On My Kindle - The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Rachel Ashford lives at Ivy Cottage by the kindness of her friends, Mercy and Matilda Grove. A gentlewoman fallen on hard times, she is determined not to live off the charity of others. Her pride makes it difficult for her to accept help, even from God.

Mercy Grove, the tall and less than beautiful friend, adores teaching in her school for girls. She's comfortable in her situation, but secretly longs for a family of her own.

Jane Bell, owner of a coach house (hotel) and widow, is determined to remain single. The pain of loss still haunts her even though her husband has been gone over a year.

This is the second book of a new series by Julie Klassen. I missed that one, but there was enough detail in this book to fill in the gaps. You might want to start out with the first book.

Once again, Julie's excellent research and well-defined characters planted me in her English story world. I'm looking forward to the next book to see what happens to Jane and Mercy. Rachel's story was the main focus of this book.

Five Stars for an excellent and well-crafted story. Note: The cover shown above is for the audio version, but it also comes in Kindle and print.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for this review. As usual, all opinions expressed are mine and mine along.

Writers and Readers:  If you miss reading the first book in a series, does it ruin the experience for you? Please share your thoughts.

On My Nightstand - Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen

 

There's no grace for Charlotte Lamb when she makes a disastrous choice. She leaves home and family for London's Milkweed Manor to hide her secret.

The desperation of the other women opens her eyes to unpleasant realities, and marks her life forever. Like them, she's faced with situations that threaten to rip her heart in two. Can she put aside her own desires to protect her loved ones?

When a former suitor shows up at the Manor, she's terrified. He treats her with respect, and she soon discovers the pain he carries.

While this was Julie's debut novel, I missed it. Now, I fully appreciate her talent. Anyone who writes such a stunning first book has a bright future in publishing. Her thorough research, engaging characters, and amazing ending made this a memorable reading experience.

Julie Klassen = automatic purchase for me. Don't miss this author's work.

On My Nightstand - The Maid of Fairbourne Hall - Julie Klassen

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?

On My Nightstand - The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Miss Mariah Aubrey is banished to her aunt's estate after an unfortunate scandal. She and her former nanny, Miss Dixon, take up residence in an old gatehouse. With no hope for love, Mariah does her best to carve out a life. Her dwindling assets inspire her to take up an old pastime, writing.

Captain Matthew Bryant returns from war a hero, but is haunted by thoughts of the woman who spurned his attention. He launches a campaign to win her hand, but will it bring more pain and rejection?

Two elderly sisters, two servants, a strange old man, and several children help unlock the door to happiness and solve the mystery of the girl in the gatehouse.

While the author transports you into the past, the characters are written without any author intrusion or explanation to the reader. Each one thinks, acts, and interacts with other characters in a way true to the time period.

I'm a big fan of Julie Klassen's writing. Every time I think this is her best book, she writes another that surpasses it. The Girl in the Gatehouse is my new favorite. I hope you'll check out her books, particularly this one.