Kentucky native and award-winning author Marie Wells Coutu returns to the western Kentucky region that first captured her imagination decades ago with Moonshine River, an inspirational historical romance releasing Sept. 22.
The novel is the first in Coutu's Between the Rivers Legacy series, inspired by and dedicated to the families who once lived in the isolated region between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers in western Kentucky and Tennessee—an area now encompassed by Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
Set in 1930, decades before the creation of Land Between the Lakes, Moonshine River takes readers into the community of Golden Pond during the final years of Prohibition. Generations of families once made their homes Between the Rivers, building farms, churches, schools, businesses, and communities. Decades later, residents were relocated as the region was transformed into a national recreation area.
“These families and their stories deserve to be remembered,” Coutu said. “I grew up in Hopkinsville and became fascinated with Between the Rivers while attending Murray State University. I camped there as a student and later researched the creation of Land Between the Lakes for my graduate work in journalism. Years later, I found myself returning to those people and places through fiction.”
In Moonshine River, Naomi Ross never intended to take over her father's moonshine business. But after his death and with her mother's life depending on medical treatment the family cannot afford, Naomi sees no other way to save her.
Standing in her way is Cullen Downs, the preacher's son she has loved nearly all her life. He has returned home carrying failures of his own and is determined to shut down the illegal liquor trade.
Their opposing choices raise a question at the heart of the novel: When someone you love desperately needs your help, does a good end ever justify the wrong means?
Through Naomi and Cullen, Moonshine River explores family loyalty, moral certainty, forgiveness, faith, and grace against the backdrop of a region where moonshining played a part in local history, though it was neither practiced nor approved by everyone.
Moonshine River is Coutu's fourth full-length published novel. Her previous books have received multiple awards. Before publication, Moonshine River won the historical category in both the Sheila Contest and the Touched by Love contest and was a finalist in numerous other writing competitions.
Coutu grew up in Hopkinsville and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Murray State University, where her graduate research included the creation of Land Between the Lakes. A former journalist and communications professional, she is the award-winning author of four novels. Coutu draws on deep research and personal connection to bring historical settings to vivid life through storytelling that uplifts and inspires.
Moonshine River launches the Between the Rivers Legacy series, dedicated to preserving the memory of families displaced by progress.
Published by Mended Vessels Press, the book is available in Kindle and paperback editions from Amazon and other booksellers.
For more information about Moonshine River and the author, visit https://mariewellscoutu.com/moonshine-river/
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