Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad

Rating: 3.5 stars

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews. But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves? Author Lorna Seilstad's fresh and entertaining voice will whisk readers away to a breezy lakeside summer holiday. Full of sharp wit and blossoming romance, Making Waves is the first book in the LAKE MANAWA SUMMERS series.

B-Squared’s Review:

Making Waves is a light and refreshing read, perfect for the summer months.  Seilstad presents historical details about the charming Lake Manawa area without bogging the plot down with too many heavy details.  I enjoyed reading the descriptions of 19th century summer life on Lake Manawa and was intrigued to discover in the author's notes that it was an actual resort area in the past. Seilstad preserves a bit of Iowa history through this series, and her obvious love for local history shines through in the novel's lush details.

Seilstad offers the perfect ingredients for a taste of summer: fun, sun, water, sailing, and love.  The setting of Making Waves is the primary element that differentiates this novel from many others.  Marguerite and Trip are charming main characters surprised by what could be more that just a summer love.  All is not well on Lake Manawa, however. Marguerite,Trip, and their families must confront temptations, dangers, and broken hearts.  The element of conflict add more depth and interest to the plot to keep readers engaged. Although there are some predictable moments in the novel, Making Waves is an enjoyable read and a promising beginning to the Lake Manawa Summers series.