Where The River Bends is a romance with a paranormal element. The book is mainly set in South Africa.

Kalinda works for the Anglo Boer War Foundation; she is a native of South Africa who currently lives in Canada. She has returned to Africa to make sure that Canadian soldiers’ stories from the Boer War and their graves are acknowledged for their descendants.

On her route from the airport, Kalinda meets a mysterious woman who asks to be taken to Paardeberg, the farm where Kalinda has booked to stay. But the women suddenly vanishes leaving only a lace handkerchief.

When Kalinda retells the mystery incident to the farm owners, they believe she’s seen the ghost of a Boer War nurse. During her stay the ghost appears several more times and it seems there is a link between Kalinda’s work and the ghost’s story.

The ghost is not the only one to have an interest in Kalinda. Zach Carter is an extreme sports enthusiast. Where women are concerned he lives by his three-dates-only rule, but there’s something about Kalinda that threatens to break that rule.

I don’t know much about the Boer War, so those elements of the book were very interesting. The ghostly events were well written too and, for me, they both made this romance more memorable in a very saturated genre.

A book of love in the last century and in modern times. This book keeps you wondering what happened a century ago and can our modern day heroes protect themselves and the past that has come back to be solved. Elsa Winckler writes a story were your past effects you future even when you think it's not.

Kalinda has returned to her home country of South Africa to find information about Canadian soldiers in a century old war in the area. She's been worried about her ex-husband possibly being at the airport and seeing her since he vowed to kill her if he ever saw her again. She's tired and almost to her destination when a woman comes out of nowhere and Kalinda almost hits her. The woman gets in her car wanting a ride to a nearby town only the next time Kalinda looks the woman is gone. She sees her farther down the road and as she comes closer Kalinda gets out of her car and is standing in the middle of the road. She's pushed out of the way and injured. Kalinda was almost hit by the people she'll be staying with the Carters. They get to their farm where there son Luke a doctor will treat her injuries. Kalinda is so shaken by what happen she doesn't want any help. It also throws her the immediate reaction she has to the other son Zach. Zach has a similar reaction to Kalinda and doesn't know what to think. When she reveals about seeing a ghost the family isn't surprised, because the mother and father met because of Suzi, the ghost, They tell Kalinda the story of the ghost. When an event happens to unearth a diary from Suzie it peaks Kalinda's interest and she want to uncover what happened to the ghost. Zach meanwhile can't stop thinking abut Kalinda and tries flirting with her but she doesn't want to have anything to do with Zach because of her past and only being there for a week. He feels that he has to protect Kalinda and offers himself to help her with the investigation. He needs to stay quiet since he's recovering from pneumonia from his last extreme sport adventure. As the slowly reveal what happened to Suzie Zach and Kalinda reluctantly become closer. Meanwhile Suzie has made her presence know on several occasions and reveals herself to Zach when he tries to leave and to send him to Kalinda when she's in danger. When her ex-husband shows up and attacks her and a museum employee Zach comes to her rescue. The Carter men make sure that Kalinda will be safe from now on. Information comes to light that sends Kalinda back to Canada. Knowing their relationship was temporary they go their separate ways. Zach goes on his next extreme sport adventure but can't concentrate because he keeps thinking about Kalinda. Kalinda is going through a box of information about Suzie and realizes she needs to find a living relative. Zach has a feeling he needs to go to Kalinda and heads to Canada. They spend several days together. Zach bolts when he panics when he sees a future with Kalinda and a family. Kalinda and Zach have unique dreams about the past. Kalinda is broken hearted. She places adds in a Vancouver paper looking for descendants of Suzie and Wyndan. She receives many replies but one catches her attention. She makes plan to go to Vancouver only to faint at the airport. Meanwhile Luke has gotten engaged and at the party Zach over hears his mother and future sister-in-law talking about not hearing from Kalinda after her trip. Calling and talking to Kalinda's sister they find out she's sick. Zach freaks out and realizes he's in love with Kalinda. Kalinda has also realizes that she's in love with Zach. Zach heads back to Canada with a ring in his pocket. Kalinda and Zach declare their feelings for each other and a proposal is made. They go and talk to a relative of Suzie and Wyndan. The make plans to help Suzie. Kalinda realizes something and she tells Zach. They head back to South Africa and help Suzie. A year later at a special party a strange event happens on the farm.

Where the River Bends was a different type of story than I thought it would be. The paranormal element was a surprise. It kept me wondering when she would show up and if the ex0husband would also show up into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The ghost gave a unique perspective to the story and you wondered if the main characters would be able to help the ghost move on.

Glad I saw a few posts on line about this book because I usually will skip a book with a ghost.
Great story line and characters and Susie (the ghost) won my heart. And the ending of this one melted my heart. Kudos to Elsa!

An interesting story that takes place in South Africa and Canada.Kalinda works for the Anglo-Boer foundation, when she is sent to South Africa for work. On her travels she meets a woman, who soon disappears but leaves a white handkerchief, whom becomes the ghost of Suzie. Zach, computer game designer and extreme sport enthusiast, is to busy for romance until he meets Kalinda. Kalinda is staying with is parents. Soon they are all looking into the history of Suzie.

I really enjoyed all of the history in this story, along with the back story of Suzie and her romance. Loved the relationship of Kalinda and Zach, and how much each of them grew in their relationship. This is the first book that I read by this author, loved her story telling. I highly recommend this book.

Where the River Bends is a well written book. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the setting. This author is new to me and I definitely will be reading more of her books. I highly recommend this book.

This is a cool book that has a female ghost, Susan Mayer, that pulls couples together as she tries to fix unsettled business she left behind in South Africa.
Kalinda fled to Canada from South Africa after divorcing an abusive husband. Her work for the Anglo Boer Foundation has brought her back to investigate how well Canadian forces are being remembered for their effort in the Anglo Boer War.
On her drive to the town of Paardeberg, she encounters Susan, a ghost, scarring Kalinda half to death. The family she is staying with knows all about the ghost and fill her in on the events surrounding Susan’s death. For Kalinda, though, meeting their son, Zach, is an overwhelming thing and this is true for Zach. Theirs is an unsteady romance filled with doubts and insecurities on both sides and a ghost pulling them together in the middle.

Sometimes a story comes along, from an author that is new to me, that simply ticks off all the boxes on my mental checklist of what makes a book interesting to me. I have a fascination with history and the paranormal. Give me a good puzzle and I’m happy for hours. Tell me a compelling love story that spans history and I’m hooked. So, yes, Where the River Bends is many things wrapped up in one intriguing story, one that I’d recommend to just about any reader.

I find that I don’t want to say a lot about this story, there are aspects of it that you should experience firsthand. Travel along with Kalinda and Zack as they make the journey to solve the mystery of the disappearing lady, and along the way make another discovery for themselves… love isn’t always what we expect, but when the right one comes into our lives we’d be foolish to toss that chance away. I enjoyed this couple. Both are dealing with issues that changed their lives at one point, and each is healing in their own way. Kalinda’s journey is the more obvious, yet Zack also has been hiding behind his own work. We have an intriguing family history, the ravages of war, one nasty piece of work villain, a puzzle to solve, and a couple that is realistic and believable in their journey to a lasting love. As I mentioned, I don’t want to risk giving away spoilers unintentionally… so I’ll simply say that if you enjoy a puzzle, a touch of whimsy, the harsh realities of history and discovering that once in a lifetime kind of love then you’d enjoy Where the River Bends. I was completely wrapped up in all aspects of this story, and the ending came far too soon for me. (not because it was rushed, but because I wasn’t ready to let this story go) This one will touch your emotions, and give you a very satisfying happy ending.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Where The River Bends is a charming story set partly in South Africa and partly in Canada. With Boer War history a central theme throughout the novel and a ghost story woven into the plot this book has plenty to offer readers. I did feel at times as though I was being given a history lesson on the war but the story itself was entertaining. I liked both Kalinda and Zach though they often didn’t feel real to me. I felt as though I was watching the story take place rather than being immersed in it. Despite that it was an enjoyable book.

Where the River Bends provides the perfect mix of romance and mystery. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the page. I loved the South Africa setting. The characters are very endearing. I fell in love with Kalinda and Zach. I will be reading more books by Elsa Winckler.

Ever since I read my first book by Elsa Winckler last year I’ve been looking forward to reading another. Where the River Bends did not disappoint.

This is a sweet and whimsical story, with some darker elements at times, that was exactly what I needed to take me out of my own life and into someone else’s for a while.

Where the River Bends is an emotional story, which lots of twists, that has a satisfying ending for everyone involved.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Elsa in the future.

I think I'm in the minority on this one. I really didn't enjoy this story but that's more my personal taste rather than anything to do with the book. It's well written, has a nice pace, and the characters are interesting so overall a nicely done book. Anyone who enjoys history will probably enjoy this one.

I enjoy romance with a twist, and this unusual story has more than one to entice the reader.

Set predominately in South Africa it explores the romance between Kalinder and Zack. Kalinder experiences an unnerving encounter when she offers a lift to a lone woman while travelling to a guest farm. Zack is at the right place and time to help, but neither expects the attraction that ignites between them.

There is a credible, supernatural thread to this romance, which draws the past and present together. Whether this is a local folk tale or reality, the ghost's presence touches Kalinder and Zack's lives.

The historical detail gives depth to the plot making it a unique romantic story.

A story of accepting the past and looking forward to the future with heartfelt romance and believable characters.

I received a copy of this book from Tule Publishing via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

WOW! I do mean WOW!! I was blown away while reading Where the River Bends by Elsa Winckler, a wonderful love story. This story has you believing in ghosts and guardian angels. Kalinda returns to her homeland of South Africa on behalf of her Canadian job, researching the Boer Conflict. On her way to the location of the war, where she was staying, Kalinda encounters a strange woman on the side of the road who suddenly disappears. Kalinda’s encounter with Suzie the ghost started off scary but soon become a comfortable and protective presence in her life. Zach needed to learn that his past did not define who he is and that his dedication to extreme sports no longer needed to be what filled him up. I love the way Suzie brought together not only Kalinda and Zach, but also Zach’s parents and other couples in the area. The chemistry and attraction between Kalinda and Zach is strong but troublesome in that she is there for a short time. This is also a story that allows Kalinda to see she hasn’t totally healed after divocing her abusive ex-husband but she is no longer the weak woman she was when she unexpectedly faces him and his threats and attack on her at the museum where she was working. Lastly, I loved the fascination Zach’s mother and Kalinda had in solving Suzie’s mystery.

Ms. Winckler wrote a wonderful story of a love that never ended, even in death. She did a fantastic job creating realistic characters, keeping the story line interesting, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page, wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Where the River Bends is a suspenseful romantic story by Elsa Winckler. This is a new author for me to read but one I would like to read more. I found that her story includes some unusual elements in a unique place and situation. Zack and Kalinda are people you would meet and become friends with along with Zack’s family. I could completely understand Kalinda’s prickly exterior as she interacted with others. Then there are also a couple of subplots going on besides the romance, including one that is part of the historical mystery of the story which kept the story exciting.

The beginning catches your interest as Kalinda is traveling to where she is to stay with the plot moving at a fairly quick pace from there. I knew very little concerning the Anglo-Boar War so Kalinda’s research as well as the apparition captured my interest. Only one thing bothered me; the sentences seemed choppy at times, but who am I to criticize this since the same was said of Hemingway’s books.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An interesting book!
"Where the river bends" by Elsa Winckler is a supernatural romance thriller set in South Africa. which captivates the readers with an engrossing historical twist. Check out my review at https://pathiyilprasanthi.wordpress.com/2018/07/16/where-the-river-bends-by-elsa-winckler-a-book-review/

3.5**** While I definitely enjoyed this story, I continually felt something was missing. I think this could have been a much longer and more in-depth story, it certainly had that potential, but for me I felt the whole story was a bit rushed. Saying that it was a good story, I loved the story of Suzie the ghost and her Boer lover and the mystery surrounding them, and really liked the conclusion to that. I enjoyed all the characters in this story and recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for a copy in return for an honest review.

Where the River Bends by Elsa Winckler is a beautiful story set in South Africa. Kalinda goes to South Africa to discover all of the Canadians involvement in the battle of Paardeberg. She comes across a ghost Susan Mayer’s who is trying to solve a mystery. Kalinda becomes very involved in solving Susan Mayer’s mystery and falls in love with Zach whose mother Madeline is very interested in the ghost Susan Mayer too. Beautiful story.

2.5☆
This is my first book by Elsa Winckler.

What I liked:
Suzie's storyline
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

Where the River Bends by Elsa Winckler, a heartwarming story with visits from a ghost. Likable characters and great storyline. I haven't read anything by this author before but I look forward to reading more of her books.

An intriguing story that I couldn’t put down.

Kalinda Evans divorced her abusive husband and left South Africa to go to Canada to work for the Anglo-Boer war foundation. She has just been sent back to Africa to do some investigations at the war museum. On her way to the guest house in Paardeberg, where she will be staying, she encounters a woman standing on the side of the road. Believing she needs a ride, Kalinda lets her in the car. But, the next thing she knows, the woman has disappeared leaving behind a white handkerchief. At first she thought her mind was playing tricks on her. When she finally talks to the people she is staying with about what happened, she learns she has just seen a ghost.

Game designer, Zack Carteris, is visiting his parents, while recovering from pneumonia. When Zach meets Kalinda, he becomes interested in her. Zach has never been able to commit to any woman, but there is something about Kalinda that might make him change his three date rule.

I was really surprised by this book. The description got my attention; I thought a ghost story would be fun. But, I didn’t realize how well I would end up liking it. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself really getting into the story and not wanting to stop reading when I knew I should be going to bed. I liked learning the history of the war and really got into Susie’s story and liked how she brought Kalinda and Zach together. I haven’t read anything by this author before, but this book won’t be the last. I like her story telling and writing style.