“That Old Lake Magic is a really pleasant story set in familiar territory (our backyard, the Finger Lakes and Cornell University) with a wonderful mix of romance, intrigue, geography (Seneca Lake vineyards, Ithaca), conflict and resolution. An enjoyable read!”
–Matthew O’Connor
Chaucer Giroux’s life in Ottawa, Canada, is ripped apart when he’s 14 and his parents get divorced. Chaucer’s self-centered mother, an aspiring novelist, forces Chaucer and his sister to move with her to Vancouver, separating the children from their loving father. As his resentment of his emotionally distant mother grows over the years, Chaucer’s earnest attempts to find the right woman to love result in unintended consequences. With his life in a tailspin, Chaucer traverses Europe seeking answers. Can he learn to embrace the forgiveness of God to redeem his life with his new love interest? Can Chaucer forgive his mother and become a loving parent like his father? Follow the life of Chaucer Giroux as he struggles with his inner self while seeking reconciliation with his past. This is the second novel about the Canadian-American Giroux family set in the 1960s and beyond.
Haunted by the mistaken killing of civilians in Vietnam, Lt. Logan Giroux must seek the grace of God while fleeing the Army and his vengeful brother. Can Logan ever return home to his family and former life? Will his own father, Colonel Giroux who has three sons serving in Vietnam, ever allow him back? This is the story of a large multi-generational American-Canadian military family with a century of distinguished service, until the oldest son fails to return from his leave to the U.S. Army, sparking a family conflict as big as the war itself. The complexity and the resolve of the members of the Giroux family are both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness as the story takes you from the end of World War II to the present day. Follow Logan Giroux on his quest for understanding and moral redemption in this gripping novel.
What readers are saying:
“This is a well-told story of a family’s struggles with the realities of life during the Vietnam War. Through the main character’s background of deep military heritage, the author was able to make a study of duty vs. conscience–morality through the conflict between service and religious belief. Brandt’s clear writing voice and sensitivity kept me invested in the protagonist’s journey and evolution. Poignantly written details gave me a sense that his first novel is inspired by the author’s own experience. Settings in different parts of the country and in Canada give the reader interesting backdrops for the internal conflicts and story line action. I felt that the straightforward chronology of events was a perfect way to present this novel and engage the reader into a focus on the deep inner conflicts. Having grown up in this time period, this book filled in many puzzle pieces of my understanding about the Vietnam War. I will be standing in line for G.A. Brandt’s next novel.”
“I found the book impossible to put down! What a wonderful story. What a great love story. Love of family, country, and love of God…It was nice to be able to recognize the settings, and it brought back a number of memories.”
“I have read every, every, every word of your novel and admire your indefatigable effort. As a Viet vet, in-country for 15 months, through Oakland greeted by anti war protesters shouting baby killers and as former director of the City’s Veteran Outreach Program, you have created a most fortunate character in Logan. I also enjoyed the locales.”
“I really enjoyed ‘As Beautiful As This’ and found myself really caring about all of the characters and what was going to happen to the family.”
“Your book is one of the better reads I have had in a long while. Once I got started, I couldn’t really put it down. I had to find out what was going to happen next with Logan. The book made me think, which is a good thing. Well written and very captivating.”
Watch the virtual Happy Hour Book Talk and Wine Tasting with Gary Brandt and Rhianna Brandt Bangs!