River's Call by Melody Carlson

River's Call
The Inn at Shining Waters - Book 2
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Abingdon Press Fiction
Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN: 9781426712678

About the Book:

What happens when the ties between generations are severed?

It is the 1960s and Anna's daughter, Lauren, is confused, broken-hearted, and pregnant. The difficult situation seems to bring out the worst in the selfish girl. When Lauren chooses to stay with her manipulative Grandma Eunice, Anna worries her daughter will never become a mature adult and the relationship between Lauren, Anna and Eunice becomes even more strained. However, when she hits the lowest point in her life, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn and Shining Waters. As time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis, one that puts the entire family at risk.

My Thoughts:

I love everything about this series, from the gorgeous cover art to the captivating storyline to the characters. The characters are quite realistic and their problems are very real. Melody Carlson handles topics that are sensitive and demonstrates how God can help and heal them. She uses problems that affect many of us and tackles these issues to create a series that can be identified with and worth reading.


River's Call picks up where the first book of The Inn at Shining Waters series, River's Song, ended - just after Anna's marriage to Clark. With both on their second marriage, they bring their pasts with them, and Anna's problems become even larger when her self-centered college-aged daughter returns home.

This is the second book in the series, and even though there may be enough back-story to possibly read as a stand-alone, I would recommend not doing so. The first book really sets the stage for this one and makes one understand the relationship that Anna has with Eunice and why Lauren is the way she is.

I enjoy Melody's writing style. Her imagery and prose draws one in. At times I feel like I'm on the river and can smell, feel and hear everything in Anna's world. This is a wonderful series, and I can't wait to read the next book, "River's End"!!

About the Author:

Melody Carlson published her first book in 1995 and she has been writing prolifically ever since. To date, Melody has published over 200 books, making her one of the top 20 most prolific authors of all time. With total sales of over 5 million her award-winning books include: Homeward, Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon; Limelight; the Diary of a Teenage Girl series; the True Colors series; and the Carter House Girls series.

In her professional life, Melody has worn many hats: from pre-school teacher to political activist to senior editor. Currently, she writes full-time, and freelances from her home. She has two grown sons and lives in Sisters, Oregon with her husband, Chris, and Audrey, her yellow lab. They enjoy skiing, hiking, and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

This book was provided by the author/publisher for this tour. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.