The River by Michael Neale

The River by Michael Neale is the story of a young man who finds healing, forgiveness, and purpose.

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.  The memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River holds him back. When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

Gabriel’s journey through life brings him back to the river and he encounters the river as he was not able to as a five year old boy watching his father drown. He experiences love, release, learns to forgive and find life once more – a life connected to the river. This is a beautiful story about family, purpose, forgiveness, and The River that binds them together.

Although this story is an easy read, the dialogue was too childish; relationships went too fast, getting over the fear of the water, too fast. The story was cheated out of the depth it could have, if the story was developed more. With the noted misgiving I would recommend reading the short story for an easy afternoon.

I received eBook from Thomas Nelson in their Booksneeze program for my review.