Sept. Books & Brews: A River Enchanted

This one's an audiobook recommendation! 🎧 Close your eyes and be transported to a world of spirits, sea air, and romance in Rebecca Ross' A River Enchanted.

Book cover from Goodreads; graphic produced by the blogger on Canva.

Set on the isle of Cadence, this lush, atmospheric novel revolves around two childhood enemies: Jack the bard and Adaira, heiress of the Eastern Tamerlaines. Having spent years away from his old nemesis and his family, Jack studied at the university on the mainland and now teaches music there. He had hoped to leave behind the superstitions and bad blood of his youth, but when a letter beckons him home, he knows it's a call he dare not refuse.

"Welcome home, my old menace."

Once back in his homeland, Adaira and the townspeople entreat Jack, Cadence's only musician, to play for the island's mischievous spirits and summon home the children who continue to go missing at the hands of the fae. These otherworldly "folk" are part of the fabric of the island, however, and must be treated with caution, much like the Western clan the Tamerlaines have feuded with since before recorded history.

In endeavoring to assuage the fears of his clansmen and use his talents to help his people face their foes, Jack suddenly finds that the Cadence he left behind looks quite different with Adaira by his side. Though the clan lines remain and the land's enchantments endure, his feelings for his old nemesis Adaira – and for himself, really – seem to have shifted after years apart.

With the help of Adaira's cousin Torin (head of the Eastern guard) and his wife Sidra (trusted healer), Adaira and Jack embark on a world-bending journey to secure their clan and set Cadence aright. What unfolds is a sweeping coming-of-age story set in an ethereal Scottish isle, complete with romance, familial struggles, mystery, and magic.

Jack Tamerlaine 🤝 Jamie Fraser

Though targeting a younger audience (think late teens, early 20s), this novel reminded me a lot of the show Outlander. I haven't read the series, but having seen the TV show helped lend more color to the Scottish brogue and verdant highland setting. (It also helps that I've always wanted to visit Scotland and run around the moors in a billowing gown, so I've pictured that scenario a few times.) Plus, hearing the accents and pronunciation in the audiobook makes this narration more accessible for those unfamiliar with certain turns of phrase.

However, the parallels stop at the scenery, plaids, and dialect, as A River Enchanted is far less explicit than Outlander, both in terms of romantic relationships and sexual violence. That being said, I would've loved a skosh more heat between Adaira and Jack, especially since tensions have been simmering even in his years away.

Although Jack is a strong protagonist (and an almost Jamie-Fraser-level Yearner) in undergoing his own character development, this book features some truly beautifully-written FMCs! Both Adaira and Sidra are imbued with strength, wisdom, courage, and kindness in spades, though of course they manifest in different ways. 10/10 would be friends with IRL!

On that note, this novel is what I would call a slow burner, taking time to immerse readers in the setting and relationships rather than moving forward solely through dialogue or plot. I found that the audiobook kept me hanging on every word, but I can see how those reading the physical book might wish for faster pacing. Overall, I'd rate this a solid 4 stars!

Aside from Outlander, fans of Divine Rivals, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries would likely enjoy this fantasy book! Think social division, enemies-to-lovers, folk tales, grumpy main characters, and unique magic systems. If you enjoy reading about any of the above, you're set!

Teatime with the Tamerlaines ☕️

What could be more fitting for the at-times harsh clime of a Scottish isle than a bracing cup of tea? I opted for a cup or two of my Earl Grey accompanied by some blueberry scones using this handy mix. I'm sure Sidra and Mirin would've given anything for an easy premade mix like this in their kitchens!

However, I also think any of the following blends would be a great complement to A River Enchanted:

• Scottish Breakfast Tea – for obvious reasons! This malty black brew is full-bodied and caffeinated, perfect before an adventure (or brush with death) in the highlands.

• Chamomile Tea – as we find in the book, certain flower petals can pack a mighty punch. Why not use them for good instead of evil? Flavor aside, chamomile is reputed for its soothing properties, which might come in handy for our beleaguered protagonists.

• Peppermint Tea – poor Sidra and Mirin are going through it in this book, working constantly to protect their little ones and their clans. Peppermint tea has some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that might help soothe their aches and pains (and our secondhand stress for these MCs).

Sit back and enjoy a cuppa – and maybe start digging into book two of this duology!