by Cynthia G. Neale

"Written in a lyrical style, this novel effectively evokes the terror of the times and the joyful moments of private life in Catharine’s relentless quest for peace. It weaves in images of living and moving across cultures, and it offers readers a very broad view of forces in effect in colonial America probably not known to many of us. It seems a fitting tribute to the life of a remarkable woman." — Historical Novel Society

"The book is written well, and the author has skillfully allowed the reader to imagine everything that is described. I recommend this book to those who like female-led stories and fictional stories." — Review Tales

“Cynthia Neale has written a wonderfully descriptive novel that imaginatively narrates the hardships and triumphs of Catharine Montour, one of early America’s most remarkable women. Neale vividly recreates the lost world of the early American frontier, where Catharine and her family navigated an uneasy borderland between colonists and Native peoples. Along the way, readers will meet a who’s who of historical figures, from George Croghan to Sattelihu, but, above-all, Catharine deservingly emerges as one of colonial America’s most fascinating people. Grounded in impressive historical research and empathy, Catharine, Queen of the Tumbling Waters reminds us of the human stories at the heart of times of great change.” — Chad Anderson, Author of the Storied Landscape of Iroquoia: History, Conquest, and Memory in the Native Northeast

"Cynthia Neale's extensive research combined with her intuition and creativity tells an intriguing tale of Catharine Montour and the Native Americans of the Northeast as the British and French strive for dominance over the land. Catharine's journey gives us much insight into the relationship between the Native Americans and colonists, traders, and colonial leaders. Neale tells the story of Catharine, her romances, her people, and their struggle to maintain their culture and live peacefully in a rapidly changing world. The stereotypical Indian woman living in a wigwam dissolves in this stimulating story as we gain a vivid picture of Catharine and the three generations of Montour women of French and Native heritage." — Gail Davis, Kanestio Historical Society, Director/Treasurer

​“After reading Cynthia Neale’s fascinating and meticulously researched novel, Catharine Montour became very real. Too many historical details can often deaden a story, but this novel that is packed full of history is anything but dull. In fact, I had a real sense I was meeting Catharine in the flesh, that this indeed could have been her life. Queen Catharine lives again . . . on the page.” — Charlotte Dickens, poet/writer; Watkins Glen Writers Group Facilitator; president of Backbone Ridge History Group

“As a boy roaming Queen Catharine’s land, she became a companion in my burgeoning imagination. Years later, as a volunteer for the library, I became convinced of her burial site and learned more about her life. Cynthia Neale’s spellbinding novel captures the spirit of Catharine I loved as a boy into my adult years. I didn’t want it to end!” ­— Norm West, local historian

​“Cynthia Neale’s beautiful novel is still with me months after reading it. She depicts Catharine so convincingly, it is as if she is channeling her spirit. To read this thoroughly researched story is to go back in time and enter a complex and dark period in U.S. history and get to know one of its heroines who would otherwise be forgotten. This is an important book.” ­— Haviva Ner-David, rabbi and author of Hope Valley and To Die in Secret