Historical Fiction > England
16th-19th Centuries
Catherine's Heart
Back of the Book:
With a sheltered background of all-girls schools, strict parents, and doting governesses, Catherine Rayborn is thrilled with her first taste of independence—Girton College in Cambridge during 1880. All traces of homesickness fade fast amid the excitement of new friendships and the challenges of college life. Surprised and flattered by her first encounters with males in adult society, Catherine is quickly swept off her feet.
What will it take for Catherine’s eyes to be opened to see the vast gulf between true love and shallow infatuation? When it comes her way, will she recognize the treasure of a love built on a foundation of friendship?
My Review:
This book is a good one to read for those who need to see how silly it is to let infatuation take over your sensibilities. It’s a good reminder that while the heart is important in romance, it cannot overshadow the importance of keeping a clear head. Catherine did not keep a clear head and reaped the consequences. This book also shows how life experiences, good or bad, help shape a person if they allow themselves to learn from them. You cannot forget God, either, and how important it is to follow Him.
Even though these lessons came across very clearly in this book I did not enjoy it as I have other books. I was very frustrated at the obvious mistakes Catherine was making. If your close friends and family all dislike the person you are dating maybe you should take a second look at that person. She ignored all warning signs, and both parties were intent on changing the other after they were married. Big mistakes.
I finished the book to find out what happens, but I won’t say I thought this was the best book, ever. It took a very long time to bring about happiness. I know you need to establish back story for the important characters, but it just seemed like I was reading about so many different stories that none of them seemed to intertwine much in the beginning. I don’t see how the book could have been shorter at all, but it was a little frustrating for me.
Also, it’s been at least six moths since I’ve read the previous book, The Maiden of Mayfair, so I really didn’t remember any of the main characters from it. I had to relearn who everyone was, and I still don’t remember as much as I should about them. It’s better to read this book directly after the first one, so you understand why the author is telling you about Sarah’s desire for children, etc.
But I did like the idea of thanking God for your many blessings. Catherine did it to help with the pain, but I thought it was a good thing to do for normal life. And seeing that things work out to God’s plan in the end is a wonderful reminder that mine will, too.