The Man Behind the Marathons

I just finished your Loyalist series. Wonderful! What a delightful time I had reading all 4 of your Loyalist books. I read the prequel first and no housework was done for over a week!

The books are so well written and the continuing story of the family kept me in suspense. As a loyalist whose family came to Niagara while some members fought with Butlers Rangers, I was very invested in the story. Congratulations on a delightful series.

I have started to reread “Maggie”. I am about half way through and, as I loved it the first time, I love it even more as the finished work. You and your mom have a way of making the reader feel as if they are a part of the story – family sharing “old” memories together!

The stories in this book [Canada: Brave New World] demonstrate the determination and resilience of people experiencing very challenging times to rise above the hardships and start over to make a better life for themselves and their families. Sharing these stories with others , especially younger folks, is essential so they, too, can see the light at the end of the road if they persevere. Giving up is not an option. I hope school boards come on board in sharing this book’s stories with our youth. As an aside, I hear about so many emotionally disturbed young people that I wonder if these stories would give them hope [that would prevent them from] giving up.

[Inside-out in Canada: Brave New World] What a devastating story!! I just cannot believe this is true. However, it is. Whenever Canadians complain, I want them to read this story.

Elaine, I just finished your book, The Loyalist’s Daughter. It was a great read and is hard to imagine how someone can put together such a book. Well done!

Elaine, I enjoyed reading your story about growing up in Oxford County. (My Story, My Song) As I read along I kept saying to myself …yes, I remember that. I knew/ know some of the people you mentioned as well. Your river story reminded me of our three season farm ponds which were so massive we felt sorry for the poor kids in town who had to skate in a circle and could only change direction when the whistle blew. I was not impressed with that when I first skated in an arena and yes I also started out with second hand black skates.

We both loved The Loyalist’s Daughter. So happy we have a ‘signed’ copy. Thanks for doing that.

What a remarkable book! I just finished yesterday…It is one of those books that, at the end of each chapter, the urge is to ‘just read one more chapter’ before turning out the light….I had no idea what is involved in organizing such a fund raising venture and ventures across Canada and you explained it so well….[This] book that you wrote on his life and huge contributions needed to be written….Thanks for putting your writing skills to work into the life of Ron Calhoun.

Just finished your first book in your Loyalist Trilogy – really, really enjoyed it. Those folks sure were hardy types in those days – I don’t think I could even survive a walk to the outhouse – hahaha. Looking forward to reading the next one.

I loved the book. [The Man Behind the Marathons] So glad for the way you set it up. It kept me reading. And then the section on Ron came just as I was about headed to Google to see what led Ron to be the guy he was. The quality of the paper was a real asset. Top quality for a top quality story about a top quality guy. Congratulations. I felt your heart in every page. Thanks for letting me have an early look at the book. Very cherished.

Just finished your book. [The Man Behind the Marathons] It is great – so many interesting things about Terry and Steve (whom I had forgotten about). Ron’s story is, if possible, even more interesting. I can see why you were drawn into his life as a suitable subject for your first nonfiction. I did wonder how Ron’s one set of clothes washed by his mother every night were dry for school the next morning . . . and which race your ‘young daughter’ beat you in.

Just finished [The Loyalist Trilogy] and enjoyed the stories as they were woven into the history of that area. Congratulations!

Love your books and writing style. I will give them as gifts. They bring this time in history to life in a way that one will never forget. Thank you!

Elaine Cougler has written a page-turning novel of the American Revolution through the eyes of a conflicted loyalist soldier and his indomitable wife. You’ll feel the hardship of homesteading, the fear of the enemy, the blows of battle, and the pain of separation. You’ll be transported through history. This is not just a novel written about another time, it seems written in another time.

I bought all three books at Probus club meeting in London. I loved the stories. I am now a student reading more about the war of 1812. Thank you for your stories. Love your writing style.

I was delighted with the way you handled the Norwich Rebellion in the last Loyalist book, Elaine, and have heard many positive comments about it.

I’m an impatient reader. If my interest isn’t piqued right from the get-go, I simply don’t continue reading the book. Both of the Loyalist books drew me in immediately!

The Loyalist’s Luck is one of the best sequels I’ve read in a long time. It picks up right where The Loyalist’s Wife left off and takes the reader to Canada with a group of Loyalists escaping the American Revolution.

Such a powerful read – so many challenging and difficult experiences and all leading to Canada to start a new life. I particularly liked hearing the audio version and could feel the emotions behind the stories. A worthwhile read in these times when so many other immigrants are coming to Canada. It helps to give a different perspective. Great compilation. 

Margot Crowder Davidson