I was looking forward to reading this, I love books set around the 1960s and 1970s music scene, and was expecting a treat.
I was sorely disappointed, the early days of the island were skimmed over, and only used as a backdrop to the present day story.
I wanted Ruby’s story. Ossie’s story. George’s story. Even Mary’s story which was again glossed over.
What I got was Jo, with a sad start to life, has a bad affair in Florence, and was then stuck in a vacuum for around 20 years, not doing what she loved. And of course Oliver, her lost love. Her friend Sophie was another more interesting character.
I guessed the outcome very quickly and only read on in the hope of characters being developed, which didn’t happen.

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the opportunity to read this book.

River of Stars by Georgina Moore

Three generations of Star women - Mary, Ruby and Jo - have lived on Walnut Tree Island, a community of houseboats on the River Thames and home to artists and in the 1960s a wild music scene. But times change and the island is now owned by Oliver Greenwood, following the death of his father. What this means for the island and his one-time love Jo is uncertain.

What a brilliant book, I absolutely loved it! Fantastic stories in all timelines - Mary in the 1960s/present day and Jo in the 2000s/present day - and fantastic characters. Also a wonderful setting - I can't be alone in Googling houseboats and islands on the Thames! I loved the author's previous book and this one is every bit as brilliant - I can't wait to read what she writes next. Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I enjoyed this book and the story it told, I personally preferred the author first book to this one but that's just my personal choice I struggle to connect at times with this story

I wish the author all the best with this book
Many thanks to the publisher & netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for this review

Brilliant escapism & beautifully written, transporting you to Walnut Tree island, a unique and intriguing world. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of an island in the Thames, which serves as a character in itself.

The novel delves into the lives and secrets of its eclectic residents, inspired by the legendary Eel Pie Island and its colourful history.

The descriptions evoke a sense of a unique and close-knit community, where artists, dreamers, and lovers reside.

The story explores themes of love, loss, secrets, and the complexities of community. It delves into the impact of the past on the present, and the ways in which old relationships can resurface.

A captivating and immersive read, which draws you in and keeps you hooked until the very end, I loved it!

Incredibly beautiful writing and a slowly unfolding story with a few different strands but mostly centred on the Star family: Mary, Ruby and Jo. The parts describing Mary's early experiences of the island during its era as a famous rock venue were the most enjoyable and the past really came alive. The characters of the tightly-knit island community are well-developed and really draw the reader in.

Spoilers

A very enjoyable book. The sense of community was so heartwarming, and the view of what boat living is like.
I could picture myself so easily falling in with these characters, they were so well written.
I liked the back history of the island, its music scene, and how now, everything is slowly falling apart.
The plot is predictable, but I can't be cross about that, as I don't know I'd have wanted it to end any other way.
Some great characters, I think I'll remember Mary, Jo and Dave (lovely Dave) for a while yet.