Sunday, February 26, 2012

Delightful Story



This is the first novel written by Julie Klassen I have read, but it will not be the last.  I really enjoyed reading this story.  The author’s bio notes that she “loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen”, and I think the Austen influence shines through.    I truly did not want to put this book down.


The story follows Margaret, a privileged young woman, who is being coerced into marrying someone she loathes.  If she can hold out a few more months she will receive an inheritance that will provide for her for the rest of her life, without having to depend on a husband.  Margaret makes a hasty decision to flee and go into hiding.  But without any forethought to what will happen to her, she ends up as a housemaid for the man whose marriage proposal she rejected years before.


As the story progresses, Margaret does a lot of growing up, going from spoiled girl to humble young woman, in a way that reminded me of Jane Austen’s Emma.  Again, a wonderful story and well worth the time spent reading it.


The epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter give insight into how the servants were to behave, etc., and I loved reading them.  As an added note, if you are interested in how the life of a country house was run during early 19th century, check out PBS series, Regency House Party. 
To learn more about this story click here or on the title above!
This book was provided free of charge by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

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