Lorna Seilstad's Making Waves ~ Reviewed

Making Waves: A Novel (Lake Manawa Summers) [Paperback]
Lorna Seilstad
Paperback: 363 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800734459


Description:

When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews. But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves? Author Lorna Seilstad's fresh and entertaining voice will whisk readers away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday. Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, Making Waves is the first book in the LAKE MANAWA SUMMERS series.

Review:

Once I found out this novel was set in my hometown I could not resist it. But, romance isn't my favorite genre and I was worried that my thrill over learning some historical information in my back yard would be bogged down in annoying boy girl drama.

That was not the case. I ended up finding the story almost as intriguing as the history set around a large lake in my community. I've heard stories about Lake Manawa at the turn of the 19th century but haven't been able to picture life at that time. Council Bluffs resident Lorna Seilstad, brought life and breath into a fascinating era and three dimensional characters.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Bonus Review:

Lorna Seilstad's debut novel will have fans of Mary Connealy and Deeanne Gist sitting up and taking notice! Making Waves is a delightful novel, replete with wit, adventure and an attractive sailing instructor ahead of his time. Marguerite's newly found passion for sailing in an era where women were forbidden from such past-times is refreshing and Trip's willingness, despite his initial reluctance, to teach her makes for both a fun and interesting read. Roger's utter incompatibility with Marguerite is so obvious that her failure to end the relationship from the get go is a bit unrealistic, particularly given Marguerite's forthright and stubborn personality. That being said, Roger and the havoc he causes is essential to the storyline. With a good look at the consequences of untruthful behavior, Making Waves is an excellent beginning to Lorna's writing journey and I look forward to meeting more unique characters like Marguerite and Trip in A Great Catch, releasing in 2011.

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet