The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen never disappoints me. The stories she weaves pick me up and pluck me right into the time period. The Painter's Daughter is no exception. Since the main character is a painter herself, I expected the descriptive language and scenes to be written as though through a painter's eye. I could vividly imagine seeing what Sophie was seeing. I wanted to climb the hill to Castle Rock and look at the north Devon coast, as she did. I could imaging walking through the halls at Overtree. As always, Julie Klassen's descriptions of the time period and dress were accurate and immaculate.

The cast of characters in this book made the story far more interesting. Winnie, Colonel, Kate, and the Overtrees made for an intriguing diversion from the seriousness of the situations Sohpie and Stephen encountered. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about Sophie Dupont. Her character seemed weak and a tad too gullible for my taste. Then, as I learned more about Wesley's character and her interaction with him, I could understand better how she found herself in such a precarious predicament. I envied her strength when she arrived at Overtree Hall, and her determination to do what was right, in the face of such strong temptation. As for Stephen Overtree, there were glimpses of "Captain Black" as Wesley was wont to call him, but I found him rather endearing. His strength of character and strong will showed me a great deal about him. I loved that they faced so many challenges at the beginning of the book. As Winnie states, they had already overcome so much to be together, their future looked bright.

One area I feel Julie Klassen excels in is weaving a strong message into the story. Asking God to help you is the first step in overcoming temptation and sin. That doesn't mean you won't face trials and even more temptation, it means that you have a never ending supply of help and comfort in your trials. As Wesley, Stephen, Captain Keith, and even Sophie learn, "all men struggle with some temptation or another, but God will help you." 

Overall, Julie Klassen weaves a tail of overcoming temptation and trials with God's help. I give this book 4 stars.

Read an excerpt.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About The Painter's Daughter: Sophia 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 her 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 seems somehow 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?

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 ISBN-13: 9780764210723 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication date: 12/01/2015

About the Author: I worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now write full time. The Secret of Pembrooke Park won the Minnesota Book Award. Three of my books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.

I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

http://www.julieklassen.com/index.html 

The Secret of Pembrooke Park - Behind the Scenes

Good afternoon blogging friends! I hope you are having a wonderful day. I absolutely love reading and the fact that I have the opportunity to help promote the wonderful authors whose books I so enjoy. So, of course, I jumped at the chance to help promote one of my favorite authors, Julie Klassen! I adored The Secret of Pembrooke Park, Julie's latest release (see my review here).

In fact, I loved it so much, I wanted to share some cool things about it with you!

My favorite Quote: There are so many good ones in this book, it was hard for me to narrow it down. I have bookmarked in my review copy a passage where William is preaching a sermon after a fire at the parsonage. This particular passage struck me as it made me question where I am laying my treasures: here or in heaven? "But we all know that earthly treasure will never satisfy the deepest longings of our souls, don't we?" (pg. 309).

Behind the Scenes: The manor that inspired The Secret of Pembrooke Park's setting.

 

Check out the trailer for The Secret of Pembrooke Park: 

  

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The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

Overview: 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.

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?

ISBN-13: 9780764210716
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 12/2/2014
Pages: 464

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Read other reviews of Julie Klassen's books.

My Review: Julie Klassen does it again! She has created another wonderful story with mystery, intrigue, romance and faith. I absolutely loved this story. I especially enjoyed the references to Pride and Prejudice. The plot was engaging. I didn't figure out the mystery until Abigail did, which I love.

The characters were very well rounded and written. I loved Abigail's selfless characteristics and her obvious growth in faith throughout the story. Her curiosity about the manor and the people that she met added a delightful layer to the plot. William Foster is a fantastic character. He is not a typical curate. I loved that Julie allowed him such temptations and thoughts. It proves that he is just man, like every other man. Their romance was subtle and sweet.

The message was about overcoming your fears. Placing our trust in God allows us to overcome the fears and prejudices of the past. It allows us to fully embrace all that God has planned for us, as well.

Overall, this story is one of mystery, intrigue, faith, family, and overcoming your obstacles and fears. I highly recommend it to any of Julie Klassen's fans!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Bethany House blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About the Author: I worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now write full time. Three of my books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.
 

I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Connect with Julie: Blog | Facebook | Website

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Happy Wednesday everyone! I am so excited to be reviewing this book for you, as I am a huge fan of Julie Klassen's books! I have read several of her books including The Tutor's Daughter, The Girl In The Gatehouse, The Apothecary's Daughter, and Lady of Milkweed Manor and loved them all. I was pleased when I was selected to review The Dancing Master by Bethany House Publishers, as you can well imagine! 

Overview: 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 Review: It is very rare to read a book of this type from the man's point of view. Most of The Dancing Master is written from Alec's point of view, and I like it that way. Alec Valcourt is trying to all he can to provide for his family.  Upon arriving in Beaworthy, he discovers his dreams for starting over as a dancing master in a new town are not going to be easily fulfilled   Throughout the story, we witness his struggle to feel worthy and accept the help of the One who created him.  Julia Midwinter is the beautiful daughter of Lady Amelia Midwinter. She is reckless  flirtatious, and vulnerable. At the beginning of the story, I didn't like her. As I dove into the book, however, I began to understand her actions (though I didn't agree with them) and could relate to her feelings.

The plot wasn't exciting or adventurous  but it was interesting all the same. The mystery surrounding Lady Amelia and Julia's past was very well written. I didn't have any clue what the outcome would be until later in the book.  The romance between Julia and Alec was also very well written. I didn't feel like it was rushed, as the book's plot takes place over several months, so I felt proper time was given for the romance to develop.  

The message of the story was clear, and aimed at Julia.  All of us are searching for something to fill the void in our lives left by whatever tragic (or not tragic) circumstances we find ourselves in. The only one who can fill that void is the Heavenly Father who vows to love you and never leave your side. It was so neat to read Julia's progression from disbelief to final acceptance.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was exactly the type of story I've come to expect from Ms. Klassen.

**I received this book for free as part of Bethany House Publisher's blogger program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

More fun! with links:

• Learn more about Julie Klassen
• Follow Julie: Facebook * Blog 
• Read an excerpt from The Dancing Master
• Purchase The Dancing Master: B&N * Amazon * CBD
• Read my reviews of The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Tutor's Daughter

The Girl in the Gatehouse

I am such a nerd. I finished a book on Thursday evening, and decided to re-read a book that I've not yet reviewed, and finished it LAST NIGHT! I was up until 3 am! Yes, I''m a little crazy... :)

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen is a wonderful book about God's forgiving grace and learning to not only accept that grace and mercy, but to forgive yourself as well. I love this author and I've read several of her books (though this is only the second review I've written for her, which I intend to fix!).  She always writes about issues that were not commonly written about back in that time period. Her characters are so real and relatable. The plots are interesting and captivating. She is just a great author!

This book introduces us to Miss Mariah Aubrey and Captain Matthew Bryant. Miss Aubrey has "fallen" from society and her father decides to hide her away so her shame will not ruin their family. She goes to live with her aunt at Windrush Court in the gatehouse. Mariah is a lovely heroine. She acknowledges her mistake and lives with the consequences. She is ashamed of herself, and like most of us when we sin, believes she has fallen so far even God couldn't want her still.

Captain Matthew Bryant has been trying to prove himself worthy of a certain "lady's" love and affection for the past four years. He is strong willed and determined, to a fault. He is also a very relatable character because his pride is what keeps him from acknowledging his growing feelings for Mariah, and then keeps him from realizing his mistakes (for a while anyways). Don't we all struggle with prideful ways? I know I do sometimes!

The character development in the book is believable and fantastic. I love seeing the slow transformation in each character as those around them teach them to accept the gift of God's forgiveness and to learn to forgive themselves in the process. Throw in a little mystery and some romance, and this book moved to one of my favorites!

I highly recommend this book, and I hope you all enjoy it too! :)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/girl-in-the-gatehouse-julie-klassen/1100203662?ean=9780764207082

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