The Inn at Shining Waters Series by Melody Carlson

Following her mother s funeral, and on the verge of her own midlife crisis, widow Anna Larson returns to the home of her youth to sort out her parents belongings, as well as her own turbulent life. For the first time since childhood, Anna embraces her native heritage, despite the disdain of her vicious mother-in-law... moreFollowing her mother s funeral, and on the verge of her own midlife crisis, widow Anna Larson returns to the home of her youth to sort out her parents belongings, as well as her own turbulent life. For the first time since childhood, Anna embraces her native heritage, despite the disdain of her vicious mother-in-law. By transforming her old family home on the banks of the Siuslaw River into The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna hopes to create a place of healing a place where guests experience peace, grace, and new beginnings. Starting with her own family . . . Melody Carlson painted a serene and unforgettable sense of "place" that came alive with shimmering waters, one woman s dream, life-changing wisdom, and characters I care about I m seriously hooked on the series!" -- Kathy Herman, author of" Secrets of Roux River Bayou" Series and the "Sophie Trace" Trilogy "Melody Carlson's "River's Song" eased through me gently layer by layer, deeper and deeper. This story of re-awakening or renewal appears deceptively simple but wields great emotional power. I look forward to book 2 in The Inn at Shining Rivers series." -- Lyn Cote, Author of"Her Abundant Joy " "In "River s Song," Melody Carlson beautifully tells a generational story of a family living alongside the banks of Oregon s Siuslaw River. Told with sensitivity and insight the story includes a Native American thread, deals with issues of abuse, and weaves an ending full of redemption and grace. I can t wait to read the next novel in the series!" Leslie Gould, "Beyond the Blue" and co-author of "The Amish Midwife" and "The Amish Nanny," with Mindy Starns Clark g her old family home on the banks of the Siuslaw River into The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna hopes to create a place of healing a place where guests experience peace, grace, and new beginnings. Starting with her own family . . . " less

Anna Larson's daughter, Lauren, is confused, brokenhearted, and misguided. It's the turbulent 1960s and feeling alienated from her mother, Lauren chooses to stay with her paternal grandmother. However, repelled by the woman's manipulative and spiteful ways, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn at Shining Waters. But as time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis-one that puts the entire family at risk.

In the final story of The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna Larson's granddaughter Sarah is beginning to find her independence. But her relationship with her parents suffer as a result and she travels away from all that is familiar.While the solace of the river calls Sarah back, surprises await upon her return. Three generations of family heartbreak and disappointments converge at Shining Waters as Sarah finds God right in the center of it all.