The Tutor's Daughter

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Over the past weekend (which was a long one for me, I might add) I have read three books. Yes, I realize that is crazy and I have no life :) The most notable, however, was this one. I thoroughly enjoyed other works from this author including The Girl in the Gatehouse, Lady of Milkweed Manor, and The Apothecary's Daughter.  So, I was so excited when Bethany House Publishers offered me a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. It did not disappoint!

Emma Smallwood is a tutor's daughter. Her father, John Smallwood, teaches and owns Smallwood Academy where Emma has frequently (more frequently than she cares) had to step in and teach since the death of her dear mother.  She is extremely intelligent, clever, and over zealously organized. Her motto: Everything has a place and put everything in it's place. She is independent and likes to be in control of everything in her life, because she feels everyone, including God hasn't done a good job of it for her.

Henry Weston and Phillip Weston were brothers that attended Emma's father's boarding school. With the financial difficulties mounted, Emma writes to Henry's father about the younger Weston brothers. The response she receives surprises her, and her father's answer surprises her even more. So off they head to the home of Henry and Phillip. Emma is filled with memories of their time at boarding school together and is not looking forward to seeing one of them.

This book is filled with real characters you can relate to, a plot that will engross you, and details about the time period it is written that will intrigue you. The development of Emma and Henry's characters are especially commendable. Both characters, Emma a lowly tutor's daughter, and Henry the son of a wealthy baronet, struggle with things throughout the book that make them seem more human and relateable. You see Henry's struggle to repair and rebuild his relationship with Emma and overcome his grief of losing his mother from long ago. You see Emma struggle to let go of control of her life, something a lot of us are loathe to do, and let God take over.

Overall, the book has romance, mystery (2 to be exact), and a loveable hero and heroine. You will not want to put it down!

Check it out here! You won't be disappointed.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-tutors-daughter-julie-klassen/1111413419?ean=9780764210693