Yvette - Bookworlder

This isn't the typical plucky heroine storyline often found in the romance genre. Rather, it is a story of a reserved young woman dealing with grief and the responsibilities of keeping her family and family farm together as, with her father giving in to his grief and her brother drafted into the army, they fall more and more on her shoulders. More on the plucky side is her 18 year old sister. As much as Judith tries to guide her with the moral teachings of their mother, this is 1918 and great change is sweeping over the world as the end of World War I approaches - and this is shown through the younger sister's attitudes and disregard for the more traditional societal expectations that Judith feels bound by.

Part of what gives this such an authentic feel is the descriptions of early 1900's farm life, as the Chadbourne's harvest apples and complete various other chores. Another aspect is the pacing and plot development, both of which help this story feel a bit like a non-fiction narrative at times. In particular, this is felt in the evolution of Ben Thayer from an older friend of Judith's brother and a neighbor that she is both curious about and frightened by to a possible love interest.

An interesting, ultimately heart-warming and satisfying story. A quick read for those who enjoy historical fiction based on real people and true events.

My thanks to the author, who provided an ebook copy of River Rest for my honest review.