To Love & to Cherish

Author:

Patricia Gaffney

Published:

Topaz, February 1995 ; 364 pages

Related titles by this author:

To Have & to Hold, Forever & Ever

Subgenre:

Historical romance -- Victorian

Setting:

Italy and England -- Devonshire, 1850s

Main characters:

Christy Morrell and Anne Verlaine

Sexual explicitness:

Explicit

Keywords:

Intrigue ; clerical duties, failed marriages, military careers, painting, religious faith, venereal disease

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

This is one of my all time favorite books. Christian was a hero to die for. I love Patricia Gaffney's books. (M.H., 3-29-98) I've been searching for this book for months after having read the comments on this page. I admit I was hoping for more. Ever a problem, I guess. I agree that the book is well written, and definitely in the Hardy mode as the author suggests. However I could never quite feel passionately about either of the main characters. Despite the reversal of roles there was still a predictability about the main characters, particularly that he would be strengthened in his 'faith' and that she would find 'faith." Not being a Christian myself it's often a stretch for me to care that much about these religious issues. Anyway it's cerrtainly a cut above most romance novels. But it still doesn't challenge Laura Kinsale for me. Not quirky enough. (L.F., 1-27-98) TO LOVE & TO CHERISH by Patricia Gaffney is one of the most emotionally moving and heartfelt novels I have ever read in any genre. The characterizations are as real and complex as I've ever experienced in romantic fiction. I can't think a single male character as wonderfully written as Christy Morrell. Anne was less lovable, but I understood her, which is a credit to Gaffney's sensitive writing. The village came alive for me becauce even the minor characters were given human characteristics we could recognize in those around us. This book examines all aspects of life, faith and love and it all rings true. I never wished for a happy ending as much as I did for this one. TL&TC is a beautiful book and one I'll not soon forget. (K.G., 1-31-97) This is far and away Ms. Gaffney's best book. (But I thought her CROOKED HEARTS and THIEF OF HEARTS were great fun, nonetheless.) (In the reading of romances, E.P., I've found it helps a lot NOT to have an Ivy League education in history. Ignorance is truly bliss...) (S.R., 1-15-97) This whole series was one of Gaffney's best efforts so far. I fell in love with all of the characters, as well as the quiet English countryside village. Wonderful story that I hope everyone reads. (A.J., 12-18-96) One of the finest, most deeply moving romances I've read in years. Gaffney's style, far superior to that of most romance writers, is nowhere better than in this first and best book of her Wyckerley series. The central characters reverse the usual pattern--she is experienced and cynical, he is innocent and noble--but both are so well drawn that they move beyond even backward stereotypes. The minor characters are charmingly sketched, contributing to the English village setting. The book is quite thought provoking in spots, examining human relationships and religious faith without becoming tediously philosophical or (a more usual problem in a romance) superficially corny. The book is also romantic and at times sensual. If you liked Laura Kinsale's FLOWERS IN THE STORM, you're bound to like this book--perhaps even more than Kinsale's, since Gaffney's style is smoother around the edges. Gaffney is also a less uneven writer--except for CROOKED HEARTS, a contrived farce set in turn-of-the-century California, I've found all her books to be pretty good. (E.P., 12-8-96)

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