The book
A September 2024 Indie Next Pick
Return to Dalton as Shannon Bowring draws another stunningly human portrait of small town America.
It’s been five years since Bridget Theroux’s death shocked the small town of Dalton, Maine, leaving behind husband Nate and daughter Sophie, now a vibrant young child. Nate doesn’t always know how to answer her questions, but he is intent on raising her with joy—and shielding her from her grandmother, Annette, who remains dangerously locked away in her grief.
After his first year away at college, Greg Fortin is back in town for the summer to work at the family store. It’s expected he'll take over the hardware business eventually, but finding the words to tell them no—and the truth about who he is—has become his own Everest. Rose’s abusive ex, Tommy finally disappeared a few years ago, though sometimes his presence in the eyes of her oldest son unnerves her. She and Nate are finding themselves drawn together by their children’s playdates, and into a delicate balance between friendship and the possibility of more.
And Trudy and Bev, always so sure of their love for each other, find themselves rocked when Trudy’s husband Richard suffers a heart attack, bringing into focus all the guilt she has felt about their empty marriage for years.
Shannon Bowring demonstrates once again that she understands exactly where the heart of a story lies. Where the Forest Meets the River is a poignant return to the small town of Dalton, whose inhabitants continue to startle and humble both themselves—and us.
The author
Shannon Bowring
Shannon Bowring has been nominated for a Pushcart and a Best of the Net, and was recently selected in Best Small Fictions. She holds an MFA from University of Southern Maine Stonecoast and currently resides in Maine. The Road to Dalton is her first novel.
Press
- Aug 8 2024
“Rings true.”
— Booklist - Jul 17 2024
“Like Elizabeth Strout and Richard Russo, Shannon Bowring excels in bringing families and small towns to life.”
— Read Her Like An Open Book - Jul 16 2024
“Generous, kind, and nuanced.”
— The Civilian Reader - Jul 11 2024
“This slice of life cuts deep.”
— Publishers Weekly - Jul 4 2024
“A moving portrait of the ways people survive palpable, harrowing grief.”
— Kirkus Reviews - Jun 27 2024
“Quotidian, yes: boring, no.”
— Lavender Magazine