Review ~ The Sisters of Sea View (on Devonshire Shores Book 1) by Julie Klassen

Paperback, 448 pages

Expected publication: December 6th 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

About the Book

When their father’s death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers convinces her sisters to open their seaside home to guests to provide for their ailing mother. Emily and Georgiana agree, but Viola, who wears a veil to cover a scar, detests the idea. Determined to stay together, the sisters begin the new venture. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family. Meanwhile, the new situation exposes Viola’s scars--both the visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

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My Review 4 STARS

There are many nods to Jane Austen’s classic novels in this latest accomplishment from award winning author Julie Klassen. Delightful words of wonder grace the pages of The Sisters of Sea View in a gentle yet engrossing manner. There is a slow pace to this story that rings true to the time period while exerting just enough adventure to keep readers turning pages. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, perhaps this one will offer you several hours of diversion from life’s cares. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the lives and loves of The Sisters of Sea View. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley with no expectation of a favorable review.

 

Review ~ Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen + Giveaway

 

About the Book

In pursuit of an author who could help get her brother published, Rebecca Lane stays at Swanford Abbey, a grand hotel rumored to be haunted. It is there she encounters Sir Frederick--the man who broke her heart. When a mysterious death occurs, Rebecca is one of the suspects, and Frederick is torn between his feelings for her and his search for the truth.

Purchase:

Christian Book Distributors

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My Review 4 STARS

Julie Klassen has written an intriguing story laced with much mystery. In classic Klassen fashion, the characters are well-developed, dialogue is engaging, and the plot is interesting enough to satisfy the most discriminating reader. Although at a hefty 403 pages, I did think it was a bit wordy which slowed it down for me.

Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this latest offering by a most beloved author in the Christian fiction genre.

I was provided a copy by the publisher. No review was required. No compensation received.

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I know many of my friends have read this book and others by Julie. Have you read any of her books? If so, do you have a favorite? I think mine would be a toss up between The Silent Governess and The Girl in the Gatehouse, both which are excellent historical romances!!! 

Let's chat in the comments!!! 

I'll send my copy of the book to one person who leaves a comment, along with their email address, and also follows the blog through the GFC widget in the side bar. US ONLY (48 contiguous states) Ends Feb 7th. 

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen ~ E-Book DEAL!!!

 

About the Book

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect—a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended...this.

When a second person dies, and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

LIMITED TIME: 

ONLY $1.59 @  AMAZON and ChristianBook

(Always double check price before purchase!)

Rebecca Reviews ~ The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

Paperback, 448 pages

Published December 6th 2016 by Bethany House Publishers

First Series from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen!

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?

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Rebecca's Review

4 STARS!!!

"New beginnings" abound in this pleasantly paced series debut, "The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill".

Jane Bell has mourned the unexpected death of her spouse for an appropriate length of time, when she receives some rather disturbing news, the picturesque coaching inn that she inherited from her late husband is on the brink of bankruptcy and there are insufficient funds to make the necessary updates suggested for profitability. Joined by her aloof mother-in-law and surprisingly eager brother-in-law, Jane decides to pour her efforts into saving the historic property, which supplies local merchants with much needed commerce and the entire area with a sense of community pride.

Thora Bell never warmed to the idea of her once gentlewoman daughter-in-law being given the reigns to the Bell family property. A widow herself, Thora returns to the inn after an extended visit with her sister, to find that Jane desperately needs her experienced help much more than her criticism. Employees, both past and present will have to play a key role, along with trusted friends, local businessmen and new associates; if the inn will remain intact, for there is a lot to lose and a 
legacy to gain.

Join Julie Klassen in her very unique and quite interesting introduction to the village and villagers 
of Ivy Hill.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

~Happy Reading~

Review ~ The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

My Review 

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

~4 out of 5 stars~

Emma Smallwood accompanies her father, former owner and headmaster of Smallwood Academy, to Ebbington Manor to privately tutor the two younger sons of Sir Giles Weston. The two elder sons, Henry and Phillip, had attended and received their tutelage from Mr Smallwood but since then the boarding school has gone asunder.

In this almost gothic-like novel, there is ample distress and mystery surrounding Ebbington Manor. The mood is weighty and dark much of the time. While the characters are likeable for the most part, it takes some adjusting to the time period to understand consequences to certain actions. The two young sons are teenagers and their behavior is quite bizarre at times. Aristocratic families certainly had a different way of dealing with their wayward young. What may seem too lenient to me today, was most likely considered appropriate action back then.

I thought Emma could have been a more dynamic character although she is the epitome of a well bred lady so perhaps she is portrayed just as she should be. From early on, though, I couldn't see what she saw in Phillip. He appeared too soft to me. I was routing for Henry the whole time. Was I disappointed? I'm not telling.

This book is teeming with intrigue and mystery. Strange cries and piano playing in the middle of the night, mysterious notes appear in Emma's room while she's sleeping, and so much more! When it seems so obvious who the villain is, the story line switches to focus on someone else and you are left hanging....and wondering....and plotting. Who is the villain?! I believe it almost drove me crazy that I couldn't be sure. I usually figure these things out by the half way point but I was absolutely in the dark until the very end and completely taken by surprise with who the villain turned out to be.

It's an enjoyable read but not my favorite of Julie's books. I was expecting more of an Austenesque type story and less Bronte. Maybe a bit more romance too. I still recommend it for fans of Historical Fiction because it kept me turning the pages to answer that one question: Who is the villain?

Bethany House provided a copy for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion of the book, which I have done. 

Do you read Historical Fiction? If so, who is your favorite author, past or present?

The Tutors Daughter by Bethany House Publishers