With Love,
 
With Connie
 
 
a novel
by
George R Henaut

Why would this novel be of interest?


1. It reveals the power influence entertainers can have on their fans.

2. It reveals the enduring quality of some entertainers.

3. The dual setting of northern Nova Scotia and New England provides an international flavor.

4. It is still possible to tell a powerful story without extreme violence or steamy sex!

5. Through Robert’s struggle with the antagonist, we gain a clear definition of manliness.

6. The use of and value of diaries and heirlooms are featured.

7. It highlights a minority group that rarely gets attention: the miners from Belgium who came to work the pits in North America.

 

What have others said about the novel?

John Donatelli of New Jersey, USA a web master for a comprehensive Connie Francis web site, provided the following comments on the novel: “Even if you're not a fan of singer Connie Francis, this is a heartwarming, romantic story of the struggles and triumphs that only love can endure and conquer. It also shows how the power of song, sung by a power of a voice can influence our lives. Reading you won't want to put down until the very last word. And then pick it up and read again!”

A great read! December 26, 2002  Reviewer: Sharon Gauthier from Nova Scotia
I am very careful about what I choose to read. I have a busy career and want to spend my home time relaxing. This book was a melody of feelings and scenes from all of our youths. The main character experiences sadness and joy and a love that he must keep private. The scenes from his home are sensitive and warm. There are many clever lines and turns in this work. The sub-plots were cleverly interwoven . As an English teacher, I constantly looked for good Canadian writers- Henaut makes the grade.

Multi-layered, February 1, 2003  Reviewer: A reader from New England. This author obviously writes of what he knows; the result is an engaging story peopled with characters who are believable, refreshing and sometimes unique. Robert and Rachel's long-term, long distance romance provides for a creative exploration of the traditional link between New England and the Maritime Provinces. There is an excellent portrayal of the elderly; the reclusive aunts (bouquet) and the manor guests. Trevor is a classic villain; I was surprised by the twist at the end of the novel. This novel does not need violence or sex to make it a worthwhile read! The unusual device of interweaving the effect of Connie Francis' music on their romance works well. The reader will not want this multi-layered ‘good read’ to end.

Contains the key ingredients, August 17, 2003 Reviewer: A reader from New Brunswick. With Connie, With Love contains all the key ingredients of a good romance novel and lovers of the genre will feel this to be a good read.

No Need For Censure, August 16, 2003 Reviewer: A reader from Toronto. The novel can be left unattended on a coffee table. No need to worry whether your children will read it or Aunt Grace if she visits or the minister or priest for that matter. And anyone who enjoys romance would have to find some pleasure in spending a few hours with Robert and Rachel. It may not be a classic in the making, but it will satisfy the need for an escape to a world where values count, people care and good triumphs in the end.
Katherine

Old/Young, July 27, 2003 Reviewer: Senior Citizen from Nova Scotia. The novel has a lot going for it: a good love story, fast paced plot, and unique characters. I think Trevor makes a great villain and "the bouquet" are extraordinary characters. Don't we all wish we knew people like those strange Bronte like sisters? I think that best feature of the novel was the evolution of the relationships between the aged and the young caregivers. Robert may be many things, but his relationship with the Manor guests is worth the read. Rachel comes to live with her eccentric aunts and changes their lives. In a society that glorifies the young; it is refreshing to read a story of young caregivers who nurture seniors.

Connie Again, February 20, 2003 Reviewer: A reader from Cape Breton, Canada. Viewed biography of Connie Francis on A&E television last night. Very interesting. Listening to her songs drew me back to the book (With Connie With Love) where her music and words run such a parallel current through the theme of love, loss and life. Both Connie's life and the books ending speak of the hope and healing of time and the human spirit. Good show.....Good read.


 

 
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