Book Friday – The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
19 February 2010
“For years, I could not recall the day without a smoldering coal of remorse burning within me.”
I fell in love with Julie Klassen’s writing last spring when I read The Apothecary’s Daughter, so I simply had to have The Silent Governess.
From the back cover, because I’m suffering from the remnants of a cold and feel too tired to summarize this thing on my own. I’ll leave it to the paid professionals at Bethany House:
Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his.
But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything—his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.
He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggle against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.
Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.
That last line really summarizes my review of the book. There are so many twists in this book that for about the last quarter of it, I kept saying to my husband, “Wait, don’t talk to me right now. I’m at the climax.” That’s a good book.
One of the things I love most about Julie Klassen’s books is how easily woven in the spiritual stuff is. I noticed this in The Apothecary’s Daughter as well, since I don’t think God was mentioned for about the first half. I’m a big fan of this, but I know that’s not everybody’s cup of tea.
One last thing and then I’ll shut up and let everyone get on with their Friday—I received such an education about governesses in this book. Having read a lot of the Bronte sisters in high school, and being a big Jane Austen fan now, I always thought myself very familiar with governesses and the role they played in regency England (is that the right descriptor for saying what I’m trying to say?) but The Silent Governess gave me a whole different understanding and appreciation for those who wound up as governesses.
An excellent read, but of course that’s no surprise with Julie Klassen’s name on the cover.
Comments
Can’t wait to read this one! I’m always sorry to finish one of her books because they are sooo good!
Posted by Debbie McCool on 19 February 2010
I too am a big fan of Julie Klassen’s writing. Thanks for introducing me to her.
Posted by Beth Hines on 19 February 2010