When Margaret Macy feels threatened by her stepfather and his nephew, she flees to another town. There she finds work as a maid for a wealthy family in spite of her lack of qualifications. She's totally shocked when she discovers it's the home of her former beau.
Nathaniel Upchurch returns from the family plantation in Barbados a new man. With a stronger relationship with the Lord and convictions against slavery, he's prepared to tackle the mess his brother has made of the finances. The one area that still causes him pain is the rejection he suffered at the hands of the beautiful Miss Macy.
The young woman's schemes to evade her stepfather, maintain her disguise, and survive until she comes into her inheritance takes some hair-raising twists and turns. I couldn't imagine how it would all work out, but the author did a great job.
Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. Her descriptions of the countryside, knowledge of local customs, and vivid characters all held my interest.
If I were to give out stars, this one would get 5. I never hesitate to pick up one of her well-written stories.
Writers & Readers: Have you read any of Julie's books? Which one was your favorite and why?
17 comments:
I've not read any of Julie Klassen's before, but this made me want to get The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and anything else she's written. I love a heartfelt book recommendation. Thanks for sharing, Susan. :)
I haven't read her work but plan to. :-)
Hi Dottie - I hope you'll pick up one of her books. She's an excellent writer.
Hi Jess - There are so many wonderful authors out there that it's hard to sample them all. I hope you'll give this one a try.
BTW, your book arrived yesterday. I'll start reading it later today. :)
Blessings,
Susan
i have read....and loved....every one of julie's novels. i can't wait for her next masteroiece.
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Hi Susan .. sounds a very interesting book - and I'd love the history attached to .. and then there's the twisting plot .. fun -
Cheers Hilary
I haven't read any of Julie's books. This one sounds good! Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh, I thought this book was just phenomenal! I can't wait to get my hands on Julie's other books!
Hi KarenK - Thanks for stopping by and giving a big thumbs up for Julie's books. :)
Hi Hilary - I think you'd like it since it takes place in England.
Hi Loree - I also loved The Apothecary's Daughter and The Silent Governess. I have the Lady of Milkweed Manor on my TBR pile.
Hi Brooke - Thanks for a glowing testimonial. I'm sure Julie will be happy if she sees these comments.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I've heard nothing but high praise about this book. I'd say it's about time I go get a copy. :)
Hi Sarah -
My Mom is reading it now and can't put it down.
Blessings,
Susan :)
This is my favorite Klassen book!
I am going to have to start reading more - this seems like a great book. sandie
I loved this book! I am a fan of Julie's books, and I too, would rate this five stars.
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Tyrean - Even though I loved all Julie's books, I've seen the growth in her writing. This is her best so far, and I can't wait to read her future novels.
Hi Sandie - Oh, I hope this inspires you to pick up some great Christian fiction.
Hi Karen - Thanks for weighing in on this book. Julie's popularity as an author has skyrocketed in recent times.
Blessings,
Susan :)
This was a good one by her. You won't be disappointed. :O)
The characters are well fleshed out. Although Margaret fumbles a bit at her identity change, she is a resourceful and multi-faceted character. The balances of trust and suspicion between her and Helen Upchurch work particularly well. Klassen accurately portrays the upstairs/downstairs world so prevalent in the early 18th century Regency class system and inserts some class-busters for interest. In addition, the hierarchy and dynamics among the servants give the book great depth. This reader found the servant world more interesting than the romance.
Julie Klassen has secured a place as a noted author of the Regency period. Unwilling to sit on her laurels, she researches each new book thoroughly. Her many sources are used as epigraphs before each chapter.
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