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A Path Toward Love
Katherine came home to forget her past. The last thing she expected was to find her future.
Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.
Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious about what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.
Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.
Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.
Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.
Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious about what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.
Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.
Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2012
21 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Cara Lynn James
9 books112 followersAward-winning writer Cara Slaughter, who writes under the name Cara Lynn James, is a current Golden Heart® finalist in the Inspirational category. Finaling and placing in contests is not new to her, however. She has finaled in twelve contests and won five with three different stories and is a member of the active group of contest-oriented bloggers known as The Seekers.
Cara writes both contemporary and historical romance, having completed three manuscripts in six years. The Gilded Age of the 1890s is one of Cara’s favorite periods and is the time in which her stories are set.
A New Englander, Cara now lives in northwest Florida near the Gulf Coast with her twice-retired husband, formerly a Navy pilot and then science teacher, her grown daughter, two-year-old grandson who calls himself Spiderman and a yappy Papillion named Sparky. Their son lives five minutes away and attends college full-time along with working full-time.
When she’s not busy creating her stories, Cara likes to play with her grandson, eat out, especially at Mexican, Japanese, Italian and seafood restaurants, go camping in her A-liner pop-up camper (it looks like an aluminum tent) and read romances, women’s fiction and mysteries at the beach.
Cara writes both contemporary and historical romance, having completed three manuscripts in six years. The Gilded Age of the 1890s is one of Cara’s favorite periods and is the time in which her stories are set.
A New Englander, Cara now lives in northwest Florida near the Gulf Coast with her twice-retired husband, formerly a Navy pilot and then science teacher, her grown daughter, two-year-old grandson who calls himself Spiderman and a yappy Papillion named Sparky. Their son lives five minutes away and attends college full-time along with working full-time.
When she’s not busy creating her stories, Cara likes to play with her grandson, eat out, especially at Mexican, Japanese, Italian and seafood restaurants, go camping in her A-liner pop-up camper (it looks like an aluminum tent) and read romances, women’s fiction and mysteries at the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 7, 2012
I have read a couple of Cara's other books and have enjoyed them overall. They are the slow sweet read for the time when you want something quiet. Not a lot of action or adventure, but sure comes in handy for those rainy days. Doesn't stand out but still a good novel.
A Path Toward Love is not in a series, which is different from her other books. Katherine is a strong character who made a bad decision in the past and is now paying for it. Her parents really made me sick. She finally stands up to them but I had a hard time reading about them.
There is a strong thread through this book about forgiveness and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just an average go to Church and all but one where you pray daily and seek His will for what path to take. Not overly preachy but there is a good amount.
A good book and enjoyable read. Check it out for the rainy day blues.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation.
A Path Toward Love is not in a series, which is different from her other books. Katherine is a strong character who made a bad decision in the past and is now paying for it. Her parents really made me sick. She finally stands up to them but I had a hard time reading about them.
There is a strong thread through this book about forgiveness and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just an average go to Church and all but one where you pray daily and seek His will for what path to take. Not overly preachy but there is a good amount.
A good book and enjoyable read. Check it out for the rainy day blues.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation.
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June 27, 2017Friends to lovers, early 20th century romance, heroine trying to hold onto an orange grove in Florida....this book had so many elements that sounded promising. Things start off well, as we see Katherine Osborne trying desperately to revive the business that her late husband ran into the ground. Her parents never approved of the match, and Katherine's father arrives, with her childhood friend Andrew in tow, to try to coax Katherine back up north. She comes from a very wealthy family, so she has no need to struggle in the Florida citrus groves.
The setup is intriguing, but too quickly it veers into melodramatic family secrets. On top of that, I found the writing a bit clunky and slow. I just couldn't stay engaged.
The setup is intriguing, but too quickly it veers into melodramatic family secrets. On top of that, I found the writing a bit clunky and slow. I just couldn't stay engaged.
May 18, 2022
3.5 stars…good, but I thought it was a little drawn out. The audio narrator wasn’t all that spectacular. But I enjoyed it for what it was.
January 22, 2014
This is the type of review that's really difficult to write....I never like to "put down" a story or an author's work, but I simply could not connect with this novel in any way. The reasons are varied, and even though the writing itself is decent, I just couldn't find my way to relating with the characters at all.
I never felt close or connected to Katherine, and her motives were always hard for me to understand or sympathize with. She holds a death grip on her citrus grove in Florida, despite the fact that it's losing money, and refuses to sell even when she gets an above-market offer. Katherine goes on and on about how she loves it so much, but the atmosphere at the grove was never able to convince me of how "great" it was or what exactly made it so desirable to her.
The thing that struck me most about the story was the rampant manipulation spread throughout the entire novel. Society parents manipulating their grown (late 20's) children into all sorts of disagreeable situations for "their own good", including (but not limited to) courting someone not of their choosing. Yes, these types of stories are somewhat common in fiction, but the way it all came about just set wrong with me. One example: After an ultimatum from his parents, one man acquiesced into courting a lady he didn't care for simply because he found courting her less disagreeable than going to work at his father's company.
Andrew was a decent character and I could easily see why Katherine was drawn to him, but unfortunately he also fell victim to the widespread manipulation--in this case from his employer, threatening his job if he didn't stay away from Katherine. Despite the fact that Andrew didn't often keep his distance, I still didn't feel that he had much of a back-bone. I wanted him to blow-off and rip through all the manipulation that was going on, as he was aware of most of it, but sadly he didn't seem to have the guts or the will to take charge of the situation.
It grieves me to give such a low rating (2 stars), but I try to be very honest in my ratings, and I simply can't find my way to giving anything higher. :( In closing--hopefully on a slightly more cheerful note--I do want to mention that I wouldn't be opposed to trying more of the author's work.... The writing itself was of a good quality, I just really feel that it was the story, not the style, that didn't sit right with me.
I never felt close or connected to Katherine, and her motives were always hard for me to understand or sympathize with. She holds a death grip on her citrus grove in Florida, despite the fact that it's losing money, and refuses to sell even when she gets an above-market offer. Katherine goes on and on about how she loves it so much, but the atmosphere at the grove was never able to convince me of how "great" it was or what exactly made it so desirable to her.
The thing that struck me most about the story was the rampant manipulation spread throughout the entire novel. Society parents manipulating their grown (late 20's) children into all sorts of disagreeable situations for "their own good", including (but not limited to) courting someone not of their choosing. Yes, these types of stories are somewhat common in fiction, but the way it all came about just set wrong with me. One example: After an ultimatum from his parents, one man acquiesced into courting a lady he didn't care for simply because he found courting her less disagreeable than going to work at his father's company.
Andrew was a decent character and I could easily see why Katherine was drawn to him, but unfortunately he also fell victim to the widespread manipulation--in this case from his employer, threatening his job if he didn't stay away from Katherine. Despite the fact that Andrew didn't often keep his distance, I still didn't feel that he had much of a back-bone. I wanted him to blow-off and rip through all the manipulation that was going on, as he was aware of most of it, but sadly he didn't seem to have the guts or the will to take charge of the situation.
It grieves me to give such a low rating (2 stars), but I try to be very honest in my ratings, and I simply can't find my way to giving anything higher. :( In closing--hopefully on a slightly more cheerful note--I do want to mention that I wouldn't be opposed to trying more of the author's work.... The writing itself was of a good quality, I just really feel that it was the story, not the style, that didn't sit right with me.
July 29, 2016
Carrying the burdens of an unsuccessful marriage and a financially-draining orange grove, young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s summer home in the Adirondack Mountains for the summer. She only intends to remain among society until the conclusion of the summer, returning then to her quiet life in Florida. Yet her reputation-oriented mother has other ideas for Katherine’s future. As Katherine spends the summer being pushed into an unwanted marriage with a childhood friend and pulled by the secrets of her past, she must learn to rely on God to guide her choices and show her the way to necessary healing and restoration.
As a complete sucker for romantic historical fiction, this look into the life of the early 1900s piqued my interest in many ways. The expectations thrust upon Katherine by her parents and the society in which they abide seems absolutely alien in comparison to today’s world, and for a few moments, I stepped out of my time to stand alongside Katherine, imagining what it might be like to experience her challenges. While this novel is not terribly original in terms of its plot or characters, considering its fairly predictable (and perhaps a bit too easily accomplished) ending, I did enjoy reading it simply because it is a different world – a world of reputation and etiquette, prudent courtship and forbidden romance. A world of entertaining adventure. I would recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in romantic historical fiction, looking for a light read, and I truly appreciate BookSneeze for providing me with a free copy of this novel and the opportunity to review it.
http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....
As a complete sucker for romantic historical fiction, this look into the life of the early 1900s piqued my interest in many ways. The expectations thrust upon Katherine by her parents and the society in which they abide seems absolutely alien in comparison to today’s world, and for a few moments, I stepped out of my time to stand alongside Katherine, imagining what it might be like to experience her challenges. While this novel is not terribly original in terms of its plot or characters, considering its fairly predictable (and perhaps a bit too easily accomplished) ending, I did enjoy reading it simply because it is a different world – a world of reputation and etiquette, prudent courtship and forbidden romance. A world of entertaining adventure. I would recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in romantic historical fiction, looking for a light read, and I truly appreciate BookSneeze for providing me with a free copy of this novel and the opportunity to review it.
http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....
November 24, 2014
The woman in the book cover looks very pretty and the background looks nice. I give this book 5 stars.
July 31, 2020
What can I say? It was clean. It was light. It was not objectionable. It repeated itself a lot and dragged on. It also will not be memorable. Also, every time I hear "follow your heart" I get annoyed, so I was annoyed a lot. And wouldn't that have been an anachronistic thing to say in the late 1800's? And then the author would have the characters tell each other, "Pray and do what the Lord wants you to do. Follow your heart." Ahem, usually our hearts lead us away from God and into selfish desires. At least mine does. I did learn, though, that New York's rich had summer residences in the Adirondacks at the turn of the century. They were really camps, complete with a lodge, cabins for guests, and a large dining room where meals were served.
May 26, 2019
Katherine and Andrew's story. Set in class society times where money and being poor divided people. (I wonder if that is the case today? I think it is still here) Parents controlling relationships in their children's lives. Using threats and leverage to control. Frustrating reading at times. It is different now days about mixed relationships but changes are here.
January 24, 2018
Manipulation of a hurt woman
I believe no one should have the right to manipulate someone into marry against their will, Especially your mother for their own selfishness. Love is the only reason to marry. Not for society's sake.
I believe no one should have the right to manipulate someone into marry against their will, Especially your mother for their own selfishness. Love is the only reason to marry. Not for society's sake.
March 5, 2022
"A Path Toward Love" by Cara Lynn James. Read by Angela Dawe. #booksin19 #audiobook
It took TWO CD-discs for this main character to even decide to leave her farm to go back home for a vacation. Then only accepts love from her best friend next door neighbor in disc nine. Slooow.
It took TWO CD-discs for this main character to even decide to leave her farm to go back home for a vacation. Then only accepts love from her best friend next door neighbor in disc nine. Slooow.
September 1, 2025
Well-written plot and plan.
I would’ve liked to see the male main character stand up to the adults, too.
I would’ve liked to see the male main character stand up to the adults, too.
August 20, 2012
Katherine Osborne inherited the Osborne Citrus Groves near Buena Vista, Florida from her husband two years ago, and is now struggling to keep the business from bankruptcy. Her father visits and offers to loan her money on the condition that she returns to the upscale family camp in New York for the summer of 1905. She is reluctant to agree, knowing her mother will try and manipulate her into another marriage - this time, to someone acceptable. Someone like Randy, the son of her mother's childhood friend. Katherine is no longer mourning Charles's death, but his infidelity has left her wary of marriage, especially a marriage arranged by her domineering mother.
We learn more and more about Katherine's marriage as the story progresses, none of it good, and we understand why she is reluctant to want to marry again. Yet as Katherine is forced into a relationship with Randy, she begins to realise that maybe she does still have the capacity to love and the desire to marry again. But will she choose love or obedience, financial risk or security? She turns to Andrew Townsend, Randy's cousin, a childhood friend and now her father's employee, for support.
Katherine was an independent and headstrong heroine, and very likeable. She faced her dilemma with good grace, making the best decisions she could with the information she had (unfortunately, she didn't always have all the information she needed). Her mother was domineering and very hard to stand up to, and her father was a strong businessman, but weak in the way he let his wife rule their marriage.
Andrew was another likeable character, with a strong Christian faith, and not at all bitter that he had to work for a living while his cousin Randy did not. Randy seemed to think he deserved his privileged and unproductive lifestyle (and perhaps he did), but the contrast between the characters showed how overcoming adversity produces character.
At one point, Katherine’s father says, “Doesn’t she understand I work from dawn to dusk so she won’t have to?”. This line seemed to epitomise the so-called 'American Dream', yet this directly contradicts the biblical injunction that if a man does not work, he does not eat. It got me thinking about trust fund children both in 1905 when this story is set, and now, and wondering if perhaps this attitude is pursing the wrong dream. Surely our spiritual wellbeing is so much more important than the physical...
I always enjoy a book that can both keep me entertained, yet also make me think, so well done to A Path Towards Love. It reminds me of novels like Making Waves and She Walks In Beauty, but I think it's better than both of them. A historical romance that is well worth reading.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze® for providing a free book for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
We learn more and more about Katherine's marriage as the story progresses, none of it good, and we understand why she is reluctant to want to marry again. Yet as Katherine is forced into a relationship with Randy, she begins to realise that maybe she does still have the capacity to love and the desire to marry again. But will she choose love or obedience, financial risk or security? She turns to Andrew Townsend, Randy's cousin, a childhood friend and now her father's employee, for support.
Katherine was an independent and headstrong heroine, and very likeable. She faced her dilemma with good grace, making the best decisions she could with the information she had (unfortunately, she didn't always have all the information she needed). Her mother was domineering and very hard to stand up to, and her father was a strong businessman, but weak in the way he let his wife rule their marriage.
Andrew was another likeable character, with a strong Christian faith, and not at all bitter that he had to work for a living while his cousin Randy did not. Randy seemed to think he deserved his privileged and unproductive lifestyle (and perhaps he did), but the contrast between the characters showed how overcoming adversity produces character.
At one point, Katherine’s father says, “Doesn’t she understand I work from dawn to dusk so she won’t have to?”. This line seemed to epitomise the so-called 'American Dream', yet this directly contradicts the biblical injunction that if a man does not work, he does not eat. It got me thinking about trust fund children both in 1905 when this story is set, and now, and wondering if perhaps this attitude is pursing the wrong dream. Surely our spiritual wellbeing is so much more important than the physical...
I always enjoy a book that can both keep me entertained, yet also make me think, so well done to A Path Towards Love. It reminds me of novels like Making Waves and She Walks In Beauty, but I think it's better than both of them. A historical romance that is well worth reading.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze® for providing a free book for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
September 1, 2012
Cara Lynn James in her new book, “A Path Towards Love” published by Thomas Nelson takes us to into the life of Katherine Osborne in 1905.
From the back cover: Katherine came home to forget her past. The last thing she expected was to find her future.
Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.
Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious about what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.
Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.
Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.
Hurt, emotional trauma and lies, these are the things that drive us forward into areas that we really do not want to go and keep us from the places that we do want to go. “A Path Towards Love” is a delightful read full of atmosphere and history. Katherine is a young widow who was thrust into the world of tending Orange Groves and is in over her head. ”A Path Towards Love” is about being a woman doing business in a “man’s world”. It is about honesty, rebuilding your life and moving forward in a new direction. It is about trusting God and learning to lean on Him for His guidance and direction. Katherine and Andrew are so real Ms James makes us root for their romance to blossom. Ms. James knows how to tell a story that is both interesting and delightful and I recommend it highly.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and business professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Katherine came home to forget her past. The last thing she expected was to find her future.
Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.
Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious about what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.
Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.
Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.
Hurt, emotional trauma and lies, these are the things that drive us forward into areas that we really do not want to go and keep us from the places that we do want to go. “A Path Towards Love” is a delightful read full of atmosphere and history. Katherine is a young widow who was thrust into the world of tending Orange Groves and is in over her head. ”A Path Towards Love” is about being a woman doing business in a “man’s world”. It is about honesty, rebuilding your life and moving forward in a new direction. It is about trusting God and learning to lean on Him for His guidance and direction. Katherine and Andrew are so real Ms James makes us root for their romance to blossom. Ms. James knows how to tell a story that is both interesting and delightful and I recommend it highly.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and business professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 23, 2021
STORY: Eight years ago Katherine Wainwright rebels against her family, society and her best friend, Andrew. Coming from a wealthy family from one of the most prosperous in New York society, she elopes with Charles and now resides in Florida. Now her husband’s father has died and she's a widow whose one dream is to see her father-in-law's citrus groves return to its former glory. She wants to do this for her father-in-law whom she loved, and now Florida, somehow, feels like home.
When her father and Andrew travel to Florida to convince her it’s time to return to New York, Katherine is faced with a decision: Leave everything she now loves or return to the people she hasn’t stopped loving.
REVIEW: Though I have her debut series on my bookshelf, this work of fiction is the first I’ve read of James’. To be honest, regardless of the reservations I end up with about this story, it will not be the last. Before I was even out of the first chapter, Katherine’s story enchants. It's an 1800’s fairy-tale that starts out in the right place. Whether it be the dashing hero or the sweetness in the affection that builds between the would-be lovers, everything is captivating.
In the second half or at the very least fourth of the novel, things start a downward slide that James never really returns from. It's almost as if all the care she pours into the story with is forgotten. For example, I begin to question Katherine’s motives and true feelings: Will she stand up for herself? Or will she buckle to her mother’s whims? Despite what the back cover synopsis has us believe, this story is not one of a re-kindled romance, but rather one of proper expectations and a “sensible” romance is the result.
Beyond Katherine and Andrew’s re-kindled friendship, I'm a bit disappointed in the relationship between Katherine and her parents. I understand the expectations of the era but for the story, it reads as if there's a price to Mrs. Wainwright’s affection for her daughter and similarly Katherine’s father places bargaining chips on the table. As a reader, that sort of relationship doesn’t endear characters to me. Regardless, A Path Toward Love is a lovely read. Please understand, this rhetoric is just me being (very) persnickety. In the end, if you like this time frame or James, her latest novel is a sweet story of letting go of one’s past.
IN CONCLUSION: Pretty on the surface, ‘Path’ may have some flaws, but all things considered, it's a sweet one-time read.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
© Copyright 2011-2013 Dreaming Under the Same Moon / Scribbles, Scripts and Such
When her father and Andrew travel to Florida to convince her it’s time to return to New York, Katherine is faced with a decision: Leave everything she now loves or return to the people she hasn’t stopped loving.
REVIEW: Though I have her debut series on my bookshelf, this work of fiction is the first I’ve read of James’. To be honest, regardless of the reservations I end up with about this story, it will not be the last. Before I was even out of the first chapter, Katherine’s story enchants. It's an 1800’s fairy-tale that starts out in the right place. Whether it be the dashing hero or the sweetness in the affection that builds between the would-be lovers, everything is captivating.
In the second half or at the very least fourth of the novel, things start a downward slide that James never really returns from. It's almost as if all the care she pours into the story with is forgotten. For example, I begin to question Katherine’s motives and true feelings: Will she stand up for herself? Or will she buckle to her mother’s whims? Despite what the back cover synopsis has us believe, this story is not one of a re-kindled romance, but rather one of proper expectations and a “sensible” romance is the result.
Beyond Katherine and Andrew’s re-kindled friendship, I'm a bit disappointed in the relationship between Katherine and her parents. I understand the expectations of the era but for the story, it reads as if there's a price to Mrs. Wainwright’s affection for her daughter and similarly Katherine’s father places bargaining chips on the table. As a reader, that sort of relationship doesn’t endear characters to me. Regardless, A Path Toward Love is a lovely read. Please understand, this rhetoric is just me being (very) persnickety. In the end, if you like this time frame or James, her latest novel is a sweet story of letting go of one’s past.
IN CONCLUSION: Pretty on the surface, ‘Path’ may have some flaws, but all things considered, it's a sweet one-time read.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
© Copyright 2011-2013 Dreaming Under the Same Moon / Scribbles, Scripts and Such
August 12, 2012
I very much enjoyed "A Path Toward Love" from author Cara Lynn James. Set in America's "Gilded Age" and written in an easy-flowing, well-paced style, the book was a pleasure to read all in one sitting. What a great heroine! Katherine Osborne married on impulse, against her family's wishes, and left the known comfort of her New York society life behind. Her husband, Charles, was owner of a small citrus grove in Florida. After his untimely death, Katherine finds herself a young widow far from home, struggling to save a mismanaged business that she has come to love. After eight years of separation from her family, Katherine receives a letter from her mother informing her of her father's upcoming visit to see her in Florida. Accompanying him will be Andrew Townsend, her lifelong friend who had warned her against marrying Charles. His warning had proved true, and the marriage had been one of unhappiness. Katherine's joy at seeing her father and Andrew is dampened by the news that she has been turned down for a much-needed business loan. When she asks her father for assistance, her initially turns her down. The purpose of his visit has been to persuade her to return to the family home in New York. She and her father reach a compromise: he will loan her just enough for a modest reprieve for the citrus grove if she will join the family for a month at their Summer home. After some serious soul-searching, during which she discovers a devastating secret about her late husband, Katherine agrees. Andrew, who is delighted that she will make the journey, has very deep feelings for her which go beyond friendship. Once Katherine is back in the circle of her family, behind the scenes scheming begins to find Katherine a "suitable society match". While Andrew works for her father's railroad as an attorney, he knows that they are not society equals in the eyes of her family and the rest of the world. Being with her family, Katherine feels the pressure to resolve her personal life and decide the fate of the citrus grove. She must also face her true feelings for Andrew. Will these two longtime friends, who truly care for each other's happiness, find the "path toward love"? I highly recommend this lovely read for those who enjoy inspirational historical romance. The heroine is intelligent and appealing, the setting and era are freshly intriguing, and the story line is very well-written. I look forward to reading more works from talented author Cara Lynn James.
Review Copy Gratis Thomas Nelson Books
Review Copy Gratis Thomas Nelson Books
June 28, 2013
“A Path Toward Love”, written by Cara Lynn James and published by Thomas Nelson, was a very interesting look into the lives of New York’s social elite during the early 1900’s.
Katherine Osborne is a young widow trying to make a go of the citrus groves her husband left her after his death. His spendthrift ways and gambling depleted his fortune and her inheritance. Katherine’s father is coming to Florida to visit and bringing her lifelong friend, Andrew. She is convinced that her father is going to strongly persuade his daughter to go back to New York with him to the family summer camp in the Adirondack Mountains. Katherine’s mother is a formidable woman and is determined to see her daughter married to her best friend’s son, Randy. Andrew, Randy and Katherine were inseparable during their childhood. Randy is a playboy, while Andrew is a poor relation of Randy’s and a hard working employee of Katherine’s father.
Katherine is given an ultimatum to go back for the summer or forego a loan from her father. She knows that she will spend the summer trying to keep her mother from running her life, but she decides that she will return for a short time. The rest of the novel dwells on the constant manipulation of Katherine, Andrew and Randy by their parents. Katherine and Andrew are in love, but neither wants to push the boundaries and admit that they are meant for each other in God’s eyes.
I really had a hard time with this book. I found it very frustrating that these two mothers had so much influence on their children’s lives. Even more so, I was extremely irritated that they would threaten them with losing their inheritance, or, in Andrew’s case, his job. If Katherine lost her citrus grove, then she would be a woman without means to support herself and would have to conform to society’s mores and return to live with her parents and be under their watchful eyes.
I enjoyed this book, even though I didn’t care for the way society dictated peoples’ lives in the early twentieth century. I did get a picture of how the rich lived though. It seems that women were forbidden to work and spent their leisure time in frivolous pursuits.
I was sent this free Kindle book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and from the Blogging for Books website in return for my honest review.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-6x
Katherine Osborne is a young widow trying to make a go of the citrus groves her husband left her after his death. His spendthrift ways and gambling depleted his fortune and her inheritance. Katherine’s father is coming to Florida to visit and bringing her lifelong friend, Andrew. She is convinced that her father is going to strongly persuade his daughter to go back to New York with him to the family summer camp in the Adirondack Mountains. Katherine’s mother is a formidable woman and is determined to see her daughter married to her best friend’s son, Randy. Andrew, Randy and Katherine were inseparable during their childhood. Randy is a playboy, while Andrew is a poor relation of Randy’s and a hard working employee of Katherine’s father.
Katherine is given an ultimatum to go back for the summer or forego a loan from her father. She knows that she will spend the summer trying to keep her mother from running her life, but she decides that she will return for a short time. The rest of the novel dwells on the constant manipulation of Katherine, Andrew and Randy by their parents. Katherine and Andrew are in love, but neither wants to push the boundaries and admit that they are meant for each other in God’s eyes.
I really had a hard time with this book. I found it very frustrating that these two mothers had so much influence on their children’s lives. Even more so, I was extremely irritated that they would threaten them with losing their inheritance, or, in Andrew’s case, his job. If Katherine lost her citrus grove, then she would be a woman without means to support herself and would have to conform to society’s mores and return to live with her parents and be under their watchful eyes.
I enjoyed this book, even though I didn’t care for the way society dictated peoples’ lives in the early twentieth century. I did get a picture of how the rich lived though. It seems that women were forbidden to work and spent their leisure time in frivolous pursuits.
I was sent this free Kindle book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and from the Blogging for Books website in return for my honest review.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-6x
February 16, 2013
Author: Cara Lynn James
Published By: Thomas Nelson
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"A Path Toward Love" by Cara Lynn James was indeed a sweet christian
historical romantic fiction definitely one of a 'fairy tale' kind of read. This poor lady Katherine Osborne had inherited 'the Osborne Citrus Groves' in Florida from her husband Charles of two years...only to find out that her business was near bankruptcy. You will find that Katherine had made a bad decision in her past and was now praying about it. After a visit from her father she does decide to go back to her rich family and he offers her a loan only if she meets his conditions to spend the summer at the a family's camp in New York. Katherine knew that her mother will try to manipulate her and she did just that with the son of a childhood friend(Randy). Will Katherine allow this to happen? We find out through the read that Katherine did not have a story book marriage...but one of infidelity and now that she needed funds to keep her 'Citrius Groves' dream alive. What was she to do? This is when she turns to a old friend, Andrew Townsend for support. Now, this is the time I say you must pick up "A Path Toward Love" to see how this author will bring out this wonderful story to us. I did often tire of Katherine for how she let her mother make all her decisions going back and forth and even the father at times but thank God for Aunt Letty who was just what Katherine needed in her life at that time. Will Katherine be able to stand her ground and pick up her life and find the peace she needs with her domineering and manipulative parents? Yes, Katherine wants to be a business woman...what was wrong with that? We will just let her mother and father answer that one for you from the read. Even though I found this novel somewhat predictable I wasn't able to put it down...especially with characters like Katherine, Andrew, Randy, Harriett Roles, Isabelle, Stuart Osborne, Aunt Letty and a few other that keep this story rocking.
"A Path Toward Love very enjoyable and I liked how this author was able to work the 'Christian Faith' into this well written read and would I recommend this read...YES!
Published By: Thomas Nelson
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"A Path Toward Love" by Cara Lynn James was indeed a sweet christian
historical romantic fiction definitely one of a 'fairy tale' kind of read. This poor lady Katherine Osborne had inherited 'the Osborne Citrus Groves' in Florida from her husband Charles of two years...only to find out that her business was near bankruptcy. You will find that Katherine had made a bad decision in her past and was now praying about it. After a visit from her father she does decide to go back to her rich family and he offers her a loan only if she meets his conditions to spend the summer at the a family's camp in New York. Katherine knew that her mother will try to manipulate her and she did just that with the son of a childhood friend(Randy). Will Katherine allow this to happen? We find out through the read that Katherine did not have a story book marriage...but one of infidelity and now that she needed funds to keep her 'Citrius Groves' dream alive. What was she to do? This is when she turns to a old friend, Andrew Townsend for support. Now, this is the time I say you must pick up "A Path Toward Love" to see how this author will bring out this wonderful story to us. I did often tire of Katherine for how she let her mother make all her decisions going back and forth and even the father at times but thank God for Aunt Letty who was just what Katherine needed in her life at that time. Will Katherine be able to stand her ground and pick up her life and find the peace she needs with her domineering and manipulative parents? Yes, Katherine wants to be a business woman...what was wrong with that? We will just let her mother and father answer that one for you from the read. Even though I found this novel somewhat predictable I wasn't able to put it down...especially with characters like Katherine, Andrew, Randy, Harriett Roles, Isabelle, Stuart Osborne, Aunt Letty and a few other that keep this story rocking.
"A Path Toward Love very enjoyable and I liked how this author was able to work the 'Christian Faith' into this well written read and would I recommend this read...YES!
January 2, 2016
A Path to Love by Cara Lynn James is a historical Christian romance in the Guilded Age. This novel is set in the summer of 1905, briefly in Florida, but mostly in the Adirondacks near Raquette Lake. This book is a stand alone novel. I've looked on Cara Lynn James' web page to see if it it's the start of a new series, but didn't see any indication that it is.
Katherine Osborne eloped with Charles Osborne eight years ago without the approval of her high society parents. She's had a rough marriage, was widowed two years ago, and since then has taken over her husband's orange growing business. She loves her role, but the business is struggling due to Charles' prior mismanagement.
Andrew Townsend was Katherine's friend throughout childhood who counseled her not to marry Charles Osborne. To her regret, she disregarded his advice. He's still never been married. He enters in this story as her father's employee, a lawyer, and quickly slips back into his former role of Katherine's best friend.
What I liked:
*In the second half of the book, I really enjoyed the romance. I thought it was very well done, and it felt genuine. This was a bit of a love triangle, which I normally can't stand, but I thought it was fine here.
*Applications of Christian living were nicely woven throughout the book. Another reviewer mentioned that there was more of it than in her Ladies of Summerhill trilogy. It's been a while for me, so I can't be sure, but I got the same impression. A quote I liked:
"He still didn't know the reason, but he'd learned to live with unanswered questions. It was part of trusting the Lord."
What I didn't like:
*It took me a little while to get into it. To be fair, this really may not be an indication of the quality of the book. I haven't had much time to read this month.
*I did find a couple of errors, but not many. Not much in the way of dislikes!
If you like clean, Christian, or historical romances I'd recommend this book. There is mention of adultery and abuse, so I'd only recommend it for older teens. I've enjoyed all four of Cara Lynn James' books, and would certainly recommend them!
Katherine Osborne eloped with Charles Osborne eight years ago without the approval of her high society parents. She's had a rough marriage, was widowed two years ago, and since then has taken over her husband's orange growing business. She loves her role, but the business is struggling due to Charles' prior mismanagement.
Andrew Townsend was Katherine's friend throughout childhood who counseled her not to marry Charles Osborne. To her regret, she disregarded his advice. He's still never been married. He enters in this story as her father's employee, a lawyer, and quickly slips back into his former role of Katherine's best friend.
What I liked:
*In the second half of the book, I really enjoyed the romance. I thought it was very well done, and it felt genuine. This was a bit of a love triangle, which I normally can't stand, but I thought it was fine here.
*Applications of Christian living were nicely woven throughout the book. Another reviewer mentioned that there was more of it than in her Ladies of Summerhill trilogy. It's been a while for me, so I can't be sure, but I got the same impression. A quote I liked:
"He still didn't know the reason, but he'd learned to live with unanswered questions. It was part of trusting the Lord."
What I didn't like:
*It took me a little while to get into it. To be fair, this really may not be an indication of the quality of the book. I haven't had much time to read this month.
*I did find a couple of errors, but not many. Not much in the way of dislikes!
If you like clean, Christian, or historical romances I'd recommend this book. There is mention of adultery and abuse, so I'd only recommend it for older teens. I've enjoyed all four of Cara Lynn James' books, and would certainly recommend them!
August 5, 2012
When I saw that Cara Lynn James had a new book out, I was excited as I just adored her Ladies of Summerhill series , a series where the women are strong and have defied the laws of their time by being strong, independent and having a career rather than playing the society wife, which was the norm for this era.
For me , personally I preferred her Ladies of Summerhill series as it added a bit more humour to the stories whereas this new one held a serious tone. In A Path Toward Love , we meet Katherine Osborne, she has been widowed for two years yet it seems in a way that she was widowed longer than that due to the fact her husband was never rarely home. Katherine was left to run the families Orange Groves, trying hard she worked at bringing them back to their old glory but being a women in a man's world of business is a struggle. When her father and best friend Andrew appear for a surprise visit, could this be the opportunity she was needing to move forward ? Of course, though in Katherine's life nothing comes without a price tag attached . Her father agrees to a loan but in return for Katherine visiting home for the summer - it has been seven long years and she definitely has no desire to be flung into society and make a society wife. Of course though , Katherine has another reason she doesn't want to go home . Ever since she was a little girl , her family told her she was to marry Randy - a close family friend but Katherine's heart doesn't belong to Randy and it seems he won't change his playboy ways and is in more ways than one - a replica of her ex-husband Charles. We discover that all along Katherine's heart has belonged to Andrew Knowles - Randy's cousin but in a society where status is everything , will Katherine go along and marry Randy or will she discover that with God on her side, status isn't everything and that a marriage filled with love is more joyful and happier than a marriage filled with plain riches.
A novel that shows like Cara's characters in Ladies of Summerhill , Katherine was a strong, ambitious and independent women who had more sense to belong in a man's world rather than sit on her high perch and drink tea and eat club sandwiches.
For me , personally I preferred her Ladies of Summerhill series as it added a bit more humour to the stories whereas this new one held a serious tone. In A Path Toward Love , we meet Katherine Osborne, she has been widowed for two years yet it seems in a way that she was widowed longer than that due to the fact her husband was never rarely home. Katherine was left to run the families Orange Groves, trying hard she worked at bringing them back to their old glory but being a women in a man's world of business is a struggle. When her father and best friend Andrew appear for a surprise visit, could this be the opportunity she was needing to move forward ? Of course, though in Katherine's life nothing comes without a price tag attached . Her father agrees to a loan but in return for Katherine visiting home for the summer - it has been seven long years and she definitely has no desire to be flung into society and make a society wife. Of course though , Katherine has another reason she doesn't want to go home . Ever since she was a little girl , her family told her she was to marry Randy - a close family friend but Katherine's heart doesn't belong to Randy and it seems he won't change his playboy ways and is in more ways than one - a replica of her ex-husband Charles. We discover that all along Katherine's heart has belonged to Andrew Knowles - Randy's cousin but in a society where status is everything , will Katherine go along and marry Randy or will she discover that with God on her side, status isn't everything and that a marriage filled with love is more joyful and happier than a marriage filled with plain riches.
A novel that shows like Cara's characters in Ladies of Summerhill , Katherine was a strong, ambitious and independent women who had more sense to belong in a man's world rather than sit on her high perch and drink tea and eat club sandwiches.
August 3, 2012
I wasn't sure about this book as the time period setting is not my usual (early twentieth-century America) and with a not pretty dress on the cover. But I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I did.
I found this book compulsively readable. I'd pick it up to read a chapter or two and then discover I had read a hundred pages or more. I just could not stop because I had to know more. This was a little odd as I found the characters flat and the story very predictable. But I could not put it down.
Katherine Osborne is a young widow whose husband's profligacy has left her struggling to manage her inherited orange groves. Her wealthy parents want her to return to New York, rejoin society, and make a brilliant match befitting their status. Katherine is wooed back for a summer by the promise of a loan to save her groves but is still intent on returning to Florida. Another persuasion is Andrew, an attorney who is socially beneath her and is in fact cousin to the man who has been earmarked to her. Yet Katherine has no interest in him, feeling drawn to Andrew despite the many obstacles placed in their way by her snobbish mother.
Obviously that is the main couple and their developing relationship takes up a great part of the book. I thought is was very sweet and I loved their cuteness. However I was less enthused about their conflicts which I found repetitive and tired. Katherine can't decide if she should pursue another romantic relationship after the mess of her first marriage; she's also still struggling with parental and societal expectations. Andrew did not seem to have much of a personality beyond his long-time love for Katherine and his faith in God, both qualities I like in a hero but I need someone with a bit more pizzazz. The other characters were similarly cookie-cutter and flat.
Still, rated highly for my inability to put the book down even as I listed the problems I had it with and the sweetness of the main romance.
Cover: I think it's really bleh-I like bright eye-catching colors but this one is so plain.
I found this book compulsively readable. I'd pick it up to read a chapter or two and then discover I had read a hundred pages or more. I just could not stop because I had to know more. This was a little odd as I found the characters flat and the story very predictable. But I could not put it down.
Katherine Osborne is a young widow whose husband's profligacy has left her struggling to manage her inherited orange groves. Her wealthy parents want her to return to New York, rejoin society, and make a brilliant match befitting their status. Katherine is wooed back for a summer by the promise of a loan to save her groves but is still intent on returning to Florida. Another persuasion is Andrew, an attorney who is socially beneath her and is in fact cousin to the man who has been earmarked to her. Yet Katherine has no interest in him, feeling drawn to Andrew despite the many obstacles placed in their way by her snobbish mother.
Obviously that is the main couple and their developing relationship takes up a great part of the book. I thought is was very sweet and I loved their cuteness. However I was less enthused about their conflicts which I found repetitive and tired. Katherine can't decide if she should pursue another romantic relationship after the mess of her first marriage; she's also still struggling with parental and societal expectations. Andrew did not seem to have much of a personality beyond his long-time love for Katherine and his faith in God, both qualities I like in a hero but I need someone with a bit more pizzazz. The other characters were similarly cookie-cutter and flat.
Still, rated highly for my inability to put the book down even as I listed the problems I had it with and the sweetness of the main romance.
Cover: I think it's really bleh-I like bright eye-catching colors but this one is so plain.
September 3, 2012
Katherine Osborne is a young widow who is struggling with making her business, she manages an orange grove, a success. For years she's been estranged from her parents. While the gap has mended slightly, she still feels intimated by her mother. When her father and her long time friend, Andrew Townsend, arrive in Florida with the purpose of bringing Katherine back to the family's summer vacation spot on Raquette Lake in New York's Adirondack Mountains, she resists at first but comes to an agreement with her father - spend the summer at the lake and he will loan her the funds to bring in the harvest. She arrives hoping to find peace and solitude to contemplate her next step regarding her business and her late husband's actions. Her mother is determined to see Katherine make a good marriage to a suitable young man while she's still young. As Katherine confides more and more into Andrew, both come to realize that they love each other. Will Katherine make a choice that could ruin three lives forever? Or will she find the courage to stand up to her parents and follow the path God wants her to?
Set at the turn of the century, I found the book to be rather slow moving. I've read several books by Cara Lynn James before and enjoyed them. I felt that it took a while to get into the meat of the story. And then once I was in it, it still moved slow. While Katherine is very generous, I found myself wishing that she had a bit more of a backbone. Andrew seemed too perfect. My favorite character was Aunt Letty. Aunt Letty encouraged Katherine to find true love and to seek God first. While the book was an ok read, it won't make my to-read-again list.
I received this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson's booksneeze program, for free in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating - 3 stars
Set at the turn of the century, I found the book to be rather slow moving. I've read several books by Cara Lynn James before and enjoyed them. I felt that it took a while to get into the meat of the story. And then once I was in it, it still moved slow. While Katherine is very generous, I found myself wishing that she had a bit more of a backbone. Andrew seemed too perfect. My favorite character was Aunt Letty. Aunt Letty encouraged Katherine to find true love and to seek God first. While the book was an ok read, it won't make my to-read-again list.
I received this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson's booksneeze program, for free in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating - 3 stars
October 7, 2012
Disillusioned after a disastrous marriage, Katherine no longer trusts her judgment regarding men and love. Although she has no intention of remarrying, Katherine's parents operate with an entirely different agenda, with no regard for her feelings. Initially, Katherine vowed not to conform to their plan, but then they ramped-up the pressure. Her mother schemed and her father threatened, leaving her with little choice. Andrew doesn't have the social standing to strive for Katherine's affections, but that doesn't stop him from loving her.
This is a book rich with colorful characters, both main and secondary, and what seemed like impossible obstacles weaving a beautiful tapestry of forgiveness, restoration and truth. Wonderful imagery settled me right into the sweltering heat of the Florida orange groves and then the rustic atmosphere of the family's lake camp.
Have you ever read a book where the author kept you guessing until the last page if the hero or heroine would eventually make the right choice and find their path toward love? Pun intended. :) Not being familiar with Ms. James's writing style, I was a little worried about getting my happily-ever-after ending, but the author delivered. That doesn't mean the romance between Andrew and Katherine was lacking. Not at all! I found the romance to be sweet and subtle, tender and emotionally satisfying. Nicely done, Ms. James. I'm a new fan and look forward to reading all your books. This book is a "must read" for historical romance lovers, but contemporary lovers will enjoy it, too.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This is a book rich with colorful characters, both main and secondary, and what seemed like impossible obstacles weaving a beautiful tapestry of forgiveness, restoration and truth. Wonderful imagery settled me right into the sweltering heat of the Florida orange groves and then the rustic atmosphere of the family's lake camp.
Have you ever read a book where the author kept you guessing until the last page if the hero or heroine would eventually make the right choice and find their path toward love? Pun intended. :) Not being familiar with Ms. James's writing style, I was a little worried about getting my happily-ever-after ending, but the author delivered. That doesn't mean the romance between Andrew and Katherine was lacking. Not at all! I found the romance to be sweet and subtle, tender and emotionally satisfying. Nicely done, Ms. James. I'm a new fan and look forward to reading all your books. This book is a "must read" for historical romance lovers, but contemporary lovers will enjoy it, too.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 24, 2012
Katherine is a young widow trying to heal from a bad marriage while running her husband’s families company, something that is unheard of in the early 20th century. Her family is completely against her becoming a businesswoman, and her father comes to Florida along with her childhood friend to drag her back to the family estate. Katherine agrees to go, more to appease her family as well as get much needed funds for her business. While there she must deal with her overbearing mother and her neighbor who believe they know what is best for her, and those plans involve a husband. But what is God’s plan for Katherine? And how does her childhood friend Andrew play into that plan?
I enjoyed this book but I must say I HATED the parents. The mother was so grating and overbearing I want to shake her! Had I been in the situation I would never have agreed to go back home to deal with the hateful woman! I would have to say the author did a great job writing the story, since the mother caused such a reaction in me. I was able to get really caught up in the story. I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I enjoyed this book but I must say I HATED the parents. The mother was so grating and overbearing I want to shake her! Had I been in the situation I would never have agreed to go back home to deal with the hateful woman! I would have to say the author did a great job writing the story, since the mother caused such a reaction in me. I was able to get really caught up in the story. I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 11, 2012
Cara Lynn James is a new author to me and my bookshelves, but I am sure you will be seeing more of her novels reviewed on my blog. She writes in detail about the fashions and culture of the 1900s among the elite or affluent citizens of the southern area of the U.S. None of her characters are perfect, and as she writes about their flaws, mistakes and weaknesses you learn to know them in their private moments.
I found myself angry with most of the older adults in the story, and think you might feel this way too. Aunt Letty is the redeeming mature adult with her understanding and unconventional (for this era or among this group, anyways) thoughts, and actions. Katherine was caught between a rock and a hard place, and in the end acted responsibly, and the parents came around as well, making for a sweet reconciliation.
I am deeply thankful that I did not, nor do I now, live in a culture or time when arranged marriages were the expected way to find a life's companion, nor when a woman was not encouraged to follow her dreams if they included anything other than that of a wife, mother and homemaker. The attitude of dominance and bullying will always be with us, but hopefully I can make a difference by becoming more like Katherine and be forgiving of the person but not the act.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially if you enjoy good historical fiction.
I received this free ebook from Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of posting an honest review which I have done here. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own.
I found myself angry with most of the older adults in the story, and think you might feel this way too. Aunt Letty is the redeeming mature adult with her understanding and unconventional (for this era or among this group, anyways) thoughts, and actions. Katherine was caught between a rock and a hard place, and in the end acted responsibly, and the parents came around as well, making for a sweet reconciliation.
I am deeply thankful that I did not, nor do I now, live in a culture or time when arranged marriages were the expected way to find a life's companion, nor when a woman was not encouraged to follow her dreams if they included anything other than that of a wife, mother and homemaker. The attitude of dominance and bullying will always be with us, but hopefully I can make a difference by becoming more like Katherine and be forgiving of the person but not the act.
I would recommend this book to everyone, especially if you enjoy good historical fiction.
I received this free ebook from Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of posting an honest review which I have done here. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own.
February 6, 2014
Cara Lynn James hit another good one with this book! I love how she doesn't make her characters "perfect" but gives them real weaknesses (physically and spiritually) for them to learn and grow from.
This book follows Katherine as she returns home as a prodigal daughter after eloping with her now dead (and as it shocked her to discover) nefarious husband nine years ago. She's in love with her life as the owner of a citrus grove FL--in a time when women in the business world just weren't accepted. She has no interest in returning to her past life in the social world...but her dominating mother has other plans--including marrying her off ASAP! And since she desperately needs a loan from her father she agrees to come home with him to Pennsylvania for the summer--but under no pretense...she's returning UNMARRIED to her beloved groves.
It's interesting to see how she grows and deals with the challenges of trying to please her family, forgive her husband and his many sins against her, and be true to herself---while trying to keep it balance with God's will for her (whatever it may be!)
This book follows Katherine as she returns home as a prodigal daughter after eloping with her now dead (and as it shocked her to discover) nefarious husband nine years ago. She's in love with her life as the owner of a citrus grove FL--in a time when women in the business world just weren't accepted. She has no interest in returning to her past life in the social world...but her dominating mother has other plans--including marrying her off ASAP! And since she desperately needs a loan from her father she agrees to come home with him to Pennsylvania for the summer--but under no pretense...she's returning UNMARRIED to her beloved groves.
It's interesting to see how she grows and deals with the challenges of trying to please her family, forgive her husband and his many sins against her, and be true to herself---while trying to keep it balance with God's will for her (whatever it may be!)
October 3, 2012
When this novel started, I was drawn to Katherine and her unique situation as an owner of a grove of orange trees in Florida. I should have paid closer attention to the summary, because soon into the book Katherine agrees to go with her father to their vacation spot in upstate New York. This setting was also nice, but it was not quite as unique as the Florida setting. Florida and the orange groves continues to draw Katherine back to them throughout the novel, and I felt this pull as well.
The situations that occur during Katherine's stay in the Adirondacks are quite typical for Christian romance novels set in this time period. I liked Katherine and Andrew and the sweet romance that developed between them, but most of the other characters were, again, conventional for this type of book.
Read my complete review here:
http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
The situations that occur during Katherine's stay in the Adirondacks are quite typical for Christian romance novels set in this time period. I liked Katherine and Andrew and the sweet romance that developed between them, but most of the other characters were, again, conventional for this type of book.
Read my complete review here:
http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
April 17, 2013
Wow, this was one of those books that you think " Why am I reading this?" Maybe if the author had any imagination it could have been a better story but it was SOOOOOOOOOO Dumb and annoying because it was like 300 pages of of saying the same thing ...
Mother- "Catherine you must marry Randy , his mother and I have been planning this since you were babies" Catherine -" oh I don't really love Randy, I don't know how I feel about Andrew even though he's my best friend and supports me in all my stupidity" Randy -" I'll do whatever my mother tells me to as long as I don't have to work." Andrew-" How do I make Catherine see she's making another big mistake???"......And so the dislodge continues through the entire book!
Really Really lame I hate books that say the same thing over and over and over again like the author thinks we didn't get it the first time!
Mother- "Catherine you must marry Randy , his mother and I have been planning this since you were babies" Catherine -" oh I don't really love Randy, I don't know how I feel about Andrew even though he's my best friend and supports me in all my stupidity" Randy -" I'll do whatever my mother tells me to as long as I don't have to work." Andrew-" How do I make Catherine see she's making another big mistake???"......And so the dislodge continues through the entire book!
Really Really lame I hate books that say the same thing over and over and over again like the author thinks we didn't get it the first time!
August 29, 2012
4.5 Stars
Katherine was very head strong and knew what she wanted but didn't want to displease her parents, again. I really admired her gumption. Andrew was a rock for his friend throughout the book and his Christian faith helped not only him but also Katherine. What would the story have been without Aunt Letty! :) I just loved her!
This was a very enjoyable book! It was very inspirational and very hard to put down. I knew right off how I wanted things to end up but couldn't figure out if it was going to work out that way. I highly recommend this book!
Katherine was very head strong and knew what she wanted but didn't want to displease her parents, again. I really admired her gumption. Andrew was a rock for his friend throughout the book and his Christian faith helped not only him but also Katherine. What would the story have been without Aunt Letty! :) I just loved her!
This was a very enjoyable book! It was very inspirational and very hard to put down. I knew right off how I wanted things to end up but couldn't figure out if it was going to work out that way. I highly recommend this book!
February 8, 2016
Katherine Osburne is a young widow who has fallen on hard times thanks to her faithless husband's gambling problems. He died owing the bank money on the lands and the citrus fields that she is trying to maintain in his father's memory. She is overwhelmed with grief for her bill collectors and trying to keep up the household staff and workers but she is determined. Her father and her childhood friend comes down and offers her some time away and she takes it only to discover it may be more trouble than it was worth. Good book.
August 12, 2015
I got about 1/2 way through this book before I finally decided that I would have to "speed-read" the rest of it or just put it down unfinished. I'm not the type to just put a book down unless it's really bad, so I skipped my way through to the end. The story line was promising, I think, but it felt like it was dragging on and on. The writing style just left a lot to be desired.
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