Muskoka author’s new novel described as ‘summer in a book’

PRESS RELEASE
LORI KNOWLES
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The debut novel of the coming summer season is Summer with Miss Elizabeth, literary fiction set in a classic Muskoka lakeside cabin, described by fans as “summer in a book” and “an engaging dockside read.” Author Lori Knowles is a Canadian journalist, former Toronto Sun columnist and current co-editor of Ski Canada magazine.

Publication in trade paperback and e-book on 1 May 2024, Summer with Miss Elizabeth is the heartwarming story of the Wynward family, Pittsburgh industrialists with a century-old cabin on a Muskoka lake.

It’s 1974 when shy, orphaned Colin Montgomery is welcomed by the lovely “Miss Elizabeth,” the shrewd, champagne-swilling mistress of Pittsburgh’s Wynward Steel Company. Colin spends idyllic summers with the lively but troubled Wynward nephews.

They swim, sail, fall in love, ride in shiny wooden boats. But when tragedy strikes, the Wynwards are pulled from the lake, far from each other. Fifteen years later, with the great lady’s health failing, it’s up to Colin to bring them together. He must take on the bewitching force that is Miss Elizabeth to uncover family secrets and uncover the truth. Taking him in as a baby, the Wynwards saved Colin. In the end, it is Colin who saves the Wynwards.

“I grew up in awe of iconic Muskoka hotspots like Beaumaris, Rosseau, Bala, Port Carling and Millionaire’s Row,” says Knowles. “Like Canada’s Hamptons, it’s a place steeped in history, full of beautiful blue vistas, lacquered boats, Muskoka chairs and summer heat. But there’s darkness there too – family strife, tragedy and loss, secrets swept up behind wicker sofas. I was raised in Muskoka and I’m a storyteller – I always knew there were great stories to be told.”

“This novel is a powerful tour de force, a must-read,” says Cindy Watson, president of the Muskoka Authors Association and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Art of Feminine Negotiation. “Knowles deftly explores the strength and fragility of the human condition, effortlessly weaving themes of love and loss, family, class and the destructive power of secrets. The writing is rich and lush, taking you on a whirlwind journey of discovery that will take your breath away.”

Lori Knowles is a Muskoka native, former resident of Toronto’s Leaside, and a Lake of Bays cottager. With a journalism degree from Carleton University, he built a career in travel and sports writing, with ski and family travel columns in the Toronto Sun and contributions to The Globe and Mail, SNOW and Westjet. Lori is currently co-editor of Ski Canada magazine.

Summers with Miss Elizabeth is available to order at loriknowles.com. Signed copies can be purchased at the book launch on 11th May 2024 at The Boathouse, Taboo Resort near Gravenhurst from 3-5pm.

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