Maria Rivera returns with her fourth novel, The Thing About Lily, a deeply emotional and heartfelt story set in the vibrant community of Washington Heights. Readers and critics across America and beyond are praising the novel for its powerful exploration of second chances, healing, and resilience.
The Thing About Lily follows Lily Cruz, a determined single mother working to rebuild her life after years of running from her past. As she balances raising her teenage son, pursuing her education, and reconnecting with family, Lily crosses paths with Raymond Sanchez, a widowed pastor healing from his own loss. Their slow and complicated romance unfolds naturally, grounded in faith, community, and emotional growth.
Critics have praised Rivera’s thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth. One reviewer shared, “The romance develops slowly, which makes it feel natural and believable. It’s an easy and comforting book that still has depth. I have enjoyed this book, and if you are a romantic reader, you would enjoy it too.”
Another reader highlighted the heart of the story, saying, “I liked the emotional depth of this story, so it has been very warm reading about the slow and complicated romance with Raymond, which was heartfelt, and I also have appreciated that the book balances love and second chances.”
The novel has gained widespread acclaim across America, resonating with readers who appreciate stories of faith, forgiveness, and personal transformation. Rivera’s ability to balance romance with meaningful themes has made The Thing About Lily a standout among contemporary Christian fiction.
When asked about her inspiration for the book, Rivera explained that Lily’s story needed to be told. “I always felt that it was possible that readers may have been hard on Lily because of what she did to Araceli and Anthony in the previous book, and that is when I realized it was important for her story to be told,” Rivera said. “Through a series of conversations, the reader learns a lot about Lily’s past and the circumstances under which she left Cuba to come to the States. Lily Cruz represents many individuals who work toward transformation while carrying the weight of experiences that shaped them. This story reflects the courage required to heal, the role community plays in renewal, and the unexpected ways hope can reenter a life.”
For more details about The Thing About Lily and Maria Rivera’s work, please visit: https://mariariverabooks.com/
About Maria Rivera
Maria Rivera lived in the Washington Heights area of New York City for eleven years. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Criminal Justice and an MS in Teaching Secondary English. Rivera has taught middle and high school English in Florida and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, where she continues to teach high school English, as well as film and journalism. Readers are encouraged to leave a review on Amazon for any of her books.
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