Shadow in Hawthorn Bay

Book excerpt: A classic children’s book for every Canadian family to treasure for all time – a story of mystery and young love in a richly detailed Canadian historical setting. From the winner of the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature comes one of Canada’s best-loved, bestselling books for young readers. In the award-winning follow-up to the beloved children’s classic, The Root Cellar, Janet Lunn brings us an enthralling historical tale of Celtic magic, kindred spirits and the struggles of pioneer life in Upper Canada. Shadow in Hawthorn Bay introduces fifteen-year-old Mary Urquhart, a Scottish girl with a special gift – the gift of “second sight”. One morning, in the spring of 1815, Mary hears her beloved cousin Duncan calling desperately for her help. But Duncan is 3,000 miles away in Upper Canada, and to journey to him means leaving the safety and comfort of home for an unknown wilderness. Answering the call, Mary finds herself battling dark forces in a foreign land. But as she struggles for her survival and independence, she unexpectedly finds friendship – with cheerful Yankee Patty, with Owena, the quiet Indian who recognizes the healing powers in her, and with Luke – so different from “Duncan the black.”