Addiction is such a horrible existence!

A friend’s nephew struggled with drug addiction to the point he heard voices even when he wasn’t under the influence. Fortunately, he had the sense to cry out for help. She prayed faithfully for him for quite some time before he trusted in Jesus for his salvation. She continues to pray for him as he walks in freedom, that he will continue to have victory.

The Art of Rivers
by Janet W. Ferguson

Series: Coastal Hearts #3
Published by Southern Sun Press LLC
Publication Date June 30, 2019
Genres: Christian Fiction, Clean Romance, Mystery
Setting: Georgia Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 25-34
Written for: Adults
Pages: 249

Synopsis:

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 blonde 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.

I would like to thank Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

I hesitated reading The Art of Rivers, seeing it was about addiction. I have read several heavy books recently and wasn’t sure I was ready for another one just yet. Something about the synopsis kept calling to me, inviting me in. And the wonderful cover. . .

I am so glad I didn’t pass it by! Janet Ferguson painted such a vivid picture with her words, full of life and hope. There was agony too, and deep grief, yet they were skillfully blended to create a lovely masterpiece.

Seeing characters about to make a bad choice kills me. Whether they are walking down a dangerous alley about to get mugged or are giving in to temptation. Anticipating their impending peril gives me a sick feeling in my stomach. Just about every time! I was so amazed at one point in The Art of Rivers where a character was being tempted by drugs to find instead of the typical nausea I experience, that I understood the lure and empathized with him! No, not that I wanted drugs! I was just so much in his head, experiencing his turmoil. Now that is some incredible writing!

I admired Cooper so very much! He had experienced so much grief in his life it was amazing he wasn’t completely broken. Knowing how powerful addictions could be and determined not to allow himself any addictive substance, no matter how “harmless”; he wouldn’t even drink coffee. His heart for those lost in the world of addiction was overwhelming and he poured himself out for those who were hurting in such a humble and sincere way!

Rivers earned her grief and fear the hard way. Her pain was palpable! I could sense how lost she felt and how out of her element. Yet even in her sorrow, she was willing to listen to God’s direction to serve the very people she despised for what they had cost her.

Drawn in from the start, my attention didn’t waver through the entire story. I found it difficult taking care of everyday things like working, cooking, and sleeping! Not only did I love the characters and the rich descriptions, which allowed me to see the images and the art clearly, I was also blessed by the deep spiritual message that permeated the story.

I highly recommend this beautiful story.

Janet's Art of Rivers research Pinterest Board

(click here to go directly to the board on Pinterest)

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