Gina Rae Mitchell

The Strong Amongst Us by J. A. Boulet | Review

A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me the information for this tour.

The Strong Amongst Us by J. A. Boulet | Book Details

The Strong Amongst Us by J. A. Boulet
Series: The Olason Chronicles #1
Published by J. A. Boulet on 04/29/2020
Genres: Fiction, General, Historical
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 302

On a blistery day in October 1875, a boatload of Icelandic explorers crash land on a beach paradise called Willow Point on Lake Winnipeg. Except it proves to be anything but paradise.

The Strong Amongst Us follows the fictional Olason family, on an epic journey based on actual events. Against a stunning backdrop of Lake Winnipeg, young Nathan Olason scrambles to survive against all odds in this strange unforgiving new country called Canada.
Nathan and his relatives hastily construct rough cabins, struggle to hunt and stay alive during the first brutal winter. He soon meets Anwa, a Swampy Cree native woman, who teaches him to survive in this unfamiliar land. With natural sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets, the lake quickly changes, to a menacing force, with massive storm surges and frigid temperatures, claiming lives like flies. Nath soon realizes that to claim this country as New Iceland he must persevere.

Anwa stands beside him as he struggles against heavy snowfalls, emerging Canadian governments, racism, violence, and mass starvation deaths. He begins to fall deeply in love with Anwa, forming a bond others dream of. With her help, they begin to triumph with hunting and ice fishing; teaching themselves how to live off the land. Then just as they think they have prevailed against the odds, tragedy strikes an ominous blow; a smallpox epidemic that decimates villages, quarantines the town of Gimli, but most of all, threatens to claim what he holds dear the most.

With stirring realism, surprising bits of humor, and steamy romance scenes, this historical saga weaves a rich tale of immigration, immense love, determination, resilience, and the perseverance of the human spirit. It will leave you breathless.

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Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, Received from the author or publisher for review.

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Purchase Links for The Strong Amongst Us by J. A. Boulet

Amazon     Amazon UK     Bookshop/IndieBound

Barnes & Noble    iTunes     The Book Depository

Waterstones     Chapters/Indigo

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My thoughts on The Strong Amongst Us by J. A. Boulet

The Strong Amongst Us by J. A. Boulet is book one of The Olason Chronicles.

In the opening book of this saga, we meet a hardy group of Icelanders emigrating to Canada after their island becomes inhabitable. They have heard tales of this paradise but find it will require hard work, guts, determination, and most of all, sacrifice to prosper in their new home.

I found the history in this novel to be extremely well-researched. I strive to learn new things every day. Reading fiction doesn’t mean you aren’t learning. This well-written story was fascinating, informative, and captivating.

Fans of historical fiction, wilderness survival, 1800s history, and family sagas should grab a copy of this book today. You won’t be disappointed. Perhaps The Olason Chronicles will do for Canada what The Thornbirds did for Australia!

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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The Strong Amongst Us by J. A. Boulet

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Excerpt from The Strong Amongst Us

Ivan had spent days mulling over what they would do on their first date. He walked into Yuri’s farm, intent on buying a promising strong colt for the farm. He was surprised and delighted to bump into Annabella there. She was visiting her cousins, Julia, Aron, and their daughters. They were all sitting around the kitchen, sharing stories, when Ivan walked in with the aging Yuri.

“Hi, Ivan,” Annabella said immediately.

Ivan smiled broadly, a boyish grin gracing his handsome face. “Hi, Annabella,” he said. “How have you been?”

“Great, actually,” she said. “I proposed your idea to fix the dock to my father, and he is trying to put it through the town council. Pabbi is a retired assistant reeve.”

“Oh,” Ivan said. “I didn’t know that.” Ivan looked at Annabella wondrously. She looked as gorgeous as ever again. He felt his mind turning to mush. “You look very beautiful today, Annabella.”

“Thank you,” Annabella said, blushing.

Julia looked at Ivan and grinned. Her daughter’s giggled.

“Would you like to take a walk with me, Annabella?” Ivan asked. “It’s a beautiful day today. I can resume my negotiations with Yuri afterwards.”

Annabella smiled. “Alright, let’s go,” she said, standing up.

Ivan gestured with his hand towards the door. “After you, my beautiful lady,” he said.

Julia giggled, and her daughters glanced shyly at the handsome Ivan. “Ladies,” Ivan said, tipping his small hat. “We will be back. Have a wonderful day!”

He closed the door and stepped outside. Ivan saw Annabella already walking towards the old horse road; he ran to catch up. “Hey,” Ivan said, laughing. “You are a fast walker.”

“I am,” Annabella replied, grinning. “You look handsome today. You had my cousins blushing.”

Ivan laughed. “Thank you, my dear,” he said, gazing around, scanning the distant fields. “Where did you want to walk?”

“Hmm,” Annabella said thoughtfully. She scanned the farmlands, her eyes lighting up. “I know! Why don’t we get two horses and take a quick ride over to Willow Point? It’s beautiful there. Have you seen it?”

Ivan laughed wholeheartedly. “You’re serious?” he asked.

“Yes,” Annabella said. “As you said, it’s a beautiful day.”

“Okay,” he said, his boyish grin lighting up his face. “My father has some horses that are rideable. Do you know how to ride horses?”

Annabella laughed. “Of course, silly,” she said. “Who doesn’t know how to ride?”

“Ok, come this way,” he said. “My farm is not far.” He pointed in the distance to the west. “See that brown house? That’s where it is.”

They walked across the field. After several minutes, Ivan’s hand brushed against hers again. She felt sensual currents run up her spine. Then his hand slipped into hers. She loved that feeling. Her heart melted. They continued walking hand in hand in silence until they reached the brown house. Across the field, there was a house half-built. The roof was constructed and the walls standing, but there were no windows or doors yet. The front steps were just a rough bare wood structure, enough to allow access in and out while working.

Annabella pointed. “Whose house is that?” she asked.

“That’s my house,” Ivan said nervously. “My parents are building it for me. Well, I am building it too. But, yes, it’s my house.”

“It looks like a big house,” she said. “Just for you? Aren’t you too young to be living alone?”

“Well, I hope that I don’t live alone for long,” Ivan said, glancing at Annabella sideways.

“What does that mean?” she asked.

Ivan coughed. “Let’s discuss it after our day at Willow Point,” he said, pointing. “There’s our horses now. See them by the barn?”

Giveaway!

J.A. Boulet will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please visit more tour stops for extra chances to win!

May 20: The Avid Reader
May 27: See Sadie Read
June 3: Bibliomanaic Aza
June 3: A Writer’s Life
June 3: Gina Rae Mitchell
June 10: Iron Canuck Reviews & More
June 10: Beyond Romance
June 10: Notes From a Romantic’s Heart
June 10: Our Town Book Reviews

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Purchase The Strong Amongst Us online from a local book store.

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