Emma Perkins' life appears idyllic. Her husband, Jared, is a hardworking farmer and a dependable neighbor. But Emma knows intimately the brutality prowling beneath her husband's facade. When he sends their children away, Emma's life unravels.

A woman seeks her spirit.

Deep in despair, Emma seeks refuge aboard her uncle's riverboat, the Spirit of the River. She travels through a new world filled with colorful characters: captains, mates, the rich, the working class, moonshiners, prostitutes, and Gage-the Spirit's reclusive engineer. Scarred for life from a riverboat explosion, Gage's insight into heartache draws him to Emma, and as they heal together, they form a deep and unbreakable bond. Emma learns to trust that anything is possible, including reclaiming her children and facing her husband.

A man seeks revenge.

Jared Perkins makes a journey of his own. Determined to bring his wife home and teach her the lesson of her life, Jared secretly follows the Spirit. His rage burns cold as he plans his revenge for everyone on board.

Against the immense power of the river, the journey of the Spirit will change the course of their lives forever.

"A supremely contemporary story in an authentically depicted historical setting. A novel that will ring true with women readers of all types."
~ G. Miki Hayden, Edgar and Macavity winner, and author of The Naked Writer."

"Remarkable, haunting and utterly unforgettable. Emma captures the reader’s heart; you desperately want her to find happiness and healing. You hope she’ll find a way to love again even though she’s suffered so much main. Her inner strength is admirable, all she needed to escape her husband’s cruelty was someone to lend his or her aid and support her during the healing process."
~ Sharyn McGinty, www.inthelibraryreviews.net

"Set in 1900, Steffen's debut presents a captivating view of life aboard a riverboat a century ago . . .”
~ Publisher’s Weekly

"The healing power of the river and the magic of love are explored in this emotionally fulfilling and beautifully written tale of good triumphing over evil. Readers will cheer for Emma."
~ Barb Anderson, Romantic Times Book Reviews

"Kathy Steffen provides her audience with a powerful historical fiction that focuses on the lack of rights for women and the lack of protection for children. Emma is a fabulous as the only reason she remains with abuser Jared is their offspring, but once he sells them into child labor, she has no ties. The support cast including the river and the boat is strong as it brings out a bygone era. The romance is unnecessary though well written as First, There Is A River is foremost a character-driven deep historical tale."
~ Harriet Klausner