A SEPTEMBER 2024 INDIE NEXT PICK

Return to Dalton as Shannon Bowring draws another stunningly human portrait of small town America.

Its been five years since Bridget Therouxs death shocked the small town of Dalton, Maine, leaving behind husband Nate and daughter Sophie, now a vibrant young child. Nate doesnt always know how to answer her questions, but he is intent on raising her with joyand shielding her from her grandmother, Annette, who remains dangerously locked away in her grief.

After his first year away at college, Greg Fortin is back in town for the summer to work at the family store. Its expected he’ll take over the hardware business eventually, but finding the words to tell them noand the truth about who he ishas become his own Everest.Roses abusive ex, Tommy finally disappeared a few years ago, though sometimes his presence in the eyes of her oldest son unnerves her. She and Nate are finding themselves drawn together by their childrens playdates, and into a delicate balance between friendship and the possibility of more.

And Trudy and Bev, always so sure of their love for each other, find themselves rocked when Trudys husband Richard suffers a heart attack, bringing into focus all the guilt she has felt about their empty marriage for years.

Shannon Bowring demonstrates once again that she understands exactly where the heart of a story lies. Where the Forest Meets the River is a poignant return to the small town of Dalton, whose inhabitants continue to startle and humble both themselvesand us.