“Taking the facts of history and intermingling them with fiction, the author has woven a tapestry of parallel plots set in the 17th and 21st centuries….The author shares her passion for history and literature, including quotes from the poetry penned by Donn…A fascinating and engaging read.”

“…In Silence Cries the Heart is a beautifully written work of historical fiction.  Staying true to the story’s basic facts, Catherine Hughes pens a tale filled with poetry and youthful yearning while providing a detailed description of 17th century Scotland as background.  In a time when it is important to marry for political alliances and appearances, the love between the daughter of a laird and a raider promises heartbreak.  Add to the mix dishonorable men who would act out of selfishness and greed, and you have the makings for betrayal and vindictiveness that drives the story to its fruition.”

“Catherine Hughes has gifted readers with a simply amazing story.  The writing is so captivating and so very descriptive that the reader will feel as if they are standing in Scotland right alongside these amazing characters . . . “In Silence Cries the Heart” . . . will touch your heart in so many ways even as it completely breaks it. . . . The characters will live on in your mind long after you read the last page.”

“Hughes writes with a rawness only offset by the complete honesty in which she portrays desire, intention and action; holding nothing back, but instead taking her readers deep into the minds of her fated lovers as they orbit one another with devastating results. She certainly has a knack for creating characters with real gravitas and here her principal characters of Mary, Donal and George are highly memorable and well-conceived as she vividly brings them to life.

There’s action, danger, nail-biting escapades and shadowy characters with dubious morals and though readers will find themselves hoping against the odds for a happy ending Hughes doesn’t give the game away and ably manages to keep readers on tenterhooks to her closing chapters, with a refreshing absence of loose ends. . . .A rousing Historical Romance and a delightfully confident novel from Hughes. ‘In Silence Cries the Heart’ proves a powerful debut and is highly recommended.”

The character of Mary is intriguingly multifaceted. Hughes artfully navigates the complexities of Mary’s persona, balancing her resilience and independence with the profound impact of her love for Donal. This dynamic portrayal showcases Mary’s strength, which is evident in her passionate advocacy for Meggie and her active involvement in the Cameron brothers’ execution. Simultaneously, it explores her vulnerability, particularly in her interactions with Hilda and the decisions driven by her deep love. This nuanced depiction adds depth to Mary’s character, making her relatable and inspiring as she navigates the challenges of love and societal expectations.

In Silence Cries the Heart presents a layered and engaging narrative, offering a fresh take on the romance genre. Hughes’ use of a story within a story, combined with a blend of historical and contemporary elements, creates a rich tapestry that thoughtfully explores themes of love, choice, and societal constraints.

Hughes’ choice to intersperse the novel with Gaelic phrases and traditional Scottish folklore enriches the authenticity of the setting. These elements, combined with the lyrical quality of her prose, created a mesmerizing reading experience for me. . . . In Silence Cries the Heart is a compelling read for those enchanted by Scotland, historical fiction enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a beautifully written tale that bridges time. Its intricate narrative and eloquent prose make it a great book for a wide audience, particularly readers who enjoy stories where history and modernity converge with a touch of romance and mysticism, just like in Diana Gabaldon’s popular Outlander series.

Not a romance enthusiast, I was smitten at first by the description of a third-person narrator researching and thus recreating an adventure from centuries prior in this outstanding novel, In Silence Cries the Heart. The author artfully, if not brilliantly, brings us to the shores of that great northern land mass called Scotland. The cursory history this reader has experienced has created an image of a people whose rugged land has shaped their rugged lives, who enjoy a countryside as pristine as the pages in Silence Cries the Heart elicit.

The novel transcended the multi-century love story at its heart. It brought us, the readers, into a freer time, yes, unencumbered with noise, glistening in a tale which could only seem real among castles, vibrant forests, and dresses worn “rich, velvety and Emerald Green like the Loch Ness…”

Thank you, Ms. Hughes, for bringing us to the comfort of a story born of an imagination as pure as its writing.