New book: Across a Narrow Strait by Sharon McInnes

Hi Brian,

I would be delighted if you would tell your readers about my novel Across a Narrow Strait.

Thanks Brian!

Sharon McInnes

sharonmcinnes.com

Across a Narrow Strait by Sharon McInnes

Life can change in the blink of an eye – a sister is born with disabilities, a plane crashes into a mountain, long-dormant cancer cells awaken. Is it chance – or destiny? At fifty, Anna begins to wonder. Then, nine months after her much-loved husband dies, she takes things into her own hands, leaves behind the sister she’s always felt responsible for and moves from downtown Vancouver to Kingfisher, a supposedly tranquil island in the Salish Sea.

On Kingfisher, under the influence of her new friend Sam, Anna becomes fascinated with birds. Soon she finds herself in the middle of a volatile community controversy over the Black-tailed Deer that threaten native species, including ground-nesting birds. Later, wanting to support her environmentally conscious teenage grandson, Anna is drawn into an even bigger battle – against the GreenGate Pipeline – one that takes her life in a direction she never could have predicted.

Available on Amazon here, on Kobo here, and on Kindle here.

5-star Amazon reviews:

Deeply human characters and experiences – The book is set primarily on a fictitious Gulf Island off the BC coast and explores a few years in the life of Anna, a widow who moves there. The characters are beautifully constructed, the events very life-like, and the challenges both familiar and complex. The changes Anna undergoes in her new location are beautifully described and moving. A fast read, yet thoughtful and filled with unexpected turns. I loved this book. (Gary D. Prideaux)

Sharon

Highly recommended to anyone who has a heart – This is a delightful story, beautifully crafted. In much the same way that Anne Tyler has captivated millions of readers over so many years, Sharon McInnes’ heart-warming tale of the ordinary lives of ordinary people shows that no-one is really ordinary and everyone’s life is entirely their own, in big and small ways that create pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow and a multitude of other emotions that make our so-called ‘ordinary’ lives unique. 

The human frailties which complicate our relationships with family and friends is clearly on display here and I was surprised at how the author’s honest re-counting of things not said or done that should have been, and things said and done that should not, often brought an unexpected upswell of emotion that reminded me that I was still very much alive and had a heart. (Paul Ryan)

Complex characters with real-life issues – After the death of her husband, Anna suddenly moves to a small island in the "Salish Sea." She may be alone but she brings her complicated relationships with her family and friends in Vancouver with her and finds that her new island friends aren't any easier. Each character in this book is unique -- no stereotypes here! -- and every relationship rings true. The changes that Anna goes through and the insights she gains along the way make this book a real page turner. I really liked it! (Patricia Macdonald)

Note: If you’ve had a story or a book published, if you’ve won or placed in a writing contest, if you’ve gotten yourself an agent, or if you have any other news, send me an email so I can share your success. And be sure to let know if you're looking for a writers' group or beta readers; a notice in Quick Brown Fox, will help you find them. Email me at brianhenry@sympatico.ca

See Brian’s complete current schedule here,  including writing workshops, weekly writing classes, and weekend retreats in Algonquin Park, Alliston, Bolton, Barrie, Brampton, Burlington, Caledon, Collingwood, Georgetown, Georgina, Guelph, Hamilton, Jackson’s Point, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Midland, Mississauga, New Tecumseth, Oakville, Ottawa, Peterborough, St. Catharines, Sudbury, Toronto, Windsor, Woodstock, Halton, Muskoka, Peel, Simcoe, York Region, the GTA, Ontario and beyond.