River's End
by Nora Roberts

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Book Reviews of River's End

Book Review: Another winner from Nora Roberts.
Summary: 4 Stars

The book takes its time to get to the love story. It begins by telling the tale of Olivia's mother's murder and its aftermath. Then the story speeds forward and describes Olivia as a 12 year-old, first coming to terms with what she witnessed 8 years earlier, and meeting Noah, the investigator's son. Again the book speeds forward and shows us Olivia as a 19 year-old, and describes an encounter she has with Noah, who now wants to write a true crime book about her mother's murder. Finally the book speed forward again to present time and gets into Noah's life 6 years later when he finally decides to write the book about the MacBride murder, and his ensuing entanglement with Olivia.

Usually, I don't go for the "saga" type love stories. I like my romance novels to get right into the relationship details. But Roberts handles this angle masterfully. It is only through seeing everything Olivia has been through that the reader understands her plight, as well as Noah's motivations.

The characterization of both Noah and Olivia is also unique. Noah could certainly be another vulture, only looking out for his best interest. But he's very aware of the precarious position he's in, and there is a lot of dialog between him and his father about the ups and downs of true crime writing. As a result, his motivations don't seem quite as mercenary as they could. Olivia, also, is a unique person. She becomes a reclusive naturalist, guiding hikes through the Olympic National Forest. She is a tough woman, and is not Hollywood sexy. It is her character that draws Noah to her, not her body. Because of this, the emotions that run throughout the book are more meaninful, and the reader is better able to identify with Olivia and enjoy the love story between her and Noah.

The suspense angle is also well-done. I wasn't absolutely positive about the whodunnit angle until just before it was revealed. It was fun to try and figure this part out, and to feel the building anxiety as you wonder who betrayed Olivia and who is a danger to her.

This book is not a weepy and it's not a pure suspense novel either. But it is a well-done book about two people and how they change as a result of one horrific night. I definitely recommend it.

Summary of River's End

Whisked away to the sanctuary of the Olympic Peninsula by her grandparents, Olivia learns to bury the past deep within her. Determined to protect herself from painful memories, Olivia limits her life to the emerald rain forests and the River's End resort. Years later, when Noah Brady arrives on her doorstop, Olivia allows her defenses to slip and opens herself to the passion that sparks between them.

When she learns that Noah is fascinated with her mother's death and is writing a tell-all novel, Olivia is devastated. But as Noah helps Olivia acknowledge the lingering effects of her painful memories, she learns to trust him again. With careful research and the apparent cooperation of Sam, Noah begins to unravel the mysteries of that night. However, soon after Sam's release from prison, dangerous threats begin to pursue Noah and Olivia. When the killer enters the serenity of their world, Noah and Olivia must face the dark secrets of the past, or fail to secure a safe future.

With the same skills that earned her the 1997 Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award, Nora Roberts convincingly peers into the complex minds and motivations of her characters. Though Roberts stumbles in her attempt to write with the voice of a 4-year-old child, her luscious descriptions of Hollywood glamour and rain forest wilderness ring realistic and true. Both longtime fans and new readers alike will enjoy the intriguing suspense and electric passion in this romantic thriller. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Literature & Fiction Books

• Subjects > Literature & Fiction
• Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Thrillers > Psychological Thrillers
• Suspense
• Romance