What have others said about the novel?

John Donatelli of New Jersey, USA a web master for a comprehensive Connie Francis web site, provided the following comments on the novel: “Even if you're not a fan of singer Connie Francis, this is a heartwarming, romantic story of the struggles and triumphs that only love can endure and conquer. It also shows how the power of song, sung by a power of a voice can influence our lives. Reading you won't want to put down until the very last word. And then pick it up and read again!”

A great read! December 26, 2002  Reviewer: Sharon Gauthier from Nova Scotia
I am very careful about what I choose to read. I have a busy career and want to spend my home time relaxing. This book was a melody of feelings and scenes from all of our youths. The main character experiences sadness and joy and a love that he must keep private. The scenes from his home are sensitive and warm. There are many clever lines and turns in this work. The sub-plots were cleverly interwoven . As an English teacher, I constantly looked for good Canadian writers- Henaut makes the grade.

Multi-layered, February 1, 2003  Reviewer: A reader from New England. This author obviously writes of what he knows; the result is an engaging story peopled with characters who are believable, refreshing and sometimes unique. Robert and Rachel's long-term, long distance romance provides for a creative exploration of the traditional link between New England and the Maritime Provinces. There is an excellent portrayal of the elderly; the reclusive aunts (bouquet) and the manor guests. Trevor is a classic villain; I was surprised by the twist at the end of the novel. This novel does not need violence or sex to make it a worthwhile read! The unusual device of interweaving the effect of Connie Francis' music on their romance works well. The reader will not want this multi-layered ‘good read’ to end.

Contains the key ingredients, August 17, 2003 Reviewer: A reader from New Brunswick. With Connie, With Love contains all the key ingredients of a good romance novel and lovers of the genre will feel this to be a good read.

No Need For Censure, August 16, 2003 Reviewer: A reader from Toronto. The novel can be left unattended on a coffee table. No need to worry whether your children will read it or Aunt Grace if she visits or the minister or priest for that matter. And anyone who enjoys romance would have to find some pleasure in spending a few hours with Robert and Rachel. It may not be a classic in the making, but it will satisfy the need for an escape to a world where values count, people care and good triumphs in the end.
Katherine

Old/Young, July 27, 2003 Reviewer: Senior Citizen from Nova Scotia. The novel has a lot going for it: a good love story, fast paced plot, and unique characters. I think Trevor makes a great villain and "the bouquet" are extraordinary characters. Don't we all wish we knew people like those strange Bronte like sisters? I think that best feature of the novel was the evolution of the relationships between the aged and the young caregivers. Robert may be many things, but his relationship with the Manor guests is worth the read. Rachel comes to live with her eccentric aunts and changes their lives. In a society that glorifies the young; it is refreshing to read a story of young caregivers who nurture seniors.

Connie Again, February 20, 2003 Reviewer: A reader from Cape Breton, Canada. Viewed biography of Connie Francis on A&E television last night. Very interesting. Listening to her songs drew me back to the book (With Connie With Love) where her music and words run such a parallel current through the theme of love, loss and life. Both Connie's life and the books ending speak of the hope and healing of time and the human spirit. Good show.....Good read.


Local author spins tale of enduring love By Rosalie MacEachern
The Evening News (New Glasgow, Saturday, March 22, 2003)

The romance novel makes a comeback in With Love, With Connie, a first novel by New Glasgow's George R. Henaut. When a local writer brings out a book even people who have no intention of reading it ask the question, "What's it about?" In this case there is no short answer - it is about family and friends, life in an old-fashioned nursing home, the influence of a singer on her fans, people who keep diaries of various sorts and perhaps even the definition of manliness. Published by 1st Books Library, it contains poetry, psalms and even a recipe for Belgian waffles. As with many first novels, there are strong autobiographical components - the setting of Northumbria easily doubles as Pictou County 40 years past. The main character's Belgian ancestry and association with a family nursing home is something Henaut shares. Likewise the profession of teaching, the interest in the Healing Order of St. Luke and the love of gardening. And then there is the devotion to the music of Connie Francis. The tale of enduring love has many characters and Henaut links them in ways that may require some readers to suspend disbelief. Main character Robert Mascaux is a devout Connie Francis fan who moves from his lonely teens into comfortable middle-age. Most of the other strong characters are female, the resourceful and resilient Bertha, the ever-patient Rachel and the truly bizarre Bronte-like sisters, Iris, Daisy, and Rose who are fondly known as "the bouquet". Two male characters, Trevor and Big Al, serve primarily as foils for Robert the Reliable. The story begins with young Robert joining a Connie Francis fan club- not just any club but the one that emerges from his research as the best. The club is run by a young, lonely American named Rachel who is led by circumstances to bring some vestige of the modern world to her aunts, the midtwentieth century Bronte sisters. There is more than an interest in Connie Francis from the start but this romance is wrought with substantial hurdles. Long years pass before it is revealed that a peculiar link once existed between Robert's poor immigrant mother Bertha and Rachel's wealthy grandfather. Henaut effectively uses diaries to move back and forth between periods of Robert's life. With another character this technique could become cumbersome but it seems to suit Robert who is a methodical and deliberate sort. Many years into their relationship Rachel becomes inexplicably ill and Robert rushes to her side. Thankfully, it takes more than one kiss from Prince Charming to save her but it becomes clear the pair just may have a real future together. The book concludes in unlikely fashion with a wedding, a family funeral and a birthday party all in one day but then the author might well argue that's the way of romance - things happen when least expected.

Interesting marketing ploy, solid writing, September 3, 2008 By Terry D. Robertson "Terry D. Robertson" (Asheville, NC USA) This review is from: With Love, With Connie (Paperback)

Mr. Henaut's self-published novel is amazing due to the fact it seems to be selling rather well. Most large chain bookstores having nothing to do with self published works. This book has gone from hardbound to paperback (and vanity press publishing can be very expensive). This is a romantic novel spanning the years infusing the iconic Connie Francis throughout. All of the chapter headings are a hit song title by Ms. Francis and deals with the subject matter at hand. It is obvious the author is a devoted fan of this legendary singer and she has played a very important part in his life (as she has in with many of her fans). Francis is one of few remaining singers still going strong. Although she records infrequently, she continues to perform before sell out audiences. I have not read the entire book. I am not fond of romance novels. I have read excerpts and learned much from the many Connie web sites the novel is promoted on. A cynic could say the author is exploiting a famous personality, but it is quite obvious this is more a homage to Ms. Francis than the former statement. I tip my hat to Mr. Henaut. Self-publish is difficult to sell, and he has obviously succeeded. Terry D. Robertson