The River Valley Series
Riversong
Lee Tucker's life is a mess. In the wake of her husband's tragic death she discovers he left her pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a dangerous loan shark willing to do anything to collect. Out of money and options, Lee seeks refuge in the small Oregon town where her mother's dilapidated home sits vacant, as desperate for a fresh start as Lee herself.
With a baby on the way and a living to make, Lee opens a restaurant to generate some much needed cash. But just as she catches her breath, and the eye of a local musician offering a second chance at love, she finds herself right back in the clutches of the debt collector with more to lose than ever. Riversong has a little of everything. There is romance, crime, intrigue, literary drama and a little suspense to keep the pages turning. The characters are real – people you might find in ordinary life when faced with the same sets of circumstances. This felt like a newer, more contemporary Rosamund Pilcher book — all-American, not British. But it’s that same sense of a whole world opening up for me to read and enjoy. I loved the characters, the love story, the heartache, the real dramatic tension and the blessing of a good ending. Such a good read. I am pacing myself to read the rest of Tess Thompson’s novels — one per month — so I don’t run out too fast. Can’t wait to read more. |
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Riverbend
Annie Bell just wants to do the two things she loves: cook and care for her young son. So when she lands the role as head chef at a new restaurant, she fails to anticipate how quickly things change as her talent for cooking puts her quaint hometown on the map.
Amidst a flurry of publicity, Annie finds herself back in the sights of the abusive ex-boyfriend she thought she'd left behind. He wants nothing more than to make Annie pay, and she knows his threats are more than empty promises. Reluctantly, Annie accepts the help of a handsome, wealthy recluse, hoping to ensure the safety of her little family. But things aren't always as they seem, and as Annie ultimately learns, her would-be hero has a dark past of his own. This is a story to read when you want a solid dose of good-overcoming-evil, a romantic tale with a protective hero and a thoroughly hissable villain, or when you just want to be surrounded by a group of people who, though fictional, manage to surround the reader with a sense of cheerful, welcoming warmth. None of her characters are perfect. They are all flawed and have pasts that affect them in one way or another. They are real. They are a dramatized version of you, me, your best friend, or your next door neighbor. They have real problems that they have to face in order to move forward with life. They are tough and find a way to make it through life struggles, not because there is a promise of something better at the end, but because it is the only thing they know to do. They survive and in surviving they learn to love and laugh again. |
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Riverstar
Bella Webber is reeling from the end of the most toxic relationship of her life. In an effort to regroup, she ventures to the small town of River Valley to work on a movie filming there. A chance encounter with a strikingly handsome business executive has her falling instantly and unexpectedly in love.
But the object of Bella's affection soon finds himself at the center of a murder investigation, accused of the crime and under arrest. Convinced of his innocence and hopelessly in love, Bella bands together with friends to find the real killer, facing her biggest fear to ensure the truth is revealed. Just when I wondered if Tess Thompson’s amazing storytelling could get any better, she delivers Riverstar. This brings all of the best characters from her previous novels together into a final amazing murder, mystery, love story, adventure. Her characters are so real I continue to feel they are close friends, cheering them on. And once again once I started, I could not stop. This lady is a truly amazing talent, hope she has started her next, I need more!!!!! River Valley is such a charming setting for this series and makes one feel that anything is possible. The way all the characters grow and develop adds a great deal to each book and the story line. I cannot wait for the next book and if you enjoy well written and well defined characters who make you feel like you want to go there and be there friend then these books are for you!!!! |
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Riversnow
Genevieve Banks is one of Hollywood's most successful actresses. While on set in the small Oregon town of River Valley, she forms a deep friendship with her handsome male co-star. He wants more, but trauma deep in Genevieve's past holds her back.
When her closely guarded secret is revealed, Genevieve must make a painful choice: stay silent and let others suffer at the hand of the man who victimized her or confront the violence in her past and hold her abuser accountable. From tragedy to triumph, the love of family and friends wins again. This is a well told story of one woman's battle against the pain of her past, and the person who caused it. I highly recommend this book, with a strong caution to anyone who may be triggered by the subject of rape. The description is not graphic, but it is well written and intense. This is an excellent addition to the River Valley collection, and I hope to see it grow in the future. What a fantastic book! I loved the plot, the characters Stefan and Genevieve were wonderful and it was extremely well written. The storyline was a difficult one and my heart broke many times, but what a gentle love story was woven through it. |
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Riverstorm
Los Angeles attorneys Grant Perry and Liz Teeny were once in love, until youth and circumstance tore them apart. Ten years later, they’re reunited while working on an important trial. He’s successful and handsome, but childhood demons haunt him. Liz, lonely and driven, has devoted her life to work.
When unexpected personal events bring them to River Valley, they learn of family secrets that could change their lives forever. How will what they learn impact their lives? Will these secrets bring healing or more heartbreak? Is it too late for a second chance? The fifth installment in Tess Thompson’s beloved River Valley Series explores themes of family, home, and the way childhood trauma can follow you into adulthood. Old friends from previous books, an epic love story, and a dash of mystery will keep you smiling as you turn the pages of this feel-good, small-town romance. This is the 5th book in the River Valley series. Ms. Thompson is an author that improves with time. She lets you know the characters, their hopes and dreams. In Riverstorm, Grant and Lizzie have fought through the storms, only to become stronger after a trip to River Valley. The return of the characters from previous books in the series makes you feel like you've visited friends that you've been missing. I highly recommend this series to all readers. Actually, I recommend any book written by Tess Thompson! Tess Thompson returns us to her favorite place in Southern Oregon where the mountains, fresh air and river combine with local spirits to help her characters find clarity and second chances at love. A light, heartwarming romance that just feels good. |
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A River Valley Christmas:
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