The River Muse - A Novel

From the author of The Alchemy of Flowers comes a tale of lost selves, ages-old secrets, and how we can reclaim our truest voices through love, music, and a touch of magic.
In the South of France, on a mystical river called Le Chanson--The Song--lies a secluded village of ancient limestone maisons, cobbled streets, and mysterious forests. The village itself sings, alive with melodies of flowing water, rustling olive leaves, and whispering poppies--creating an otherworldly air of hidden magic.
When Callie arrives there with her young daughter, she's charmed by her quirky neighbors, including the witchy owner of a run-down rental chateau, an older truffle hunter, his enigmatic son--a handsome and kind vet--and their lovable dogs. Oh, and a mischievous ghost boy. Each one has lost their truest selves. And they need each other to find them.
A former indie singer-songwriter, Callie experienced a tragedy several years earlier, which led her to relinquish her successful music career on the insistence of her manipulative ex. Her songs were famous for offering a sense of hope--and once her friends and neighbors in Le Chanson help her reclaim her voice, everyone starts feeling the heart-opening effects.
But when her ex shows up at the chateau, she must use her voice to stand up to him, unearth secrets, and protect her newfound family. As she lets her own true voice ring out, so do others in town, sparking friendship and love, and healing old wounds.
Whimsical and atmospheric, The River Muse will enchant readers with its myth, magic, and music--showing how they can reclaim their essence and find love in unexpected places.

About the author

Laura Resau is the author of The Alchemy of Flowers, her debut novel for adults, and eleven acclaimed books for young people. Her novels won five Colorado Book Awards and appear on best-of booklists from Oprah, the American Library Association, and more. Trilingual and with a cultural anthropology background, she's lived in Provence and Oaxaca, and now teaches creative writing at Western Colorado University. You might find her writing in her cozy vintage trailer in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she lives with her rock-hound husband, musician son, wild husky, a garden of healing flowers, and a hundred house plants. Connect with her online at lauraresau.com; Instagram: @lauraresau

Summary

From the author of The Alchemy of Flowers comes a tale of lost selves, ages-old secrets, and how we can reclaim our truest voices through love, music, and a touch of magic.
In the South of France, on a mystical river called Le Chanson--The Song--lies a secluded village of ancient limestone maisons, cobbled streets, and mysterious forests. The village itself sings, alive with melodies of flowing water, rustling olive leaves, and whispering poppies--creating an otherworldly air of hidden magic.
When Callie arrives there with her young daughter, she's charmed by her quirky neighbors, including the witchy owner of a run-down rental chateau, an older truffle hunter, his enigmatic son--a handsome and kind vet--and their lovable dogs. Oh, and a mischievous ghost boy. Each one has lost their truest selves. And they need each other to find them.
A former indie singer-songwriter, Callie experienced a tragedy several years earlier, which led her to relinquish her successful music career on the insistence of her manipulative ex. Her songs were famous for offering a sense of hope--and once her friends and neighbors in Le Chanson help her reclaim her voice, everyone starts feeling the heart-opening effects.
But when her ex shows up at the chateau, she must use her voice to stand up to him, unearth secrets, and protect her newfound family. As she lets her own true voice ring out, so do others in town, sparking friendship and love, and healing old wounds.
Whimsical and atmospheric, The River Muse will enchant readers with its myth, magic, and music--showing how they can reclaim their essence and find love in unexpected places.

Product details

• Authors: Laura Resau
• Publisher: Harper Collins (US)
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 12.05.2026
• EAN: 9781400349128
• ISBN: 978-1-4003-4912-8
• No. of pages: 352
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature; Fiction & related items, FICTION / Magical Realism, FICTION / Family Life / Marriage & Divorce, FICTION / World Literature / France / General