"In Silence Cries the Heart" by Catherine Hughes was recently named as a Finalist in Fiction-Romance for the American Writing Awards, Honorable Mention in Historical-Romance for the Coffee Pot Book Club Awards, Honorable Mention in General Fiction for the New England Book Festival Awards, and recipient of the Third Place award for Historical Romance in the BookFest Spring Awards Competition. In addition, the Historical Fiction Company gave it a five star rating and "Highly Recommended" status (see below). In the 2023 Book of the Year Contest sponsored by the HFC, "In Silence Cries the Heart" was named winner of the Silver Medal in the category of Historical Fiction Romance, and it received the Gold Medal in Romance for the Feathered Quill 2024 Book of the Year and the Gold Medal for Fiction in the 2024 Literary Titan Award competition. In addition, it was also featured in the February 2024 Issue 31 of the Historical Romance of Historical Times magazine.
Most recently, the novel was a finalist in Fiction for the Readers Choice Book Awards and received two Third Place medals for the 2024 BookFest Awards and the Spring 2024 Outstanding Creator Awards in Historical Romance/Historical Fiction, respectively. Furthermore, the OCA also listed the book as the recipient of Honorable Mention for these special award categories:
2024 SPRING OUTSTANDING CREATOR SPECIAL AWARDS
Best Research: In Silence Cries the Heart
Best Character: Donal Donn - In Silence Cries the Heart
Best Supporting Character: Owen Gilchrist - In Silence Cries the Heart
Best Villain: George Campbell & Cameron brothers - In Silence Cries the Heart
Best Dynamic Duo: Donal Donn & Owen Gilchrist - In Silence Cries the Heart
Best Couple: Donal Donn & Mary McElroy - In Silence Cries the Heart
Best Quote: “... a lady does not risk everything to run away with a commoner.” / “Words betrayed him now. What were
they but empty compilations of lifeless sounds?”
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FEATURED REVIEWS
5 Star Review from Historical Fiction Company
“... The novel's jewel lies in its ability to transcend the corporeal boundaries of the written word. It beckons the reader not merely to peruse but to inhabit the narrative's very soul. The author’s dexterity paints vivid landscapes, weaving an ethereal realm where the purity of love intertwines with the sinister machinations of fate. . . . ‘In Silence Cries the Heart’ isn't merely a tale; it's a relentless symphony echoing across centuries, entwining the disparate notes of existence into a song of unbridled ardour and undying devotion. A captivating odyssey that ensnares the heart and mind, beckoning readers to traverse the realms of history and emotion. This story stands as an enduring testament to the resilience of love, a poignant reminder that some stories transcend the confines of time, resonating eternally within the chambers of the soul.”
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5 Star Review from Emily-Jane Hills Orford of Readers' Favorite Books
"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."
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5 Star Review from Delene Vrey of Readers' Favorite Books
"...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."
5 Star Review from Kathy Stickles for Reader Views
"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."
5 Star Rating from BookViral
“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.”
5 Star Rating from Literary Titan
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.
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5 Star Rating from Goodreads Literary Reviewer
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.
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