With her newfound faith, Catherine Dougall hopes to take the remnants of her threadbare life and make something beautiful, even if society shuns every choice she makes.
Dr. David Ross must save his war hospital from ruin, but when his notorious aunt makes an offer he can’t refuse, he must choose between his surprising affection for a reformed flirt or his dreams.
From the beautiful Derbyshire … beautiful Derbyshire countryside to the trenches of World War One, Catherine and David must learn to trust in a God who never forgets his children and fashions beauty out of the most broken things.
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The Penned in Time series gets even better in book 2! Infamous Catherine Dougall has found forgiveness and redemption in Christ, but English society is not forgiving and Catherine must make a new life from the ashes of her scars. As she helps nurse wounded soldiers from the WW1 front, she finds confidence and courage that she can make a difference in the lives of those who suffer. The love and loss of her favorite hospital doctor will test Catherine’s resilience. Can something broken be made beautiful again? Wonderful story that lingers long after the book closes.
Confession: I haven’t read The Thorn Keeper yet (but eventually will. But I was at once taken with Catherine’s brokenness and David’s unbreakable connection with her, and his willingness to put aside the mistakes of her past that might keep her down. Instead, together they find a wholeness that remains elusive when they’re apart. I too experienced those same feelings of unworthiness after I got pregnant with my first child before I was married, and again when I ultimately divorced 3 years later while expecting my second daughter. I immediately connected with Catherine’s strength and cheeky spirit. She’s not afraid to stand her ground when her commitment to her newness in Christ is challenged after she accepted the grace He offers. My own husband is much like David, a fine man who is full of honor, and who looks past the sins of Catherine’s past to see only the beauty of her soul washed clean. Their love story was deeply affected by circumstances, by outside forces, and by their own changes, but they must find a way to stay true to the promises that they make. Absolutely unforgettable
While Catherine was one of those characters you loved to hate in book 1, she is a character you will adore in The Thorn Keeper. I loved watching her growth as the book progressed. And watching her try to resist David… ha! Those two together make my heart happy! There are beautiful themes of redemption and forgiveness throughout the book. And there’s one particular part of the book that will make you want to toss your book across the room and rail at Pepper Basham for doing that to a beloved character… but I promise you will be ok in the end. But will the character? hmmm… read and find out! Loved this book and highly recommend the series. I’m on to book 3!
If you’ve never read a Pepper Basham book you seriously need to start. She is one of the best writers in Christian fiction, in my opinion. This book is one of her first ones written and it just proves my point of her being such an excellent writer. I do suggest that you read the first book in the series, The Thorn Bearer before this one, just because it will help you understand Catherine’s, the heroine, journey better.
This was such a wonderful story of redemption and forgiveness. The romance between Catherine and David was so sweet and endearing and points the reader to what a relationship with God at the center should be like. The book does have several passionate kissing scenes and such, nothing dirty or overly descriptive, and they go so well with the story that honestly I can’t imagine the story without those scenes. I love how the author pointed a light on loving those that have made past mistakes but offering redemption and seeing them as human instead. If you like Denise Hunter, Julie Lessman or Becky Wade then you will enjoy Pepper Basham.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I really enjoyed The Thorn Keeper! Catherine is desperately trying to overcome her past and is trying to live the life that God wants her to live. And Dr. David Ross is just the person who wants to help her with that. But can this relationship work, with David’s life so different than Catherine’s.
Pepper Basham has created the perfect cast of characters to tell this wonderful story of love, forgiveness and second chances. And Catherine’s story is told so beautifully, I wanted to be there with all of the characters as the story was told. I love the historical setting. Ms. Basham does an amazing job of researching the setting of the story, and I love each detailed scene written so beautifully. Catherine has a lot of doubts, especially with David, she thinks she is just not good enough for him, but I Pepper does and really nice job of weaving everything together to show how faith in God changes a person.
I didn’t read the first book in this series, but the author did a really good job from the beginning introducing readers to Catherine, as well as enough information about her past life that it is ok read as a standalone. Though I do plan to read the first book as well soon.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Thorn Keeper by Pepper Basham is a delightful Christian historical novel and the second book in the Penned In Time series. I would recommend reading book one first as this one follows on immediately afterwards.
It is still 1915 but the focus of this novel is on older sister Catherine. God has redeemed her and called her by name. Her past no longer defines her as she is a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes we fear that we are not ‘good enough’ to be used by God but “I can use you right where you are. I can use you as you are.” God uses us as He finds us and then He changes us. We do not need to clean our act up and then come. God says ‘come’ and then we will change with His love.
The novel deals with the theme of fallen women and their children. “How could anyone lay the sins of the mother on his little head?” It is horrifying to the modern reader to witness the stigma attached to unmarried mothers and their babies. A kind hearted character sees beyond the situation and offers a helping hand.
We all have dreams. The best dreams are always God’s dreams that are far greater than anything we could ever imagine. “God dreamed bigger dreams for her than she ever could.”
The whole novel is about love – the love of God for a character and the love we have for each other. God’s character is love. He commands us to love Him and each other. I loved this powerful quote:
“His love isn’t based on what you’ve done, who you are, or even how much you love Him in return. He loves.”
This is a cracking series. It’s on to book three now.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I recently told a friend that this Pepper Basham book is not a movie–it is a mini-series. Packed full of action, heart, and romance, The Thorn Keeper leaves an impact long after the final words are read. I adored Catherine’s journey of growth, as a person AND in her faith. This story is such a sweet picture of redemption and love. The bittersweet but beautiful romance between Catherine and David will stay with me for a LONG time.
This is just a great book and a fantastic addition to the series. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All opinions belong to me.