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This Side of Heaven
Defiantly beautiful, Caroline Wetherby stepped ashore in a land so wild and fierce, she trembled. She had come seeking refuge with the last of her family, but her sister was dead. Waiting to greet her were pious Pilgrims, warring Indians, howling wolves, a boisterous household of men and boys...and him , her rugged, unwelcoming brother-in-law, Matt Mathieson. Caroline wanted to hate Matt as she hated all men.
After her father's death, she'd been eager to escape England. But as daughter of a gambler and a gypsy, her flamboyant ways and healing skills tempted disaster in the sanctimonious Connecticut Colony. And putting herself in the hands of a big, handsome stranger tempted something far more dangerous--emotions she couldn't resist, kisses she couldn't forget, and a future that could bring ruin...or a journey to heaven on earth in his arms.
After her father's death, she'd been eager to escape England. But as daughter of a gambler and a gypsy, her flamboyant ways and healing skills tempted disaster in the sanctimonious Connecticut Colony. And putting herself in the hands of a big, handsome stranger tempted something far more dangerous--emotions she couldn't resist, kisses she couldn't forget, and a future that could bring ruin...or a journey to heaven on earth in his arms.
442 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
81 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Karen Robards
126 books3,242 followersKaren Robards is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty books and one novella. She has won multiple awards including six Affaire de Coeur Silver Pen Awards for favorite author.
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
Karen has been writing since she was very young, and was first published nationally in the December 1973 Reader's Digest. She sold her first romance novel, ISLAND FLAME, when she was 24. It was published by Leisure Books in 1981 and is still in print. After that, she dropped out of law school to pursue her writing career.
Karen was recently described by The Daily Mail as "one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 11, 2022
Who knew I had a Puritan kink? lol!!
In all seriousness, I really enjoyed this book. Beautiful setup and perfect execution. I love me some forbidden love and sexual tension and this had a nice sizzle on it. I've decided Karen Robards is a badass writer and I look forward to more of her work. Unfortunately, it looks like she writes a lot of contemporary and not as many historicals.
I wish I would have read this one closer to fall because it was giving me strong cozy, autumn, witch vibes...which are my favorite things.
In all seriousness, I really enjoyed this book. Beautiful setup and perfect execution. I love me some forbidden love and sexual tension and this had a nice sizzle on it. I've decided Karen Robards is a badass writer and I look forward to more of her work. Unfortunately, it looks like she writes a lot of contemporary and not as many historicals.
I wish I would have read this one closer to fall because it was giving me strong cozy, autumn, witch vibes...which are my favorite things.
August 31, 2020
Ohhhhhh que historia más chula ... me ha recordado a las historias de Lavyrle Spencer y alguna otra autora del estilo.
Me han gustado los protas, me han gustado los secundarios, me ha gustado la historia de amor ...
Recomendable 100%
Me han gustado los protas, me han gustado los secundarios, me ha gustado la historia de amor ...
Recomendable 100%
August 25, 2024
This Side of Heaven (1991) is another unusual Robards… I enjoy the variety of her HRs and she’s such a gifted writer.
🐈⬛ It’s 1684, in the Connecticut Colony a destitute gambler’s daughter, Caroline arrives from England to reunite with the older half sister whom she hasn’t seen in 15 years. She finds her sister died two years earlier.
🐈⬛ Caroline’s at the mercy of Matt Mathieson who was married to her half sister … he has two sons and 4 younger brothers. All Puritans. He begrudgingly realizes that Caroline’s “Heaven sent to them”.… “The Lord works in mysterious ways.” He could use a woman’s touch with his sons, someone to keep house for them, and she’s determined not to be a servant.
🐈⬛ There’s a superb slow burn romance with electrifying tension between Caroline and Matt. The author lets the strict culture of the Puritans simmer below the surface, and then it explodes. Mention must be made of Caroline’s black cat, Millicent, and the Mathiesons’ big bouncy dog, Raleigh as they add a humorous touch to the story. Loved it!
🐈⬛ Overall, a lighter HR from Robards even tho there’s some terrible moments with the Puritans … the plot could have been edgier/darker, and more of a roller coaster considering the subject. The HEA and epilogue are abrupt… I wanted more!
🐈⬛ Nevertheless, I was intrigued with the story, setting and subject as I have ancestors who emigrated to New England in the 17th century… 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
🐈⬛ It’s 1684, in the Connecticut Colony a destitute gambler’s daughter, Caroline arrives from England to reunite with the older half sister whom she hasn’t seen in 15 years. She finds her sister died two years earlier.
🐈⬛ Caroline’s at the mercy of Matt Mathieson who was married to her half sister … he has two sons and 4 younger brothers. All Puritans. He begrudgingly realizes that Caroline’s “Heaven sent to them”.… “The Lord works in mysterious ways.” He could use a woman’s touch with his sons, someone to keep house for them, and she’s determined not to be a servant.
🐈⬛ There’s a superb slow burn romance with electrifying tension between Caroline and Matt. The author lets the strict culture of the Puritans simmer below the surface, and then it explodes. Mention must be made of Caroline’s black cat, Millicent, and the Mathiesons’ big bouncy dog, Raleigh as they add a humorous touch to the story. Loved it!
🐈⬛ Overall, a lighter HR from Robards even tho there’s some terrible moments with the Puritans … the plot could have been edgier/darker, and more of a roller coaster considering the subject. The HEA and epilogue are abrupt… I wanted more!
🐈⬛ Nevertheless, I was intrigued with the story, setting and subject as I have ancestors who emigrated to New England in the 17th century… 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
December 3, 2023
3.5 - 4 stars, 4 being generous. Although books set in the late 1600s with Puritans/round heads and witches are not things I particularly care for, I chose to read this anyway-because well it’s Karen Robards. I enjoyed the book all the same, but I do think some areas were a bit redundant such as repeated descriptions that didn’t need to be. All in all it was good and the characters were ok, but certainly not as good as some of her others a couple of which are favorites of mine.
May 5, 2013
The girl: Since her mother's death, Caroline Wetherby was forced to live several years with her ne'er do well gambling father, who has just died and left her penniless. The only family she has is a much older half-sister who married a Puritan and moved to Connecticut colony. She thought she'd bought her passage with her mother's brooch, but it turns out it was paste and upon landing in the new world the captain wants his money, or he'll sell her off as an indentured servant to get his money.
The guy: Matt Mathieson, Puritan, Roundhead and oh-so-butt-hurt by Caroline's older half-sister. He's got a houseful of men (his brothers and two young sons), so despite his immediate dislike of Caroline he pays off the cost of her passage and brings her into his home to work it off. And I do mean work, that houseful of men are a whiny, selfish, self-centered lot of male ass-hats - including Matt, the big love-interest. Even the two young boys treated her like dirt under their feet.
Despite a not-so-likable hero, this one started off well enough with Caroline bringing order to the household and adjusting to a different life in a new land, but then thing kind of fell apart. I wasn't really engaged with the love story when it began, even though you could tell Matt was starting to care for Caroline he was still such an ass-hat it was hard to buy into it. I love Colonial settings, but this one was more of the wall-paper variety, and didn't feel terribly realistic to me, so that also impaired my reading enjoyment, and I ended up skimming a lot to get the the end (this book could easily lose 200 pages and you'd never notice it). YMMV.
The guy: Matt Mathieson, Puritan, Roundhead and oh-so-butt-hurt by Caroline's older half-sister. He's got a houseful of men (his brothers and two young sons), so despite his immediate dislike of Caroline he pays off the cost of her passage and brings her into his home to work it off. And I do mean work, that houseful of men are a whiny, selfish, self-centered lot of male ass-hats - including Matt, the big love-interest. Even the two young boys treated her like dirt under their feet.
Despite a not-so-likable hero, this one started off well enough with Caroline bringing order to the household and adjusting to a different life in a new land, but then thing kind of fell apart. I wasn't really engaged with the love story when it began, even though you could tell Matt was starting to care for Caroline he was still such an ass-hat it was hard to buy into it. I love Colonial settings, but this one was more of the wall-paper variety, and didn't feel terribly realistic to me, so that also impaired my reading enjoyment, and I ended up skimming a lot to get the the end (this book could easily lose 200 pages and you'd never notice it). YMMV.
November 15, 2019
I hated the heroine.
June 9, 2024
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Puritan hero romance before this one 😂 It’s been on my tbr for a good 20 years so I’m glad I finally got to it, since it’s one of the few Robards historicals I hadn’t yet gotten to. It wasn’t a new favorite, but I always enjoy her writing style.
July 31, 2013
Poignant Love Story from Early Puritan America
I am a huge fan of Robards’s historical romances and was happy to snap up this one set in 17th century America in Connecticut Colony.
It tells the story of Caroline Wetherby who in 1684 sailed to the colonies when her gambling father, who she loved, died and left her near destitute. In Connecticut Colony she hoped to find a new life with her half sister who was married to Ephraim (“Matt”) Mathieson, a Puritan colonist. Upon her arrival, she learns her sister is dead and the men in Matt’s family act very strange each time her sister’s name is mentioned. Matt himself seems cold and distant until an accident lays him up with a broken leg and the attraction that has been building between them emerges full force.
Robards brings early America to life and shows us a glimpse of the Puritan society when all things were not so rosy. Matt is rather independent as head of the Mathieson clan and the local reverend regards him with suspicion, but Caroline the religious man hates. She is viewed by the Puritans as a witch. And, though there are witches around, Caroline is not one of them. She is a courageous woman who also has a tender heart. A good cook and a healer, she wins the heart of Matt’s brothers and his two young sons—but it takes a while.
A poignant tale with an exciting ending—I recommend it!
I am a huge fan of Robards’s historical romances and was happy to snap up this one set in 17th century America in Connecticut Colony.
It tells the story of Caroline Wetherby who in 1684 sailed to the colonies when her gambling father, who she loved, died and left her near destitute. In Connecticut Colony she hoped to find a new life with her half sister who was married to Ephraim (“Matt”) Mathieson, a Puritan colonist. Upon her arrival, she learns her sister is dead and the men in Matt’s family act very strange each time her sister’s name is mentioned. Matt himself seems cold and distant until an accident lays him up with a broken leg and the attraction that has been building between them emerges full force.
Robards brings early America to life and shows us a glimpse of the Puritan society when all things were not so rosy. Matt is rather independent as head of the Mathieson clan and the local reverend regards him with suspicion, but Caroline the religious man hates. She is viewed by the Puritans as a witch. And, though there are witches around, Caroline is not one of them. She is a courageous woman who also has a tender heart. A good cook and a healer, she wins the heart of Matt’s brothers and his two young sons—but it takes a while.
A poignant tale with an exciting ending—I recommend it!
March 9, 2018
Relectura que pasó de cinco a dos estrellas. Me sigue asombrando. Cómo una historia tan mediocre me pudo gustar en algún momento? Una trama completamente previsible, unos personajes con reacciones absurdas e inmaduras, una narración con altibajos y una historia que se supone que es de amor, pero solo demuestra lujuria. Se hizo tan pesada que al final pasaba de largo las páginas. Lo único rescatable es el tiempo y el lugar en el que está ambientada.
September 4, 2018
Skimmed a lot
December 9, 2010
A solid 4-star read, this book from the 90s, my first read from prolific romance author Karen Robards, really teetered between 3- and 5-stars and landed somewhere right in the middle. The positive elements about the book were the unique time period (set in Connecticut Colony during the 1680s), the eerie mood that settled over the proceedings due to the witch accusations hurled at the heroine, and the last 100 pages which were filled with wonderful relationship development between the hero and heroine, that sizzled with a fantastic interlude in a cave in an attempt to escape an angry blizzard. I also loved the climax of the story, which came at the very, very end of the book but was so deliciously over-the-top and reminiscent of what made these older romances great.
The more negative aspects were the fact that there was really very little romantic development between the hero and the heroine for about half of the book. They were physically in the same place, so I appreciated that there wasn't a drawn-out fabrication that tried to keep them from being with each other, but there also just wasn't much indication that they were at all interested in each other. Caroline, the heroine, comes to America from England after her father, her only connection in the homeland where she was born and raised, dies, and she ventures to the New World to find her sister Elizabeth. Once she arrives, she learns her sister has died, and even more mysterious is the suspicion that clouds the circumstances of her death from the oblivious Caroline. The hero is Caroline's brother-in-law Matt, and much of the conflict revolves around how awful his marriage was and his general mistrust of marriage in general and Caroline specifically since she's related to his deceased wife.
I was actually really intrigued by this premise because I love those forbidden love stories. But the mistrust wasn't that heated, mostly just annoying and stretching on far too long with little to whet the audience's appetite. What was great about the book was how the relationship really took off once they gave into it, but that didn't really seem to be cohesive with the hero and heroine's overall apathy in the way they treated each other during the first half of the book. Add to the fact that Matt had three grown brothers (one of which had a crush on Caroline which just muddied the waters and didn't really effectively add to the storyline) and two little boys who were really just in the way and had this extended hatred toward Caroline that, again, got to be really frustrating and annoying.
So that's a lot of complaining. But there's something to be said for these classic romances, and even the mediocre ones end up being great for a lot of reasons, and the last 100 pages make the entire book one worth reading.
The more negative aspects were the fact that there was really very little romantic development between the hero and the heroine for about half of the book. They were physically in the same place, so I appreciated that there wasn't a drawn-out fabrication that tried to keep them from being with each other, but there also just wasn't much indication that they were at all interested in each other. Caroline, the heroine, comes to America from England after her father, her only connection in the homeland where she was born and raised, dies, and she ventures to the New World to find her sister Elizabeth. Once she arrives, she learns her sister has died, and even more mysterious is the suspicion that clouds the circumstances of her death from the oblivious Caroline. The hero is Caroline's brother-in-law Matt, and much of the conflict revolves around how awful his marriage was and his general mistrust of marriage in general and Caroline specifically since she's related to his deceased wife.
I was actually really intrigued by this premise because I love those forbidden love stories. But the mistrust wasn't that heated, mostly just annoying and stretching on far too long with little to whet the audience's appetite. What was great about the book was how the relationship really took off once they gave into it, but that didn't really seem to be cohesive with the hero and heroine's overall apathy in the way they treated each other during the first half of the book. Add to the fact that Matt had three grown brothers (one of which had a crush on Caroline which just muddied the waters and didn't really effectively add to the storyline) and two little boys who were really just in the way and had this extended hatred toward Caroline that, again, got to be really frustrating and annoying.
So that's a lot of complaining. But there's something to be said for these classic romances, and even the mediocre ones end up being great for a lot of reasons, and the last 100 pages make the entire book one worth reading.
October 13, 2017
32 year old Matt Mathieson, is the widowed and single father of two boys, going two years since his wife had died. Determined never to marry again, Matt’s life and that of his small family changes drastically when his wife’s sister turns up on his doorstep, having traveled all the way from England.
22 year old Caroline Wetherby is the beautiful half sister of Matt’s deceased wife. Having being left destitute with the death of their father who had made his life in the gambling halls throughout the city, Caroline travels all the way to America to find refuge with her sister, someone she has not seen in 15 long years. Wary of what would happen, telling herself its a mistake, she nevertheless has no choice, only to turn up and realize that her sister is no more.
Though Matt does not want much to do with Caroline, a small part of him is unable to turn away from Caroline’s need for a place to stay. The practical side of his character tells him that they all need a female presence around them, that his boys need a motherly influence in their lives. Against the wishes of his boys, Matt offers her shelter in return for her services as a female of the household, never knowing truly, how Caroline would prove to him that she is unlike any woman he has known before and would ever come across again.
This Side of Heaven has a trope that I love reading about. The reluctant and widowed hero, who for whatever reason believes that he would never remarry and the woman who turns up and throws his life into complete disarray. That was one of the reasons why I picked up this title, plus the point that I am a fan of Karen Robards, mostly of her earlier works. Though some of her books have failed to deliver on a large scale, the ones that do, do so remarkably well, which is one reason why I keep revisiting her older titles every now and then.
Though I liked the story that unfolded, the slow sizzle of awareness between Matt and Caroline, the story that I envisioned for them failed to materialize in between. On the plus side, Matt was not a hero of the asshole variety, as most heroes tend to be in earlier historical novels. However, their coming together was not the joyous and fireworks filled affair I thought it would be – at first. Nevertheless, Matt & Caroline were characters that grew on me.
Though the ending where Caroline nearly meets her maker at the hand of the villagers who see her for something else other than what she is proved to be sort of anticlimactic, I would still recommend This Side of Heaven because I enjoyed reading this in one sitting.
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
22 year old Caroline Wetherby is the beautiful half sister of Matt’s deceased wife. Having being left destitute with the death of their father who had made his life in the gambling halls throughout the city, Caroline travels all the way to America to find refuge with her sister, someone she has not seen in 15 long years. Wary of what would happen, telling herself its a mistake, she nevertheless has no choice, only to turn up and realize that her sister is no more.
Though Matt does not want much to do with Caroline, a small part of him is unable to turn away from Caroline’s need for a place to stay. The practical side of his character tells him that they all need a female presence around them, that his boys need a motherly influence in their lives. Against the wishes of his boys, Matt offers her shelter in return for her services as a female of the household, never knowing truly, how Caroline would prove to him that she is unlike any woman he has known before and would ever come across again.
This Side of Heaven has a trope that I love reading about. The reluctant and widowed hero, who for whatever reason believes that he would never remarry and the woman who turns up and throws his life into complete disarray. That was one of the reasons why I picked up this title, plus the point that I am a fan of Karen Robards, mostly of her earlier works. Though some of her books have failed to deliver on a large scale, the ones that do, do so remarkably well, which is one reason why I keep revisiting her older titles every now and then.
Though I liked the story that unfolded, the slow sizzle of awareness between Matt and Caroline, the story that I envisioned for them failed to materialize in between. On the plus side, Matt was not a hero of the asshole variety, as most heroes tend to be in earlier historical novels. However, their coming together was not the joyous and fireworks filled affair I thought it would be – at first. Nevertheless, Matt & Caroline were characters that grew on me.
Though the ending where Caroline nearly meets her maker at the hand of the villagers who see her for something else other than what she is proved to be sort of anticlimactic, I would still recommend This Side of Heaven because I enjoyed reading this in one sitting.
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
December 31, 2014
I really got into this tender historical romance, set in the late 1600's. I'm not entirely sure what drew me in. The heroine was proud, strong, and had a troubled past. The hero was likewise proud and strong, with a troubled past. They both had their faults, but I found each one likeable. The romance wasn't rushed, and Caroline didn't get over her past trauma simply because of a magic touch. I found their coming together to be sweet and natural, and the story itself to be tender and bittersweet at moments. The ending, though an HEA, was surprisingly tragic, leaving me wanting more. In fact, the one complaint I have about this book is that I felt like it set up a series but I can't find any evidence of further books, perhaps handling the other brothers. I guess not ever set of five brothers needs to find love one at a time. :)
I could nit-pick here, but I don't feel like it. I accepted the suspension of disbelief and enjoyed the ride. I highly recommend to historical romance readers.
I could nit-pick here, but I don't feel like it. I accepted the suspension of disbelief and enjoyed the ride. I highly recommend to historical romance readers.
September 30, 2014
It is so difficult to read this boring novel. I was bored from the beginning, couldn't even finish half the book and had to put it down. This doesn't deserve the tag of romance.
Instead i liked To Love A Man by Karen Robards. The animals, the brothers, the children and everything is just a mess. The story has been dragged to increase the pages.
Instead i liked To Love A Man by Karen Robards. The animals, the brothers, the children and everything is just a mess. The story has been dragged to increase the pages.
August 16, 2013
¡ME encantó toda la historia!!! Me encantaron los protagonistas, todos los hermanos y los niños, me apené un poco al final del libro por la muerte de alguien que no me esperaba...
Pero puedo decir que esta autora ¡ME ENCANTA! Todos los libros que leo de ella están genial!!
Pero puedo decir que esta autora ¡ME ENCANTA! Todos los libros que leo de ella están genial!!
November 7, 2007
This was the first romance novel I've ever read. It was so hot.
October 12, 2014
loved it could not put down
December 18, 2016
Not my favorite Robard. I didn't like the whole Puritan element.
January 29, 2018
I've read a number of Karen Robards novels, though mainly of the crime/suspense genre. I did read and finish 'This Side of Heaven' but I wouldn't say that I was converted as a fan of Robards historical novels. There was actually a rather enjoyable plot buried beneath the exaggerated characters and repetition, and a well-captured warmth.
The novel was set in the late 1600s, but I never really got a grip on this setting. I kept imagining it as more Regency era (1800s) because of the general tone. The description of Caroline's dresses, some of the language used etc. It didn't smack of the Stuart era aside from the repeated mention of Roundheads and Royalists.
I think that the vagueness of setting came from the lack of description about the period. It was stated that Caroline made rabbit stew but not how she did so, what utensils she used etc. It was all rather left to the imagination and without that context, I didn't immediately think that this was a book set in 1680-whatever.
The language and dialogue felt quite modern in some instances, and other elements such as Caroline's healing abilities, made it feel more modern than it was. Caroline sought to cool those with fever, yet I would have expected most in this era to combat fever with heat - the four humours - much like the apothecary.
I didn't exactly love Caroline as a leading heroine, but she wasn't the worst that I've read. I suppose that she was too inconsistent for me. Feisty and shouting one moment, then timid and screaming the next, she was aloof then involved, hot and cold… What I did love was her initial courage and her work ethic. I enjoyed that she dug in an accepted her role in the house. At first, I thought that she would be somewhat of a diva and I wasn't much looking forward to reading about her. But the girl got shit done, and I liked her spirit.
Matt on the other hand, I didn't really like at all. All of the men were written to be selfish, brutish, unhelpful, judgmental and demanding, but as the hero, Matt should have been different. Instead he criticised Caroline constantly, and even in front of the others. Yes, there were a few times that he jumped to her defence, but not enough to redeem him. I also didn't rate him much in the S.E.X department either. He usually had her skirts up and his breeches down before poor Caroline even knew what was happening.
I think that some of my ill-feeling towards the characters was to do with the way that they were written. They were like a parody of their character. Caroline wasn't just feisty at times, but turned into a screaming, swearing, broom-wielding fishwife. Matt was a 'mans man' which meant that he roared and bellowed and demanded all of the time. This just painting a picture of them as being shrill, loud and uncouth, and I didn't like that impression.
Along with the events such as the dog chasing the cat or Caroline ending up in the bull pen, these over-exaggerations meant that there was something a bit slapstick and clowny about the whole novel at times.
I also felt that this novel was a shade too long for the plot. Caroline and Matt should have come together earlier, but instead we had quite a few similar or repeated events before there was a relationship to develop.
Having said all of this, I didn't once consider stopping and I did read the whole novel in one sitting. The plot as a whole was really enjoyable and I felt that the familial elements were genuinely warm. I liked seeing Caroline develop from the distrusted housekeeper to part of the family. I liked seeing the changing opinions of the brothers and Davy/John as they came to know her. The hustle and bustle of the family home was well written and felt genuine.
Overall, I thought that this was a strong plot but really needed some more development of the characters and perhaps a bit more editing.
The novel was set in the late 1600s, but I never really got a grip on this setting. I kept imagining it as more Regency era (1800s) because of the general tone. The description of Caroline's dresses, some of the language used etc. It didn't smack of the Stuart era aside from the repeated mention of Roundheads and Royalists.
I think that the vagueness of setting came from the lack of description about the period. It was stated that Caroline made rabbit stew but not how she did so, what utensils she used etc. It was all rather left to the imagination and without that context, I didn't immediately think that this was a book set in 1680-whatever.
The language and dialogue felt quite modern in some instances, and other elements such as Caroline's healing abilities, made it feel more modern than it was. Caroline sought to cool those with fever, yet I would have expected most in this era to combat fever with heat - the four humours - much like the apothecary.
I didn't exactly love Caroline as a leading heroine, but she wasn't the worst that I've read. I suppose that she was too inconsistent for me. Feisty and shouting one moment, then timid and screaming the next, she was aloof then involved, hot and cold… What I did love was her initial courage and her work ethic. I enjoyed that she dug in an accepted her role in the house. At first, I thought that she would be somewhat of a diva and I wasn't much looking forward to reading about her. But the girl got shit done, and I liked her spirit.
Matt on the other hand, I didn't really like at all. All of the men were written to be selfish, brutish, unhelpful, judgmental and demanding, but as the hero, Matt should have been different. Instead he criticised Caroline constantly, and even in front of the others. Yes, there were a few times that he jumped to her defence, but not enough to redeem him. I also didn't rate him much in the S.E.X department either. He usually had her skirts up and his breeches down before poor Caroline even knew what was happening.
I think that some of my ill-feeling towards the characters was to do with the way that they were written. They were like a parody of their character. Caroline wasn't just feisty at times, but turned into a screaming, swearing, broom-wielding fishwife. Matt was a 'mans man' which meant that he roared and bellowed and demanded all of the time. This just painting a picture of them as being shrill, loud and uncouth, and I didn't like that impression.
Along with the events such as the dog chasing the cat or Caroline ending up in the bull pen, these over-exaggerations meant that there was something a bit slapstick and clowny about the whole novel at times.
I also felt that this novel was a shade too long for the plot. Caroline and Matt should have come together earlier, but instead we had quite a few similar or repeated events before there was a relationship to develop.
Having said all of this, I didn't once consider stopping and I did read the whole novel in one sitting. The plot as a whole was really enjoyable and I felt that the familial elements were genuinely warm. I liked seeing Caroline develop from the distrusted housekeeper to part of the family. I liked seeing the changing opinions of the brothers and Davy/John as they came to know her. The hustle and bustle of the family home was well written and felt genuine.
Overall, I thought that this was a strong plot but really needed some more development of the characters and perhaps a bit more editing.
March 14, 2025
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is a standalone set in 1684 in the Connecticut Colony. It is not a common setting for romance novels. I found it interesting to have a book with that backdrop. England had a civil war from 1642-1651 with the supporters of the monarchy being called Cavaliers and those wanting to get rid of the monarchy being called Roundheads. When the Roundheads lost, some of them headed to the new world. The two main characters were on opposite sides of the war. Matt was a Roundhead and Caroline was a Cavalier. The details of this history as well the information about the Pilgrim settlements seemed well researched.
After Caroline’s father died, her circumstances became desperate and she decided to move from England to the New World and throw herself on the mercy of her much older sister, Elizabeth. Unbeknownst to her, her sister has died, and she learns this to her shock when she arrives. Her former brother in law, Matt, agrees to let her stay as cook and housekeeper.
Matt, three of his brothers, and two sons live in a rough and ready way. Their house is a mess, and they are busy working their farm from dawn to dusk. In addition, Elizabeth had gone mad before she died (which Caroline did not know) and the men all look with suspicion at everything Caroline does.
The story was a bit dramatic, and Caroline frequently loses her temper with the men. In one scene, Caroline is upset and yells at Matt “I hate men and especially you!” Matt had broken his leg, and she continues on with “I hope you rot! I hope your leg falls off! I hope you never walk again!” The book lost a star for this type of behavior because it was quite common for her to act like that. In another scene, she hits Matt and his brother, Daniel, with a broom. Early on, Caroline’s life in England was described as one where she and her father practiced deceptions and Caroline was used to controlling her emotions. When you first meet her, on the boat arriving in the new world, she is icy and cool and pretending she is not nervous. This quickly changes and, as mentioned, she is often yelling and impulsive. At one point, later in the book, Matt says to her “Your gentility is slipping, I believe.” It had slipped quite a while before that.
Matt is a salt of the earth person and the bedrock of his family. He is honorable and true, which Caroline needed. However, as the story went on, he began to act more and more emotionally as well though his behavior was more irritated and annoyed than visibly angry. He was jealous of someone who expresses interest in Caroline. He also gets angry and hurt with Caroline at an important moment and I thought it was very understandable (though she was angry with his response).
I very much liked the relationship between Matt and his brothers. I thought their suspicions of Caroline when she first arrived were understandable given her sister’s behavior. They all looked up to him and the mutual concern they had for each other was heartwarming. I also liked Matt’s sons, who seemed multi-dimensional. He was a good father.
There is a reference to the possibility that Elizabeth, Matt’s first wife, had been drowned as a witch. He was not sure if this is true or not (which was unlikely as someone would have told him) but he has never wanted to determine if that is how she died. She did die by drowning, but it might have been accidental.
The majority of the book was from Caroline’s point of view with a couple of scenes from Matt’s.
I liked most of the writing in the story, but it lost a star from the points above. I probably will not continue reading this author, but it was a decent tale.
This book is a standalone set in 1684 in the Connecticut Colony. It is not a common setting for romance novels. I found it interesting to have a book with that backdrop. England had a civil war from 1642-1651 with the supporters of the monarchy being called Cavaliers and those wanting to get rid of the monarchy being called Roundheads. When the Roundheads lost, some of them headed to the new world. The two main characters were on opposite sides of the war. Matt was a Roundhead and Caroline was a Cavalier. The details of this history as well the information about the Pilgrim settlements seemed well researched.
After Caroline’s father died, her circumstances became desperate and she decided to move from England to the New World and throw herself on the mercy of her much older sister, Elizabeth. Unbeknownst to her, her sister has died, and she learns this to her shock when she arrives. Her former brother in law, Matt, agrees to let her stay as cook and housekeeper.
Matt, three of his brothers, and two sons live in a rough and ready way. Their house is a mess, and they are busy working their farm from dawn to dusk. In addition, Elizabeth had gone mad before she died (which Caroline did not know) and the men all look with suspicion at everything Caroline does.
The story was a bit dramatic, and Caroline frequently loses her temper with the men. In one scene, Caroline is upset and yells at Matt “I hate men and especially you!” Matt had broken his leg, and she continues on with “I hope you rot! I hope your leg falls off! I hope you never walk again!” The book lost a star for this type of behavior because it was quite common for her to act like that. In another scene, she hits Matt and his brother, Daniel, with a broom. Early on, Caroline’s life in England was described as one where she and her father practiced deceptions and Caroline was used to controlling her emotions. When you first meet her, on the boat arriving in the new world, she is icy and cool and pretending she is not nervous. This quickly changes and, as mentioned, she is often yelling and impulsive. At one point, later in the book, Matt says to her “Your gentility is slipping, I believe.” It had slipped quite a while before that.
Matt is a salt of the earth person and the bedrock of his family. He is honorable and true, which Caroline needed. However, as the story went on, he began to act more and more emotionally as well though his behavior was more irritated and annoyed than visibly angry. He was jealous of someone who expresses interest in Caroline. He also gets angry and hurt with Caroline at an important moment and I thought it was very understandable (though she was angry with his response).
I very much liked the relationship between Matt and his brothers. I thought their suspicions of Caroline when she first arrived were understandable given her sister’s behavior. They all looked up to him and the mutual concern they had for each other was heartwarming. I also liked Matt’s sons, who seemed multi-dimensional. He was a good father.
There is a reference to the possibility that Elizabeth, Matt’s first wife, had been drowned as a witch. He was not sure if this is true or not (which was unlikely as someone would have told him) but he has never wanted to determine if that is how she died. She did die by drowning, but it might have been accidental.
The majority of the book was from Caroline’s point of view with a couple of scenes from Matt’s.
I liked most of the writing in the story, but it lost a star from the points above. I probably will not continue reading this author, but it was a decent tale.
January 8, 2021
By and1515
Caroline was now completely alone and totally vulnerable and easy prey with no male relatives to protect her.
So with few options left she had to pray that her father's favorite bauble would be enough to pay for her passage to America.
All she wanted was to finally see her older sister again but then she's put on the spot about the trinket's true value.
Matt wasn't looking to add to his household but how could he turn the woman away.
He in fact did know the truth about that piece of jewelry and it's lack of value.
But he would cover the final price of her passage with the understanding she would pay him back by taking over the house hold duties.
And the total chaos that followed was more than he wanted to deal with on top of that aggravating fool how thought disparage against the member of his family.
Caroline knew she owed Matt the truth no matter how embarrassed her story made her.
When he's unfortunately injured she'll have to fight his brothers tooth and nail to get the fools to listen to reason.
Because she wasn't going to let that idiot to continue to treat him with his so called cure that
was nothing more than a fast track to the nearest grave.
Matt knew she was nothing like her sister or as she'd pointed out half-sister because she might be a hot tempered woman but she wasn't crazy or evil.
He knew his one brother was showing interest in Caroline and when he loss his temper she was the one to follow him.
And one thing lead to another and she didn't stop him when it started with a kiss only to become more.
Caroline knew she should have been scared but clearly they were looking for help and that's exactly what she'd give them.
After Matt brings her home there is word of a sickness and unfortunately several people have perished from it and now the superstitious fools have come out in droves hurling unfounded accusations in her direction.
With little time on his side Matt will have to face his greatest fears if he's to rescue his woman.
Caroline was now completely alone and totally vulnerable and easy prey with no male relatives to protect her.
So with few options left she had to pray that her father's favorite bauble would be enough to pay for her passage to America.
All she wanted was to finally see her older sister again but then she's put on the spot about the trinket's true value.
Matt wasn't looking to add to his household but how could he turn the woman away.
He in fact did know the truth about that piece of jewelry and it's lack of value.
But he would cover the final price of her passage with the understanding she would pay him back by taking over the house hold duties.
And the total chaos that followed was more than he wanted to deal with on top of that aggravating fool how thought disparage against the member of his family.
Caroline knew she owed Matt the truth no matter how embarrassed her story made her.
When he's unfortunately injured she'll have to fight his brothers tooth and nail to get the fools to listen to reason.
Because she wasn't going to let that idiot to continue to treat him with his so called cure that
was nothing more than a fast track to the nearest grave.
Matt knew she was nothing like her sister or as she'd pointed out half-sister because she might be a hot tempered woman but she wasn't crazy or evil.
He knew his one brother was showing interest in Caroline and when he loss his temper she was the one to follow him.
And one thing lead to another and she didn't stop him when it started with a kiss only to become more.
Caroline knew she should have been scared but clearly they were looking for help and that's exactly what she'd give them.
After Matt brings her home there is word of a sickness and unfortunately several people have perished from it and now the superstitious fools have come out in droves hurling unfounded accusations in her direction.
With little time on his side Matt will have to face his greatest fears if he's to rescue his woman.
January 31, 2021
No tenía muchas expectativas con este libro xq los dos anteriores de esta autora no me habían gustado para nada, pero algo me llamó la atención - no recuerdo xq - y me arriegué.
Caroline es una muchacha arisca y seca, con apariencia de orgullosa y altanera pero realmente su problema es q está sola y asustada. Quedó huérfana y la única pariente que le queda es su hermana, así q pone rumbo al Nuevo Mundo con la esperanza de q la deje vivir con ella.
El primer problema con el que se encuentra Caroline, es que su hermna también falleció, y el segundo problema es q su cuñado viudo no la quiere allí.
La llegada de Caroline a la granja de su cuñado no puede ser más desastrosa ni desafortunada. De repente se encuentra en un nuevo continente desconocido y salvaje en medio de una comunidad puritana que la ve con malos ojos y rodeada de hombres y niños. Pronto empieza a hacerse con las labores de la casa e intenta adaptarse a las nuevas circunstancias, pero su mal genio a veces le juega malas pasadas, eso , y la creciente atracción que va sintiendo hacia su cuñado.
Matt vive con tres de sus cuatro hermanos y sus dos niños pequeños, los sobrinos de Caroline. Llevan años viviendo solos después de un desastroso matrimonio. Decide acoger a su cuñada cuando llega , pero poco a poco se le hará más difícil ignorar lo que siente por ella. Y para peor, todo ocurre en medio de una comunidad puritana donde todo lo distinto está mal visto, donde eres una pecadora o una bruja por cualquier desafortunado detalle.
La historia es bastante buena, xq no solo va de atracciones inconvenientes sino q pasa por todo un contexto histórico q solo había leído en las novelas de Victoria Holt. Me gustó lo suficiente para no decartar a Karen Robards, quien nunca ha sido de mis favoritas, pero sigue ahí, dando pelea.
Caroline es una muchacha arisca y seca, con apariencia de orgullosa y altanera pero realmente su problema es q está sola y asustada. Quedó huérfana y la única pariente que le queda es su hermana, así q pone rumbo al Nuevo Mundo con la esperanza de q la deje vivir con ella.
El primer problema con el que se encuentra Caroline, es que su hermna también falleció, y el segundo problema es q su cuñado viudo no la quiere allí.
La llegada de Caroline a la granja de su cuñado no puede ser más desastrosa ni desafortunada. De repente se encuentra en un nuevo continente desconocido y salvaje en medio de una comunidad puritana que la ve con malos ojos y rodeada de hombres y niños. Pronto empieza a hacerse con las labores de la casa e intenta adaptarse a las nuevas circunstancias, pero su mal genio a veces le juega malas pasadas, eso , y la creciente atracción que va sintiendo hacia su cuñado.
Matt vive con tres de sus cuatro hermanos y sus dos niños pequeños, los sobrinos de Caroline. Llevan años viviendo solos después de un desastroso matrimonio. Decide acoger a su cuñada cuando llega , pero poco a poco se le hará más difícil ignorar lo que siente por ella. Y para peor, todo ocurre en medio de una comunidad puritana donde todo lo distinto está mal visto, donde eres una pecadora o una bruja por cualquier desafortunado detalle.
La historia es bastante buena, xq no solo va de atracciones inconvenientes sino q pasa por todo un contexto histórico q solo había leído en las novelas de Victoria Holt. Me gustó lo suficiente para no decartar a Karen Robards, quien nunca ha sido de mis favoritas, pero sigue ahí, dando pelea.
March 29, 2021
Suelo no ser muy exigente, por lo mismo es que de una u otra forma siempre me termino encariñando con los personajes, pero debo admitir que esta vez me costó muchisimo. En análisis general, la obra me pareció bastante lenta y cansadora, con protagonistas un poco infantiles que te llevaban a contextos o diálogos muy inmaduros y extraños. Decidí leerla primero porque tenía algunas buenas críticas y segundo porque me gustan bastantes las obras ambientadas en épocas, esta lo está en los años 1650 el problema es que con facilidad extrema lo olvidaba.
Solo queda concluir que el final del libro es tan frustrante, en menos de 4 páginas pasamos de enfrentarnos a la muerte de una chica que no tenía finalidad que muriera, luego a la potencial muerte del hijo menor de Matt, al atentado contra Caroline en manos de un pueblo puritano que quería quemarla por bruja, al matrimonio de Matt y Caroline y finalmente a que toda la familia abandonara el pueblo. O sea, fueron acontecimientos que se narraron nada y a los que se les pudo sacar el provecho que el paso de 200 páginas donde nos dábamos vuelta en que ella no se quería enamorar y él no confiaba en las mujeres no nos pudo dar. Me pareció sin lugar a dudas que la autora quería terminar el libro a la carrera. Un final absolutamente vacío que pudo entregar mucho más.
Solo queda concluir que el final del libro es tan frustrante, en menos de 4 páginas pasamos de enfrentarnos a la muerte de una chica que no tenía finalidad que muriera, luego a la potencial muerte del hijo menor de Matt, al atentado contra Caroline en manos de un pueblo puritano que quería quemarla por bruja, al matrimonio de Matt y Caroline y finalmente a que toda la familia abandonara el pueblo. O sea, fueron acontecimientos que se narraron nada y a los que se les pudo sacar el provecho que el paso de 200 páginas donde nos dábamos vuelta en que ella no se quería enamorar y él no confiaba en las mujeres no nos pudo dar. Me pareció sin lugar a dudas que la autora quería terminar el libro a la carrera. Un final absolutamente vacío que pudo entregar mucho más.
May 1, 2019
When her father dies, Caroline Wetherby sets out for the New World to live with her older sister and husband. However, Caroline used a worthless bit of jewelry for her passage and the captain went to Caroline's brother-in-law, Matt Mathieson for the money. Otherwise, she would have to be indentured to pay off the cost of the trip. Reluctantly, Matt pays it because his wife died two years before and he, his sons and his brothers have lived rather slovenly since then.
Thinking that Caroline was as bad as her sister, the boys and men did not warm up to her quickly. Caroline, however, is in the dark about what was wrong -- and why everyone disliked and avoided her sister.
I've never read anything by this author before and at the start the book was interesting. The author seemed to have a good grasp of colonial times and attitudes.
This book could have been condensed by 100 pages easily. This story seemed to meander a bit until the last 15 pages (or so). Then it ended rather abruptly. Other than sharing the speech patterns and attitudes of colonists, there was nothing special about this story.
Thinking that Caroline was as bad as her sister, the boys and men did not warm up to her quickly. Caroline, however, is in the dark about what was wrong -- and why everyone disliked and avoided her sister.
I've never read anything by this author before and at the start the book was interesting. The author seemed to have a good grasp of colonial times and attitudes.
This book could have been condensed by 100 pages easily. This story seemed to meander a bit until the last 15 pages (or so). Then it ended rather abruptly. Other than sharing the speech patterns and attitudes of colonists, there was nothing special about this story.
October 1, 2020
Imagine me saying "this may be the worst book I've ever read" in the same tone Count Rugen tells Inigo Montoya "that may be the saddest thing I've ever heard" and then think about how bad this book must be that I would ever write a review comparing myself to the evil Count Rugen. Like, it's that bad.
Tried to read this book while doing laundry since it was the most interesting looking book on the free books shelf. Hated the "heroine" so much I couldn't make it through the first chapter.
Oh lawd. Since it was basically the only book available, I made myself read more. The hero is as unlikable as the heroine, and the author clearly has no understanding of what Wicca is, yet tries to include it... guess she never heard the term "write what what you know." Wiccans do not worship Satan lol wtf (a "Wiccan" character cries that Satan will have vengeance!). Also she really makes dogs out to be not good bois so she's already in the wrong. -5/5 stars. This book is SO BAD. Genuinely one of the worst I've ever read.
Tried to read this book while doing laundry since it was the most interesting looking book on the free books shelf. Hated the "heroine" so much I couldn't make it through the first chapter.
Oh lawd. Since it was basically the only book available, I made myself read more. The hero is as unlikable as the heroine, and the author clearly has no understanding of what Wicca is, yet tries to include it... guess she never heard the term "write what what you know." Wiccans do not worship Satan lol wtf (a "Wiccan" character cries that Satan will have vengeance!). Also she really makes dogs out to be not good bois so she's already in the wrong. -5/5 stars. This book is SO BAD. Genuinely one of the worst I've ever read.
December 3, 2025
El libro ya tiene sus años y se nota mucho, ya he leído varios de la autora y pues… sus héroes son de lo peor y a mi la verdad sea dicha me gustan jajajaja y mucho pero para la actualidad definitivamente no son material de héroes, creo que en los noventa habían peores así que se salva por poco.
Algo que sí agradecí es que, aunque el protagonista es viudo, no es de esos viudos insufribles que pasan toda la historia diciendo que no pueden volver a amar porque extrañan a la esposa… pero al mismo tiempo no paran de hacerle de todo a la pobre protagonista y mas de lo que le hacían a la difunta 🙄 esos los detesto, o sea si tan dolido estas la del celibato no la conoces???? y para rematar este pudo haber sido un desastre porque era el cuñado pero no, la autora no se que brujería hizo que salio muy bien y hablando de brujerías la ambientación muy buena porque hay puritanos, caza de brujas, pestes, en fin el libro tiene de todo es entretenido me gusto mucho.
Algo que sí agradecí es que, aunque el protagonista es viudo, no es de esos viudos insufribles que pasan toda la historia diciendo que no pueden volver a amar porque extrañan a la esposa… pero al mismo tiempo no paran de hacerle de todo a la pobre protagonista y mas de lo que le hacían a la difunta 🙄 esos los detesto, o sea si tan dolido estas la del celibato no la conoces???? y para rematar este pudo haber sido un desastre porque era el cuñado pero no, la autora no se que brujería hizo que salio muy bien y hablando de brujerías la ambientación muy buena porque hay puritanos, caza de brujas, pestes, en fin el libro tiene de todo es entretenido me gusto mucho.
April 24, 2024
Das Cover hat echt alles raus gerissen. Die Story war noch einigermaßen gut, aber die Art wie es geschrieben war, wo so alle paar Seiten ein kurzer Absatz aus seiner Sicht war, war extrem eigenartig. Das Ende hat sich super schnell angefühlt, also so abrupt.
& die Sex Szenen…. Wenn ich noch einmal das Wort “Stachel” hör, dann zuck ich aus… auch dass er sie die ersten zwei mal einfach so genommen hat, ohne sie sich irgendwie um sie zu kümmern, obwohl er von ihrem Trauma wusste.. na echt, was soll das für ein Mann sein.
Ich war einfach nur enttäuscht.
& die Sex Szenen…. Wenn ich noch einmal das Wort “Stachel” hör, dann zuck ich aus… auch dass er sie die ersten zwei mal einfach so genommen hat, ohne sie sich irgendwie um sie zu kümmern, obwohl er von ihrem Trauma wusste.. na echt, was soll das für ein Mann sein.
Ich war einfach nur enttäuscht.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2017
3 stelline e 1/2, senza infamia e senza lode.
Capisco che siamo nelle colonie americane di fine '600, ma personalmente il fatto che la completa felicità per la protagonista sia fare la serva a un branco di rozzi soggetti, con un marito che le anticipa che la ingraviderà un anno sì e uno no fino alla menopausa o alla prematura dipartita mi ha messo una tristezza...
L'aggressione finale ci sta come il grana sulla pasta col tonno.
Capisco che siamo nelle colonie americane di fine '600, ma personalmente il fatto che la completa felicità per la protagonista sia fare la serva a un branco di rozzi soggetti, con un marito che le anticipa che la ingraviderà un anno sì e uno no fino alla menopausa o alla prematura dipartita mi ha messo una tristezza...
L'aggressione finale ci sta come il grana sulla pasta col tonno.
April 12, 2020
I realized a third of the way through that I had read this before, but I enjoyed it so I finished it. I never really know how to review romance novels. The genre is what it is -- predictable, formulaic -- but that's what makes romance novels relaxing. You know everything works out well in the end. So all that is required is good writing and interesting dynamics.
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