Spirit of the Lake

About the Book

Spirit of the Lake is a beautifully illustrated book that transports the reader to the shores of a Minnesota Lake...The water glistened like diamonds, as the sunlight danced on top.... It describes the interaction between a young girl, Morning Rose, and the common loon. The calls resounded near and far, and soon the countryside knew...about the girl who talked to loons...and from there her legend grew. Spirit of the Lake is a testimony to the grandeur of nature and the necessity of preserving the haunting call of the loon...

Julia Zieman’s poetic style in Spirit of the Lake is capable of evoking the haunting sounds of the common loon...the expanse of the morning sky...the solitariness of the lake. Her magnificent illustrations are a testimony to the beauty of Minnesota. (R. D. Narminson, Environmentalist)

Julia Zieman’s Spirit of the Lake provides visions of tranquility...parallel to none. The spirits of nature are captured in Zieman’s picturesque verse and through her artistic splendor. The reader is momentarily transported to a world of undisturbed serenity. The message is timeless. (J.D. Rannelli, Creative Writer’s)

About the Author

Dennis Courneya was born in northwestern Minnesota. Much of what he writes is inspired by the traditions of family honor and the values of rural life. Following his graduation from high school, he served in the military during the Vietnam War. However, his greatest challenges and triumphs came as a teacher and coach in a rural community. It is in that capacity that he attained the honors and the burdens associated with "Teacher of the Year" and state acclaimed "Coach". The "trial" of his life occurred when he was accused of criminal misconduct and the subsequent trial that tore at the heart of the family, community, and the state. Dennis Courneya will ultimately journey from a young boy living in Minnesota's lake country, to "Teacher/Coach of the Year", to prison inmate, #198180.