The Painter's Daughter

Tuesday, January 12, 2016 The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen, © 2015 We shared a beautiful season, you and I. And I shall always remember you fondly. --The Painter's Daughter, 12 Pulled in by deceit, and pulled further by uncertainty of what her future holds, Claude Dupont's daughter starts down a slippery slope. When will her gliding stop? Hopefully, before it reaches the crevices, removing the hidden aspirations she so gallantly dreamed of. To be beguiled, whisked away with belief and dreams, so sure of the other's intent, not to be. Julie Klassen's characters happen in real life. Virgins being drawn in, as a frog heated in water by gradualism; gradual steps increasing slowly rather than by drastic change. Believing their relationship secret and cherished, will lead to marriage. She has not told him she is with child. It is an ordinary day when the painter's daughter receives the above farewell note. To be remembered fondly... 1815, Lynmouth, Devon ~ England Captain Stephen Overtree has come to the last known address of his older brother, Wesley, seeking to bring him home to oversee the family estate as his own return to duty nears. Hearing Wesley is no longer there but has left his paintings behind, Captain Overtree crates up his goods to return them to their home at Overtree Hall, in rural Gloucestershire near the village of Wickbury. Upon their retrieval, Captain Overtree finds that is not all his brother has left behind. Uncertainty of returning from war, he offers a marriage of convenience and is accepted. One thing he hasn't confessed: He has been carrying a small drawing of Sophie Dupont, the painter's daughter, on his person for over a year. Thus begins the story of Sophia Margaretha Dupont ~ changed in an instant. There are other characters who come alongside, some encouraging ~ others threatening, that test her resolve. An adventure whether she will cave or stand. You will rally against villainy and promote those with good intent. You must decide who they are, as twists and turns thwart them as well. True heart will be revealed. I enjoyed the "Nancy Drew-like" discovery of hidden passageways. Favorite interactions? The grandfather and the family's old nurse. Enjoyable wisdom. Through all of the happenings surrounding Overtree Hall, it is guided that youngest sibling Kate's innocence is protected. As well, I advise content not being explicit but implied within the realm of the story. ***Thank you to author Julie Klassen and to Bethany House Publishers for sending me a copy of The Painter's Daughter for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

Julie Klassen knocks it out of the park again! I downloaded the ebook the day before Thanksgiving and managed to balance obsessive reading with family time. Julie does a great job addressing hard topics not too often visited by Christian authors, especially for this time period, but also addresses forgiveness and redemption. While we may not relate to this particular circumstance, we have all made mistakes that have been a mess to sort out and in the end only turning towards God will do so. This story tells that beautifully

What is a girl to do in 1815 in Devonshire, England if she finds herself pregnant and abandoned by the man she thought was the love of her life, Wesley Overtree? She marries the dashing Army officer who rescues her from the edge of a cliff and who just happens to be Wesley’s brother. Thus begin Miss Sophie Dupont’s adventures as a married woman. Sophie’s life gets extremely complicated when she and Captain Stephen Overtree visit Overtree Hall. Sophie meets her in-laws as the wife of one brother while carrying the child of the other. As Sophie becomes better acquainted with her new husband and learns a bit more about his brother, her feelings begin to undergo a change. Some of the secondary characters actually have more charm than the primary characters. I really liked Colonel Overtree, Stephen and Wesley’s grandfather. He was a pleasant, interesting old guy who added appeal to the story. Kate, Stephen and Wesley’s younger sister, is also a likeable character. However, it took some time before I felt empathy for Sophie and her situation. In spite of some of the characters, the story was interesting. I wanted to find out what Sophie was going to do with her predicament of being married to one brother and infatuated with the other. Family secrets come to light that make the story more interesting, as well as adding a bit of intrigue. As with all Regency era novels, the class system, romance, and honor play a role. I did enjoy the way the loose ends were tied up and the ending of the novel. The book has some interesting themes that carry throughout the story, such as keeping an oath, responsibility, and beauty being skin deep. A pleasant read! This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

My brain had to try to make sense of the mixed periods in the book. The language was modern and old world at the same time. Throwing in snippets of religion made it all the more unbelievable.

I have not read a Julie Klassen book yet that I have disliked. This one I think is my favorite so far. What a tale this one told. I was not sure, like the heroine Sophie, what would be the best plan for her life. She was young and naive and quite taken advantage of by the man she loved and whom she believed loved her. Then in steps his younger brother, Stephen, to rescue her and give to her a respectable life. This all happens in the first few chapters. What follows is a marriage in name only story that unfolds into a beautiful portrait of what happiness may look like for Stephen and Sophie. However, this book at over 450 pages does not follow the path to true love easily. No, we must watch as these characters seem to have their hearts ripped out a few times. It was very hard for me to put this book down for real life. With romantic tension, war looming on the horizon, dire warnings and predictions, and with a slight gothic thread running throughout was a story that totally mesmerized me and I hated to have it end. Memorable characters, both good and bad, captured my attention as well and I look forward to Ms. Klassen’s next novel. I received a free copy of this book through TBCN/Bookfun. I was not required to give a positive review and all views expressed are my own.

The Painter's Daughter by author Julie Klassen is a Christian historical romance novel. This lengthy 464 page book is published by Bethany House. It starts in 1815, the Regency Era, England along the coast. Think Jane Austen and you will be in the right time. This book is the story of Sophie DuPont and the Overtree brothers, Wesley and Stephen. Sophie prepares canvases for her father to use. He paints portraits. Sophie also paints but keeps hers hidden. Stephen is the younger of the two brothers. He is a Captain in the military but actually wanted to be a minister. Wesley, the older brother, is a free spirit painter. All three characters are extremely well developed, flawed, and have secrets. They are all relatable in certain ways. This love story is a complex triangle filled with tension. While this is a Christian novel there is quite a bit of attention given to the physical side of love. Author Klassen addresses subjects of forgiveness, mistakes, second chances, redemption, and trust in her Christian tale. It is well written and she has done her research on the Regency period. Her storyline has been well thought and has many twists and turns to provide readers surprise after surprise. That made the book a real page turner and hard to put down. Her secondary characters were likable, too. At the end of the book the author has placed discussion questions that would be great for a readers group. I enjoyed this story, characters, time period, and message. This would be a book a historical romance fan would enjoy but I would not recommend it for a young teen or younger. It needs to be for an older teen or young adult and older. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy of this book was provided by The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

Another page-turning winner from Julie Klassen... The Painter's Daughter By Julie Klassen She thought she had found the man she would marry, until he left her behind to follow his dream. When Wesley Overtree left a brief hurried message saying he was traveling to Italy, Sophie Dupont found herself in an impossible position. And Wesley's younger brother may be her only way to escape scandal and ruination. But can she tie her future to Captain Stephen Overtree, a man she has only just met, when her heart belongs to his brother? And is the promise of a marriage that is "in name only" enough to bind her to this brooding man known for his black moods? Time is short and Sophie's choices are few when a woman's reputation is everything. A scandal, a period of isolation, or a loveless marriage ~ she has hours to decide the future she will call her own. But can she live with the decision she is about to make? Julie Klassen's books always have this undercurrent of someone having a secret with which they have to come to terms with. The Painter's Daughter is no different and in fact there are several characters who seem to be guarding secrets - some of which will be revealed in a most shocking turn of events. Readers who enjoy historical fiction set in the Regency period will love delving into this book. Fans of Jane Austen will be thrilled at the references to her work in this book. And if you want to know which one you'll have to read the book for yourself. An enjoyable book that will fill a long afternoon or week-end with page-turning diversion. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited for new Julie Klassen. I've loved all of her books, which is no small feat. While I still enjoyed this one, I don't think I loved it quite as much as all of her other books. Of course, this one one starts with quite the scandal. Sophie has yet to tell anyone that she's pregnant, when she finds herself abandoned by the father. When his brother Stephen arrives to collect his stuff and find where he's gone, he proposes. Sophie accepts, and they return to his home. They are just getting to know each other, when Wesley comes back. As always, Klassen writes her characters so well. I enjoyed Sophie and Stephen, and thought they were well fleshed out. I feel that we really got to know them. Klassen always does a really great job of writing secondary characters, and we get to know them just as much as the main characters. I always appreciate authors who do that, and love seeing the other stories and characters intertwining with our main story. I usually do not like historical either, but Klassen always has a way of writing that draws me in. With her beautifully detailed setting, and surprising plot twists, Klassen's writing will hook you from the start. I wouldn't say this one was quite as plot twisty as her others, and there was nothing too unpredictable, but I still found this to be a great story.

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen is a great regency era romance novel. Sophie was loved and abandoned by Wesley, a painter always looking for his muse. Then when she thought all was lost, she had her life put back together by the younger brother, Stephen, duty-bound to clean up after Wesley. Will marriage to this stranger solve her problems or create more? What if Wesley returns? Will the well-to-do family receive Sophie with graciousness or despise her background? Klassen writes well--strong, well-developed characters, good descriptive passages keeping to the time period of the book, a story with great twists and turns and plenty of secrets to keep the pages turning. A strong Christian theme is woven throughout the story and reminds readers of sacrifice, forgiveness and redemption. This reader wouldn't mind a sequel to flesh out the story of some of the other characters but not sure that is in the works! I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't want to put this down. Excellent Christian Historical Romance set in 1815 Devonshire, England. As in Julie's other books, you build immediate empathy for Sophie, the Painter's Daughter as she's been deserted by the man she fell in love with. But his brother comes in to the rescue and marries her. Of course she is not of their class, and their family doesn't approve of her. And she's a painter in her own right, but women painters were not accepted at the time. The intensity builds throughout the story, including scenes from a battle with Napoleon. Not a quick read, but fully enjoyable - you won't be bored! Don't you just love that cover? Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing Group, Bethany - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html

The Painter's Daughter***** by Julie Klassen 1885...Devonshire, England Sophie Dupont assists her father—a portrait painter—in his studio, keeping her own artwork secret from their customers. After the studio closes each day, Sophie often wonders the cliffside along the Devon coast, finding peace in the Creators' beauty before her. However, on this day Sophie comes to the cliffside with a broken heart after finding a very short note from artist Wesley Overtree—he left for Italy...without her. Now what is she to do her heart cries out? Captain Stephen Overtree comes to Devonshire searching for his brother, Wesley, but instead of finding Wesley he stumbles upon Sophie Dupont on the cliffside in tears. Not long after their meeting, Stephen learns that not only did Wesley leave for Italy, he left Sophie expecting his child. Angry at his brother, her offers Sophie a solution...he would marry her, giving her and her child his name and a home. Is this the answer to her prayers...to marry Stephen? What will his parents think of his elopement with a stranger? Will they accept her...her child as his? There are so many characters in this book that I became fond of—of course honorable, gentle hearted (which he tries to keep hidden) Stephen and strong, caring Sophie, his young sister Kate and Stephen's grandfather, Colonel Horton. Must not forget his old nurse, Winnie, she certainly is a bit odd at times but very likeable. I did not care for Lieutenant Keith at first, but he became a changed man and I found myself liking him very much. Julie Klassen's artistic-like descriptions of the Devonshire cost and surrounding areas were so well “drawn” I could envision them—almost feel the wind on the Devon cliffside—as I read along. As with her other novels, The Painter's Daughter is filled with breathtaking scenery, characters that are true-to-life and endearing, coupled with unexpected twists and turns in the plot-line, suspense and drama, many secrets—some very surprising secrets that were well hidden. Redemption, forgiveness, heartaches—often the consequences from their choices, a wide range of emotions—in the story-line and for the reader, faith and love. A beautifully written historical novel. ~I received a copy of this book from TBCN for my review, this is my honest review~

Julie Klassen never fails to disappoint me. The stories she weaves pick me up and pluck me right into the time period. The Painter's Daughter is no exception. Since the main character is a painter herself, I expected the descriptive language and scenes to be written as though through a painter's eye. I could vividly imagine seeing what Sophie was seeing. I wanted to climb the hill to Castle Rock and look at the north Devon coast, as she did. I could imaging walking through the halls at Overtree. As always, Julie Klassen's descriptions of the time period and dress were accurate and immaculate. The cast of characters in this book made the story far more interesting. Winnie, Colonel, Kate, and the Overtrees made for an intriguing diversion from the seriousness of the situations Sohpie and Stephen encountered. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about Sophie Dupont. Her character seemed weak and a tad too gullible for my taste. Then, as I learned more about Wesley's character and her interaction with him, I could understand better how she found herself in such a precarious predicament. I envied her strength when she arrived at Overtree Hall, and her determination to do what was right, in the face of such strong temptation. As for Stephen Overtree, there were glimpses of "Captain Black" as Wesley was wont to call him, but I found him rather endearing. His strength of character and strong will showed me a great deal about him. I loved that they faced so many challenges at the beginning of the book. As Winnie states, they had already overcome so much to be together, their future looked bright. One area I feel Julie Klassen excels in is weaving a strong message into the story. Asking God to help you is the first step in overcoming temptation and sin. That doesn't mean you won't face trials and even more temptation, it means that you have a never ending supply of help and comfort in your trials. As Wesley, Stephen, Captain Keith, and even Sophie learn, "all men struggle with some temptation or another, but God will help you." Overall, Julie Klassen weaves a tail of overcoming temptation and trials with God's help. I give this book 4 stars. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

The Painter's Daughter is an excellent story which begins on the coast of England in 1815. The characters feel real and have depth. Miss Sophie Dupont has felt that her appearance is plain and that her skill as a painter is only good for preparing canvasses for her painter father. Captain Stephen Overtree (the younger son) loves his family estate and wanted to be a minister but went into the military in order to please his colonel grandfather. The older Overtree son, Wesley, only wants to paint and is irresponsible. A marriage of convenience between Sophie and the captain takes place early in the book but he leaves soon to rejoin his troops. Julie Klassen takes you on several unusual twists and turns. You aren't sure how the story will end. I thoroughly enjoyed The Painter's Daughter and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the regency period. I received The Painter's Daughter from www.bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.

This historical inspirational romance takes the reader back to England in the early 1800s when the upper class followed a very precise code of ethics and behavior. It centered around two brothers who were opposites regarding right moral living and Sophie Dupont who was caught in the middle. Wesley Overtree was an artist of weak moral character who selfishly left Sophie in a compromised position. Captain Stephen Overtree, realizing Sophie’s plight, provided a “way out” by offering a marriage of convenience. The author has woven a story of love and forgiveness that will keep every reader unable to put the book down. Her portrayal of the emotional upheaval when an entire family and their friends’ lives have been turned upside down is extraordinary.

Would you accept a marriage proposal if it meant hiding your secret? Sophie Dupont is faced with this exact dilemma. The man she loved left without a word, leaving her in a delicate situation and now his rough and gruff brother has come to save the day by proposing. Does she accept? Captain Stephen Overtree has to go back to war and his father needs someone to help with the affairs at Overtree Hall, so Stephen journeys to Lynmouth, England to bring his painter brother, Wesley, back. However, what he finds shocks him in to making a rash decision. One that will change his life forever. It’s 1815—a time when appearances are everything, so Sophie and Stephen elope and head to Overtree Hall together. However, life doesn’t quite turn out as nice as they hoped, and when Wesley returns, it complicates everything. Will Sophie forgive herself for her transgressions and be able to fall in love with her husband? Or will this love triangle ruin everything? The Painter’s Daughter is a delightful tale with conflict around every bend. I loved this novel! Ms. Klassen is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. The book is full of descriptive settings, putting you right in the 1815 villages and the secret rooms and passageways of Overtree Hall. I could feel the draft as it blew out the candle and the cobwebs snaking across my neck. Shivers! The tension Ms. Klassen carries throughout her novel is second-to-none. She does it perfectly. Just when you think things are going well—wham! The next twist hits. It keeps you turning the pages. It didn’t take me long to read this book and it’s 452 pages long! The characters are well rounded with each having their flaws. You can’t help come along side them to cheer them on, but you’ll have your faves! The novel held my attention, and the theme of trust and keeping oaths—no matter what comes along in life—shines through nicely. I give The Painter’s Daughter FIVE paintbrushes. It’s one masterpiece you will want to feast your eyes on! **Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

What lies between the pages of The Painter's Daughter is even more stunning than the artist gracing its cover. No doubt about it: Julie Klassen is a master, and The Painter's Daughter, a masterpiece. When it comes to inspirational historical fiction, Klassen is in a league all her own. By the end of the first chapter, she has established a mood and setting, introduced major characters, and revealed the conflict that will propel the plot. She's done this so well that you'll be able to smell the sea air from the Devon cliffside coast where she introduces you to Sophie Dupont, a portrait painter's daughter and assistant. You'll feel like you're eavesdropping when Captain Stephen Overtree, gone to find his brother Wesley, discovers young Sophie. Not only is he surprised by his instant recognition of Sophie's face (she is the subject of a small portrait, painted by Wesley, which the Captain has been secretly carrying), he soon realizes that his impetuous brother has set sail for Italy and left young Sophie in a delicate situation. Accustomed to assuming Wesley's responsibilities and spurred on by his nurse maid's prophecy of his impending death, he offers Sophie his hand in marriage, making it clear that the marriage will be one in name only. He assures her she'll soon be a widow, reputation intact, in the care of his family. What follows is a tale of love, secrets, sacrifice, and redemption. Klassen's writing is so historically accurate that you'll feel you have discovered a contemporary of Jane Austen or Charlotte Brontë. In fact, you'll find not only references to both ladies' works, but tangible evidence of the influential fingerprint of Brontë's Jane Eyre: There is the dark, rough-edged man with scars, both literal and figurative; the sweet, yet fiercely headstrong young woman; and even the eccentric, maybe even mad, lady in the attic! Klassen's cast of characters is extensive, and you'll eventually come to know and love -- or loathe -- them all. Some of my favorite secondary characters are Colonel Overtree, Stephen's grandfather, Mr. Keith his seafaring friend, and Winnie, the lady in the attic. Though the novel is thoroughly regency, its mood, mystery, and secret hidden passages lend hints of the gothic. Klassen doesn't shy away from a challenge. More than just a romance, this is an intense love triangle that becomes a comparative character study. Furthermore, she goes where few have gone before -- a rarity in a romance, Klassen tackles Napoleonic battle at sea with aplomb! In summary, Julie Klassen adeptly handles sensitive situations and themes, all while keeping her reader thoroughly and happily entertained. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll worry and groan, but in the end you'll smile, finding peace in knowing that there is no misstep, mistake, or fault that God cannot redeem. Verdict: 5 of 5 Hearts. With Her Latest Work, Julie Klassen Paints A Masterpiece! With her latest work of historical fiction, award-winning Julie Klassen outdoes even herself! Complete with humor, pathos, mystery, romance, and adventure, The Painter's Daughter is a gem of gems. Long after you've finished turning its pages, this story of love, sacrifice, and redemption will live in your memory and your heart. *Disclosure of Material Connection: I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy of this title. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255"

Uniquely combined elements set Klassen's 10th published novel apart from her previous work ... Ever since I saw the title of Julie Klassen's Regency novel, The Painter's Daughter, I've been anxiously waiting for its release! I am The Artist Librarian, after all ... Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors writing Regency fiction today. Klassen's latest novel, The Painter's Daughter, is a story of the two very different Overstreet brothers and the young woman torn between them. A marriage of convenience, and love triangle of sorts, tinged with sibling rivalry, sets this story (Klassen's 10th published novel) apart from her previous work. One of the most enjoyable parts for me was the art aspect. Having an art background myself, I loved seeing little details I recall learning from my art history courses and studio classes come to life on the pages of Klassen's novels. From the role of women in the art world to the reputation of art models or the creation of paint or stretching canvas, I don't recall anything off or out of place. Klassen gives enough details that you can get a picture of the scenes without getting mired with minutiae. Sophie, the protagonist and titular painter's daughter, has a believable, historically accurate role as a background painter and assistant to her father. This novel felt like it was a bit higher on the drama than some of Klassen's previous works --there are a couple of climaxes and plot twists that almost felt like they were from a Julie Lessman novel. I still haven't decided how I feel about those, but they did keep me turning pages late into the night, so I guess that's a good thing! I didn't feel like the romance was any more intense than her previous books, but maybe a couple more innuendos if anything (it is a marriage of convenience story). I think Klassen fans and Regency romance lovers will definitely want to give this uniquely set story a look. [Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.]

Sophie Dupont is an aspiring artist. She assists her father with his art, but she also has her own aspirations. Being a young, naïve young lady who is left on her own too much due to the death of her mother, Sophie finds herself coming under the charms of Wesley Overtree. Soon, she believes herself to be in love with him and allows him to compromise her. When Wesley abruptly sails off to Italy without telling Sophie goodbye, she finds herself without many options for her future. Wesley’s seemingly stern and brooding younger brother, Captain Stephen Overtree comes to town, he abruptly offers to marry Sophie to help assure her future care. As Sophie and Stephen begin to know each other better, will Sophie believe the stories she hears others tell about him, or will she rely on her own instinct. I always enjoy reading Julie Klassen’s books. She clearly has done lots of research, including visits to England, the setting for her stories. The reader will always be reminded of the Bronte sisters or Jane Austin. While the ending was fairly predictable, Sophie and Stephen’s journey was a delight. It was particularly interesting to see the way the Overtree family changed in their attitudes toward Sophie and Stephen and how everyone matured in their faith. I received this from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

Julie Klassen has tackled another difficult social situation in Regency England. I love that her romance stories have depth to the plot and characters. Sophie finds herself in a difficult situation when the father of her unborn child decides to go to Italy to paint. In his defense, she had not shared the news with him. In steps the brother, Stephen, who saves her and her child from the stigma of illegitimacy. I loved that Julie pulled the emotion and inner turmoil of the characters in a way that I was able to relate to as a reader. She illustrated how good people could end up doing stupid things. It was interesting to learn more of English laws during the time period. The law of the land had a huge impact on the story. Books that entertain and educate me at the same time are wonderful. Social and moral issues are explored in the book. I appreciate the research that went into the making of the book. This is one that I would like to visit again in the future. I would like to see the many times that she hinted at the events that transpire at the end. There are situations that could be looked at from a view of hind-site that add to the story. Julie Klassen is an author I know that I can trust to pull me into the book. I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.

After I was completely charmed by The Maid of Fairbourne Hall several years ago, Julie Klassen became my go-to regency fiction author. Each year, I eagerly await her next release. When I learned The Painter's Daughter would soon be arriving on my doorstep, I was ecstatic! The Painter's Daughter is just as wonderful as I'd hoped it would be! Full of heartache, scandal, mystery, and romance, the novel kept me completely engaged from beginning to end. I especially loved Stephen, a man who "did his duty" by offering to marry Sophie and soon found himself falling in love with her. As much as I loved Stephen, I despised his brother Wesley. His selfishness and hesitancy to take responsibility for his actions grated on me to no end—and I think I was supposed to have that reaction! By the plot's very nature—revolving around a woman pregnant out of wedlock—this book is slightly more mature than some. However, I never felt that it crossed the line into sensuality, and I think it would be perfectly appropriate for teen girls. I greatly enjoyed The Painter's Daughter, and I look forward to Klassen's next novel. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

This is another regency by Julie Klassen and it does not disapoint!!!!!!! It is a must for a jane austen fan.

The Painter’s Daughter involves a girl and two brothers, it could have been fairly predictable, but Julie Klassen has written a beautiful story of forgiveness, loyalty and love. Stephen is noble and trustworthy, like Nathaniel, but with the added distinction of being a war hero. There's an edge-of-your-seat combat scene it really brings home what these British soldiers who fought Napoleon's troops were up against. Because of Stephen’s responsibilities he comes across as gruff at times. He's thoughtful and courteous along with it, and there's always a sense that his softer, romantic side might be just about to bloom. As for Wesley, he was more than just another shallow and despicable brother, but is shown to have some scruples. A good portion of the story is told from his point of view, making it easier to understand how things appeared from his perspective. The secondary characters and sub-plots add to the story’s charm. The little mysteries kept the pages turning. How did Stephen get his facial scar? Who was Jenny? What grudge does the mysterious Miss Angela Blake from next door carry? How about the old, retired nurse, Winnie, who lives on the top floor? Does she really possess second sight? What lies in store for the boys' younger sister, Kate? When Sophie agrees to marry Stephen, she doesn’t know him, but since the father of her child has left her, he seems to be her only hope to give her child a name and family and save her from scandal. A few short weeks are spent together at Overtree Hall before Stephen must return to his regiment to fight against the French. There’s a big chance that he will not return and leave Sophie a widow. Lots of tension and twists and turns and the drama of Sofie and the Overtree brothers’ makes this book an “I can’t put it down story”. A lovely story and I highly recommend the Painter’s Daughter. Also great for a book club read and a great gift for someone who loves historical fiction. I received a copy of book from Bethany House Publisher through Net Galley for my review.

I enjoy marriage of convenience stories in particular, and this one had the added twist of Sophie being in love with her new husband's brother. While I felt compassion for Sophie and her difficult circumstances, I didn't admire her weakness for Wesley and the choices she initially made. She reveals herself as a strong character however as she makes the best of her situation and works to become loyal to Stephen. He was definitely my favorite character in the story, a Mr. Darcy type that has vulnerabilities and a gentle nature behind his gruff exterior, and a secret longing for his wife. In fact, there are a few Austenesque phrases that jumped out at me as I read, which was fun :) The plot really revolves around Sophie and her feelings for the brothers, so it was like waiting for the hammer to drop until Wesley returned and created more conflict. There are several family members and friends who are distinct in their personalities and create a wonderful cast for Sophie to interact with, some holding secrets of their own... A wonderful book with themes of accountability, sacrifice, and forgiveness. (Thank you to the author and Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Oh my, this book is amazing. Julie Klassen has written another fabulous book. I don’t even know where to begin. The plot is just great and will have you guessing and wondering what will happen. I have to admit, I was so concerned about the characters that I had to peek at the last page. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen (that’s bad, I know). Then I was up way past my bedtime because I didn’t want to stop reading and had to see what would happen. Sophie is a wonderful young woman who made a mistake and struggles with feelings from her past. I can definitely relate to that. Stephen reminded me very much of my husband, strong and willing to do whatever he has to for those he loves. Truly, one of the best books I have read in a while. If you like Julie’s books, or if you haven’t read anything by her, this is a must read. An e-copy of this book was given to me by the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.