Not Every River [Paperback]

Had I not been a fan of Golden Crown Literary Award Winner Robbi McCoy (WALTZING AT MIDNIGHT & SONGS WITHOUT WORDS) anxiously awaiting her latest book, I believe I would have purchased NOT EVERY RIVER anyway just based on the beautiful cover, Having spent many winters as a Snowbird in Chandler AZ, I enjoy reading about this unique State steeped in history, diversity and controversy. Again, this gifted scribe does not disappoint. McCoy's devoted readers know she can write a romance novel with the best of them. Anyone who has been in love -- especially exciting, hot love -- will identify with Kim and Randi, trying to douse the fire of passion in the desert . This time, her spicy stew involves mystery, betrayal and excitement. Add to this recipe, rich Indian culture, history, archeology meticulous research, and you've got a zesty reader's repast. Salute!

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Anyone who's read Robbi McCoy's other books as I have may not be prepared for this one. It's very different. As always, though, it's extremely well written and exhibits her impressive command of the craft. This is a very traditional romance, an upbeat tale of two women falling in love, and has more fun in it than her previous books. The setting is intriguing and gorgeous and the story is so well adapted to it. Simply beautiful. The science and history that make the locale come alive appear to be extremely well researched, namely the culture of the Hohokam and the nature of their rock art. There's a ring of authenticity that also tells you the author is personally familiar with the area.

There are a lot of interesting, diverse characters here, like tiny surly Minnie and the seductress Blair. The desert people, Flynn and Nellie, are extremely colorful. There's even a traditional villain and a desperate family of illegal aliens. The two main characters, Kim and Randi, are both very appealing and convincing, well-rounded with believable motivation. You like them and want them to get together from the beginning.

This book is very easy to read, smooth and entertaining, and there's a lot of action. It has mystery, humor and romance. It's a rollicking good ride through the desert. I think just about everyone will enjoy this book.

As you can tell by the rating, I really like this book. I'm very reluctant to award five stars, since I figure no book is perfect and I don't want to simply gush about how awesome and amazing and wonderful a book is. So for me, a five star review means that not only are there things I really like about the book, but that I have trouble coming up with any detracting flaws.

One of my favorite things about Not Every River is that it engages honestly with a number of themes that are not normally explored in romance novels. The theme I most enjoy is the struggle to find a location that is suitable for both parties, so they can live together. This is often an issue of finding somewhere close enough to both people's work places. One obvious solution that happens to fit right into traditional family models is for one person to completely accommodate their work (or lack of work) to the other person's needs (e.g. the wife finds something near where her husband works, or chooses to leave her job). In this book, I love that Kim is neither asked to nor does sacrifice her career for Randi. That was a delightful surprise for me, and I think it was very well done.

Another pleasantly surprising theme is that of how our pasts shape who we are. In particular, the novel focuses on alcoholism, and to a lesser extent social class. Randi used to have a drinking problem, and while her former alcoholism does not totally define her character, it does influence it in numerous highly realistic ways. For example, she now stringently avoids alcohol, is interested in helping others who are struggling with alcohol abuse, and worries that people (especially Kim) may find out how much trouble she got into when she was drinking. Randi also worries that Kim is from such a different social class-- particularly that she is so sheltered-- that she will reject Randi if she ever learns the truth of Randi's past. Again, the characters' pasts do not determine their present interactions outright, but their pasts do inform their characters.

The characters were great, which is, of course, essential to any good story. But one of the things that struck me as particularly nice about the characters in this book is how they are developed primarily as individuals and then allowed to come together naturally (rather than feeling pushed together for the plot's sake). To me, that individual character development is quite important. For one thing, if I'm emotionally invested in Kim as a character and in Randi as a character, then I'll be all the more invested in their interactions with each other.

I also really enjoyed the central role the landscape and its history play in the story. This setting, with its rich and unusual history, was one of the reason I became interested in this book, so it's nice to see attention paid to it throughout the novel. I especially appreciate that the landscape neither overpowers the narrative nor distracts from it, but rather adds to the flow of the story. Additionally, the value of environmental sustainability, while never overbearing, is a nice background theme.

I think this is a truly wonderful book. After practically devouring it on my first read-through, I can't think of any detracting flaws in the story. I guess that means I should read it again. ;-)

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 12 reviews  4.8 out of 5 stars