Keeping Katerina

This book is written in a time when both women and children were seen as "property" and it may be offensive to some. Violence toward women. The H doesn't mean to come to care so deeply for her in such a short time but he can't help it. When he meets her, he sees a beautiful woman who lives in fear and he can't help wanting to help her. Rescue and protect her. The h is literally in fear for her life. Never has she had a kind word or touch or concern for her well being. When her secret is discovered by this caring man, she jumps at the chance to be free of her nightmare. Neither one of them expect the love, passion and eventually trust that quickly blooms between them as they discover one another. It's one of those stories that sucks you in, first with the tragedy, then the triumph as she finds out she IS worthy.

really wish you would have finished this one. With letting us know what they had,girl or boy. And how it all ended. You left us hanging somewhat.

Heartwarming, tender, and frank. This charming novel highlights the social ills of the mid 19th century using the love affair of a badly abused young woman and the heir of a respectable, middle class English industrialist. Not one to build a fortune on the backs of the workers, the factory owner. and his son have attempted to make their factory a model of progressive 19th c. business. Despite the sober subject, the story emphasizes the value of love in repairing both physical and psychological damage in treating PTSD. While it frankly addresses the conditions at the root of the problems, the story focuses on the interpersonal relationships which help the young woman face and conquer her conscious and her unconscious damage. The writing is precise and compassionate, propelling the story inexorably forward, introduces no anachronisms, and maintains an atmosphere of loving acceptance. The characters are lovable and resonate in the heart. I highly recommend this unforgettable book.