A Lady of Lunenburg: Nova Scotia 1752

by Laurel Pardy

Anna Elisabeth is one of the Protestant Settlers who founded the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, in 1753. Her story is a weaving of hope and hardship, death and survival played out against a backdrop of political intrigue for the domination of North America among the kings of England and France, the Protestant and Catholic churches and their pawns, the Acadians, the Micmac, and the settlers. Lunenburg is a rocky hillside of forest, not the prepared homesteads they had been expecting. Elisabeth and her husband have five children, no shelter, no crops planted, no experience at frontier life. She is pregnant and about to go into labour. The settlers' strength comes from the resources they find within themselves-and their faith. With rough lumber and a handful of nails they build shelter, survive on military rations and scant crops, erect a church, bear children, live and die. Elisabeth is strong willed and independent, trained to prepare and use home remedies, an experienced midwife-a healer where there are no doctors. Her skills provide an entrée into all segments of Lunenburg life and quickly lead her along unpredictable paths. Her story is one of resourcefulness, courage, love and duty.

332 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2010

About the author

Laurel (Balsor) Pardy was born in Nova Scotia during WW II where she graduated from Acadia University, taught school and met her diplomat husband. She worked variously as a teacher, writer, editor and from 2003 until her retirement as Director of Volunteers for the Riverside Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. Since then she has written two books, Life on a Carousel, and A Lady of Lunenburg. She and her husband are now retired and living in Ottawa.

Reviews

[Tracey Steeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictionalized account of a families immigration to Nova Scotia from Germany in 1752. My ancestors also came from Germany but landed in New Brunswick in 1766. I really enjoyed the description of the struggles and Elisabeth's fortitude. It is astounding that any of them survived the harsh wilderness and yet they carved their space and found their home in the new an untamed land. I really enjoyed the story.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fictionalized account of the author's ancestors' lives in Nova Scotia during the 1750's. Laurel Pardy weaves a fascinating story, drawing from the facts she knows and creating interesting characters. The story line is good, and the character development excellent. I felt like I knew the characters and learned so much about the history of the area. I highly recommend this book.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-researched, interesting account of some of the early settlers who were in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia during the 1750s. The story has a variety of characters of different nationalities and religions and takes place over five years (1752-1757) with many details that give the reader a close-up view of the hardships of that time period.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could be my story

I enjoyed this book, especially since I, too, have ancestors who went to Nova Scotia from Germany as "foreign protestants."

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictionalized account, inspired by one of the author's ancestors, about a German Protestant in Nova Scotia. I purchased this book when visiting Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, last summer. What a fascinating and page-turning historical fiction. Through detailed descriptions and well-developed characterizations, I truly felt that I was taking a step back in time.

If you enjoyed The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor, then this book will certainly capture your attention.


Goodreads review published 05/07/25