Friday, January 29, 2010

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

The Silent Governess
by Julie Klassen
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0707-5
Publisher: Bethany House




Book Summary


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.

My Review

There are very few things in life that are as satisfying as coming away from a great book with a deep sigh! I just finished reading The Silent Governess and absolutely loved it. Julie Klassen is one of my favorite new authors! She's written 3 books over the last couple of years and I have loved each one! I'm not sure if Julie fits in the Regency Fiction category, but she definitely writes historical fiction.

Throughout The Silent Governess, I kept being reminded of The Sound of Music. Olivia ends up taking care of children as a Governess although she's never taken care of children. She can't seem to please Lord Bradley, who seems to constantly be annoyed with Olivia and yet at the same time drawn to her. I think one of my favorite moments was when Olivia is giving the children dancing lessons and Lord Bradley comes in and takes over as her partner. Ahhh, sweet satisfaction.

I liked that Olivia did as much as she could with the circumstances placed before her. God brought people into her life to make the trials she had to endure a bit easier. Lord Bradley constantly made me want to knock him over the head because he was so frustrating. A sign of Klassen's wonderful writing. I also enjoyed the character of Lord Brightwell. He was such a tender heart later in his life and played a very meaningful role in the story.

The Silent Governess left me very satisfied in the end. Even though at 438 pages, it was easy to get through. I can't admit to you how late I stayed up one night I was so engrossed in the story. I honestly couldn't tear myself away. I would give this book away, but I know my oldest daughter will want to read it. Besides, my bookshelf enjoys my Klassen collection.

About the Author

Julie Klassen is a fiction editor with a background in advertising. She has worked in Christian publishing for more than twelve years, in both marketing and editorial capacities. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She enjoys travel, research, books, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.

Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit http://www.julieklassen.com/


*I'd like to thank Noelle for my review copy of The Silent Governess. If you'd like to learn more about this and other wonderful books, you can visit Bethany House Publishers.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

This is my favorite book of the year so far, and it was my first experience with a Julie Klassen novel. I can't wait to read her first two! :o)

Stormi said...

I really want this book, I have seen it around and it looks really good. I am glad you liked it.

Tracy said...

Hi I am new to your blog . Firstly I love it secondly Please could you help me make mine so lovely mine is so boring lol. Thirdly have you come accross the Yada Yada series of books they are amazing. I forst bought them when I was visiting my family in USA ( I am in UK ) I have since had them ordered on Amazon. they are true to life and so relevant to our everyday busy lives

Casey said...

I have heard good things about this book. I am looking forward to reading it- hopefully in the near future :) Thanks for the review.

CherryBlossomMJ said...

I really like this one. I'm updating the review list from the Christian Historical Fiction blog. So far three reviews on this book. :)

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