Mrs. Caton's Bookshelf
Currently Reading:
Summer Reading with Brief Review:
Reviewing system: I have rated each book with 1-5 stars, with 5 being one of the best books I have read and 1 being one of the worst books I have read.
Book Summary from Mass Market Publishing:
“Wuthering Heights,” the only novel written by Emily Bronte, is a classic of 19th century literature and is considered by many as one of the greatest romantic novels ever written. Set in Northern England, at the moorland farmhouse known as “Wuthering Heights,” it is the story of Catherine Earnshaw and the love that she shares with Heathcliff. Catherine and Heathcliff are brought together as children when her father brings the young foundling home, following a trip to Liverpool. Meanwhile Catherine’s brother Hindley, becomes jealous of the affections that his father is bestowing upon Heathcliff and seeks to undermine the young boy’s position in the family. When their father dies Hindley allows Heathcliff to stay on at Wuthering Heights but only in the capacity as a servant. The relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff is a tumultuous one, while the two are deeply in love, Catherine will not allow herself to marry him due to his lowly status. The novel follows the lives of the Earnshaw family for many years. “Wuthering Heights” is a deeply tragic tale of unfulfilled desire, betrayal, and ultimately bitter vengeance.
Mrs. Caton's Rating: 
If you love classics, gothic literature with a side of romance, you will love this novel. It is a challenging read, with an intense plotline.I felt the beginning was a bit stagnate and extremely slow. There were unexpected twists and turns toward the middle and end of the novel, which did keep me from losing interest. I did not care for the character Catherine Earnshaw. I found her weak and flighty with nothing to offer anyone looking for a strong female protagonist. I did find Heathcliff very intriguing from a psychological perspective. It is clear his past has affected him, and I did find myself interested in his interactions with other characters, especially Catherine and Nellie.
Book Summary from Amazon:
National Bestseller--New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly
Are you ready to see your fixer upper?
These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.
The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.
If you need a quick inspirational read, this is it! While this is a true story about husband and a wife, Joanna was the one that left me with an indelible impression. She is a quiet yet driven woman, made even stronger by the love and support of her husband. I strongly urge anyone looking for a true example of what it is to be a Southern, Steel Magnolia to read this autobiography.
