The Old River Road | Book Review, Giveaway, Interview

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

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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.

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

 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). 

GIVEAWAY

The Old River Road Prize Pack
International Prize

~Blog 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