Review of In Silence Cries the Heart

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Post Reply
Joe Alex 2
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 242
Joined: 04 Dec 2024, 14:14
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 19
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-joe-alex-2.html
Latest Review: Mirikai A Place of Peace by Anne Sinclair

Review of In Silence Cries the Heart

Post by Joe Alex 2 »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "In Silence Cries the Heart" by Catherine Hughes.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


”In Silence Cries the Heart” by Catherine Hughes tells the story of Mary McElroy, the daughter of a Laird, and Donal Donn, a commoner and poet. The love between these two transcends the accepted societal norms of the time, but they found a way to passionately love each other. Mary and Donal planned to elope and have a fulfilling love in a land far from home, but their plan faced various foils and trials. Will Mary and Donal get to live the life of their dreams? Read ”In Silence Cries the Heart” by Catherine Hughes to find out.

”In Silence Cries the Heart” alternates between the 17th century and the 21st century. Catherine Hughes provides an elaborate description of the struggles faced by Mary and Donal against forces that conspire against their love. The book focuses on Mary, who may be betrothed to George Campbell, a vile aristocrat who is hungry for power and lacks empathy and integrity. Mary sees everyone for who they truly are, not for their wealth, power, or position, and thus she detests the thought of being a wife to a man like George Campbell. Love, loss, sacrifices, betrayal, family, friendship, and power are themes focused on in the novel. Each theme is well fleshed out in Catherine’s writing and exceptional world-building that grabs attention and takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions and vivid descriptions. The book is well detailed as the author describes places and landscapes as vividly as possible, and this gives a clear picture of the life the character lived during that time.

I love almost every part of this book; this is one of the best historical books I have ever read. The book employed a poetic tone and writing style. Also, the transition between timelines is seamless and happens at the right time, thus not confusing readers on the direction and structure of the book. The book has exceptional character development, and this added more depth to this character-driven book. The author’s attention to detail is worth noting, as she paid very good attention to the most minimal details, for example, how she portrayed Mary’s mother. This could have been easily overlooked, but whenever the scene about her comes up, the author always pays attention to her in different form from how she speaks, her figure, and the grace at which she carries herself as the lady of the house of McElroy.

The only thing about the book that I don’t really like much is the ancient language in which the book was written. It was hard understanding the words sometimes.

The book is professionally edited; I found no errors while reading. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, as the language in which it's written takes nothing out of the exceptional structure in the book, and the provision of chapter notes at the end of the book gave a clearer definition to the unclear words. I will recommend this book to readers who love historical books that detail love along with the exceptional socio-political and family affairs during the 17th century. This book is definitely going to leave a long-lasting impression on readers.

******
In Silence Cries the Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
User avatar
Gerry Steen
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 2110
Joined: 08 May 2023, 20:08
Favorite Book: Winning the War on Cancer
Currently Reading: Plan To Profit
Bookshelf Size: 337
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gerry-steen.html
Latest Review: She Had Wings by Audrey Carnegie

Post by Gerry Steen »

According to this review, "In Silence Cries the Heart" is a well-written story about love against all odds in two different timelines; the 17th and 21st centuries. It will be interesting to see the difference in customs and relationships between the two different centuries.
User avatar
Lene Lena
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 326
Joined: 18 Jun 2017, 04:57
Currently Reading: Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids
Bookshelf Size: 80
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lene-lena.html
Latest Review: Entrepreneurship: 5 Best Practices for Stay-At-Home-Moms who want to start an Online Business by Joy Jennings
2025 Reading Goal: 12
2025 Goal Completion: 25%

Post by Lene Lena »

This is a great review. It sounds like this novel promises an engaging exploration of love’s triumph over adversity, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate historical romance. I wonder if Mary and Donal will end up together despite all the odds. I'm adding this to my bookshelf.
User avatar
Priya Murugesan
In It Together VIP
Posts: 1303
Joined: 27 Jan 2020, 01:51
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 84
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-priya-murugesan.html
Latest Review: Goodbye Bobby by JJ Harrigan

Post by Priya Murugesan »

You piqued my interest in this book! I would love to read how the novel smoothly transitions between 17th century and 21st century. Books that leave a lasting impression are definitely my choice.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind :)
User avatar
Seetha E
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1275
Joined: 02 Mar 2023, 10:18
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 283
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-seetha-e.html
Latest Review: From Idea to Publication by Frank Mueller

Post by Seetha E »

Love then and now dealt with in an engaging novel! I am encouraged to pick this book as you've mentioned the chapter notes address the concern raised about the language used; I would reserve this book to sample a few pages before deciding to dive into it. Sounds like a promising read.
User avatar
Diana Lowery
Moderator
Posts: 3495
Joined: 11 Feb 2019, 07:39
Currently Reading: The Exchange
Bookshelf Size: 374
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-diana-lowery.html
Latest Review: Europe on a G-string by L.A. Florrie
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG

Post by Diana Lowery »

Although this book sounds a little too "heavy" for me, I appreciate your detailed review.
Leslie coccia
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 124
Joined: 18 Jul 2024, 10:38
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 24
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-leslie-coccia.html
Latest Review: Sasquatch weed by Zachery Wilson

Post by Leslie coccia »

This book definitely seems intriguing, not only because of the love story but because the author seems to have done an exceptional job with other details, like character development and jumping to the different time periods. Good review!
User avatar
Magdalyne chebet
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 365
Joined: 10 Apr 2024, 13:44
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 48
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-magdalyne-chebet.html
Latest Review: Biblical Priniciples from Yesterday to today by Rev Jewel Harper-Simon

Post by Magdalyne chebet »

"In Silence Cries the Heart" by Catherine Hughes sounds like a captivating blend of love, sacrifice, and betrayal set across two eras. Its vivid descriptions, poetic tone, and compelling character development make it intriguing—I’d love to give it a shot! Interesting review. Thank you!
King kly
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 37
Joined: 13 Nov 2024, 11:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 6
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-king-kly.html
Latest Review: The Eve Code by Mariett Ramm

Post by King kly »

A story of love mixed with challenges and adventures. This book seems like an interesting story with a good character development.
Thank you for a great review.
User avatar
Emmanuel Osmond
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 22
Joined: 02 Sep 2024, 04:30
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 13
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-emmanuel-osmond.html
Latest Review: Flew Too High by Louie Mandrapilias

Post by Emmanuel Osmond »

Mary and Donal relationship sounds like a book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. I'm curious to find out if they will later elope. Thanks for the great review.
User avatar
Louis Donald
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 18
Joined: 31 Dec 2024, 12:35
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 11
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-louis-donald.html
Latest Review: The Virulence by James C. Hendee

Post by Louis Donald »

The blend of love, loss, and societal struggles in In Silence Cries the Heart sounds like a powerful read. I’m drawn to the seamless transitions between timelines and how the author’s attention to detail really brings the characters and setting to life. While the ancient language may present a challenge, it seems like the book’s depth and emotional pull make it worth the effort.
Pearl Flourish
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 9
Joined: 31 Dec 2024, 12:25
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 10
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-pearl-flourish.html
Latest Review: The Virulence by James C. Hendee

Post by Pearl Flourish »

A love story that defies societal norms, mixed with history and deep character development, sounds like an emotional and immersive read. I appreciate how the author’s attention to detail brings the setting and characters to life, making the past feel vivid and real.
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”