Catherine is living a dream life, rescued from an orphanage and married to her best friend. Life couldn’t get any better. She is the envy of everyone in the little town where she lives. But it turns into a nightmare the day she is given the news that will change her life forever… Her fairy tale life becomes a living hell on earth.
For two years she exists, barely acknowledging one day from the next. Suddenly, without any warning, a stranger walks into her life, and found her in bed wearing nothing but her deceased husband shirt. And suddenly, everything is about to change. Is Catherine ready for the change, or is she still only living to die?
Titus is only visiting the home of his brother-in-law’s distant cousin. He isn’t looking for a relationship; neither is he searching for love. Yet, they both find him, with no advanced warning. Titus is not one to succumb without a fight, and boy does he fight, but it seems the harder he fights, the more the force pushing him into Catherine’s waiting arms fights back.
Ju Ephraime (http://www.juliaeantoine.com) is the debut author of State of Ecstasy. Her latest novel, One Hell Of A Ride is published by ENVISION Business & Computer School, August 2nd, 2017. Her books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ENVISION, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, and many other retailers. Ju's books have received great reviews from many different sources, including Midwest Book Review and Readers favorite. Several of her titles have made the bestseller list on Amazon, the most recent being, Golden Heat and The Elusive Highlander. The Elusive Highlander maintained that status for several weeks. Ju earned her graduate degree from Northeastern University. She has a varied background, but for the past 13 years, has settled in the area of higher education. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Goodreads. Ju lives with her family in Connecticut.
It's been a while since I enjoyed a historical romance this much. It's my first book from Ju Ephraime and I'm hooked! Set in the early 1900s we follow a young Catherine as she falls in love with Cameron Wellesley, the Marquis of Chatterwoods. He is her knight in shining armor and it's so hard not to fall in love with him. As soon as he sets eyes on her, he wants her for his own and asks for her hand in marriage. Against all odds and stature, they marry, and although their life is perfect, tragedy suddenly strikes and Catherine is left shattered and torn at the loss of her love. One night, when caught in a nightmare and when it seems that she can't take it anymore, a man, a stranger, by the name of Lord Titus Braithwaite appears, and he is a Lord in every aspect of the word. I was literally torn between Cameron who was such a perfect man, and now here comes Titus who is kind, rugged, and intense and makes you fall in love all over again. Their attraction holds you on the edge of the page wanting more. But although their sexual magnetism is arduous, Catherine still misses Cameron and is haunted by him in her dreams, and Titus isn't prepared for these newfound torrid feelings he has for the pretty widow. Isn't that always the case, but love never asks for permission. I have to say this is a must read full of passion and heart. I couldn't put it down and fell in love with the characters, the setting, and of course the romance. I have a new favorite author with Ms. Ephraime.
I Will Follow to Eternity and Beyond is a historical romance with a paranormal twist. Reader be warned. There are adult scenes, and these scenes spare no reader’s sensibilities. In fact, the three main characters (Catherine, Cameron and Titus) are connected to each other largely by pure, unadulterated lust. The novel sports a not-so-subtle irony of the ever-so-proper British aristocracy circa 1915 falling into unashamed debauchery behind closed doors. This novel is easy to read and draws the reader in (for some readers, partly in anticipation of more adult-rated scenes). The story occurs during World War I, but little mention if any is made of the war, which may show how detached our noble characters are in a world that must have to others seemed to be rapidly falling apart. The automobile is just beginning to replace horse and carriage, and some of the more progressive homes have installed running water for their bathtubs (a popular spot for the characters in this novel). There were times when the plot seemed a little too convenient (such as the second fateful encounter between Catherine and Cameron in a cave), but the author skillfully hooks the reader so he/she continues along to see how this pair of unlikely lovers will end up. There were a few unexpected twists and turns. The book starts at the mid-point of the story, backtracks to cover the lead-up to the tragic event (I won’t spoil the plot), then continues on to a satisfying finish. Third-person point of view switches between that of the three main characters, although in the end this is Catherine’s story. Dialogue is plentiful as is rich description. The author, through emotionally saturated narrative, is able to bring the reader into the private inner worlds of the characters so that he/she feels what they feel. In the end, our rags-to-riches heroine ends up with more than she could ever have imagined: the raging, blind love of the two men she loves simultaneously! It can’t get any better than that for Catherine. I would not recommend this romance to those who like to stay on the sweet end of the spectrum, but for those who enjoy a higher-class hot and steamy read within a historical setting, this may be perfect for you. I am giving it five stars, because for this genre, I think I Will Follow to Eternity and Beyond is likely one of the more sophisticated offerings.
I really enjoyed this novel. Catherine is a young girl who grew up in an orphanage - a lonely child, who doesn't really fit in and, except for Suzan, has no friends. Catherine finds solace in the surrounding woods and one day, while chasing a rabbit she runs smack bang into a car driven by Lord Cameron Wellesley, Marquis of Chatterwoods and is knocked unconscious. Thus they meet, not a particularly auspicious meeting, but one which changes both of their lives forever. They fall in love, marry and, it seems as though Catherine finally has the HEA she has longed for.
In a split second everything changes. Catherine is left devastated, her heart broken and her happiness crushed. For two years, she lives a half-life, until at a party and, once again in extraordinary circumstances, she meets Titus, a distant relative of Cameron. Titus, who absolutely no desire to fall in love or marry, is inexplicably drawn to this fragile beauty and their attraction is undeniable. Despite her head telling her that this is madness, Catherine's body responds to Titus in the same way it did to Cameron and she suddenly realises that she has begun to breathe again.
Will Catherine and Titus be able to lay the past to rest and reach a happiness they both deserve? Now that would be telling - you'll just have to read the book.
Set a few years before the First World War, this story has many facets, but for me, the main one is hope. It reminds us that even when life throws the most tragic obstacles in our way, threatening everything we hold dear, hope springs eternal.
The characters are wonderfully drawn, developing nicely as the tale progresses, and the story is written in an easy style. It flows well and the plot is intriguing without being too convoluted. Great story!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this novel and this review is my unbiased opinion.
I really enjoyed reading this historical romance. The story kept my interest all the way to the end. The author has a unique voice; sentences are straight-forward, sometimes terse. This is a tale without a lot of flowery descriptions that still manages to convey a spooky, Gothic atmosphere. Catherine is a likable heroine who captures the heart of a charming, unconventional man who provides her with a fairy-tale marriage – until tragedy strikes.
Catherine becomes a reclusive shadow of her former vivacious self. Two years later Catherine is given another, unexpected chance at happiness when she and Titus are skillfully nudged together by fate and a spirit intent on securing Catherine’s bliss.
I would have liked the paranormal elements of this story to have been more developed, woven throughout the second part of the book more fully but, even so, I found the book refreshingly different, thought-provoking and fun to read. This is a sensual read where the intimate scenes are tastefully written.
This is the second Ju Ephraim book I've chosen to read. Ju Ephraim does it again! Her first book was an absolute sensation, and "I Will Follow To Eternity And Beyond" is just as amazing. I love her work!! She combines her many talents to spin a great tale of romance, and love, that leaves the reader breathless. Her many talents include, but are not limited to, a mastery of writing, editing, and very intricate storytelling.
The background is perfectly set for a steamy hot read. That's the kind of story I love the most, especially one by Ju Ephraim. The characters and the plot draw the reader into the story with such intensity and focus that I forgot I was reading a story. I thought I was inside the story, watching the plot unfold before me.
I highly recommend this book to any reader who wants a wild ride. Although this story is the specific genre of historical fiction, the excellent writing allows this book to transcend that specific genre and be open to avid readers of any genre.
The story starts with Catherine rushing to the hospital on a horse. She's received word that her husband has been in a car accident. From there, it moves onto how they met.
Catherine Montgomery has been raised in an orphanage and is being kept far longer than the other girls. She doesn't really question it, thinking that the reason is because she's a big part of the apothecary and Mother Agnes is becoming forgetful.
Cameron Wellesley is the Marquis of Chatterwoods. His property that borders, albeit distantly, the orphanage. He is out driving his car, still a new invention at the time of the setting of the story, when Catherine carelessly steps out in front of him and is hit and knocked unconscious.
He takes her to his home, not knowing who she is or from where she'd come. He knew she was hurt and if she stayed in his house without a chaperone, it would damage her reputation. He races to his mother's and asks her to help him out. She agrees. By the time he gets back, Catherine is gone.
He spends the next few months looking for her. She is so elusive that he began to think he'd imagined the whole thing. He finds her at the most unexpected time.
At this point, I found the story to be lacking depth. I would have loved to see how their lives were after they were married. How did Catherine fit into society after being raised in seclusion by nuns? What did they do for entertainment, other than the obvious? How were they connected outside of the bedroom? None of these questions were answered. They married and then BAM! It's two years later.
The second part of the book is actually sad. I can't say much without throwing in a spoiler. Suffice it to say, I don't think it's cute or acceptable to call your lover by another persons name.
There is a paranormal flare to it that keeps the story interesting but I found it to be demeaning to Titus. You'll have to read it to find out exactly what I mean.
This would have been a great story had I been drawn into it. The idea of it is quite good. I just wish there had been more substance.
*I received this book at no charge in return for an honest review **Reviewed for JGBS Review Library
This is a delightful classic romance with a slight twist that makes it even better. With this book, you get two beautiful love stories, each with a satisfying ending. The setting is early twentieth century Britain--a world of servants and etiquette where horses and carriages commingle with automobiles. Here, we meet the strong, noble Cameron and the free-spirited, wide-eyed Catherine. Later, we're introduced to the handsome, formidable Titus. So, there are hot men and a sweet heroine to root for in a well-constructed historical world. Perfect! With steamy sex scenes. More perfect! I really liked that the men were strong and sexy without being pigs. I also loved that the story is, ultimately, about finding joy after grief. It's a perfect story for snuggling up with on the sofa with tea or while basking poolside with a margarita.
Catherine is a lonely, grief-stricken woman who grew up a poor orphan in the early twentieth century. When she meets wealthy Cameron, she falls in love. They have a fairy tale marriage of love and happiness until tragedy strikes. Bereft, Catherine vows her heart to Cameron for life. Everything changes when she meets Titus at a party two years later. She wants to remain true to Cameron’s memory but finds herself drawn to Titus. He’s determined not to fall in love, but love might have other plans . . . This is a hot and steamy historical romance with some paranormal elements. I thought the ending worked really well, but I won’t spoil it!
This is a really romantic historical novel. I loved that the era was set when cars were just becoming popular. Felt as though the author had worked hard researching the history.
I also enjoyed the way the book was written in two separate parts. Gave it some great atmoshpere and a good feel. I loved the twist in the second part too. Really brought the book to life.
I Will Follow: To Eternity And Beyond is an historical romance written by Ju Ephraime. Growing up in an orphanage run by the nuns was a lonely experience for Catherine. She didn't seem to have anything in common with the other children living there, and the nuns were preoccupied with their devotions and caring for the children. One thing that bothered her the most was the fact that on holidays, when all the other orphans had relatives to visit, she was always the one to stay at the home. She wondered who her parents were and what happened to them. She also wondered why they didn't keep her. Catherine had plenty of work at the home to keep her busy from sunup to sundown, but what she enjoyed most was preparing herbal concoctions and remedies under the tutelage of Mother Agnes. When she could, Catherine would escape the confines of the home and walk for hours. She loved animals, and they seemed to respond in kind to her as she made her way through woods and fields. One day, as she was trying to catch a particular little rabbit she hope to make into a pet, she veered into the dirt path just as a car was roaring past. The driver swerved to miss her, but the bumper still clipped her, throwing her into the woods. She woke to find a man looking down at her and then felt him carrying her to his car. As she attempted to focus her gaze, she was struck by the intensity of his blue eyes and the way his hair was tangled and wavy. He was the most amazing creature she had ever seen.
Ju Ephraime's historical romance, I Will Follow: To Eternity And Beyond, is a heady and sensual romance about a love that transcends time and place. Catherine and Cameron are marvelous characters. She's the guiding star that he's inescapably drawn to, and he's the knight in shining armor who snatches her from the clutches of an unscrupulous nun who means her nothing but harm. This novel is set in the pre-WWI years, and the author does a beautiful job of setting the scene, especially in the care she takes with the descriptions of the landed gentility and the growing inroads the automobile makes into the British countryside. While there are a number of scenes involving love-making and sensuality, they are well-written and appropriate for an adult audience. The paranormal aspect of this novel is also enticing and adds a touch of mystery to the plot. I Will Follow: To Eternity And Beyond is most highly recommended.
I Will Follow: To Eternity And Beyond by Ju Ephraime ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ OMW! This is another SPECTACULAR romance! The story is a totally absorbing, and what a exciting page turner this is. I enjoyed reading this story so much I couldn't help but to keep reading through the night until I finish this story. The characters are exciting, captivating, engaging and what a great story. It's well paced with some great emotional displays. I found this book so engrossing as I was pulled into the story from the very beginning because I love reading historical romance and I got a chance to read a favorite author read. The characters are so well written and have managed to make me think of them as real when I open a book and start to read about them. I loved that this story is a little more complicated than what we get normally. Catherine is actually Lady Catherine Montgomery, she is rescued from an orphanage and married to Lord Cameron Wellesley, Marquis of Chatterwoods who becomes best friend also. She is now living a fairy tale life, until it becomes a nightmare, when Cameron dies in a car accident, but Cameron told her he would love her To Eternity And Beyond. There's a few surprises and twists. The story has the perfect blend of drama, mystery and it's a refreshing to read.
When you begin to read I Will Follow : To Eternity and Byond you imagine you are going to read a good old fashioned romance book - sorry to say you would be wrong! It seems to cross many genres, romance, history, paranormal. The plot is good and will keep you reading - twists you didn't see coming, greed, love, death, and grief are traits you will find in this well told story.
Organisation and characterisation are treated with the same expertise as the unfolding story of a distraught young woman is narrated in style. This is a solid story and a well written one by an author who I will be watching out for,
Drama, mystery and intrigue. You can get it all here. If you're looking for twists and turns and a story that keeps you turning the pages, then you've landed in the right spot.
In short, this is a steamy,historical romance with a paranormal twist thrown in. Gotta love it.
Quite by accident, Catherine meets, Cameron, the love of her life. But another accident has deadly consequences, leaving her to question her very will to go on. Years later, however, when she meets Titus, it seems she might have a spectral matchmaker.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster, at times haunting, heartbreaking, and hopeful. The story gets five well-deserved stars!
I Will Follow: To Eternity and Beyond is by Ju Ephraime. This is another excellent book by Ju Ephraime. This one takes place in Bedfordshire, England beginning in 1911. As a historical romance, it is one of the easiest to read that I have read in some time. Once you get started, it is almost impossible to stop. The characters are so well developed that they seem to be actual friends. Catherine Montgomery had lived at the orphanage her entire life. She lived a lonely, sad life. She didn’t fit in with the other children well and definitely not with the nuns, although they were nice enough. She spent a lot of her time roaming the surrounding woods with the animals. She was chasing a rabbit when she chased him out into the road. The normally deserted road was not deserted today and she was almost run over by Cameron Wellesley as he sailed along in his brand-new automobile. He managed to maneuver the car as to hit her on her buttocks and she slammed against a tree. She was unconscious when he got to her; but came to a little as he placed her in his car. He sped for home and sent for the doctor. Cameron was devastated at the thought of harming anyone, especially a beautiful woman. He was uncertain if she would wake up. Finally, the doctor arrived and said she would be fine. However, she could not be moved. Being a bachelor with no live-in housekeeper, Cameron rushed to get his Mother to spend the night while this beautiful young woman was in his house. When they got back, she had disappeared. She was no where in the house nor on the grounds. Did Cameron imagine the girl being there at all? He was determined to find her, no matter how long it took. Will he find Catherine? What will he think when he finds she is an orphan? This book has many surprises in it. Just when you think you have it figured out, it takes another twist. It is a fantastic read.
With a paranormal twist, this historical romance drew me in immediately. The heroine, Catherine’s character is exceptionally well developed by the author. The emotional and life event roller coaster Catherine is on makes the book a real page-turner. It’s so disappointing to have the lovely Cameron depart and see poor Catherine broken hearted, but then something wonderful happens and hero Titus arrives. Titus is exceptionally well drawn and he jumps off the page with his emotional response to Catherine. At times amusing but always believable his fight not to love is made all the more enjoyable because I knew he did. This is an epic historical romance that captivates and satisfies with its ending. If you enjoy an engrossing, remarkably sexy, and interesting historical romance, you'll love this one, but be prepared to read all night because you won’t be able to put it down. Must have five stars.
I love, love, this book. What am I saying, I love all Ju Ephraime’s books. This is the second historical romance of hers I’ve read. This book is set in the early twentieth century, when the automobile industry is just coming into its own. There are two heroes in this story and I like the way the author introduces the reader to, first, Cameron, Lord Wellesley, who falls in love and marries, Catherine, only to be taken from her in a tragic accident. Then in walks Titus, who wasn’t looking for love, but it finds him anyway, in the person of Catherine. The flow of the story is great, the dialogue and the love scenes was true to the period. I fell in love with Cameron, but when Titus came into the picture I like him too. I was torn, wondering if Catherine would accept him in place of Cameron, the suspense is numbing. Great historical romance, I highly recommend it!
“I Will Follow” is a perfect read for all lovers of historical romance genre. Taking place in the early twentieth century, it tells a story of a young orphan girl, living in a home with nuns, who meets her future husband in quite an unorthodox way: an unfortunate gentleman hits her with his car and, terrified and devastated, takes the unconscious young lady to his manor to tend to her injury. As the plot unfolds, the two young people fall in love against all odds; however, a most tragic event soon changes Catherine’s life completely… I really enjoyed how the story was presented in two parts, the first one being a love story which overcomes all obstacles in its way, and the second one dealing with loss and devastation, and later with a renewed hope, which comes in a most miraculous way. The characters were well-developed and believable, dialogue – vibrant and authentic, and the mystical episodes only made the story even more intriguing and compelling. A five star read.
Boy, I didn't want to out this book down during the holidays! What a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and historical perspective of this novel. Set in the early 1900s, it was interesting to experience life back then with the characters. This was much more steamy than I normally read, but it was included in a way that added to the richness of the storyline. I couldn't wait to see what happens to Catherine throughout the story. This won a gold medal 2017 Readers' Favorite award, and I can see why!
Ju Ephraime is one of my favorite authors.. I will Follow to Eternity and Beyond had me crying when Catherine lost her husband. Depression follows her until a fateful meeting takes place. I noted another reader basically told the story loaded with spoilers. :( I won't be doing that. I was pleasantly surprised with the plot development. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ju.
This lacked punch in delivery but did contain an interesting idea. The characters were a little flat despite the dramatic events and let the book down a little bit over all okay.
I do not give such a low rating to a book lightly but honestly, this may have been the very worst writing I have been subjected to in a published novel. It was painfully bad, the dialogue so stilted it was uncomfortable. Gave up half way through.
This is a simple love story written about a time when the automobile is just coming on the scene, and plays a role in the plot. The characters are well defined and draw the reader in to their points of view. Ephraime writes a lyrical story with rich texture and magical images that leave the reader wondering exactly what is going on! A delicious, sexy read.
Ju Ephraime knocked the ball out of the park with this historical. I love historical romance novels and I’ve found a new favorite author in Ephraime. Her writing flows smoothly across the pages as she introduces us to first, Catherine and Cameron and their perfect fairy tale romance. All it needs is a pumpkin carriage. That’s how perfect their love is. And then Cameron suffers a terrible accident and he’s taken from Catherine. Catherine is devastated and for two years, she goes through the motion of living, wanting only to join Cameron. But wait a minute! It’s not over for Catherine. She meets Titus. She resists him. He resists her, but unseen forces are pulling them together, and to coin a phrase, resistance is futile. They come together, explosively, and love blooms again for Catherine. Is Cameron back or is it wishing thinking on Catherine’s part? This is indeed an unexpected and interesting page turner. Highly recommend.
Normally, I'm not a big fan of historical romance but since I Will Follow To Eternity And Beyond was penned by Ms. Ephraime, I decided to give it a go. Her writing style hooks me in from the very start. It's seductive, bold and somewhat defiant. It's nothing short of fantastic! I'm also in awe of the way she can intricately weave several genres together to fit perfectly into the story line. Hence, making a skeptic like me fall in love with a historical romance.
Catherine sneaks out of the apothecary one glorious day to trek through the forest. She cautiously follows a well-worn path left behind through the thick woods from all of her previous outings. Until, she comes to a clearing. The moment she steps beyond the trees, a car swerves to avoid her but grazes her hip, tossing her to the ground. Battered and bruised Catherine scrambles to her feet and quickly makes her escape.
Catherine had no idea that the man in question would soon become her husband. Whisking her away from the only life she'd ever known. Far away from the nuns who were only holding onto her for her title and her dowry. A lineage she never even knew existed. Until her knight and shining armor dug deeper into her past. None of it really mattered to Catherine now that she'd found her happy ending.
Until one fateful night when her heaven turned into hell!
After two years pass, Catherine's mother in-law insists on a family gathering. As a celebration of Cameron's life. Still dressed in widows black, Catherine meets a man who suddenly reminds her of her dead husband. Funny, the only resemblance is their stature but for some reason every time Titas walks into the room, Cameron is standing there. . .
’m not one who reads Historical Fiction Romance novels, but after reading this book I might start reading them more often. I loved this book; the characters, the plot, everything just spoke to me. I will Follow: To Eternity And Beyond, although sad at times, is a beautiful love story with a heartwarming storyline. I was pleased to see that Catherine got her HEA, she deserved it!
I love historical romances, and this is the second historical romance I’ve read by Ju Ephraime and I love it. The story of Catherine and Cameron is powerful and different, especially given Catherine’s different background compared to Cameron’s. The way they met was unconventional, and their romance and marriage was equally unconventional, given the time period. When Catherine met Titus, I fell in love with him too. What are the odds that a woman would meet two perfect men in one life time, unless the fae is pulling some strings? Which brings me to the paranormal element of the story. I wish the paranormal element was explored a bit more, but the story was terrific even without it. I love the steamy scenes. Okay, I love all of it. Great love story! Highly recommended
A lovely historical romance. The book does a great job in conjuring up the early 20th century. The romance and sex scenes were written really well and very tastefully. I really liked the juxtaposition between Catherine's two relationships and the slight supernatural edge to the story. Romance fans will love it!
This is a good historical romance set in the teen years of the 20th century. I liked how the friendship between the two women characters was woven into the romance. The historical context was done well and there was some good historical detail. There were some repetition of information, such as Part II where the narrative could have started a bit later for Catherine. Overall, a good read.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a great historical romance with a slight paranormal twist. The story captured my attention at the very beginning and the characters were the type that you really felt for and felt the emotions. The story was written very well and flowed beautifully. One thing I thought was awesome about this book was how the reader got two love stories in one.