Becoming Catherine

by Jane C.R. Reid

Two bodies, one soul – visions of enlightenment

Moving to her grandmother’s house after graduating is a dream come true for Kate. Valhalla Hall is steeped in history and intrigue, originally belonging to an ancestor of hers from the 19th century, Bertrand Lloyd, renowned as one of the greatest opera singers of all time.

But one morning, her world is turned upside down when she mysteriously wakes up in an older version of her bedroom, appearing to be in the Victorian era. Everyone refers to her as Catherine, Bertrand Lloyd’s daughter, who happens to share an uncanny resemblance to her.

Grappling between two worlds, like a dream within a dream, Kate does her best to blend into an age that is alien to her and finds herself confronted by many an abusive father, betrothal to a man she loathes while being in love with somebody else, and discovering a family secret so dark that she feels powerless to divulge to anyone.

While all this is happening, she has no idea where her destiny lies – will she ever return to the future or be made to remain here forever?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Time Travel

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2025

About the author

Jane is a British novelist who is passionate about writing. Her aim is not just to entertain but also to inspire and provoke thought about life’s dilemmas and challenges through fiction. Spanning multiple genres, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, romance, paranormal, and alternate dimensions, her works are renowned for their layered characters, immersive worlds, drama, intrigue, and lyrical prose.

To follow Jane, click on the link below

https://Subscribepage.io/eMRV7i

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dual-timeline novel set in Victorian England. A young woman who is staying with her grandmother is reincarnated as a long-dead relative. With never-ending mystery and twists and turns, this novel is a triumph. The descriptions of places and events, through the use of vivid imagery, are excellent. The characters are skillfully portrayed. I highly recommend this beautifully written novel.

[Ela Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Becoming Catherine”

There is an invisible pull in author Jane Reid’s writing. Her stories feel calm and gentle while still being deeply intriguing. The dual timelines are especially impressive; I was drawn completely into the story. The struggles, pain, and domestic abuse from both past and present are portrayed with a delicate touch. The depth and reality of those experiences are still there—trust me! But somehow her writing softens the weight of them and replaces it, even if only for a moment, with a sense of quiet calm.
Catherine and Frederick, as well as Kate and James, are beautifully and thoughtfully written characters. They feel real. I especially loved Millie. Even Bertrand’s character—awful as he was—was portrayed in a very compelling way. The ending was truly heartwarming. What a lovely story!

Stories with time slips and dual timelines always fascinate me, and this one, I loved it. Highly recommended for those who enjoy time-slip narratives and emotionally rich storytelling.

“Love is an echo of an eternal wind.
Hearts enraptured—their souls destined.”

[Stjepan Cobets · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating 4.5

The Time Travel Victorian romance "Becoming Catherine" by Jane C.R. Reid is a very good book, and the story reminds me of Jane Austen in terms of writing style, but that also gives it a charm because the writer alludes to it in her writing. It is set in an interesting story, and the main character travels to Victorian England. The descriptions of the Victorian era only scratched the surface of that period, but the story itself required it because most of the events take place on the Valhalla Hall estate. The characters are solidly developed, as is the story itself. However, despite some minor details, the story remains entertaining and could appeal to fans of time travel and romance set in the Victorian period, which is also connected to the present.

The main character of the story, Kate, after her parents' divorce, comes to her grandmother's estate, Valhalla Hall, with her mother. Kate is aware that her mother is the main reason for the divorce, but she doesn't want to tell her because her mother only looks out for herself. Her grandmother is her only comfort and support. However, after some unpleasant events, Kate falls ill and ends up in bed. When she wakes up the next morning, her life is turned upside down because she finds herself in the past in Victorian times, and everyone calls her Catherine. She will soon realize that she has woken up in the house of her ancestor Bertrand Lloyd as his daughter. All the sweet-talking stories she knew about that period will turn out to be a hidden lie because what she knew about her ancestors is a purely romanticized story. In essence, she will face the truth, prejudices, and lies hidden beneath the surface. However, one thing is certain: it will change Kate's life and thinking completely.

I would recommend the book to all fans of time travel set in the Victorian era, through which a romantic story unfolds.

[Forero Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story that delicately weaves past and present

Becoming Catherine truly surprised me with its sensitivity and its ability to blend history, emotion, and mystery into one compelling thread. Through the eyes of Kate, a young woman who suddenly wakes up in the body of her ancestor Catherine in the Victorian era, Jane C. R. Reid gives us more than just a time-travel novel — she offers a deep reflection on identity, freedom, and the weight of family legacy.

What touched me most was how the author captures the inner voice of a woman caught between two worlds, and how music — silenced by past pain — becomes a symbol of hope and quiet rebellion. The historical setting is beautifully crafted, filled with vivid details that immerse you effortlessly, and the characters feel real and layered, especially the controlling father, the cold mother, and the tender Frederick.

A delightful, intimate, and thought-provoking read that I would recommend to anyone who loves stories with soul, with history, and with a protagonist who dares to question everything.

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative, Mysterious, and Wonderfully Atmospheric

I enjoyed this book and the creativity of the author! Becoming Catherine is such an intriguing blend of historical fiction, time-slip, and paranormal elements that kept me turning the pages.

The idea of Kate waking up in the Victorian era, living as Catherine, was fascinating. I loved how the author wove together two worlds —modern day and the 19th century —while building in the mystery of her family’s dark secrets. The atmosphere of Valhalla Hall was beautifully described, and the contrast between the two timelines made the story feel fresh and unique.

There’s also much emotion here. Kate/Catherine faces serious challenges like an abusive father, unwanted marriage, and forbidden love, and you really feel for her as she navigates this unfamiliar world. The suspense of whether she’ll ever return to her own time kept me guessing the whole way through.

If you enjoy time-slip stories with historical settings, romance, mystery, and a touch of the paranormal, I definitely recommend this one!

[Steve Exeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Becoming Catherine’ is one of those novels that quietly sneaks up on you. It starts off feeling like a gentle piece of contemporary fiction, but before long you realise you’ve been drawn into something far more layered and atmospheric.

Kate, the modern-day protagonist, inherits her grandmother’s old house and settles in, expecting to reconnect with her roots. What she doesn’t expect is to wake up one morning and find herself not just in the same bedroom, but in the same house over a century earlier. In the Victorian past, she is mistaken for Catherine, a young woman who looks just like her and lives under the thumb of an abusive and controlling father. What follows is a deeply emotional, at times unsettling journey between two worlds, as Kate tries to make sense of who she is, where she belongs, and what secrets the house has been holding onto for generations.

I loved the dual timeline aspect. The way Jane C. R. Reid moved between past and present kept me completely engaged, and the writing style has a quiet, lyrical quality that works especially well in the more gothic, historical sections. There’s a real sense of unease running beneath the surface, which makes the more romantic and redemptive moments all the more powerful. The story tackles some heavy themes, including emotional abuse and loss of agency, but it does so with sensitivity and grace.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things Unfinished.

The idea of ties to family and different situations in the past is always interesting to explore. I enjoyed watching Kate adapt adapt to the new time period and situation. I also appreciated her reflections on the difference between the quiet simplicity of the past and the overscheduled and superficially busy tasks of the present day. It was also so sobering to acknowledge the advances and freedoms that women today enjoy. Who is to really know if individuals or destined souls can have more than one opportunity to finish what they started and find happiness in a subsequent life. Loved the Cosy HEA ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Frederick Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the blurb I read that Katherine would be transported
140 years back in time and assume the identity of her
great great great Aunt Catherine. Already knowing of this
happening before I started reading the story helped a lot
in my comprehension. Some scene shifts would have left me
bamboozled if I didn't already know that they were caused
by time travel. In turn, this understanding facilitated my
concentration on character development and drama as the
characters interact.

Bertrand Lloyd was a magnificent opera singer who wore
out his vocal cords through years of overuse and lost it
completely at opening night of Verdi's La Traviata. All the
high society of London were in attendance. Disgraced, he,
his wife, and his daughter retire to the obscurity of their
country manor, Valhalla Hall.

One hundred forty years later Katherine, a student of ancient
history and piano player, and her Mum move to Valhalla Hall
to help care for her aged grandmother and maintain the big
house. Granny is the great granddaughter of Bertrand Lloyd,
and the hall has been the family home through all the
intervening generations. Not long after the move comes the
scene shift in which Katherine is transported back in time.
She looks identical to Catherine and is mistaken for
Catherine by the household staff. I was pleased that
Katherine of the 21st century understands almost at once
that her mind, emotions, and memories have been inserted
into the body of 19th century Catherine, and tries to fit
into her new role.

Katherine (whom I shall henceforth call Kate, the name used
in the book) struggles with the feeling of living her new
life with her 21st century mindset and without Catherine's
memories.

Kate, as Catherine, displays profound wisdom as she contrasts
the life situations of the late 19th and early 21st centuries,
as any philosophically minded reader will appreciate. While
in the 19th century women have a subservient role and no
independent freedom, life styles are more polite and relaxed.
One can fully enjoy the sights and sounds of nature without
the noise, pollution, and hustle of the 21st century.

A reader not philosophically inclined can still become
immersed in the developing plot. Most distressing was the
complete obedience women had to show to their fathers or
husbands. The 21st century Kate plotted various secretive
strategems to avoid being controlled. Growing within me was
a fearful suspense about terrible punishment that might be
inflicted upon her when she was caught, being all too mindful
of a slogan I myself composed long ago. "All repeaters get
caught."

Living in a manor with servants, Catherine is never lacking
in food or shelter. Bertrand, her de facto father, is a
bitter man after his public reputation as a fabulous opera
singer has been destroyed. The psychological torment that is
inflicted upon Catherine becomes progressively more abusive
as the story continues.

The character and scene description, and plot development,
are all very well written, and should please a literary
aficionado. But I felt that the traumas inflicted upon
Catherine, particularly in the third quartile of the story,
were terribly depressing. Her life was controlled in many
ways that she did not like. I should not divulge any specific
spoilers about the content of the final quartile, except to
write that I found it fully satisfying. People with sufficient
emotional fortitude to endure Catherine's misery in the third
quartile and finish the book will appreciate the enormous
writing skill of author Jane C. R. Reid.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving
this review voluntarily.

[Chelsea O'Hara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging and atmospheric read.

I liked how the story moved between the modern day and the Victorian era, and how believable it felt despite the time-slip element. Kate was easy to connect with, and the contrast between her perspective and Catherine’s world added depth to the story.

The historical setting felt well researched without becoming heavy, and the themes of identity and belonging were woven in naturally. It’s a slower-paced novel, but it holds your attention and feels thoughtful throughout.

Overall, a well written and immersive read that blends history and emotion effectively.

[Mehmet yeşil · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Becoming Catherine" is a delicate and powerful portrait of a soul caught between identity, longing, and societal expectations.
The author gracefully guides the reader along the fine line between love and duty.
“She was learning to exist in the spaces between love and duty.” — this single sentence carries the emotional heart of the novel.
Every page feels intentional, and every character adds a meaningful layer.
A truly impressive debut.

[S.A. Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole idea of waking up in the Victorian era and suddenly living as your ancestor was very interesting. Kate (or Catherine) felt real, and I loved how she tried to make sense of everything while dealing with such a strict, unfair world.
Some parts got a bit intense with her father and the arranged marriage stuff. Mix of history, romance, and time travel was interesting.

[Sebastian Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Catherine is the story of Kate, a young (21) college graduate unsure of her future, who goes to spend the summer at the family ancestral home, Valhalla Hall. Both her grandmother (the owner) and mother are present, and it's not long before tragedy strikes when her grandmother dies. This sets off a sequence of events that leads to Kate waking up in the heart of Victorian England during the year 1878.

Kate is no longer Kate but Catherine, the daughter of famous opera singer Betrand Lloyd. Bertrand is featured in the book's preface where we witness his fall from grace and ouster from London society. Bertand also happens to be Kate's great great great (and more) grandfather. Kate/Catherine quickly discovers that Bertrand is a repugnant, controlling monster who has banned music from Vallhalla dues to his own bitterness over his career's sudden end. Bertand's wife (and Catherine's mother) is a weak-willed woman named Victoria who does little to stop Bertand's stifling behavior. Much to Kate/Catherine's shock, Bertand has betrothed her to a local banker named Albert Pennington, who is a much older man and someone Kate is repulsed by.

Her only refuge in this new world of hers is her friendship with her lady's maid, Millie, and when she meets a handsome stranger by the name of Frederick at church. Kate/Catherine then arranges to meet Frederick by the lake of her family's property. They quickly fall in love, which brings the central dilemma of Catherine plotting to escape an ill-arranged marriage with a man she doesn't love.

There are other incidents and reveals throughout the course of this story (not giving them away) that keep the reader interest, most developments tend to make life as difficult as possible for Kate in her new existence. Let's just say that this novel doesn't hold back when it comes to Catherine's lack of autonomy. Kate also finds herself living in a bit of a dichotomy, lamenting a woman's place in society yet also embracing the romantic nature of traditional courtship.

The novel touches on several themes; technology vs nature, reincarnation, female empowerment, and the idea that time is not necessarily fixed and objective, which is what allows Kate to become Catherine. More importantly, Kate finds that discovering one's past can guide a brighter future.

As for the writing, it seemed to adhere closely to the novels of that time, with formalized patterns of speech (occasionally tripping Kate up). Some of it comes across as quaint, but it does fit the motif, and I found myself quicky adapting to the style. The period details seem well researched, and there's lots of quoting from famous literature and poetry. In the novel's final third there is a plot change that caught me off guard. Not in a bad way, mind you, just that I wasn't expecting the sudden turn. The only real downside to me was the character of Bertrand himself, as I found him a rather one-dimensional bad guy without a single redeeming quality.

Becoming Catherine is a novel for those readers looking for a chaste period romance that acknowledges that not every story ends perfectly, unless of course you are willing to wait for the right moment in time.

[Tenkara Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing university, Kate moves to Valhalla Hall to live with her loving grandmother and her not-so-loving mother. She expects to find a job and get her life sorted out. However, when she falls ill, Kate retreats to her bed to rest. After a troubling sleep, she wakes up to find herself in the same house but transported back in time to Victorian-era England. Now living as "Catherine," Kate must adapt to her new reality, which includes dealing with her unloving and treacherous father, avoiding marriage to an unattractive man who could be her grandfather, and figuring out how to build a life with Frederick, a Victorian gentleman who loves Catherine deeply and believes destiny has brought them together.

I enjoyed this book and the themes of destiny vs. fate, reincarnation, romance, and betrayal, and I loved the strong female characters, especially the emotional growth of Catherine/Kate as they experience and learn from their parallel lives. I found it charming, like a Jane Austin novel and felt transported to that period. Although I liked the ending, I would have liked it to have had a bit more 'oomph', perhaps a more definitive 'it's true!' moment for the reader, confirming that soul mates are real or not. Ultimately, after wholeheartedly believing in the magic of soul mates, I was left with a sense of uncertainty, which may have been the author's intent, as everyone has different belief systems. With that said, I am rounding up my 4.5 to a 5 and recommend this - it's a great read.

[Yves Fey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, easy read. I found it interesting in that the heroine is an ordinary young woman caught in a bizarre situation. She’s not the kick-ass heroine who sets out to solve the crime she discovers, she just tries to cope with what may become her life and only rebels when her anger gets the better of her. I’d have preferred the action heroine, but the more realistic young woman did make me question what I might do. I did find the Victorian environment romanticized in the usual ways – ones I’m guilty of myself, the beauty of the clothes even if uncomfortable, the peacefulness of the country landscape teaching the character a greater appreciation. The mistreatment of the poor is pointed out, but we don’t go to the slums, we don’t go to the sites of crushing industrial revolution. In listing the pros and cons, the author seems to forget her heroine’s time slip life is dominated by a narcissistic father, a narcissistic fiancé, and a beloved who is really a bit too smug. I think the book would have benefited from a clearer concept of the time slip. It would have been more believable if only the heroine’s consciousness had traveled back in time. She could have had an equal strangeness in dealing with the different body. But her body went back and did things, then the odd bit about the handwriting became unbelievable. A quibble, but time travel is tricksy, so I’d like the idea to be taken a bit more seriously. Nonetheless, it’s a book with a quiet charm, and an excellent use of combining the characters across time.

[Mehmet Çalışkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Catherine is an elegantly crafted time-slip novel that blends historical depth with personal transformation. Jane C. R. Reid invites us into the life of Kate, a modern young woman who mysteriously wakes in Victorian England. Her journey is not only through time but also inward — confronting identity, family legacy, and the limitations placed on women throughout history. Reid’s refined prose and immersive storytelling transport the reader effortlessly into a vividly drawn past.

The tragic decline of Bertrand Lloyd, and the quiet sorrow of his wife Violet, reflect the harsh constraints of a patriarchal society. Millie, the kind-hearted maid, offers moments of warmth and quiet resistance, while the growing bond between Kate/Catherine and the kind-hearted Frederick Larwood introduces a tender and hopeful dimension. Each character is thoughtfully drawn — representing both the spirit of their time and timeless aspects of human nature. The novel succeeds in being emotionally layered and intellectually satisfying.

The book’s visual design is equally praiseworthy. Its cover elegantly mirrors the tone of the story and enhances the reading experience. Becoming Catherine left a strong impression on me, and I look forward to exploring more of Jane C. R. Reid’s work very soon.

[J.R. Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Victorian time travel story, I've never actually reviewed anything in this particular genre before (although I've reviewed books that were Regency time travel). Kate is transported from 21st Century England to Victorian times, living the lifestyle of her ancestor Catherine, the daughter of the renowned singer Bertrand Lloyd whose singing days are over. And very soon, Kate realizes how hard Victorian times were, especially for women.

I was very intrigued by the story, as it revolves around Kate's struggles living with a controlling Victorian father, as she faces ending up in an arranged marriage with a man much older than her. Luckily though, her kindly servant is there to provide emotional support, as well as a potential suitor called Frederick. The Victorian way of speaking by using elaborate words also made the story more realistic, which can came across as very over the top and overbearing to a modern day audience especially when an awful character like Bertrand says phrases like: "What crudities spew forth from your mouth? Your discourse is vulgar". Probably this might come from watching a lot of Horrible Histories sketches because that was how they spoke after all!

[Colleen Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Catherine is a beautifully written story of a woman traveling back in time to 1878 in Dorset, England and becoming her grandmother’s grandmother. Kate inherits Valhalla Hall, the house her great-great-great grandfather Bertrand Lloyd had moved his family to after a disastrous singing performance in London.
When Kate wakes one day in Valhalla Hall she is thrown back in time and meets her parents Bertrand and Violet. Kate, now in Catherine’s body has to live in the abusive household that her grandmother’s grandmother lived in as a child. Kate becomes Catherine and falls in love with Frederick, a man other than her betrothed suitor. Going against Bertrand’s strict rules, Kate is punished often. Lucky for Kate, Catherine’s father is often absent as he womanizes a lady other than his wife, but unfortunately Kate is unable to prevent him from murdering Violet.
Jane C R Reid captures the dialogue, clothing, and setting for the historical time period. I was enamored with the easy flow of this book. The style of writing would be poetic even if there weren’t poetry verses and references scattered throughout the story. The plot was skillfully crafted. I love how the love of poetry was woven into the ending of finding your true love at another time. An easy 5 stars!

[Claire Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect this book to make me think as much as it did.

The story moves between 2016 and Victorian England and combines historical fiction with a time slip element. When Kate wakes up in 1878 in the body of her ancestor Catherine, the story becomes more than just a romance. It explores identity, family history, and the limits women faced in the past.

Catherine lives in the house of her ancestor Bertrand Lloyd, a once famous opera singer whose career collapsed. He rules the family with bitterness and control. Her parents arrange a marriage for her with a wealthy but cold man, while she has real feelings for Frederick. At the same time, Kate is trying to understand where she is and who she is becoming, as she slowly starts to feel like Catherine herself.

The main conflict is not simple. Every choice has a cost. If she follows duty, she loses herself. If she follows love, she risks losing stability and security. And there is always the question in the background: if she changes the past, what happens to her own future?

This is not a typical time travel story. It is an emotional and thoughtful novel about family, choices, and a love that feels strong enough to cross time.

[Max Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Catherine is one of those novels that quietly draws you in and leaves an emotional mark that’s hard to forget. It’s a story that not only entertains, but also invites reflection. With an atmosphere full of nostalgia and a protagonist who faces the unknown with vulnerability, the novel takes us on an unexpected journey into the heart of a family and its hidden truths.

Set in Valhalla Hall, a mansion that holds more than just memories, the plot moves naturally between present and past, with no forced twists or gimmicks. What captivated me most wasn’t just the mystery of time, but how each family bond is shaped by wounds, silent loyalties, and unspoken choices.

The characters don’t try to be perfect or lovable—they’re human, complex, and full of contradictions. The connection between Catherine and Frederick feels sincere and authentic, written with a tenderness that moves without overwhelming.

A story that echoes long after the last page—perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally rich narratives, vivid settings, and a protagonist who dares to defy the expectations of her time.

[C.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely novel! With its blend of romance, historical fiction, and the paranormal, Becoming Catherine by Jane C.R. Reid offers genre readers a complex and emotional time-travel slip into late 19th-century England. Its main character, Kate, finds herself, strangely enough, by becoming her great, great-grandmother. In the past, Kate finds romance and suffers illness and abuse, and through it all, she discovers a strength and resilience she never had before.

What I liked most about Becoming Catherine was how well Reid captures the language and culture of the Victorian period, especially the restrictions that gender placed upon young women of the era. Through Kate’s narration of her story, the author makes clear how powerless women truly were, even women with social status like Catherine. My only criticism of the novel is that the author sometimes explains more than I thought she should, not allowing her readers the chance to make connections on their own. I say this because, as a historical fiction writer, I also struggle with telling too much in my novels. Nevertheless, I highly recommend Becoming Catherine as a thoughtful and inspirational read.

[Lonnie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried not to like this book. Alas...

Becoming Catherine is a self-described time-slip novel. I assume Outlander inspires it. "Time travel!" I thought. "Sci-fi, adventure!" But no. This isn't my genre; it is a romance. And it is still the sweetest, little compelling story!

By the end of the book, we find a mystery, a how did this happen? How will this end? And that drives you to complete it, despite the technical changes in voice and tense. It begins with a prologue that fails to mesh with the mechanics of the narration of the rest of the story. And yet at the end of the story, it marries quite well with the bow it is wrapped in.

To be sure, the changes in verb tense regularly knock me out of it, but the development of the main character enabled me to overlook the repetitive exposition. I would rather have had the exposition shown rather than stated.

It might or might not be a reincarnation story. The time-travel mechanic is unclear, and it doesn't matter. The ending is satisfying, and that's what counts.

So, romance readers, enjoy it. Sci-fi readers, complain your way through it until you like it. Really.

[S.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Feel Good Read

Kate is on the verge of adulthood. She’s just finished her teacher training and is ready to take on the world. At the same time, she is reluctant to leave her studies. She has such a passion for poetry and history. There is so much more to learn. She must decide. Take a teaching position, or to continue at university? That choice disappears when she wakes up and finds herself transported back in time to the Victorian Era where females have limited rights. Now she’s Catherine and is expected to be an obedient daughter to a tyrant father. Worse she’s expected to marry a man old enough to be her father when she loves another. Will she be stuck in this repressive world forever? Or will she ever return to her world where she has the choice to. Ake her own future?

This was an enjoyable, light read mixed with romance and social mores. It was predictable but well written and a fun read. Well done.

[Sarah Burchett-Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Catherine by Jane C R Reid presents a fascinating insight into Victoria life. When, in modern times, Kate suffers a nasty fever, she’s stunned to wake up in the past. Her room, and indeed the house, is at once familiar and strange to her. Embodied into a past incarnation, she has to adapt to ‘becoming Catherine’, but it’s not an easy transition. Dealing with a cruel and over-bearing father, a disgraced opera singer, and the prospect of an arranged marriage – at the same time secretly meeting Frederick, the man she loves and wants to marry, proves Catherine’s ultimate undoing. Yet slowly she adapts to her situation with the help of her devoted maid. He situation gets even worse when her father slowly poisons her mother to death, and she has no way to prove it. He move his lover into the house, and she makes Catherine’s life even more despicable.

[Leane Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel explores the consequences of the past, with Kate's sudden shift to the Victorian era. The author masterfully portrays Kate's emotional turmoil as she navigates societal constraints, family secrets, and a love that defies time. The duality of Kate's identity keeps the pages turning, as she transforms from a confused outsider to a determined young woman. The setting of Valhalla Hall feels like a character in its own right, eerie and echoing with past voices. This compelling mix of romance, historical drama, and gothic suspense will resonate with fans of Outlander and The Time Traveler's Wife. Lovely lovely book!!!!

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story with a hint of the supernatural, the mechanics of which never get in the way of the tale. The author, previously unknown to me, uses language that is atmospheric and in-keeping with the period, and even the modern character occasionally sounds like the Victorian one… I don’t know if that’s deliberate, but it adds to the idea of a link between past and present. I read it in several sittings and really enjoyed it, although it's short enough that I wish I’d read it in one or two goes to really get immersed.

[Tajammul Kothari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Catherine by Jane Reid is a compelling read with a novel idea of blending a Victorian Setting with Time Travel. Something that's not done before and that's what sets this book apart.

The main protagonist's predicament and confusion is well portrayed along with the pain and suffering of childhood abuse. The tale is laden with twists as many dark secrets unfold and the character's ulterior motives are laid bare.

Also, the Victorian Era is well described with thorough details. Overall, is an enjoyable and intriguing read that I would highly recommend

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing storyline with time-travel back to the Victorian Era. It contains elements of forbidden love, arranged marriage, mysterious deaths, and ending that ties everything together. Enjoyable read with a great combo of various elements mentioned above to move the story along.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Catherine is a beautiful, mesmerizing novel incorporating time travel as a plot component. Once started, was very difficult to put down. I highly recommend this wonderful book; you will not be disappointed. Many thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.

[M.T. Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story! The premise of a time slip is clever, and Jane manages to weave the present and past with skill. Would recommend!

[Christa Nonnemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is every historian’s and history student’s wish to go back in time. In Becoming Catherine by Jane C.R. Reid, Kate, a recent college history degree graduate, is transported from modern-day Britain into the late 19th century where she must grapple with her family ancestor, who, unlike family lore suggests, was a tyrant and also engineered his wife’s death. I happen to love time travel fiction so this was right up my alley. I appreciated the historical accuracy, barring a few phrases that might not have been used at the time. That might have been an opportunity for those in the 19th century to raise suspicions, adding to the fun of time travel fiction. I was curious why Kate never really seemed to miss her modern-day relationships, even those that were strained, and modern-day conveniences. It might have been fun to integrate a few examples of modern-day life into her time in the Victorian Age. Reid did a nice job with addressing family tension and generational trauma. Kate returns to modern day and meets someone who may or may not have ties to the romance of her time in the 19th century (don’t want to give too much away!)