The River Queen

Prolific historical fiction writer Morris has sold more than seven million of his books since he began writing decades ago. Now he turns his pen to the 1850s world of Mississippi riverboats and the life of Julienne Ashby, Southern belle with a mind of her own. When her father dies and the family fortune is lost, Julienne must try to salvage some sort of life. Little does she know that she must put her trust in Dallas Bronte, a man from her past with a drinking problem. Together they rebuild the Natchez Queen, a wrecked riverboat and the only asset the family has. Can the two overcome their emotion-filled past? Can they save the family from destitution? While retailers may reap sales based on the Morris name, readers may face disappointment: shallow emotional depth, stilted dialogue and plot, and underdone characterization. Readers looking for an engrossing, forget-where-they-are tale won’t find it here. (Nov.)