The Art of Rivers

A Coastal Hearts Novel

By: Janet W. Ferguson

Narrated by: Leonor A Woodworth

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.

©2019 Janet Ferguson (P)2020 Janet Ferguson

A reminder that among the pain is glory.

This was a lovely, feel good story that made you smile and sad one sentence after another. It did show both sides of situations and made you think. I loved the scripture and the sayings that the author used. Very enjoyable!

Looking at addiction from different perspectives

She manages to give a look at addiction from several different perspectives while still maintaining an interesting story line.
I will never be able to see addiction from the same lens again. It's a lot more complex than I realized. Plus there are many more different types of addiction than the first one that come to mind when you hear the word. Each is a struggle that is BEST addressed with help from God & others who know what you are going through.

great story

her fiance was murdered & she had a long recovery plus all the grief. through faith, she found a way out of the grief & into new happiness.
He was a recovering addict & blamed himself for his cousin's death. He depended on faith to maintain freedom from addiction. He rescued her from a sand bar & God's new plan began taking shape.
a fantastic story of redemption & new happiness

Captivating contemporary romance

The Art of Rivers by Janet W. Ferguson is a beautiful and realistic contemporary romance. I loved the characters, vulnerable, yet strong and resilient with situations in their lives that bring them together. It is a story of overcoming tragedy and mistakes from the past, embracing faith, and finding love and grace in the midst of difficulties. Part of the Coastal Hearts series, The Art of Rivers is set in the South on St Simons Island and readers will be drawn into the story in such a way that they feel they are right there in the story. The author tackles the gritty subject of addictive behavior with tact and sensitivity.
The Art of Rivers is a captivating book and I look forward to reading more in the Coastal Hearts series by author Janet Ferguson. Leonor A Woodworth did a fantastic job narrating Rivers and Cooper's story which made for an entertaining listening experience. I was given a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

He can bring the dead to life!

The Art of Rivers is another faith-filled masterpiece, which deserves 10 stars. It is a powerful story of forgiveness and new beginnings for lost and struggling. Worth every minute of reading time.
“Forgiveness is free while trust is earned.”
“Show God your problem then show your problem your God!”
Incredible writing and narration.
I received a complimentary copy of the audio book; I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

compelling story

great story with themes of addiction and recovery. contemporary romance and murder mystery in one

Amazing story of the creative life

Powerful story of love that surpasses grief, and hope after addiction. I really related to the creative spirits of Rivers and Cooper. I cried at their struggles, and enjoyed the ending. Masterful writing, and an excellent audio performance that felt authentic to the text.

Grace wins every time.

This story is all about grace and forgiveness. The author nailed it! I couldn't stop listening. 15 stars!!!