Showing posts with label Julie Klassen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Julie Klassen. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Book Review: Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen

About the Book:


One final cry of terror, and suddenly her world shifted violently, until a blinding collision scattered her mind and shook her bones. Then, the pain. The freezing water. And as all sensation drifted away, a hand reached for hers before all faded into darkness. . . .

In the midst of a fierce storm, a carriage carrying Sir John Mayfield, Lady Marianna Mayfield, and her lady's companion careens off a narrow cliff road, changing their fates forever. When the wreckage is found, Sir John is gravely injured, and a woman is discovered unconscious wearing a valuable ring. As the woman regains consciousness in a strange house, she grapples with fragmented memories of the accident, unsettling dreams of a child in peril, and a deep mystery tied to the ring on her finger. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces and haunted by a sense of foreboding, the survivor realizes she cannot trust anyone and must uncover the truth of what happened that stormy night, even as danger mounts and enemies conspire against her.

In this revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of Julie Klassen's acclaimed novel, a woman's startling secrets lead her into unexpected danger and romance in Regency England.


My Thoughts:

Lady Maybe held a different flavor than Julie Klassen’s other Christian Fiction novels. First of all, the book was hard-to-put-down. For me, Klassen’s novels are generally calm and sweet historical romances that I find enjoyable and relaxing. However, Lady Maybe kept me on my toes with its mystery and made me want to stay up all night with its romance. Intrigue hovered for most of the book while other plot points (injury recovery, searching for a child, secrets, etc.) constantly moved the story forward. I read the novel in two long sittings because I wanted to know how things would turn out for Sir John, Lady Marianna, and Hannah.

Lady Maybe also carried a more sensual romance than normally found in Klassen’s novels. Including a fade-to-black bedroom scene was an edgy choice for a novel that held clearly Christian elements as it openly addressed repentance, forgiveness, and the need for Christ. I did enjoy the romantic tension between Hannah and Sir John, though I think the story could have stood quite well, perhaps even better, without the love triangle that grew throughout the novel.

Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen was highly enjoyable to read, so much so that it has a permanent home on my bookshelf. Four stars!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Cover Reveal: A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen

 

QUICK FACTS

  • Title: A Winter by the Sea
  • Series: On Devonshire Shores (Book 2)
  • Author: Julie Klassen
  • Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
  • Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 5, 2023)
  • Length: (448) pages
  • Format: Hardcover, Trade paperback, & eBook 
  • ISBN: 9781250867551


BOOK DESCRIPTION 


When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple's male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they've invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent's handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.


PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS


AUTHOR MESSAGE

Dear Readers,

I am excited to give you an insider’s look at my December 2023 novel, A Winter by the Sea. This is the second book in the On Devonshire Shores series. Book One, The Sisters of Sea View, has been enthusiastically received and reviewed. I am grateful for each of you who helped spread the word about it!

During my research, I learned that the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their baby daughter stayed in Woolbrook Cottage (very near fictional Sea View) during the winter of 1819-1820. I instantly knew I wanted to include them in the novel to give readers a glimpse of the early life of Queen Victoria and her parents. The royal party arrived with too many attendants to accommodate at Woolbrook, so some were lodged elsewhere. I thought it would be fun to have a few staff members stay at Sea View, including a pastry chef who invades their kitchen, a man in desperate straits, and the duke’s handsome private secretary.

It was also interesting to write a seaside novel set during wintertime (it was unusually cold and snowy that year). Because I live in frigid Minnesota, cold weather details and sensations were easy to imagine. 😊

When I began writing this series, I had not yet traveled to Sidmouth, where the series is set. I am happy to say I was able to visit in August 2022 and was thrilled to experience this delightful town in person. The highlight of that trip was meeting the staff and volunteers of the Sidmouth Museum who have been extremely helpful in answering research questions and checking setting details for me.

A Winter by the Sea focuses on beautiful Emily Summers, who finds herself caught up in two rivalries. First, while striving to further her writing aspirations, Emily is torn between her loyalty to a well-established publisher & bookseller and his flamboyant competitor. Second, despite her best intentions, she is attracted to one of their new guests, but an old love comes to town, determined to renew their courtship.

I hope you are eager to return with me to the English seaside for Book Two of the On Devonshire Shores series. Thank you for all you do to support my books, and readers everywhere!

Gratefully, Julie


AUTHOR BIO


Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than a million copies and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also been honored with the Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Book Review: The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen





QUICK FACTS

  • Title: The Sisters of Sea View
  • Series: On Devonshire Shores (Book 1)
  • Author: Julie Klassen
  • Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
  • Publisher: ‎Bethany House Publishers (December 6, 2022)
  • Length: (448) pages
  • Format: hardcover, trade paperback, & eBook
  • ISBN: 978-0764234262
  • Tour Dates: November 28 – December 12, 2022

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.


VIDEO INTRODUCTION TO THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW BY JULIE KLASSEN

 


MY THOUGHTS

The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen started off slow and unhurried, not hard to put down when necessary. Later, I realized that the relaxed pace allowed the author to spend substantial page time building the three main characters (Sarah, Emily, and Viola) and their world. Taking the time to dig into each woman’s mind and secrets created a solid foundation for this story and the subsequent novels in the series. Viola ranked as my favorite sister, and I was very pleased with the way her storyline unfolded.

In The Sisters of Sea View, several characters have scars, emotional or physical. A strong theme that felt spiritual, but not preachy, emerged as the author used different characters to show how people respond to injuries and scars. Will the person choose bitterness or contentment? Will the scars cause a person to withdraw, or will the person be unhindered? This theme undergirded the character development of multiple characters and added depth to the story.

The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen commences the On Devonshire Shores series. While I would not consider the ending a cliffhanger, certain relationships and circumstances are open-ended. Christian fiction readers who enjoy historical fiction with bonds of sisterhood and a relaxed pace will likely enjoy The Sisters of Sea View. As Julie Klassen wrote in the author’s note, the story also offers “fond nods of honor to the great Jane Austen.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JULIE KLASSEN




ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW

“Jane Austen fans will delight in this nimble series launch…Klassen excels at weaving her various story lines, each emphasizing the colorful qualities of her characters and allowing them the space to shine. Readers will be eager for the next installment.” —Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)


PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF JULIE KLASSEN

“Julie Klassen delights with a winsome love story…” —Publisher’s Weekly, on A Castaway in Cornwall

“I couldn’t put it down! It you are a historical fiction fan you need this one on your radar! It was a spooky delight full of heart. ”—Anne Mendez, The Lit Bitch, on Shadows of Swanford Abbey

“…a wonderfully engaging novel full of intriguing characters and storylines. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for more in the series.” —Laura Gerold, Laura’s Reviews, on The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill


PURCHASE LINKS




AUTHOR BIO





Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Julia Midwinter's youth and vitality often stand in opposition to her mother's rules. As village matriarch, Julia's mother has prohibited all forms of dancing. This seemingly harsh rule is shrouded in family secrets, including the deaths of Julia's aunt and uncle. By natural curiosity and rebellion, Julia is drawn to Alec Valcourt, the newly arrived dancing master from London. However, Alec's past also proves dark and messy and he's certainly not the type of man Julia's mother would approve of. Will Alec and Julia both discover the truths about their pasts so that they can embrace the future with hope? Read more in The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen.

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen is a stand-alone novel set in early nineteenth century England. The mystery of Julia's past hooked my attention and kept me wondering how all the people and events fit together. For me, this is what kept the story flowing as I didn't find the characters as captivating as I expected. By the author's intention, I suspect, Julia's character was hard to like in the beginning. However, even after Julia's internal motivations became more clear and she began to develop as a character, I still found it difficult to like her. Lastly, someone mentioned to me that it sounds like a take-off of Footloose. However, I've never seen the movie, so I can't really speak that. I don't discourage anyone from reading the book, but I do recommend borrowing from the library before purchasing.

Visit the publisher's website to read an excerpt from The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Expelled from her father's house, Mariah Aubrey has no place to live except an old, musty gatehouse on her aunt's estate. The separation from her family is difficult for Mariah and she escapes reality by writing novels. When Mariah's aunt passes away, her cousin inherits the estate and starts exacting a rental fee. Mariah's writing and small allowance from her father barely cover the rent. Then Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate with the intent of buying it. Draw together by their common ground, figuratively and literally, Mariah and Matthew develop a kinship that could lead to more than just friendship. However, rumors are rampant about Mariah. Will Matthew risk his reputation, his heart, and his dreams for the mysterious Mariah?

I loved The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen. I found the uniqueness of the individual scenes refreshing. One of my favorite scenes in the entire book was when Mariah and Matthew read a theatrical script by Simon Wells. So romantic and sweet. I also enjoyed that there was more to the plot than just the relationship with between Mariah and Matthew. The sub-plots about Captain Prince, Lizzy Barnes, and Mrs. Dixon enhanced the main plot and created a pleasurable reading experience. I would have liked to have seen more spiritual development. There were multiple mentions of the Mariah's and Matthew's spiritual issues that were never resolved later in the book. However, I immensely enjoyed The Girl in the Gatehouse and I heartily recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical romances.

Click here to read an excerpt from The Girl in the Gatehouse.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, February 5, 2010

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

Miss Olivia Keene’s life completely changed in a matter of minutes. She is forced to flee her home because of her actions while defending another.  During her search, she meets all manner of people and accidentally overhears a secret conversation.  She is discovered immediately and forced to remain at the Brightwell residence because of the information she knows. While there she is part of the staff and eventually becomes a governess.  However, mystery surrounds the inhabitants of Brightwell and Olivia finds that her life is also woven into the mystery.  Her feelings for the darling children she teaches as well as the man around whom the mystery revolves grow daily and Olivia is faced with choices that will surely affect the entire rest of her life.

I enjoyed The Silent Governess.  In my opinion, the author did a good job of drawing out the mystery throughout the book. In fact, not every question pertaining to the mystery was answered until the very end.  The characters were quite believable, though I would have liked to have seen more of Miss Keene’s feelings relating to Lord Bradley. There were some indications given, but not as many as were given on Lord Bradley’s side. If there is a sequel planned, I think it would be very appropriate as there were some loose ends of the story that were not tied up. What will become of Edward? Will Edward and Olivia find the deeper faith they need?

Overall, it was a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it to fans of historical romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."