548 pages
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Muskoka, 1914. It's the Age of Elegance in the summer playground of the affluent and powerful. Amid the pristine, island-dotted lakes and pine-scented forests of the Canadian wilderness, the young and carefree amuse themselves with glittering balls and friendly competitions. When Jack Wyndham, the destitute but charming son of a disowned heir, confronts his family at their opulent cottage on Wyndwood Island, sparks fly and life will never be the same.
Through Jack's introduction into the privileged life of the aristocratic Wyndhams and their social circle - including captains of industry and financial titans - he seeks opportunities and alliances to better himself, including in his schemes, his beautiful, headstrong, and audacious cousin, Victoria. A cast of engaging and memorable characters vividly brings to life the idyllic lifestyle of endless summers on tranquil lakes. But their charmed lives begin to unravel with the onset of the Great War, in which many are destined to become part of the "lost generation". This richly textured tale takes the reader on an unforgettable journey from romantic moonlight cruises to the horrific sinking of the Lusitania, regattas on the water to combat in the skies over France, extravagant mansions to deadly trenches - from innocence to nationhood. The Summer Before The Storm, the first of "The Muskoka Novels", evokes a gracious, bygone era that still resonates in this legendary land of lakes. Watch the trailer. Meet some of the main characters. |
Typical Muskoka lake scene - copyright Melanie Wills
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For a "novel" experience, listen to the companion soundtrack CD of authentically rendered vintage music quoted in the book. "Music for Muskoka" was created specifically to accompany The Summer Before The Storm by ragtime historian and performer, "Perfessor" Bill Edwards, who has consistently placed in the top five of the World Championship of Old-Time Piano Playing, and won the title in 1991.
The CD can be ordered directly from Bill's website. To see a list of the tunes on the CD plus historical notes about each piece, please visit NovelTunes.com |