From Publishers Weekly

Set in 1900, Steffen's debut presents a captivating view of life aboard a riverboat a century ago, but minimal character development makes it hard for readers to become attached to the novel's protagonist, Emma Perkins, an Ohio woman who leaves her abusive farmer husband, Jared, to serve as a cook aboard her uncle's riverboat, Spirit. Despite the often laborious work of providing meals for crew and passengers, Emma is glad to be free of Jared's vicious physical and verbal assaults. At the same time, she misses her young son and daughter, sent by Jared to work at a neighbor's farm. A love triangle emerges among Emma, Capt. William Briggs Briggham and Gage, Spirit's solitary engineer, but subplots involving a riverboat race and the love life of Emma's assistant, Lilly, detract from the potency of the primary plot line. (Sept.)
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Review

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, author, 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 pain. 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. First, There Is a River will remain with you long after you finish the last page. -- Sharyn McGinty, Inthelibraryreviews.net