The Old River Road

Today, we have a special guest. She’s a debut author and has written a wonderful book, The Old River Road. I’m excited to be part of her tour and hope you enjoy reading a bit about her book. There’s also a review, giveaway, and author interview.

About the Book

1885

When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.

This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Available now in paperback and ebook on Amazon

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About the Author

Ivy Rose is an 18 year old history lover and literary enthusiast. Aside from writing, she enjoys being outdoors, chocolate, travelling, reading, and ATVing (preferably if there is mud involved). She resides with her family of 9 on the banks of the Long Lake in eastern Washington.

You can connect with Ivy via her blog, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Review

Introduction:

When I first saw the cover of this book, I knew I had to read it. Then I read the back cover and I was hooked. This book is a great story of love, overcoming huge obstacles, life, and everything else in between. The part I found most fascinating, though, was that this story is about the ancestors of the author.

Characters:

1/1

The characters were all very well-written and I could relate to each one, even thought I hadn’t necessarily been in the same position they were.

Dialogue:

1/1

The dialogue was well paced and fit the time period.

Plot/storyline:

1/1

I’ve always liked book reviews that had realistic plotlines. Now this one is obviously a little different because it’s a fictionalized story about real people, but it was still refreshing to read a story that had the romance not happen over 2 weeks and then the story ends with a happily ever after. It doesn’t. Well, it does and it doesn’t. It ends in a place where you want to read the next book, but there is still a conclusion at the end and you feel like it could kind of be the end of the story.

Overall writing quality:

1/1

This is the author’s debut novel. I’ve read a lot of books, some from new authors and some from well-established authors. This book was written with the quality of someone who had been writing and published for years.

Un-put-down-ability:

1/1

I couldn’t stop. I had to read the whole thing. The only reasons I stopped were because I had no other choice.

Conclusion

5/5

Read this book. If the cover doesn’t draw you in, at least read the back cover to see if the description appeals to you at all. It’s a beautiful book and well worth the time it takes to read.

Author Interview

1. This book is about some of your ancestors. How did you decide to write it?

My mom was the main encouragement in that department, nagging encouraging me to write the story of our ancestors. It took me almost 8 years to work up the courage to do so, though. 🙂

2. How hard was it to write a story about real people in real situations? Do you think that made it easier or harder to write?

It was quite difficult for me to write about real people. However, once I was able to make them ‘mine’ just like any other fictional character, it became easier.

3. What’s next for your writing?

Several things—hopefully a few contemporary novels, and a sequel to The Old River Road.

4. If you could give an aspiring author one piece of advice, what would it be?

Remember Who you are writing for. No one else’s opinion matters.

Giveaway

The Old River Road Prize Pack
https://js.gleam.io/e.js

International Prize
https://js.gleam.io/e.js

 

Tour Schedule

Friday, July 8^th (release day!)

Emily  — Review, Spotlight

Jesseca Wheaton — Review, Interview

Saturday, July 9^th

Olivia K. Fisher  — Interview, Spotlight

Faith Blum  — Review, Interview, Spotlight

Hannah E.  — Review, Interview

Monday, July 11^th

Faith Potts  – Review

Rebecca Morgan  — Review, Interview

Tuesday, July 12^th

Abigayle Ellison  — Review, Spotlight

Kenzi Knapp  – Review, Interview

 Hosanna Emily  — Review, Interview

 Wednesday, July 13^th

Blessing Counter  — Interview

Victoria Minks  — Review, Spotlight

Thursday, July 14^th

Deborah C.  — Review, Spotlight

Anna S. Brie  — Review

Leona G. — Review, Interview

Friday, July 15^th

Hope Ann — Review, Interview

Amanda Tero — Review, Interview

Anika Joy – Review, Interview

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