Inspired by the strong women in author J. J. McCurry's own family, and historically strong women among his Celtic ancestors, The River tells the spiritual journey of a fictional Celtic woman-warrior, Nova, in search of truth.

It's easy to feel distanced from ancient history, but with the layered character of young Nova, the author seems to compress time, bringing the past to the present, by touching on the universal themes that connect all of humanity-love and the search for truth. The writing is beautifully simple, complete with all the words that are necessary, and none that are extraneous.

Nova's quest to understand the truth of spirituality begins with her attempts to balance her family's Druid mysticism and warrior culture. But, after being tricked into servitude by her own father, Nova finds her path unfolding in an entirely new direction when she meets a traveling Jewish rabbi. His engaging stories of his monotheistic religion captivate her.

Throughout The River, the author expertly weaves the history of the Celts with the Romans and the Jews, and reminds readers that Christianity began with the Jews, and that connection remains true to this day. Druids, Jews, and Christians-we are all of a cloth.