Several suitors approach Stonebridge Manor intending to woo Lady Catherine, but all fall short of her expectations and devices.

Eventually, Catherine's father demands that she marry an old, repulsive man she calls "Shaggy Beard" in her diary.

One of the book's largest subplots occurs when her favorite uncle, George, comes home from the Crusades and falls in love with Catherine's best friend, Lady Aelis.

But when she arrives, she is confronted with the happy news that Shaggy Beard has died in a tavern brawl and she is now engaged to his son, Stephen, who is clean, young, and educated.

Catherine, Called Birdy discusses everything from the mundane events of her life (killing fleas, spinning, and embroidery) to festivals and holidays (such as Easter or May Day, many of which are celebrated by the entire village) to her travels in England, which are limited (she goes, for example, to Lincoln with her father, or to spend a few days at Lady Aelis's manor).

[2] Kirkus Reviews found "The period has rarely been presented for young people with such authenticity; the exotic details will intrigue readers while they relate more closely to Birdy's yen for independence and her sensibilities toward the downtrodden.

"[3] Publishers Weekly wrote, "Despite the too-convenient ending, this first novel introduces an admirable heroine and pungently evokes a largely unfamiliar setting.

"[4] Common Sense Media called it a "Spirited novel that offers warts-and-all view of the Middle Ages" and wrote, "It draws readers into a rich, well-realized world where the trappings are fascinatingly old-fashioned, but the characters are universal and relatable.