Catherine's Heart

I read The Maiden of Mayfair a couple of years ago and bought its sequel shortly after. But then I forgot all about it. A few days ago, in the mood for a novel set during the turn of the twentieth century, I was digging through my rather large TBR pile and found Catherine's Heart. As I read it, I remembered the characters in The Maiden of Mayfair and was absorbed with the wonderful historical accuracy, which is set in the beginning of the 1880s. It is eighteen-year-old Catherine Rayborn's new life as an university student at Gilton. She meets two lovely friends and three potential suitors. One is a dashing young man who likes to pull pranks, but possesses a kind soul. He has a great deal of success at his father's business, but there is an empty void in his heart that he can't seem to fulfill. The other is an army officer that Catherine finds charming. The third one is the notorious Lord Holt, a rake and someone who had treated William Doyle, Sarah's husband and protagonists of The Maiden of Mayfair, with contempt for having no rank and being what he considered to be a low-class citizen. Catherine has her heart set out on Lord Holt, or does she? After all, he has admitted to his sins and seems to regret his past actions. But something tells her that not all is right, especially when he wants them to meet up in secret. Will she be able to listen to what God, her family and friends and her very own instincts are telling her about him before it's too late? The second part of the Tales of London is beautifully written and wonderfully told. You get reacquainted with the characters from the first book and meet some great new ones. A lot of things brought up on the Bible -- including those about disobedient children and overindulging parents, which could be found in Proverbs -- are here, and Lawana Blackwell tells them with a great deal of insight and Christian soul without sounding preachy. But the historical elements are what most impressed me about this novel. I love the way Blackwell describes the turn-of-the-century setting with its development of technology and the way in which women begin to become independent. The telephone is brought up a lot in this installment, and I felt as though I had been transported to this fascinating time period, which happens to be my favorite. The characterization is also excellent. Catherine is sweet and relatable, but she is so naïve that sometimes I wanted to get into the book and shout, "Can't you see that the man you are secretly seeing is a total jerk?" I loved Catherine's Heart and I look forward to reading the Tales of London 3. I hope it won't take as long to get to as it did me with this one though!

I have been a fan of Lawana Blackwell for about 4 or 5 years now, and I've learned that you can't go wrong with her books. Catherine's Heart is no exception. This was probably the hardest book for me to get through, not because it was poorly written by any means (I sometimes think that Blackwell could re-write my phone book and it would be an interesting read), but because of the story. As a young girl who has yet to embark into the unknown world of boys and their charms, I found myself relating to the main character throughout the entire story. Catherine makes decisions that you know are not good for her, and it's difficult to watch someone you're investing time and energy into doing so. It was because of this that I believe Catherine's Heart is so powerful. I learned the importance of guarding your heart, especially as a young inexperienced woman. Every young girl should take time to read this book. I'm so thankful that I read it when I did before I do begin that portion of my life. Wonderfully written and beautifully told!

Catherine Rayborn is enjoying her first taste of freedom and independence after a sheltered upbringing. Her head and heart are easily turned by any young man who looks her way and gives her a kind word. Even though she knows better and has loving, supportive people in her life to offer Godly counsel, she allows her heart to rule her head. Kudos to Ms. Blackwell for another wonderful series. Her writing is warm and genuine, and her characters draw the reader into the story at the very beginning. Most series weaken with each new addition, but Lawana Blackwell's characters stay strong and true to form. The storyline does not grow tiresome after several books. Unlike most series, I always regret when hers come to an end. She is probably my favorite writer of Inspirational fiction today. I can't get enough of her realistic, endearing characters and their stories. Great work, Ms. Blackwell. Thank you for an excellent read.

I admit it: I like to escape into the pages of an old-fashioned romance every so often but am frustrated with the R-rated bodice rippers that have no moral fiber to them. This is a book (actually all books by this author) is one you can read in public and not be ashamed or embarrassed. It is an old-fashioned romance with an element of suspense. The characters have their flaws but the theme underlying the entire book is one of morals and Christianity. This is a book you can enjoy and then pass on to your mother or sister (which is just what I did). Thanks goes to the author for a well-written, well-researched, interesting book. I look forward to many more!

This latest book by Lawana Blackwell will take you to Victorian London 1880 where 18-year-old Catherine Rayborn goes off to college in Cambridge. Catherine is thrilled about her independency and delves into her studies. Before long she is sought after by many eligible men. One man with a notorious past courts her and she convinces herself that he has changed and that his past doesn't matter. What will it take for Catherine to realize the difference between infatuation and love that is based upon true friendship and mutual respect? Will she follow her heart and find her true love? This book also continues the story of Sarah Rayborn Doyle who is enjoying married life with William. Will she be able to prevent Catherine's mistake of giving her heart to the man whose notorious past also includes her? Will Sarah also fulfill the longing in her heart to have children of her own? Wow! Great story about love vs. infatuation, college life, friendship and God's grace. I recommend to anyone who loves romance in Victorian London, intrigue and betrayal. I have waited a long time for this book and it was well worth the wait! I'm looking forward to the 3rd book in this series which will hopefully be released soon.