To Have and to Hold

By Fern Michaels

Book Overview

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sisterhood series delivers a compelling story of one woman who harnesses tragedy and grows courageously--strong, independent, and free to love.

It is 1970 and Kate Starr is the perfect wife, the perfect mother, and the perfect housekeeper. But soon after her husband Patrick departs for a tour of duty in Vietnam, he is listed as MIA. Suddenly, Kate must raise their two daughters by herself, learn how to earn a living, and struggle with the U.S. government to get news of her husband.

Ultimately, the government's callousness turns Kate into an activist, determined to be heard. It is the beginning of a new Kate Starr. Twenty years later, she has educated herself and her daughters, started a successful business . . . and finally found love again, the fulfilling love of a passionate man. . . .

Beloved author Fern Michaels has won the hearts of readers worldwide with her sweeping novels of women coping with challenges of love. In To Have and To Hold, she traces the awakening of a remarkable woman who learns that sometimes in order to keep love in our hearts, we have to let it go.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345373294
• ISBN13: 9780345373298
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

American Imperialism

Fern Michaels TO HAVE AND TO HOLD The abuvism, neglect, cover up and rejection of Captain Starr by his country, USA, reminded me to when the CIA had me deported to the USA. I was abandoned, neglected an rejected by my husband a CIA agent. Maybe Fern Michael could write a novel as compelling as the one about Kate Starr. It would help me to put to rest my resentment and almost hate for the USA.

June Nolen author of In Reverse Time

I really enjoyed this book. Kate Starr is a mother of two young girls and the wife of a man who belittles her but she knows nothing else. He is a hot shot pilot and leaves to join the war in Viet Nam only to be shot down and eventually ends up in Russia as a prisioner. Kate's world falls apart and she is helped by a loving Della and Donald. Kate constantly battles with government officals who deny her help because nobody can account for Patricks wherabouts and he isn't listed as dead or a prisoner of war but missing in action. Slowly she is able to put her life back together and finds that she isn't stupid like Partick always inferred. She goes to college, opens her own company and even falls in love again with a much younger man. That's when Patrick returns and her world is turned upside down again. Again the government steps in and makes the family sign papers releasing them from any wrong-doing and Patrick instead of getting a hero's welcome home is forced to pretend to be someone else, Harry. Patrick of course has many problems from his years as a prisoner of war both mental and physical. Kate, the dutiful wife, calls off her wedding and devotes her life to helping her husband recover. I won't give away the ending but it is a happy one. Fern Michaels has a way of making her characters come alive and that's not an easy task.

Overcoming the advesities of a war-torn family

Fern Michaels writes great stories, not just books. Enjoy all her books. This one is how a woman holds her family together when her husband is MIA. Very interesting how our government protects itself rather than our families.

Great book! Sure makes you wonder.

To Have and to Hold was really a great book. The characters were all so fantastic. You just love Kate & Della. What a great ending too.

High quality reading-true to human emotions

'To Have and to Hold' was the best fiction book I have read thus far. It describes every key event in detail so that you feel like you are there living it with the main character, Kate. She becomes your friend quickly as you see her not only survive a terrible event, but come out on top with the aid of two incredible friends. True to the deepest of human emotions do not be surprised if you cry and feel various emotions as Kate ages. Her feelings directly match those of people in her situation and maturing character. For example, she feels mixed emotions as her daughter leaves home for the first time to get a degree. I enjoyed the placement of this story in history (Vietnam War). It enabled me to live through the event and understand what it meant to real people. The novel is also full of surprises and unexpected twists in the plot. Be prepared for a thrilling ride.Women will find Kate to be a positive role model, but not in any simplistic manner. She truly earns our respect by picking up her life from the most desperate situation of pity to personal control and achievement. Her deep commitment to her loved ones is admirable and a tribute to love at its best. The story will teach you essential things you need to live a successful life, such as perseverence, loving oneself, faithfulness, and learning to let go of the past as you forge your future. I did find a small part of the book 'a bit much' when the character meets a new man. Sharing every interest from thoughts to favorite drinks seems almost too much at times. I felt we had departed reality for a brief time and was disappointed that an author who had just built up such a true, tragic story made meeting someone to be a 'Cinderella Experience.' This relationship had no difficulties; it was like 'floating on a cloud.' However, enough said. The thrust of my review only can praise the wonderful writings of a masterful author. She must have great depth of character and experience to write with such accuracy and beauty. I appl! aud her. A must read!!