The Golden Straw

Rating:
Summary: A young woman's choices affect the next two generations.
Review: Emily Ratcliffe's ill-fated affair with the charming jerk Paul Steerman ends with her frightening, unexpected rape by him, and subsequent pregnancy and delivery of twins. Loyal friend and would-be lover Dr. Steve Montane marries her and lovingly raises the boy and girl as his own.

But of course the past comes back to haunt Emily and her loyal lady's maid, Alice. The character of Alice is fascinating: at first she's the humble, grateful young maid to Emily, but as her loyalty to her mistress grows, she changes to the point where her thoughts are not her own; she literally lives for her mistress. When the older Emily's past misdeeds more or less catch up to her, Alice becomes angry with anyone who dares oppose or accuse her mistress, citing "You don't know what she's been through!" as excuse for Emily's actions or unreasonable behavior.

Predictably Emily's daughter meets and falls in love with her half-brother, and must overcome obstacles of time and scandal to realize her heart's dream, while Emily herself becomes the antagonist in her own novel, along with stubborn, faithful Alice.

A tale about courage, fidelity, and mostly, fate.

Rating:
Summary: A Classic Romance
Review: The Golden Straw is a thick meaty saga which has it all. From love to rape to hardship and secrets; it really is vintage Catherine Cookson. The novel features Emily who having worked for milliner Mabel Arkwright decides to take a holiday in the South Of France, recommended by Mabel herself. There she meets a charming yet married man, Paul and soon she embarks on a torrid affair. However, when Emily decides to stop the affair, Paul gets drunk and he rapes her. And the effects of that night effect both her children and grand-children. In true Cookson tradition, you'll be spellbound and you're bound to keep turning the pages. There are many romance writers, but there is only one Catherine Cookson.