Circle of Gold

by Karen Harper

A sweeping saga of one woman's passion and perseverance stretches from the industrious, sexually repressed world of the Kentucky Shakers to the sophisticated Victorian England ruling class. Reprint.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

456 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY. Please visit her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor and her fb page at www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor

Reviews

[Jessica Degarmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The writing was good, but I felt at times there was too much ado about nothing when it came to the main character. It was interesting to see how a young lady who had no real education outside her mother's teachings about herbs, and roses in particular, was able to end up in such a position of wealth and influence. It seemed to me that a lot of what fortune did fall upon the main character did so due to luck, and really nothing else.
One thing that I didn't really understand was the reluctance of the peasants to embrace the new ideas and their new mistress. I think that could have been explained a bit better, and I did think the relationship between the main character and her mother-in-law went from bad to good too quickly. I guess I also didn't understand her mother-in-law's aversion to her at first.
In any event, like the back cover says, it is a sweeping tale and it does deal heavily with life as a Shaker, something I found very, very interesting. I had no idea of their customs or beliefs, and I felt the author did an amazing job of researching the many topics in the book. She has a knack for painting pictures of places so the reader feels as though he or she is there. For that reason, and because even though I had some minor issues with the plot itself, I couldn't stop reading, I'm giving this book a solid 4-star review.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ever read that features one of the main characters being in the Shaker sect. I found it to be interesting and the main character a strong female with a "hard knock" life. Some romance but mostly about a girl finding her way.

Favorite quote: "The bitter things in life get all mixed up with the sweet."

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't til near the end that I realized the majority of the characters are strong, independent women who form close friendships. No wonder I liked it! :)

[Jacqueline Hankinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, gently introduced to Kentucky mountains Shaker community and Victorian England and worker rebellion and thriving industriousness. Great characters wonderfully woven research and real life love and sorrows.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice story. love sadness.Beccas life she becomes a shaker woman leave to marry. but return later in her life.

[Maryanne Mathes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. My favorite phrase in the book is "From the high up heavens to the low down Earth, it's a right fine day"..this has become my personal life quote.
I am very much into this time period and the ways of life. The herbs, the roses, the scenic woods..carrying a tater in your pocket to keep you warm is wonderful! Carrying your Mamas Rose bush around waiting for that perfect spot to plant is charming and priceless.
I loved the journey and I loved the writing. Very visual for me.

I have read this book, I would guess 5-6 times now. It always brings warmth and comfort.

Karen Harper is a great writer. Currently I am reading her Amish series and enjoying the heck out of them!!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very good.