Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger

“Eternal on the Water” is a delightful, intriguing, heart-wrenching story of two soul mates and a devastating disease.

This novel doesn’t begin as most story do - the beginning of a budding relationship between a man and a woman. This novel begins at the tragic end of he couple’s relationship.

Knowing this story didn’t have a “happy ever-lasting” ending, I was apprehensive about reading it. Being tenderhearted was also a disadvantage to my willingness to read.

Once I began reading, however, it was hard to put it down. This timeless love story will hold you in its grip.

Cobb and Mary met on the Allagash River in Maine. It was Cobb’s first kayaking adventure and Mary was an old pro at it. Their chance meeting before going down the river changed their lives forever.

It was love at first sight for both. It was also the beginning of a journey that took the couple to Indonesia, Yellowstone National Park, and rural New England. The story is told in a flowing detail description. You can almost feel the mist from the river as the two kayak down the Allagash. You come to understand Mary’s love of the river and of life itself.

Cobb learns that Mary has  a life threatening disease but it doesn’t change his feelings for her. They go after life with a sense of adventure from their first encounter on.

When the end draws near for Mary, she enlists Cobb to fulfill her last request. They return to the Allagash River where it all began for them and ends for Mary. This is an inspiring story of adventure, humor, strength, pain, and undying love. “Eternal on the Water” addresses the question, “How far would you go to help the one you love?”

This is a novel that will stay with you long after you put it down and wipe away the tears.

JOSEPH MONNINGER, twice a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, has published award-winning fiction and non-fiction. He is currently a college professor living with his family in New Hampshire. For more information on Monninger, check out his website at josephmonninger.com

Thanks to Sarah and  Simon & Schuster, I have one copy of "Eternal on the Water" to giveaway. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail with "Win Eternal" in the subject line and include your name and address in the body of the e-mail. The giveaway ends at 8 p.m. (EST) on Friday, March 5.

Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger * Gallery Books * @2010 * ISBN:9781439168332 * 368 pages * Paperback

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FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by Simon & Schuster in hopes I would review it. Receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.