Where the River Ebbs is the story of young Owen and Luke, exploring the outdoors on Sunday afternoons in the rural south.
Told from the perspective of 12-year-old Owen, it opens with his attempt to prove his mettle and wisdom to his friend Luke by his nervy attempt to pick grapes, standing on an old bullet-ridden car with a nest of angry hornets inside.
Subsequent chapters narrate Owen and Luke’s back-stories, their adventures outdoors, and the church-centered community’s slower ways of the south.
Frequently, Owen, the less rural and more insecure of the two, tries to grow up a bit too fast, sometimes tripping over his own wild notions of how things ought to be done, and trying to prove his worth to the wise and woodsy Luke.
A mysterious theft from the church gives Owen a reason to demonstrate his skills of deduction. In the end, sorting through clues, experiencing a dramatic reversal, and guided by the wisdom of others, Owen learns the biblical lesson of not judging a book, or a Samaritan, by its cover.
Celia Lowdermilk –
I think it is a great book for young boys who love to explore the woods and loves mystery’s. There is also a good lesson to be learned thru this book. Don’t assume anything
Stephanie –
“Where the River Ebbs” is a great read from start to finish! The imagery and story telling made me feel like I was in North Carolina with Luke and Owen, exploring and adventuring as a kid again. I found myself wanting there to be more to read (wishing the book were longer!), and the twist at the end was a nice surprise.
The book is an easy, enjoyable read for kids and adults alike, while it also addresses important topics like bullying and racial prejudice. I’d highly recommend “Where the River Ebbs” if you’re looking for a clean, family-centered, and culturally-relevant children’s book.
Well done, Eric and Lia!
Betty Malone –
This is a lovely children’s book celebrating nature, friendship and faith.