Like a River

Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward after Loss and Heartache

By: Granger Smith

Narrated by: Granger Smith

Read by the author with an audiobook-exclusive conversation between Granger and his wife, Amber!

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, ECPA Bestseller

'Country music artist Smith debuts with a sensitive and moving recollection of his path through grief. . .In stark, intimate prose, the author candidly renders the realities of suffering while articulating a moving message of renewal. Those seeking a faith-based path through grief will find this instructive and affecting.' -- Publishers Weekly

Like a River, a triumphant story of new life birthed out of tragedy, will teach readers how to face their failures, confront their pain, and connect with God—the true source of life.

On June 4th, 2019, country music singer Granger Smith was enjoying a final evening with his kids before heading to Nashville for the CMT Music Awards and his next tour. While helping his daughter London with her gymnastics, his youngest son fell into their pool. Granger did everything he could to get to him, but he was too late. River drowned, and Granger's world shattered.

The days, weeks, and months that followed River's death sent Granger on a dark and painful journey. Every time he closed his eyes, he replayed the horrific event in his mind, and every time he opened his computer, he was bombarded by the critique and criticism of people who blamed him for the accident.

Despite his best effort to get back on stage with a smile and song, it was all a façade. On the inside he was dying. Fortunately, that's not how his story ended. And now he is compelled to help people all around the world find strength, peace, and hope on the other side of tragedy.

• Like a River, life is full of twists and turns.
• Like a River, people pollute our world with their critique and criticism.
• Like a River, tragic events keep us dammed up.
• But like a river, we can find the courage to keep moving downstream.

Rivers don't run on their own strength; they flow from their source. When we try to keep going on our own, we won't make it, but when we connect to the greater source, we will find the strength and the faith to keep living after loss. This triumphant story of new life birthed out of death will inspire every reader to live Like a River.

Additional water safety resources, discussion questions, and photo insert are included in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Critic reviews

'In stark, intimate prose, [Granger Smith] candidly renders the realities of suffering while articulating a moving message of renewal. Those seeking a faith-based path through grief will find this instructive and affecting.'

If you’re debating this download…don’t!

This was the most touching and impactful audiobook I’ve ever listened to! I clung to every word Granger spoke. How could you not with the story he was telling? Seeing a family praise God in the midst of tragedy will gain the attention of the lost and saved. This family is precious and their story is going to change lives!

Faithful and Courageous

Thank you for sharing your heart through the words of pain, grief, discovery, faith…and on and on. I heard your episode on Annie F. Downs’ podcast and immediately bought your book on Audible. I will be recommending it to friends. God bless you and your family. ❤️

Triumphant testimony

This book was like no other I have ever read and I have been through many books on overcoming tragedy. It was soooo much better listening on audible because Granger did a great job telling his story. I felt every emotion throughout the story and it made me feel like I was there!
If Granger happens to see this…..Well done! Thank you for sharing your vulnerable moments! It helps knowing I am not the only one who experienced such things as the slideshow.

Inspirational Story

This audiobook has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Granger’s captivating life story serves as both an inspiration and a guide, helping you navigate the twists and turns of life. I truly hope you find as much encouragement and hope in it as I have.

God’s plan is perfect

This book was more than I expected. There were times I cried but it was worth reading. I stopped myself several times to jot down quotes. This book is well written and I consider it a must read.