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The Victorians #1
Keeping Katerina
The 1840 a time of increasing social awareness, particularly for progressive cotton mill owner Adrian Bennett and his son Christopher.
One social issue Christopher has never considered is violence against women. A Robert Browning poem and a chance encounter with Katerina Valentino change everything.
Katerina fears for her life because of her father's violent behavior. When Christopher is entranced by the delicate, dark-haired beauty, he decides to rescue her - by marrying her.
But Katerina's years of abuse have left her physically and emotionally scarred, threatening the newlyweds' happiness. Is Christopher's tender affection enough to help heal Katerina's broken spirit?
Praise from
★★★★★ - "I love historical romances, and Keeping Katerina is one of the best I have ever read. Not only was the story line engaging, but it held an air of originality that is sorely lacking in most publications today."
★★★★★ - "Very well written, with a great theme and well developed characters."
★★★★★ - "This book was wonderful. Well written and finished nicely. The author addresses a serious issue in a way that allows you to respect the heroine... Lovely."
★★★★★ - "This book dealt with a subject that has been ignored in any other book I have read. I loved it, and look forward to many more stories by this author. "
★★★★★ - "In a short few pages, I was hooked."
This is a steamy romance and includes graphic sex scenes.
One social issue Christopher has never considered is violence against women. A Robert Browning poem and a chance encounter with Katerina Valentino change everything.
Katerina fears for her life because of her father's violent behavior. When Christopher is entranced by the delicate, dark-haired beauty, he decides to rescue her - by marrying her.
But Katerina's years of abuse have left her physically and emotionally scarred, threatening the newlyweds' happiness. Is Christopher's tender affection enough to help heal Katerina's broken spirit?
Praise from
★★★★★ - "I love historical romances, and Keeping Katerina is one of the best I have ever read. Not only was the story line engaging, but it held an air of originality that is sorely lacking in most publications today."
★★★★★ - "Very well written, with a great theme and well developed characters."
★★★★★ - "This book was wonderful. Well written and finished nicely. The author addresses a serious issue in a way that allows you to respect the heroine... Lovely."
★★★★★ - "This book dealt with a subject that has been ignored in any other book I have read. I loved it, and look forward to many more stories by this author. "
★★★★★ - "In a short few pages, I was hooked."
This is a steamy romance and includes graphic sex scenes.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2018
1079 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
About the author
Simone Beaudelaire
85 books75 followersHello, I am Simone Beaudelaire, romance enthusiast, freelance proofreader, and novice author.
In real life, I'm a wife, mother, and full time high school French teacher, which doesn't leave me a lot of time for my hobby. Of course, that hasn't stopped me yet.
I hope I can connect with other readers of romance (and other genres. I love to read, and through my beta reading group, I have recommendations in all different categories.)
In real life, I'm a wife, mother, and full time high school French teacher, which doesn't leave me a lot of time for my hobby. Of course, that hasn't stopped me yet.
I hope I can connect with other readers of romance (and other genres. I love to read, and through my beta reading group, I have recommendations in all different categories.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 4, 2019
When Christopher meets Katerina, he can't help feeling a sense of instant attraction. When he finds out Katerina is being abused by her father, he takes the only possible option to protect her; elope and consummate the marriage. Can Christopher keep Katerina safe and help her out of her broken shell, into the wife and strong woman he knows she can become?
I hate to admit, the disclaimer about the content was no match for the attention grabbing blurb and I actually enjoyed it despite the sex scenes. Christopher and Katerina kind of reminded me of Ross and Demelza from the Poldark series. I just wish it hadn't ended so soon!
I hate to admit, the disclaimer about the content was no match for the attention grabbing blurb and I actually enjoyed it despite the sex scenes. Christopher and Katerina kind of reminded me of Ross and Demelza from the Poldark series. I just wish it hadn't ended so soon!
April 8, 2015
It was okay. Not a bad book by any means... but I just couldn't love it. The dialogue was really problematic for me. It was too simple and childlike. It didn't convey any complexity and the book was sorely lacking for it. It almost felt like the characters lacked any intelligence. I probably could have understood it in Kat because the author was trying to portray innocence and the damage inflicted by her abuse, if Kat was the only one. However, she did it to Chris too. And everyone else for that matter. I liked the storyline and the social reform theme against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, however, this was often interrupted by asides to explain something historically relevant, in a way that almost seemed anachronistic. Actually, on that note, there were a few anachronisms in the dialogue as well that interfered. Overall, it just needs some refinement.
April 30, 2014
A tale of abuse and love and redemption. So well and touchingly written that you really have to finish it in one sitting. You really hope that she can grow past what happened to her. Add this to your bookshelf. You won't regret it.
March 25, 2015
I found the authors approach in the book to be a breath of fresh air. There are no great secrets between the H/h which was nice for a change. The idea of the book has been stated in other reviews so I'll just go into the things I loved and the things that didn't work for me.
Christopher is the type of man we dream of and it is not his appearance that I speak of but it is his integrity and strong morals. He runs a cotton mill with his father and was taught strong values and general respect for all people and the importance of loving your spouse. When he meets Katerina (loved the name) he is surprised by his own response towards her and wants to take his time and court her in the hopes of some day marrying her.
Katerina knows that it's impossible as she meets Christopher at a house party badly beaten so that she can barely remain her consciousness. I loved that Christopher immediately wanted to be her champion but I felt the author pushed too fast and hard at this point. When she arrives at the party there are no introductions made but later in the book it is insinuated that it took place. I felt by leaving that out was a mistake. It seemed detached some how. The fact that everyone goes off to dinner and Christopher stays behind with Katerina because he suspects hidden wounds was odd to me. It was just after she had the whole room in awe of her musical talent yet no one attempts to engage her in conversation or notice they are suddenly missing?
There was also the moment Kat's wounds are discovered.She is scarred and her wounds are bleeding to the point her chemise is stuck fast but at no point are they attended to. That bothered me. There was something that didn't quite feel right with the book leading up to their marriage. I am pleased to tell you that for whatever is lacking in the start she made up for with the remainder of the book.
The author took the time to show the stages of healing a person goes through and it's not just her. There are all different angles brought in. it's doesn't just go away because the inflictor of pain is gone. If you've ever had the misfortune of knowing someone who had to endure an experience such as Kat did. You'll know the author did a fine job at letting you see private struggles a person goes through and how she wasn't the only one who was struggling. It radiates out to everyone who is associated with Kat and Christopher.
Surprisingly, though the story keeps a light approach as the main feel shows you the healing power of love. The couple learning and growing in love and trust is the star of the show. I really liked that part. It is not without it's villains as her father has separation anxiety of sorts. There are several love scenes through out but I think were needed to show the growth in the relationship and were along the lines of most romances. Overall I enjoyed the read and feel the author does need some polish which is why I gave 4 stars.
Christopher is the type of man we dream of and it is not his appearance that I speak of but it is his integrity and strong morals. He runs a cotton mill with his father and was taught strong values and general respect for all people and the importance of loving your spouse. When he meets Katerina (loved the name) he is surprised by his own response towards her and wants to take his time and court her in the hopes of some day marrying her.
Katerina knows that it's impossible as she meets Christopher at a house party badly beaten so that she can barely remain her consciousness. I loved that Christopher immediately wanted to be her champion but I felt the author pushed too fast and hard at this point. When she arrives at the party there are no introductions made but later in the book it is insinuated that it took place. I felt by leaving that out was a mistake. It seemed detached some how. The fact that everyone goes off to dinner and Christopher stays behind with Katerina because he suspects hidden wounds was odd to me. It was just after she had the whole room in awe of her musical talent yet no one attempts to engage her in conversation or notice they are suddenly missing?
There was also the moment Kat's wounds are discovered.She is scarred and her wounds are bleeding to the point her chemise is stuck fast but at no point are they attended to. That bothered me. There was something that didn't quite feel right with the book leading up to their marriage. I am pleased to tell you that for whatever is lacking in the start she made up for with the remainder of the book.
The author took the time to show the stages of healing a person goes through and it's not just her. There are all different angles brought in. it's doesn't just go away because the inflictor of pain is gone. If you've ever had the misfortune of knowing someone who had to endure an experience such as Kat did. You'll know the author did a fine job at letting you see private struggles a person goes through and how she wasn't the only one who was struggling. It radiates out to everyone who is associated with Kat and Christopher.
Surprisingly, though the story keeps a light approach as the main feel shows you the healing power of love. The couple learning and growing in love and trust is the star of the show. I really liked that part. It is not without it's villains as her father has separation anxiety of sorts. There are several love scenes through out but I think were needed to show the growth in the relationship and were along the lines of most romances. Overall I enjoyed the read and feel the author does need some polish which is why I gave 4 stars.
July 4, 2021
I'm having a problem with this book because it really was a good story about love and overcoming abuse. My problem is that the dialogue felt very juvenile, the whole story was a simple narration of events. If not for the erotic sex scenes and violent content, it really could have passed for a children's book.
Further, it's set in Victorian times, and though there was adequate research done with regard to cotton mills and other details, some phraseology was a bit too modern. Like really, a friend of the heroine gives her advise on "successful parenting"!?? I know authors have to adjust the language but this just bugged me.
Too bad since over all it was a wonderful story, except the writing style was a bit too simplistic.
Further, it's set in Victorian times, and though there was adequate research done with regard to cotton mills and other details, some phraseology was a bit too modern. Like really, a friend of the heroine gives her advise on "successful parenting"!?? I know authors have to adjust the language but this just bugged me.
Too bad since over all it was a wonderful story, except the writing style was a bit too simplistic.
December 20, 2018
Dnf at 67%. The writing is simplistic and stilted with awkward dialogue, editing issues, and one-dimensional plot and characters. Too much telling and not enough showing, especially in building the emotions.
I can't recommend this one when there are far better writers who have tackled the same issues with skill.
I can't recommend this one when there are far better writers who have tackled the same issues with skill.
September 8, 2015
In defense of the book, I must admit I enjoyed it. I did not find the dialogue immature. It was a light quick read. I try not compare with other writers or other books of the same genre often. Every author has a different style and level of writing experience. I personally enjoyed it.
October 25, 2024
Insightful tale of familial abuse in a century when women had few protections from a violent head-of-household—rescue by a young man smitten hard by immediate attraction—a cameo by Robert Browning who had an acquaintance with overbearing hyper possessive fathers—culminates in a touch-and-go HEA—rating could have been higher but for a bit of sappiness
November 30, 2023
I think the romance plot of this story was very sweet and I really loved it... But the social reform/awareness parts of the story dampened it. Christopher seemed almost like he was too good to be true. If the story focused more on the romance and relationship building, it would have easily been 5 stars for me. I love 'working class' historical books.
June 1, 2013
**3.5**
I had a hard time rating this one. I liked that this book had a purpose, and a very strong one at that: to educate people about domestic abuse. I also liked that it tied in the poetry of Robert Browning (written during the time this book takes place), which had the same purpose. I think an endeavor like this is commendable and overall she did a good job in communicating her message in a good story. With a few caveats.
After emphasizing again and again that it would take time (months, years, or possibly never) for Katerina to heal from the physical and emotional abuse of 19 years at the hands of her father, which felt realistic, that she then seemed to overcome her past fears, learn to trust and gain the courage to stand up for herself in a few weeks, seemed less so. She had a nice build up of what a person suffers in this type of situation and then it felt like she almost gave it away. The transformation happened too fast in my opinion.
The dialogue frequently felt a little stilted and unnatural and I think it was the combination of a few things. One, some conversations consisted of short one or two word responses back and forth. Two, the author often left out "he said" "she asked" and just wrote the dialogue itself with no pronouns or verbs. And three, the subject matter that was being discussed between the characters. For example:
"Do you want my hands on you?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
"Around my waist." She mouthed rather than spoke the words. He embraced her. He was wonderfully warm.
"Where would you like your hands to be?"
"Your neck."
"Do it then."
It sounds awkward to be instructed how to be sexual with someone in the first place and I don't think the dialogue was written to make it feel less so.
But these things didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the book and the author created an engaging story while successfully conveying a message. Indeed, I think she even could have tried for a little more subtlety in the message and still conveyed her point clearly.
I had a hard time rating this one. I liked that this book had a purpose, and a very strong one at that: to educate people about domestic abuse. I also liked that it tied in the poetry of Robert Browning (written during the time this book takes place), which had the same purpose. I think an endeavor like this is commendable and overall she did a good job in communicating her message in a good story. With a few caveats.
After emphasizing again and again that it would take time (months, years, or possibly never) for Katerina to heal from the physical and emotional abuse of 19 years at the hands of her father, which felt realistic, that she then seemed to overcome her past fears, learn to trust and gain the courage to stand up for herself in a few weeks, seemed less so. She had a nice build up of what a person suffers in this type of situation and then it felt like she almost gave it away. The transformation happened too fast in my opinion.
The dialogue frequently felt a little stilted and unnatural and I think it was the combination of a few things. One, some conversations consisted of short one or two word responses back and forth. Two, the author often left out "he said" "she asked" and just wrote the dialogue itself with no pronouns or verbs. And three, the subject matter that was being discussed between the characters. For example:
"Do you want my hands on you?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
"Around my waist." She mouthed rather than spoke the words. He embraced her. He was wonderfully warm.
"Where would you like your hands to be?"
"Your neck."
"Do it then."
It sounds awkward to be instructed how to be sexual with someone in the first place and I don't think the dialogue was written to make it feel less so.
But these things didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the book and the author created an engaging story while successfully conveying a message. Indeed, I think she even could have tried for a little more subtlety in the message and still conveyed her point clearly.
June 14, 2017
I really liked this book, I could tell that the characters really loved each other (even after such a short amount of time). And Simone Beaudelaire really handled the touchy subject of physical abuse well, she really didn't hold anything back, and the descriptions of what happened to Katerina were heartbreaking. But there was one point during this book that I almost quit. It was when Christopher was talking with this father about Katerina and he said to an effect of "I ticks me off when Katerina flinches away from me when when we're being intimate." I'm sorry?! She has been abuse (almost near death) for TEN YEARS and has only known you for two weeks, OF COURSE she going to been skittish around you! And what you get pissy that she flinched a little bit? And the father had the audacity to feel sympathy for Christopher in this matter? Yuck, I hated that scene. But other than that the book was fine, the dialogue could have been a bit better and some of the plot seemed a little rushed during the end of the book.
It was an easy read with some bumps here and there that made me think that someone needed to go through and edit one more time. But other than that I would recommend Keeping Katerina.
It was an easy read with some bumps here and there that made me think that someone needed to go through and edit one more time. But other than that I would recommend Keeping Katerina.
December 22, 2023
Meh, not for me
Pros:
- Strong message against domestic violence, highlights the realities of women being manipulated into abusive relationships despite family interference
- MMC encourages FMC to express her desires/ thoughts/ feelings and say no if she doesn't want something
- FMC is never shamed for her desires even wanting her husband sexually
Cons:
- I believed the physical attraction between the main characters but not the love they express to each other. Seemed like it came out of nowhere or was from a sense of responsibility/gratitude
- So much internal dialogue of 2 to 3 sentences from every character, not just main, that it takes away from the actions
- Too much telling vs showing (ex. Character talking out loud to himself to explain motive)
- Main characters have no significant flaws and seem to humble brag
- Despite a cursory statement regarding consent, there's the "responsibility" to share bodies for lovemaking
- Slut shaming with "what makes for a bad girl makes for a great wife."
- Grandfather's mistress mistreats FMC and bullies her publicly, which draws shame to him, so he kicks her out, but all is forgiven bc she says she loves him and is 5 months pregnant.
Extra thoughts (maybe spoilers):
- She is beaten half to death with open, bleeding wounds, bruises, and scars described in detail. They have an enjoyable time consummating the marriage. A day later is when she asks for a bath! Sounds like a great way to get infected cuts.
- Girl gets a skull fracture and beat up/stomped while pregnant but survives the subsequent coma and presumably the baby is fine. Wow.
Final thoughts: Writing is not bad, but not good. Content is not to my taste. It felt like trauma p*rn. I got this as a Kindle Freebie, and don't feel like I want to continue the series.
Pros:
- Strong message against domestic violence, highlights the realities of women being manipulated into abusive relationships despite family interference
- MMC encourages FMC to express her desires/ thoughts/ feelings and say no if she doesn't want something
- FMC is never shamed for her desires even wanting her husband sexually
Cons:
- I believed the physical attraction between the main characters but not the love they express to each other. Seemed like it came out of nowhere or was from a sense of responsibility/gratitude
- So much internal dialogue of 2 to 3 sentences from every character, not just main, that it takes away from the actions
- Too much telling vs showing (ex. Character talking out loud to himself to explain motive)
- Main characters have no significant flaws and seem to humble brag
- Despite a cursory statement regarding consent, there's the "responsibility" to share bodies for lovemaking
- Slut shaming with "what makes for a bad girl makes for a great wife."
- Grandfather's mistress mistreats FMC and bullies her publicly, which draws shame to him, so he kicks her out, but all is forgiven bc she says she loves him and is 5 months pregnant.
Extra thoughts (maybe spoilers):
- She is beaten half to death with open, bleeding wounds, bruises, and scars described in detail. They have an enjoyable time consummating the marriage. A day later is when she asks for a bath! Sounds like a great way to get infected cuts.
- Girl gets a skull fracture and beat up/stomped while pregnant but survives the subsequent coma and presumably the baby is fine. Wow.
Final thoughts: Writing is not bad, but not good. Content is not to my taste. It felt like trauma p*rn. I got this as a Kindle Freebie, and don't feel like I want to continue the series.
January 2, 2020
She's like the mythical Phoenix arising to a new beginning.
I'm glad I didn't dismiss this book based on the negative Amazon reviews. Instead, I read the “Look Inside” excerpt on the purchase page. That short portion convinced me that this story had promise and the writing was good enough to download the book and give it try.
I'm partial to character-driven stories, which is what Keeping Katerina is all about – the characters. Yes, the story is interesting, if not a little disturbing because of the intimate look at the darkness of domestic abuse, but it's the characters that make this book engrossing. How does an abuse survivor heal from the physical and emotional damage, and what does it take to move forward from such a violent past.
Simone Beaudelaire has written a good story with just the right balance of description, dialogue and thoughts. All of the characters are well developed, both the primary and secondary. She also does a good job of world building and weaving in history, with some artistic license. Unlike what was stated in other reviews, I found only a few grammatical or editing/proofing errors.
Sadly, the ending was just so-so. The immediate danger was handled, but the happy ending was a bit of a let down. I wish the author would have included an epilogue.
Content alert: In addition to described violent domestic abuse, this book also contains secular and religious swearing and intimately described marital sex.
I'm glad I didn't dismiss this book based on the negative Amazon reviews. Instead, I read the “Look Inside” excerpt on the purchase page. That short portion convinced me that this story had promise and the writing was good enough to download the book and give it try.
I'm partial to character-driven stories, which is what Keeping Katerina is all about – the characters. Yes, the story is interesting, if not a little disturbing because of the intimate look at the darkness of domestic abuse, but it's the characters that make this book engrossing. How does an abuse survivor heal from the physical and emotional damage, and what does it take to move forward from such a violent past.
Simone Beaudelaire has written a good story with just the right balance of description, dialogue and thoughts. All of the characters are well developed, both the primary and secondary. She also does a good job of world building and weaving in history, with some artistic license. Unlike what was stated in other reviews, I found only a few grammatical or editing/proofing errors.
Sadly, the ending was just so-so. The immediate danger was handled, but the happy ending was a bit of a let down. I wish the author would have included an epilogue.
Content alert: In addition to described violent domestic abuse, this book also contains secular and religious swearing and intimately described marital sex.
December 31, 2018
Such an amazing story!
Christopher is a good man, and that's what his mother is counting on when she arranges for him to meet her friend, Katerina, a woman who is being horribly abused by her father. Due to the laws and customs of the time, the only legal way for Christopher to rescue her is to marry her. This, as well as his careful steps to forge a real marriage with her, is what demonstrates the difference between a good man and a villain. The story is beautifully rendered, with the evidence and results of the abuse handled sensitively but honestly.
This book is founded on an intense passion for social justice, but the message takes a back seat to the powerful love story developing between these two. The honeymoon trip to Florence gave a wonderful story even more history and depth. I couldn't have loved this book more, and devoured it in one afternoon. It's everything a serious romance should be.
Christopher is a good man, and that's what his mother is counting on when she arranges for him to meet her friend, Katerina, a woman who is being horribly abused by her father. Due to the laws and customs of the time, the only legal way for Christopher to rescue her is to marry her. This, as well as his careful steps to forge a real marriage with her, is what demonstrates the difference between a good man and a villain. The story is beautifully rendered, with the evidence and results of the abuse handled sensitively but honestly.
This book is founded on an intense passion for social justice, but the message takes a back seat to the powerful love story developing between these two. The honeymoon trip to Florence gave a wonderful story even more history and depth. I couldn't have loved this book more, and devoured it in one afternoon. It's everything a serious romance should be.
September 23, 2021
Innermost thoughts of each character read like a farce. Disappointing.
Christopher Bennet's attention has been drawn to a young girl Katerina. It is not obvious to anyone , but she has been horrendously abused physically and Christopher sees it as his duty to protect her.
The storyline was adequate, but so sugary.The characters were too good to be true. My main irritation though was the style it was written in. Every main characters innermost thoughts were expressed even during dialogue. It occurred almost constantly throughout the book that I found myself skipping huge chunks of writing. It stopped the flow of the story and completely spoiled it for me.
The dialogue was stilted and along with certain actions did not seem to fit the era it was set in. I actually disliked the way Katerina's character developed throughout the story to show her eventual grasp of inner strength.
Christopher Bennet's attention has been drawn to a young girl Katerina. It is not obvious to anyone , but she has been horrendously abused physically and Christopher sees it as his duty to protect her.
The storyline was adequate, but so sugary.The characters were too good to be true. My main irritation though was the style it was written in. Every main characters innermost thoughts were expressed even during dialogue. It occurred almost constantly throughout the book that I found myself skipping huge chunks of writing. It stopped the flow of the story and completely spoiled it for me.
The dialogue was stilted and along with certain actions did not seem to fit the era it was set in. I actually disliked the way Katerina's character developed throughout the story to show her eventual grasp of inner strength.
August 18, 2022
This book is written in a time when both women and children were seen as "property" and it may be offensive to some. Violence toward women.
The H doesn't mean to come to care so deeply for her in such a short time but he can't help it. When he meets her, he sees a beautiful woman who lives in fear and he can't help wanting to help her. Rescue and protect her.
The h is literally in fear for her life. Never has she had a kind word or touch or concern for her well being. When her secret is discovered by this caring man, she jumps at the chance to be free of her nightmare.
Neither one of them expects the love, passion and eventually trust that quickly blooms between them as they discover one another.
It's one of those stories that sucks you in, first with the tragedy, then the triumph as she finds out she IS worthy.
The H doesn't mean to come to care so deeply for her in such a short time but he can't help it. When he meets her, he sees a beautiful woman who lives in fear and he can't help wanting to help her. Rescue and protect her.
The h is literally in fear for her life. Never has she had a kind word or touch or concern for her well being. When her secret is discovered by this caring man, she jumps at the chance to be free of her nightmare.
Neither one of them expects the love, passion and eventually trust that quickly blooms between them as they discover one another.
It's one of those stories that sucks you in, first with the tragedy, then the triumph as she finds out she IS worthy.
September 24, 2021
Decency vs Evil
A brave woman chooses to live life fully despite bc the beatings and domination of her father. With the friendship of two older women, she developes a limited a limited social life.
Her marriage to Christopher helps her heal. The beauty of this book is in the gentle way people help her heal, the descriptions of the forms of abuse in civilization, potential solutions, and the value of the arts in exposing and curing society's ills. Robert Browning's poetry is an important catalyst to the plot. This is a gentle read that teaches lots. It is a book that could be useful in therapy or in raising issues for discussion with mature children, YA, or activists. It is also a Victorian romance, a love story.
A brave woman chooses to live life fully despite bc the beatings and domination of her father. With the friendship of two older women, she developes a limited a limited social life.
Her marriage to Christopher helps her heal. The beauty of this book is in the gentle way people help her heal, the descriptions of the forms of abuse in civilization, potential solutions, and the value of the arts in exposing and curing society's ills. Robert Browning's poetry is an important catalyst to the plot. This is a gentle read that teaches lots. It is a book that could be useful in therapy or in raising issues for discussion with mature children, YA, or activists. It is also a Victorian romance, a love story.
November 28, 2023
Both touching & distressing
I enjoyed this book. And I loved the subject matter because it’s particularly relevant in our society. It’s also disturbing that there seems to be as much abuse of women and children as there ever was. I appreciated the fact this was an innovative and original storyline which the writer approached with sensitivity and respect. Also, the characters were well defined and authentic … it was so easy to be moved by the heroine’s plight. The only negative was the fact there were a great many typos throughout the book, some confusing enough to force the reader to reread phrases in order to make sense of a sentence. Regardless, I definitely recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book. And I loved the subject matter because it’s particularly relevant in our society. It’s also disturbing that there seems to be as much abuse of women and children as there ever was. I appreciated the fact this was an innovative and original storyline which the writer approached with sensitivity and respect. Also, the characters were well defined and authentic … it was so easy to be moved by the heroine’s plight. The only negative was the fact there were a great many typos throughout the book, some confusing enough to force the reader to reread phrases in order to make sense of a sentence. Regardless, I definitely recommend this book.
June 11, 2017
Although I like the accurate portrayal of violence against women, the way Katerina's timidity is written doesn't ring true.
Even the initial interactions between her and Christopher are too stilted. It's better in the middle, worse again towards the end.
There are some huge time discrepancies, with the story set in the 1800s or early 1900s, I'm guessing, but the songs coming from the mid to late 1900s, Simon & Garfunkel?
I do like the outspokenness Christopher, his family, and his friends have about the mistreatment of others, it's not even too preachy.
So, not bad,but not quite good enough.
Even the initial interactions between her and Christopher are too stilted. It's better in the middle, worse again towards the end.
There are some huge time discrepancies, with the story set in the 1800s or early 1900s, I'm guessing, but the songs coming from the mid to late 1900s, Simon & Garfunkel?
I do like the outspokenness Christopher, his family, and his friends have about the mistreatment of others, it's not even too preachy.
So, not bad,but not quite good enough.
December 10, 2017
Very Enlighten Victorian Romance, But........
I loved the mention of both domestic abuse and mental abuse tied all into one. If one encounters both abuse, one can go into a deep depression. The ending of this book poignantly painted a picture of what that is like to deal with. The only problem I had with the book was that the two characters did not have chemistry in the love connection. I liked the story's accuracy on how women were treated during this Victorian era. For me it was more about injustice to women, which I didn't mind reading. I just felt it fell short to be called a romance for me.
I loved the mention of both domestic abuse and mental abuse tied all into one. If one encounters both abuse, one can go into a deep depression. The ending of this book poignantly painted a picture of what that is like to deal with. The only problem I had with the book was that the two characters did not have chemistry in the love connection. I liked the story's accuracy on how women were treated during this Victorian era. For me it was more about injustice to women, which I didn't mind reading. I just felt it fell short to be called a romance for me.
January 15, 2025
Christopher is falling for Katerina from the moment they speak, before he has any idea of the horrible secret she's protecting. Discovering her father's abuse, he decides there's only one way to save her. They elope and immediately begin their life together. While life is going well for the young couple, she's still crippled by fear of a father who doesn't want to let her go.
I very much enjoyed this, and while I've seen NUMEROUS complaints about the sex scenes, they were hardly a huge part of the book. The couple and their supporting cast were likable and made me root for them. I have no regrets about giving this book a try.
I very much enjoyed this, and while I've seen NUMEROUS complaints about the sex scenes, they were hardly a huge part of the book. The couple and their supporting cast were likable and made me root for them. I have no regrets about giving this book a try.
April 19, 2025
This is the first book in the Victorians series by Simone Beaudelaire. Adrian Bennett and his son Christopher are cotton mill owners in the 1840's. Katerina Valentino is a young woman living in fear due to her father Giovanni Valentino's abusive behavior. Christopher marries Katerina to rescue her from her father's cruelty. Their journey is faced with difficult challenges as Katerina struggles to heal from the physical and emotional scars left by years of mistreatment by her father. Christopher's tender care and affection for Katerina to guide her through her past and empowers her to heal. I really enjoyed this wonderful regency historical romance novel.
August 14, 2021
Dang
This book is wonderfully written. Yes, there’s abuse and violence, but also love forgiveness and peace. I was mentally and physically abused by my first husband for over a decade. I’m a woman who escaped and I found the love of my life and I’ve been with him for the last 15 years. For those in the situation like myself and those of the fictional characters in this book. They don’t give up. Be brave you can take a beating you can tell that b*****d to pound sand and find the door to freedom.
This book is wonderfully written. Yes, there’s abuse and violence, but also love forgiveness and peace. I was mentally and physically abused by my first husband for over a decade. I’m a woman who escaped and I found the love of my life and I’ve been with him for the last 15 years. For those in the situation like myself and those of the fictional characters in this book. They don’t give up. Be brave you can take a beating you can tell that b*****d to pound sand and find the door to freedom.
July 10, 2024
Hay dos formas de reseñar esta novela. La primera es la mía, que considero que se terminó al inicio. La autora, muy pronto juntó a los protagonistas, con lo que perdió mi interés. Solo continué leyendo por mi inglés, porque la escuché con Alexa y ha sido mi método para agudizar el oído. Pero, además de eso, no me sentí motivada ni quería saber qué iba a suceder después de que la pareja se juntó. El otro modo de reseñarla es decirle a los lectores, que tanto les gusta saber qué sucede después del matrimonio que acá encontrarán una historia con un largo epílogo.
January 1, 2019
Getting ready to do our 2019 Happiness Project with a few friends. Great thoughts and ideas, and we have full lives too that will not be paid for this time investment, except, of course, in defining our own happiness. It already helped me turn down a job as I realized it would NOT make me happier, and I felt better the second I turned it down, so looking forward to working through my own life for better happiness by the end of the year!!
January 3, 2020
Haunting!
This is the most haunting and saddest, story I have ever read.
I cried almost from the first page.
My heart broke for Katrina and as I read each page, I could feel her abuse ,with each turn of a page.
And I felt Christopher, s pain
As he did all he could to make her feel safe. This writer is truly gifted.
If you haven't read this story, your truly missing out on a story that will
Break your heart, and put it back
Together again.
Thank you!!❤❤😭
This is the most haunting and saddest, story I have ever read.
I cried almost from the first page.
My heart broke for Katrina and as I read each page, I could feel her abuse ,with each turn of a page.
And I felt Christopher, s pain
As he did all he could to make her feel safe. This writer is truly gifted.
If you haven't read this story, your truly missing out on a story that will
Break your heart, and put it back
Together again.
Thank you!!❤❤😭
December 8, 2023
The rights of women woven into a Historical romance
I enjoyed the mix of romance, happily ever after and social justice awareness that were woven into this story. I enjoyed learning more about Robert Browning's poetry and its place in raising awareness of social issues. My only qualm is with the depiction of trauma recovery - that felt the most fantastical element of the story - though a true depiction may not have been very conducive to a HEA romance novel!
I enjoyed the mix of romance, happily ever after and social justice awareness that were woven into this story. I enjoyed learning more about Robert Browning's poetry and its place in raising awareness of social issues. My only qualm is with the depiction of trauma recovery - that felt the most fantastical element of the story - though a true depiction may not have been very conducive to a HEA romance novel!
August 20, 2024
The story was predictable, and some of the details unrealistic.
Books About child abuse are very difficult. I was reminded about how fortunate I was to have had a wonderful, loving father. He treated my sister and I with respect, and encouraged us to be our best selves. He put us first in everything, and always had our back. Every child deserves a father like mine. It’s saddens me, in our enlightened time, that this is not always the case.
I miss you everyday daddy.
Books About child abuse are very difficult. I was reminded about how fortunate I was to have had a wonderful, loving father. He treated my sister and I with respect, and encouraged us to be our best selves. He put us first in everything, and always had our back. Every child deserves a father like mine. It’s saddens me, in our enlightened time, that this is not always the case.
I miss you everyday daddy.
November 7, 2024
Christopher, an eligible bachelor in England, comes across a musically talented battered daughter of Italian descent whom he sets out to rescue. A rather singular plot, he marries her to make her safe. However, there are numerous emotional issues they must overcome to grow in their relationship. Excellent character development while signifying social issues of the time but explicit and steamy on numerous occasions.
May 8, 2017
Horrible , Beautiful Story
To be an abused child and young woman at any time in history was so horrible , it is almost inconceivable. This heroine is sweet and loving in spite of it all. The man who rescues and marries her is a handsome ,kind hearted wonderful man who takes her from hell to heaven with a few incidents along the way
To be an abused child and young woman at any time in history was so horrible , it is almost inconceivable. This heroine is sweet and loving in spite of it all. The man who rescues and marries her is a handsome ,kind hearted wonderful man who takes her from hell to heaven with a few incidents along the way
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