A panoramic and epic novel in the grand romantic style, PUSH NOT THE RIVER is the rich story of Poland in the late 1700s — a time of heartache and turmoil as the country’s once peaceful people are being torn apart by neighboring countries and divided loyalties. It is then, at the young and vulnerable age of seventeen, when Lady Anna Maria Berezowska loses both of her parents and must leave the … leave the only home she has ever known.
With Empress Catherine’s Russian armies streaming in to take their spoils, Anna is quickly thrust into a world of love and hate, loyalty and deceit, patriotism and treason, life and death. Even kind Aunt Stella, Anna’s new guardian who soon comes to personify Poland’s courage and spirit, can’t protect Anna from the uncertain future of the country.
Anna, a child no longer, turns to love and comfort in the form of Jan, a brave patriot and architect of democracy, unaware that her beautiful and enigmatic cousin Zofia has already set her sights on the handsome young fighter. Thus Anna walks unwittingly into Zofia’s jealous wrath and darkly sinister intentions. Forced to survive several tragic events, many of them orchestrated by the crafty Zofia, a strengthened Anna begins to learn to place herself in the way of destiny — for love and for country. Heeding the proud spirit of her late father, Anna becomes a major player in the fight against the countries who come to partition her beloved Poland.
PUSH NOT THE RIVER is based on the true eighteenth century diary of Anna Maria Berezowska, a Polish countess who lived through the rise and fall of the historic Third of May Constitution. Vivid, romantic, and thrillingly paced, it paints the emotional and unforgettable story of the metamorphosis of a nation — and of a proud and resilient young woman.
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The book had something foe everyone! The story was sad but at the same time it had lighter moments. I was entertained the whole way thru the book!!!
I would consider reading the author’s next two books in the trilogy.
Loved it. Am reading the sequel now
A keen insight into character, its flaws and strengths, and a sad report on the Polish struggle.
Interesting character development and engaging plot.
Great read, I love to read history with a personal story, makes it come to life. This book was suspenseful.
So interesting that I bought next book in series
Great read and exciting.
I really enjoyed the book. Loved getting the historical insight, and the storyline kept me interested. I’m looking forward to the next book.
This is historical fiction in the late 1700’s in Poland as Russia was moving in to takeover. Great plot and unpredictable development which I liked. I listened to this as an audio book and the narrator made the men speak with high-pitched breathy voices, and the maid with a lisp which was very annoying. But the book is worth the read! I enjoyed it.
Excellent history romance. The fact that it is set during a revolution gives it even more excitement. The characters are believable even minor characters are well fleshed out. You begin to really care about the protagonist and her people and truly hate the antagonist and the others on his side of the revolution and as people. Overall a great …
Brings a picture of 16th century Poland and political events of the time that were not only historically factual but enabled a great story to be built around it. A great romance novel and one that should be made into a film.
The melding of history and fabulous characters made this book a great read. Can’t wait to read the other two in the trilogy.
A gripping tale based on historical events.
I learned a lot of history while enjoying this interesting book.
I was pulled into the story from the beginning, and although I knew it was a series I didn’t care for the ending, Would recommend to someone else.