Kayt Burgess

The cover quote says, “Both whimsical and so grounded in place you can smell the wood smoke, taste the ale, and feel the dirt on your skin”(Lakshadweep Rosnau). She is correct. From the moment I opened this book, I could smell pine, hear the gruelling sounds of war and trains and feel the dampness. Each character in this story makes me want to cheer. I, frankly, wallowed in each chapter. It’s a thin volume but I dawdled through it, enjoying every step.
The premise is interesting- a northern Ontario town fighting for survival, men returning from war seeking a reason to live, native and settler populations both together and opposed. The old grudges and romances found in an isolated northern town. Having travelled through northern Ontario, I felt at home immediately.
Cal, returning hero, is trying to get the railroad to agree to run tracks through the town of Newcombe. In order to persuade the powers that be, he needs to somehow get 200 residents to declare for the census. The problem is there are nowhere near 200 people in residence. So begins a careful set of negotiations with the native tribes, trying to patch over past wounds. The church gets involved, the younger minister troubled by the idea of lying to the government; will he be persuaded to be quiet? And what of the local witch.? Can she conjure up enough past residents to fill the numbers?
Much less twee than “Seducing Dr. Lewis” but of the same cheerful big heart, this is an enjoyable read, with all the feels. I found myself tearing up at the end, when it seems like all is lost.
Highly recommended. Respectful of all, it even includes a character with dementia who is treated with compassion. I love that when that happens- these days we are too quickly to send people with memory loss away - and yet the author does not diminish the horrible effects of this on the person’s family.
So well done. Congratulations to Katy Burgess.… (meer)