Caleb + Kate

by Cindy Martinusen Coloma

Private school, rich friends, vacations in France--Kate has it all, except a belief in love. When Kate's family purchases a hotel in the Pacific Northwest, she enters a world that is wholly unknown to her. She never has any privacy because of the constant flow of guests. And as the hotel owner's daughter, she struggles to make friends. Then she meets Caleb, a strange combination of working-class, Hawaiian culture, and Christian bad boy. He talks about love in an all new way that she finds so alluring. But the two have nothing in common. He rarely smiles, rides a motorcycle with a rough crowd from town, and worst of all, he totally ignores Kate. But Kate has something that he needs and she resolves to prove to him that what she has doesn't define who she is.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Christian, Chick Lit, Realistic Fiction, Teen

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2010

About the author

Cindy Coloma is a national bestselling author who has written twelve novels, including: Beautiful (2010 Christy Award finalist for Young Adults and 2011 Revolve Young Adult Tour featured book); The Salt Garden (one of Library Journal's best genre books in 2004); Song of the Brokenhearted (2013 ECPA bestseller with coauthor Sheila Walsh); Orchid House (2008 ECPA bestseller); and Winter Passing (2001 Christy Award finalist and Romantic Times Top Pick).


Cindy has collaborated on fiction projects with bestselling author, singer, and speaker Sheila Walsh, and as a ghostwriter with a former federal prosecutor and national TV legal-news analyst.


Her nonfiction projects include collaborations on memoirs such as The Waiting (May 2014, Tyndale Momentum) and It's a Wild Life: How My Life Became a Zoo(June 2014, Medallion Press), a book about an exotic animal zoo in Michigan and the Nat Geo Wild television program. Cindy developed and wrote the nonfiction book Renting Lacy: A Story of America's Prostituted Children (coauthored with former Congresswoman Linda Smith) and has also written over one hundred published articles.


Cindy is a speaker, book doctor, and writing coach. Her writing coach clients have included both aspiring and professional writers. She tailors her programs to meet their individual needs and goals.


She's spoken at such events and conferences as the World Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany; Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference; Simpson University Faculty Retreat; LittWorld in Tagaytay, Philippines; and many others. In her local area, she has co-led a writer's group for seventeen years.


With five children ranging in age from their early twenties to a baby boy, Cindy's life is always full of laughter, joy, and toys to trip over. She can't own enough books or watch enough movies, has more travel dreams than possible for a human (including underwater and outer-space itineraries), but loves home best of all. She and her extended family have lived in the Redding, California area for over thirty-five years. a with her husband and four children

Reviews

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5-4 stars


"Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like a thorn." - William Shakespeare

Caleb + Kate is quick and light retelling of Romeo and Juliet. It is a beautifully written novel all about true love. Not only is the cover gorgeous but at the beginning of each chapter is a different quote from Shakespeare making it one of the most beautiful books I ever seen.

This book has dual narration and I enjoyed getting both points of views. Caleb and Kate were both likeable characters who share some really sweet moments as they fall in love. It was refreshing to read about two teenagers who believe in that one great true love and are sure about their feelings towards each other.

While I did enjoy this book I found it lack that extra something special and also some passion.

Overall, if you're looking for a extra sweet young adult romance read this is the book for you.

[Kita · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry but whomever described this god-forsaken book as a 'quick, light Romeo+Juliet retelling' needs to go read it again. Paying special attention to that 70% of the book which is bogged down in meaningless, repetitive internal-dialogue. Let's go through the bad points of this book shall we?

The Characters \
Everyone from trying-hard-to-be-a-modern-Romeo Caleb to the Gossip-girls-in-the-sweet-valley-of-the-travelling-pants minor female characters, reeked of daytime-soapie fakeness. None of their relationships were interesting and I personally found them impossible to relate to.\

The Ties to Romeo and Juliet
-didn't work. Just absolutely failed. So yes, there was a 'big' family feud (something about land rights and blah-di-blah-di). However, it just about amounted to near-zilch. The 'plot' ended up being some dusty old-guys being mad at each other for something that happened decades ago. This would have been fine if something interesting was added in; perhaps the new generations had been informed about this and were ready to off each other at the nearest opportunity. Instead the only feuding that goes on is petty school-ground teasing at the initial meeting of Caleb and Kate

The Ties to Religion
I wasn't aware that this book was Christian lit. Otherwise I wouldn't have purchased it. However I did. Trying to push through the PAGES and PAGES of teenage musings about God and Love and blind Faith and what-not was absolute torture. I don't hate religion, I don't hate God, however I'm not a particularly religious person so these reflections bored me to tears. I understand that this calibre of Christian lit. was probably not intended for a person such as me who cannot stand the stuff, I understand that I probably should have checked before I bought it and that it is my fault. However even for someone who doesn't read a lot of Christian lit. I understood how terrible it was. Kate goes ON and ON for pages about how (direct quote) "I don't know how to live without him now."


I was really disappointed in this book. I love Romeo and Juliet retellings and was quite upset when I realised this book was pathetic.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was a ten star rating system for Young Adult romances I'd give this book twelve stars. It's the best YA romance I've ever read. Seriously. My heart was actually pounding for the last half of the book. Yes, it really was. I adored Caleb. He was a great guy, and I loved that he was not what everyone assumed when they first met him. The same with Kate. She wasn't a rich snob like he'd expected. I was thrilled that he couldn't hate her even though he had tried. They were so different.

Having met people from Hawaii who were native to the islands, the whole "haoles" reference to white people rang true, too. He didn't want to love her because life would be easier not to love her, but that's the cool thing about true love. It comes unexpectedly. When it hits you right in the heart, it leaves you stunned at first, but then craving more. Kind of like a wild carnival ride. Scary and exciting at the same time. I loved how the author perfectly captured the thrill of the ride in this story without being sappy or cliche.

The YA romance "voice" of this story was perfect, too. So was the male point of view. I loved that he didn't see her and think, "gee, she looks like she might have a wonderful personality. I'd like to get to know her." It was realistic. He thought, "Whoa. She's beautiful." And he kept feeling very drawn to her despite his attempts to feel otherwise. He also had very male teen hormonal thoughts, which rang true. Passion under control is SO heroic. Ahhh...love that kind of story where you fight true love and you lose.

There is something wonderfully elating about being pulled into a story and having it win over your heart. That is what this story did for me. I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to call someone to talk about how much I loved it as soon as I closed the book. It was such a beautiful story and slightly sensual but nothing over the top. These are high school teens here! Anything less than that would seem fake. I loved that they both fought desire. That made the story even better. And the fact that there was a faith element gently woven into the plot made it all the more endearing to me.

This book is making my top fiction list for 2010! Move over Valeria's Cross. You have some serious competition here. I now have a tie for the top of my favorites list! That has never happened to me before.

[Trianna/Treereads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this solely because I marked it “to read” in 2013 and wanted the satisfaction of crossing it off my tbr. I can’t say if 2013 Trianna would’ve enjoyed this, but 2018 Trianna sure didn’t.

[Isamlq · Rating 2 out of 5]

Keeping it short again...

I have mixed feelings about Caleb+Kate. Picture this a family feud, on one side is a family that's well-off, and on the other one is one that does not seem as wealthy. From the first is the girl, and from the second, the boy. Where the girl is bored and lacks passion, the boy is loyal and passionate and fiery. By some twist, they meet. Initially, they rub each other the wrong way, but after some exposure, they realize (after a month!) that they might be falling for each other. But the pesky patriarch of each family must be considered. It all rang of Romeo and Juliet that's time and again mentioned. And there were all the other people to consider as well~ the teen socialites with snobby their attitudes ala-Gossip Girl and Caleb's cousin Finn, who read bad boy and burned.

Look, I apreciate love stories, but this one went over board a couple of times. At least there was one very big surprise~ their faith, both Kate and Caleb allude to their faith and how it faith held them distinct from the rest. I suppose it was this addition that held them closer together. At one point Kate actually uttered the phrase God is Love, which elicited from me an eye roll. But after shaking off my initial surprise then opening up a little I could see that her/their faith was authentic even if their love developed rather quickly, passionately.

Did their love story read real and possible? Honestly, no.. everything was to intense and passionate given the span of time that they knew each other. This was so, despite the history and antagonism between their families. But I did appreciate the moments where each character had to "wait and think.."

2.5/5

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.


1/14/2014-
"Honestly, was adding the sexual content needed? The plot could have been fun, but with all the talks about mentions of sex, having sex, plus lots of kisses and sexual comments/innuendoes made this book receive a lot rating. Kate mentions seducing Caleb and having sex as she can tell "he's struggling even more than [Kate] is.". There's also a mention of the 'f-bomb' being said. Um, no thank you."

[Kristen❤️ Lehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really good at first but it got really cringey and Kate started annoying me😂

This isn't really a Christian book, they go to church but there actions say otherwise.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a simple form, Caleb + Kate is a modern take on Romeo and Juliet but the “house divided” aspect manifests in a different form. Two separate families from different backgrounds and cultures, holding a common link in the past but now in battle make up the most basic premise for this book. Built on top of that is a relationship formed out of teenage emotion and one sparked on despite each party’s original intent to ignore the other.

Kate is a rich heiress, the daughter of a man who owns a large chain of wealthy hotels. The original hotel- and the one most important to her family- makes up the setting for a large part of this novel. Despite her money and status, Kate is a mostly down to earth girl and aware of how fortunate she is. Though she isn’t sure she could easily give up her life of luxury, she holds no delusions that anyone with less than her is beneath her. Attending a private college prep school completes the rich snob image but the chapters from her perspective get the point across quickly of her worldly and mature mental state. Though she has her moments of weakness and at times slips into the “rich brat” type of mindset, her compassionate nature overrides the rest of the book.

Caleb is from a different background, full blooded Hawaiian and used to spending his days surfing rather than wearing a uniform to a school full of stuck up people. Working alongside his father as part of the landscape and maintenance team for Kate’s family hotel creates some interesting- and opportunistic- situations. Caleb is a genuine guy, devoted to his faith and his family but not so closed minded as to shut everything else or ignore chances and people because they don't immediate fit into the mold set out for him. In many ways, he compliments Kate and though only a teenager, he has a mindset of long term dating rather than someone for now.

There is a strong faith and Christian element in this book but it is brought about in defining the characters. Both Caleb and Kate are mostly unwavering in their faith, thinking of their beliefs even when teenage emotions and situations threaten to take control. Despite this facet, this is certainly a book to be received by a wide range of readers regardless of religious views. It never comes across as preachy or pushy. Caleb and Kate are Christians. Their faith is a part of them and this isn’t glossed over or held back as a method to please the masses.

As the plot progresses, both the reasons these two families are feuding as well as the relationship between Caleb and Kate develop and intertwine. The teenage appeal of first love is strong and the reader will fall into it, wanting more of the budding romance while also wondering what will happen under the pressure of their families. Rarely did the plot drag as there were enough elements and events woven together to keep things fresh and paced.

The teenage main characters come across strongly and develop beautifully, giving a strong backing to teenage first love- and something that very easily could continue to last. Their love is tested increasingly more as the novel progresses, leaving the reader wondering if things will work or if these two will be separated. The intrigue is present throughout before leading to a wonderfully written ending. Clear mental voices, personal struggles, and overall accomplished writing help pull this novel together, making it a must read for anyone looking for a teenage romance.

[YA Reads Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Monrovi has the quintessential perfect life. Her family is loaded, she’s got the money to buy whatever she wants, whenever she wants, and she goes to one of the most elite private schools the West Coast of America has to offer. She could be anything she wants, go to any college in the country, do whatever she wants with her life, but as we learn more about Kate, we realize that Kate has absolutely no idea what she wants from life. Money, it seems, can buy a lot of stuff, but it can’t buy Kate’s happiness. Before you go thinking that Kate is one of those rich kids so spoiled she’s unhappy with everything she has, think again. As far as characters go, she’s as down to earth as they come, especially compared to the snobs that make up her friendship circle. She carries no pretentious attitudes regarding her status, class, or position in society. To Kate, people are people, no matter who you are and where you come from, and all people deserve the same amount of respect.

So when Caleb Kalani – the new scholarship kid – saunters on into the prom, Kate doesn’t see the apparent differences between them that everyone else seems to. To her, he’s not ‘the scholarship kid’ or the poor laborer working for her dad – he’s just Caleb: strong, beautiful, Caleb.

Caleb knows a thing or two about Kate Monrovi even before he lays his eyes on her. Their two families have been locked in a feud for almost fifty years now, and every bone in his body tells him that getting to know the Monrovi girl is the biggest mistake of his life. But how can he help himself, when his heart thumps so forcefully when she’s around? Caleb quickly realizes that, when it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes the head has no control, no idea about these things.

And so starts the forbidden romance that is Caleb and Kate. Yes, it resembles a very Romeo and Juliet-esque story – but it’s supposed to. It’s very clear that Martinusen-Coloma intended this to be the case. But you know what? Even though the star-crossed lovers thing has been done over and over, I never get tired of it. Caleb + Kate is a real pageturner, and although you just freaking know that it’s all going to work out in the end, you wont be able to stop reading.

Kate is a very likable character. If there were more Kate’s around, the world would probably be a much better place. I think she’s a great role model for young girls everywhere. And Caleb is swoon worth for so many reasons, but his most attractive quality is the fact that he’s a complete slave to his emotions. He doesn’t try to fight it, because he knows Kate is the real thing.

Although it has an air of predictability about it, this story is definitely worth a look in. I think you’ll find being in Caleb and Kate’s heads is a complete delight. Two very big yaReads thumbs up.

[Christina (Reading Extensively) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caleb + Kate is a sweet love story, told in alternating chapters from the viewpoint of Kate and Caleb. Kate may be very wealthy but she is not spoiled. When she does something wrong, she willingly takes the punishment and she cares about the welfare of others. Still, Kate has some lessons to learn about life and her friendship with Caleb helps her to grow and see things in a different way. After the death of his mom, Caleb's father and younger sister moved to Oregon but Caleb stayed behind in Hawaii with his bitter and demanding grandfather. Instead of following his grandfather's lead and hating Kate and her family, Caleb chooses to be more like his dad and he forms a reluctant friendship with Kate. Their relationship develops into love as they overcome their initial prejudices and get to know each other. They have great chemistry. I thought both characters were well drawn but that the supporting characters are not as well developed.

While it is a Christian fiction novel, the faith elements are not preachy. There is a positive message about love and forgiveness woven into the storyline. The plot revolves around a falling out between Caleb's grandfather and Kate's grandfather but it is never discussed in detail nor is there any resolution. That is the part of the novel that disappointed me. There seemed to be a buildup that led the reader to expect more of a confrontation but it never occurred. Still, I really enjoyed the romance and cared about the characters. It reminded me of a Christian version of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. I would have loved this book as a teen. Back then Christian novels for teens read like incredibly preachy after school special books. Thankfully YA Christian fiction has improved since those early years. I look forward to reading Cindy Martinusen-Coloma's other YA fiction.

Readalikes: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb plus Kate? Beautiful. Loving. Great. Just perfect. They're the shapes to a puzzle, one cant be without another. Cindy made a wonderful, breath-taking exploration of a combination of two people. I 100% cherished every page, every word, of this book. I'm still stunned at the beauty of love shown between Caleb and Kate.

I dont know why, but these days, all the books I've read keep suprising me. This book wasnt what I expected, and I kinda blame it on myself(since I didnt pay too much attention to the summary). However, I bet I'd still be caught by suprise even though I've read and memorized the summary by heart. My thoughts of this book at first were revolving around the lines.. 'Bad boy plus Perfect girl- opposites attract' And, of course, I was knocked off my seat while not looking(metaphorically.. lol). Caleb plus Kate was more than what I thought was possible. This book really gave me more hope in life, and the writing was very pretty.

Mainly, you have two people finding this word called 'love'. Is it real? Will there ever be ever-lasting love in reality? I thought the shakespeare quotes enforced this, and it definitely was smart of Cindy to also include this activity of Kate(the main girl) putting love into words. The poem was.. I cant think of any other word other than beautiful. And breath-taking. In fact, that was what this whole book was. Absolutely, 100% magnificent.

I started growing this hate for Monica, Kate's bestfriend. It wasnt because of her personality, or her looks(I never judge anyone by looks). It just seemed this character was going to ruin the loving relationship between Kate and Caleb. Then, at the end of the book, I realized Monica was happy for Kate(even though Kate fell for Caleb- which was the thing Monica tried to steer Kate from in the beginning). So, I feel kinda bad for hating Monica. She turns out to be a true friend after all.

The plot of this story was quite good. Cindy gives you a private school, a few school activities(I believe there was only two), and school life(as in gossip). I honestly think the story wouldnt have been as 5-star-worthy if there was no Caleb and Kate in it. For those of you who think books with school going on is boring, dont worry. I dont think Cindy concentrated a whole lot on school, the only real events of school emphasized were the two activities(which was mostly done outside of school).

Other than school, the plot also included time at the MONROVI HOTEL(Why did I capitalize that? It's very important in the book), a small cove-like place, and time between Caleb n Kate. Plus the family feud. The family feud, I believe, started between Kate's grandpa and Caleb's grandpa. They fought over property(land) a few 'decades' ago, and also a over a woman. And(I just realized this), each person won one thing. I dont want to be a spoiler, so I'll not name what is won by who. Anyways, the feud still goes on, and dont worry, it doesnt affect Caleb's and Kate's relationship much. The feud just spices up some interest and tension, which, I think, made the story more great.

I enjoyed all the other characters, and background characters. They were like mini-puzzle pieces included to support the main pieces(What am I kidding, they're all main pieces). Without them, the relationship(between Caleb and Kate) would of flowed more smoothly, but it wouldnt be as reality-like as it is with obstacles. Other than that, the other characters added a sense of family & life. Each and every character was there for a reason, if only to keep the story moving, or to add obstacles along the way, they made an impact in this book.

I would recommend this to all. From young to old, small to big, nerd to popular, whatever. I think this was worth a read, so it might be worth it to you too. Prepare to be hit by a beautiful story.
-AlienAmy

PS: A five-star!! Finally! It's been so long. So many four-stars. No offence to the four-stars or lower out there, you're all great too.

-- End of actual review --

(I’m a spoiler!! The next portion of this review, the ‘Characters’ portion, is really spoily. I don’t recommend reading it, but if you do, most likely you’ll get lost anyway.. PS: this next portion is on here on all my reviews b/c I kind of developed a habit of jotting things down.. a lot.)

Characters:

Kate Monrovi: a junior, blonde and tall, a Christian,has a heart-shaped face,blond and tall,brown eyes,in the middle of her senior year(about six months after Caleb left to be with his grandpa) she and her family went to Hawaii to see the grandpa and end the feud,

Jake: Kate’s little brother(is going to Gaitlin Academy next year),

Allie: Jake’s terrier mutt,

Kirsten: Kate’s older sister(was adopted by Kate's parents after several miscarriages),

Bobby: Kate's brother-in-law and Kirsten's husband,

Grandpa Augustus: Kate's grandfather,

Mr. Monrovi/Reed: Kate's dad and the owner of many hotels,

Elaine: one of the juniors in Woman & Literature class, has black glasses with thick lenses, choppy raven-dyed hair,

Katherine: one of ‘s friends at the private school, broke up with her boyfriend(Blake) the day before prom,

Monica: one of ‘s friends at the private school,

Caleb Kalani: built, tan, has black hair n deep brown eyes, got into Kate’s private school by scholarship, has tattoos on his back and upper arms, rides a motorcycle, works at Kate’s dad’s hotel(his father works there too as the head of the maintenance team),goes to prom when Finn dares him(Finn says he'll give up his Jeep for a month to C),after the trust project.. he and Kate start dating,is heir to his grandfather's money,seventeen-years-old,had to return to Hawaii to be w/ his grandpa(since his grandpa has cancer) and when he told Kate she got so scared and mad that she said if he leaves.. never come back(the next day he didnt leave on the flight tht was scheduled so he can see her.. but he went on the next flight scheduled),

Gabrielle: Caleb's sister,

Mr. Kalani/Ben: Caleb's dad,one of the best employees Mr Monrovi ever had,

Robert Kalani: Caleb's grandfather,used to be in love with the same woman Augustus used to be in love with(the woman became his first wife.. and he was no longer friends with A),has cancer,

Finn: one of Caleb’s cousin,

Meela: Finn’s sister and one of Caleb’s cousins,

Luis: a Mexican immigrant,

Laina: Caleb's ex-girlfriend back in Hawaii,

Oliver: Kate’s best guy friend,

Ms. Liberty: the headmistress at the private school(Gaitlin Academy),

Ted Brackinton: a guy Kate used to like,

Bryan Fischer: Ted’s best friend,


Family Feud.. Kalani vs Monrovi:
Apparently, it was over land. As in, Caleb's grandfather and Kate's grandfather fought(legally) over land. The land where the Monrovi hotel was built was very important to the Kalani(s), but during the war between the grandfathers in court, Kate's grandfather built the Monrovi hotel there.

Pages: kC-59 reunion-82

[Hannah:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umm i dont get insta-love. like HOW do you just see someone for like 30 minutes and then decide you want to spend the rest of your life with them?!!! sorry but no. This was sweet though. But kinda overly sweet. Also hello she basically ditched her friends for a guy??? Liked the R&J references tho. And at least they didn't die:)

[Maggie Ollmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Response
I thought Caleb and Kate was a good book; I enjoyed the story of Caleb and Kate. They had struggled in the beginning of their relationship, but by the end it was easier on them. One thing that I did not like was that they focused on the past of both families, which was why the relationship had a rocky start.

Plot
Kate was at school when she got called down to the Headmistress Mrs. Liberty’s office. She was told she would have to show the new guy around school on his first day. Kate was good with having to show the new guy, Caleb, around. When she told her parents she had to show Caleb around, their reaction was unexpected to her. When Caleb noticed it was Kate who was going to show him around, he was not thrilled. Caleb knew about the past family fued between them. They had finally gotten over what they first had feelings about and they decided to just be friends. Once they started to be friends, feelings had grown, and they wanted to fight them. By the end they realized the past is the past and they should be happy.

Characterization
Kate
Kate was a fun and outgoing girl. She was thrown for a loop when she had to be the escort for the new student, Caleb. She had never expected to be friends with him when she first learned about the family feud. By the end, she realized her feelings were more important than the family feud.
Caleb
Caleb used to be a beach boy, then he had moved to a town where his whole world changed. The school chose to have Kate, escort him around the first day. He was not excited, because she was from a family that his family did not get along with. He did not want to form a friendship with her in the start, but they eventually had become friends. Caleb and Kate realized they needed to let go of the feud between their families.

Setting
This book took place in a small town, in modern time. The school they attended was also where a lot of the book took place. This book, having taken place in modern time, can make it relatable for teens in the present.

Recommendation
I would recommend this book to any teenager in high school, boy or girl. This book would be for all high schooler if they like love stories, or a Shakespeare story with a modern twist. The content of the book would also be best for a high schooler to read. I would tell high schoolers to give this book a chance.

[Abigail S · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished the book, I wasn't ready to end it because it was so amazing. I think the author did a great job with detailing and wording. Now, I'm just waiting to see if there is a sequel or not.

[Shxrxn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The course of true love never did run smooth.
- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE The Tempest (Act 1, Scene 1)
Love is like death’s cold grip crushing the beats from an innocent heart.
- Elaine
Once upon a time, I believed in love, I believed in the entire happily-ever-after dream.
- Kate
Rules were made to be broken.
- Maggie
Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.
- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Measure for Measure (Act 1, Scene 4)
Revenge is more fun than love.
- Monica
When a guy doesn’t want to answer the question as to whether or not he’s dating someone, it usually means he’s seeing someone but wants to keep his options open.
- Caleb
Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like a thorn.
- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Romeo and Juliet (Act 1, Scene 4)
You better not go down that path, cousin. There’ll be hell to pay
- Finn
I wonder if he’s thinking of me?
- Kate
My nature has always been to fight. My faith forces me to forgive.
- Caleb
Seems the only people who are angry and bitter are those who have tried to own something that really can’t be owned.
- Mr. Kalani
No questions. Only trust.
- Caleb
I am happy, I realize. It fills me up and overflows, this happiness.
- Kate
It’s crazy how these moments of joy fill me at times, rare times for sure. Less and less it seems. But now, right here and now, the joy is immense.
- Kate
I think I’m drunk on happiness.
- Kate
It’s supposed to be a normal guy thing to have such struggles, but I would’ve appreciated it if God had made it a little easier.
- Caleb
I was in love with Johnny Depp for a long time.
- Kate
The word perhaps feels like a loose sail to my ship. It flaps untethered and without direction . . . it offers too many possibilities.
- Kate
So this is love—the sweetest insanity, a blinding wonder, a fear-tinged joy.
- Kate
It’s torment being apart from her, and when we’re together, I can hardly stand that there will be a parting.
- Caleb
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Sonnet 18
Today I wake with a heart aching with amazement.
- Kate
I wish I could fix time here, stop its ticking, so I can savor the perfection of knowing I love someone and that someone loves me.
- Kate
How I want to love him like this, and he love me, in maybe five or six years from now. I picture years stretching forward, turning from my window to see him sleeping or rubbing tired eyes, then he stares at me as if I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen—even after years and decades together.
- Kate
I picture a place that was ours alone with his books and music mixed with my books and music. Our food in the cupboards, furniture we picked out together. I want normal to be us and this. Love and passion.
- Kate
If I could just remain right here, unmoving and untouched by real life.
- Kate
And I hope and pray to God as the sunlight grows within the foggy morning that this new amazing thing will last and last.
- Kate
The fairy tales that you lost hope in are suddenly true. Happily ever after might really exist.
- Kate
Food, music, people who love us.
- Kate
I wish there were a better way for me to tell you what’s in my heart. But I—I hope to always be your great love, Caleb.
- Kate
Know I’m missing you all day.
- Caleb
Isn’t love all about sacrifice anyway?
- Kate
Never ignore the warning signs.
- Susanne
Love. What is it? Why do we need it? Where does it come from?
- Kate
I want to make you happy. If I can’t do that, I want you happy without me.
- Caleb
There’s no imagining life without this person now. I do not know how I will make my feet walk away.
- Caleb
In reality, people survive such losses every day. I would live without him, my head knows, but my heart can’t bear even the hint of it. But I truly believe that if our love ends, a part of me will be destroyed forever.
- Kate
How could I ever break up with you? You are . . .everything.
- Caleb
Faith is nothing until you have to rely on it and live by it. We have to believe that we will get through this. We can decide to make this work. A decision doesn’t just mean choosing something. It is making a choice and cutting off all other options. So we live by our faith and decide to trust and believe, and to cut off other alternatives.
- Caleb
We would’ve made one fabulous-looking couple, though. Imagine the kids. We’d look like a Tommy Hilfiger commercial.
- Oliver
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2)
A decision means choosing one thing and cutting off the other choices. I won’t ask you to decide on me forever right now. But decide on me until I get back.
- Caleb

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted at Amaterasu Reads

It's a Romeo and Juliet re-telling with a different twist. One that goes deeper and more complicated. It's about family, faith, love and the sacrifices we need to do in order for us to be happy.

Kate thought she had it all. She's rich, she attends a prestigious school and have two of the best friends anyone can have. She thought she wouldn't ever be in love. Not in the foreseeable future anyway. But that was until she meets Caleb, the son of the maintenance guy, from Hawaii, tattooed and a bad boy. Everyone keeps on saying he's bad for her, but Kate thinks otherwise. When it seems like Caleb feels the same way and they both gave in to their feelings, will their relationship survive a family feud, different social statuses, and ultimately, their fate for their love for each other?

I am still reeling from the intensity of Caleb and Kate's feelings for each other. It's the kind that's instantaneous, that's just suddenly there but you know you can't do anything about it. It's the kind of love that just doesn't seem to make sense, yet feel so right. Or wrong, but still you know you won't be able to resist it whatever you do. I am not a fan of insta-love but Caleb + Kate makes readers believe that it can happen. It's about first love and the overpowering feelings that can grip you. But it's also about the kind of love which will make you think of what you have, and what you will lose if you decide to fight for it or forget it.

Oftentimes when either of them seem to lose their way, Caleb and Kate turn to God for guidance. It's also one of the aspects I love about this book, how they try to work things out and still rely on Him to guide them through whatever difficulties they will encounter. Faith plays a big part in this book, because sometimes it's what's left for Caleb and Kate to rely on. Frankly speaking, I don't really get how the feud can get between Caleb and Kate, but I guess that's how it works for wealthy families. It's not an issue whether Caleb is poor or not, but it goes back to the bitterness between two people, and the anger which they can't let go.

There were a lot of interesting characters in this book, each of them had their own stories to tell. Readers will love Caleb, but you won't help but think of people like Oliver. He's the kind of guy friend that is there for you even when his life is even more messed up than yours.

“You know, my Katie, if I could be someone who could take care of you, fall in love with you, make you fall in love with me, you know I’d do it. It would keep us together. I don’t want to lose you. But I can’t seem to fall in love with anyone who is good for me.”

Caleb + Kate is an awfully romantic tale between two people who brave the odds for love. It's a tale that will make you believe that true love does exist, something that will appeal to every girl and every boy's romantic side.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was browsing through the YA section of the library when I found Caleb + Kate. I love discovering a great new book and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s a modern (loose) retelling of Romeo and Juliet, and very sweet.

I liked that the author incorporated texting and social media into the book, because it very realistically depicted teens these days and I don’t think enough YA authors incorporate it to the extent that they should.

Kate and Caleb’s relationship does develop very quickly, as many people have mentioned. Or at least it goes very quickly to the “I love you” and this is “true love,” phase. It is also a bit dramatic at the end – though teens’ emotions are always over the top, and the story of Romeo and Juliet, which the novel is based on, was also a bit extreme (at least in the: I’m going to kill myself because I can’t live without you).

I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was a Christian novel. Or at least Kate and Caleb are Christians, who are also regular teens. Thus struggles they have are depicted realistically. I’ve been pretty disappointed with a lot of contemporary YA books where teens jump to having sex without any hesitation. I like that this book shows both the feelings and desires that a couple has for each other, but also teens (well one anyway) who are committed to abstaining. Although it’s written about in a very mild way and there’s no real reason given for the person’s convictions, it was refreshing to see.

I found it interesting that the author chose to have Kate and Caleb notice issues going on with their friends – Katherine’s bulimia, Oliver’s drinking/drug use and Finn’s anger/drug use, but never act on their concern. It’s common to have friends who deal with these issues as teens, but neither Kate nor Caleb confronts their friends. I know this book was focused on their relationship with each other, but I think the author may have missed an opportunity to address some real situations that teens deal with.

I was a little bugged by the character’s reaction to the possibility of being poor and loosing their wealthy lifestyle. Most people do not have as much money as Kate, nor do they often (or ever) spend $500 on shoes. Caleb seems genuinely distressed that if his grandfather disinherits him, Kate might have to shop at Target. While I get the general point the author is trying to make – and I see that it is possibly a realistic concern in Kate’s world, it just seemed so silly to me.

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Monrovi's family owns a chain of hotels, so this young lady drives a Lexus and she can afford a $500 pair of shoes. Caleb Kalani and his father don't have much as far as material things but they are hard workers with integrity. Kate is white, Caleb is Hawaiian. A relationship between these two young people begins with a dare but some family members don't want them to be together. It isn't a racial issue -not totally. Their families have been against each other for more than fifty years for another reason. Caleb knows the story, Kate doesn't have a clue.

I liked Kate. Her family had money but she was down-to-earth... If more of the wealthy in the world helped the poor, we'd have less of a divide between us - I liked that she felt that way. I really liked Caleb. He was easy-going - meek, not weak; he had no problem speaking his mind. These two made lots of preconceived notions about each other for a while there but they weren't as judgmental as Kate's friend, Monica or Caleb's cousin, Finn.

Caleb and Kate fought temptation when it came to having sex, but I got the impression that Kate would have lost her virginity in a heartbeat if Caleb wasn't strong in his convictions. It's always nice to read a story where a teenage guy is willing to wait. It also would have been nice, though, if there would have been more showing and less telling with this part of the story.

Monica and Oliver (Kate's two best friends): What I liked most about them is that they didn't give Kate a hard time because she was a Christian. They respected her choice. Maybe that was easy for them to do because they didn't feel judged by her. Kate was like Christ in this area; she accepted her friends just the way they were. I hope she included them in her prayer time, though, because they did have issues. But then again, it seemed Kate needed a spiritual revival (Page 132).

The fight between Caleb and Kate's families: It seemed to me Kate's family was in the wrong, so, even though Caleb's grandfather did have his ways, I don't see why he was the bad guy. No, it isn't good to hold grudges, but I understood why he was upset.

This was a good story. Caleb & Kate is very well-written and honest.

[Princess Bookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts: How can I describe this one? Well, first off, we are introduced to Kate. Kate comes off as a snobby rich girl to some people, but really she isn't. She's actually kind. We are also introduced to Caleb who isn't as wealthy as Kate's family and is transferring from Hawaii to her school. Their is a long held rivalry between their families and are persuaded not to become friends. Of course what happens? They fall in love! This story switches back and forth between each point of view (love stories like this) and we get to know each one as a person and it really helps with character development. There were some christian thoughts throughout the book (since most of Cindy's books include religion) but not an overly amount if your not religious. There is a lot of family dispute between Caleb and his grandfather and we realize there may be more to his story than what lies on the surface.

What happens with Caleb and Kate? Does Caleb return to Hawaii or stay for Kate? Do Kate and Caleb listen to their parents and decide not to see each other anymore?

This book is a good one if your looking for something light to read with romance sprinkled throughout the book. But, there is also a lot of family issues/family talks throughout the novel.

Overall: I enjoyed Caleb and Kate a lot.

Cover: The cover is really romantic. I love the way the hands are angled, almost like they are holding hands but not quite and that is the way this book makes you feel. Like they want too, but there are so many obstacles in the way. I also like how his skin is a little more tan than Kate's. (He is Hawaiian).

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Opinion: I fell in love with the characters almost immediately. However, I didn't really like Kate's best friend Monica but she wasn't that much part of the story. The characters are a lot different then what I was expecting and I was expecting a story more traditional to the Romeo and Juliet story. It was a lot like it but of course with a happy ending. I didn't like Kate's sister in the story either. (She was the pregnant one in my teaser Tuesday post). I loved how it was mainly the grandfather that had the issue with the relationship. I'm sure Kate's dad did to but he didn't show it. I only think he minded it because what father wants his daughter to grow up and fall in love? (I'm sure they do but it is hard on them)




Caleb seemed so much more wiser than his years in this book and he had me hanging on every word he said. I related to Kate, mainly be cause I could understand. I am a sucker for Romeo and Juliet stories, and I am a sucker about summer romance stories. So therefore how can I not love this story. I really did enjoy it.

www.bookbookie.blogspot.com

[moonlightfairyprincess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book- disappointing.

While the characters were okay and likable, there was just so much left out. When I finished the book, I was expecting maybe a sequel would be in the works but I don't see that is true. Unfortunately, that leaves A LOT of blanks in this story.

The feud is never fully explained- we know there was a woman involved and a grant of land with a sacred blessing but nothing beyond those basic facts- the financial difficulties of Kate's parents never resolved, there is mention of a truce Kate's father wants to attempt between the two families but it's never explained nor the outcome shared, Kate and Caleb are still in a precarious situation by the end of the book no matter how much the author tries to pretend otherwise and then, there is the mention of Kate's friend, Oliver, needing help or an intervention but there is no elaboration as to why or what his issues are.

Basically, the book starts off interesting but falls flat and feels shallow without anything in the story being explained or tied together.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable. The first time I read this book was 2 years ago, and I definitely didn't appreciate what a gem this novel was. Now after a re-read, I've found insightful quotes that I totally missed the first time I read it, and I can now fully appreciate Caleb and Kate's story now that I've also read Romeo and Juliet, although I must say I like the book better than I like the play. (Maybe it's just me, but I didn't actually like Romeo and Juliet. I found it incredibly unromantic, and there was way too much hype around it in my opinion). Warning: it was very insta-lovey, but if you're looking for a sweet cute romance, then this is it. If not, then steer clear because the romance and googly eyes are on full blast in this book.

An upgraded 4 cute stars for me.

[Claudia B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much Romeo and Juliet like.
It was a really poor storyline. Come on, what's with the hate for the girl? That shit was not her fault.
And Kate was SOOOOOOOOOo predictable. Jesus!. this was SO BAD I can't even go on.

[Debs · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a really boring book. I didn't like the main characters, they're not strong enough.

Also, this is not a Christian book. At least not for me. I really don't like when people assume a book is a Christian book just because it involves a church somehow.

But anyways, the book was not good... :(

[Kaitlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much happier ending than the one in Romeo + Juliet ;)

Is it bad that I fell in love with Oliver a little bit more than I fell in love with Caleb?

[Jessica Marquis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but honestly its biggest shortcoming to me was- nothing much happened. I found it quite boring, and didn't like Caleb and Kate's tones. They didn't sound believable.

[Zemira Warner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not impressed with Caleb+Kate. Once again my high expectations messed everything up. I was a sweet book but I wasn't emotionally invested in the story and characters.

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

ohmyword

so I was originally going for a 3 star but halfway through that dropped to a 2 and then a 1 and if theres such thing as a negative star i'd give it rn

ohmyword.

facepalms

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book on my to-read list for something like 8 years. Truly. It finally got to the point where I had to read it or get it off my list.

Part of the reason it took so long was because I was leery about it being Christian lit. It's not my favorite genre by far, but I was interested enough in how it was going to be a modern Romeo and Juliet retelling that I went for it.

My real problem with this book was that it was utterly forgettable. There really wasn't anything about it--at all--that I'll probably remember about it in another year. The characters are relatively bland, the action is bland, and there isn't a whole lot of any kind of emotion coming from the story.

Ok, like, the biggest crux of this story--and every Romeo and Juliet story, really--is supposed to be the family feud. Initially, I got behind this one. It wasn't just a family feud so much as it was a social class difference (Kate's parents own the hotel where Caleb and his father work) and a bit of a culture clash (Caleb and his family are Hawaiian, Kate and her family are white). With those differences, I was actually starting to get into the story.

But then like, the big family feud sort of just fizzles out. No one feels like they're feuding anymore and it just sort of disappears. It was kind of a let down.

And all of the emotion of an epic love story I was expecting? Not there. I mean yes, they love each other and all that rah-rah, but none of that emotion translated from the page to my heart. It was more like the characters looked at each other and were like, "Oh, I think I love you," rather than feeling butterflies in their stomach or the ache of being apart. That kind of thing. I suppose you could say it was more tell than show.

I was also disappointed in the characters. Things started out interestingly, what with Kate coming from an ultra-rich family and Caleb being the new kid in school, driving a motorcycle and being half covered in tattoos (which were explained as being part of his Hawaiian culture, so that made it ok...and that seemed like an odd thing to say). Anyway, they started off so very different and even though I knew they'd find their common ground, it was very sudden that all of their differences didn't matter at all. Even Romeo and Juliet struggled more.

I want to touch briefly on the Christian lit aspect of this story. It wasn't as prevalent as I thought it would be. It's totally there, don't get me wrong, but it's not the whole story. There were times where I felt it got a bit awkward when someone would reference Kate's Christianity ("You're a Christian, you have to forgive him," with the implication being that the other person didn't have to/was a worse person), but that was moderately rare.

I wish it was better. There was a lot of potential here, but I didn't feel like it was executed as well as it could have been.

[Amel Armeliana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shakespeare never been so hip? What about Romeo and Juliet never been so boring? Because honestly, this book is a boring one. I expected Romeo and Juliet's retelling in a modern style, but then it's just an old family feud that involved a bitter old man.
And the chemistry between Caleb and Kate isn't working for me. Beside all the talk about love bla bla bla, I just couldn't feel it. And they're 17 after all. Duh! Maybe yes, there's a love once in a lifetime but honestly, when I was 17 years old I won't take love with a boy that seriously. And love forever and ever is hardly to find when you're only 17 and all you can think of is how to finish your homework on time (which is in this wasn't, I guess).
Anyway, I was struggling to finish this book and so relieved when I it finally ends. Can't wait to pick another book to read #sigh