Title: Courting Catherine
Author: Nora Roberts
First published June 1, 1991
396 pages, Audiobook
ISBN: 9781567400298 (ISBN10: 1567400299)
Rating: 4
Overview
It’s a tale as old as time – two unlikely couples brought together by fate. Stubborn and headstrong C.C. Calhoun clashes with the charming and wealthy Trenton St. James, but when their lips meet, sparks fly.
Meanwhile, Amanda Calhoun can’t stand the carefree attitude of Sloan O’Riley, but she can’t deny her attraction to him either. Together, they must unravel the mystery of a priceless emerald necklace that has been passed down for generations.
Will love conquer all, or will the past keep them apart? Nora Roberts weaves a delightful story of love, family, and the power of destiny in Courting Catherine.
About the Author
With over 200 novels to her name, Nora Roberts is a prolific author who has topped the New York Times bestseller list countless times. Some of her most popular works include Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, and Legacy.
Fans of her Dragon Heart Legacy series will be delighted to know that the second installment, The Becoming, is set to release in November 2021. In addition to her impressive body of work, Roberts has also written a series of futuristic suspense novels under the pseudonym J.D. Robb.
With over 500 million copies of her books in print, it’s safe to say that Roberts is a literary force to be reckoned with.
Editoral Review
In Nora Roberts’ 1991 novel Courting Catherine, readers are treated to a classic romance with all of the expected elements: a determined heroine, a charming hero, and plenty of obstacles in their paths to happiness. Known for her talent in this genre, Roberts delivers a captivating story with relatable characters and a satisfying resolution.
Set in the present day, Courting Catherine follows the story of Catherine “C.C.” Calhoun, a successful businesswoman who faces a unique challenge when she inherits her family’s ancestral estate – and the responsibility to restore it to its former glory. Enter Trenton St. James III, a renowned architect who agrees to take on the project despite C.C.’s initial distrust of him.
As they work together to bring the estate back to life, their growing attraction is threatened by personal and professional challenges, leaving them to navigate their own feelings and the obstacles in their path. Roberts’ writing style is engaging and easy to follow, and she effectively creates a world that is both familiar and aspirational.
The main characters are likable and well-developed, with relatable motivations that drive the plot forward. One strength of the book is Roberts’ ability to balance the romantic storyline with the more practical elements of restoring a property, making for a well-rounded story that appeals to readers of all interests.
However, the novel does have its limitations. The conflicts that arise between C.C. and Trenton feel somewhat formulaic, without much surprise or complexity.
Additionally, while the contemporary setting is refreshing, the novel’s lack of diverse representation feels somewhat dated by modern standards. Overall, Courting Catherine is a satisfying read that will appeal to fans of classic romance novels.
Roberts’ strengths lie in her ability to create characters that feel alive and relatable, making for a deeply emotional experience. However, readers looking for more depth or complexity may find themselves wanting.
As a critic, it is important not to oversimplify the evaluation process, and so I give this book three and a half stars out of five. While there are certainly areas for improvement, Courting Catherine is a strong example of the romance genre done well.
For fans of Nora Roberts, or those looking for a breezy and enjoyable read, this book is well worth checking out.
