River of No Return

An utterly engrossing historical romance from debut novelist Bee Ridgeway, The River of No Return is a must-read.

'Time is like a river. It always flows in one direction.'

What if everything you thought was certain was not?

1812: On a lonely battlefield in Spain, Lord Nicholas Falcott, Marquess of Blackdown, is about to die .... But, the next moment, he inexplicably jumps forward in time, nearly two hundred years - very much alive. Taken under the wing of a mysterious organisation, The Guild, he receives everything he could ever need under the following conditions:

He can't go back.

He can't go home.

He must tell no one.

Accepting his fate, Nicholas begins a life of luxury as a twenty-first century New York socialite, living happily thus for the next ten years. But, when an exquisite wax sealed envelope brings a summons from the Alderwoman of The Guild, Nicholas is forced to confront his nineteenth century past.

Back in 1815, Julia Percy's world has fallen apart. Her enigmatic grandfather, the Earl of Darchester, has died and left her with a closely guarded secret, one she is only now discovering - the manipulation of time. In terrible danger from unknown enemies, Julia flees her home to the sanctuary of neighbouring Falcott House. In this strange place Julia and a recently returned Nicholas are drawn to each other and together they realise how little Julia knew about her beloved grandfather and begin to understand his ominous last words...

'Pretend.'

Bee Ridgeway's The River Of No Return is a truly unforgettable novel. If you loved The Time Traveler's Wife or The Night Circus then prepare to be swept away by this stunning debut novel.

Bee Ridgway grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts. She attended Oberlin College (B.A.), then worked for a year as an editorial assistant at Elle magazine. She studied literature at Cornell University (M.A. and Ph.D.). She has worked at Bryn Mawr College since 2001. She lives in Philadelphia, PA.

Review: A thrill ride * Vanity Fair *

Ridgway offers a well-crafted blend of science fiction, romance, mystery, and historical fiction. * Publishers Weekly *

An engrossing adventure, with mystery, romance, humor, and impeccable historical detail. * The Boston Global *

Ridgway spins an intricate narrative in elegant prose that combines the best of various genres - spy thriller, historical romance, science fiction, fantasy. Throughout, her juxtaposition of past and present is dazzling and often amusing... The River of No Return has the feel of an instant classic, along the lines of Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. Readers will wish they could stop time to savor every page * The Washington Post *

Ridgway has a light and clever touch. . . . The River of No Return satisfies. * Newsday *

A highly entertaining romp; her historical details are accurate, and the character are believable. Fans of Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series should enjoy this time-traveling romantic adventure, which may also attract readers who like historical fiction with a twist. * Library Journal *

With a fabulous cast of characters, an original and imaginative storyline and eloquent prose, Bee Ridgway has created a memorable work of fiction that is a delight to read . . . This is a book not to be missed. -- Melissa, www.confessionsofanavidreader.blogspot.co.uk

Bee Ridgway's debut novel delightfully removes the boundaries of life as we know it and dares us to dream * American Way magazine *

Ridgway is a splendid writer . . . The River of No Return is the kind of book that is meant to be read under the covers with a flashlight, or, in the pale grown-up substitution, staying up much later than you know is good for you * Chicago Reader *

Beautifully written with a real sense of rhythm to the words . . . It's easy to get lost in the story from the first chapter. * Historical Novel Society *

Her tale and the world she's crafted unfold gracefully and compellingly through precise yet lush prose. The result is a novel that fans of hardcore fantasy and literary fiction alike can get behind. The River of No Return is a gorgeous, sweeping debut that is easy to get lost in. * Bookpage *

Between Kate Atkinson's Life After Life and Bee Ridgway's The River of No Return, time-travel novels are hot. * Newsday *

Bee Ridgway's deliciously fun debut covers ground similar to other smart bodice rippers such as Outlander and A Discovery of Witches. * All You magazine *

Ridgway is a splendid writer . . . The River of No Return is the kind of book that is meant to be read under the covers with a flashlight, or, in the pale grown-up substitution, staying up much later than you know is good for you. * Chicago Reader *

In her stellar debut, Ridgway manages the permutations of the time-travel trope with originality and aplomb. * Booklist *

A highly entertaining romp; [Ridgway's] historical details are accurate, and the characters are believable. Fans of Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series should enjoy this time-traveling romantic adventure, which may also attract readers who like historical fiction with a twist. * Library Journal *

A compelling race through time in a historical world turned upside down-the Regency as you've never seen it before. Take one nobleman and one gently born lady; add time travel, intrigue, a vast conspiracy, and a wicked way with words; shake; and serve. * Lauren Willig, author of The Pink Carnation series *

While on its shining surface The River of No Return is a fantastical time traveling page turner, it is also a novel that takes on complex issues of culture and nationalism and how or memories form us. And it is a riveting love story to boot. Bee Ridgway is a treasure and her debut is a triumph. * Jennifer Gilmore, author of Golden Country and Something Red *

The River of No Return is an innovative and sophisticated first novel. At the heart of this entertaining story--set primarily and convincingly in Regency-era England--is a serious and timely question: what does it mean to be on the winning side of history? * William Galperin, Professor of English, Rutgers University, and author of The Historical Austen *

The only thing more fun than reading this book would be to actually travel through time yourself. Erudite and beautifully crafted, The River of No Return is at the same time a lush, riotous fantasy. Ridgway's ingenuity and charm are apparently without limit. * Heather Love, R. Jean Brownlee associate professor in the humanities, University of Pennsylvania, and author of Feeling Backward *