Meet Ivy Rose and her
debut novel, The Old River Road. This
book is the first in a series of a yet-to-be-determined number of books based
on the lives of the author’s ancestors. Written in a style similar to that of
Janette Oke and Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is a story you won’t want to miss.
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
Add on Goodreads
MY REVIEW
This was one of those nice, cozy, sweet, charming reads. In a way, it made me think of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I would recommend it for those days when you just want a good read. Nothing too deep and thought-provoking but gentle and ... yeah, just sweet. A lot of events happened as William and Clara met, courted, married, and went through trials and difficulties, but daily life was kind of skimmed. Which set the tone for the relaxed read, not deep-in-thought. The main "disclaimer" I'd put is that William was the perfect husband -- he was always patient and understanding. And, actually, now that I think about it, Clara's faults were never depicted either. They were pretty much the perfect couple who had trials and such come their way. Usually "perfection" turns me off, but I don't know. It was just truly and honestly sweet. Maybe I was just in the mood for an easy, relaxing read.
There definitely was romance in it, as it started when William and Clara met. Nothing too deep was mentioned though. They had feelings for each other, kissed and hugged, etc., but nothing that made me feel uncomfortable.
Honest, this was one of the best books I've read by a teenage author. I look forward to more!
*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from the author.*
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.
INTERVIEW
Added to the exciting book release, Ivy Rose agreed to an interview. Let's find out more about her!
How long have you been writing?
My parents tell me
that I was dictating stories from the age of 3, and I remember putting pen to
paper around age 7. It wasn’t until I was 14 that I really began wondering if I
could become a published author.
Sounds kind of like me. :)
How long have you been thinking about
writing The Old River Road?
I stumbled across
Clara’s memoirs when I was 10, and remember thinking, “Wow, this is so cool.
Someone should write a book about this!” :) But in honesty, I’ve only been actively
working on it for about about a year and a half.
I agree: this is so, so cool!! And the story is amazing! It needed writing down. :)
Who has most influenced your writing?
An author by the name
of Avery E. Hitch. She wrote three absolutely incredible books and doesn’t get
near enough attention for them (in my mind). I love how she did things
differently—she didn’t follow all the ‘proper’ storyteller rules, she wasn’t
grammatically correct for the time period she was writing in—yet I was able to
connect to her characters in a way that I’ve never been able to do before.
Has there been one verse that has
highly encouraged you in the writing process?
2 Chronicles 30:9 “For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not
turn his face away from you.”
What are some fun things you enjoy
doing?
Reading, for sure.
Other than that, swimming, ATV-ing, playing various instruments, and singing
with the oldest two of my five amazing brothers (the youngest three are pretty
young still).
The Old River Road Prize PackInternational Prize
~Blog Tour Schedule~
Friday, July 8th (release
day!)
Emily — Review, Spotlight
Jesseca Wheaton —
Review, Interview
Saturday, July 9th
Olivia K. Fisher — Interview, Spotlight
Faith Blum
— Review, Interview, Spotlight
Hannah E. — Review, Interview
Monday, July 11th
Faith Potts – Review
Rebecca Morgan — Review, Interview
Tuesday, July 12th
Abigayle Ellison — Review, Spotlight
Kenzi Knapp – Review, Interview
Hosanna Emily — Review, Interview
Wednesday, July 13th
Blessing Counter —
Interview
Victoria Minks
— Review, Spotlight
Thursday, July 14th
Deborah C.
— Review, Spotlight
Anna S. Brie
— Review
Leona G. —
Review, Interview
Friday, July 15th
Hope Ann — Review, Interview
Amanda Tero —
Review, Interview
Anika Joy – Review, Interview
3 comments:
This looks like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.
Marion
This sounds like such a nice read, I entered both giveaways!
@ Marion - I'm glad to be able to have had the giveaway on my blog. :) It was a sweet read!
@ Sarah - great!! :) I recommend it highly!
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