Delicious Romance
Reviewed by Phee Paradise
The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
If you haven’t read a book yet in this new year, make The Silent Governess your first one. It is simply delightful. It’s set in 19th century England, with all its class issues, but the Christian worldview questions them, and all the characters, from the maids to the earl, are important to the story and well developed. Class is only one theme in the book; you will also find redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation and, of course, love.
Olivia and Edward, the main characters, each have a secret which forces them together, but also keeps them apart. The secrets give the reader two mysteries to ponder. Klassen doles out clues in little pieces that keep you guessing. I felt like I could solve the mystery if only I had one more clue. But each time I almost had it, something new happened that deepened the mystery.
One of the things I liked best about the book is that Olivia and Edward are brought together by their mutual love for the children she cares for. Instead of being props to advance the story, the children are an integral part of it and the characters of the protagonists are revealed through their relationships with them. Through the children they develop a friendship that gradually and naturally turns into love. The book has no mushy love scenes, but the love story is very satisfying.
Even if your preferred genre is not romance, mystery or history, you will enjoy this book. Get a copy as soon as it is available. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Pros: Well written story with likeable characters, intriguing mystery and a feel good ending.
Cons: It’s a historical romance. Not everyone likes this genre.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie says: My background is in advertising and marketing, but I am blessed with a dream job—working as an editor of Christian fiction. I have been writing since childhood, but Lady of Milkweed Manor was my first novel. It was a finalist for a Christy Award and won second place in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards. My second novel, The Apothecary's Daughter, was a finalist in the ACFW Book of the Year awards. I am currently writing one novel a year.
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.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his.
But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything--his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.
He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.
Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.
To read the prologue and first chapter of The Silent Governess, click HERE. You can also sign up as a Follower when you get to that page, and get announcements of the first chapters for all the great books we tour!
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2 comments:
Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to read this!
Blessings,
Karen :)
I'm looking forward to reading this. I don't think a preferred genre would be a "con" though. Any book is not for everyone. Just my two cents. I enjoyed the review.
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