Bluebird of Brockport, A Novel of the Erie Canal (Great Lakes Romances) (Volume 16)

By Donna Winters

Description:

Dreams of floating on the Erie Canal have flowed through Lucina Willcox's mind since childhood. Yet once her family has purchased their boat and begins their journey, they meet with one challenge after another. An encounter with a towpath rattlesnake threatens her brother's life. A thief attempts to break in and steal precious cargo. Heavy rain causes a breach and drains the canal of water. Lucina comforts herself with thoughts of Ezra Lockwood, her handsome childhood friend, and discovers a longing to be with him that she just can t ignore. Can she have a future with Ezra and still hold onto her canalling dream? Ezra Lockwood s one goal in life is to build and captain his own canal boat, but two years into the construction of his freight hauler, funds run short. With his goal temporarily stalled, and Lucina Willcox back in his life, his priorities begin to change. Can he have both his dreams his own boat, and Lucina as his bride? Praise for Bluebird of Brockport Donna Winters tells a rollicking good story, full of action, romance, and mystery, that conveys a very pervasive feeling of authenticity for Erie Canal life in the 1830s. She is especially good at developing credible, likable characters and describing family dynamics. --William G. Andrews, Ph. D., Village of Brockport Historian Emeritus and author of four books on Brockport history A well-written and enjoyable account set during the 1830s Erie Canal days, Bluebird of Brockport recalls life's struggles that helped form the American values system. Supported by faith and friends, families faced the threats of adversaries, discovered solutions to mysteries, as well as experienced the wonder of unfolding romance. --Tom Castaldi, author Wabash & Erie Canal Notebook series With vivid characters, a tender romance, and historically accurate details about life on the Erie Canal, Bluebird of Brockport has it all! Lucina and Ezra are characters that will gain a permanent place in the hearts of readers. Their loves and losses, joys and sorrows, will keep pages turning long into the night! Winters' writing is almost lyrical and will sweep readers away on page one, in much the same way Lucina is swept away by her love for the Erie. The historical details sprinkled throughout transported me back in time until I could almost hear the water lapping against the sides of the canal boat. An enchanting read! --Amanda Barratt

Book Takeaway:

A farm girl with no education and a lot of grit can make her dreams come true.

Why the author wrote this book:

I wrote this book to bring readers the adventure of the early days on the Erie Canal.