Dear Aunt Catherine

By: Laurie Ann Pokin

Narrated by: Rachel Music

Fleeing an abusive home in famine-scarred Ireland, a desperate young girl ventures alone across the ocean — chasing the fragile hope of finding her only remaining family (an estranged Uncle) and a future she'd only been allowed to imagine. America is meant to be her salvation, but when she finds her Uncle's mansion, it becomes a gilded cage.

The girl learns that wealth can hide rot, as she finds herself trapped under the watchful control of the house's volatile master: a man whose charm masks a growing darkness. Stripped of freedom and forced into servitude, she must summon a courage she never knew she possessed.

When her uncle dies under chilling circumstances, she is left in the power of the house's intoxicating and dangerous master — a man whose attention is as seductive as it is threatening. Trapped in a life of control and quiet terror, she must navigate a world where affection can become a weapon and trust may cost her everything. Yet within the darkness, unexpected tenderness flickers — a forbidden connection that awakens both longing and courage.

From the emerald hills of famine-stricken Ireland, across the Atlantic to the snow-crusted spine of the Rocky Mountains in the 1850's, Dear Aunt Catherine is a darkly romantic historical Western about survival, desire, and the fight for freedom and the promises of America. This is a story of peril and passion — where escape is uncertain, love is dangerous, and one young girl must decide what she is willing to risk to claim her freedom… and her heart as she grows into a woman.

©2017 Laurie Ann Pokin (P)2026 Laurie Ann Pokin

Masterful Storytelling! Outstanding Narration!

I was transported to a different time and place, right along with the main character on her journey halfway around the world in a desperate attempt to not only survive, but to escape and overcome the life she was born into.

Right from the start, I was swept away by truly masterful storytelling; this author succeeds in describing scenes and events in a way that provides a total sensory experience- I could see, hear, feel, and even smell, every step of the character's journey; there is heartbreak and triumph, fear and courage, and I was moved at times to tears and anger, and at other times to cheer. This is an historical piece and honestly depicts the harshness and injustice, that was daily life for so many during the era.

It's one of those rare books that lingers. After listening, I found myself pondering the realities of life in a different place and time, and how human beings sometimes carry within themselves haunting secrets that can completely change the trajectory of not only their own lives, but the lives of everyone they touch. (I'll leave it at that so as not to spoil the suspense woven throughout the story.)

It is refreshingly unexpected- all the way through to the last "page" I could not predict where the story would go, or how it would end- and that's exactly what I want in a book!

Note: There is a young woman featured on the cover of this book, however,it is not a book for young readers; because it is realistic, it is therefore at times, dark and disturbing and suited for a mature audience.

I have to add: This was an excellent choice of Narrator, who only adds to experience of the storytelling. Audio Book fans know, the wrong narrator can really detract from the best of books- this was a perfect pairing.

Highly recommend!

Lots of twists and turns

Well written refreshing read. Lots of cool detail brings the main character's incredibly difficult journey to life.

Excellent read

The character development is fascinating, and the twist at the end completely caught me off guard. The narrator did an outstanding job, and the authors voice will quickly pull you in and capture your attention throughout the entire book. Highly recommended.

captivating

a wonderfully written novel that holds you captive with it's intense very real story line, be ready to take a journey to the past!

Fantastic

An incredible story. The author really brings the characters to life. You feel like you are a part of the journey, from beginning to end!