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The Magic of Lake Champlain
Learning to play the hand she was dealt, Carlotta looked forward to her twenty-first birthday when she would no longer be under the authority of her Aunt and Uncle. She had been used as their whipping boy when their own daughters misbehaved or became unruly. Rather then reprimand Sandra or Tiffany, they would take out their displeasure on Carlotta. It had always been verbal abuse until they were spending the summer at Lake Champlain. There, Carlotta befriended an old man that loved to swim as much as she did. She could avoid her Aunt, Uncle and cousins by spending time swimming to the island and back. When Uncle Sylas learned that his daughter Tiffany had snuck off with a boy, he blamed Carlotta and dragged her from the beach at sunrise. She was beaten unmercifully until the butler pulled him off. Hank found out about the beating and had the maid pack up all her belongings to take to his home. It wasn't the last time he would become her rescuer.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 14, 2025
The Magic of Lake Champlain was an interesting book that I decided to give a chance to on a whim. I must say I started it a while ago, stopped, and then returned to it yesterday. Granted, I don't remember the first part very well, except that it does follow what the blurb says (she suffers physical and verbal abuse from her family until her knight in shining armor comes in a very unexpected man from when her family is vacationing). The final straw and the event that ends up freeing her from her family is kind of graphic (violence by her uncle's hand), but that's the worst of it. Then we have an idyllic time with Hank, her benefactor, ally, and the man looking out for her until we have the introduction of H.R. into her life.
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about this book. Someone said in another review that it felt like grooming, and in a way, I agree. Carlotta is an interesting character in her outlook on life, direct way of speaking, and enjoyment of the simple things (like swimming and the lake/nature) but at the same time, due to her being kind of sheltered in interactions with the younger male population, ends up also being naive. There's pregnancy out of wedlock (though the book is firmly closed door. It only shows up to kissing and then some past references in a sentence or two). I liked the growth of a secondary character and ended up disappointed by another. I'm not sure I'll be checking out other books by this author. ~ 3.5 stars
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about this book. Someone said in another review that it felt like grooming, and in a way, I agree. Carlotta is an interesting character in her outlook on life, direct way of speaking, and enjoyment of the simple things (like swimming and the lake/nature) but at the same time, due to her being kind of sheltered in interactions with the younger male population, ends up also being naive. There's pregnancy out of wedlock (though the book is firmly closed door. It only shows up to kissing and then some past references in a sentence or two). I liked the growth of a secondary character and ended up disappointed by another. I'm not sure I'll be checking out other books by this author. ~ 3.5 stars
August 18, 2020
Loving this author
This is the 4th book I’ve read from this author. It’s always wonderful to find a new author whose stories you can emerge yourself into. Every story I’ve read has left me with thoughts afterwards of the lives in it. I totally love the characters, I laugh, I cry and I praise God when All things come to those who wait upon the Lord!
Just when you think the story is over this author goes the extra mile and the story continues. I love everything I’ve read so far. I started with Eve...who is still with me as I read other stories. Every character stays with me long after I’ve read the stories. This author is wonderful! You will have blessings galore when you pick up one of her books.
Thank you Miss Jean Kuhnke for sharing your gift with me! God bless you!
This is the 4th book I’ve read from this author. It’s always wonderful to find a new author whose stories you can emerge yourself into. Every story I’ve read has left me with thoughts afterwards of the lives in it. I totally love the characters, I laugh, I cry and I praise God when All things come to those who wait upon the Lord!
Just when you think the story is over this author goes the extra mile and the story continues. I love everything I’ve read so far. I started with Eve...who is still with me as I read other stories. Every character stays with me long after I’ve read the stories. This author is wonderful! You will have blessings galore when you pick up one of her books.
Thank you Miss Jean Kuhnke for sharing your gift with me! God bless you!
March 4, 2022
Typically enjoy books by author but this was a bit rambling without clarity. It took a long ways into the book to determine exactly which state Lake Champlain was located since the famous one is in upstate NY. Much of a Cinderella plot which is okay, but definitely glossed over how Carlotta became pregnant without much explanation way after the fact. She seemed a bit too logical versus emotional about everything. The book fast-forwarded through three years depicting events from almost a reporter's or narrator's perspective and/or portrayal of events. Skimmed a bit through details but managed to complete it satisfactorily.
May 9, 2022
I wish I could be loved
Enjoy this storyline and marvel at how so many think that position and money is most important. It can be nice but if you rather be loved, then look to your creator. He will provide what blessings he has for you, be grateful and say so. He is a good good Father.
Enjoy this storyline and marvel at how so many think that position and money is most important. It can be nice but if you rather be loved, then look to your creator. He will provide what blessings he has for you, be grateful and say so. He is a good good Father.
January 4, 2021
Amazing story!
This is a book that holds surprises. The storyline is well crafted with characters displaying so much indifference, envy, duplicity but still goodness and love shine through.
This is a book that holds surprises. The storyline is well crafted with characters displaying so much indifference, envy, duplicity but still goodness and love shine through.
October 13, 2020
Great, great story.
You really won't be disappointed after you read this story. Very surprised ending, I sure didn't see that coming. Great read.
You really won't be disappointed after you read this story. Very surprised ending, I sure didn't see that coming. Great read.
August 1, 2021
I Loved It!
Beautifully written with a surprise ending. Once again it shows how God can take desperate situations and turn them around!
Beautifully written with a surprise ending. Once again it shows how God can take desperate situations and turn them around!
March 5, 2022
Awesome book!
I began and finished this book in one day, which is unusual for me.
As I read it, I was curious how it would end.
I was surprised!
Very good book!
I began and finished this book in one day, which is unusual for me.
As I read it, I was curious how it would end.
I was surprised!
Very good book!
February 10, 2024
I MISSED THIS ONE
Oh it was truly a magical book! From beginning to end this book had me all in! The ending was such a special surprise! Highly recommend ALL of Jean L. Kuhnke!!!
Oh it was truly a magical book! From beginning to end this book had me all in! The ending was such a special surprise! Highly recommend ALL of Jean L. Kuhnke!!!
February 15, 2024
Uncle beats niece almost to death. Uncle suffers almost no consequence for that. In fact, he is financially rewarded for his relationship with her.
Later, grandfather "falls in love" with the girl, who is then raped by his grandson. Oh dear, grandad has to give grandson a stern talking to. Grandad describes the rape to the victim as a "curve ball" or some such. These words by Grandad do not speak to "love".
This author has written many books (eg 60) that are enjoyable Christian romance, where good behaviour is rewarded. It astounds me that she could also write this appalling story, that normalises horrific abuse in several ways.
The title "The Magic of Lake Champlain" is reprehensibly misleading. The book should have been entitled "The Rape of Lake Champlain" so that readers could avoid reading this book if they do not enjoy that sort of thing.
Later, grandfather "falls in love" with the girl, who is then raped by his grandson. Oh dear, grandad has to give grandson a stern talking to. Grandad describes the rape to the victim as a "curve ball" or some such. These words by Grandad do not speak to "love".
This author has written many books (eg 60) that are enjoyable Christian romance, where good behaviour is rewarded. It astounds me that she could also write this appalling story, that normalises horrific abuse in several ways.
The title "The Magic of Lake Champlain" is reprehensibly misleading. The book should have been entitled "The Rape of Lake Champlain" so that readers could avoid reading this book if they do not enjoy that sort of thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
Wonderful book!
This book was wonderful with a surprise ending that I didn't see coming!!! I downloaded this book and started reading it right away and finished it within just a few hours. I always get sucked in to her books and don't want to put them down! I have over 50 of her books and I highly recommend this book and ALL of Jean L Kuhnke's books to anyone!!!
This book was wonderful with a surprise ending that I didn't see coming!!! I downloaded this book and started reading it right away and finished it within just a few hours. I always get sucked in to her books and don't want to put them down! I have over 50 of her books and I highly recommend this book and ALL of Jean L Kuhnke's books to anyone!!!
October 6, 2019
Another hit about love and life
As always Ms. Kuhnke has written a story that everyone can relate to whether you have experienced true love or have been disappointed. Every book written by this author deserves 5 stars.
As always Ms. Kuhnke has written a story that everyone can relate to whether you have experienced true love or have been disappointed. Every book written by this author deserves 5 stars.
October 8, 2019
TOTALLY AMAZING STORY
TOTALLY AMAZING STORY !! I absolutely love any and all of JLK ‘s stories, but this ones was longer which made it more enjoyable, and what a great twist in the story, I would really like to read a series of this family!
TOTALLY AMAZING STORY !! I absolutely love any and all of JLK ‘s stories, but this ones was longer which made it more enjoyable, and what a great twist in the story, I would really like to read a series of this family!
October 7, 2019
Romance
The Magic of Lake Champlain by Jean L. Kuhnke. I enjoyed this story of a young girl looking for someplace to belong. She found her place in the unexpected.
The Magic of Lake Champlain by Jean L. Kuhnke. I enjoyed this story of a young girl looking for someplace to belong. She found her place in the unexpected.
July 10, 2021
The ending is what bothered me the most. Seems she was being groomed all along.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews