Finding Kate: Shakespeare's Women Speak, #1

By Maryanne Fantalis

Not even a generous dowry can tempt any man to court Kathryn...

...until Sir William rides into town. Will she give in to becoming his Kate?

Kathryn's strong will and sharp tongue have branded her a shrew in her small town. And even the temptation of her father's wealth cannot sway the men in her direction.

Astride his warhorse, William is the pinnacle of manhood and a burr in Kathryn's side. His impish "Kate" calls raise her hackles, yet she can't keep from being lulled by his voice.

Though he claims he is the only man for her, she is certain he only desires her rich dowry. When he proposes marriage, she accepts as a way out of her miserable home but expects nothing.

Freed from her cruel family and judgmental town, Kathryn must decide if she will continue her battle of wills with the sometimes charming, often maddening Sir William. Does she remain the shrewish Kathryn or find a way to be Will's Kate?

This delightful re-imagining of "The Taming of the Shrew" is sure to enchant longtime Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike.

"Full of familiar characters and new insights, Finding Kate is a smart and subtle retelling, rich in Shakespearean references and vivid historical details." - YA Historical Fiction Author, Katherine Longshore

If you like Philippa Gregory, Scarlett Scott, Alexa Aston, Susan Meissner, and Jillian Eaton, you'll love this beautiful spin on Shakespearean romance stories!

What reviewers are saying:

★★★★★ "A smart and subtle retelling, rich in Shakespearean references and vivid historical

details."

★★★★★ "An amazing book about partnership and knowing someone better than they know themselves. Beautifully written!"

★★★★★ "Magnificent historical detail, clearly carefully researched and lovingly rendered."

★★★★★ "Crisp storytelling, impressive command of historical detail, and elegant prose."

★★★★★ "A quick, fast-paced read and blends popular Shakespearean scenes with a new spin on the story."

• Language: English
• Publisher: City Owl Press
• Release date: Apr 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781944728229

Reviews for Finding Kate

[caslater83 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have very little understanding with Shakespeare, so I was hoping that I wasn't going to feel lost in this book. I'm glad to report that I caught on well. Maryanne Fantalis made it easy to understand the idea of the plot and its progression.

The first book (act?) was good. The second book felt dry and boring and I wanted to chuck it. The third book picked up better, but it just wasn't the same as the first book. I felt like the ball had been dropped into a big dark hole and lost to the world. *shrugs* Oh well.

I think I could rate it better if the last two acts had been a little more like the first. But that's my unasked opinion. I can't see myself re-reading it. If I'm going to keep a book, I want to gush over it. But if you are true-blue Shakespeare fan, you might like this book!

[thequietreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kathryn isn't like the other women in her small town. She has a mind and she isn't afraid to use her tongue when the opportunity arises. When Sir William comes into town, though, things change as she never expected.I have been fond of Shakespeare for some time now, and The Taming of the Shrew is one that many know. This retelling is respectful of the source material but cleverly retold in a fun way that illuminates 'Kate' as never before.Like other readers before me, the second part of the book was difficult to get through and Sir Williams explanation for his behavior (his method of 'taming' his new wife) makes me want to slap him. But it does make sense and of course I forgive him.All in all, this is a fantastic and fun read for anyone!

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What I liked about the story - the idea that Kathryn could only really be herself when she quit living her life according to the expectations of others - that she needed to figure out who she really was - not just be the person everyone said she was. What I really disliked about the story - the way William went about "taming" Kate - teaching her to trust him and to let go of her picture of herself. Kate is written as an intelligent and independent person who has been vilified for these very strengths. While she has developed a cynical and harsh manner of seeing the world, she's not stupid. I think William could have easily helped her to let go of this side of herself without being so awful. That being said, this was a well-done retelling of "The Taming of the Shrew".

[sennebec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Satisfying and eye-opening take on the Taming of the Shrew. Kathryn is too intelligent for her time and her own good. Following her inner dialogue as she looks at life around her and how she finds it almost impossible (at first, anyhow) to break out of a young lifetime of habits in order to find a paradoxical new freedom, makes for a dandy read. You don't need to know Shakespeare to savor this book. It's worth a look by school and public libraries caring about interesting tales for intelligent teens.

[ang709 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was excited to read this book because I've seen and enjoyed "The Taming of the Shrew". This book did not disappoint me. In fact, I think I prefer it to the play. The setting was changed to England, and the political issues of the time added a layer to the story, and especially to William, that I really liked.I felt having Kathryn as the narrator was a good choice as it really made me sympathetic to her situation.As for William, I see why it was imperative that he win Kate's trust, but despite his claims to the contrary, I believe there must have been a kinder way of doing it. The author's descriptions of the setting really brought Kathryn's world to life and put me there in it.Overall, I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more by this author.