an e-ARC I will certainly be buying a hard copy as soon as possible. :)

I feel like I should start this review by commenting on the whimsical beauty of this book. Because it truly is a beautiful story. <3 I have seen in other reviews where it was mentioned that the book had a Laura Ingalls Wilder or Janette Oke feel, and I agree. Though The Old River Road isn't third-person (as are the Little House books) and doesn't have multiple POVs (as do many of Janette Oke's books) it does have the feel of older literature. Which I absolutely loved. ^_^

I was super thrilled to realize this book is based on the true story of the author's great-great-grandparents – making the story all the more real to me. Clara and William were such a sweet couple!! I loved reading their story – through their courtship, marriage, and a life of trials and triumphs. So sweet and heartwarming.

It was simple and sweet (sometimes funny!), never heart-pounding or suspenseful, yet I found myself having a hard time putting it down. A beautiful story of love. Not a romance-y, kisses and butterflies story, but a story of deep, beautiful love that lasts when other things may fail.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't recommend it enough. I look forward to reading more by this talented young author. :)

Quotes.

“Your hand is shaking.” ... "That always happens when I’m nervous.” “Are you nervous now?” “No, just excited, but my hands don’t know the difference.”

“A man can’t even kiss his own wife in this blasted city without being gawked at.”

Or maybe, it was because she was gaining a deeper understanding that how no matter how difficult life got, no matter how hopeless it appeared, God always had a reason bigger than anything she could imagine.

**I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.**

Available now in paperback and ebook on Amazon.

Or add it on Goodreads.

About the Author...

Ivy Rose is an 18 year old history lover and literary enthusiast. Aside from writing, she enjoys being outdoors, chocolate, travelling, reading, and ATVing (preferably if there is mud involved). She resides with her family of 9 on the banks of the Long Lake in eastern Washington.

You can connect with Ivy via her blog, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Giveaway...