The Art of Rivers (Coastal Hearts #3) by Janet W. Ferguson

Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.

After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.

Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

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There was so much to enjoy in The Art of Rivers.  I love when a book can draw emotion from me and this one definitely accomplished that.  Rivers and Cooper have been through so much that my heart just ached for them.  There seemed to be trouble at every turn, walls blocking their paths and emotional turmoil that left even me breathless.  Through it all was a sliver of hope that kept me invested and pushing forward right along with Rivers and Cooper.

Cooper and Rivers dedicate their lives to helping others who have struggles similar to their own.  I loved their dedication and devotion to those struggling.  It takes a special kind of individual to do something like that, not only in this book but in real life too.  I know there are so many people trying to make the world a better place by helping others through the tough patches and I'm so grateful for them.

I loved how the relationship between Rivers and Cooper developed.  It was a sweet romance born in the midst of struggle and it was extremely satisfying.

I will say that this book is heavy on the Christian elements.  It was a bit more than I personally prefer in a fiction book but that is just a personal preference.  If you are looking for a light Christian or inspirational book, this would not be the one to pick up. 

Content:  alcohol and drug abuse, death, some violence, heavy Christian elements

- I borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited.