The Summer Before the Storm by Gabriele Wills
About the Book: 
 “Muskoka. !914. It’s the Age of Elegance in the summer playground of the affluent and powerful. Amid the pristine, island-dotted lakes and pine-scented forests of the Canadian wilderness, the young and carefree amuse themselves with glittering balls and friendly competitions. The summer of 1914 promises to be different when the ambitious and destitute son of a disowned heir joins his wealthy family at their cottage on Wyndwood Island. Through Jack’s introduction into the privileged life of the aristocratic Wyndhams and their social circle, he seeks opportunities and alliances to better himself, including in his schemes, his beautiful and audacious cousin, Victoria. But their charmed lives begin to unravel with the onset of the Great War, in which many are destined to become part of the “lost generation”. This richly textured tale takes the reader on an unforgettable journey from romantic moonlight cruises to the horrific sinking of the Lusitania, from regattas on the water to combat in the skies over France, from extravagant mansions to deadly trenches - from innocence to nationhood.”
 
Book Type: Rare signed edition 
Genre:  Lifestyle Novel,  Canada
Edition: Signed First Edition 2006  
Published by Mindshadows Canada
Size: 21.5cm x 13.5cm
551Pages
ISBN 9780973278026
Printed in Canada
Foreword by Gabriele Wills
A good copy.
 
Back Story 
. Gabriele Wills writes ‘ My fascination with Muskoka began in the 1960s when, as a teenager, I stayed for weeks every summer at my friend’s cottage on Mazengah Island on Lake Rosseau. The cottage had been built by her great grandfather in 1879, so as family compound developed around it over the next century. Hearing wonderful tales of the ‘old days,’ I knew that one day I would write about that genteel tome in legendary Muskoka. My deepest thanks to Fay (Patterson) Willsie, her parents Art and Isla Patterson, and he large, extended family for introducing me to Muskoka and a unique way of life. Thanks to Barb Mason for lending the impressive Mazengah history compiled by her father Arthur D. Blachford.” 
 
CONDITION:
Covers: Good.  Fairly clean. Boards: Age related wear, with a small marks on front covers as per photograph. Marks on the back cover board as per photograph 
Binding: Tight  
Spine: Bright clean title on spine. Some bumping and wear on board cover ends. 
Pages.  All pages complete. In good condition bright and clean. 
Postage
All books posted within the UK are free and sent via 1st class Recorded Delivery. 
International customers: PayPal accepted
The packaged book will weigh 600g   1.4lb
Cost price postage to Europe will be £9.75 by Royal Mail Airmail delivery.
Cost price postage to the USA, Canada and Australia will be £14.80 by Royal Mail Airmail delivery.
All other destinations please enquire.