With well over 100 novels to her credit, Roberts has established herself convincingly not only as a prolific but an award-winning author of romance novels.

1. Research and discuss the terms "romance novel" and "category fiction" and identify the characteristics of each that you find in River's End.

2. Research and discuss the history of the Romance Novel, considering especially the contributions of the publishers Harlequin, Silhouette, Berkley, Jove, and Bantam Books to the rise and success of such writers as Nora Roberts.

3. Who is the principal victim in the story, Sam Tanner or Olivia MacBride? Is Tanner ultimately responsible for his fate?

Why or why not? Support your answers with analysis of relevant portions of the text.

4. How would you characterize the nature, purpose, and function of the sexual passages in River's End and where would you place them on the spectrum of fantasy to realistic?

5. Much is...