by Julie Klassen
Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her
father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the
cliffside path along the north Devon coast,
popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley
Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful.
Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected
duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a
cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire
and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her
from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works.
But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and
sailed away to Italy
in search of a new muse.
Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family.
Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows?
"Christy Award–winning Klassen (Lady Maybe, 2015)
draws on Jane Austen’s impeccably crafted novels in her latest richly nuanced
and superbly written inspirational Regency romance."
—John Charles, Booklist, starred review of The Painter's Daughter
—John Charles, Booklist, starred review of The Painter's Daughter
"In this gorgeous story of love and redemption,
Klassen (Lady Maybe) spins a tale of secrets and deception, coupled
with unexpected plot twists and a swoon-worthy ending; giving readers more
evidence as to why she’s a fan favorite. Readers of inspirational Regency
romances will clamor for this title."
—Library Journal starred review of The Painter's Daughter
—Library Journal starred review of The Painter's Daughter
“Klassen has combined all kinds of
reader-favorite elements in this mystery romance, including a grand estate,
inscrutable villagers, a family tragedy and the first sweet buds of a love
story....The Secret of Pembrooke Park is a
gem for Regency and inspirational readers alike."
--Bookpage
MY REVIEW: An
atmospheric historical romance set among the cliffs of Devonshire,
"The Painter's Daughter", from author Julie Klassen, is also an
inspiring tale of redemption and the resonance of faith. Lovely young Sophie
Dupont assists her father with his artistic work, helping him in his studio
while keeping her own talent under wraps. Wealthy and handsome Wesley Overtree,
himself an artist, prefers painting to attending his duties as eldest son and
heir. After making the acquaintance of Sophie and her father, he seduces
innocent Sophie before leaving on an artistic quest to Italy. Wesley's
younger brother Stephen, a Captain on leave from the Napoleonic War, is once
again sent to retrieve his brother and bring him home. He finds Wesley gone,
and left in his wake is an abandoned
Sophie, who is carrying Wesley's child. While Wesley hadn't known about the
baby, he had left with only a note of farewell. Feeling honor-bound and pressed
for time, Stephen offers his name in marriage to Sophie and suggests an
elopement. Wesley had made much of his brother's stern demeanor, but Sophie
sees that Stephen is a good man, and she agrees to the marriage. Stephen and
Sophie travel to the Overtree estate, where she will reside as Stephen completes
his tour of duty. Many surprises await, including the return of the prodigal
Wesley, and Sophie must stay true to her faith and seek out the answers to the
questions of her own heart. Torn between two brothers, what choice will Sophie
make? "The Painter's Daughter" is a very satisfying read for lovers
of inspirational historical romance. Author Julie Klassen is a compelling
storyteller, and I look forward to reading many more of her works.
Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books
JULIE KLASSEN
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane
Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time.
Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Her
book, The Silent Governess, was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards,
ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America's RITA
Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University
of Illinois. She and her
husband have two sons and live near St.
Paul, Minnesota.
Visit www.julieklassen.com for more information.
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