Across the Winding River

By: Aimie K. Runyan

Narrated by: Kathleen Gati, Lisa Flanagan, Michael Crouch

A woman unlocks the mystery of her father's wartime past in a moving novel about secrets, sacrifice, and the power of love by the bestselling author of Daughters of the Night Sky.

Beth Cohen wants to make the most of the months she has left with her elderly father, Max. His only request of his daughter is to go through the long-forgotten box of memorabilia from his days as a medic on the western front. Then, among his wartime souvenirs, Beth finds a photograph of her father with an adoring and beautiful stranger - a photograph worth a thousand questions.

It was 1944 when Max was drawn into the underground resistance by the fearless German wife of a Nazi officer. Together, she and Max were willing to risk everything for what they believed was right. Ahead of them lay a dangerous romance, a dream of escape, and a destiny over which neither had control.

But Max isn't alone in his haunting remembrances of war. In a nearby private care home is a fragile German-born woman with her own past to share. Only when the two women meet does Beth realize how much more to her father there is to know, all the ways in which his heart still breaks, and the closure he needs to heal it.

©2020 Aimie K. Runyan (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Inspired by a true and powerful story, Runyan has written a wondrous story of courage, sacrifice, and most importantly, love. Expertly winding between WWII and present time, Across the Winding River accomplishes the almost-impossible: layering three stories that come together to take your breath away. Runyan captures the heart-thumping years after Pearl Harbor and then wanders through the terrifying battles of Hurgen Forest. The vivid narrative is born of impeccable research, and reaches through the pages straight to the reader’s heart. Uncertainty is the fire through which all the characters must pass. With a bit of mystery, a lot of heart, and beautiful prose, Across the Winding River will steal your imagination and you’ll be the better for it.” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times best-selling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis)

“The past collides with the present in this intriguing story as one woman unravels the mystery of an old photograph found in her father’s World War II memorabilia, ultimately leading to a place of healing for herself and her family. A highly entertaining read!” (Ellen Marie Wiseman, best-selling author of What She Left Behind and The Orphan Collector)

“Cleverly plotted and brimming with emotion, Across the Winding River takes readers on an epic journey from present day America to the dramatic events of WWII in Europe. This is Aimie K. Runyan at the top of her game - delivering the perfect mix of non-stop action, romance, and heartfelt family drama, while shining a light on the heroism of women during the war. It’s an enthralling story from start to finish.” (USA Today best-selling author Julianne MacLean)

Not shallow in any way

No detailed sex scenes, foolish conversations, petty misunderstandings. This story was refreshing, deep, well told, and full of realistic characters who lived upright lives. I loved it. And the three points of view come together beautifully.

Provided insight into that historical time period

I had trouble getting into the story and was at first confused by the back and forth between 2007 and the 40's, along with narration of so many different characters. I think it would have been a better book if simplified a bit, and focused on feet characters.

It was alright

I've heard better, but I have herd so much that was worse. So if you're board have fun.

Love this story

What a great story! The entire book is flawless. The story flowed so evenly, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. Character development was right on and the three readers rendered such credibility they could have been speaking facts. A truly enjoyable listen.

Good story, but...

I just realized at the end of the book, the title really didn't relate to the story. if it did, I missed the connection. I don't recall a river in it at all. And the last few chapters, it's like they had to finish the book for a deadline and they tied it up really fast. The book was supposed to be about lost family members but the book doesn't really touch on the missing family members stories. I mean they're looking for a sister and in the last few chapters, or last hour hour listening it's like, "oh she died, choked to death by her Nazi husband, days after giving birth to the American soldier son" and that's basically that was all they said, after a lifetime of a sister looking for her sister and a lover looking for a lost love. There was no real details of the lost ones life with the Natzi or anything. and it's like BAM, the son has an American family, and this American woman suddenly has a German half brother and his family, they reunite, THE END- all in the last hour, after SIX HOURS OF intrigue. I also didn't like them bouncing us around from modern time one chapter, to pre-WW2, next chapter 1945, and then the other characters are telling their story in 1943, then modern, then 1947, then back to WW2 before it ended...it's hard to follow.

loved the story!

the narrators made this a story to remember. very nice work. story was great, this would make a great movie.

Good WWII story based on real characters

I enjoyed listening to this book. Great readers and an interesting story, especially given that it was based o a true story.

A bit better than an okay read

The story was nothing to write home about but the strong women characters were admirable and the writing was good. The narration was also good. The story dragged sometimes and didn't really hold any surprises for me but others might find it interesting.

Wonderful novel

Across the winding river is a captivating story that kept me wanting more! I loved the authors use of imagery and direction.
The performances by Kathleen Gati, Lisa Flanagan and Micheal Crouch made for one of the best Audio books I have listened to in a long time! They Made Aimie K. Runyan’s characters spring to life and make me want to meet them! Looking forward to much more of Aimie K. Runyan!

across the winding River

interesting story, enjoyed it a lot. it kept me interested the entire time. thank you.