The River Runs South: A Novel

When Camille Taylor's husband dies unexpectedly, her carefully constructed life in Washington, DC falls apart. After struggling for nearly a year, she reaches a breaking point and moves to the Alabama coast with her daughter, returning to her hometown. The coastal rhythms help soothe Camille's spirit, but she discovers that her hometown has changed. Local fisherman Mack Phillips is suing the owners of an abandoned development site whose runoff is polluting the water—and Camille's father is among the defendants. Camille joins her father's defense team, but as she learns more about the situation, she questions whether she's on the right side. At the same time, she finds herself drawn to Mack's resolve and ideals. Faced with unclear boundaries between right and wrong, Camille must determine what direction her life will take. The novel explores grief, love, community, and Alabama's fragile ecosystem.