In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
Courting Cate
by Leslie Gould
Bethany House
November 2012
But the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.
Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate’s hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?
My Thoughts: It’s easy to tell by my book reviews that I like Amish Fiction. This is the first book that I have read by Leslie Gould and I wasn’t disappointed.
Cate figures that she will be an old maid, since she doesn’t think anyone could put up with her temper. Having raised her younger sister Betsy since birth and being in charge of her father’s business office has made Cate fairly independent.
When Betsy starts courting, their father issues an edict: Betsy cannot get married or court until Cate does. At the same time as the declaration, Pete, an Amish man from New York, comes to Lancaster County, and begins to court Cate. She, however, is immediately suspicious.
Anyone who has read the Shakespeare play, or even seen some of the numerous movie, television, and book adaptations (including the Heath Ledger classic 10 Things I Hate About You) will be able to guess how the story goes. However, it’s still a wonderful book, and I couldn’t put it down. This is a great story with many twists and turns. Why did Pete leave his family? Will Pete and Cate get together? Can the fiery Cate actually be tamed?
Amish fiction fans will recognize Gould from the Women of Lancaster County series she co-wrote with Mindy Starns Clark, but this book showcases Gould as an Amish author on her own. Courting Cate is the beginning of the Courtships of Lancaster County series, and if the rest of the series is as good as this title, I have a feeling it will be in high demand.
Cate was a lot of fun and added a lot of personality to this story. All the characters felt real and very likable. This is somewhat of a twist on your Amish Fiction which I find refreshing. You still see Cate’s grace and dignity and her relationship with her Savoir shine through in all situations.
Thanks for a well written book with delightful characters. I look forward to reading more in this series and by the author.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.