AUNT CASSIE
and the
RASTAMAN

Grady Harp

Virgin Islands author Eleanor Murphy has served with the Federal Government and now retired, she writes romance novels – LOVE UNFORGETABLE, TAMIKA’S STORY, ROJO FLAMES and now AUNT CASSIE AND THE RASTAMAN. With a bow to those curious about the title, Eleanor explains ‘Rastaman’ (a fun and informative overview of the dreadlocks looks and a comment about ‘how sometimes we just have to go beyond appearances…’) and then her entertaining short novel, set in the St. Croix, begins. A brief summary: ‘Cassie Burton, a retired school counselor, is the guardian of her niece, Kofi, and nephew, Naki, who were abandoned by their parents, Cassie has always prided herself on being a confident, respectable woman. Many of her friends think she is stuck up and snooty. But deep down Cassie is a warm-hearted romantic. Solomon, better known as the Rastaman, is a single father of two grown children and a farmer. He has built his farming into a successful business. Intrigued by Cassie’s beauty and confidence, Solomon has eyes only for the woman he wants as his wife, that woman is Cassie.’

Eleanor’s story works on many levels: it is lighthearted, fun, sensitive, and rich in colorful characters – beginning with 60-year-old Cassie – a memorable central character. Related with a lilt that celebrates ‘later age’ romance, this novel entertains and inspires – a true breath of fresh air that offers a couple of hours of fine entertainment.

Jesse Presgraves

After their parents abandoned them, Cassie Burton, a retired school counselor, takes on the responsibility of raising her niece and nephew in this story. Despite never having had any interest in parenting or a committed relationship, Cassie finds herself rethinking her beliefs and desires in life as she cares for her niece and nephew and develops a newfound attraction to The Rastaman. I enjoyed getting to see how everything progressed and what really would happen. It was great of Cassie to take in the kids and I highly recommend this lighthearted book.

Mary Wingfield

As a hopeless romantic, I’m sooo glad to read this book. It just gives me satisfaction that true love indeed exists! It is never too late to find love. The romance here is not just about bluff but it goes deeper. The author made it possible for people to enjoy late-age romance. While short, this book does an excellent job of establishing and developing Aunt Cassie’s character, from her initial desire not to marry after having to care for her niece and nephew to her ultimate discovery of love. Aunt Cassie’s whole personality is a bomb! I had to share this with my friends. This book must be great to be seen on the big screen or be in physical bookstores. The world deserves to know this!

Veronica

AUNTIE CASSIE and the RASTAMAN by Eleanor Murphy is one of the best Romance novels I have ever read in my life. I don’t know my but this novel reminds me of Terry McMillan’s How Stella Got Her Groove Back. I love how Murphy discussed the history of the dreadlock hairstyle . I love this book teaches the reader how to not be so pre-judgemental. That is something that people who are in the Rastafarian religion and/or people with the dreadlock hairstyle: judgemental people and assumption. The main character Cassie finds love with someone who she did not expect: a man with dreadlocks named Solomon. This romance is a good read to me since I am half Caribbean myself. I think that this novel should be adapted to a movie and/or TV series. I can see the beautiful crystal, blue waters when I read this novel.

Sanjin

It’s rare to find a romance with characters that are not in their prime, not strong and toned and hot. However, I believe there is an audience for romance books with older characters, and this novel wants to tap into that audience. The story revolves around Cassie Burton, a retired school counselor who is raising her niece and nephew. The twist is when she meets the Rastaman, a single father himself. And the romance begins.
Cassie is a strong and relatable protagonist who is easy to root for, while Rastaman is a charming and genuine love interest that brings a new perspective to the story. The story explores the challenges of blending families as Rastaman and Cassie navigate their feelings for each other. It’s a fun, romantic story that will fill you with joy. Very refreshing and delightful!

Marcia

Aunt Cassie and the Rastaman is a light and sweet book to read if you’re into the genre. Eleanor Murphy masterfully develops a nice set of characters and is able to create a love story with a woman in her 60s. Personal, endearing, and challenging some concepts you always associate with this genre, the author does a brilliant job. Of course, it is predictable and a bit cheesy but it’s all part of it.