Eternal on the Water Eternal on the Water

By Joseph Moninnger and Joseph Monninger

Book Overview

Cobb, a devoted teacher and nature-lover, takes a sabbatical from his New England boys prep school seeking to experience what Henry David Thoreau and the transcendentalists did in the early nineteenth century. Kayaking to the last known spot where the American writer and philosopher camped four years before he died, he encounters the beautiful free-spirited Mary. Also a teacher, avid bird-watcher, and deft adventurist, Mary is flirtatious and beguiling, and the two soon become inseparable. Mary is like no one Cobb has ever met before, but he gets the feeling that she is harboring a secret. Eventually she shares her fears with Cobb--that she may be carrying the gene for a devastating, incurable illness that runs in her family. Finding strength in their commitment to one another, the two embark on a journey that is filled with joy, anguish, hope, and most importantly, unending love.

Set against the sweeping natural backdrops of Maine's rugged backcountry, the exotic islands of Indonesia, scenic Yellowstone National Park, and rural New England, Tender River is a timeless and poignant love story that will captivate readers everywhere.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439168334
• ISBN13: 9781439168332
• Release Date: February 2010
• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

LOVELY READ

I loved this novel. I had not read anything by Joseph previously but the cover of his book captured me. It is truly stunning - and captures well what is inside on the pages of this compelling story. You will be moved to tears in parts reading an exquisite story of love, loss, nature, tenderness, compassion and so much more. What rich characters too. I highly recommend.

Excellent Novel from a Great Writer

Having just recently finished this novel, I can say that it is a wonderful piece of literature. The characters are people that I would like to get to know and become friends with and who become real to the reader. The descriptions of places and events make you feel that you are in the room, or on the river, or at the beach observing the interplay of the people. Scenes are by turns funny, touching, heartwarming and heart wrenching. Although I am a "guy," I found my sight becoming misty and my throat closing up during particularly warm or sad parts of the book. Let me just say, that no matter what your favorite kind of book is (SciFi/Fantasy for me), this book is worth the investment of your time and heart.

Magical, mystical, spiritual

My title says it all ... Magical, Mystical, and Spiritual. I knew nothing of the disease of the female character. At the end of the book I wanted to not only know more but to contribute to finding the cure. Very unique story-telling regarding the Chungamunga Girls and bears and crows and poetry. This is not a book you will soon forget. I'm planning a trip to Maine. Now I just have to find some more Joesph Monninger books to read, as he is a new author for me.

An emotional love story perfect for a rainy day.....

I loved this book. It is a raw, emotional love story. As it is described, it is about a couple who meet and fall in love on a river. But the characters face an unexpected turn...and that is where the emotion comes in and their love being eternally on the water. I won't be giving a long, heart-felt review of this book, as I will start the emotional process all over again, or I may give away spoilers, so I will keep this short and sweet. Read it. It is a Nicholas Sparks-style of writing, and it tugs at your heart. I was pulled into the story from the mysterious events at the beginning and wasn't let go until I read the very last page. I need tissues with this book....lots and lots of tissues. I am sure will need them too! This is, most definitely, a 5 star book and I will recommend this book to all who ask for a wonderfully written, heart- felt, love story. I was extremely pleased with reading this book. *A copy of this book was provided for review by Pocketbooks/Simon and Schuster.*

Perfect book for a lazy Sunday afternoon

Joseph Monninger's book, Eternal on the Water, is that rare book that holds your attention with its beauty, insight, tenderness and kindness, rather than with an artificial "Hollywood arc." You won't feel your emotions skillfully jerked. Rather, they will build slowly as you get to know these wonderful people. A lovely book that will be your companion for a sweet day. At least in my case; I devoured it. You may, or may not cry at the end. But if you do, as I did, it won't feel cheap.