What Readers are Saying
Kay in Seattle: "Who hasn't imagined being a time traveler? Sylvia Barnard weaves an intriguing tale of one woman's journey between present and past, finding love and motherly love, proving a purpose can be found, if even a 100 years in the past."
Vickie in Sudbury: "This is the first novel I've read that includes a historical treatment of events where I live. A great first novel combining history, family relations, and time travel."
Connie in Dunnville: "The mark of a good book is that you can't put it down. Rhubarb, Strawberries, and Willows is that kind of book. Characters spring off the page. A real privilege to read."
Maralyn in Pembroke: "The kind of book that leaves you feeling lonely when it's over. The characters are alive, the story compelling."
Geoff in Nova Scotia: "It's a well-written page turner. Highly recommended."
Vickie in Sudbury: "This is the first novel I've read that includes a historical treatment of events where I live. A great first novel combining history, family relations, and time travel."
Connie in Dunnville: "The mark of a good book is that you can't put it down. Rhubarb, Strawberries, and Willows is that kind of book. Characters spring off the page. A real privilege to read."
Maralyn in Pembroke: "The kind of book that leaves you feeling lonely when it's over. The characters are alive, the story compelling."
Geoff in Nova Scotia: "It's a well-written page turner. Highly recommended."
Ballad of the Spanish
By Ron Whitman and Sylvia Barnard
Up north of Biscotasing
The mighty river is born
Through rock cuts, o'er lowlands
Her southward path is worn.
Home to beaver, geese, and otters
Ducks, bass, pike, and the bear
Paddlers love her beauty
You can hear the loon call there.
Chorus: Loggers may have jammed her
Miners they have dammed her
But the Spanish keeps rollin' along
Her tea-waters mirror
Birches, pines and poplars
And the Spanish keeps rollin' along.
The Ballad of the Spanish was written to accompany the novel. Music written by singer/songwriter Ron Whitman, lyrics by Sylvia Barnard. The song becomes a favourite of Kate and her family as they travel by horse-drawn wagon from their homestead on the Spanish to Nelsonville.
Listen to Ron perform the song on Sound Cloud.
"One car telescoped—remained on bridge burned, cremating passengers—other half dropped into river." Toronto Daily Star, January 22, 1910.
