Angela R. Newland’s The River House is a gripping and emotionally charged memoir detailing the trials and tribulations of purchasing and renovating a seemingly idyllic waterfront property in Cape Coral, Florida. The book captures Newland’s journey from the initial allure of breathtaking river views to the harrowing experiences with hurricanes, home damage, and insurance nightmares. It’s a captivating tale of resilience, the human spirit, and the not-so-glamorous reality of homeownership in paradise.

The writing style is engaging and personable. Newland doesn’t hold back, and I felt her stress, hope, and humor as if I were going through the journey alongside her. One of the book’s strengths lies in the vivid descriptions. Newland’s knack for humor, even in the face of disaster, makes the story relatable and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny. The way she paints the picture of the house “mooning the river” with a Neptune statue is just one delightful example of her ability to find humor in the most unexpected places. The relentless sequence of problems, from broken air conditioning units to an all-out hurricane, left me feeling the weight of their ordeal. For instance, the recounting of Hurricane Irma’s impact is intense. The way she describes preparing for evacuation, packing three carloads of belongings, and driving for twelve exhausting hours only to discover, days later, that her beloved River House had sustained severe damage was heart-wrenching. The emotional toll is palpable, and I found myself sympathizing deeply with Newland’s situation. Her frustration with the insurance company, Supremo, and their constant delays and incompetence left me as exasperated as she was. The emotional highs of witnessing beautiful sunsets over the Caloosahatchee River juxtaposed against the lows of discovering mold infestations or dealing with a malfunctioning oven that spontaneously turns on, keep the narrative compelling.

The River House is a raw and honest account of what can go wrong when your dream home turns into a nightmare. I believe Angela R. Newland’s memoir will resonate most with homeowners, renovators, or anyone who’s had to battle insurance companies and bureaucracy. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate real-life stories of resilience, and it offers an insightful, albeit cautionary, tale for anyone considering a renovation project near the water. Despite the adversity, Newland’s spirit shines through, making it a memorable and engaging read.

Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0C4QCSRK8