The Painter's Daughter

The Painter’s Daughter

By Julie Klassen

Sophie Dupont, assistant in her father’s painting studio in Lynmouth England, meets handsome Wesley Overtree, falls madly in love, then suddenly finds herself alone and in trouble when Wesley sails away to Italy. His brother, Captain Stephen Overtree comes looking for Wesley, and instead finds Sophie and instantly feels protective and duty-bound to her. Propsing a marriage in name-only as a way out of her predicament, Sophie feels torn. Can she accept the hand of his brother, who is all but a stranger to her, no matter what safety he is offering her or will she wait hopefully for Wesley’s return, or her possible ruin?

This book was amazing. And I was almost a bit surprised at how amazing it was, given how easily I had guessed the plot from the blurb on the back of the book.

But it is further proof at how great of a storyteller Julie Klassen really is. Her plot was winding and intricate, characters full and complex and the story had enough suspense and questions to keep me guessing ‘til the end.

I loved Sophie, who as a “flawed” character in a regency novel, (hardly ever written about in a positive way) was very relatable. The struggle she felt being pulled between two men was beautiful, and yet raw and compelling. Not a soap-operatic love-triangle like you read in teen books, but a realistic choice between your heart & mind. I loved seeing her character progress and change, and was ecstatic with her eventual choice of Overtree men.

Stephen and Wesley were great characters, each with strengths and weaknesses, and they felt so real. Plus, as I read on and the conflict between them and Sophie came to a head, I could barely put the book down. The tension, the secrets, the families’ discovering, it was such great storytelling. Plus, there was an amazing cast of secondary characters in this book that really stood on their own, and added so much to this story. It made for a really exciting read.

I loved how Julie ended the book, but sadly cannot expound because of spoilers! You’ll have to take my word for it that is worth picking up and reading for yourself. Definitely one of my very favorite Klassen novels to date.

Chivalrous

Chivalrous

by Dina L. Sleiman

Gwendolyn longs to be a knight, forced by her parents into a marriage she doesn’t want yet tries to make the best of.

Allen longs to escape his station and make himself better, stronger and wiser, yet he falls in  love with the one woman he can’t have.

Action, adventure, intrigue, surprising twists, great characters… this book had it all.

This book is second in the “Valiant Hearts” series, set in the much-loved “Robin-Hood” time period of England.  I confess I started reading without having read the first book, “Valiant.”  But this title did not rely on the first, so it was great for a stand-alone book as well as a series. 

I loved Gwen, she was incredibly fun to read. And while historically, I wasn’t sure I believed some of the storyline, (did women really long to be knights back then?!)

her journey on the road to love was compelling overall. Her brothers and handmaiden made a great addition to her character as well. Allen was interesting, not really a gripping character for me, but his romance with Gwen was sweet and exciting, yet it wasn’t until his past came into the picture did the plot get really intriguing for me. (The climax had me on the edge of my seat!)

Overall, it was a great book, and overlooking some possible historical liberties, this book was a really fun read J

Matter of Heart & Tried and True

It's Book Review time! I got so far behind, I have two to post today, so enjoy! :) 

 

A Matter of Heart

By Tracie Peterson

What drew me to this book were the characters. They were some of the most real, honest characters I have seen in a romance. They were flawed, imperfect and realistic. And so easy to relate to, I kept flipping the pages effortlessly.

I loved Jess & Austin’s story. The healing and growing up that happened in both their lives, it was beautiful and so inspiring. Plus, the plot kept intrigue and suspense mounting until the climax, which I didn’t see coming.

The one character I didn’t understand was Harrison. From the back of the book, I expected him to be a much bigger part of the story and add to the plot a bit more.

I loved this book, and still find myself in awe of the feeling of “real-ness” to it. It rang true in so many ways, and a story like that is truly a privilege to read.

 Written as a part of the Bethany House Review program

Tried and True

by Mary Connealy

This book drew me in right away! Kylie’s determination and spunk was loveable, and her counter-part, Aaron Masterson was a dream, in all sense of the word. Their relationship was really fun to read about. All characters in this book were amazing, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with them. I especially enjoyed Kylie’s hilarious sisters, Tucker and Sunrise. I could easily tell where the next book in the series was picking up by the storyline and I was excited to read it! Those crazy Wilde sisters are so intriguing!

That being said, I kind of lost interest halfway through, when the plot between Gage Coulter became resolved much earlier than I had thought. I had expected that to be the climax, but I continued reading, and the tension did pick up again, but after my expectations in the beginning, it was a bit less than I had hoped for in the ending.

BUT overall it was a wonderful book, so encouraging and charming. And wonderful, wonderful writing! I can’t wait to dive into the next Wilde at Heart book.

Written as a part of the Bethany House Review program