Book Review - Kristin Hannah

 June 4 2025

For Mother's Day this year, my husband gave me a book. He thought it sounded like a good story and took a chance that I would like it.

I don't think I'd heard of Kristin Hannah, but enjoy the book I certainly did! The Great Alone captivated me from the first page. With a back story centering on the Vietnam War and the horrendous emotional and physical toll it wrecked on families of returning vets, I had an idea where the story might head.

It's 1974 and Ernt Allbright has returned from Nam, forever changed and with a hair trigger temper. Clinging to a desperate hope for a better life, he packs up his wife and 13-year old daughter, Leni, and runs to Alaska. 

The story revolves around Leni and how she adapts to living in a new land. And trying to wade through the waters of her parents' complicated, and at times violent, relationship.

Alaska provides a stunning backdrop to this story. Kristin Hannah writes so well that I could feel the cold, smell the stale odours of a small cabin mostly closed up during dark winter months, and envision the silence.

A memorable story and I became hooked on a new 'favourite' author.

As soon as I finished The Great Alone, I went to the library. Today I finished The Women and have another Kristin Hannah book on hold.

The Women was even more emotionally involving. Again, the Vietnam war takes front and centre. The protagonist Frances McGrath - Frankie - a newbie nurse, enlists in the Army, in hopes of making her father proud. Especially since her adored older brother has just received his orders and sees the pride her father has for his son.

As with The Great Alone, Hannah's writing manages to evoke sights, sounds and smells that are vital to the telling of this story. As well as all-too human failings.

I was finishing High School as the Vietnam War ended and so much of the story Kristin Hannah weaves is based on fact and news events I remember. But being Canadian and a teenager, it didn't occupy much of my time. 

This book vividly portrayed the day to day fight to survive for medical staff as they worked to save lives in a never ending parade of horribly wounded, both military and Vietnamese. The account of Frankie and the best friends she makes, Barb and Ethel, made this time in history come alive for me. A reminder of how the war tore America apart and the shameful way its warriors were treated. As for the nurses?  "There were no women in Nam, ma'am... we can't help you here at this VA facility." (I'm paraphrasing.)  I could feel my ire rise at the outdated view of women and their contributions.

It will be a long time before I forget Frankie McGrath, and if you like a well researched historical story woven with fictional characters, I'd highly recommend The Women. Powerful and unforgettable.

Can't wait for my next Kristin Hannah book when it's available.

Happy Reading!

And p.s. - thanks to my husband for opening the door on this brilliant storytelling author!

R & R With Three Friends

  Writers are allowed down time aren't they? So when I was asked to head north to spend time at my friend's cottage I jumped at the chance. Belmont Lake, near Havelock, Ontario. A good 2-3 hours drive depending on traffic but worth the time spent in the car. 

But what's this? Rain, mist and choppy waters. No boats out this trip as we struggled to light the fire to keep us warm in the evenings. At least my friend, Carol, did. All good. I made an attempt to do some editing but I'm easily distracted and joined the conversations where we tried to solve all of the world problems in one night. Didn't happen.

Next day brilliant sunshine although a tad windy.  Off we drove to  Curve lake. It is a First Nation WHETUNG OJIBWA CENTRE . We spend a good hour or so there and my Visa took a hit. Most writers enjoy people watching so I was in my element. I listened to a survivor of the residential school system while he painted the most beautiful art. I will return to this lovely place.

 

Second day of sunshine. It makes all the difference. This time we drove to Cordova Mines. An abandoned Ghost town and Goldmine, part of the Gold rush boom in 1892 after they found a cave lined in gold. This link will tell you more about it. Ominous Abandoned Places - Cordova Mines      The lake is beautiful with water of a blue I'd never seen before.

 

 

I need to return as I think there might be a story here.

 

 So back to eating , drinking and telling tales until we were exhausted. It rained the rest of the trip so I got on with my knitting work in progress. Hmm, I never learn. It happened last year as well. We had the most delightful pup called Taffy who likes to unravel my yarn. And I mean unravel. Then she found my pen so how could I possibly write anything!

 

 

All innocence. She did chew my pen, but I can still use it.

 

Then back to reality.  But I think there is a break in the weather and summer is here. Or is it?

 

 

 Slainte, Pam

 

 

 

Weekend Getaway

Just returned from a wonderful 4-day weekend in the Huntsville, Ontario area. My husband and I, with our three grown kids and their spouses (and 2 dogs) enjoyed a fantastic get-away break in a home that exceeded our expectations.  And of course, Mary Blue Eyes accompanied us as well. 

Over the last 35 years or so, we've rented dozens of properties, in Canada, and the United States. Without exception this home beats them all hands down. The owners of the large, but comfortable 'cottage' overlooked nothing for the comfort of their guests. We enjoyed the peace and calm of the Muskoka River and didn't for a second miss the sounds of traffic!

The weather - as is typical for Ontario's May 2-4 weekend - wasn't the greatest. We had one full day of sun, and then cooler temperatures and lots of rain. The day we left, May 19, the temps had dropped low enough there were flurries of snow as we packed up our vehicles.

We had wildlife, river kayaking, and food - lots of food! And campfires, of course! The time flew by all too fast, and reality is once again the norm.  

It would be wonderful to return to this spot again, but maybe for a little longer!

May 24th is nearly here and that's the official launch date for Jamie Tremain's 4th Grant's Crossing book - Game Changer.  It's available now for Kindle pre-order.   On May 24th the paperback will be available.

That's it from me for now.  Pam has also been away in another beautiful part of Ontario cottage country and I'm sure she'll share some of her experiences when she returns as well.

Cheers!

Liz

      

Under Construction

 May 2025

Surprise! We're back. We've decided to return to the familiarity of our blog with a refresh and new pages. It might take a few days before all the changes are complete, so please check back!

We'll have information on all our Jamie Tremain books, as well as our collaboration with author Gloria Ferris. Three of us - imagine! - writing under the name of FERRIS TREMAIN. We created the Mechanic Falls Gem Caper series.

Our 4th Grant's Crossing book - GAME CHANGER officially launches on May 24. At the moment it's available for Kindle pre-order on Amazon - 

Stay tuned as we continue to add and fine tune the blog!