When WWII ends, Bruce Duncan, a battlefront surgeon, returns home to a small town in Pennsylvania with plans of opening a general practice, fly fishing in his spare time, and forgetting the past. But the ravages of his war aren’t over. Haunted by images of soldiers he tried to save, his own near-death experiences, and the love he lost, Bruce has little respite before new battles grip him. His brother, a decorated fighter pilot, is sinking fast and rebels against Bruce’s attempts to help him. A former friend begins waging a vicious campaign to stop Bruce from uncovering the dangers that could shutter a local industry. And amid all this turmoil, he must decide between the slim prospect of reuniting with his former love—an Englishwoman who chose her family over him—and an ill-fated attraction to a trail-blazing woman doctor.
A riveting narrative that moves from post-WWII America to battle-sieged England to the killing fields of Alsace, A Stream to Follow plunges deep into the crucible of trauma and gives fresh vision for paths to redemption—ultimately weaving an uplifting tale of valor, resilience, and enduring love.
Industry Reviews
2022 Best Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Historical
"A Stream to Follow touchingly examines trauma, heartbreak, and what it takes to move ahead, in a story that will please readers of character-driven historic and literary fiction."
-BookLife
"Jess Wright's emotional rendering of a front-line surgeon searching for meaning in post-WWII America is engaging, well-paced, and has an excellent arc of character, theme, and plot."
-IndieReader
"These pages recall the best parts of Hemingway's Nick Adams, diving deep into the ghosts of war, embers of passion, and the drive to do good work. Jess Wright has a breathtaking winner with A Stream to Follow."
-Devin Murphy, author of The Boat Runner and Tiny Americans
"Historical fiction at its finest. Bruce Duncan is a determined and gentle hero whom readers will root for page after page."
-Samantha Specks, author of Dovetails in Tall Grass
"Jess Wright's A Stream to Follow is a gripping reminder of the trauma of war and the healing power of family and love. A stunning and heartfelt debut."
-Linda Kass, author of Tasa's Song and A Ritchie Boy
"This post-World War II novel touchingly and intelligently reminds us that no war ever ends. It survives in our minds and bodies, daring us to live and love alongside our memories of brutal history and unforgettable valor."
-Shelly Blanton-Stroud, author of Copy Boy
"In a thrilling account of the aftermath of wartime trauma, Jess Wright tells a story of heroism, love, and healing. Engaging and heartwarming. . . . A book you can't put down."
-Robert L. Leahy, PhD, author of Don't Believe Everything You Feel and The Worry Cure
"An authentic portrait of working through traumatic experiences to develop resilience. At the same time, matters of the heart play an important role in the lives of the characters in this compelling family saga . . . an absolute joy to read."
-Ames Sheldon, author of Eleanor's Wars, Don't Put the Boats Away, and Lemons in the Garden of Love
"Jess Wright is a gifted storyteller who weaves the heartrending impact of PTSD into a novel that will resonate with all. It is a page-turner full of love, intrigue, and tested values."
-Barbara O. Rothbaum, PhD, Professor and Director, Emory University Healthcare Veterans Program, and author of PTSD: What Everyone Wants to Know
