ON THE RIVER


When I was three, my family went to Padre Island for spring break. According to my parents, I ran into the water just as a wave rolled in. It picked me up, flipped me over, and set me back down on the wet sand. For the rest of the trip, they didn’t have to worry about me getting too close to the ocean.

I don’t remember that incident, but it may have shaped my feelings about the ocean. I enjoy beaches and I like snorkeling or sailing – as long as the water’s smooth – but I never feel entirely comfortable with bodies of water so big I can’t see across them.

Lakes and rivers are more my style. I like to see the shoreline, to watch the plants and animals along the way. I like the canyons formed by rivers, exposing layers and layers of natural history. And I like the way rivers act as a natural highway. If you look at a map, you’ll notice people have always tended to settle along rivers.

Last summer, my husband and I floated the Kenai River a couple of hours south of Anchorage. Some of the streams that feed into the Kenai are glacial runoff, which turns the Kenai a deep turquoise blue. 


My husband is a fisherman, but I just went along to enjoy the day. The salmon weren’t running and the water was high, but it was a beautiful day to fly-fish and eventually he landed a rainbow trout. Trout are catch and release on the Kenai, which meant I didn’t have to cook it. Win/win. 





 My first Heartwarming, The Alaskan Catch, comes out in five days – not that I’m counting or anything. Water is a theme in this book. On their first day together, Sam and Dana go kayaking on a lake in Anchorage. Later, they hike up a creek to find wild swans. And finally, Sam takes Dana on a fly-in float trip where she faces unexpected challenges. Along the way, Dana discovers reservoirs of strength and courage she never knew she had.


Where life's currents take you… 
Dana Raynott just traveled 3,600 miles to reunite with the brother who changed his name and fled to Alaska nineteen years ago. It's impossible not to be moved by this wild, breathtaking state, even if Dana's no closer to finding the answers she came here for. 
Her brother's best friend, Anchorage engineer Sam MacKettrick, might be able to help her. He's strong and kind—a six-foot, irresistible blend of diverse cultures. He's also haunted by a tragic family history with a startling connection to Dana's past…

Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Kobo    Google Play    iBooks     Harlequin


Need a little mystery in your life? To celebrate our upcoming releases, the August Heartwarming authors have put together a mystery giveaway for our readers with four different prizes. I don’t know what’s in all the packages, but it’s bound to be something special. ENTER HERE! 


So how do you like your water? Ocean, lake, pond, river, or creek? Or do you prefer dry land?

Comments

  1. Really enjoyed your post. In the last month I've played in the ocean, driven by the Missouri, and rode the rapids of the Arkansas River. I love the water but respect her. I, too, have been tossed by the wave of life :)
    Looking forward to reading your book :)

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    1. Wow, that's a lot of water for a desert-dweller. I'll be playing in the ocean next month at a destination wedding. I'll enjoy the waves, but I won't turn my back.

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  2. I'm so excited for you, Beth!I love the water, so I know I'll enjoy your book. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photographs.

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  3. I loved the post. There is such a mystery to Alaska for me, plus all that hard-to-comprehend beauty! The book sounds wonderful.

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    1. Thank you, Liz. I grew up on dry plains, so even though I've lived here for 27 years, Alaska still seems mysterious to me as well.

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  4. What gorgeous photos--I could so easily slide myself right into them. I've not been to Alaska yet, emphasis on yet. Your book sounds intriguing, and I wish you all the best with it.

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    1. You'll definately have to make it up someday. This summer's been mostly rainy, but when the sunny day pop out, the green makes it all worth it.

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  5. Your book sounds intriguing. I like the water too, but am a bit uncomfortable when I can't touch the bottom. :)

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    1. So you understand my feelings. Love the water, but a healthy respect.

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  6. I'm excited for you, too, Beth, and look forward to reading your debut Heartwarming release! I've always loved the water in any of its forms. When I was about the age you were when you ran into the water, I dove (although tumbled head-first might be a more apt description) into the ocean from a boat. My father was quick and rescued me. Unlike in your case, the incident didn't seem to be a deterrent for me.

    I wish you much success with THE ALASKAN CATCH, Beth!

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    1. Thanks, Kate. You'll find something similar in this story. I suppose since your father rescued you so quickly, you didn't feel any lasting fear. Just confidence that you were safe even in the water. Thank goodness for dads.

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  7. As an adult, an ocean wave set me abruptly on my seat, so I'm with you when it comes to respecting (fearing) the ocean. Living in a town with a lake, I suppose that's my natural fave, though I like the exclusivity of river travel. Congratulations on your debut HW!

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    1. Thank you. I have fond memories of family outings and learning to water-ski on a small lake not far from the farm where I grew up. I'd love to do a European river cruise someday.

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  8. Beth, I have your book. Can't wait to read it. I love Alaska. When I lived in Seattle I had several friends from there. A best friend that grew up in Skagway. Her home movies were wonderful. In many ways it's good the ocean treated you like a football at three. Usually kids have too little fear of waves, etc.

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    1. I've never been to Skagway, but the photos do look amazing. Someday we're going to have to take a cruise and see all those places along the marine highway. I was never a daredevil child, so I'm sure the lesson stuck. I've visited Seattle many times and my sister just moved there, so I'm sure more visits are in my future. Such a pretty city. I loved getting flowers at the market.

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  9. I'm going to the ocean next month!! I love water of any kind. I love the quote from Alaskan Catch! Can't wait to read it.

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    1. Me, too, at a family wedding. We'll plan to do some snorkling and build sand-castles, but I won't turn my back on the waves. Hope you enjoy the trip, and the book.

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  10. Congratulations on your upcoming release! It sounds wonderful. Like others here, I have great respect for Mother Nature. I once got caught in a riptide and ended up far out before the next wave washed me back in to shore, thank goodness. So during a recent trip, I dipped my toes in the water but mainly enjoyed my beach chair. Great post, Beth.

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    1. Wow, that must have been terrifying! So glad Mother Nature decided to toss you back.

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  11. Hello Beth! Can't wait to read your book. I myself am not an ocean person. My husband was on a fishing trip one time and the boat broke down as a storm rolled in. He in Mexico and the Mexican coastguard flew over them and said the storm (over 20 ft waves) was too bad and they wouldn't attempt a rescue. The people on shore were told to get ready to call their next of kin. Luckily, a shrimp boat passed by and was able to tow them back to shore. He hasn't set foot near the ocean since and that was more than 20 years ago. We stick to rivers and streams now.

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    1. I can't say I blame you. I do enjoy the ocean, as long as she behaves herself, but I don't like getting far from shore. The coastguard rescues in Carol Ross's books are amazing.

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    2. Oh my goodness. That should go in your next book. smile

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  12. Beth, your book sounds wonderful. I can hardly wait. I've traveled to Alaska several times and love it there. My brother-in-law used to live there. We had many fun adventures.

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    1. Where in Alaska did he live, Sandra? The funny thing about living in Alaska is we get busy with life and don't get to all those cool places we'd visit if we were tourists. Still so much to see.

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  13. Alaska looks beautiful and I'm eager to see it, albeit vicariously, through your book! All the best with it and the others on the horizon!

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