Camille Taylor's life in Washington DC comes tumbling down when her husband dies suddenly and she struggles to deal with her own grief, motherhood and the fast-paced demands of life as a lawyer. Overall, I enjoyed reading about her slow transformation from shattered widow to a more accepting peace and slower paced life back home on the coast of Alabama. There were a few things that bothered me though - and I won't post my review on Goodreads because I don't like sharing negative feedback. However, if I could offer my two cents to the writer or editor I would encourage the extreme grief to be addressed as beyond the normal grieving process. Most people who experience loss find their equilibrium within six months. Camille was so destroyed by her grief that even at six months she could not function and was asked to step away from her job because her work was so shoddy. There is an actual clinical diagnosis in there somewhere since her despair was well beyond the normal range at that stage.


Her husband's funeral bothered me too. Camille starts wailing so loudly that her father picks her up and carries her out of the room. That scene just didn't seem right. Would he be physically able to carry her? And also, what about Willa? As a mom, I can't help but think that I would be suppressing my own grief so that my six year-old would not be traumatized by my unchecked and unrestrained emotions. It wasn't until she actually moves back to Alabama that she seems to consider what her daughter is going through having suddenly lost her dad. At one point she realizes that her daughter has learned how to ride a bicycle and she never taught her and did not know when it happened or who did. It takes Camilla's mother in Alabama to try to bring home to Camille that Willa needs to talk about her dad because she misses him so much, but Camille had been shutting down any conversation about him. It just doesn't seem like good mothering instincts and I would have liked the character Camille more if I had seen her putting her daughter first, or even thinking about her at all in those first chapters.

Finally, the friction between Camille and her mother seemed like pretty normal problems: Camille being pushed to be the more typical southern belle and not so independent, more feminine, etc. I could relate to that as could probably tons of other readers, but Camille's reaction seemed out of proportion. It is revealed that she hadn't visited her folks ever in those first six years of Willa's childhood. Again - sorry to Willa for having to deal with a difficult mother, but think of your child who might love to have a good relationship with a grandma.

Camille Taylor has it all - - a successful job as a partner in a law firm, a beautiful daughter and loving husband. What more could she want? Then one day everything is uprooted when Ben suddenly dies and leaves Camille devastated and unsure how to move forward.

Several months later, Camille still hasn't found a way to balance work and her daughter. And her grief is still almost paralyzing. So, she takes a leave of absence at the insistence of her firm and heads to stay with her parents in Alabama to try and pull herself together. She hates going back because it feels like she's a failure. What she doesn't realize is it might be just what she and her daughter need. But things aren't exactly what she was expecting in Alabama either when she finds out her father is being sued. Camille finds her roots and remembers who she was before she left. Even better, she realizes who she wants to be going forward.

This book was such a wonderful read. My heart broke for Camille when Ben died. It was truly a horrible thing for a young thirty-five year old woman and mother to go through and you just want her to find a way to move through it. Even though Camille will always miss Ben, she works through her grief and comes out the other side even stronger. This was a strong women's fiction entry and I'd highly recommend it.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The audio was narrated so well. I was completely engrossed in the storyline and felt like the southern inflections were done well lending to the credence of the book. 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to read and listen to them both and review them. The opinions contained within are my own.

I want to thank @dreamscape_media @audreyingramwrites and @netgalley for an audiobook review copy of The River Runs South. This book starts off with loss, a woman, Camille, finds herself alone with her daughter and struggling to get her life back in order. She has to return to the one place she never wanted to go back to. Alabama, her roots. There she finds purpose, she is a lawyer and finds a way to fight to environmental justice. She also finds love along the way. This is a strong debut novel for Ingram. It is wrapped up nice and neat and turns out being the feel good novel you just need sometimes.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

Congratulations to Audrey Ingram and her debut novel The River Runs South. This story has a strong sense of place - summer on the Alabama coast - and was I drawn into the audiobook narrated by Megan Tusing from chapter one. CW: Death of a spouse.

Camille Taylor’s carefully constructed life in Washington, DC is stressful - there's never enough time for her roles of wife, mother, and attorney. When her husband dies unexpectedly, she struggles at work and at home until the law firm strongly suggests she take some time off. She and her 6-year-old daughter go back to Fairhope, Alabama to stay with her parents.

Camille clashes with her mother, a stereotypical Southern matriarch, but the coastal weather, slower lifestyle, and childhood memories help her relax into a summer away from the city and her job. Then she learns her father's landscaping business is named in a big lawsuit, and her roles of daughter and attorney unite to protect her parents' future.

I really enjoyed this novel that explores themes of family, motherhood, grief, the legal system, and environmental protection and preservation. I appreciated the Southern traditions that were woven into the story. The author is an attorney, and her legal expertise was evident in key plotlines of the novel. The River Runs South is classified as a romance so it has a 'big shiny' happy ending, but it's nice to occasionally read books that conclude in happily ever after.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for access to the audiobook.

The story begins by Camille’s husband’s sudden death. This shakes her and rocks her to her core. Camille must figure out how to continue her law career in DC and take care of her witty, 6-year-old daughter, Willa, on her own. A year goes by, and Camille is dragging at best. She decides to take a few weeks off and goes to visit her parents where she grew up in Alabama for some r & r. While in Alabama, she meets Mack, a local fisherman who happens to be in a lawsuit with her father. The writing was beautiful and flowed effortlessly. Thankfully I have never lost a spouse so I don’t know how I would react, but it felt odd that she began to have feelings for someone the summer after. Willa, too smart for a 6-year-old and a girl with a large vocabulary, had plenty of insight and was comic relief for this heartbreaking story. The emotions flooded through the story as Camille learns how to best pick herself back up and move on. What is right for her and her daughter? This was a story about loss, motherhood, family and learning how to pick back up and rise to the top again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 Stars

Happy pub week to Audrey Ingram and The River Runs South! Thank you to Dreamscape Media ( @dreamscape_media ) and NetGalley ( @netgalley ) for allowing me to read an ALC (Advanced Listener 🎧 Copy) for an honest review!

📅 Tuesday, September 5, 2023 was the pub date for The River Runs South by Audrey Ingram. The narrator🎙️for this audiobook 🎧 is Megan Tusing. 📅

Kudos to Audrey for capturing the heart ❤️ and soul, the very essence, of a charming small coastal 🐚 town in the south! The places, settings, and people were beautifully written 📝. This book makes any southern gal that has moved away from their parents and home 🏡 want to return 🧳more frequently if not for good.

Unfortunate circumstances give Camille “Cami” Taylor a second chance to fall in love with her roots 🌳 and a potential ✨new✨ romantic interest. Cami finds herself guarding her heart and her daughter after the death of her husband.

She is devastated but feels it is best to pour herself into her work 💻, in turn creating a distraction from reality. There’s only one ☝️ slight problem…her coworkers are not fooled. Everyone recognizes she is hurting
💔, struggling, and making giant messes for the firm. She seems to be working harder instead of smarter. Her boss gives her an ultimatum…take a few weeks to rest 🛏️ and clear her head 🧠 or risk getting fired!

Cami heads south with her daughter, Willa, to visit her parents. Cami’s trip 🚘 surprises her by bringing back nostalgic memories
of her younger years in Sweet Home Alabama. She is able to teach 🙋🏻‍♀️Willa about her favorite parts of the coastal waters 🌊 and local small businesses, all while learning about new developments.

This book is for lovers of Kristy Woodson Harvey, Delia Owens, Kelly Mustian, Leigha Weiss, Pat Conroy, and Susan Rebecca White.

Title: "The River Runs South" by Audrey Ingram - A Captivating Journey 🌊📚

Book Review:
I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in the enchanting world of "The River Runs South" by Audrey Ingram, and I must say, it was an absolute delight. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an incredible audiobook copy that truly enhanced my reading experience.

One of the standout features of this audiobook was Megan Tusing's exceptional narration. Her flawless performance showcased her remarkable talent for voice acting, as she effortlessly brought each character to life. Tusing's ability to shape her voice and give every character a distinct tone added a perfect vibrancy to the novel. From the protagonist's introspective musings to the supporting characters' passionate dialogues, Tusing's interpretation was nothing short of outstanding.

Audrey Ingram's storytelling skills deserve high praise. "The River Runs South" takes readers on a captivating journey along a winding river, brimming with mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Ingram's vivid descriptions painted a rich tapestry of the setting, allowing readers to visualize the lush landscapes and feel the ebb and flow of the river's currents. The seamless blend of picturesque scenery and engaging plot made it difficult to put the book down.

Moreover, the characters in "The River Runs South" were expertly crafted, each with their own unique personality and depth. I found myself deeply invested in their lives, rooting for them through their triumphs and empathizing with their struggles. The emotional resonance and relatability of the characters added an extra layer of depth to the narrative, making it a truly immersive experience.

Ingram's writing style is elegant and evocative, effortlessly capturing the essence of the story. The pacing was well-balanced, allowing the tension to build gradually while also providing moments of respite. The author's attention to detail and meticulous research were evident throughout the book, lending an air of authenticity to the narrative.

Overall, "The River Runs South" is a remarkable novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and human connection. Audrey Ingram's storytelling prowess, combined with Megan Tusing's flawless narration, created an audiobook experience that was truly unforgettable.

I highly recommend "The River Runs South" to all lovers of captivating fiction. Dive into this enchanting world, where the river's currents will carry you on a mesmerizing journey of self-discovery and exploration. 🌊✨

Hashtags: #BookReview #TheRiverRunsSouth #AudreyIngram #Audiobook #Netgalley #DreamscapeMedia

Note: I apologize for not being able to include emojis in my response as I am an AI text-based model and do not have the capability to generate emoji characters.

This was such a sweet and captivating book!

If you are a foodie, like romance and are drawn to sweet small southern towns - this is for you.

Description from NetGalley
“Perfect for fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey and Linda Holmes, this transporting and illuminating debut explores love, loss, and finding the courage to start over fresh.”

A beautiful story of woman finding her way after her husband tragically passes too soon. The path of grief, family, new love and finding a closer connection to her daughter. Bravo!

Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape media for this Audio ARC.

Audrey Ingram's stunning debut, THE RIVER RUNS SOUTH, is a beautifully moving story of courage and new beginnings — a mother, wife, and attorney, stricken with grief returns to her small coastal Southern hometown to assist her father, Sam, with an environmental lawsuit and in the process she remembers what she loved about the area and wants the same for her daughter.

Camille Taylor has worked hard to escape her small-town life of Alabama and is now a successful attorney (Junior partner) in hopes of being a full partner in Washington, DC, happily married with a young daughter, Willa.

When Ben, her husband, dies unexpectedly of a heart attack, she is shattered with grief. When a panic attack lands her in the hospital, she decides to visit her parents in her hometown in the coastal town of Fairhope, Alabama, with her six-year-old daughter Willa over the summer for a change and emotional support.

She finds the salt air and the coast is what she needs and introduces her daughter to everything she loved as a child. She also meets local fisherman, the intriguing Mack Phillips.

There is much stress in her parent's home as her father is involved in a lawsuit due to runoff from an abandoned development site polluting the water, and Mack has brought a suit against the site’s owners—Camille’s father among them.

Her daughter is a big fan of Mack's but Camille's mom (very critical and controlling) the perfect Marion Graves, does not like her mentioning his name but yet she wants Camille to date the local attorney, Griffin, whom she thinks is more suitable.

There is more to Mack than meets the eye. Camille's daughter loves it here and wants to stay, but Camille's life and law career are back in DC.

Can she remain in Alabama, fight for causes, have a law practice, and get to know Mack? Can she have it all and offer the best life for her daughter?

Lawyers always seem to make the best authors!

THE RIVER RUNS SOUTH is heartwarming, beautifully told, and one of grief, family, self-discovery, and new beginnings. I love the stunning cover and the fun characters. Willa was a favorite, and I loved her spunk and vivid personality. The Southern setting and environment elements, as were the mother/daughter relationships and emotions, were well done.

AUDIOBOOK: I read the e-book and listened to the audiobook I highly recommend, narrated by the fabulously talented Megan Tusing (a favorite) for all voices for an engaging performance.

Audrey Ingram is an author to watch! Looking forward to seeing what comes next!

THE RIVER RUNS SOUTH is perfect for fans of the movie Sweet Home Alabama and authors Mary Alice Monroe, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Lauren K. Denton, and Patti Callahan Henry—an ideal book club pick.

"The River Runs South" by Audrey Ingram is a Blend of Family and Romance Fiction!

When Camille Taylor's husband dies unexpectedly, it jars her world and puts her into a spin. She continues on for months attempting to balance her D.C lawyer-partner career with being a single parent to her six-year-old daughter, Willa. She can do it all. She'll be fine.

Until she's not.

Camille decides to head back to Alabama, connect with her roots, and visit her parents. She's craving the slower pace of the South, hoping it will soothe her. She once said she'd never go back, but right now with sweet little Willa in tow, it seems like the right thing to do...

"The River Runs South" is a well-written debut novel about a strong, resilient female main character and a precocious, feisty six-year-old daughter who will steal your heart. The author artfully adds in a secondary storyline that enhances the main story, as everything continues to revolve around and focus on Camille and Willa.

The author richly highlights the beauty of the Alabama coast line, salty air and sea life. The mention of delectable dishes, unique to the South, described as being prepared or served is mouth-watering. All of this adds authenticity to this southern setting and adds the feel of another character to the story.

"The River Runs South" audiobook is narrated by Megan Tusing, who does an amazing job of voicing, creating a pleasurable listening experience.

"The River Runs South" is simple fiction that's well-written with great characters, an emotionally driven premise, and an ending that leave room for the reader's imagination to take flight. A little tension here and there, a sprinkle of family drama, and the budding of new relationships makes this a worthwhile read.

I recommend "The River Runs South" to those who enjoy a blend of Family and Romance Fiction with the flavors of the South!

4⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Audrey Ingram for an ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.

The River Runs South by Audrey Ingram. I was SO excited to get approved for this book! I was on a thriller kick and needed something to mix it up! This book was everything! Romance, drama, with some educational things about nature mixed in! The narrator was fantastic. Similar to a Hallmark movie but WAYYYY BETTER! I do love Hallmark movies though! Thanks NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC!

4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5🎧
I am a huge fan of this narrator, so when the opportunity came to review this book, I jumped at it, and I am so very glad that I did. I loved it. I felt all the emotions. Camille's whole life gets turned upside down, and she is drowning in emotions and grief.

She can't pick herself up, so she takes time off and takes her daughter home to where she grew up. It was the best choice she could have made. It gives them both a chance to heal.
There were some plot things I didn't enjoy. But I could get over it because, overall, the story was full, and I didn't feel like we were missing things.
I loved the way Camille opened up even when it was hard. She sticks up for herself even when it could have been easier to keep her mouth shut.
I loved her daughter, it just goes to show you that children are resilient, and they can and do bounce.

Again, the narration was wonderful. I love how Megan Tusing gives us all the emotions.

Camille Taylor has it all—the life she always dreamed of as a young girl from coastal Alabama. She has a successful corporate law career in Washington DC, a husband who adores her, and a precocious little girl who keeps her on her toes. Everything is going as planned, until her young and healthy husband unexpectedly passes.

Struggling to reconcile with her new normal, Camille becomes a shell of herself trying to figure out how she is going to move forward without help from the one person missing. Eventually Camille waves her white flag and heads home to Alabama on a leave of absence from work to work on herself.

Camille never thought she would end up back in Alabama for more than a few days, but finds the slower pace more forgiving to her grieving heart. She also quickly discovers her parents had been hiding a lawsuit that threatens her father’s company and their retirement. Her father, a landscape architect and staunch environmentalist, finds himself tangled up with the wrong company on the wrong side of a lawsuit. After months of legal research, Camille vows to help her father, but is conflicted as it puts her up against her new friend Mack Phillips, the local fisherman who has enchanted her heart and her daughter’s as well.

Following Camille’s stages of grief is a struggle at times, but despite setbacks she continues to find a way forward. Her focus on her doing what’s best for her daughter even if it ruffles feathers makes me like her even more. The waterways of Alabama themselves serve as a rich backdrop to Camille’s recovery. It’s obvious in her descriptions that Audrey Ingram has a deep rooted love for her hometown.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the author Audrey Ingram for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The River Runs South comes out on Tuesday. All opinions are my own.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This is the first book by Audrey Ingram that I have read, and I liked it instantly. The characters and the description of Alabama are lovely. The storyline was well-written, and the reader was wonderful.

4.5⭐️

After Camille’s husband dies unexpectedly, and when their life together had only really just begun, she struggles to move forward through her grief, while trying to balance her legal career and caring for her young daughter. Flailing on every front, she finally decides to take a break from her life in D.C. and return to her parents’ home in Alabama.

Returning home is never simple, and there are some unresolved tensions within her family to deal with, but there’s also a great deal of love and support, and a chance to slow down that Camille had previously not allowed herself.

Add in a lawsuit her father has been brought into, an instant connection with the man at its other side, a fragile ecosystem in peril, and the struggle between expectations and heart’s desire, and you have a lovely and complex story- one I enjoyed from start to finish.

Megan Tusing did a fantastic job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Audrey Ingram, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.