Catherine's Pursuit

By Lena Nelson Dooley

In book three of the McKenna’s Daughters series, Catherine McKenna begins a journey to find her lost sisters that turns into a spiritual journey for the entire McKenna family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Realms
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781621360209

Lena Nelson Dooley

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had her books appear on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as some Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and the local chapter, ACFW - DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Her 2010 release Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Her next series, McKenna’s Daughters: Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. The second, Mary’s Blessing, was a Selah Award finalist for Romance novel. Catherine’s Pursuit released in 2013. It was the winner of the NTRWA Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, took second place in the CAN Golden Scroll Novel of the Year award, and won the Will Rogers Medallion bronze medallion. Her blog, A Christian Writer’s World, received the Readers Choice Blog of the Year Award from the Book Club Network.   She has experience in screenwriting, acting, directing, and voice-overs. She has been featured in articles in Christian Fiction Online Magazine, ACFW Journal, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Retailing.   In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally. She is also one of the co-hosts of the Along Came a Writer Blogtalk radio show.   Lena has an active web presence on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Linkedin and with her internationally connected blog where she interviews other authors and promotes their books.   Website: www.lenanelsondooley.com Blog: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenandooley/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley Twitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley  Official Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333031.Lena_Nelson_Dooley http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=1728796&sp=67484&event=67484|1728796|67484 Blogtalk Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/along-came-a-writer/ www.linkedin.com www.instagram.com/lenanelsondooley Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JPAIDE  

Book preview

Lena Nelson Dooley excels at creating a cast of well-defined characters living in a world of historical accuracy. No wonder readers love her stories of trial and triumph.

—LYNNE GENTRY

AUTHOR OF REINVENTING LEONA

Ms. Dooley, in Catherine’s Pursuit, has created an intriguing premise with interesting characters and a satisfying ending to this series.

—MARGARET DALEY

AUTHOR OF SHATTERED SILENCE

In Catherine’s Pursuit Lena Nelson Dooley has penned yet another keeper for my bookshelf! From the first page her characters leap to life before my eyes, and it nearly goes without saying that her plot lines do the same with their multilayers and rich dialogue! This book will not disappoint Lena lovers! Keep ’em comin’, Ms. Dooley!

—SHARLENE MACLAREN

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE HICKMAN CREEK

SERIES, DAUGHTERS OF JACOB KANE SERIES,

AND RIVER OF HOPE SERIES

A story of separation and reunion, of sisters torn apart by a desperate decision and family secrets revealed. Lena Nelson Dooley weaves a heartwarming tale filled with history, adventure, faith, and love.

—LISA WINGATE

NATIONAL BEST-SELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF

DANDELION SUMMER AND FIREFLY ISLAND

Lena Nelson Dooley brings the Northwest in the nineteenth century to life in Catherine’s Pursuit. What a joy to read the story of triplets, separated at birth, who reunite at last. As different as they are alike, Mary, Maggie, and Catherine will capture your heart.

—DARLENE FRANKLIN

AUTHOR OFA BRIDE’S ROGUE IN ROMA, TEXAS AND

POSTMARK: CHRISTMAS

Delightful! Catherine’s Pursuit swept me away. My heart ached with Catherine’s longing . . . and then rejoiced at her numerous discoveries—of family, of love. A well-written book that’s worth the read!

—TRICIA GOYER

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THIRTY-FOUR BOOKS, INCLUDING

THE MEMORY JAR

From the docks of San Francisco to the forested slopes of Oregon City, Lena Nelson Dooley crafts a touching tale of one woman’s discovery of long-lost triplet sisters and the search that sweeps both her and the reader away on a magical journey of faith, family, and love.

— JULIE LESSMAN

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE DAUGHTERS OF

BOSTON AND WINDS OF CHANGE SERIES

Most CHARISMA HOUSE BOOK GROUP products are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchase for sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, and educational needs. For details, write Charisma House Book Group, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, or telephone [phone].

CATHERINE’S PURSUIT by Lena Nelson Dooley

Published by Realms

Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group

600 Rinehart Road

Lake Mary, Florida 32746

www.charismahouse.com

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

All Scripture quotations are from King James Version of the Bible.

Copyright © 2013 by Lena Nelson Dooley

All rights reserved

Cover design by Rachel Lopez

Design Director: Bill Johnson

Visit the author’s website at www.lenanelsondooley.com.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

Dooley, Lena Nelson.

Catherine’s pursuit / by Lena Nelson Dooley. -- 1st ed.

p. cm. -- (McKenna’s daughters ; bk. 3)

ISBN 978-1-62136-019-3 (trade paper) -- ISBN 978-1-62136-020-9 (e-book)

1. Spiritual life--Fiction. 2. Christian fiction. I. Title.

PS3554.O5675C38 2013

813’.54--dc23

2012033353

First edition

13 14 15 16 17 — 987654321

Printed in the United States of America

DEDICATION

TO JULIE MYERS, who won the character-naming rights in an auction to raise money for diabetes research. Thank you, Julie, for partnering with me to fight this dread disease.

To Collin Elliott, who is the best friend of my grandson, Austin Waldron. I borrowed your name for the hero of my story, but you are a real-life hero to your wife, daughter, and two sons.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

THERE ARE SO many people who contribute to the making of a book.

My agent, Joyce Hart, who negotiated the contract. You have been a good friend and a cheerleader for years. I’m so glad God blessed me with you.

The numerous people at Charisma Media/Realms who contributed to the production of the book: Debbie Marrie, my acquisitions editor; Lori Vanden Bosch, my substantive editor; the copy editors; Woodley with marketing and graphics; the graphics team that created the awesome cover; and numerous other professionals who help promote my works. A great big thank-you to all of you. I hope to meet you someday.

Nothing could be written in this house without my Lord Jesus Christ, who created me in my mother’s womb and gifted me with the ability to string words together and make meaningful stories. I depend on You, Lord, for every idea, every word, every sentence, every book.

The most important person on earth for me is my precious husband, who is the best gift God gave me besides Jesus. Just being in the room with you wraps me in so much love and safety that I can do everything I need to for this crazy writer’s world. I will love you as long as I live.

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

—1 CHRONICLES 4:10

Chapter 1

September 19, 1885

San Francisco, California

CATHERINE LENORA MCKENNA could hardly believe the long-awaited day had arrived. Her eighteenth birthday.

Now she was an adult, and her father would have to stop hovering over her as if she were a fragile china doll in one of his stores. She would be free. Holding her hands above her head like the ballerina in the music box on her bureau, she whirled in a circle that lifted the hem of her blue taffeta skirt to a scandalous height. That didn’t matter, because no one was here to catch a glimpse of her ankles anyway. Not even her personal maid, Julie, who had gone downstairs to grab Catherine a more substantial breakfast from the kitchen before she fainted dead away.

Aunt Kirstin wanted Catherine to eat very light before her party tonight, where a sumptuous banquet would precede the ball. There would be presents to open as well. Catherine hoped her father planned a spectacular gift for her birthday . . . maybe to send her on a tour of the Continent. Of course Aunt Kirstin would probably accompany her, but at least she would be able to see more of the world for herself, not just read about it.

Europe should be beautiful in the autumn, or in any season of the year. Since both of her parents were born in Scotland, she wanted to visit there as well as London, Paris, Rome. She had read every book and magazine she could get her hands on, and she knew so much about Europe. A thrill of anticipation shot through her whole body. Visions of crossing London Bridge, strolling along Avenue des Champs-Élysées, or touring the Colosseum danced through her head. Pictures she’d enjoyed studying with their Holmes stereopticon. She wondered if Father would accompany her or if he would allow Aunt Kirstin to be her only escort . . . besides a few servants, of course.

Where is Julie with my food? Catherine huffed out an exasperated breath. Am I going to have to go to the kitchen myself?

She thrust open the door and hurried down the hallway, the sound of her footsteps lost in the thick cushioning of the carpet. At the top of the front stairs she stopped to see if she could figure out where her aunt Kirstin was before she sneaked down the backstairs.

Peering over the balcony railing, she caught a glimpse of her aunt’s face through the partially opened door to the library. Her brows were knit together into a frown as she stared at someone in the room with her. Catherine had never seen such a fierce expression on her aunt’s face.

Father’s voice was muffled as he said something to his sister-in-law. What is he doing home at this time of morning? Catherine wished she could tell what they were talking about. She had never heard her father use that tone with anyone, especially not Aunt Kirstin. As if he were angry or terribly upset.

Catherine leaned farther over but kept a firm grip on the railing so she wouldn’t tumble down. A drop onto a marble floor could be deadly.

Aunt Kirstin gripped each hand into a fist and planted them on her hips. Just when are you going to tell her?

Come to think of it, her aunt was using a harsher tone than Catherine had ever heard her use.

Father didn’t answer.

Catherine quickly crept down the stairs, being careful not to place her foot on the second step from the foyer, which would squeak and reveal her presence. At the bottom she straightened and checked her reflection in the gilt-framed, oval mirror beside the front door. When she found everything satisfactory, she tiptoed toward the library.

I don’t know. Her father’s words stopped her in her tracks.

What did he not know?

Angus. Aunt Kirstin’s voice was firm and insistent. She deserves to know the truth. And now she’s old enough to understand.

Catherine didn’t hesitate to enter her favorite room in the house. She pushed the door farther open, and both her aunt and her father turned startled eyes toward her. The two looked as if they had been caught in an act of mischief.

Tell me what? What will I understand? Her questions hovered in the air, quivering like hummingbirds without a way to escape the net of tension that bound the three of them together.

Her father glanced at her aunt, and then he turned his attention back to Catherine. The deep scowl on his face dissolved, and he dropped into the closest chair, dejection dragging his shoulders into a slump. Tears welled up in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks unheeded. He didn’t even blink.

I knew this day would come . . . eventually. Each word sounded as if it had been wrung from his throat.

Catherine had never before seen her father cry. He had always been such a strong man. But right now he was draped in defeat. Her heart hitched in her chest, making her breathless. Something must be terribly wrong. Was he sick with a deadly disease? About to die? How would she live without him? She wanted to grab him in a tight hug and cling with all her might to keep him close.

Aunt Kirstin dragged two chairs closer to where he sat and offered one to Catherine before settling on the other. She smoothed her skirt over her knees and clasped her hands tight enough to blanch her knuckles.

Fear swamped Catherine, trying to drown her in its depths. The strong foundation her life had been built upon shuddered, and then she felt as if a crevasse opened deep within her. Tears leaked into her own eyes, blurring her vision as she stared first at her father and then at her aunt, the anchors in her life.

Her father raised red-rimmed eyes toward her, his face a pale, scary caricature of the man she’d always leaned upon. There’s so much you don’t know, my precious daughter.

Such a formal way for her father to talk to her, as if they were separated in some unseen way. Trembling started in her knees. She was glad she was sitting, so she didn’t sink to the floor in a swoon. The tremors rose over her whole body, and she shook as though a chill wind had swept through the room.

Dare I ask another question? When she tried, her tongue stayed glued to the roof of her mouth, so she waited for him to continue.

Aunt Kirstin didn’t utter a single word either.

I’ve brought Miss Catherine a bit of a snack. Julie bustled through the open doorway, breaking the unbearable tension for a moment. There’s enough for all of you . . . and a pot of that new tea you just received from China. She set the tray on the table that stood beside Aunt Kirstin’s chair, then exited the room.

Mechanically Catherine’s aunt poured three cups of the steaming liquid and added just the right amount of milk and sugar to match each person’s preference. When she handed the saucer and teacup to Father, both of their hands shook, rattling the china.

Catherine received her tea and kept one hand on the cup, warming her icy fingertips.

Would you like a sandwich or a piece of cake? Aunt Kirstin’s whispered words were only a bit louder than the clink of the dishes.

Catherine didn’t think she could get a single bite down her throat that now felt like a sandy desert. She shook her head.

Father didn’t glance at her aunt before he handed his cup back without even taking a sip. He turned his gaze toward Catherine and took a breath, releasing it as a soul-deep sigh. Some things happened when you were born . . . that I’ve never shared . . . with you . . . with anyone, except your aunt.

She set her cup and saucer back on the tray and waited for him to continue.

Would you like me to leave? Aunt Kirstin stared at Father, a look of something akin to pity on her face. Would that make it easier?

Nothing will make it easier. Father roused more than he had

since Catherine entered the library, his voice slicing through the room like a sharp dagger. And no. Since you’ve opened the subject, you’ll sit right there until I’m finished.

Her aunt shrank back against her chair and lowered her gaze to the Aubusson carpet where she traced the intricate pattern as if she had never seen it before. Catherine doubted she noticed any of the colors or flowers right now.

If Father didn’t tell her what he was talking about soon, Catherine was afraid she would scream. The atmosphere in the room hung heavy with suspense. She cleared her throat and covered the cough that ensued with one fisted hand.

There is no easy way . . . to say this. Father shifted in the chair, the wooden legs creaking under his slight weight. He stared at her. I’m going to tell you what happened. Please don’t interrupt me until I’m finished. Otherwise I might not get through the whole story. Then you can ask any questions you want.

Her nose itched, but she didn’t dare rub it. She didn’t want to do anything that might stop this tale from pouring forth from her father. She gritted her teeth, ready to face whatever it was, no matter how grim.

You know that your . . . mother and I were on a wagon train on the Oregon Trail. Lenora had some . . . difficulties near the end of our journey. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing convulsively. She had to ride in the back of the wagon for a couple of weeks.

Catherine knew she was born on the Oregon Trail, and she knew that her mother died in childbirth. Their family friend Odette Marshall had told her that much before Aunt Kirstin finally came to California to help her father. Even though Catherine had been only six years old when she’d heard it, the story was burned into her heart.

When you were born, one of the women who assisted Dr. Horton brought you to me. I held you in my arms, huddled beside the campfire on that bone-chilling night. A faraway look filled his eyes, and she knew he didn’t see her sitting nearby. I loved you the moment I laid eyes on you . . . .Curly red fuzz covering your head . . . .Blue eyes.

Blue—?

He held one palm toward her, stopping her question in midsentence. They didn’t turn green until later.

She hadn’t known that. Other questions fought to escape, but she clamped her lips tightly to restrain them. The turmoil inside her made her stomach roil. She swallowed the acid that crept to her throat.

Before long a different woman brought another baby girl to me . . . .Curly red fuzz . . . .Blue eyes. The spittin’ image of you. I cuddled both of you close to my heart and kissed each of your cheeks.

Catherine almost gasped. She couldn’t remember the last time her father had held her close and kissed her cheek. She knew he loved her, but he wasn’t demonstrative anymore. That was why he showered her with gifts so often, wasn’t it? To show her he loved her.

Then a few minutes later another identical girl was brought to me. I didn’t have enough arms to hold all three of you. He rubbed one hand over his chin, the rasp of unshaven stubble loud in the quiet room.

Three? . . . Of us? How could that be? Did her two sisters die when her mother had? Sisters! She had always wished for siblings. Yearned for them.

Grief ripped through her. Tears streamed down her cheeks. To find out she had sisters and lose them all within a few minutes. She didn’t feel like celebrating her birthday. Instead she wanted to mourn the sisters she lost before she even knew she had them.

Catherine started formulating questions in her mind, waiting for the chance to ask them. Before they were half-formed, her father rose to his feet and walked out the door without saying another word. She waited a few minutes in a silence so heavy it felt oppressive. She realized he wasn’t coming back when the front door opened then closed. Why hadn’t he waited until she asked her questions?

Mr. McKenna wants to talk to you.

Collin Elliott straightened from behind the stack of boxes he had been checking against the bill of lading and stared at the warehouse foreman. I’m almost finished with these. Does he want to see me right away?

The old man’s in a strange mood. Has been all day. Howard Lane scratched his head. Ain’t never seen him like this before. Better git on up there to the office.

Collin slashed an X with a piece of chalk on the last crate he’d finished checking and laid the letter-clip board that held the forms on top of the next box. He had been working out here most of the day. Because he often shoved his fingers through his hair, he was sure he looked like a wreck.

That described him to a T. A wreck. Or at least he had been since he lost his ship at sea last spring, along with all the merchandise in the hold. It had taken him several months to recover sufficiently from the severe cuts he’d sustained to his leg, but Mr. McKenna had made sure he was taken care of, even paying him as if he were still a captain. Then the old man gave him this job in the warehouse to keep busy. Still, a dull ache in his gut wouldn’t let him forget one minute of the horror he experienced that day, and the limp from his injury kept the memory fresh with each step he took.

Collin headed toward the offices at the other end of the large building. He tried to straighten his mussed hair and stuffed his shirttail farther down inside his trousers. He could try to look neater, even if he did walk like a cripple.

Mr. McKenna’s secretary, Roger Amery, glanced up as Collin entered the front office. He’s waiting for you. Just go on back.

He gave the man a distracted nod as he hurried by. The door to his boss’s office stood open, so he entered.

Close that behind you, Elliott. We need privacy. The old man didn’t even look up from the paper he was writing on.

After complying, Collin dropped into the chair situated close to the front of the desk. What did the man want? Going back through the events of the last few days, Collin didn’t remember anything he might have done wrong, so he slouched into a relaxed pose, hoping to give the impression that being called to the office didn’t bother him. Of course a lot of things had bothered him ever since that ghastly shipwreck, which haunted his dreams at night and his thoughts in the daytime.

Mr. McKenna laid down his newfangled, fancy pen that looked out of place on the scarred desk and clasped his hands together. Collin had never seen the old man look so bad. Haggard. Older somehow. Some calamity must have happened. He hoped it wasn’t another shipwreck. Too many of those would put the business in jeopardy.

You doin’ all right, Elliott? Even his boss’s voice didn’t sound as strong as it usually did.

He straightened in the chair. Yes, sir. Better all the time.

I’m glad. When will you be ready to go back on a ship? Mr. McKenna peered at him as if he could see right through to his soul.

Collin cleared his throat. What can I say? He might not ever be ready to go to sea again. What did you have in mind, sir?

"I know you feel responsible for what happened to the Trinity Bell, but the storm that hit her came up unexpectedly and was stronger than any we had encountered in a long time. When his employer shifted in his chair, the leather gave a familiar creak. No one could have prevented that wreck."

Collin lowered his head and stared at his scuffed boots. Maybe a more seasoned captain could have. He hated voicing the words that wouldn’t let go of his mind.

Angus McKenna stood and walked around the desk. I meant what I said. No one could have. And you did save every member of your crew without considering your own safety. He laid a hand on Collin’s shoulder.

Reviews for Catherine's Pursuit

[tea58 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Whenever I write or talk about relationships and this happens on a daily basis, I realize the importance of the subject. Family relationships hit the heart in an especially deep way. Like individuals change throughout the years families change too. Sometimes a family can feel too small, too large or magically just right. Whatever is happening in our families it's definitely got wings to spread to every member whether there is a feeling of being forgotten or feeling unnecessary to the rest of the group.Catherine begins to feel this way in the novel "CATHERINE'S PURSUIT by LENA DOOLEY NELSON. Catherine begins to feel incomplete. "Grief ripped through her. Tears streamed down her cheeks. To find out she had sisters and lose them all within a few minutes. She didn't feel like celebrating her birthday. Insted she wanted to mourn the sisters she lost before she even knew she had them." After her mother's death she finds out from her father that she has two other sisters.She has never seen either sister. Altogether there should be three sisters who know one another as siblings: Cathenine who doesn't want to be called Kate, Mary who will soon marry and Maggie or Margaret who seems to be the sister with the most bitterness and takes the longest to decide whether to meet her father.Often I think and read about bitterness. Books will tell us there is no place for bitterness. Still, people experience and have very good reason to feel it. The good part in this thing about bitterness is that it can be overcome and love can replace those perplexing, nasty feelings. At least, that's what the Bible teaches and the Psychological experts would tell us and "Catherine's Pursuit" shows us..These sisters have an interesting and sad beginning in life on the Oregon Trail. Their mother dies leaving their father to care for three baby girls. Unfortunately, his circumstances aren't in a good place. He feels there is no way to care for three baby girls, and he really wants them to lead a good life. He decides to keep the oldest girl, Catherine. He gives the other two girls, Maggie and Mary to caring families. Their father, Mr. McKenna, is a good man. He loves his babies, but through prayer this is the only lighted path he sees for that time.My o regret about the novel is I wanted to meet the mother before her death. At least, see her and the father experiencing the birth of the girls together. Instead the mother is only a woman we hear about from others in the novel. I have no doubt she was a good mother too. Perhaps the lack of her presence is why this novel took off very slowly for me. A couple times I thought about not finishing it. However, the story began to pick up and remained standing on all ends when Catherine began her pursuit of her sisters. It also seemed to me that she found Mary too quickly. Of course, situations can move quickly when God is involved. Maggie was the workhorse of the story. It's very hard for her to forgive her father as it is for Mary. Both girls feel resentment toward Catherine. The heavy loaded question becomes "why did you keep her and not us?" I thought that was a powerful question and a painful one to live with throughout life: Didn't my father want me? What was wrong with me? Why didn't he search for me? My only other problem is that I wanted to read more about the Oregon Trail The Oregon trail is a vast part of American History. It seems sad not to go into more detail about that part of our history.This is a wonderful Christian novel because God is never forgotten but constantly experienced throughout the novel. I could just feel God's Love working everything out for the best including the romances which take place in the novel. Lena Dooley Nelson has written an intricate novel. These life questions involve most people in one way or another. In the end I came away knowing no matter how or why a family is avoided the family is always in the subconscious speaking sublimnal messages or in the forefront of the mind, the conscious. In other words family family plays a big part in how a person makes decisions. Still, this is the part that really interests me and I can't forget. I can't blame my family for whom I choose to become in life. Our minds are good weighing scales where we can put our choices. Then, pick one like Mr. Mckenna and also like Catherine who chose to look for her sisters. Anyway, the family shapes our past present and future, and a family has a far wider purpose than any of us might realize yet.In one class I took years ago, the Professor called the family "a system." It wasn't her personal way of talking about the family. Our textbook written by highly profession doctors, etc. called the family a "system.": Indeed, the family is a system full of red tape, psychosis and other words I don't know. I do know its wrapped tightly around us, whether we want it or not, like a cocoon. In the end I do believe through God's Plan in the family all of us will be finished as fine silk.At the very beginning of the novel Lena Dooley Nelson gives a scripture which I don't think she wanted me to take for granted."And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me Indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." --I chronicles 4:10.lenanelsondooley nps.gov/oreg/historyculture

[books4nana · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Catherine’s Pursuitby Lena DooleyIn the third book of her Daughters of McKenna series, Catherine’s Pursuit, Lena Dooley introduces us to Catherine McKenna. We join Catherine’s life as preparations for her grandiose 18th birthday party are underway. Raised in an affluent home by her father with the help of a widowed aunt Catherine is an only child. At least that is what Catherine has always been told. Just before her party she stumbles upon a conversation between her father and her aunt and learns she is a triplet, one of three girls. She is devastated to think she lost two sisters and never even grieved for them. Her party becomes a farce. All she can think about is why she was allowed to live and them not. And why were they keep such a secret. Catherine eventually learns the story of their birth. The triplets are all alive. She was the only daughter who stayed with the natural birth father. Their mother died moments after their birth. There seemed no possible way for a man to feed and care for three infants. Two other families stepped in, each taking a daughter. The three girls all lived separate lives. This is just too much for Catherine to absorb. She soon runs away and goes on a search for her sisters. Her story will captivate you as you cheer her on in this quest. Her lack of worldly experience does not deter her from her objective. Romance, family values, human kindness all pepper our story keeping our attention. Dooley’s creation of McKenna’s daughters has given us three unique women each with differing upbringing. Meeting Catherine’s character was not a disappointment. We see a young women who had been sheltered and given all life could afford but when given an opportunity to show her true self one who displays the McKenna perseverance, determination and moral courage. Dooley also developed secondary characters such as Mr. McKenna and the husbands and friends of the daughters very well. She is fabulous at bringing a character into the storyline and having you feel you know that character within minutes.I loved Catherine’s Pursuit. My only complaint was the ending, specifically, the way the courtship was handled. Otherwise, I found the characters charming, the plot captivating, the pace keeping me interested and as always Dooley’s style of writing flowed beautifully from page to page.I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How would you feel if on your eighteenth birthday, you finally found out the loving Father you've always known has lied to you. No you are not adopted, but he gave away not one but two of your sisters. Not only are they your sister's but your identical sisters. What a secret, and the toll it has taken on her Dad.Catherine McKenna, had grown up a very spoiled, well indulged. and selfish! Her every desire had been given to her. She never had any siblings and missed that part of her life, something has been missing.God has his hand on Catherine, and are the things that happen, are they chances? What an exciting journey for Catherine!! Not only are their chance meetings, some scary, some so wonderful. So many people call her by her sister's name.When her father sends his protege to find and guide Catherine, she is upset and wants Collin Elliott gone! We see trial turned into blessings. We also find romance in the lives of these beautiful young woman. Enjoy this final journey with this final book in this series, make sure you don't miss this amazing story. I loved it!!I received this book through Booketeria, and was not required to give a positive review.