Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12, TLV

When I read What the River Keeps, this month’s featured author Cheryl Grey Bostrom’s latest release,

this verse in Proverbs came to mind. The book was so impactful, and I believe so important that I’m beginning with my review of What the River Keeps.

I was looking forward to Cheryl Grey Bostrom’s latest release, What the River Keeps. And, goodness, I was not disappointed. With her vivid descriptions and unique plots and characters, I was engaged from the first paragraph. This book had a strong mystery thread that I loved with a surprising ending, and a love story that was romantic and healing. Cheryl digs deep into the human story and mines true treasures.

As someone who had a less than “normal” childhood, Hildy’s story was a beautiful albeit difficult journey to healing. Cheryl’s integration of nature’s challenges and need for healing was a profound parable of hope and responsibility and possibilities.

Highly recommended for fans of stories about human frailties and strength and survival, nature’s wildness, beauty, and our God-given responsibility to steward His creation, clean romance, mystery, Christian suspense, and profound faith journeys.

Who is this amazing author?

Author Cheryl Grey Bostrom writes surprising fiction that reflects her keen interest in nature and human behavior. Combined, her critically acclaimed novels Sugar Birds and Leaning on Air have garnered more than two dozen literary awards, as well as international bestseller and Book of the Year honors.

A columnist, photographer, and avid birder, Cheryl and her veterinarian husband live in the rural Pacific Northwest that inspires the settings for her stories.

Let’s get to know Cheryl even more!

What did you read as a child?

Nature stories! My grandparents’ collection of Thornton W. Burgess’ books from the early 1900’s were favorites: Old Granny Fox. Bowser the Hound. The Adventures of Buster Bear.  Mother West Wind “How” Stories. I especially liked Burgess’ While the Story Log Burns. My granddad would plunk a log on the fire and Gram would read from that book until only embers remained. As I grew, I gravitated to books like Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, Jack London stories.

What inspired you to write a story set on NW Washington’s Elwha River?

From my What the River Keeps research trip to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

For five generations, my Port Angeles family lived within a ten-mile radius of the Elwha Valley, and my grandparents roamed its pristine ecosystem with me in tow. Having loved the Elwha since childhood and eager to plant my imagination there for the course of a story, I was delighted when protagonist Hildy came to mind. Trapped by, then freed from a generational stronghold of deception, the young biologist’s inner history parallels the dammed-up river’s story. In every way, the setting was an elegant fit.

What is something God taught you while you wrote What the River Keeps?

To pray for protection as I wrote. As I wrote about the “lie-makers” trapping Hildy in a maze of confusion, I experienced assaults in both my dreams and waking hours. Resistance to my writing about emotional and spiritual release for Hildy and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe was palpable. The enemy doesn’t like exposure—especially when captives are being freed.

Throughout the story, Hildy dismantles lies she’s believed since childhood. How does the narrative encourage readers to do the same?

Though professionally successful, Hildy’s inner world is in shambles, leaving her fearful, isolated, and questioning her sanity. Her path to personal growth veers off-track sometimes, and her steps forward are small. But as she allows herself to enter honest, loving relationships, physical and spiritual truths come to light, and she begins to heal. The fact that her faltering, but persistent, explorations dismantle her inner strongholds can encourage readers to examine their own barriers to wholeness—and to tear them down.

What is one of your favorite quotes from What the River Keeps and why do you love it?

On page 83, the lodge’s cook, June talks about the “two hells” Luke and his sister Miranda have endured.

“They’re a powerhouse pair, those two. But they’ll be the first to tell you it’s not their own power. If you live through what they have and still want to see mornin’? You’ve been carried.”

I can’t read this quote without a wash of love and gratitude for how Christ has carried me and those I love through darkness—to daylight and hope. Carries us still.

The natural world plays an enormous role in this and your previous two titles. Why the emphasis on nature?

The subtitle of my first non-fiction book—Watching Nature, Seeing Life—captures my belief that the natural world connects us to God’s design for life in astonishing, beautiful ways. Too, nature can be a portal to understanding the Creator’s character, and to intimacy with him. As I weave the creation into my stories, I hope my readers will be compelled by awe to ponder all that.

Many young writers struggle to create multi-dimensional characters. What advice would you offer to those aspiring to write compelling, complex personalities?

I was riding a NYC subway when my companion cautioned me not to make eye contact. Toughest thing ever, since on the days I’m with people, I’m observing, connecting, listening, and sniffing for emotions, motives, and nuanced behaviors in those around me. Always, I’m asking myself (or those I’m watching, when doing so isn’t flat-out weird) “why would they choose/do/say that?” It’s those whys infused into stories that make characters interesting.

What is the best writing tip you have ever received? How was it helpful?

To read everything . . . everything I write aloud. Doing so has helped me to polish my writing voice and dialogue in ways nothing else can.

How about a FANTASTIC giveaway from Cheryl and Tyndale Fiction?

August’s A2A Giveaway!

Yes! Thanks to Cheryl and Tyndale Publishing, this month’s giveaway TWO WINNERS will receive a softcover copy of her latest release, What the River Keeps

There are TWO winners, and you could be one of them! How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times– (see the YouTube interview)!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive a free gift from me — and an extra entry.

NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*

Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with Cheryl. Because, in the video interview Cheryl answer different fun questions–and we have some great discussions! 

By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.* 

The Deadline is August 14th!

Watch our interview–

That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES–SEVEN!*

Next month: Award-winning and bestselling suspense author, DiAnn Mills.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Cheryl–I certainly did! Until September, God bless and KEEP READING! 

*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.