such a thought provoking read that took my historical reads love and ran with it. and i gladly was captured by it and reading it in more or less one sitting. it was such a brilliant book of depth and descriptions that i felt so immersed in these characters world. the location isn't one of my go-tos for the genre but for some reason this book grabbed me when i was browsing books. and im sooooo glad it did. i feel rather sad at the thought i might have missed out.
this book really managed to make my emotions switch with it. i felt like was flung right back into the moments in time portrayed via the book. it took you deep into the time and place as we follow a multi generational saga of the Mcclellan family mainly through the son. and i say saga with great joy because i love it when i find an actually book that feels like a saga! and its not often, but they are my favourite.
we start following the family and Jordan in the late 1800s in Oklahoma and we follow the family's high and lows from there. and boy do you get involved with this families highs and lows. Jordan is a impactful character to focus on. hes a man always seeking something, mostly how to heal, find a purpose and repent from huge guilt he feels from personal events. these big feelings send him around the world, often far away. and i was reminded of this line quote i love "wherever you go, you are" and that is sadly very relevant for Jordan. you can run away from yourself.
Jim had such a beautiful way with his writing and words. it felt like it was smooth, flowing and just felt like those books that you love do, something like a song flowing through you off the pages. that smooth passing over you of the book and chapters that makes you feel emotional just because of the skill of the writing sometimes. i always stray a bit away from this time and place because there is obviously a lot of history there. and i sometimes feel ignorant or like i wont be able to access it. Jim allowed me to do that and somehow made it simple.
you get to know the characters and you want to follow them. you are drawn in. you cant help but keep reading. those moments in time were seamlessly woven through the book but didn't shy away from the importance of them and also didn't overwhelm us with them so we always always were centred on how our characters were experiencing them.
this book is Jordan's and its not always easy. and sometimes i wished, i wished he might be happy or happier. at some point? but thats also what makes this book refreshing. this isn't our happy ever ever or ending. this is one families story. as it comes. take it.
but there is still goodness. and connection and bonds. life isn't easy for everyone. and sometimes that recovery isn't always there in the way we read about in the papers. people always need kindness time and for us to listen. Jordan had me listening.
and somehow this book isn't without hope.
love this book. loved it.

This was a really thought-provoking read. It starts with a Western feel in late 19th century Oklahoma and gradually shifts into a more modern story, following Jordan McClellan, the youngest son of a ranching family. I’m always drawn to stories set during these hard, gritty times, and this one captured the spirit of change and struggle beautifully.

Jordan is an academic, much to his father’s disappointment, and that tension adds depth to the family dynamic. I found his reflections on faith and God especially compelling. The book raises big questions without being heavy-handed, and I think many readers would benefit from sitting with them.

The writing is nostalgic and slightly somber, which fits the tone of the story. I really enjoyed how it carried through into the 20th century, touching on events like Pearl Harbor and World War II - both favourites of mine in fiction. A moving, emotional read. Four stars.

Of Saints and Rivers immediately pulled me in with its vivid storytelling and compelling characters. The writing is rich and immersive, creating a sense of place and emotion that lingers. The pacing keeps you hooked throughout, and while a few moments felt slower than others, the overall journey was deeply satisfying. A beautiful blend of mystery, emotion, and humanity—I couldn’t put it down.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories that combine depth with a steady, engaging plot. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.

This story follows the three generations of the McClellan family. It is wonderfully researched with strong characters. Highly recommend.