Book of the Month: A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

As May arrives and we begin to welcome longer days and warmer weather on Bald Head Island, there’s nothing quite like finding the perfect book to bring along for a relaxing afternoon on the beach. This month, we’re especially excited to feature our very first fantasy selection; and it’s one that feels right at home in our own coastal setting. A River Enchanted is a lush, atmospheric novel steeped in Scottish folklore; woven with music, spirits, and ancient magic that feels both mysterious and deeply rooted in place. I’ve always loved a book that fully pulls you into its world, and this one does just that. It’s hard not to think of the Cape Fear River as you read—the way it shapes our own landscape, guiding tides, stories, and daily life. 

Set on the Isle of Cadence, the story follows Jack, a bard who returns home after years away to help solve the mystery of missing girls. The island itself feels alive: divided by a flowing river and shaped by elemental spirits who demand respect (and sometimes fear) from those who live there. As Jack reconnects with old ties the story unfolds into a mystery that you’ll want to solve. 

What makes this pick especially meaningful for us at Old Baldy is how closely its atmosphere mirrors the spirit of Bald Head Island. The island setting, the presence of water as both a dividing and unifying force, and the sense of history layered into the landscape all feel strikingly familiar. Like Cadence, Bald Head Island carries its own stories—through maritime forests, along quiet stretches of shoreline, and across winding roads.

The novel’s deep roots in Scottish tradition also echo our own local heritage. You might have noticed that many of our street names include the word “wynd,” a term derived from Scots language meaning a narrow lane or winding path, often leading toward the water or connecting parts of a village. This naming tradition reflects the influence of Scottish settlers and their imprint on local coastal communities like ours. That connection continues with places like Flora’s Bluff, named for Flora MacDonald, who famously aided in the escape of Charles Edward Stuart after the Jacobite uprising before eventually immigrating to North Carolina. These enduring ties between Scotland and our region make the folklore throughout A River Enchanted feel especially meaningful.

Personally, I love a truly immersive read, and this one delivers. Ross creates a world that pulls you in completely. You can almost hear the music drifting over the water and feel the tension in the air as the mystery deepens. It’s the kind of book you sink into, losing track of time as the story carries you along.

This is the perfect cozy beach read: enchanting but not overwhelming, rich in atmosphere, and full of heart. Whether you’re reading by the ocean or simply wishing you were, it’s a beautiful escape into a world that feels both magical and strangely familiar.

A River Enchanted is 20% off throughout May and is available for purchase both online and in the museum shop. Whether you’re reading by the shore, on your porch, or curled up after a day in the sun, it’s a beautiful escape into a world that feels both magical and familiar.