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Seeking Catherine
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B009PSQ4QW
He’s hurt her in the past. Can she trust her heart to him again?
During an age of chivalry they were sweethearts, planning a future together in Tudor England.
Headstrong and proud, Catherine Sudfield remembers everything about Stefan Boswell. And she loved him in spite of his poverty and lack of nobility. The restless Gypsy rogue’s powerful good looks and promises of love were more than enough to satisfy her youthful dreams.
But then Stefan left without a word, and Catherine's uncle bargained her off to a brothel.
Sometimes, bonds between a man and a woman, however young, are meant to last a lifetime. But will it take more than a dose of Gypsy magic to chase away the doubts between two guarded lovers?
SEEKING CATHERINE is a short novella (12,000 words)
The story is a sweet romance. (no sex), but with sensual content.
He’s hurt her in the past. Can she trust her heart to him again?
During an age of chivalry they were sweethearts, planning a future together in Tudor England.
Headstrong and proud, Catherine Sudfield remembers everything about Stefan Boswell. And she loved him in spite of his poverty and lack of nobility. The restless Gypsy rogue’s powerful good looks and promises of love were more than enough to satisfy her youthful dreams.
But then Stefan left without a word, and Catherine's uncle bargained her off to a brothel.
Sometimes, bonds between a man and a woman, however young, are meant to last a lifetime. But will it take more than a dose of Gypsy magic to chase away the doubts between two guarded lovers?
SEEKING CATHERINE is a short novella (12,000 words)
The story is a sweet romance. (no sex), but with sensual content.
48 pages, ebook
First published October 11, 2012
186 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Josie Riviera
142 books467 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Josie Riviera writes contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.
Send her an email at: josieriviera@aol.com
Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. You'll receive a free sweet romance ebook!
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Send her an email at: josieriviera@aol.com
Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. You'll receive a free sweet romance ebook!
josieriviera.com
Follow her on Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/josie...
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Pinterest:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 25, 2017
Seeking Catherine
By: Josie Riviera
This was a great one sitting read that will have you glued to your seat, and trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Very well written and the character well developed. Catherine thinks her life will be in a brothel and never be free. I really enjoyed this novella and the author grabbed me right at the start and I was hooked.
I was given a complimentary copy , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
By: Josie Riviera
This was a great one sitting read that will have you glued to your seat, and trying to read faster to see what is going to happen next. Very well written and the character well developed. Catherine thinks her life will be in a brothel and never be free. I really enjoyed this novella and the author grabbed me right at the start and I was hooked.
I was given a complimentary copy , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
August 26, 2016
A one sitting read (54 pages) and very enjoyable. A historical romance set in a brothel in 1544 London. It’s a fast paced story that keeps you reading to find out what will happen next. I loved the banter between Catherine and Stefan. Very well written and I liked the characters. A full story which I don’t often find in a short story. You feel the emotions from the misfortune and despair to forgiveness and hope with a HEA. My first time reading a book by Josie Riviera and will check out her other books.
Author provided free novella with newsletter signup.
Author provided free novella with newsletter signup.
April 18, 2018
I find it disgusting that a guy will insinuate or insult a woman first then compliment her. It's like mild masochism---he will beat her first (insinuate/insult) then apologize with words and sex (compliment).
Lastly, it was so irritating that Steffan had already solved Catherine's dilemma but didn't divulge it immediately and tormented her by asking her painful questions.
Lastly, it was so irritating that Steffan had already solved Catherine's dilemma but didn't divulge it immediately and tormented her by asking her painful questions.
May 23, 2018
This book was very odd because there wasn't a plot. The entire book was a conversation that took place in a brothel. I've never read anything like this before.
I realize romance novels are not realistic, but the heroine went from hating to loving the hero in less that two minutes.
Very disappointing!
I realize romance novels are not realistic, but the heroine went from hating to loving the hero in less that two minutes.
Very disappointing!
June 19, 2021
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hot: 🔥🔥🔥
Wonderful: 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I love this book... 100% wonderful... 🤩🤩
A short book, but with a lot of charm and love.... 🥰📚🌟
This is the first Josie Riviera book I've read... 😎😎
Catherine Sudfield and Stefan Boswell ... 🥰😎
São duas pessoas com um passado, mas com um futuro que precisa somente de uma pequena doce de "Gypsy magic" para tudo End with a happy ending forever...
The End!! 🥰😘
Good Reading!! 🖤🎀
October 7, 2024
I listened to the audiobook.
October 3, 2016
Seeking Catherine by Josie Riviera
Seeking Catherine was an ‘I can’t put down’ must read book. The historical setting was realistic and I imagine, that brothels of that time were like the descriptions that Riviera gave. This story was incredible and held my attention all the way through. This novella should interest any reader who loves romance and happy endings. It took very little time to read, but gave a longer novel’s full story experience.
Catherine was loveable and loyal to her family. This was evident because she allowed herself to sacrifice her virtue, to save her sister from being forced into the similar life.
The unseen characters of her uncle and the owner of the whorehouse evoked feelings of hatred and disgust. Unfortunately there have been, and will always be real mean like these two characters.
Stefan Boswell, Catherine’s one true love, definitely one my affection. He was her cliché, ‘knight in shining armor.’ His back story about fighting for the king and spending time in an Italian prison tugged at Catherine’s heart strings and as mine as a reader.
I look forward to reading other novel, written by Josie Riviera.
Kat Fankhauser-Taylor
Seeking Catherine was an ‘I can’t put down’ must read book. The historical setting was realistic and I imagine, that brothels of that time were like the descriptions that Riviera gave. This story was incredible and held my attention all the way through. This novella should interest any reader who loves romance and happy endings. It took very little time to read, but gave a longer novel’s full story experience.
Catherine was loveable and loyal to her family. This was evident because she allowed herself to sacrifice her virtue, to save her sister from being forced into the similar life.
The unseen characters of her uncle and the owner of the whorehouse evoked feelings of hatred and disgust. Unfortunately there have been, and will always be real mean like these two characters.
Stefan Boswell, Catherine’s one true love, definitely one my affection. He was her cliché, ‘knight in shining armor.’ His back story about fighting for the king and spending time in an Italian prison tugged at Catherine’s heart strings and as mine as a reader.
I look forward to reading other novel, written by Josie Riviera.
Kat Fankhauser-Taylor
May 30, 2019
Different short story
Catherine’s and Stephan’s stories unfold as they banter, he wanting to rescue her, she disbelieving of his actions. Seemingly forgotten promises and forgiveness are featured.
*Spoiler warning: I gave 2 stars, as I didn’t care for the sensual aspect (I don’t care to read reviews with spoilers, so was unaware of what to expect) and also disappointment that after all was resolved between them, Stephan bedded Catherine in a brothel bed. Eww. In a perfect world, he would have procured a marriage license, made use of it and taken her somewhere else for a fresh start.
Catherine’s and Stephan’s stories unfold as they banter, he wanting to rescue her, she disbelieving of his actions. Seemingly forgotten promises and forgiveness are featured.
*Spoiler warning: I gave 2 stars, as I didn’t care for the sensual aspect (I don’t care to read reviews with spoilers, so was unaware of what to expect) and also disappointment that after all was resolved between them, Stephan bedded Catherine in a brothel bed. Eww. In a perfect world, he would have procured a marriage license, made use of it and taken her somewhere else for a fresh start.
March 31, 2016
What an amazing story! I loved every minute of it! A fast paced well written story that keeps you reading to see what will happen next. I loved the banter between Catherine and Stefan.
A very enjoyable short story romance. This was my first time reading Josie Riviera's books but it will not be my last. Looking forward to reading many more of her books!
A very enjoyable short story romance. This was my first time reading Josie Riviera's books but it will not be my last. Looking forward to reading many more of her books!
February 22, 2014
I liked this story's premise, but it was too short. I wanted more insights into the heroine's life, and really needed much more information on the hero. His motivations seemed contrived and her sudden change of mind had too little foundation.
April 7, 2017
Unfortunately this story lacks of depth and there can be depth even in an 80 pages novelette/ short story.
March 5, 2018
An old romance that flares back up after several years…this event happens no matter what time period you might find yourself in. No matter if you’re in the 21st century or in 16th century London, old wounds of a failed relationship don’t heal easily or quickly…if at all. Catherine certainly has some wounds of the romantic variety, as well as finding herself working in the brothel of Sir Thomas Windchoice out of necessity. Life is not what she thought it would be, and the last thing she wants is Stefan, the one-time love of her life, to show back up. Can old wounds be mended, or has the chance at love truly died out?
This short piece by Josie Riviera thrives on its dialogue between these two figures, and the author captures an honest tone in the exchange between these two. The set-up isn’t complicated, and the read is very short…but I think there’s nothing quite so romantic as the idea that an old tragedy can possibly be turned into a current blessing. The author chooses a polished short piece over a longer creation, and seems to understand very well the idea of “Always leave them wanting more.” I definitely recommend this story for someone wanting a good moment without having to invest a great amount of time.
(independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock)
This short piece by Josie Riviera thrives on its dialogue between these two figures, and the author captures an honest tone in the exchange between these two. The set-up isn’t complicated, and the read is very short…but I think there’s nothing quite so romantic as the idea that an old tragedy can possibly be turned into a current blessing. The author chooses a polished short piece over a longer creation, and seems to understand very well the idea of “Always leave them wanting more.” I definitely recommend this story for someone wanting a good moment without having to invest a great amount of time.
(independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock)
May 10, 2018
Seeking Catherine by Josie Riviera
Got this book free on kindle site, enjoyed other works by the author.
This one starts with table of contents, praise and awards and reader reviews.
Start out in London 1544 and the thing I really liked was learning new words and what they meant. I rarely read from this time period.
Catherine is in charge of the books at the brothel and we learn of her past and her relatives. She is only there to protect her younger sister.
Sir Thomas is her man, he owns her. She is trying to figure out why the book numbers are not adding up-there's a lot of money missing.
Stefan has arrived during off hours and he confronts Catherine and she learns he will go after what he wants. He had left her once before and know she knows why.
Sex scenes and we learn of how he took out others standing in her way of freedom.
Enjoyed the read-was a short one-for me.
Other works by the author and excerpt from the next book in the series is included.
Got this book free on kindle site, enjoyed other works by the author.
This one starts with table of contents, praise and awards and reader reviews.
Start out in London 1544 and the thing I really liked was learning new words and what they meant. I rarely read from this time period.
Catherine is in charge of the books at the brothel and we learn of her past and her relatives. She is only there to protect her younger sister.
Sir Thomas is her man, he owns her. She is trying to figure out why the book numbers are not adding up-there's a lot of money missing.
Stefan has arrived during off hours and he confronts Catherine and she learns he will go after what he wants. He had left her once before and know she knows why.
Sex scenes and we learn of how he took out others standing in her way of freedom.
Enjoyed the read-was a short one-for me.
Other works by the author and excerpt from the next book in the series is included.
May 26, 2019
A good story, but short. Catherine was sold to a man by her uncle to pay a debt. If Catherine didn't cooperate, her sister would be sold too. Stefan left to seek his fortune and better his life, but left Catherine behind to wonder what happened. They had been in love and Catherine thought it would be forever. But he had left, she had no idea where he was or when he would be back. One day Stefan shows up at the brothel where Catherine has been kept and she knows it is too late for her, for them. Stefan has been unable to get back to Catherine for a long time, but now he is here and he will take her away from the awful circumstances. He has made his fortune and can provide for her. Catherine isn't sure that she trusts Stefan not to leave her. Can he convince her to give him another chance?
May 23, 2019
This is another wonderful and short story that takes place in the 1500’s. Another gypsy/English man and a woman in need of help and one he has always loved.
She is put in a very unpleasurable and unexpected circumstances that keeps her captive as she is. Our heroine was sold to a very horrible man by her uncle and she is stuck there in a brothel.
Our gypsy hero comes to get her back and rescue her from him and take her as his wife back to his to his home as he is now a lord and one of the wealthiest landowners in England.
But in order to do that he has to do something remarkable to also save her sister from the same fate as her.
I thought this was a good story for a short one and still told you all you need to know about redemption, love, romance and forgiveness.
She is put in a very unpleasurable and unexpected circumstances that keeps her captive as she is. Our heroine was sold to a very horrible man by her uncle and she is stuck there in a brothel.
Our gypsy hero comes to get her back and rescue her from him and take her as his wife back to his to his home as he is now a lord and one of the wealthiest landowners in England.
But in order to do that he has to do something remarkable to also save her sister from the same fate as her.
I thought this was a good story for a short one and still told you all you need to know about redemption, love, romance and forgiveness.
December 4, 2020
I am so disappointed. When I see that an author writes inspirational romance as one of her genres I expect all of her stories to be moral. I agree with what another reviewer said, that I would expect he would take her away from the brothel and marry her if this was the sweet "no sex" story it was said to be. It crossed the line of sweet in my opinion. ("no sex described" would have been more accurate) She's going to be his mistress? That's sweet of him. When the "no sex" part started I skimmed to the end. I won't be reading this author's work again. I expected a higher standard.
Also, I agree with those who said there is really no plot, just conversation.
Also, I agree with those who said there is really no plot, just conversation.
Read
December 6, 2022Dear Reader,
I've always loved anything English, which is why I set Seeking Catherine in England.
However, the Tudor era is steeped in tradition, dishonesty and honor. I've also thrown in some Gypsy magic!
Although this is a short, sweet/spicy romance, be warned that it is set in a brothel.
It is my hope that you will feel like you've been transported to England, and will love and laugh along with the Gypsy (Romany) hero and heroine, Catherine and Stefan, as they rediscover their lost love for each other.
This book is always free. Find it here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Happy Reading!
I've always loved anything English, which is why I set Seeking Catherine in England.
However, the Tudor era is steeped in tradition, dishonesty and honor. I've also thrown in some Gypsy magic!
Although this is a short, sweet/spicy romance, be warned that it is set in a brothel.
It is my hope that you will feel like you've been transported to England, and will love and laugh along with the Gypsy (Romany) hero and heroine, Catherine and Stefan, as they rediscover their lost love for each other.
This book is always free. Find it here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Happy Reading!
May 20, 2020
Seeking Catherine By: Josie Riviera Narrated by: Tessa Petersen
This story is part of the Seeking Series. It is an interesting novella, a good story. I am not sure why I never quite connected with the characters; thus I was left on the outside of the story looking in, rather like the spectator at a play. When I much prefer to be in the story and emotionally involved. It may just be that I was too tired or some other fault of my own; but that is the reason for the less than 5-star rating.
note: I received a free audiobook copy of this story from the author.
This story is part of the Seeking Series. It is an interesting novella, a good story. I am not sure why I never quite connected with the characters; thus I was left on the outside of the story looking in, rather like the spectator at a play. When I much prefer to be in the story and emotionally involved. It may just be that I was too tired or some other fault of my own; but that is the reason for the less than 5-star rating.
note: I received a free audiobook copy of this story from the author.
May 26, 2020
Seeking Catherine was another great read by Josie Riviera. Catherine Sudfield is very headstrong and proud. She remembers everything about Stefan Boswell, including the fact that she loved him, even though he was very poor. Stefan was a Gypsy who left her without a word. Unfortunately for Catherine, her uncle then bargained her off to a brothel. Stefan returns and Catherine remembers the hurt she feels from when he left. I loved reading Catherine and Stefan’s book and can’t wait to read more by Josie Riviera.
October 24, 2018
Catherine and Stefan
After Stefan left her without a word five years earlier, Catherine's uncle sold her to a brothel owner. Now, Stefan has come back and wants Catherine to leave with him. However, she is afraid of the brothel owner and tells Stefan to be on his way.
Will Stefan leave her, again, or will the love they had for each other be the sword to sever the chains of enslavement that Catherine is bound by?
After Stefan left her without a word five years earlier, Catherine's uncle sold her to a brothel owner. Now, Stefan has come back and wants Catherine to leave with him. However, she is afraid of the brothel owner and tells Stefan to be on his way.
Will Stefan leave her, again, or will the love they had for each other be the sword to sever the chains of enslavement that Catherine is bound by?
May 27, 2019
This is a beautiful historical short Romance about Catherine and Stefan; two young lovers separated in their youth. When Stefan finally finds Catherine she has been sold into a London brothel and he has become a lord. Katherine must forgive him for leaving her if they have a chance of a future together.
This is a beautiful, clean historical romance novella by Josie Riviera that will be enjoyed by historical romance lovers. My only complaint is that I wish it were a full-length book.
This is a beautiful, clean historical romance novella by Josie Riviera that will be enjoyed by historical romance lovers. My only complaint is that I wish it were a full-length book.
May 31, 2019
This is a quick and surprising novella. It is the first of Ms Riveria’s that I have read and enjoyed it. Although it was set in a brothel there was no sex in it, which is lovely for this reviewer. I wasn’t sure if l liked the hero in the beginning but he grew on my as the story progressed. The heroine has a lot of pain and heartache to deal with and it was well portrayed in the book. I enjoyed this as a start and look forward to reading more.
March 22, 2021
This abbreviated novella had a singular plot that involved mostly conversation surrounding 'wooing'. Although the cover was lovely and alluring, the story was definitely lacking in substance. It was also really a stretch to be rated clean with the setting in a brothel and involved much more than just 'inferences'. Perhaps, the story just lacked a satisfying beginning and end in this condensed form.
December 16, 2022
A great short story set in Tudor times. Was very hard for poor girls to have a good life. They were often put in brothels. Katherine ended up there but never forgetting her first love who disappeared with no explanation. She has no hope of being freed.
When Stephan finally found her, the conversations he had with her back and forth over several days. What was going to happen?
This book was given to me. Thank you Josie.
When Stephan finally found her, the conversations he had with her back and forth over several days. What was going to happen?
This book was given to me. Thank you Josie.
March 21, 2017
Seeking Catherine!
I was looking for an easy, entertaining novella and knowing this Author writes satisfying novellas, I settled down to be entertained for a few hours. I like the characters, the story and even though it was a novella, it had a good beginning, an interesting middle and a satisfying ending. Left this reader happy. JudyE
I was looking for an easy, entertaining novella and knowing this Author writes satisfying novellas, I settled down to be entertained for a few hours. I like the characters, the story and even though it was a novella, it had a good beginning, an interesting middle and a satisfying ending. Left this reader happy. JudyE
January 9, 2020
I didn't particularly care for this story. Most of the conversation between him & her was not uplifting. I also did not like the way she learned of his injuries while in prision. I've read other of Ms. Riviera's book that were good but this one is different & not to my liking. I received a free copy from signing up for her newsletter. This is my voluntary opinion.
October 22, 2017
If you believe that your first love is the strongest and most enduring, then this is the story for you.
It is a short and beautifully written story with tons of entertaining detail which I enjoyed thoroughly and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
It is a short and beautifully written story with tons of entertaining detail which I enjoyed thoroughly and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 26, 2020
What an amazing story! I loved every minute of it! A fast paced well written story that keeps you reading to see what will happen next. I loved the banter between Catherine and Stefan. Fantastic story line
October 9, 2021
Had this free audibook. I'm so sorry to say that it is unfortunately not my kind of book. It is a short read. I didn't realise it was all going to take place in a brothel. I thought that would just be at the beginning. I like romance books but this is too much for me, being a Christian.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews