After publishing three children’s books in French, Orléans author Rosemary Doyle has recently written a fictional novel in English about a woman who travels to Spain to learn about the man whom her recently deceased grandmother fell in love when she was a young woman herself.
Doyle’s previous works are Les voyages de Caroline, published in 2016; Le Monde de Rosemarie, published in 2017; and Aloha, Hola et Salut de Caroline which was published in 2020. All three books were published by Les Éditions l’Interligne of Ottawa.
Her newest work, The Spanish Note, is an English-language novel which opens with the memories of Sophie, a young university student who is clearing out her beloved grandmother’s attic after her death.
In addition to the many reminders of her childhood, Sophie discovers a collection of very old letters from Spain and a love note written in Spanish, by a mysterious man named Eduardo. Thus begins Sophie’s long quest to solve the mystery of their origin.
The letters transport Sophie to 1913 when her grandmother Maggie is reflect-ing on her studies as a nurse and her close relationship with two Spanish siblings, Eduardo and Maria Cristina. But who were these people? How did their lives interweave with Maggie’s and why has Sophie never heard of them?
As she digs deeper into the past, Sophie learns more about her grandmother’s life and her ties to Eduardo.
The story spans four generations of a Canadian and a Spanish family forever united by the ties of friendship and love born in Winnipeg at the beginning of the 20th century.
Eventually, Sophie and her own family visit Spain to meet the family of the man with whom her grandmother fell in love many decades earlier and they gradually form their own relationship.
The inspiration for the book came from Doyle’s own love of historical romance novels and from Spain, where she studied for one year as a student and often travels to with her husband. In fact, they spent their honeymoon in Spain.
She also wanted to pay tribute to her paternal grandmother, who was one of the first graduates of the nursing program at St. Boniface Hospital in St. Boniface, Manitoba in 1913.
Doyle believes the book will appeal to readers who enjoy learning about history, travel and exotic culture, blended into a story that unites the themes of love, family, loyalty and friendship.
You can purchase a copy of The Spanish Note on Amazon, the Indigo-Chapters website and the Friesen Press Bookstore at books.friesenpress.com..
TARTARE NIGHT every Wednesday night at the Orléans Brewing Co. from 5-8 p.m. Beef, tuna and beet options. The Orléans Brewing Co. is located 4380 Innes Rd., next to McDonalds.
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
ROYAL OAK ORLEANS presents live music with Ryan MacIntyre entertaining from 9 p.m. Come and enjoy our special Oak-toberfest menu. The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. (corner of Jeanne d'Arc.)
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with 85 local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds.
90s HITS MUSICAL BINGO 7:30 p.m. at the Orléans Brewing Co. 4380 Innes Rd., next to McDonalds. Hosted by Shine..
