Rating: 
Summary: Why Walloon is such a special place
Review: This book captured the special feelings about Walloon Lake that only one who had spent all one's life there could know. I was surprised to see that Ms. Rosewall was not closer to my age (63) as she enjoyed so many of the places that I did, which unfortunately are no longer there. One of the reviewers compared it to Lake Woebegon, but to me, there is no such similarity. I still feel the same way about the lake when we visit. The lake itself is a memory bank.
Rating:
Summary: Why Walloon is such a special place
Review: This book captured the special feelings about Walloon Lake that only one who had spent all one's life there could know. I was surprised to see that Ms. Rosewall was not closer to my age (63) as she enjoyed so many of the places that I did, which unfortunately are no longer there. One of the reviewers compared it to Lake Woebegon, but to me, there is no such similarity. I still feel the same way about the lake when we visit. The lake itself is a memory bank.
Rating:
Summary: I wanted to read it in one sitting!
Review: This book pulled me in from the first glance. I started reading the forward, read it to my husband, and we both wanted to sit down and read it! When I finally did get a chance to sit down and take it in, it was hard to put down...but I'm glad I did, so I could enjoy it longer. I'll definitely read this one again, when I have a few hours to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunshine.
Rating:
Summary: This book will touch your soul.
Review: When I bought "Sparkle Island", I had intended to save it for reading material on an upcoming vacation. That idea lasted about a day...until I couldn't resist and wound up reading it cover to cover in one night.Ellen Rosewall shares not only beautiful descriptions of her family's cottage on Walloon Lake. She shares a part of herself. As I read the book, I began to feel like a part of her family. "Sparkle Island", written in short essays, reads much like a journal. This more personal format enhances the personal nature and brings you closer to the events, the surroundings and the people in the book. As I read through each of the essays, I felt as though I was sitting across the table with Ellen Rosewall herself, reminiscing about old family stories. In short, this book is wonderful. It's charming, witty, and should definitely be read not just once. Whenever you're feeling a yearning for family or a relaxing trip to a beautiful cottage on the lake, just pick up "Sparkle Island" and you'll be there.
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