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.
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.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
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.
ReplyDeleteThis 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
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
ReplyDeleteHi 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
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book I would enjoy. I read all kinds of books. I try to mix it up. Enjoy your day! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteLavender Dreamer - Let me know what you think if you read it! Hope you enjoy your day too! Vickie
ReplyDeleteHi Vickie...
ReplyDeleteLove 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
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ReplyDeletep.s. Hi Vickie...Just saw your blog highlighted on Magnolia Cottage! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteTried to paste it but it didn't come out so I deleted it in that last comment. Sorry about that. Susan
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
ReplyDeleteSo 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.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a gem - thank you.
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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteRiver - 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
ReplyDeleteVickie,
ReplyDeleteMy 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
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.
ReplyDeleteExquisitely 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."
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
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