Showing posts with label Julie Klassen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Julie Klassen. Show all posts

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen


Heidi Reads... The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood--along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.

Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.

Feeling reluctant and ill-equipped, Jane is tempted to abandon her husband's legacy and return to her former life of ease. However, she soon realizes there is more at stake than her comfort. But who can she trust to help her? Her resentful mother-in-law? Her husband's brother, who wanted the inn for himself? Or the handsome newcomer with secret plans of his own . . . ?

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane struggles to win over naysayers and turn the place around. Can Jane bring new life to the inn, and to her heart as well?


My Review

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is a cozy book to sink into and enjoy at an unrushed pace. Before reading it I had heard that it was different from Klassen's other books, and I agree- but definitely not in a bad way. There is less suspense, but still a good amount of intrigue. The story is told from the perspective of three main characters: Jane, the innkeeper; Thora, her mother-in-law; and Rachel, Jane's estranged childhood friend. There is a wide cast of community members that interact with the ladies, but not too many to keep track of, especially since they are introduced gradually and each is so individual. I loved the steady weaving in and out of the story and relationships and how each flawed character grew and progressed through the challenges they faced. The workings of the countryside inn reminded me of other favorite books with a similar setting (Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly and Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt) and it was so skillfully represented that I was fascinated by the historical details without being overwhelmed by them. The romance and potential for romance is subtle but definitely an undercurrent. I am so glad I gave this book a chance and am looking forward to continuing the series! Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Review: The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen


Heidi Reads... The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse.

Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows?


My Review

I enjoy marriage of convenience stories in particular, and this one had the added twist of Sophie being in love with her new husband's brother. While I felt compassion for Sophie and her difficult circumstances, I didn't admire her weakness for Wesley and the choices she initially made. She reveals herself as a strong character however as she makes the best of her situation and works to become loyal to Stephen. He was definitely my favorite character in the story, a Mr. Darcy type that has vulnerabilities and a gentle nature behind his gruff exterior, and a secret longing for his wife. In fact, there are a few Austenesque phrases that jumped out at me as I read, which was fun :) The plot really revolves around Sophie and her feelings for the brothers, so it was like waiting for the hammer to drop until Wesley returned and created more conflict. There are several family members and friends who are distinct in their personalities and create a wonderful cast for Sophie to interact with, some holding secrets of their own... A wonderful book with themes of accountability, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

(Thank you to the author and Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

E-book sale: $1.99 for The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen


The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

Download The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen for only $1.99!
(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are for a limited time)

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

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."

Friday, February 20, 2015

E-book sale: 99 cents for The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen


The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Only 99 cents for one of Julie Klassen's early novels, The Apothecary's Daughter!
(Be sure to check the price since e-book sales are only for a limited time)

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

LILLY HASWELL REMEMBERS EVERYTHING --- WHETHER SHE WANTS TO, OR NOT ...

As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary shop, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond --- of travel and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for --- the truth of the past and a love for the future?


Sunday, February 1, 2015

Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen


 The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her--a longtime friend--has fallen for her younger, prettier sister. 

When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, 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 to know something about the manor's past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure.

Hoping to improve her family's financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?


My Review

LOVED IT! I envisioned Abigail as a slightly younger Anne Elliot from Austen's Persuasion, an intelligent daughter dealing with diminished finances, just old enough to be on the brink of spinsterhood yet lovely in her own right, and less impressed with society than her family members.

The adventure of moving into the long uninhabited and mysterious manor kept the pace of the book moving quickly, with bits and pieces of the history of Pembrooke Park are revealed throughout the novel. I enjoyed the friendship that developed between Abigail and the caretaker's warm-hearted family, especially with the youngest daughter who always loved to visit to play with the manor's replica dollhouse.

Even though there is attraction from the start, Abigail and William's strong friendship creates a foundation of trust and loyalty that is tested by the interest of Abigail's beautiful younger sister, her childhood crush, and a distant cousin. I loved how William would often catch Abigail off-guard with a flirtatious comment or adventurous twinkle in his eye. The chemistry between them grows steadily and their special moments are oh-so-romantic!

The author weaves in themes of guilt, forgiveness, family bonds, children dealing with the sins of a father, and choosing earthly treasure or treasures in heaven. This is definitely going to be a book I re-read several times in the future :)

(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Extra Feature: Book Trailer


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

The manor behind Julie Klassen's The Secret of Pembrooke Park



I was so excited to see this "behind the scenes" look at Chalfield Manor which inspired the setting for The Secret of Pembrooke Park! Adding it to my bucket list...




http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764210718/ref=x_gr_w_bb_t4_a?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_t4_a-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0764210718&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Quote-worthy: The Secret of Pembrooke Park



I recently read this fabulous book (review coming soon!) and found a line in it that resonated with me since I find it to be so true in my own life. It reminds me that in times of trial there is always something good that can come when we turn to the Lord.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764210718/ref=x_gr_w_bb_t4_a?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_t4_a-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0764210718&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

E-book sale: $1.99 for Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen


Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen

Download Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen for only $1.99!

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Even a proper vicar's daughter can make a mistake—and now Charlotte Lamb must pay a high price for her fall. To avoid the prying eyes of all who know her, she hides herself away in London's forbidding "Milkweed Manor," a place of mystery and lore, of old secrets and new birth.

But once there, she comes face to face with a suitor from her past—a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God's help, to protect those they love. But neither can imagine the depth of sacrifice that will be required.

Sprinkled with fascinating details about the lives of women in Regency England, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.


(E-book sales are for a limited time so double-check the price before purchasing)

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Review: The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

My Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Leaving London, dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire--but is stunned to discover that dancing is prohibited! He finds an unlikely ally in Miss Julia Midwinter, but her questions about his past are becoming harder to evade. Together, can they bring new life to this quiet village--and heal long-kept-secret scars?

My Review

I had high hopes for this novel and perhaps high expectations. I enjoyed the plot and there was some mystery involving the ban on dancing that was revealed in bits and pieces throughout. I had a hard time relating to Julia, and I found myself wanting to know more about several of the secondary characters who had the potential to be more interesting than the main characters- their friends and peers who seemed to be there for convenience, but not developed. I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between Alec and Julia- they made better friends in my opinion.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)