Charlotte of South Manitou Island

Great Lakes Romances #4

by Donna Winters

Charlotte Richards’ carefree world turns upside down on her eleventh birthday, the day her beloved papa dies in a spring storm on Lake Michigan. Without the persistence of fifteen-year-old Seth Trevelyn, son of South Manitou Island’s lightkeeper, she might never have smiled again. He shows her that life goes on, and so does true friendship. When Charlotte’s teacher invites her to the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, Seth signs as crewman on the Martha G., carrying them to Chicago. Together, Seth and Charlotte sail the waters of the Great Lake to the very portal of the Fair, and an adventure they will never forget. While there, Seth saves Charlotte from a near fatal accident. Now, seventeen and a man, he realizes his friendship has become something more. Will his feelings be returned when Charlotte grows to womanhood?

Genres: Historical Romance

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1992

About the author

Donna moved to Michigan in 1971 when she married and left her hometown of Brockport, New York. She began penning novels in 1982 while working full time for an electronics firm in Grand Rapids.
She resigned from her job in 1984 following a contract offer for her first book. Since then, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Zondervan Publishing House, Guideposts, and Bigwater Publishing have published her novels. Her husband, Fred, a former American History teacher, shares her enthusiasm for history. Together, they visited historical sites, restored villages, museums, and lake ports, purchasing books and reference materials for use in Donna’s research.
In October 2015 Donna became a permanent resident of New Mexico.
Donna has written more than a dozen historical romances for her Great Lakes Romances® series.

Reviews

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written with excellent historical and precise research of life in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan about the hardship of lighthouse-tending in the late 1800s. Without reiterating or spoiling the plot, it revolves around the friendship years of two island teens, Charlotte and Seth, which slowly evolves into more, despite twist and turns in between. Author definitely has a literary talent of presentation that educates the reader as well as entertains which is always appreciated. The novel grips one until the very conclusion, until its rather abrupt ending, that more-than-likely will evolve into the next book. Highly recommended for the discerning lover of historical romance novels.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of my 2022 vacation reading theme of reading only what the universe presents to me on my travels. Much more enjoyable than I expected - this book could use an updated blurb, bc the romance I was super intrigued by was Mrs. Garritty and George. I would have liked more resolution to their story in this book and to find out if Harrison weathered the storm. Enjoyed reading about turning of the century life on South Manitou Island and the 1893 fair in Chicago. Gifted to me by Space Girl Halverson upon my arrival in Michigan.

[Kimberly Newman]

This is the second of Great Lakes Romances I have read. Since I live in an arid region, I especially enjoy the feeling of living near the ocean. Charlotte of South Manitou Island does a great job of taking me there. I am drawn into the story, making it seem as if I grew up there. I learned a lot about the activities performed on lighthouses and yachts. The author's descriptions of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 give great detail and show us the wonders of a time long ago.

There were times I wanted to shake a couple of the characters and remind them, "This is a romance!" but I guess they couldn't hear me. All's well that ends well.

If you enjoy reading historical romance, especially in the Great Lakes area, these books are for you.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book years ago, and had been trying to locate it again. Being from the State of Michigan, it is enjoyable reading books based on the state and from a different time. Also, having spent time on South Manitou Island myself, it is interesting to read about when they island was habitable as opposed to now only being able to hike and camp there. Even though this book is for ages 12+, it can be enjoyed by all ages. Enjoyed learning about those that operate the lighthouses as well as the World's Fair in Chicago.