Novel :That Summer in Franklin |
Friendship and hope rise from the ashes of family dementia and alcoholism in Linda Hutsell-Manning's debut novel, That Summer in Franklin, Second Story Press "In a book meticulously researched, and filled with accumulated wisdom, compassion and humour, Linda Hutsell-Manning has achieved a balanced and nuanced narrative – no easy feat, given the huge scope of her subject matter." - The Globe and Mail "That Summer in Franklin has been compared to the work of Margaret Laurence and Maeve Binchy. Set in the town of Franklin, this emotionally-charged novel tells the story of childhood friends Hannah and Colleen, who have grown up and are facing the painful process of putting their ageing parents into nursing homes. Nothing in these women's lives is how they thought it would turn out, the summer in Franklin when they were 15 years old and working as waitresses in the Britannia Hotel. That summer, however, was far from innocent. The girls witnessed something that they have never spoken of — but now, for reasons both personal and beyond their control, they will finally need to reveal what they saw if they ever hope to come to terms with the choices they've since made. Originally from Winnipeg, Hutsell-Manning now lives just outside of Cobourg." - Recommended Reads, Open Book Ontario |
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The Wonder Horn Time-Travel Series : Novels for Ages 9 and older
Jason and the Wonder Horn, published by Coteau Books
A grand adventure story with winsome characters, sure to capture the fancy of young readers. The author does an impressive job of bringing to life the world of Germany in the 1400's, and of highlighting how vastly different the daily lives of the people were from what we know today. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book and can picture many young people being equally absorbed by it. Canadian Materials
A very enjoyable adventure book aimed at a young audience but still an enjoyable adult read. Well written and good development of characters kept me interested right to the end. Amazon user review.
"The crisp pace of this historical fantasy makes it hard to put down until the plot, with its panoramic cast of characters, tumbles to its epic climax and Jason, Charlotte, and Squid find themselves safely back at home." - Editorial Review Amazon.ca
Jason and the Deadly Diamonds, published by Coteau Books
Jason is just back from a thrilling adventure in Medieval Germany. All he wants is a quiet summer hanging out with Charlotte and her brother Squid. But his great-uncle's World War II bugle has another task for them. On a misty day, by a creek in a hidden valley, Jason can't resist playing the battered old bugle. Charlotte and Squid play along o flute and drum. The music transports them to a place they've never seen, near a magnificent walled city, where they're taken in by a band of wandering outcasts. Why has the bugle brought them here? Soon their new friends are in terrible danger, and the kids have to find a way to help them. And a way to return safely home. LinkedIn
I loved this book. I read it so long ago, I can barely remember it, except that a) I loved it b) it was based in Luxembourg and c) they baked diamonds into a pastry of some sort. Sound tempting? Yeah, you should read it. Goodreads review.
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Print editions of both novels are available through this website.
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By-The-Pond Publishing is pleased to announce that Linda Hutsell-Manning has agreed to eBook publishing of the entire Wonder Horn Time-Travel Series.
Jason and the Wonder Horn, the first book in the series, is scheduled for eBook publication in Fall 2013, by special arrangement with the print book publisher.
Jason and the Deadly Diamonds, the second book in the series, is scheduled for eBook publication in Fall 2013, by special arrangement with the print book publisher.
Jason and the Portrait Pirates, the third book in the Series is scheduled for eBook publication in Spring 2014.
Jason and the Vimy Ridge Sniper, the fourth book in the Series, is scheduled for eBook publication in Spring 2015.
The fifth and final book in the Series is tentatively scheduled for eBook publication in Spring 2016.