The Summer Before the Storm by Gabriele Wills (Plus Giveaway)

Title: The Summer Before the Storms

Author: Gabriele Wills

Genre: Fiction

Source: Given to me to by publisher

Published: Mind Shadows, October 19, 2006

Type: Trade Paperback

ISBN: 0973278021

Synopsis of Book: Muskoka, 1914. It is the Age of Elegance in the summer playground of the affluent and powerful. Amid the pristine, island-dotted lakes, the granite cliffs, and pine-scented forests of the Canadian wilderness, the young and carefree amuse themselves with glittering balls, lavish picnics, and friendly competitions. 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 . <P>This richly textured tale takes the reader on an unforgettable journey from romantic moonlight cruises to the horrific sinking of the Lusitania, genteel Muskoka to wartime Britain, regattas on the water to combat in the skies over France, extravagant mansions to deadly trenches: from innocence to nationhood. 

Why I read this book: This book was given to me for a fair and honest review by the publisher
What I liked: I liked the characters in this book. The author did a good job of making them believable. I also liked the summer setting of the book, I think that would have been a nice place to spend your summers.

What I didn't like: I don't usually read books set in this time period but I wanted to give this one a try and go in with an open mind. This time period is just not my cup of tea.

Overall Impression: I liked that the author took the time to do her research when writing this book, to me that makes the book more interesting and real. It really showed in all the details. Another thing I enjoyed was reading about the war from the Canadians point of view. I think it was nice to get a different prespective on things. The title of the book really sums up the whole story - the characters are enjoying their summer and then comes the storm in the form of the war and the sinking of the Lusitania. I liked how we had a bit of romance - a bit of war - a bit of history - a bit of adventure all rolled into one. My favorite character in this book was Victoria. She was a strong willed person who does what she wants and is not afraid of what others think of her. I am glad I had the chance to read this book and enjoyed it. 3 Stars.


Giveaway: I am hosting a giveaway for this book. The giveaway is for one copy of the book in print, Kindle or Kobo. Winners in the U.S. or Canada will receive their choice. International winners will receive the Kindle version. The drawing for this giveaway will be open until November 16th at midnight eastern time. To be entered in this giveaway you must be a follower of my blog. Please leave a comment and your email address for me to contact you if you win. You have 48 hours to respond to the email after I send it to you or another winner will be drawn.