MY TAKE:
Julie Klassen is a master in this genre. Her characters sparkle, the details are specific and deep but not overwhelming. I always feel as if I've actually stepped back in time with her. Some of the historical details I found particularly interesting, were the cosmetic creations. The stillroom seemed like an interesting place to work, allthough probably way more work than I'd actually want to do. :)
But the details, really, are just background. The true draw is Margaret's story. Unaware of her elitist ways, she gets a whole new look at the world and herself when she's forced to live the life of a maid. Being on the other end of the social scale is an eye opener, but she embraces it with grace and her heart wins you over. The romance is not just icing on the cake, it's the cake too. It gives substance as well as the sweet high.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?
Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?
On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
2 comments:
The main couples ‘to be’ in this book suited each other very well. They were paired each other nicely, they sure had the chemistry all figured out but what was nice was when they were finally together. It made the ending of the novel a nice sweet one. The plot on the other hand was well done, I liked the amount of historical detail was made to make the plot much more authentic and realistic.
I agree, Netherland. Julie Klassen has that sweet, romantic chemistry formula worked out to a 'T'. Yet it doesn't come across as formulaic. That's truly a sign of a talented writer. :)
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