A River for Gemma

A River for Gemma

Pigeonholed as "intellectually disabled," a spirited young woman's desire for motherhood collides with her grandmother's hidden past, forcing her to summon the grit to save their lives...
Miracles abound in Sugar Creek, a small-town nestled near the horse trails and hazelnut orchards of Oregon's lush countryside. It is here, where twenty-six-year old Gemma Porter lives a vibrant life chasing her dreams. But Gemma is underestimated by a world that pigeonholes her as "intellectually disabled." While the naysayers and bullies only see Gemma's limitations, her beloved grandmother sees the heart of a genius—and a soul of divination. When Gemma's longing to be a mother collides with her grandmother's hidden past, three generations of Porter women are put in peril. A harrowing adventure unfolds into a heroic quest to save their lives. As Gemma's bravery is tested, she will need to prove that regardless of age or intellect, a mother's love knows no bounds.

"I may not be able to do a lot of things, Mama. And some things I may never get right. But I can love. I can do that."

Gemma ~ from A River for Gemma

Escape into an uplifting narrative full of exquisite description, humor and heart. A River for Gemma is perfect for readers who want a feel-good story, curious for their next must read novel.

Awards for A River for Gemma

Praise for A River for Gemma

“A RIVER FOR GEMMA is a poignant and heartfelt story with a propulsive mystery flowing just underneath its surface. The beauty of its relationships makes you want to hold this family, and the people they love, close forever. Alexander created a world I did not want to leave. I couldn’t put this book down…”

~ Audrey Burges,
Award-winning author and humorist

“…. rich, rewarding and deliciously raucous, exploring the themes of mental health, faith and how loss is, indeed, the cost of love. Good books convince us of such deep truths, and Alexander succeeds in doing just that.”

~Bob Welch,

Award-winning journalist and author

“A RIVER FOR GEMMA brings us an unconventionally bright and daring heroine to challenge our ingrained perspectives on disability and capability. A much-needed story for our times, compassionate and well told.”

~Ellen Notbohm,
Award-winning author

“…Full of engaging characters, and beautiful descriptive Oregon scenery vividly capturing the changes in seasons, A RIVER FOR GEMMA is an uplifting, hopeful, and a delightfully escapist read.”

~Lainey Cameron, Best-selling author

“A RIVER FOR GEMMA offers a hefty dose of drama and tension with a superb conclusion. With a thread of mystery, this story keeps readers turning pages.”

~Carmen Peone,
Award-winning author

“…Debra Whiting Alexander writes with a passionate, descriptive hand that exudes color and she defies pat categorization of her characters, instead celebrating their strengths…a breath of fresh air…a sterling story of love…recommended as inspirational reading for a wide audience.”

~D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer Midwest Book Review

“Rarely have we read a book which brought us to our feet, cheering for three very different, extremely brave characters. Each faces their own individual challenges—for different though valid reasons. Each stands on their own and the reader is better for knowing them. This is a truly exceptional book. Based on a scale of 1-5, A RIVER FOR GEMMA deserves an 8. Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Entertaining, Funny, Great World Building, Haunting, Inspirational, Page-Turner, Realistic, Tear-Jerker, Unpredictable, Wonderful Characters”.

~Kat Henry Doran,
Wild Women Reviews

What readers are saying:

"The story challenges stereotypes of both intellectual disability and female aging—two subjects whose time has come. Great job!”

“Once again, Alexander creates characters that remain with me….”

“…The universality of things that connect all of us as humans comes through vibrantly—the urge for parenthood and the resistance against being denied it, the right of everyone to experience love and sexuality…”

“Gorgeous, descriptive writing…”