"I'll be waitin' fer ye on the other side, my hand outstretched, till ye reach fer me when yer earthly time is done. Then our clasp shall ne'er be broken again..." Sometimes love can be so strong that it ruptures the confines of a single lifetime, extending into those beyond. This is what Caitlyn Hegarty, an American schoolteacher, learns on her trip to Scotland where she soon becomes entangled in the tragic history of a pair of 17th-century lovers. Standing before the dungeon at Undlay Castle, she relives the romantic ...
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"I'll be waitin' fer ye on the other side, my hand outstretched, till ye reach fer me when yer earthly time is done. Then our clasp shall ne'er be broken again..." Sometimes love can be so strong that it ruptures the confines of a single lifetime, extending into those beyond. This is what Caitlyn Hegarty, an American schoolteacher, learns on her trip to Scotland where she soon becomes entangled in the tragic history of a pair of 17th-century lovers. Standing before the dungeon at Undlay Castle, she relives the romantic adventures of the roguish thief and poet, Donal Donn, and his doomed passion for Mary McElroy, the spirited daughter of the laird of Undlay. Unable to shake their spell, Caitlyn is drawn into the shadows of the past as she attempts to solve the mystery enshrouding their forbidden love. Inspired by the true story of Domhnull Donn and Mary Grant, the novel depicts the timeless power of love amidst the lawlessness, superstition, and pageantry of a lost age.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 290 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Fine. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 290 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New. Sewn binding. Cloth over boards. 290 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
In Silence Cries the Heart transports readers to the atmospheric landscapes of Scotland, where the past and the present are blended in a historical fiction novel that is rich with emotional depth and lyrical storytelling. The narrative weaves between the poignant tale of 17th-century lovers Mary Grant and Domhnull Donn and the contemporary journey of Caitlyn, a woman whose discovery of their story changes her life. The setting goes from the hauntingly beautiful Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, remnants of a turbulent history, to the modern world, capturing the essence of a Scotland that is as mystical as it is grounded in reality.
The author�s writing shines with a passion for Scottish history and culture, encapsulated through detailed descriptions and compelling characters. The vivid portrayal of the highland landscapes serves as a character in its own right, imbuing the narrative with a sense of place that is both enchanting and haunting. The parallel storylines are skillfully interwoven, maintaining a balance that enhances the book�s thematic depth. While the narrative excels in its atmospheric setting and rich historical details, I feel that it can occasionally linger on descriptive passages that slow the pace.
The exploration of themes such as love, destiny, and the power of history is poignant and thought-provoking. Author Catherine Hughes delves into the human condition with sensitivity, examining how the past influences the present and the timeless nature of certain human experiences. The heartache of Mary and Domhnull�s doomed love is mirrored in Caitlyn�s own journey of self-discovery and liberation from societal norms.
Hughes� choice to intersperse the novel with Gaelic phrases and traditional Scottish folklore enriches the authenticity of the setting. These elements, combined with the lyrical quality of her prose, created a mesmerizing reading experience for me.
In Silence Cries the Heart is a compelling read for those enchanted by Scotland, historical fiction enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a beautifully written tale that bridges time. Its intricate narrative and eloquent prose make it a great book for a wide audience, particularly readers who enjoy stories where history and modernity converge with a touch of romance and mysticism, just like in Diana Gabaldon�s popular Outlander series.
L.T.
Apr 10, 2024
Literary Titan
Catherine Hughes' novel, In Silence Cries the Heart, weaves a captivating narrative through a dual-timeline structure. The protagonist, Caitlyn, embarks on a tour of the historic Undlay Castle, where she uncovers the poignant tale of Mary and Donal's forbidden romance, revealed to her through two profound dreams. The first occurs after she faints at the castle, and the second unfolds as she peers into an adder's stone. Set in contrasting eras, 2018 and 1665, the novel explores themes of love and autonomy in choosing a life partner. Born into nobility, Mary is pressured by her father to marry within their social class. Defying her father's wishes, she falls for Donal, a cattle thief, and plans to elope with him, a decision that brings dire consequences.
Hughes skillfully navigates the historical backdrop of Mary and Donal's story, set in 1665, with Caitlyn's contemporary journey in 2018, drawing parallels between the past and present in love and choice. The novel delves into the restrictive societal norms of Mary's time, contrasting them with Caitlyn's modern perspective. Catherine Hughes' narrative technique is particularly noteworthy. Rather than presenting Mary and Donal's story as a mere tale within Caitlyn's tour, Hughes opts for a more immersive approach, using vivid dreams to draw Caitlynâ�"and the readerâ�"deeper into the historical romance. This method elevates the story's impact, especially as the novel concludes with a nod to the tale's veracity during the tour.
The character of Mary is intriguingly multifaceted. Hughes artfully navigates the complexities of Mary's persona, balancing her resilience and independence with the profound impact of her love for Donal. This dynamic portrayal showcases Mary's strength, which is evident in her passionate advocacy for Meggie and her active involvement in the Cameron brothers' execution. Simultaneously, it explores her vulnerability, particularly in her interactions with Hilda and the decisions driven by her deep love. This nuanced depiction adds depth to Mary's character, making her relatable and inspiring as she navigates the challenges of love and societal expectations.
In Silence Cries the Heart presents a layered and engaging narrative, offering a fresh take on the romance genre. Hughes' use of a story within a story, combined with a blend of historical and contemporary elements, creates a rich tapestry that thoughtfully explores themes of love, choice, and societal constraints.
Sheri (Reader Views)
Feb 5, 2024
One of the Most Captivating Stories I Have Read!!
As everyone out there probably knows by now I simply adore a good mystery and will read anything in that category. Romance does not tend to be the genre that I gravitate towards, ever. That being said I will tell all of you that ââ?¬Å"In Silence Cries the Heart,ââ?¬Â? a historical romance novel by author Catherine Hughes, may be one of the greatest and most captivating stories that I have ever read.
ââ?¬Å"In Silence Cries the Heartââ?¬Â? is a story within a story. It begins with Caitlyn Hegarty, a schoolteacher from America, who travels to Scotland and finds herself pulled immediately into the history of Mary and Donal, lovers from the 17th century, when she visits Undlay Castle. As Caitlyn stands in front of the dungeon at the castle, she begins to relive the romance and mystery of the relationship between these two people.
Donal Donn is a thief as well as a poet, and Mary McElroy is the daughter of the Laird of Undlay. During this time in history, this would be a relationship that was completely forbidden. While Caitlyn is drawn into the story of their love, the reader is allowed to take this journey with her as the mystery of the past lives of these two people is spelled out on the pages, and the past and present are joined together. The book, based on two very real people and their story, is spellbinding as we live their tale through Caitlyn�s eyes and see all the tragedy, history, and love that is a part of it.
Catherine Hughes has gifted readers with a simply amazing story. The writing is so captivating and so very descriptive that the reader will feel as if they are standing in Scotland right alongside these amazing characters. The dialogue is very well done and completely accurate in terms of the period involved in the story. In addition, the characters are extremely well-developed and, as a reader, you are able to become completely immersed in everything about them and what is happening to them. Honestly, they felt like friends we come to know as we read, and you can feel the love between Mary and Donal as well as the confusion of Caitlyn as she is completely mesmerized by what is happening around her and seeks to find the truth buried in the past.
ââ?¬Å"In Silence Cries the Heart,ââ?¬Â? based on a true story, will touch your heart in so many ways even as it completely breaks it. The setting, the dialogue, and the characters are beyond description. Honestly, there is nothing that I can say about this story that is not a huge compliment. It is a book that I highly recommend to everyone, regardless of the genre of stories you normally choose. Catherine Hughes has created a masterpiece with this tale, and I was truly sad when it ended. These characters will live on in your mind long after you read the last page. I cannot wait to see what this author chooses to write for her readers in her next book. 5 Stars!!
