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Where There is Love #1
A Gentle Calling
Romance Large Print Edition It s a time of great hope and anticipation for Christians everywhere, yet British schoolteacher Catherine Peronnet s personal world is crumbling. The man she hoped to marry has married someone else. Poverty is forcing her favorite pupil to quit school. And her friend Philip has failed again to get the pastoral posting he desires. Though God is clearly at work in her homeland, Catherine begins to doubt His will for her own life. Is God no longer caring for her?
331 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1986
51 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Donna Fletcher Crow
67 books126 followersDonna Fletcher Crow loves to give books away. If you would like a copy of one of her best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates series, go to her website: http://www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
Donna is the author of 50 books, mostly novels dealing with British history. The award-winning GLASTONBURY, The Novel of Christian England is her best-known work, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history.
Donna authors 3 mystery series: The best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates Vitorian true-crime series; The Monastery Murders; and The Elizabeth and Richard Literary Suspense.
Donna and her husband have 4 adult children and 14 grandchildren. She is an inveterate researcher and an enthusiastic gardener. You can see pictures of her research trips and her garden, learn more about her books, subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and read her blog at: www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
Donna is the author of 50 books, mostly novels dealing with British history. The award-winning GLASTONBURY, The Novel of Christian England is her best-known work, an Arthurian grail search epic covering 15 centuries of English history.
Donna authors 3 mystery series: The best-selling Lord Danvers Investigates Vitorian true-crime series; The Monastery Murders; and The Elizabeth and Richard Literary Suspense.
Donna and her husband have 4 adult children and 14 grandchildren. She is an inveterate researcher and an enthusiastic gardener. You can see pictures of her research trips and her garden, learn more about her books, subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and read her blog at: www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 5, 2020
I enjoyed this story a lot, although it was heavier on the historical setting than I usually prefer in my fiction. But that's kind of this author's specialty, and I expected it going in, so it didn't bug me too badly. I've read some about the early days of the Methodist movement, so I was able to connect some pieces and characters, which was fun. :) And I was totally blown away when I realized that Catherine, and more especially her brother, were actual historical figures, one of whose name I would have known if I'd paid a bit more attention to my hymnbook... That was amazing!
Phillip's struggle in particular was very well done, and I appreciated the tension between wanting to be faithful to the established church but not being allowed to serve except outside its bounds. I also liked seeing some of the real struggles and triumphs of the early Methodist field preachers.
Not knowing the history, I was a little surprised by some of the events at the end and how they more or less took over the narrative, but it fit with what would have shaped the lives of people at the time, so that's not really a complaint. Recommended for anyone interested in Methodism, church history, rich historical settings, or un-sugarcoated, true-to-history characters. :)
Content--mentions of mobs and violence; mentions of cursing; mentions of drinking and drunkenness; mentions of deaths; mentions of bad theology prevalent at the time
Phillip's struggle in particular was very well done, and I appreciated the tension between wanting to be faithful to the established church but not being allowed to serve except outside its bounds. I also liked seeing some of the real struggles and triumphs of the early Methodist field preachers.
Not knowing the history, I was a little surprised by some of the events at the end and how they more or less took over the narrative, but it fit with what would have shaped the lives of people at the time, so that's not really a complaint. Recommended for anyone interested in Methodism, church history, rich historical settings, or un-sugarcoated, true-to-history characters. :)
Content--mentions of mobs and violence; mentions of cursing; mentions of drinking and drunkenness; mentions of deaths; mentions of bad theology prevalent at the time
February 29, 2016
Donna Fletcher Crow loves history. In Where Love Begins, Book 1 of her Where There Is Love series, she has done a fabulous job of weaving a romance into a story that makes eighteenth century England leap to life. I loved recognizing historical people like Charles Wesley, George Whitfield and Countess Huntingdon, hearing bits from their correspondence and the current hymns and seeing them interacting as real people. These early Methodists struggled with their own weaknesses as they tried to be “salt” in the Church of England of their day and even “saints” come into conflict. Little references to powdered wigs and dress fashions remind us that we are not in the nineteenth century so common to Christian fiction. The Methodist “societies” were active in itinerate preaching, prison ministry and social action so this love story has plenty of opportunity to explore the world of chimney sweeps, debtors prisons and rough travel as well as the salons of high society and the health spas of Tunbridge Wells. The gospel as understood by these “enthusiasts” is well explained, but never overwhelms the story of Catherine Perronet and Philip Ferrar, as they seek God’s will first above their personal feelings for each other. This is evangelical history and not just Methodist history, and Crow leads us to examine our own lives and motives in comparison to our spiritual forefathers (and mothers) who gave up so much.
December 27, 2020
An excellent read, especially for lovers of historical fiction. The language is apt for the era and mention is made of Chaucer's poetry, Henry's court, Thomas Becket's murder, the Canterbury Cathedral ;the mother church of English Christendom and much more! Side by side the historical telling is the the story of 2 vulnerable people. Phillip, with a heart whose walls no earthquake could crack and who is scared to let his guard down and Catherine, previously disappointed but continues to hope and believe God, under trying times and conditions. Phillip realises that in meeting other people's needs, men of God like him, must take care of theirs as well. By divine intervention and Catherine's prayers, Phillip receives a double miracle and readers are happy and relieved for both Catherine and Phillip. Very interesting. Worth its 5 stars!!
March 23, 2018
For history fans
This is probably a 10 Star for history and faith, but as a feel-good romances it lacks. The opening chapter has a sorry marriage where the husband neglects his unhappy wife and is gone circuit riding all the time with enthusiasm. Even as a Christian I couldn’t relate to the characters’ zeal for going out to get beat up. The characters were so very holy that way. The archaic language used makes it more authentic but harder to read. I made my way through it, often skimming parts. Even though I didn’t enjoy it much, it was a great example of lifestyle and convicting. This would be vegetables instead of a cookie.
This is probably a 10 Star for history and faith, but as a feel-good romances it lacks. The opening chapter has a sorry marriage where the husband neglects his unhappy wife and is gone circuit riding all the time with enthusiasm. Even as a Christian I couldn’t relate to the characters’ zeal for going out to get beat up. The characters were so very holy that way. The archaic language used makes it more authentic but harder to read. I made my way through it, often skimming parts. Even though I didn’t enjoy it much, it was a great example of lifestyle and convicting. This would be vegetables instead of a cookie.
June 14, 2019
Historians rejoice.
Historians interested in the Methodist history may throughly enjoy this book. While factual, I had a difficult time engaging or enjoying it. I typically enjoy history, so I was surprised to discover that. The author does an impressive job recounting sermons, & hymns of the time which will delight some readers:-)
Historians interested in the Methodist history may throughly enjoy this book. While factual, I had a difficult time engaging or enjoying it. I typically enjoy history, so I was surprised to discover that. The author does an impressive job recounting sermons, & hymns of the time which will delight some readers:-)
January 21, 2023
A pleasant story where you know the ending before reading it. What stands out about this book is the intertwining of church history. It rekindled a desire to revisit my church history textbooks, pull out a hymnal, and read spuritual classics.
September 11, 2021
I could not get interested in this book. I'm not sure why. I got to chapter 12 and quit reading. I might try it again later.
June 5, 2022
Preaching book disguised as a romance novel.
February 22, 2023
Very inspiring semi-historical account of the early years of Methodism in 1750s England.
July 19, 2016
“Teaching reading was usually Catherine’s greatest joy. Opening young minds to the wonder of language.” But faith is her other joy—faith found with pure delight one day while listening to Charles Wesley’s preaching. She was so sure it was God’s will that they meet; surely God’s will that she be on her brother’s short list of people the famous preacher might marry; and certain that Charles would never wed a younger woman, as now he has. Suddenly God’s will for Catherine’s life seems oddly obscured. Meanwhile an itinerant preacher, once sure God would call him to a place where he could stay and set down roots, feels equally unmoored.
Where Love Begins is filled with fascinating details of historical society, transport, teaching, clothing and even food—from anchovy toast to strawberry fritters, potato pudding and more. All is experienced through the convincing eyes of truly believable characters, longing for God’s will, and struggling with those choices that might define their lives. It’s a story of human spirituality and need, well-balanced between love and duty, honestly appraising the loneliness of rejection and the glory of fellowship, and seasoned with an aching desire to know and do God’s will. And it’s a tale that brings to vivid life an exciting time of change in England’s history. Faith is a natural thread in the characters’ lives and thoughts. And prayers just might be answered in God’s way and time, rather than man’s.
If you enjoy historical romance, and if faith does not offend, this book will surely offer both enjoyment and inspiration, plus more than a few twists of intriguing history.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Where Love Begins is filled with fascinating details of historical society, transport, teaching, clothing and even food—from anchovy toast to strawberry fritters, potato pudding and more. All is experienced through the convincing eyes of truly believable characters, longing for God’s will, and struggling with those choices that might define their lives. It’s a story of human spirituality and need, well-balanced between love and duty, honestly appraising the loneliness of rejection and the glory of fellowship, and seasoned with an aching desire to know and do God’s will. And it’s a tale that brings to vivid life an exciting time of change in England’s history. Faith is a natural thread in the characters’ lives and thoughts. And prayers just might be answered in God’s way and time, rather than man’s.
If you enjoy historical romance, and if faith does not offend, this book will surely offer both enjoyment and inspiration, plus more than a few twists of intriguing history.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
March 2, 2016
Where Love Begins is the first book from the Where There is Love series. All I can say is I love this book. Great plot, lovable characters and beautiful setting.
Highly recommended.
5 stars.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
Highly recommended.
5 stars.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
July 25, 2016
Pleasant historical fiction.
August 8, 2016
This is an older story but worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews