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The Art of Rivers(Coastal Hearts #3)
By Janet W. Ferguson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 299 Pages
June 30th 2019 by Southern Sun Press LLC
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.
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Art of Rivers
By Janet W. Ferguson
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch - Author Interview
What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?
God grew me in so many ways writing this story—sometimes hard but beautiful ways. I had the opportunity to attend our state’s opioid summit, and my church began a jail ministry where I participated for a year. I also assisted during our state’s legislative session and learned some of the possible ways leaders are trying to deal with this epidemic. I read story after heartbreaking story of what drugs are doing to precious souls and the people who loved them. But I also heard stories of healing with God’s help. Addiction is a cunning and dangerous enemy. But God is able to heal and restore. We were all addicts in a way, slaves to sin, but Christ refused to leave us in that place. He made a way to rescue and redeem us.
Beauty in the Binding - Excerpt
Rivers leaned into Cooper’s chest. The move felt like betrayal to Jordan, but she could no more pull herself away than she could erase her past.
His arms wrapped around her, the hold feeling so different from Jordan’s. Cooper was lankier, leaner, but she fit nicely in the crook of his shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” Cooper whispered next to her ear. “I would trade places with Jordan if I could.”
She glanced up at his face between the cracks of her soaked eyelashes.
“I didn’t mean…” His head dropped, and his dark hair shadowed his brows. “I mean, he should be here with you, and I should be the one in a grave. I deserve it, but he didn’t.”
Simply Kelina - Review
"I loved that this focuses on series topics, but also had romance and family within the themes as well. If you love hard hitting contemporary, I think you will really enjoy this one. I was not expecting the story at all and I fell in love with the authors writing.
Overall, I loved this one."
Edits and Reviews by Leslie - Excerpt
Jordan and craned his neck. "I don't see —"
An explosion like fireworks popped and rung her ears. Another blast, this with impact, hard and swift as a kick in the chest. A red-hot burning sensation pierced her shoulder and back. Time slowed, and a scream ripped from her throat.
Jordan dropped to his knees clutching his chest. Red spread around his fingers, contrasting sharply against his pale blue shirt.
Rockin' Book Reviews - Review
"This is a very good book to share with a Book Club. There are several societal issues addressed, which should provoke an intense discussion.
This earns a Five Stars rating."
janicesbookreviews - Review
"This is a wonderful story. Love how Cooper is determined to help others. Also how Rivers wants to help but her and Cooper still has so much to deal with.
I definitely recommend reading this book."
Paulette's Papers - Excerpt
This might be a mistake, but something deep within Rivers spoke otherwise. Though she’d argued with God in a quickly-spoken prayer, the nudging toward Cooper was something fierce. He was Jordan’s cousin—the hated and abandoned black sheep of the family she’d been about to marry into. Why would God lead her to him?
Maybe he simply needed to know he was forgiven. Not only by God, but also by Jordan. Relieving the guilt laid on Cooper might allow him to move forward without feeling he had to pay penance for the rest of his life. He’d been alone and guilt-ridden long enough. That must be why she was here. She needed to help him move on.
And maybe she needed to do a deeper search of her own heart for places where bitterness had taken up residence.
By The Book - Review
"The setting, the story line, and the engaging characters checked all the right boxes — I cannot wait to open another one of her novels! This book is definitely a recommended read."
mypreciousbitsandmusings - Review
"It’s obvious that this book comes from the authors heart. The way she tackles addiction and recovery it’s real, it’s painful, it’s hard but with God it’s definitely possible. It wasn’t a glossed over story on the topic of addiction but a painful reality of the effects of addiction on the individual, families and friends involved. . . . A story of second chances, of forgiveness, of love and of redemption. We cannot stand on our own when struggles come. We need God and friends around to help us"
Heidi Reads... - Excerpt
“Now you’ve stopped moving.” Cooper tipped her chin. “Is all this too much? I’m worried about you.”
Her gaze pulled to study him. His beautifully sculptured face lingered near, those dark eyes and that black hair framed by the night sky lighted only by the twinkling stars of the Milky Way. Then her gaze fell to his contoured lips and held there as if some giant magnet drew her.
“Rivers, throw me a bone or scrap or something. I need to know what’s going on in here.” His fingers grazed her forehead, only increasing the magnetic force pulling her toward him.
Peaceful Pastime - Review
"hey all seemed so real to me and I wanted nothing but the best for each and everyone of them because I can't imagine the difficulties they faced. I loved the message of faith and hope woven throughout, the slow buildup of relationships and I loved the setting of St. Simons Island. The Art of Rivers is one of those books that will stay on my mind for quite awhile and I imagine the other books in the series will be the same which is why I'll be reading them as soon as possible."
Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt
“What happened?” Cooper caught Rivers and rested his hands on her shoulders. He’d started to take off in the Jeep, but something in his spirit whispered for him to come back.
“I can’t…” Her breath came in ragged puffs, and she burrowed her head against his chest. “I couldn’t do it. I fell apart and blew up at them.”
“What happened?”
“I was nervous. The ladies looked bored. Star made some snarky comments. I spouted off something about my mom, her wreck, and Jordan and me…getting shot.”
Two Points of Interest - Review
"The novel was an inspirational read about people who are trying to conquer their struggles. It gives a realistic view of people who struggle when their faith is broken. I found the mystery a bit predictable but, overall the novel was a good read."
Cover Lover Book Review - Review
"I love reading Christian fiction that conveys the power of grace and forgiveness. Rarely do I read such a book that deals with as heavy topics as drug abuse and recovery. This issue is prevalent in today’s society and is dealt with realistically and empathetically in this book. . . . With themes of loss, grief, faith, trust, and redemption, this story covers a gambit of important issues and takes the reader through as many emotions. Overall, I feel the heavy topics were balanced with love, humor, and a lovely spiritual thread throughout."
Pause for Tales - Excerpt
A hearty laugh tumbled out of Cooper. He’d been a tad hard on Davis. The guy was just doing what he’d been taught to do. Be honest. Ask difficult questions. “Sorry. You’re on track. It’s just that Rivers isn’t what you think.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Between you and me—and Kev and Gabby, of course—Rivers was Jordan’s fiancée. She inherited the gallery and came to sell it.”
“Whoa. I did not see that one coming.” His head bobbed. “Harsh news about the gallery, and you have a thing for her too. Your cousin’s—”
“Shut up, dude.” Cooper massaged his temples as if it would do any good. “I never said I had a thing for her.”
Locks, Hooks and Books - Review
"I enjoyed The Art of Rivers. I thought it was a fabulous story of love, overcoming, moving on and second chances. I am giving it a well deserved five plus stars. "
Splashes of Joy - Review
"A few months ago I read Janet Ferguson’s book, Magnolia Storms, and it was such an awesome story, I loved it. So when Art of Rivers came up for review, I knew it would be a great read, and it was. I enjoyed this book so much. I quickly fell in love with the characters, they all were so realistic and developed so well throughout this story."
Remembrancy - Excerpt
The color, the shapes, the composition—the sheer power of the piece woke places deep inside him—barred off places that had been chained shut. Because he and the ocean had an immense love-hate relationship. The beach held sweet memories of his childhood, a place where he could escape the inevitable bullying he’d endured because of his speech impediment. But the Atlantic had stolen and buried Savannah and then shredded his family.
On this canvas, Rivers had taken in the beauty of the Atlantic, and her artistic and spiritual voice in the scene swept his breath away. As if a veil had torn away from a blind man’s eyes, he could see the ocean anew, Christ’s hand above all, his scars forgiving Cooper’s failure. There came an almost physical nudge in his soul that this particular message—this painting—was meant specifically for him, and it was not just a message from the earthly fingers that had held the brush.
Red Headed Book Lady - Review
"I've read quite a few books that have moved me but this one is just wow! . . . I could tell that this book came straight from the authors heart because it moved me emotionally, mentally and left me thinking about the characters long after I finished the book. . . . I strongly recommend this book for everyone. This is an excellent read!"
Tell Tale Book Reviews - Excerpt
Once she’d rested and then cleaned out a closet, Rivers eyed the old brown envelope on the table. She’d been avoiding the emotional landmines that possibly waited in their yellowed pages, but something told her she should wade on in. As if the past held a key to a locked door.
With hesitant fingers, she opened the letters addressed to Brooklyn and Pearl’s mother.
Dear Stella,
You and your wealthy daddy don’t understand the way I came up. It was hard times, most nights nothing but cornbread for supper and a beating with a belt. Sleeping with the cold wind blowing through the cracks in our shotgun house.
Singing Librarian Books - Review
"The Art of Rivers by Janet W. Ferguson, is yet another beautiful, inspiring, and realistic story that readers will absolutely love. . . . Readers will easily relate to the characters, pondering their own personal pains and troubles. This is a story that will leave a lasting impression upon readers long after they turn the last page."
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Other Books in the Series
And coming January 2020...
About the Author
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.
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FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books I review are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book in exchange for an honest review. If am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored.
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