This poetic narrative uses the voices of multiple characters to describe the tragic 1889 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood disaster. A detailed description of the setting complements the plotline of a romance conflicted by social class. Timeline, Bibliographical References, Author’s Note.

Celestia Whitcomb is a young woman from a wealthy family who spends summers at the hunting and fishing club in the mountains above Johnstown (it was this club that was responsible for the dam that broke, causing the flood). Celestia falls in love with Peter, a boy from town who works at the club for the summer. Of course, their secret romance could have dire consequences if they are discovered by Celestia's family. The author also shifts perspectives occasionally to focus on a few other individuals whose lives are affected by the flood.

It's obvious that the author has done her homework, and there's an author's note at the end, explaining where and how she deviated from the actual history. I have to admit that I am not a big fan of verse novels. This is about on par with other verse novels I've read -- a slightly more spare way of telling a story, enjoyable, but I think I would have liked it better fleshed out in prose. That's just me -- I know lots of people are really fond of the format. For those people, I think this would be a very good read. ( )

This book was written in prose so it is tempting to read it quickly. Slow down, though to get the full effect of the writing. The story takes the point of view of various people who will eventually be affected by the flood. There is forbidden love, class struggle, a look into society of the day, and a fascinating explanation of how life changed during the flood. The cover is underwhelming, but the book is fantastic! Oh please, ignore the cover. ( )

http://booknutreview.blogspot.com/2011/02/three-rivers-rising-jame-richards.html ( )

Sixteen-year-old Celestia is a wealthy member of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, where she meets and falls in love with Peter, a hired hand who lives in the valley below, and by the time of the torrential rains that lead to the disastrous Johnstown flood of 1889, she has been disowned by her family and is staying with him in Johnstown. Includes an author's note and historical timeline. ( )