Review: The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

About the book:

Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists--including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble.

Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady, who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but marriage "in name only" to save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he fears, she will at least be a respectable widow.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows. Dare she wait for Wesley to return? Or should she elope with the captain and pray she doesn't come to regret it?

My rating:

4.5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

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Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klasse

About the book:

Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister.

Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play...

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor's past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.

This catches Abigail's attention. Hoping to restore her family's finances--and her dowry--Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn't the only one secretly searching the house.

Then Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, containing clues about the hidden room and startling discoveries about the past.

As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?

My rating:

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My thoughts:

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Review: The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
Bethany House / 2014
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

My rating:

My thoughts:

The Dancing Master is a book about which I had such mixed feelings! In some ways, the beginning 50%-75% of the book was boring me, though there were some things and scenes that I really liked. It just seemed like the story dragged a bit (at least to me), until the last quarter or so - that's when I started to love the story and wanted to keep reading.

I didn't like Julia, one of the main characters, all that much until the end. The way she acted (like a flirt) and some of the things she did, just annoyed me. Towards the end, though, I started to like her character more and I loved the story of grace in The Dancing Master. I did like Alec - he was probably my favorite character. I thought the whole dancing aspect was very neat. I also liked how, even though I thought I had everything figured out early on, I ended up being wrong with some of my guesses.

Overall, The Dancing Master was a good read. It started off slow, but the last quarter of the book redeemed the story for me and I really loved the ending! While this isn't my favorite of Julie Klassen's novels (that is The Maid of Fairbourne Hall), I did like the book and look forward to reading more of her novels. :)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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Review: Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Bethany House / 2011

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Miss Mariah Aubrey, banished after a scandal, hides herself away in a long-abandoned gatehouse on the far edge of a distant relative's estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how--by writing novels in secret.

Captain Matthew Bryant, returning to England successful and wealthy after the Napoleonic wars, leases an impressive estate from a cash-poor nobleman, determined to show the society beauty who once rejected him what a colossal mistake she made. When he discovers an old gatehouse on the property, he is immediately intrigued by its striking young inhabitant and sets out to uncover her identity, and her past. But the more he learns about her, the more he realizes he must distance himself. Falling in love with an outcast would ruin his well-laid plans.

The old gatehouse holds secrets of its own. Can Mariah and Captain Bryant uncover them before the cunning heir to the estate buries them forever?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Girl in the Gatehouse was a very good regency romance novel that I think fans of this genre will definitely enjoy!

While Girl in the Gatehouse isn't my favorite of the Julie Klassen books I've read so far (that would be The Maid of Fairbourne Hall), it's a close second. The characters were so different and special. It's hard for me to try to pick one favorite and I don't think I can - all of the main ones were great!

I loved the redemption story in Girl in the Gatehouse. It was really moving and showed the strength/power of forgiveness and second chances.

There were some nice twists/surprises in Girl in the Gatehouse which was great! I love when books keep me guessing. =)

Overall, I really enjoyed Girl in the Gatehouse and was really close to giving it 5 stars. I recommend it if you tend to like regency or historical romance novels.

*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Bethany House / 2009

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Lillian Haswell, brilliant daughter of the local apothecary, yearns for more adventure and experience than life in her father's shop and their small village provides. She also longs to know the truth behind her mother's disappearance, which villagers whisper about but her father refuses to discuss. Opportunity comes when a distant aunt offers to educate her as a lady in London. Exposed to fashionable society and romance--as well as clues about her mother--Lilly is torn when she is summoned back to her ailing father's bedside. Women are forbidden to work as apothecaries, so to save the family legacy, Lilly will have to make it appear as if her father is still making all the diagnoses and decisions. But the suspicious eyes of a scholarly physician and a competing apothecary are upon her. As they vie for village prominence, three men also vie for Lilly's heart.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Having read one of Julie Klassen's newer books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, last year (loved it!) and hearing great things about The Apothecary's Daughter, I had high expectations going in. While I did really enjoy some parts of this book, I was disappointed in the last portion.

I can't really put my finger on the exact reason either. While Lilly didn't end up with the guy I had hoped in the beginning, I was actually happy with who she did end up with, so that wasn't it. I'd say my main disappointment was how rushed the ending seemed. I was left wondering about quite a few things and I just wish things would have been explained a little more. Also, I wish it wouldn't have taken so long for Lilly to decide on a beau. The wondering of who it was going to be got a little tiring to me.

Don't get me wrong, The Apothecary's Daughter was still a good book and I know lots of people loved it. I have really mixed feelings and struggled with what to rate it. I wasn't sure whether to give it 2, 3, or 4 stars, because I really enjoyed parts, but other things were just okay. In the end, I decided to go with 3 since I did overall like it.

Lilly was a nice main character, although she did annoy me slightly when she seemed to look down on certain people (though she redeemed herself in the end). I really liked Charlie and Mary. I was surprised by many things that happened in The Apothecary's Daughter - it had some definite twists.

All in all, a nice one-time read. I'm glad I read it. As I said earlier, I know lots of people loved The Apothecary's Daughter, so I may have had too high of expectations. I know Julie Klassen writes great historicals, so I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

*I did not get this book for review. I read a Kindle copy I had. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Interview & Giveaway! Julie Klassen ~ Author of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Julie!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 

Thanks, I'm happy to be here. I am from Illinois originally and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in advertising. I worked in marketing and then as an editor for Bethany House Publishers for many years before becoming a full-time writer. I live in Minnesota with my husband of 21 years, our two sons, a cat named Mojo, and a herd of dust bunnies.

What inspired The Maid of Fairbourne Hall?

I’ve wanted to write a book like this for some time, first of all, because the books I write are set at a time and place (early 1800s England) where live-in servants were common. Second, because I really enjoy programs like Upstairs Downstairs and Downton Abbey which portray the lives of servants as well as those they serve.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?

Readers I meet in person are often surprised to discover I’m tall (5’10”). I must look smaller in photographs!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have enjoyed writing stories since the second grade, according to a faded report card. And throughout school and college I took many literature and writing courses. But it wasn’t until later, after working in advertising, then as an editor, that I got serious about writing and completed my first novel.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Perhaps that I “cast” my characters, choosing actors or models for each main character before I write a new book. This helps me to see my characters as “real” people, to differentiate them from other characters, even to begin “hearing” their voices. (Yes, my husband is worried--I’m hearing voices in my head. And they all have English accents. :))

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is my 5^th book to date, and I am working on a 6^th. My first published novel (Lady of Milkweed Manor) will always be special to me, but otherwise, I seem to have a new favorite each time a new book releases. It’s the honeymoon phase, I suppose.

What would you say is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

The best part is the fulfillment of knowing I’m doing what God wired me to do--and for His glory. Being an author is a lifelong dream come true! But it is probably the hardest work I’ve ever done.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I enjoy watching period dramas, going out to dinner with friends, watching my sons play basketball, and traveling with my husband.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

My husband and I would like to visit Ireland and/or Scotland one of these days.

  

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

My favorite hymn is Great is Thy Faithfulness. And I loved the mini-series based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, North and South.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

“For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” --Ephesians 2:10

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?

Yes, I am working on my next stand-alone Regency-era novel, called The Tutor’s Daughter. More details will be shared at my Facebook party on March 15^th. Hope to see you there.

Thanks so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

I enjoy connecting with readers. Please feel free to send me an email through my website (www.julieklassen.com) or to find me at “Author Julie Klassen” on Facebook. Thanks--and thanks for having me here.

Book Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! You can read my review here. This giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada only. 


The mandatory entry is to leave a blog post comment on this post. Also, for those who leave comments as anonymous, would you please leave your name in the comment (so I can match it with Rafflecopter)? Thanks! :)

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Review: The Maid at Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Maid of Fairbourne Hall Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Julie Klassen

About the book:

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt—and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

My rating:

My thoughts:

Before I share what I thought about The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, I have to mention that Julie Klassen is one of my mom's favorite authors - she's read all of Julie's books and when she saw that I had this book for review - she immediately took it from me and had to read it first! And guess what? My mom loved this book from the first sentence on... literally!

While Julie Klassen is not a new author to my mom, she is to me - this is the first book I've read of hers and I don't know why. It was phenomenal! Absolutely stunning and vivid in details! If all of her other books are like this one, I've completely been missing out.

"He is reading my letters now too...."

That opening sentence had me wondering who was reading her letters? What else had this person been doing? There is so much just in that first sentence! :)

The characters in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall had such interesting stories and what happened between Margaret and Nathaniel years ago made it impossible for me not to care for these characters and what would happen in their lives.

This is shocking to me, since this book is over 400 pages long, but I read The Maid of Fairbourne Hall in less than 24 hours! I couldn't stop reading for long, and after a few pages/chapters, I was hooked. It was that good and entertaining that I found there wasn't a good place to stop and before I knew it I was done with the book! Too soon, I might add - I was not ready to say goodbye to the characters. I'm hoping for a sequel (as I normally do with books I love).

My mom and I don't always agree about books, but in this case we do. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen is a definite winner and as you can see from the award above, this is now a favorite book of mine! I 100%, without a doubt, recommend this book - especially if you enjoy reading historical novels!! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via CFBA. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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