The Day the Falls Stood Still

The Day the Falls Stood Still (HarperCollins Canada, 2007) by Cathy Marie Buchanan
Christine Leonard loved this love story set against the backdrop of Niagara Falls in the early part of the 20th century, and she thinks readers everywhere will too:
"This book has something for everyone.The compelling voice of the main character Bess Heath takes the reader on a page-turning journey that encompasses a history of Niagara Falls, hydroelectric power and WWI. Buchanan expertly weaves a very personal story with the larger themes of the war, class and the environment. I love that the book is not easy to classify — it is a story that will resonate with both women and men. And, while a very Canadian story, an international audience will be fascinated by her depiction of the famous waterfall."
Accolades: Who wouldn't want to read a book whose Globe and Mail review opens with: "What a wordsmith! What a work of depth and breadth! What a world newcomer Cathy Marie Buchanan brings to propulsively glittering and gorgeous life in The Day the Falls Stood Still."

Loved this book.  Lovely story.

The Stone Carvers

The Stone Carvers (McClleland & Stewart, 2001) by Jane Urquhart
The Stone Carvers is one of the older books on the Top 40 list, but that doesn't mean its appeal has faded at all with time. Cynthia Gordon sings the praises of this epic story of love and war and the redemptive power of art, which is set in the early 20th century and ranges from southern Ontario to Europe after the First World War.
"This is a beautiful novel that brings the Battle of Vimy Ridge (and its importance to the Canadian identity) to life. I read it close to 10 years ago and it has stayed with me. It is timeless and a novel all Canadians should read."
Accolades: The Stone Carvers scored three big hits in 2001, being named to the shortlist of the Governor General's Award and the Scotiabank Giller Prize, and making the long list of the Man Booker Prize.

I enjoyed this book.  It took awhile to read but not because it was long or boring, just busy in the summer!