Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-0764210693
Synopsis:
Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor’s Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast–a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions–where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.
Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons.
But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen.
Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?
The baronet’s older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems–and secrets–of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father’s academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her…
When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?
My thoughts:
Julie Klassen shines in The Tutor's Daughter, giving her readers a great plot, intriguing characters, a 'view' on 19th Century English customs and as we have learned to expect, a multi faceted series of gothic mystery and romance!
All is not as it seems! Hang on to your hats ladies, this is a great book to tuck in your beach/travel bag, this novel being perhaps her best, in my opinion of course!
Leaving nothing to details, Julie brings a masterful storyline to life set in Cornwall thanks to her exquisite research and you will find this one yet again a page turner! I found myself reading 'just one more page' countless evenings to the amusement of my family!
With a flair for accurate English phrases and an abundance of local historical facts, Julie describes Emma Smallwood, the Tutor's daughter as 'someone who guards her reactions and words as though she wears bit and bridlle and God himself holds the reins.'
Emma accompanies her father to the Weston Estate where with her help, he endeavours to tutor the youngest sons of the Baronet, unlike their oldest brothers, Henry and Philip, who were pupils at the, now floundering, Smallwood Academy.
There is a mysterious atmosphere surrounding the Weston family and father and daughter are bewildered by their lukewarm reception. Even the village people are not all they seem.
Upon his unexpected arrival from school, Emma renews her friendship with Philip whom she has not seen in three years but finds herself drawn to the oldest of the Weston brothers, her nemesis, Henry. As a pupil boarding at her father's school Henry proved himself not trustworthy yet Emma discovers an older wiser young man who must shoulders many family responsabilities.
Mr. Darcy, move over! Anyone with a romantic soul will be captivated by Julie Klassen's description of Henry Weston making this Christian novel a perfect book for giving this Valentine's Day!
5 Stars for a delightful story to enjoy with a few chocolates and a cuppa!
"Then let the wildest storms arise,
Let tempests mingle earth and skies;
No fatal shipwreck shall I fear,
But all my treasures with me bear.
If Thou, my Jesus, still be nigh,
Cheerful I live, and joyful die:
Secure, when mortal comforts flee,
To find ten thousand words in Thee."
(Philip Doddrige - Old English Hymn)
As part of the BLOG TOUR, please find below a link to the schedule for additional reviews!
http://litfusegroup.com/author/JKlassen
About the Author:
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction.
Vist her website (HERE) for additional information including a video trailer of The Tutor's Daughter and photos of Julie's inspiration for her book in Good Ol' England!
JULIE KLASSEN is celebrating by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles, Downton Abbey (season 3) and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (January 31st)
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Paperwhite
- Downton Abbey, Season 3
- A Julie Klassen library (The Tutor’s Daughter, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)
So grab your copy of The Tutor's Daughter and join Julie on the evening of the January 31st for a chance to connect with Julie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!
I received this book free from LITFUSE GROUP as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I like this story. Thank you for your review.
ReplyDeleteVery entertaining Mystica! Julie Klassen outdid herself in this one!
ReplyDelete(Great for those long drives you have to do!)