Waterfall (River of Time, #1) Summary & Key Insights

Lisa Tawn Bergren's "Waterfall," the first book in the "River of Time" series, follows the intertwined journeys of two women separated by centuries but connected by a mysterious river and a shared destiny. The story unfolds primarily in two distinct timelines: present-day and 1888.

In the present, Abigail "Abby" Hayes is a struggling artist grappling with grief after a tragic accident. Seeking solace and inspiration, she travels to the remote Cascade Mountains where she discovers an antique locket bearing a faded photograph of a strikingly similar-looking woman. This discovery plunges Abby into a series of inexplicable events, including vivid dreams and an uncanny connection to the wild river she's come to paint.

Meanwhile, in 1888, we meet Eliza, a spirited young woman living in a small Oregon town. Eliza, deeply religious and fiercely independent, finds herself caught between societal expectations and her own aspirations. She possesses a resilient spirit forged by hardship, but her life takes a perilous turn when a devastating fire consumes her family's sawmill and leaves her facing unimaginable loss.

Both Abby and Eliza's stories involve the same mysterious river, which acts as a pivotal element linking their lives across time. Through the locket, dreams, and unexplained occurrences, Abby is inexplicably drawn back to Eliza's era, experiencing snippets of her life. She learns of Eliza’s struggle for survival, her burgeoning romance with a kindhearted millworker named Caleb, and the relentless pursuit of a shadowy figure who threatens everything she holds dear.

As Abby delves deeper into Eliza's past, she begins to understand the significance of the river and the locket. The river, symbolized as the "River of Time," doesn't simply connect the past to the present; it represents the flow of life, the passage of time, and the enduring power of faith and resilience. The locket itself becomes a tangible link, a symbol of the enduring strength of the female spirit across generations.

The overarching themes of "Waterfall" are faith, courage, and the enduring power of love and family. Both women face immense challenges, forcing them to confront their own strengths and vulnerabilities. Abby's journey is one of healing and self-discovery, while Eliza’s is a testament to survival and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The novel subtly explores themes of societal expectations for women in different eras and the enduring importance of embracing one's unique path. The climax sees Abby and Eliza’s storylines converge, setting the stage for further exploration of the temporal connections in subsequent books. The ending leaves the reader wanting more, eager to uncover the full mystery of the River of Time and the fate of both women.