GREAT READS

Mrs. Mike

Benedict and Nancy Freedman.

This book was a childhood favorite, but I still enjoy rereading it today. Based on a true story, 16 year old Boston bred Katherine Mary O'Fallon is sent to live with her Uncle in Alberta, Canada in 1907. There she meets and marries Canadian Mountie, Sgt. Mike Flannigan, with his pitch black hair and "eyes so blue you can swim in them." Mike promptly takes her even deeper into the wilderness, far into the north county. Towering over the vast and remote Canadian wilderness, Sgt. Mike is government, police, doctor, judge and peacemaker to the native Indians and a few white settlers. For Kathy it is cultural shock, but it is also a life of unimagined adventure, deep friendships and heart-stopping tragedy, and above all, a great and enduring romance. I loved this book as a 12 year old and still love it many, many years later.

Recommended by Mary Ellen Raun