An extended review of a 2023 book by Natalie MacMaster
Note: Our print issue contains a shorter version of this review. Faith Today welcomes your thoughts on any of our reviews. We also welcome suggestions of other Canadian Christian books to review: Contact us.
I Have a Love Story
by Natalie MacMaster
Nimbus/MacIntyre Purcell, 2025. 160 pages. $29
Natalie MacMaster, a beloved and accomplished Canadian fiddler, had no desire to write a book. That changed on a trip to the grocery store, when she was seized by a conviction that prompted her to write down her experiences and memories frantically on her iPhone.
I Have a Love Story is her account of the love that has steadfastly embraced her in each season of life. The book guides readers on the trajectory of her upbringing, her pursuit of a music career and becoming a wife and then mother to seven children.
MacMaster's first seeds of love were planted by her parents, who she describes as hardworking, and devout in their faith. She writes fondly of growing up in Cape Breton with her two older brothers. There were gatherings and music in her formative years which influenced her love of music. She writes too of the landscape that was her natural playground and tells of a place of wonder to explore with trips to the beach. “To me,” she notes, “Cape Breton is a reflection of the Creator, an extension of love.”
It is evident in the pages of the book that she treasures the importance of the gift of faith. As a single woman navigating life away from home, at school studying to be a teacher, and working and playing at a plethora of venues, her faith allowed her to not grow wayward. Even for the reader who might not share her beliefs, it’s clear her faith journey has been foundational in her day to day as well as in life’s milestones and challenges which include the beginning of her relationship with Donnell, dealing with infertility, balancing her hectic schedule, and becoming the mother of a child with a disability. It was refreshing to read her authentic reflections on her relationship with God.
“Two things in this world are eternal: music and love.”
These words were spoken on her wedding day by the bishop who officiated her wedding to fellow Canadian fiddler Donnell Leahy, who rose to fame playing with The Leahy Family.
The author writes with kindness and compassion when she introduces her husband. She writes about collaborating with him and eventually amalgamating their careers.
MacMaster’s heartwarming and humorous stories about being a newlywed will resonate with many. She walks the reader through the frustrations of trying to be an amazing cook to her husband. She writes about wanting to start a family and the heartache they endured as a couple as well as the joy that followed once they were blessed with many children.
Fellow parents will find lots to appreciate with her story in her discussion about starting a family and the goals for their children. The couple had agreed once the children arrived and were old enough, they would not have them on stage. As time passed and the children grew, it was obvious to them that the children had music in their genes and wanted to play and perform with their parents. It is endearing to read about how they included their children in their own career and continue to live life as a musical family.
When MacMaster is on stage in concert, she is electrifying. She exudes wild abandon, as she works fervently with passion with her skilled bowing techniques, while dazzling her captive audience with her step dancing too. Clearly she has a respect for her audience. She wants to give them the best of herself. She is as accomplished and dynamic as her performances are as she continues to focus on her young family.
I Have a Love Story is an easy-to-read and insightful book. MacMaster weaves favourite family recipes, pictures, song lyrics and tunes throughout. It reads like a scrapbook at times. It will appeal to long-time admirers of MacMaster and new fans, as well as a wide age range of readers.
There is an authenticity to MacMaster's writing. In addition to her accomplishments she has many nuggets of inspiration to give. She gently nudges readers to celebrate the love that encompasses their own lives.
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