Courting Catherine

The Calhoun Women #1

by Nora Roberts

From global bestseller, Nora Roberts, a story of sisters who each want to live their own lives but who are bound together by their family home.Catherine 'C.C.' Calhoun isn't about to let anyone take away the Towers - her family's crumbling old mansion on the coast of Maine - especially not hotel magnate Trenton St. James. C.C. is convinced the hard-driving businessman will just turn the atmospheric Towers into part of some faceless hotel chain.As far as Trent is concerned, his dealings with C.C. should be strictly business. But soon, C.C.'s mix of fire and fury seduce his mind and his heart, leading them both in a completely unexpected direction.Courting Catherine can be enjoyed as a captivating standalone novel. It is also the first book in the Calhoun Women series, which continues with A Man for Amanda, For the Love of Lilah, Suzanna's Surrender and Megan's Mate .Includes a preview of A Man for Amanda .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery, Harlequin, Audiobook

396 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1991

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Although an oldie now, Courting Catherine was an enjoyably sweet and breezy read. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat down and devoured a Nora Roberts book, but it always feels like coming home. There is something comforting and familiar in every one of her stories. The writing is always smooth and easy to read, offering up a cast of likeable characters who share banter and romance that just won’t quit.

Catherine “C.C.” Calhoun and her sisters are doing everything they can to keep their generations old mansion, The Towers, in the possession of their family, but times are tough and money is scarce, forcing the women to at least consider the possibility of selling their unique home to hotel mogul Trent St. James.

When Trent comes to stay at The Towers to discuss a possible business deal, he and C.C. clash in every way that it counts. She’s a strong-willed ball-buster of a woman and although Trent finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her, he tries his hardest to keep things professional by denying their growing attraction and their fast developing feelings.

This story was lovely. I liked all the characters, from guarded Trent, to strong-minded C.C., to all the supporting characters that made up C.C.’s family. There is no steam in this one, but I guess that’s mostly expected with many of Roberts’ older reads. Thankfully, the sweetness of the enemies-to-lovers romance C.C. and Trent shared was enough to satisfy my needs.

I’ll definitely be continuing with the series, especially seeing as the overall mystery surrounding their great-grandmother and the lost Calhoun emeralds still remains an ongoing plot-point, one I need to get to the bottom of.

[Sumeetha Manikandan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to read a love story like this one after a very long time. Sweet, simple and slightly old-fashioned. The girl says 'I love you' to the hero after knowing him for about two days. (It might be because her grandmother's spirit blesses them during a seance but that's beside the point). Frankly, it seemed like a Bollywood moment but oddly it works. I loved the book. It has a nice HEA and what's surprising is that the hero and heroine don't make love coz they want to wait until marriage. Now, how nice is that... and they don't get married in this novel at all. So you have a few steamy kisses and that's it! It's pretty cool for a Nora Roberts book and oddly charming too.

[Kitzya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terminado. El final se me hizo cuesta arriba 😑. Todo decayo cuando Catherine paso del odio al amor en 30 segundos.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking around for Nora books I hadn't marked on goodreads before and this series was available and it turns out there's a reason why! This series is BAD. I don't understand it, not really, she wrote successful family category series around the same time that hold up reasonably well (I don't think that it's entirely nostalgia making me say that), but these? They don't work. The romances take too long, the heroes walk right up to a rapey line of not being able to take no for an answer and I don't really believe that they wouldn't cross it. This is meditation on the first three books that I have finished more than just this one, but man.

Regarding this one specifically, I love that the heroine is a mechanic. That's all I got.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 That was short, but cute. An oldie.

[Mirka Popov · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Da je sudbina bila drugačija, da smo se sreli u nekom drugom vremenu i na drugom mestu, mogla sam da ga volim. Mislim da ne bih imala izbora osim da ga volim.”

“Ne mogu da kažem da samo laje, i da ne ujeda jer sam je video kako ujeda nekoliko puta.”

“Ponekad nam se dese stvari, ili nekima od nas, koje ne možemo da kontrolišemo. Kada se to desi, pokupiš ono što ti je najbitnije u životu i ideš dalje.”

“Čekala sam čitav život da budem sa nekim i to ćeš biti ti.”

“Kalhunove su se držale zajedno pred neprijateljem.”

Slatka priča za početak serijala. Pročitala sam je u dahu. Mnogo mi se sviđa ceo ambijent. Bjankina priča me svakako najviše zanima, tako da jedva čekam da pročitam ostale delove. Često sam se smejala jer je bilo mnogo simpatičnih scena, a sestre Kalhun su zaista jedinstvene. Ketrin, automehaničarka, veoma je jaka i dostojanstvena osoba, u nekim momentima je bila preteška, ali sa druge strane, pokazala je čvrst karakter. Trenton mi se dopao, pogotovo što na kraju nije ispao skot, već pravi čovek i pre svega muškarac. Što se tiče Ketrin i Trentona u paru, jedan love/hate relationship. U nekim momentima su bili naporni, ali na kraju to Nora upakuje tako da bude sladunjavo. Šta znam, volim to kod njenih knjiga koliko god je kliše. Od mene 4/5⭐️

“Pošto ga to čini srećnim, nosim smaragde kada izađemo uveče. Oni su moja pokora. Podsećaju me da greh nije samo u delima, već i u srcu.” 💚

[Kajol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't have a unique idea, or a daydream of a perfect love story, but the words that were written were as beautiful as any pearls I might have found in the jewels of creativity.

Courting Catherine is a wonderful book that I fell in love with as I turned one page after the other. I loved the concept which was a really amazing one, bringing two different souls together and adding blessings of the spirits of their loved ones who may no longer be alive but still had the enchanting power trapped inside the stories of the past that were passed down the generations.

Catherine Colleen Calhoun was one admirable character. Witty, sharp, sensitive yet strong and pure at heart, I couldn't find a fault within her. I loved the way her character unfolded with the story, not to forget the loving bond she shared with her sisters and her aunt.

Trenton St.James III, the handsome businessman who's landed on the charming lands of Bar Harbor to close a deal, so unaware of what the future holds for him. My assessment of him grew more and more respectful as I moved on with the book.

I won't say that the plot lines had a truly moving, unique story. The book had a fairly simple plot, but I couldn't help but be moved by those words that were strung so beautifully, adding glamor to the story. I really really enjoyed reading the book and I am quite sure I'll take up with the others in the series as well. The way the book deals with two different eras, yet telling the story of love, trust, faith and devotion was magnificent on its own. I adored the description of the rugged beauty of the island, the tranquility of the crashing waves and the intricate way the characters were developed. Its not a book that may appeal of everyone, but it certainly is a good patchwork of imagination which made my journey through with the book a lot more appealing. I loved it! :)

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 90's love at first hate romance with a happy ending and a lead in to book two of the series.

[*CJ* · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Courting Catherine" is the story of well.. the courting of Catherine by Trent.
Catherine and her three sisters live in their ancestral home with their aunt Coco, when the businessman Trent comes over to buy their old mansion.
Their is instant attraction between him and the sassy mechanic, and though initially he resists, soon he too befalls into the spell of love.
The book introduces the Calhoun family, the sisters and the tragic love story of Christian and Bianca mixed with the mystery of a missing necklace.
There is no love making, only sweet kisses and this just felt like an initiation to the series.
Safe
3/5

[El baúl de las certezas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 / 5

[Cruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Nora Roberts
First published: 1991
Length: 150 pages
Setting: Contemporary, 1991. Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine.
Sex: clean
Hero: Wealthy Real Estate / Hotel Developer.
Heroine: Mechanic

Highly enjoyable story with engaging characters and a good story leading into a 5-book series.

First released in the early 1990's as a Silhouette Romance (#801), Roberts provides a sweet, clean romance with the requisite rapid Love At First Sight, unsure Hero, strong but willing to be swept away heroine.

A HEA that fills your heart without challenging your mind.

It is what it is and does a damn good job at it.

The Calhouns:
Book 1 Courting Catherine - Trenton St. James and Catherine (CC) Calhoun
Book 2 A Man for Amanda - Amanda Calhoun and Sloan O'Reilly
Book 3 For the Love of Lilah - Lilah Calhoun and Maxwell Quartermain
Book 4 Suzanna's Surrender - Suzanna Calhoun and Holt Bradford
Book 5 Megan's Mate - Megan O’Riley and Nathaniel Fury

References:
Author's website: http://noraroberts.com/1991/06/courti...

(read in The Calhouns: Volume 1 ISBN 9781743568965)

-CR-

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting Catherine is by Nora Roberts. It is one of the Calhoun sister’s books. It is a good book and one that if read alone makes perfect sense; but it lacks a little when you have already read the others. You know more of the history of the house and family.
CC Calhoun and her sisters are trying to save The Towers, their home and their heritage. They were brought up here in this house by their Aunt Cora after the sudden death of their parents. Aunt Cora tried her best to keep everything paid up as do the girls now. But it seems they must consider selling. This really upsets all of them; but especially CC. She gets angry but takes it out on the cars she fixes. Facing a transmission helps calm her down. She is angry at the St. James’ family for daring to ask them if they would sell. Now she is faced with Trenton St. James III standing in her garage as she fixes his car. She goes on and on about how rich men never check to make sure they have the oil, filters, etc. checked and kept up. She gets angrier when she finds out that Aunt Cora has invited him to stay at the house and talk to them about selling. She is also interested in finding a husband for one of her nieces.
Trenton St. James is attracted to CC but sees that it is impossible. He wants to buy the house even more as he goes over it. It will take a lot of money to bring it back but he thinks it is worth it. CC and her sisters do not want to sell but reluctantly see the need. Surely there must be another way.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of NR’s Harlequin Silhouette series, so it’s pretty much straight romance. There is a thread of a mystery which is carried through the entire series… What happened to make Bianca (their great-grandmother) kill herself, and where is her famous emerald necklace?… but really the focus of this novel is the relationship between C.C. and Trent. The one thing NR always does so well is create characters that feel so real, they could walk in your front door at any moment. Here she hasn’t created just one character, but an entire family where each person is different than the last. The "four sisters who all have different colored hair and distinctly different personalities" thing is a little clichéd, but it doesn’t take away from the grand romance. I’m already into the third book in this series, and I don’t expect to stop until I’m finished.

[Mitch C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Late review.

One of NR "clean" books, and I guess slow burn coz' I remember there's no sexy smexy, just kisses.

But the angst between the MCs were good and funny. Backstory also was good. Something about a necklace.

Might check this out again.

[Yoana · Rating 3 out of 5]

За жанра си, т.е блудкави любовни истории, е написана добре (но все пак това е Нора Робъртс). Като цяло не бих казала, че е 3 звезди, но гледам да я оценявам в рамките на жанра и.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly cheesy, but so what. Some laugh out loud moments, and I love the ghost in the tower and the mystery of the family jewels. Nora Roberts can write a sigh-able romance story. I'm diving into the next book in this series tonight!

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 3 out of 5]

My beautiful late nan owned every single one of Nora’s books.
So when she moved in with us for her last few years we spent the time reading our way through every single one together.
Granted they are not the type of books I like to read, but they were still really good and sweet.

[Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Classic Nora Roberts. It was pretty adorable. Short and quick (perfect for my reading slump). A little dated, but not horribly so.

[Titinha Scaeiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75*
Foi uma história fofinha...

[Elizabeth Bowman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Una trama sencilla. Me entretuvo, sin más.

[Becky]

When times get tough, Nora I will read. This is likely the oldest of hers I’ve read, and I did a double take when there was a reference to a car seat being in the front seat. 🤣 Dated, but a quick and enjoyable read.

[monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cortando a catherine

Muy linda , sencilla y hermosa historia.aunque esperaba un final más detallado y no uno apresurado.el libro tampoco contiene epílogo con todo y esto disfrute mucho el libro.trent tiene muchas razones para no creer en el amor hasta que su camino se cruza con Catherine y todo lo que creía hasta ahora carece de significado.trent tendrá que arriesgarse sin saber si ganará o perderá la partida.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read

As with all of Nora Roberts books, it grabbed me from the first sentence and didn't let go. I read it in an afternoon.

[Karla Giselle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me ha gustado bastante. Sencillo y predecible, pero muy fácil de leer

[Ivana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 3 out of 5]

All he had to do was convince four sentimental women and their aunt to take the money and run.

This month's TBRChallenge theme was “It came from the '90s!” and as that was the decade I came into reading romance, well, all I had to do was reach into a closet book box and see what I'd be reading. Courting Catherine is first in The Calhoun Women series by Nora Roberts, it's just shy of 200pgs and while, you know me, I have some grumbles about some aspects not being flushed out enough, there is something to be said for short, snappy contemporaries.

This actually starts off with a Prologue in 1912 Bar Harbor, ME where a Mrs. Fergus Calhoun is out walking the cliffs with her children and comes upon an artist. There's zinging lust but, alas, she's married and with only a lingering glance back, she leaves the soulful eyed painter behind. For now. We then jump to Bar Harbor 1991 (extremely more current than 1912 could ever be, I can't bring myself to tag this historical, leave me alone) and are stranded with our main male character, Trenton St. James III as his BMW has broken down on the way to negotiate with four women and an aunt to convince them to sell their ancestral home so he can turn it into and fold it into his hotel business. The mechanic he tows his car to, C.C., turns out to be the youngest Calhoun sister Catherine, and she Does. Not. Want. To. Sell.

She strode toward him until they were toe-to-toe and eye-to-eye. “I’m Catherine Colleen Calhoun. And I want you to keep your greedy hands off my house.”

I mentioned it in a reading update, but I love the clash of he's intrigued by her: “Get your butt back in your big, bad BMW and head back to Boston.”
“A fascinating alliteration.” and she's annoyed by him: There was something arrogant about a maroon tie. Even his tie is getting under her skin! Classic. They're the oil and water big business rich boy and small-town mechanic in debt girl, but with that all important zing of attraction. I'm going to mention the page count again, it didn't lend itself to allowing too much filling out of Trent, we get that he's against marriage because his dad is on his fourth marriage, so he doesn't believe in all that love junk: Women were unstable, fickle creatures, and marriage was a bloodless kind of suicide. The ever present excuse, Daddy Drama. So while, he feels attraction, I mean, our boy was poetic waxing his butt off: He thought, foolishly, that he could feel the starlight on her skin, taste the moondust on her lips. He also gets scaredy pants when they're ready to get it on and C.C. lets it drop that not only is she a virgin, gasp!, she also LOVES him. The Horror. We get more of a complete character from C.C., having her family around, four sisters and aunt who raised them after their parents died, help to give different layers to her and I just felt like I ended up knowing her more.

Inside, Lilah smiled. “Why, he’s in love with her after all, but he’s too stupid to know it.”

While these two are having some clash-offs, about to give into temptation, and then the running, there's also some of that trademark Roberts' paranormal. Remember 1912 Mrs. Calhoun? Apparently, she just casually haunts a tower in the house. As one does. Trenton St. James III finds himself attending a séance. As one does! During the séance, they feel a presence, specifically C.C. and Trenton, and an emerald and diamond necklace is brought up. They think it's hidden in the house somewhere, if it exists. This could save their money troubles, but, this is a series and we can't have all the answers in book one (there were also more flashbacks to 1912 to show a little more of the Mrs. and painter story progress but lingering questions there too). So with the necklace waiting in the wings somewhere, the sisters come to the conclusion that they are going to be forced to sell. Deciding that they should have a date before he leaves (a little ???), Trenton St. James III leaves himself open to the oldest attack in the book, The Revenge Dress. Our girl C.C. does not disappoint in a tight slinky red number slit up and plunged down to defeat the toughest of foes. Trenton St. James III has trouble breathing but Daddy Drama is also a tough force and he still ends up leaving.

“You’re throwing away something—no, not throwing,” she corrected. “You’re politely handing back something you’ll never have again. What you’ve turned out of your life, Trent, would have been the best part of it.”

A jump of three weeks and our waxing poet grows a heart of gold and comes up with a solution to the Calhoun women's woes (I feel like they should have thought this one up themselves?), he's going to front them the money to turn the west wing of the house into a hotel and have them live in the other part of the house. Trenton St. James III also breaks free from Daddy Drama and admits to himself that he loves C.C. and we get our I love yous and engagement. Like I said, there's something to be said for shorter and snappy and this hit the spot. Probably also because I liked the dynamic between the two, you could feel the attraction and ol' Trent was visibly the one struggling/a mess more, while C.C. put down her snarky fight first and accepted she loved him. Plus, we get some layered under the surface talk/scenes like this:
“It’s warped.” She swallowed, hoping to smother the squeak in her voice.“Everything around here is warped or broken or about to disintegrate. I don’t know why you’d even consider buying it.”
Her face was pale as water, Trent noted, making her eyes that much deeper. The panicked distress in them seemed more than a warped tower door warranted. “Doors can be repaired or replaced.”
She's feeling for him but scared she's not good enough, so using the house in place, and he's all I got you. Sucker for such scenes, I tell you.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read
3.25 stars

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read from Nora Roberts. This is obviously the first in a set, as it ends with the romance sorted but the mystery still unsolved. Enjoyable.

[Julie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good read.

[Linn J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Det började helt okej på berättelsen men jag tror att jag hade gillat romansen mer utan uppläsaren som gjorde sig till..