MY REVIEW:
At the ripe old age of twenty-two, Emily’s great-aunts have decided that if they don’t quickly find her a husband she will end up an old maid. Unfortunately their idea of a suitable match is appalling. Realizing that no man would ever be interested in her and her clumsy tendencies, Emily has resigned herself to spinsterhood and is dedicated to promoting women’s rights until she sees the laws change.
The son of a banker, all Carter really wants to do is play baseball. He is good at it and believes he has what it takes to make a professional player. He is tired of trying to live up to his older brother’s sterling example and is determined to prove himself in his own way.
When the two young people literally run into each other their attraction is immediate but Emily’s poor self image makes it impossible for her to understand that Carter could possibly be interested in her. As their relationship develops, it is fraught with misunderstandings. Only as Emily and Carter come to grips with their own insecurities and learn to depend on the Lord and to trust others will they discover any hope for their future together.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Great Catch. The historical facts about the women’s suffrage movement and turn-of-the-century baseball added interest. The Lake Manawa setting took me back to a way of life I have only heard of through my late grandmother’s stories. A feisty heroine and a strong but sensitive hero are complemented by a lively supporting cast. The author has managed to weave an entertaining story filled with humor, drama, suspense, and romance while teaching some valuable spiritual lessons as well.
For those who enjoy a good historical romance, A Great Catch should definitely be on your to read list.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lake Manawa:
The Bloomer Girls Play The Owls and Suffragists Speeches Heard at Pavilion
“So sad. Almost a spinster.” Aunt Millie shook her head. “If we don’t do something soon, no man is going to want a woman that advanced in years.”
Author Lorna Seilstad delivers another wonderful novel for summer with A Great Catch (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3446-6, $14.00, May 2011). It’s 1901 in Lake Manawa, Iowa, a beautiful little lakeside resort in America’s heartland. Summer has arrived, along with all the seasonal activities at Lake Manawa: baseball, swimming, roller-skating, picnicking, strolling along the boardwalk, and listening to speeches by the suffragists.
Educating the women of Lake Manawa to their equal status as men and their voting rights, Emily Graham, a 22-year old suffragist tries to live her life independently and free from her meddling aunts who think she is bound for spinsterhood. They want to find a suitable husband among the resort guests for her. Emily prefers to decline their choices; she has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy suffragist life.
Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer at the resort before he is forced into the business world by his older brother.
When Emily crashes into Carter at a roller skating rink, life begins to change for both of them. Carter must choose what he enjoys most; Emily will have to decide what is most important to her.
A Great Catch takes you back to the turn of the century with endearing characters and incredible settings, all found in America’s heartland.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves and is a fresh voice in historical fiction with spirited and entertaining writing. She is a history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer. Seilstad draws her setting from her home state of Iowa. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
