River of Dreams is an immersive and mysterious story that follows a young woman from bafflement and longing toward a complex and wonder-filled journey of self-discovery. As she examines illusion in the mundane and seeks answers from the magical, she comes closer to fully uncovering generational gifts that threaten her sense of normalcy and, at the same time, set her free. I found so much to love in these pages.

An enchanting and riveting read, River of Dreams tells the story of Avery, a young girl who—through a near-catastrophic accident—unlocks a mysterious gift. A powerful commentary on the systemic subjugation of women in institutionalized mental health settings, this novel is a delightfully surprising and thoroughly absorbing mash up of Call the Midwife and Medium.

Robin Blackburn McBride’s writing possesses an exquisite blend of descriptive power and psychological insight. Her main character’s acute sensibility guides us through a riveting tale of kindred connection and an unrelenting excavation of self. Poignant and intimate, River of Dreams is a novel that makes another life as believable as your own.

River of Dreams is a beautifully rendered piece of early twentieth-century magic that leads us into the world of orphanages and sanitoriums, complex family dynamics and a slow-burning romance, clairvoyance and the rare unspoken connections between people that linger eternally. Robin Blackburn McBride has created a world so seamlessly extraordinary, readers don’t even need to suspend their disbelief. Fans of Alice Hoffman and Heather O’Neill’s The Lonely Hearts Hotel will devour her unique insights as quickly and enthusiastically as I did. 

River of Dreams is a richly woven tale of a woman caught between her calling and society’s expectations. A story of family legacy, resilience, and self-discovery, it is a haunting exploration of the fine line between genius and madness, and the courage it takes to embrace the extraordinary—exceptional writing, and brilliant characterization. River of Dreams is a masterful blend of historical fiction and the supernatural that will linger in your heart long after the final page.

When only a child, Annabelle Avery Conlon discovers that she has the gift of intuition when it comes to reading people’s true selves. And if that isn’t enough, she also receives visions about their past, present, and the future. She can see into a person’s heart with uncanny precision—a talent that leads her to a nursing career and a job in an asylum, where she uses her unique gifts.

A timely story for a troubled world, River of Dreams is a beautifully crafted journey of a young woman dedicated to healing minds.