To Whisper Her Name Tamera AlexanderLady Maybe
Author: Julie Klassen
Publication date: July 7th 2015
Series: NA
Pages: 389
Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian
Synopsis: One final cry…“God almighty, help us!” 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…
Now she has awakened as though from some strange, suffocating dream in a warm and welcoming room she has never seen before, and tended to by kind, unfamiliar faces. But not all has been swept away. She recalls fragments of the accident. She remembers a baby. And a ring on her finger reminds her of a lie.
But most of all, there is a secret. And in this house of strangers she can trust no one but herself to keep it.
Love Factor (How much I loved it):
Would I recommend it:
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My Opinion
First I would like to thank Berkely/Penguin for selecting me as one of the winners for the recent giveaway.
I will honestly admit that this book was a bit hard to get into which I found odd as I have read 5 other novels penned by Julie Klassen. I guess you can say it had a slow start. I almost put it down as the start of it really didn’t grab my attention (I like it when a book grabs a hold of you right from the start and you are like “Oh gosh, whats gonna happen? I need to read more!”) but as I told myself, maybe if I read a little bit more, it will start to pick up, getting better, an interesting – which it did around pages 125-150 for me.
My first initial impression of Sir John and Marianna was that he was the stiff, strict husband and that Mariana had a strict no nonsense life with him but as I got reading further I realized I was totally wrong. As we got flash backs of Marianna, she irritated me by her selfish and spoiled attitude which made me rout for Sir John. He was such a kind, generous, chivalrous man, whom just wanted a faithful wife whom loved him for him. Poor man, thought no woman would love him that he was deplorable when there was absolutely nothing wrong with him.
Another thing that perked me up about this novel, is a love triangle between the main female character and her 2 suitors (well 3 actually, but the third didn’t stand a snowball in hell’s chance of being chosen). I just love when books has this as I get to pick which one I think the main female character should go with and rout for them. I am so glad that she chose the one I wanted and that he finally found someone whom would give their heart to him and love him whole heartily for everything he is.
Also I thought it was a bit sweet to see Sir John interact with the Danny. You could really tell he wanted a child and family of his own by his actions.
The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Author: Julie Klassen
Publication date: December 1, 2014
Series: N/A
Pages: 460
Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian
Synopsis: Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her–a longtime friend–has fallen for her younger, prettier sister.
When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll’s house left mid-play . . .
The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem to know something about the manor’s past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure.
Hoping to improve her family’s financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks…or very real danger?
Love Factor (How much I loved it):
Would I recommend it:
Would I read it again:
My Opinion
I am relatively new to Julie Klassen an lets just say I have found another author whom not only writes extremely well regency’s, but ones that I love. What I like about her writing style is, she not only includes historical settings and romance, but she also includes a little bit of mystery in her stories as well, which I think makes her stories flow exceptionally well.
Since I enjoyed The Tutor’s Daughter so well, I went out on a limb and bought the paper back version of The Secret of Pembrooke Park. I believe this book is to be known as Julie’s largest penned novel to date, consisting of around 458-63 pages which I read in two settings – yes it was that good.
In my honest opinion, I believe this one had a bit more mystery in it than the others I read, which I loved. I like when something keeps you guessing throughout the story wondering who did what or who the villain is – surely keeps you on your toes.
Abigail was a sweet character and likable from the start although she has a bit of confidence issue when it comes between her and her suitors when she sister comes into the picture. She always feels like they will choose Louisa over her as she is younger an in her opinion more beautiful.
I really liked William from the start. His character was so enjoyable, I was rooting for him clear from the beginning. I loved how he would tease and flirt with Abigail. I had no idea parsons / clergymen acted like that, but yet I haven’t been exposed to anyone in that field to know that.
Gilbert, Abigail’s childhood friend and her first crush was pretty likable. He went away for a year to study architecture in Italy then comes back and pines for Abigail which she has been longing for. When Gilbert shows up, it makes William a bit jealous that another man want’s her affections. Even though Gilbert came into the picture, finally paying romantic attention to Abigail, my gut was still saying WILLIAM WILLIAM WILLIAM.
Louisa, I found her a bit obnoxious an somewhat annoying at times. She knew she was pretty and used it to her advantage in the courting department. For a moment I thought she was trying to swipe William out from under Abigail’s nose.
I LOVED the twist with Leah. I never saw that coming. I thought her shyness was just a part of her character but it wasn’t which that was a big surprise to me. What a twist I say!
Miles Pembrooke, whom can be a bit of a devious character was kinda likable to me even though he had hidden motives. I know all his flirtation towards Abigail was just a ploy, I still loved his witty and flirtatious comments.
My absolute favorite moments was the mulberry scene (never knew one could consume them, like William, I always considered them food for birds), William when he acted like he was ‘foxed’ from the laudanum (funny since Abigail thought that is how he would act if he’d consume liquor), the pond/lake scene (the first and second time), the ball (how William asked her if he wanted her to make Gilbert jealous, never expected a parson to say what he did!), and the ending. All in all, I really loved this book. The Secret of Pembrooke Park and The Tutor’s Daughter are my two favorites of Julie Klassen’s novels so far an I cannot wait to read more of her lovely Regency novels.