Kathleen [Paperback]

Francine Rivers (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Jove (March 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515074330
• ISBN-13: 978-0515074338
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kathleen, September 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Kathleen (Paperback)

A GLITTERING CENTURY WAS ABOUT TO END...AND SO WAS KATHLEEN'S INNOCENCE!

Until she saw the mysterious papers, beautiful eighteen-year-old Kathleen believed she has always lived at the orphanage--had always been alone in her empty world.

Now she discovered her mother had been a tempestuous Irish actress, with a shameful past. And her father none other than William Benson, one of New York's richest men, who'd secretly supported her for years--but would never claim her as his child.

So the fiery young girl fled to the wild land of California to make her own destiny. And there she fell in love with the ruggedly handsome Clinton Matthews. But Kathleen knew nothing of passion--or of life.

In fact, she didn't even know how to protect herself from cold-blooded murder....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The sins of our fathers..., April 3, 2011

By 

Ms Daisy "Ava" (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Kathleen (Paperback)

Kathleen was a very entertaining read from the pen of Francine Rivers. It is one of 11 books she wrote early in her career (1979) that she calls her B.C. Books (before Christ). Sadly these books are out of print and she has stated they will not be reprinted or recommended by her. I respect her decision but I can and do recommend this book.

Kathleen once an inhabitant of the orphanage she has been teaching at for 2 years discovers certain hidden facts about her origin that will have her running from a life she thought she knew to California where she will find the love and acceptance she has always craved. Kathleen is 18yrs old and totally ignorant of men which causes several misunderstanding between Kathleen and Clinton the rancher that hired her as a governess for his niece and nephew. There are dark forces surrounding Kathleen that want her dead that she is unaware of except for disturbing nightmares she cannot explain. To add to Kathleen's worries are over eager suitors and a spiteful jealous ex-girlfriend of Clinton. At times it seems that Kathleen is her own worse enemy due to her self doubts and feelings of being unwanted. Clinton has a lot of work ahead of him if he wants to claim Kathleen and protect her from harm.

The writing is first person narrative which was how books were written back in the day You never knew what the H was thinking unless the author was an exceptionally gifted writer like Francine Rivers. There is a scene where Kathleen and Clinton play chess when the reader knows instantly Clint is filled with jealousy over what he thinks is going on between Kathleen and one of her suitors. Also there were moments you wanted to rush the story along because it seemed Kathleen was obsessing about being an orphan, but then you realize FR was giving the reader a clear picture of how a persons formative years can impact their future. These scenes were important because they explained why Kathleen responded the way she did to certain situations that will make you roll your eyes. If you like this book I highly recommend Redeeming Love which is my all all time favorite book by this author. It is the first book she wrote after she devoted her life to Christ.