Tuesday, June 24, 2014

"The Day the Falls Stood Still"

Today I’m sharing a blurb I wrote for The Day the Falls Stood Still, a novel written by Cathy Marie Buchanan. Even if you prefer non-fiction as I do, perhaps my impression will nudge you to read this book, if you haven't already, of course. 

Set in Niagara Falls—one of the most magical places on earth (at least among those I've visited), this novel will not let you rest….until you finish it! It is a powerful story of the love, faith, and coming of age of Bess Heath, who at seventeen faces the reality of being overshadowed by her sister’s beauty and popularity, her father’s dismissal as Niagara Power Company’s director, her family’s subsequent slide from high society, and her inexplicable attraction to a young man considered beneath her in every aspect.

I love the way Buchanan weaves actual newspaper clippings of the era into the novel, about a particular legendary figure, who, perhaps, plays the larger role (saying more might spoil the mystique). While such interweaving of news informs us of the historical magnetism of Niagara Falls, Buchanan masterfully bridges that reality to otherworldly powers of uncanny prescience.

What amazes me is Buchanan’s ability to build suspense as she depicts her characters’ thoughts, beliefs, and actions in such a clear and endearing manner that I recognized them as people I might have known. Nature—human and otherwise—will grip you to the end of this tale.

What book sweeps you away, and why?

REMEMBER: The drawing to win a copy of my memoir ends on Thursday, 26 June. 
Details are in Saturday's post: "Win a hard cover version of my memoir!"
Send your friends over too.

17 comments:

From the Kitchen said...

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your helpful comment. I checked out the blog you mentioned and found that I'm not the only one having the problem. One commenter said that "blogger" had admitted it was something being worked out. I suppose I shall just have to wait. In the meantime, I'm happy to have found you. I'm an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction and always grateful for a recommendation.

Best,
Bonnie

Celestina Marie said...

Greetings and so nice to meet you. I am visiting from my dear friend Patti's blog and her blog tour. SO enjoyed my visit here and your lovely blog.
This book sounds very good and I will have to add it to my list of must reads.
Thank you for sharing. I am now a new follower.
Happy Summer.
Hugs from Texas

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Hi Bonnie (From the Kitchen), Thanks for stopping by - be sure to check my blog about winning a copy of my memoir too! We're heading out for a day trip but I'll be sure to check out your blog also. Vickie

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Hi CelestinaMarie! Welcome to my blog - I'm delighted you found me. Hope you will check my blog about winning a copy of my memoir too! We're heading out for a day trip but I'll be sure to check out your blog also. Vickie

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

This sounds like a book I would enjoy. I read all kinds of books. I try to mix it up. Enjoy your day! Hugs!

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Lavender Dreamer - Let me know what you think if you read it! Hope you enjoy your day too! Vickie

Susan said...

Hi Vickie...

Love the title of that book you talked about!

I'm a "smorgasbord" reader, little bits and pieces of everything. Like you, I tend to prefer non-fiction.

All the Anne of Green Gables books sweep me away to a quieter, more gentle time. Nice to be immersed in a simpler time and place. Susan

Susan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan said...

p.s. Hi Vickie...Just saw your blog highlighted on Magnolia Cottage! Congratulations!

Tried to paste it but it didn't come out so I deleted it in that last comment. Sorry about that. Susan

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Hi Susan, I also loved the Anne of Green Gables series....took my son up to Prince Edward Island many years ago....what a lovely part of the world that is! Books really do transport us, don't they? -Vickie

Elephant's Child said...

So many books sweep me away - for so many reasons. I am a bookaholic and read from most genres. I have a passion for biographies/autobiographies/diaries and letters - but it doesn't stop there.
This sounds like a gem - thank you.

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Hi EC, I am drawn to memoirs but share your passion for biographies/autobiographies/diaries, etc. Our monthly book club alternates fiction and non-fiction to satisfy everyone, so I'm always on the lookout for a satisfying novel. Glad you visited. (This blogger situation is getting worse....I wish they'd fix it already!) -Vickie

River said...

I read fiction as non-fiction is something I find boring, and there are so many books that sweep me away. There isn't a specific "sweep away" reason, just that many books keep me so sunk into the story that resurfacing to the real world is a bit of a surprise when the story is over.

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

River - I love the way you said that! I hate it when a good story ends. Or is it the reality of all the work left undone while I immersed myself in the tale?! Vickie

Red Rose Alley said...

Vickie,
My daughter Nel is a book lover and would really like this book. I love children's books the most, and my favorite that I read to my kids when they were little was the "Berenstein Bears." Those always warmed my heart.

Have a sweet day.

~Sheri

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

It's hard to pick just one book that sweeps me away, but I will never forget the day I read Erica Bauermeister's novel, The School of Essential Ingredients.

Exquisitely written and so satisfying on every level, I didn't want the book to end! As soon as I did finish it, I started it all over and read it aloud to my husband. He enjoyed just as much.

Here's an excerpt from her website:

"Once a month on Monday night, eight students gather in Lillian’s restaurant kitchen for a cooking class. They come to learn the art behind Lillian’s dishes, but it soon becomes clear that each one unknowingly seeks a recipe for something beyond the kitchen. One by one, they are transformed by the aromas, flavors, and textures of what they create... is always delicious."

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Brenda, Thank you for your timely recommendation! I'm adding it right now to the list we'll be voting on tomorrow night at our book club meeting. -Vickie