ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie says: My background is in advertising and marketing, but I am blessed with a dream job—working as an editor of Christian fiction. I have been writing since childhood, but Lady of Milkweed Manor was my first novel. It was a finalist for a Christy Award and won second place in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards. My second novel, The Apothecary’s Daughter, was a finalist in the ACFW Book of the Year awards. I am currently writing one novel a year.
I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.
My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Miss Mariah Aubrey, banished after a scandal, hides herself away in a long-abandoned gatehouse on the far edge of a distant relative’s estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how–by writing novels in secret.
Captain Matthew Bryant, returning to England successful and wealthy after the Napoleonic wars, leases an impressive estate from a cash-poor nobleman, determined to show the society beauty who once rejected him what a colossal mistake she made.
When he discovers an old gatehouse on the property, he is immediately intrigued by its striking young inhabitant and sets out to uncover her identity, and her past. But the more he learns about her, the more he realizes he must distance himself. Falling in love with an outcast would ruin his well-laid plans. The old gatehouse holds secrets of its own. Can Mariah and Captain Bryant uncover them before the cunning heir to the estate buries them forever?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Girl in the Gatehouse, go HERE
My Review:
Regency. Austen-y. Inspirational. Awesomeness. Those are just some of the many ways that I can describe Julie Klassen and her books. Having only read one other book by this terrific author, The Silent Governess, I knew I would be happily ready for this book. Once again, Julie Klassen used her beautifully talented skills to capture her readers and surround them with words and descriptions that make them feel an absolute part of the novel.
The Girl In the Gatehouse is a novel of twists and turns, secrets and forgiveness, hope and longing. Not only are we taken back into history, we are introduced to a beautiful young woman, Mariah Aubrey, who’s character is full of depth and hope. She’s turned out by her family and forced to live in a gatehouse on her aunt’s property. There, her secrets are safe….or are they? Her hope starts to waver. I found myself wanting to hug Mariah and comfort her like she was my child. Her character was so dear!
And I dare not forget to mention the wonderfully chiseled, handsome young Captain Matthew Bryant. Julie Klassen really filled him with charm and longing, and I wished more than once that it was I who was the girl in the gatehouse! He is certainly a character that any woman could fall for!
If you love Historical novels, or novels with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader thirsting for more, than this is a 5 star, Austen like novel that you won’t want to miss! Perfect for regency era lovers and book a holics alike! I can’t wait for another gorgeous novel by this fantabulously skilled author!
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