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When her granddaughter comes to her for advice concerning a matter of the heart, Louise Ferris begins to reminisce about her own amorous past. At seventeen, she is enamored with her best friend’s older brother but is taken by surprise when he confesses returned desires for her and proposes marriage. As Canada enters the Great War to aid Great Britain and France, her wedding to Jeremy must be put on hold, and Louise embarks on a path of service in nursing. Her prospects appear to be securely in place until she meets Jeremy’s cousin, Johnny, and finds herself longing for a different future. The casualties of war and rapid spread of influenza threaten to define her destiny as she wrangles with her new emotions. Now eighty-eight, Louise reflects upon her experiences and those of her loved ones as she slowly unveils an undisclosed legacy of love.
Spanning seventy years, this enchanting family saga is presented from the perspective of several of the primary characters, creating a comprehensive story that emerges just before the start of World War I and traverses through history to 1985. Set in eastern Canada and the province of Prince Edward Island, the narrative reflects the Edwardian dialogue and customs of the time. While the novel’s central focus is on the characters’ romantic relationships, the challenge of aging is introduced as a secondary element that influences the story. Presented in a conversational style, the author skillfully develops the characters through their own voice, crafting a delightful tone that carries through to the final scene. Readers who enjoyed L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series will be enthralled with this charming tale of love and embracing the gift of life in an ever-changing world.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review