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The Handfasting
Ten years had passed since they had joined hands in the ruins of the old abbey church. Kneeling before the high altar, they were handfasted in the Celtic custom, engaged to be married.
A rose bush had bloomed beside the ruined altar. Steven had reached out to caress one of the flowers. “I’ll find you,” he had said. “In ten years, when we have finished school, when we are able to marry, I’ll find you. Until then, whenever you see a yellow rose, remember me. Remember I love you.”
In those ten years, Katherine had finished college, completed med school, and become a doctor. For a decade, she had been waiting, hoping, praying, and, today ─ her birthday─ she finds a vase of yellow roses when she reaches home.
Steven, though, is not Katherine’s only suitor. Bill Wilson has known her since they were in high school, and he has long planned to wed her. While Steven and Katherine are falling in love again,he finally decides to stake his claim. His methods leave a lot to be desired, the conflict turns violent, and Katherine must choose the future that she wants.
A rose bush had bloomed beside the ruined altar. Steven had reached out to caress one of the flowers. “I’ll find you,” he had said. “In ten years, when we have finished school, when we are able to marry, I’ll find you. Until then, whenever you see a yellow rose, remember me. Remember I love you.”
In those ten years, Katherine had finished college, completed med school, and become a doctor. For a decade, she had been waiting, hoping, praying, and, today ─ her birthday─ she finds a vase of yellow roses when she reaches home.
Steven, though, is not Katherine’s only suitor. Bill Wilson has known her since they were in high school, and he has long planned to wed her. While Steven and Katherine are falling in love again,he finally decides to stake his claim. His methods leave a lot to be desired, the conflict turns violent, and Katherine must choose the future that she wants.
250 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
38 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
David Burnett
13 books572 followersWe recently moved to our new home near Charleston, South Carolina. Three of my four books are set in Charleston, and I’ve always enjoyed the Carolina beaches. I now have the opportunity to walk on the beach almost every day and to photography the ocean, the sea birds, and the marshes that I love.
I love photography, and I have photographed subjects as varied as prehistoric ruins on the islands of Scotland, star trails, sea gulls, and a Native American powwow. My wife and I have traveled widely in the United States and the United Kingdom. During trips to Scotland, we visited Crathes Castle, the ancestral home of the Burnett family near Aberdeen, and Kismul Castle on Barra, the home of my McNeil ancestors.
I went to school for much longer than I want to admit, and I have degrees in psychology and education. In an “earlier life” I was Director of Research for our state’s education department.
I love photography, and I have photographed subjects as varied as prehistoric ruins on the islands of Scotland, star trails, sea gulls, and a Native American powwow. My wife and I have traveled widely in the United States and the United Kingdom. During trips to Scotland, we visited Crathes Castle, the ancestral home of the Burnett family near Aberdeen, and Kismul Castle on Barra, the home of my McNeil ancestors.
I went to school for much longer than I want to admit, and I have degrees in psychology and education. In an “earlier life” I was Director of Research for our state’s education department.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 19, 2013
I didn’t think there was going to be much to this book. The main characters – Stephen and Katherine – were handfasted right away. The title of the book is The Handfasting so I figured there wasn’t much more to it.
Until you realize that you then jump forward 10 years and that Stephen promised Katherine to find her 10 years later.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – it invoked several emotions.
Katherine came from a small town that is very different than anything I personally would be able to survive in, but I understand that life, so the things that Katherine goes through, I can completely understand her points.
Katherine’s other suitor, Bill Wilson, invokes all kinds of emotions on his own.
And of course, Stephen himself invokes his own emotions as well.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was a great, interesting read that held my attention. I couldn’t read it fast enough!
I definitely recommend The Handfasting to anyone and everyone who enjoys a good read!
Disclosure: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
Until you realize that you then jump forward 10 years and that Stephen promised Katherine to find her 10 years later.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – it invoked several emotions.
Katherine came from a small town that is very different than anything I personally would be able to survive in, but I understand that life, so the things that Katherine goes through, I can completely understand her points.
Katherine’s other suitor, Bill Wilson, invokes all kinds of emotions on his own.
And of course, Stephen himself invokes his own emotions as well.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was a great, interesting read that held my attention. I couldn’t read it fast enough!
I definitely recommend The Handfasting to anyone and everyone who enjoys a good read!
Disclosure: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
August 22, 2013
First of all I need to THANK BECK VALLEY BOOKS for yet another amazing book tour opportunity! They have yet to send me a book that I haven't loved and this one was no different!
The author, David Burnett, absolutely grabbed me from page one. I was intrigued by the handfasting "ceremony" that was occurring and then after all of that the very first chapter threw me for a loop!
Don't let that happen to you. To be honest I was so confused the first 10 pages or so of the book that I almost put it down for good but like I said I was intrigued and kept going back to it. Boy am I glad I did y'all! I seriously read this book from page 11 to the end in less than 12 hours! I couldn't put it down!
The above summary tells you quite a bit so I don't really feel like it's necessary for me to go into the actual story but I will talk about the characters.
Dr. Katherine "Katie" Jackson reminded me of the girl who is absolutely gorgeous and has no clue at all. She isn't one of those overly confident women who look at men and think "yeah I could have him" on the contrary, she is more reserved and just sweet in general. My favorite scene with her (aside from the last one) was in the very beginning when she was out with her friends celebrating her birthday and a young man comes up to her and asks her to dance. She immediately looked at his friends and realized that this man was asking her on a dare and made it a point to accept his offer to dance and seemed to really enjoy doing it. That is the type of person she was.
Dr. Steven Richardson....hmmm I am not sure how to put this but in my head he is hot hot hot and I want him to have a british accent so very bad even though I am sure he doesn't since he was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. When he originally reaches out to Katherine with the yellow roses, and then gives her the necklace as a birthday present, I fell for him myself! I wanted to "remember the yellow roses" too and I will say this much, I don't think I will ever look at a yellow rose the same after reading this book.
Now on to my character I loved to hate. Bill WIlson. I can't stand him. I hate him. I really have nothing nice to say about him. Seriously Bravo Mr. Burnett for invoking such a crazy emotional response!
Go get this book now! It's currently on sale for $3.99 at the time of this review and that is a ridiculously good deal! :)
Perfect summer or vacation read!
The author, David Burnett, absolutely grabbed me from page one. I was intrigued by the handfasting "ceremony" that was occurring and then after all of that the very first chapter threw me for a loop!
Don't let that happen to you. To be honest I was so confused the first 10 pages or so of the book that I almost put it down for good but like I said I was intrigued and kept going back to it. Boy am I glad I did y'all! I seriously read this book from page 11 to the end in less than 12 hours! I couldn't put it down!
The above summary tells you quite a bit so I don't really feel like it's necessary for me to go into the actual story but I will talk about the characters.
Dr. Katherine "Katie" Jackson reminded me of the girl who is absolutely gorgeous and has no clue at all. She isn't one of those overly confident women who look at men and think "yeah I could have him" on the contrary, she is more reserved and just sweet in general. My favorite scene with her (aside from the last one) was in the very beginning when she was out with her friends celebrating her birthday and a young man comes up to her and asks her to dance. She immediately looked at his friends and realized that this man was asking her on a dare and made it a point to accept his offer to dance and seemed to really enjoy doing it. That is the type of person she was.
Dr. Steven Richardson....hmmm I am not sure how to put this but in my head he is hot hot hot and I want him to have a british accent so very bad even though I am sure he doesn't since he was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. When he originally reaches out to Katherine with the yellow roses, and then gives her the necklace as a birthday present, I fell for him myself! I wanted to "remember the yellow roses" too and I will say this much, I don't think I will ever look at a yellow rose the same after reading this book.
Now on to my character I loved to hate. Bill WIlson. I can't stand him. I hate him. I really have nothing nice to say about him. Seriously Bravo Mr. Burnett for invoking such a crazy emotional response!
Go get this book now! It's currently on sale for $3.99 at the time of this review and that is a ridiculously good deal! :)
Perfect summer or vacation read!
August 24, 2013
When I first began reading The Handfasting by David Burnett – the story of two students who meet, fall in love, and pledge themselves to one another in a Celtic handfasting ceremony – I anticipated that this would be an incredibly romantic or an incredibly heart-breaking love story.
After all, the promises that Stephen makes to Katherine in the ruins of the old church abbey are the stuff that fairy tales are made of.
Incredibly romantic… incredibly heart-breaking… it turns out that The Handfasting is a little of both.
Ten years later, Stephen does find Katherine – and re-ignites their romance by sending her a vase filled with a dozen yellow roses to symbolize their love.
But, Stephen isn’t the only one interested in Katherine’s hand. Bill Wilson – a “friend” Katherine has known since high school – has turned into a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Now, Bill wants Katherine as his wife, and he intends to have her – no matter what the cost.
The Handfasting is a captivating story that will evoke strong emotions as you read it. At times, I found the book difficult to read due to triggering content. In other moments, I found myself rooting for the protagonists and thinking unholy thoughts about the villains. The attitudes expressed by all of the characters rang true to the era and setting. The ending was extremely satisfying.
If you’d like to read an unusual love story that interweaves serious social issues into its storyline – The Handfasting by David Burnett is your book!
This review was written by and originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
After all, the promises that Stephen makes to Katherine in the ruins of the old church abbey are the stuff that fairy tales are made of.
“I’ll find you,” he had said. “In ten years, when we have finished school, when we are able to marry, I’ll find you. Until then, whenever you see a yellow rose, remember me. Remember I love you.”
Incredibly romantic… incredibly heart-breaking… it turns out that The Handfasting is a little of both.
Ten years later, Stephen does find Katherine – and re-ignites their romance by sending her a vase filled with a dozen yellow roses to symbolize their love.
But, Stephen isn’t the only one interested in Katherine’s hand. Bill Wilson – a “friend” Katherine has known since high school – has turned into a man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Now, Bill wants Katherine as his wife, and he intends to have her – no matter what the cost.
The Handfasting is a captivating story that will evoke strong emotions as you read it. At times, I found the book difficult to read due to triggering content. In other moments, I found myself rooting for the protagonists and thinking unholy thoughts about the villains. The attitudes expressed by all of the characters rang true to the era and setting. The ending was extremely satisfying.
If you’d like to read an unusual love story that interweaves serious social issues into its storyline – The Handfasting by David Burnett is your book!
This review was written by and originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
August 23, 2013
First of all, do not judge the book by the title. I was not looking forward to this book when I started it this morning (that's right--I read it one day). I expected it to be really strange because I couldn't remember the synopsis. All I can say is that if you like clean romances, I think I may have found a book that you will adore! Yes, I feel quite confident in calling this a clean romance. Why? The profanity is incredibly minimal--almost not even profanity. No misuse of God's name and nothing hardcore. There are also no bedroom scenes. In fact, the main characters don't sleep together before marriage! Wow! I was completely dumbfounded that this book has the most incredible romance formula, and this will be an author I would read any time! In fact, I believe I would set aside everything I am currently reading and give priority to his books.
Secondly, I want to say that when men write an outstanding romance novel, I am always blown away. I realize that sounds really sexist, but permit me this leeway. When I consider romance novels, I always think of women. I tend to associate men with thrillers, mystery, and often an inordinate amount of profanity. David Burnett writes a romance story with dynamic characters and a storyline that will keep you guessing. The story was never sappy, and it was one of the easiest books I have read in a while. I never lost interest in the story, and I struggled to put the book down. I was so immersed in the story that I genuinely cared about what happened to the characters. I love it when an author can get me so emotionally invested in the characters so that it will be truly memorable to me. This will be a book I can highly recommend, and I will not forget it any time soon.
One note of warning--this does deal with the issue of rape, and it is a wonderful treatment of the topic. I appreciate the honesty and truth the author brought to this topic.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Secondly, I want to say that when men write an outstanding romance novel, I am always blown away. I realize that sounds really sexist, but permit me this leeway. When I consider romance novels, I always think of women. I tend to associate men with thrillers, mystery, and often an inordinate amount of profanity. David Burnett writes a romance story with dynamic characters and a storyline that will keep you guessing. The story was never sappy, and it was one of the easiest books I have read in a while. I never lost interest in the story, and I struggled to put the book down. I was so immersed in the story that I genuinely cared about what happened to the characters. I love it when an author can get me so emotionally invested in the characters so that it will be truly memorable to me. This will be a book I can highly recommend, and I will not forget it any time soon.
One note of warning--this does deal with the issue of rape, and it is a wonderful treatment of the topic. I appreciate the honesty and truth the author brought to this topic.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
April 27, 2014
Pretty good novel. The story starts out with two high school students, Steven and Katherine, who are traveling in Scotland in 1968. They develop feelings for each other, but realize they are too young to marry, want to finish school and so on. They decide to do a handfasting (a Scottish engagement ceremony) in an Abbey church before they leave the country, and then they part ways. The story picks up ten years later, when both are established in successful careers ---Katherine is a doctor and Steven is a art curator --- and both are living in New York City. Things are going along pretty well until a scumbag named Bill Watson, who lived in the same small Southern town that Katherine grew up in, decides he wants to marry her.
When Katherine won't give him the time if day, Bill flies into NYC, and tricks Katherine into coming up to his room. With the help of some local crooks, he assaults her and tries to blackmail her, saying that he has destroyed her reputation. He threatens to spread gossip in their small town about what kind of girl she has become now. Feeling shamed, terrified, and traumatized, she eventually breaks things off with Steven.
This story teaches us important lessons about trusting the people you love, and not being afraid to tell the truth. I love the way the book ended. One note of caution about the assault scene: it's not graphic but some may find it upsetting, so be aware before you read that section. There's also a small amount of mild profanity in the book as well.
When Katherine won't give him the time if day, Bill flies into NYC, and tricks Katherine into coming up to his room. With the help of some local crooks, he assaults her and tries to blackmail her, saying that he has destroyed her reputation. He threatens to spread gossip in their small town about what kind of girl she has become now. Feeling shamed, terrified, and traumatized, she eventually breaks things off with Steven.
This story teaches us important lessons about trusting the people you love, and not being afraid to tell the truth. I love the way the book ended. One note of caution about the assault scene: it's not graphic but some may find it upsetting, so be aware before you read that section. There's also a small amount of mild profanity in the book as well.
November 21, 2014
Hum--different cover but same book! I do prefer the Yellow Rose, it was what drew me to this book to begin with! This is one of those books that I saw the cover and I read a chapter and I just had to read the rest of it. So, I bought it! I just love that yellow rose-don't you? This is the story of 2 people who meet in Europe and keep meeting. When they get to Scotland they decide to handfast and then after 10 years Steven promises to find Katherine.
This is 1977 and believe me when I say things were different back then. Girls remained virgins until they were married-but times they were changing. There was a nemesis in Katie's life in the form of a boy she went to high school with-but never actually dated. This was a small town and it was very easy to start rumors which would spread like wildfire. It would not be pleasant.
Something happens to Katie which I can't tell you about or it will spoil the book. Let's just say I was very happy at the ending when true love prevails!
This is 1977 and believe me when I say things were different back then. Girls remained virgins until they were married-but times they were changing. There was a nemesis in Katie's life in the form of a boy she went to high school with-but never actually dated. This was a small town and it was very easy to start rumors which would spread like wildfire. It would not be pleasant.
Something happens to Katie which I can't tell you about or it will spoil the book. Let's just say I was very happy at the ending when true love prevails!
February 27, 2015
This was a great read. Love does last. You just have to trust it enough to share.
August 31, 2025
Fabulous Novel
I've been reading novels since I learned to read in first grade and this one was absolutely fabulous. It kept my attention throughout. I could easily identify with the characters, the settings, and the storyline was clear. It addressed a terrible situation and the trauma and pain inflicted by a self centered wanna be. I was quickly captured and held captive throughout. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a novel with real characters and real life situations!
I've been reading novels since I learned to read in first grade and this one was absolutely fabulous. It kept my attention throughout. I could easily identify with the characters, the settings, and the storyline was clear. It addressed a terrible situation and the trauma and pain inflicted by a self centered wanna be. I was quickly captured and held captive throughout. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a novel with real characters and real life situations!
July 30, 2017
So I read a romance novel and I knew everyone would live happily ever after. I originally was going for 4 stars but then the craziness that such a smart girl as Katherine would even consider marrying Bill lowered it to 3.
August 28, 2017
Ten years
Loved this story,set in the 1970's. Love and suspense are always favorites. Katherine and Steven fell in love ten years earlier and have found one another again. Perseverance in their love in spite of old relationships adds to the story
Loved this story,set in the 1970's. Love and suspense are always favorites. Katherine and Steven fell in love ten years earlier and have found one another again. Perseverance in their love in spite of old relationships adds to the story
July 19, 2021
A story that needed to be told.
this was a hard story to read because it makes you so angry and makes you cry but it ends well. Thank you David, I'm surprised that this was written by a man because of the apparent compassion that it reveals.
this was a hard story to read because it makes you so angry and makes you cry but it ends well. Thank you David, I'm surprised that this was written by a man because of the apparent compassion that it reveals.
October 17, 2018
Great story of hope
I loved that Steven never gave up hope that he and Katherine would be together nor did he stop loving her. I'm glad Bill and his buddies got their just desserts.
I loved that Steven never gave up hope that he and Katherine would be together nor did he stop loving her. I'm glad Bill and his buddies got their just desserts.
December 2, 2017
I borrowed The Handfasting from Kindle Unlimited program.
In The Handfasting the summer between high school and college in 1969 Katherine Jackson went to the English Isles on her own and traveled around the country. She met a young man, Steven Richardson and spent time with him and one night they went to a deserted abbey and did a handfasting to promise to be engaged and they would wait ten years to find each other after they both finished college.
Now Katie is twenty-eight and Steven finds her. This starts a sweet romance where they agree to get to know one another again. Now Katie is Dr. Katherine Jackson working in the ER in a New York City hospital and Steven is not Dr. Steven Richardson an assistant curator at the Metropolitan Museum of art for the Greek art history section.
Problems start for Katherine when an old high school boyfriend forces himself upon her and causes her to doubt her self-worth. The author addresses how violent attacks change the lives of victims and how they can find the strength to take control of their life back. A good love story with a strong message too.
In The Handfasting the summer between high school and college in 1969 Katherine Jackson went to the English Isles on her own and traveled around the country. She met a young man, Steven Richardson and spent time with him and one night they went to a deserted abbey and did a handfasting to promise to be engaged and they would wait ten years to find each other after they both finished college.
Now Katie is twenty-eight and Steven finds her. This starts a sweet romance where they agree to get to know one another again. Now Katie is Dr. Katherine Jackson working in the ER in a New York City hospital and Steven is not Dr. Steven Richardson an assistant curator at the Metropolitan Museum of art for the Greek art history section.
Problems start for Katherine when an old high school boyfriend forces himself upon her and causes her to doubt her self-worth. The author addresses how violent attacks change the lives of victims and how they can find the strength to take control of their life back. A good love story with a strong message too.
June 20, 2013
The Handfasting by David Burnett is an excellent read with a beautiful love story. It had my attention from beginning all the way to the end.
Katherine Jackson is a beautiful young woman who graduated from college. She now lives in New York with two of her best friends and works at the local hospital. A few days before her birthday, she receives a surprise present. She read the card and is very surprised to find out the person that sent it. Hmmm! What can it be? Who is this mystery person? Her best friends want to know who it is, so Katherine tells them the story of the time when she met the mystery person…
In August 1967, after graduating high school, she went on a trip to England that summer before starting college and that is when she met Steven, a handsome young college man, for the very first time. They had a lot of the same interest in common so they hung out together until they went their separate ways to go see different islands. Not long after, Steven and Katherine had met up again on the main land and from then on they were always together. During that time they fell in love with each other.
Katherine and Steven end up in a little town near Edinburgh. That following day she is going there to meet up with her parents. On their last night together, they decide to visit the old abbey church and they do The Handfasting. What does it mean?
The next day, Katherine and Steven go their separate ways.
Their journey begins in August 1977, ten years later when Katherine meets up with Steven on the day of her birthday. They have a lot of catching up to do. She finds out that Steven has been living and working in New York for a few months. What will happen next? Is their love for each other still there? Where will their relationship go from here? After being together for a while, something traumatic happens to Katherine. Will she be able to get through her ordeal? Will their relationship be able to survive?
While I was reading, I can feel the love that Katherine and Steven have for each other and all the pain and hurt that Katherine had to deal with.
David Burnett has done an amazing job writing this beautiful love story. It is well written. The story line has love and tragedy all in one. I love it when a book has a happy ending. I definitely recommend my friends to read this awesome book.
Katherine Jackson is a beautiful young woman who graduated from college. She now lives in New York with two of her best friends and works at the local hospital. A few days before her birthday, she receives a surprise present. She read the card and is very surprised to find out the person that sent it. Hmmm! What can it be? Who is this mystery person? Her best friends want to know who it is, so Katherine tells them the story of the time when she met the mystery person…
In August 1967, after graduating high school, she went on a trip to England that summer before starting college and that is when she met Steven, a handsome young college man, for the very first time. They had a lot of the same interest in common so they hung out together until they went their separate ways to go see different islands. Not long after, Steven and Katherine had met up again on the main land and from then on they were always together. During that time they fell in love with each other.
Katherine and Steven end up in a little town near Edinburgh. That following day she is going there to meet up with her parents. On their last night together, they decide to visit the old abbey church and they do The Handfasting. What does it mean?
The next day, Katherine and Steven go their separate ways.
Their journey begins in August 1977, ten years later when Katherine meets up with Steven on the day of her birthday. They have a lot of catching up to do. She finds out that Steven has been living and working in New York for a few months. What will happen next? Is their love for each other still there? Where will their relationship go from here? After being together for a while, something traumatic happens to Katherine. Will she be able to get through her ordeal? Will their relationship be able to survive?
While I was reading, I can feel the love that Katherine and Steven have for each other and all the pain and hurt that Katherine had to deal with.
David Burnett has done an amazing job writing this beautiful love story. It is well written. The story line has love and tragedy all in one. I love it when a book has a happy ending. I definitely recommend my friends to read this awesome book.
August 6, 2013
Have you ever been so mad while reading a book that you just wanted to throw it across the room? Well, I felt this way while reading this book, not because of the author. I was mad because of the situation and beliefs during the time period in the book. This does not make this a bad book. On the contrary, it makes it a good book. I became so invested in the book. Anytime you have a strong emotional reaction, the author has done a good job.
I know I'm being vague about the situation but I don't want to give away what happens in the book. I will say that I love that Katherine is a strong woman during a time when women were just beginning to really change the work place and to change the accepted roles of women. While she is a strong woman, a doctor, she still battles herself and her beliefs of how others may look at her (or others) after going through a traumatic event.
David Burnett does a wonderful job with characterization, especially when I think of how he is male and has delved into the female psyche at this time period. You will have such a strong reaction to all of the main characters.
I loved that this book gave me a better insight into my mom's time period and some of the stuff she had to deal with. She is a doctor, too, except she is a psychologist not an md. I know that she struggled with what was expected of women and her mom's beliefs and expectations. She always worried about being the "perfect" mom and wife while working on her doctorate and then her practice. You can't be perfect at anything. It is funny because she was able to work with her clients on some of these issues while struggling with her own issues. I still notice her trying to be her mom at times by trying to have the perfect home and manners. I think my mom would really identify with this book. She didn't go through the same traumatic event but I'm sure it will remind her of growing up and the feelings of that time period.
I give this book 4.5 stars. This book is more for young adults and older. Teens could read this but there are adult situations that you need to be aware of. It is not graphic or explicit but parents may not want their child reading about these situations.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
I know I'm being vague about the situation but I don't want to give away what happens in the book. I will say that I love that Katherine is a strong woman during a time when women were just beginning to really change the work place and to change the accepted roles of women. While she is a strong woman, a doctor, she still battles herself and her beliefs of how others may look at her (or others) after going through a traumatic event.
David Burnett does a wonderful job with characterization, especially when I think of how he is male and has delved into the female psyche at this time period. You will have such a strong reaction to all of the main characters.
I loved that this book gave me a better insight into my mom's time period and some of the stuff she had to deal with. She is a doctor, too, except she is a psychologist not an md. I know that she struggled with what was expected of women and her mom's beliefs and expectations. She always worried about being the "perfect" mom and wife while working on her doctorate and then her practice. You can't be perfect at anything. It is funny because she was able to work with her clients on some of these issues while struggling with her own issues. I still notice her trying to be her mom at times by trying to have the perfect home and manners. I think my mom would really identify with this book. She didn't go through the same traumatic event but I'm sure it will remind her of growing up and the feelings of that time period.
I give this book 4.5 stars. This book is more for young adults and older. Teens could read this but there are adult situations that you need to be aware of. It is not graphic or explicit but parents may not want their child reading about these situations.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
October 20, 2013
The book starts in August 1967 when the main two characters are studying in the UK. They are in Scotland in the grounds of an old abbey, where they shouldn't be as it's late at night. They kneel before the altar and pledge themselves to each other in a handfasting ritual.
Move forward 10 years later to August 1977. Katherine is now in New York, sharing a house with Sara and Becky. There are expectations in her home town of Hamilton that she will marry Bill Wilson a local attorney. At least that's what he tells everyone!
Meanwhile Steven had also returned to the US and was now a curator in an art gallery. Will their paths cross? Will they get married as they pledged even though they haven't seen each other for 10 years? Or will she marry Bill Wilson like everyone expects her to?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I had read up about handfasting and thought it might be some overly slushy romantic novel. How very wrong I was. Yes there was romance, but there was a mix of crime, heartache and despair.
Once I started reading this, I just couldn't put it down. I fact I continued reading until 3am as I was hooked!
I loved Katherine. She was kind hearted and had plenty of love to give, but sometimes I wanted to shake her and other times I wanted to hug her. Bill Wilson on the other hand...... Well I found him obnoxious and couldn't understand how anyone could like him, let alone love him. Steve was like most women dream about; loyal, kind, warm and loving.
I got to it was as if I knew these people personally as I was so immersed into the book. I formed a real picture of them in my head and I was sad to lose them when the book finished.
It is not very often a book leaves a real imprint on me but Mr Burnett has managed to do that to me with this book. I have to admit, I even shed a tear as the book was becoming to it's conclusion. Silly I know. It was not a slushy romance. It was a great read with a powerful storyline. If the author writes more books like this, I for one will buy them.
I was given this book by the promoter in exchange for my honest review.
Move forward 10 years later to August 1977. Katherine is now in New York, sharing a house with Sara and Becky. There are expectations in her home town of Hamilton that she will marry Bill Wilson a local attorney. At least that's what he tells everyone!
Meanwhile Steven had also returned to the US and was now a curator in an art gallery. Will their paths cross? Will they get married as they pledged even though they haven't seen each other for 10 years? Or will she marry Bill Wilson like everyone expects her to?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I had read up about handfasting and thought it might be some overly slushy romantic novel. How very wrong I was. Yes there was romance, but there was a mix of crime, heartache and despair.
Once I started reading this, I just couldn't put it down. I fact I continued reading until 3am as I was hooked!
I loved Katherine. She was kind hearted and had plenty of love to give, but sometimes I wanted to shake her and other times I wanted to hug her. Bill Wilson on the other hand...... Well I found him obnoxious and couldn't understand how anyone could like him, let alone love him. Steve was like most women dream about; loyal, kind, warm and loving.
I got to it was as if I knew these people personally as I was so immersed into the book. I formed a real picture of them in my head and I was sad to lose them when the book finished.
It is not very often a book leaves a real imprint on me but Mr Burnett has managed to do that to me with this book. I have to admit, I even shed a tear as the book was becoming to it's conclusion. Silly I know. It was not a slushy romance. It was a great read with a powerful storyline. If the author writes more books like this, I for one will buy them.
I was given this book by the promoter in exchange for my honest review.
December 13, 2015
A story of beautiful true love that will make you smile as you read it, you will find yourself falling in love with characters of Steven and Katherine who show that true love wins throughout. The author's soft and gentle writing was a pure pleasure to read. The harrowing twist in the story was extremely suspenseful and every word was so easily believable due to the author's wonderful writing.
The story starts as the pair initially fall in love and perform the Handfasting ceremony themselves in an abandoned church in Scotland, which gives them both time to concentrate on building their careers yet knowing that they are still there for each other, they give themselves a whole ten years. Within the church blooms a yellow rose bush planted by one of the monks and is now a symbol of both the Church and the town.
"Every time you see a yellow rose remember that I love you". Steven said to Katherine.
During this time they get on with their lives but deep down they both know that nobody can compare to their true love. Katherine becomes a doctor and Steven becomes a curator of a art museum in New York.
Fast forward ten years and after a lot of searching Steven finally finds his love, Katherine, who is still just as much in love with him as he is with her. There is just one problem, an unwanted admirer from Katherine's hometown, Bill Wilson, who is an arrogant, self centered and opinionated drunk with horrendous beliefs about woman who believes he has claimed Katherine and is set to marry her. What happens next is horrifying.
Following Katherine's plight you feel her despair and I was on tender hooks with the uncertainty of how the story was going to end, the suspense was amazing and I actually read half the book in one afternoon.
A nice, light and friendly romance story with an unwanted admirer who stirs things up to the core. An absolutely recommended read and I will certainly be reading more from this talented author.
The story starts as the pair initially fall in love and perform the Handfasting ceremony themselves in an abandoned church in Scotland, which gives them both time to concentrate on building their careers yet knowing that they are still there for each other, they give themselves a whole ten years. Within the church blooms a yellow rose bush planted by one of the monks and is now a symbol of both the Church and the town.
"Every time you see a yellow rose remember that I love you". Steven said to Katherine.
During this time they get on with their lives but deep down they both know that nobody can compare to their true love. Katherine becomes a doctor and Steven becomes a curator of a art museum in New York.
Fast forward ten years and after a lot of searching Steven finally finds his love, Katherine, who is still just as much in love with him as he is with her. There is just one problem, an unwanted admirer from Katherine's hometown, Bill Wilson, who is an arrogant, self centered and opinionated drunk with horrendous beliefs about woman who believes he has claimed Katherine and is set to marry her. What happens next is horrifying.
Following Katherine's plight you feel her despair and I was on tender hooks with the uncertainty of how the story was going to end, the suspense was amazing and I actually read half the book in one afternoon.
A nice, light and friendly romance story with an unwanted admirer who stirs things up to the core. An absolutely recommended read and I will certainly be reading more from this talented author.
August 28, 2013
The Handfasting was a book that at first when I started to read it I wanted to put it down because I was scared that I would not like what was to come after the first chapter. Do not let this happen to you! The author has a purpose behind everything that is written and how throughout the whole novel. I normally don’t let things like this stop me from moving along with a novel and I am so glad that I did not let it stop me this time. I am all for stories of couples with pure and true love and this was one that captured my heart is I read more and more about Katherine and Steven. To be honest, I had no clue what the title of the book meant when I picked it up. I will save you from not knowing, even though it is explained well in the book, that a handfasting is a ritual of how two people are brought and bound together forever.
Katherine and Steven have to be separated for ten years. Ten years is a long time! When they are finally reunited, the love and passion that they had for each other is still there. The romance is still there. Having to learn what each other have been up to for ten years is something that could have been trying on the couple, but their love for each other is just so strong. I wish there was more of this out in the world today. I was completely fascinated with the characters and how they were with each other. It made me want to jump in the story and take Katherine’s place and have Steven be my hubs before we got married. Imagination was running wild with this one, and that means that it was great!
This is a must read for anyone who loves to feel emotion while they read and, of course, if you like a good romance. There was nothing too steamy in the novel, so there is nothing to worry about on that front. I would rate this a FIVE STAR novel. Thanks for such an amazing story David!
Katherine and Steven have to be separated for ten years. Ten years is a long time! When they are finally reunited, the love and passion that they had for each other is still there. The romance is still there. Having to learn what each other have been up to for ten years is something that could have been trying on the couple, but their love for each other is just so strong. I wish there was more of this out in the world today. I was completely fascinated with the characters and how they were with each other. It made me want to jump in the story and take Katherine’s place and have Steven be my hubs before we got married. Imagination was running wild with this one, and that means that it was great!
This is a must read for anyone who loves to feel emotion while they read and, of course, if you like a good romance. There was nothing too steamy in the novel, so there is nothing to worry about on that front. I would rate this a FIVE STAR novel. Thanks for such an amazing story David!
August 23, 2013
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are completely my own.
The Handfasting is the story of Katherine and Steven and of young love, true love, and forever love. I had no clue what a Handfasting was when I started reading this book, but quickly learned a lot about the ritual and how it binds two people together forever. Promises are made and Steven says he will find Katherine in 10 years.
Through fate a little work, Katherine and Steven are reunited 10 years later and the love is still there. They have a sweet romance and true love for each other. They have to learn about each other, again, after so many years apart. The emotions that they share pull you into the story and keep you there.
I will tell you that there is a part in this book where I had to actually stop reading and put the book down because I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was able to come back to the book a little while later and finish reading, but to this day I can still see the scenes in this book that caused me to feel that way.
Katherine is such a strong woman and it was interesting to see how she reacted to the different situations that were thrown her way. Both good and bad, she has amazing strength. The love between Steven and Katherine cannot be broken and it is a true romance story.
This is definitely a must read book, with heart-tugging storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Handfasting is the story of Katherine and Steven and of young love, true love, and forever love. I had no clue what a Handfasting was when I started reading this book, but quickly learned a lot about the ritual and how it binds two people together forever. Promises are made and Steven says he will find Katherine in 10 years.
Through fate a little work, Katherine and Steven are reunited 10 years later and the love is still there. They have a sweet romance and true love for each other. They have to learn about each other, again, after so many years apart. The emotions that they share pull you into the story and keep you there.
I will tell you that there is a part in this book where I had to actually stop reading and put the book down because I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was able to come back to the book a little while later and finish reading, but to this day I can still see the scenes in this book that caused me to feel that way.
Katherine is such a strong woman and it was interesting to see how she reacted to the different situations that were thrown her way. Both good and bad, she has amazing strength. The love between Steven and Katherine cannot be broken and it is a true romance story.
This is definitely a must read book, with heart-tugging storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
October 27, 2013
When Katie and Steven meet as students. Thrown together when Katie has a bad experience whilst back packing, Steven takes her under his wing and romance soon blossoms. The couple soon fall in love and make a vow that if either one are still single.
Ten years on, Katie finds herself disillusioned with life. But, a surprise gift of yellow roses on her birthday lets her know that Steven is still thinking about her. Can love blossom once again after 10 years apart? However, Steven isn't the only one with Katie on their mind. The sleazy Bill Wilson has been in love with Katie longer than he can remember and intends to marry her - whether Katie is agreeable or not!
The Handfasting is a lovely story of a love that time could not diminish. I like Katie as she appears to be a strong woman who knows exactly what she wants. However, throughout the story we see Katie change into a vulnerable and frightened young woman thanks to the odious Bill Wilson and his shocking behaviour. Katie is torn between what she wants and what she is being forced into. Can love save the day? A story of romance, promises made and promises broken. Its a story of how two men have the power to change one woman's life in completely different ways. I really enjoyed The Handfasting and would recommend it.
Ten years on, Katie finds herself disillusioned with life. But, a surprise gift of yellow roses on her birthday lets her know that Steven is still thinking about her. Can love blossom once again after 10 years apart? However, Steven isn't the only one with Katie on their mind. The sleazy Bill Wilson has been in love with Katie longer than he can remember and intends to marry her - whether Katie is agreeable or not!
The Handfasting is a lovely story of a love that time could not diminish. I like Katie as she appears to be a strong woman who knows exactly what she wants. However, throughout the story we see Katie change into a vulnerable and frightened young woman thanks to the odious Bill Wilson and his shocking behaviour. Katie is torn between what she wants and what she is being forced into. Can love save the day? A story of romance, promises made and promises broken. Its a story of how two men have the power to change one woman's life in completely different ways. I really enjoyed The Handfasting and would recommend it.
October 3, 2013
The Handfasting is everything a good romance should be. It is rich, complex and it is real. The difficulties that Katherine and Steven fast are complex ones and even overcoming time and distance doesn't guarantee them a happy ending. The book is filled with really tender moments that made me sigh with contentment and truly tragic ones that brought horrified tears to my eyes. In The Handfasting Burnett has written a romance as daunting as real life that still delivers in the end.
I loved the characters of Steven and Katherine. They were fun, the kind of people I'd love to have for neighbors. Bill, Steven's competition for Katherine is a sexist pig of the first caliber and that is the nicest thing I can say about him. He wants Katherine for her name and her family's money. Because she would look good on his arm and because he is running for public office and needs a pretty accomplished wife by his side. What Steven and Katherine seems genuine, but can it endure when tragedy strikes?
This story is so touching, so emotional and so real, that it cannot help but touch you. It deals realistically with some really difficult and sensitive issues and Burnett handles it all with just the right touch. I absolutely recommend this book.
I loved the characters of Steven and Katherine. They were fun, the kind of people I'd love to have for neighbors. Bill, Steven's competition for Katherine is a sexist pig of the first caliber and that is the nicest thing I can say about him. He wants Katherine for her name and her family's money. Because she would look good on his arm and because he is running for public office and needs a pretty accomplished wife by his side. What Steven and Katherine seems genuine, but can it endure when tragedy strikes?
This story is so touching, so emotional and so real, that it cannot help but touch you. It deals realistically with some really difficult and sensitive issues and Burnett handles it all with just the right touch. I absolutely recommend this book.
August 10, 2013
Razzle-Dazzle The Handfasting by David Burnett has to be a truly amazing story. It captures the reader’s desire to just want to settle some scores. What happened to that Southern Gallantry? Bill really has no idea that it exists and Katherine had to suffer through it all. After all said and done, Bill wants to marry Katie and that angered me. Then, tears rolled from my eyes as Katherine closes the door of her bedroom leaving Stephen wondering what was going on. It was around Thanksgiving. I kept on reading and found some romantic parts to all this, after ten years of separation love between Katherine and Stephen still remained. In conclusion, love does exist. The Handfasting is a book I recommend for people who enjoy stories that can sound real and also that can make you visualize what love must endure to remain.
Adriana LG
Adriana LG
August 17, 2013
On the surface, I thought the Handfasting would be another sappy romance book. Once I started reading it, though, it was so much more. Yes, it has its share of sappy romance scenes. But it also manages to touch on some serious social issues.
The main character, Katherine, is very likable. It is easy to be drawn in and want her to succeed and be happy, and it is heartbreaking when anything bad happens to her. Steven is a realistic, strong male counterpoint in the story, a kind and decent person, and you really are hoping for them to be together, and happy.
I don't want this to be a spoiler review, so there isn't a whole lot more I can say. Except that some traumatic issues come up, which results in some seriously hard choices for both Steven and Katherine.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. I plan on reading it again in the future.
The main character, Katherine, is very likable. It is easy to be drawn in and want her to succeed and be happy, and it is heartbreaking when anything bad happens to her. Steven is a realistic, strong male counterpoint in the story, a kind and decent person, and you really are hoping for them to be together, and happy.
I don't want this to be a spoiler review, so there isn't a whole lot more I can say. Except that some traumatic issues come up, which results in some seriously hard choices for both Steven and Katherine.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. I plan on reading it again in the future.
December 26, 2014
i thought this book was so well written. It touched on a subject that women are still struggling with today. The right to challenge the inequality between men and women. The 70's were a time of feminism and the struggle for women's rights which is still an issue today. However, the fact that a woman would enter into a profession previously predominantly held by men was still a novelty. Women were supposed to give up careers and become wives and mothers. This was especially true in small towns where people and families had known and judged each other for many years. The courage that it took Katharine to stand up for herself and other women like her was remarkable and also courageous. It came close to her losing the one true love in her life and her self esteem. This is an author I will be looking for more as he writes with conviction and connects with his characters.
June 17, 2013
Handfasting was a great love story. It all starts back in 1967 where Katie and Steven meet and fall in love with each other. They do a handfasting ceremony to get engaged but then decided to meet up with each other 10 yrs later after they finish college. Well after 10 yrs they both still think of each other and it was faith that those 2 belong together. Then you have Bill who wants to marry Katie and of course he is a prick through out the story would love to be in that book just to beat him myself. Overall this story is worth the read you have your happy moments and even some sad moments. Don't forget you will get angry as well but so worth it.
August 27, 2013
Filled with a mix of emotions, The Handfasting is a book that will keep your attention, for sure! I feel that David Burnett did a great job of bringing me into the era and really made me understand and feel for Katherine and all that she and Steven went through. There were a few times I had to put the book down and come back to it later on - that is how evoking some of the situations were; very realistic. I would recommend this - I felt it was a smooth read and worth the "aggravation" LOL. I received a copy of this ebook for reviewing purposes from the author for Beck Valley Books. The opinions are 100% my own!
August 30, 2013
I did not expect to be drawn into this book as much as I was. Just when I was sure I knew where the plot was headed, it went completely to the left and drew me in completely! The topics and themes with this book based in the 70s are still relevant today. The author did a fantastic job at getting into the minds of the characters. Based in the South, I can relate to many of the customs and the culture of "making nice" for appearances sake. This was a great read and one that I'm glad to have added to my collection.
December 14, 2013
This book wasn't what I imagined. The high rating had me going in with high expectations, but the weak and easily brainwashed main female character was a tough sell for me. I felt like I was suspending reality trying to understand such a gullible woman.
November 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this book.
July 14, 2015
Amazingly good love story. Very clean read.
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