Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen

 

Whispers at Painswick Court © 12/2/2025 by Julie Klassen Published by Bethany House

Gloucestershire, 1821 

Twenty-seven-year-old Miss Anne Loveday decides to escape an unfulfilled life for a time and accepts an invitation to stay with a spinster friend of her mother's in Painswick. That decision opens the door to a most unexpected and mysterious drama, full of family secrets, harmful intent, and medical points of interest. I was so fully engrossed in this tale and highly suspicious of several characters.  

I enjoyed Anne's character and her growing maturity, as well as her keen mind. 

I stayed up until midnight,  finishing it in one setting. 

I highly recommend this gothic, Regency romance. It is more mystery than romance, I would say. Faith is gently woven into the background of the story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received this eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation. 

Read 11/30/2025

📚 2025 Reading Challenge #216

Whispers at Painswick Court © 12/2/2025 by Julie Klassen Published by Bethany House Until next time, Hugs and a cup of Christmas tea!

The Seaside Homecoming - On Devonshire Shores 3 by Julie Klassen

The Seaside Homecoming - On Devonshire Shores 3

12/2024 by Julie Klassen Published by Bethany House Publishers 

"She had no desire to make a spectacle of herself or to upset anyone. Yet she needed this— needed God’s presence and the comfort of corporate worship, even as she felt unworthy to join the faithful."

I found book 3, Claire's story, quite satisfying and enjoyable. The return of old characters (sweet Mrs. Denby) and the introduction of new ones was a delight (Mr. William Hammond; guests of Broadbridge's Boarding House).  Aunt Agnes was a difficult one and while I cannot agree with her ways, the ending outcome was a great surprise.   Even Claire's Mama was difficult for me to reconcile with. However, the extremely touching and unexpected scene near the end with the two of them brought me to tears.

I am greatly looking forward to the conclusion in Sept of next year, when A Sea View Christmas comes out and Sarah finally gets her turn, along with hopefully, dear Callum Henshall.

As an aside, I found it so endearing that Julie Klassen would include various versions of the nickname pumpkin for little Mira, just as Julie's own father called her.

Five Stars

I received this eVersion from NG and the publisher without expectation or compensation. All opinions are mine alone.

11/23/2024
Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea!
Heather Elizabeth

MOVIE WORTHY BOOK - THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW

 I pray you are doing well and enjoying the shift into Autumn. Here in So Cal, the weather cannot make up it's mind between cool, hot, breezy, drizzle, and hot again.  Such is life. Anyhow, here is a delightful read I emphatically give two thumbs up to!

WOULD MAKE A FANTASTIC MOVIE! 

If only I could make that happen!

This book had wonderful characters and plenty of them. 

It was rather like a Jane Austen novel. 

There were poor, village invalids, ladies of reduced circumstance, swoony neighbors in need of God's love as well as neighborly charity, snooty guests, dreadful weather, lawn games, cottages and seascapes. Various ages add to the depth of the story. 

There is a bit of comedy as well; "The birdlike woman's mouth fell open, and Emily longed to drop a worm inside."

Action, mystery, faith, drama, romance, history,  well-written... indeed something for everyone. 

I cannot recommend it enough and look forward to finding out what happens next in the series!

I received an advanced eVersion of this story from the publisher without expectation or compensation.

All opinions are mine alone.

5 Stars

Releasing 12/06/22 by Bethany House Publishing

Publisher's Description: Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

Click for Author's Website

Author Bio Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit julieklassen.com.

Until next time,

A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

 

Pre-order before Dec. 1 and save 40% 

Publisher's Synopsis: Laura Callaway lives in Cornwall with distant relatives after the deaths of her parents. One night, during a shipwreck, a man is washed ashore. As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence mounting against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents’ fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?

My Review: ***VERY EXCITING, EDGE OF THE SEAT READ***

Floatsam: any goods floating on the sea where a ship has sunk or been cast away

Jetsam: Anything purposely cast out of a ship when in danger, in hopes of saving it, or at least lightening the load.

1813, N. Cornwall, England - "Sometimes I wonder how I ended up here in Cornwall, so far from my childhood home. I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents, and left wanting answers.  Is there a plan in all this?  Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance, the mysterious ebb and flow of chance?" Laura spends her days rescuing things from the sea, and trying to return them where they belong.  Only now, she's rescuing a man. 

Alexander is trying to get home to his father and brother before it's too late.  But there is a war on and he has a past they may yet catch up to him, interfering with his goal. "He did believe the Almighty heard his prayers, although God had not promised he would not suffer. I enjoyed learning about the hurdy-gurdy.  If you look it up on Wikipedia you can actually hear a sample.  I also loved how Jago called her Our Laura, just like in the BBC series, Lark Rise to Candleford.

Tea Moment: Laura rose and put the kettle on.  A few minutes later, refreshed by tea and shared cake, Laura urged, "One more?" Mary smiled. "What shall it be this time? Smuggler? Pirates? Shipwrecks?" Laura nodded. "Yes please. All three." Outside the wind continued to rise, and Mary began another story.

I was gifted a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are mine alone without compensation or expectation.  I am happy to recommend this novel for those who enjoy clean, historic English romance with a bit of danger & a gorgeous, shimmery cover!

5 Stars (excellent)

Catch up with Julie
Klassen here

Black Friday And Review of The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

Hello Friends and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

I had a wonderful time visiting with friends and today have ordered some goodies online.  A clever code for one item I ordered was GREENFRIDAY.  That came from Dropps.com which has eco-friendly laundry drops.  I thought I would give those a try since they were 40% off today!  I had some Kohl's cash, coupons, and sale price that brought a blender from $150 down to $28!

Some tea-themed items I ordered which you might also enjoy are:
Kimberly Shaw Graphics cards, stickers and book.  Cards are only $2 through Cyber Monday with her code SaveBig2019 AND INCLUDE a Harney and Sons teabag. 

Sample.  Click here for website.

Aren't these stickers the cutest?
CLICK to enlarge the image.

Click here to view book on Amazon,
but it is also on her website.

I also ordered June Chapko's new book.  She is an avid tea lover so her books always reference tea.  Plus she loves and shares Jesus in her stories. 

Click Here to view at Amazon

And now my review for:

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen which comes out next week. Click images to enlarge.

*** REGENCY MYSTERY***

1819, London – Thirty-one-year-old Benjamin Booker is an attorney who has risked everything for a female client he fully believes is innocent.  But, when he loses her case, his whole world comes to a crashing halt.

Distraught and frustrated he meets up with his boss at a local pub to discuss the case and his future. As they head out, they discover a scene at the home of Percival Norris, their retired colleague.  Further investigation leads to a dead body that will eventually take Benjamin on a journey to Belle Island, across the Thames and the village of Riverton where his boss has asked him to investigate.  Benjamin will do his best to remain objective and make his boss proud of him again. 

Thirty-year-old Isabelle Wilder is trapped by fear on the island, but has learned to navigate enough to be mistress of the house, despite much of her funds being tied up in a trust.  She is respected by her employees and does her best to create jobs that will help provide for them.  Everything is fairly routine, except for a beloved niece whose upcoming nuptials pull at Isabelle’s heartstrings since the wedding will be off-island.  When a stranger shows up to share the news of the death, everything changes.

Benjamin and Isabelle will have to work together, but neither fully trusts and both have debilitating issues to deal with.  There is a murderer at large and threats move ever closer to the island as the story twists and turns.

Favorite Quote: Psalms leapt out at her. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though the waters roar and be troubled.

Lovely Tea Moment: Isabelle and Carlota sat side by side on chaise lounges in the boathouse, the double doors thrown wide to reveal the morning sunshine shimmering on the gently rippling water of the Thames. A tray of tea things sat on the small table between them, along with a plate of muffins. Isabelle had tasted them herself and filled the kettle. …A leisurely morning was a rare luxury on Belle Island … and Isabelle and Lotty were determined to enjoy it.

I enjoyed 98% of this book.  I felt the ending suddenly stretched out in an odd way, but that is perhaps my own preference. Overall, this is a very enjoyable book I would be happy to recommend.

Bethany House Publishing

© 12/3/2019

This is a stand-alone novel.  I received an ARC of this book via the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion with no further compensation or expectation.  

Julie Klassen can be found here: https://julieklassen.com/

Wishing you a relaxing weekend and upcoming December filled with all the joys of the Christmas season!

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

*** VILLAGE LIFE REMINISCENT OF LARK RISE TO CANDLEFORD***

If you have ever watched the BBC series Lark Rise to Candleford, these books very much remind me of that TV show, with its many different characters, points of view, and various village locations.

Ivy Hill, Wiltshire, England, Feb 1821.

The third installment of Tales from Ivy Cottage finds spinster Mercy Grove and her Aunt Matilda preparing for the arrival of her brother George and his new wife to return from their wedding trip and move into their home, effectively taking over the cottage.  She has already closed her school and her future seems uncertain.  Her new sister-in-law seems bothered at moving into an already occupied home and her disposition is rather cool toward the lower class villagers.

There are returning characters from the past two books; Jane Fairmont again taking a lead role in the story.  There are new characters whose past is a secretive mystery, but nothing of danger or intrigue.

As in the previous two novels, there is quite a lot to keep up with as this book has over 50 chapters.

If you enjoy quaint village life along with a nod to the hierarchy of the social classes, I would recommend reading all three of the books back to back.  Otherwise, it is a bit hard to recall the many storylines. The author provides many interesting tidbits found on Tales From Ivy Hill including a character directory (although book 3 is not as well represented on that list), a map of the village, some of her travels to Wiltshire, etc.

Favorite Quote: Mercy reminded herself that God did not promise ease and happiness in this life. But He did promise peace and joy, and she was determined to hold on to both, somehow.

Tea Quote: “I have a family obligation tonight, but I might wander back here tomorrow evening f you think you might be having a late-night cup of tea?”  She grinned. “Yes, I think there is every chance I shall be thirsty by then.”

Bethany House Publishing

Discussion questions at the end of each book

Tales from Ivy Hill Series:

The Innkeeper of IvyHill – Book 1, Dec 2016

The Ladies of IvyCottage – Book 2, Dec 2017

The Bride of Ivy Green – Book 3, Dec 2018

I received an ARC of this books in exchange for my honest opinion with no further compensation. 4 Stars

Until next time,

Hugs and a cup of tea!

Natl Hot Tea Day as well as The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen a book review

RIGHT CLICK HERE TO OPEN TEA MUSIC IN NEW TAB - TO PLAY IN THE BACKGROUND

So, almost one year ago, I wrote on this blog about National Hot Tea Day in America; January 12th per the Tea Council of the USA.
[CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS POST]

In honor of its 3rd year, I served tea to a group of 3-7-year-olds.  However, first I had my own cuppa just as the kids were arriving.

The 3-year-old little boy told me, "I like tea! I like tea! I like tea!" 
"Would you like a sip of my tea?" I offered. "Did you add caffeine?" he asked :-)   I laughed, "No. It's decaf." "Ok", he said and happily took a drink.

We practiced manners (saying grace, please and thank you, napkins on laps, sipping not slurping, sharing and passing, asking not grabbing, etc.).  We had tea in the morning and tea in the afternoon. 

The Littles truly enjoyed it, as did I.  I love passing along the gift and joy of teatime.

During the past week, I also enjoyed reading book 2 in the exact same series I posted at this time last year, which I thought was a fun coincidence.

Birthday flowers I received from 2 of the Littles :)
Along with the book sent by the publisher in exchange
for an honest review.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage – Book #2 Tales from Ivy Hill

Julie Klassen

•°o•:*:•.BUSY VILLAGE LIFE.•:*:• o°•

Ivy Hill, Wilshire, England, September 1820

So much is happening in this second installment of Tales from Ivy Cottage. On the author’s character page found on [talesfromivyhill dot com] I counted over 100 characters! That’s a lot, but it makes for a very interesting series; one in which you can imagine yourself stepping back into time to visit the quaint village life.

Jane Fairmont runs The Bell and had a starring role in the last book. 

Mercy Grove, schoolmistress and spinster, living with Matilda Grove (Aunt Matty).

Rachel Ashford, currently being pursued by Nicholas Ashford, a distant second cousin who inherited her home after her parents were deceased.  She now lives with Mercy and Matty and hopes to learn where her place in society is through attending the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society.

James Drake, charmer/recent owner of The Fairmont hotel, shows interest in Jane, as well seeking information on a long lost acquaintance.

Mr. Ainsworth, old sexton/gravedigger, is one of my favorite background characters.  He has a deep respect for all things living, and a special scene with Jane which really yanked my heartstrings.

Sir Timothy Brockwell, baronet, and former love interest to both Jane and Rachel during their youth, yet now 30 and never married.  He is very kind but trapped by what’s expected and proper.

These are just a handful of the interesting characters whose lives are woven together with day-to-day events, celebrations, losses, hopes and worry for the future, and faith. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and TEA, oh the tea… it is woven throughout time and again. Sigh.

The author has some lovely pictures, character directory, map of the town, etc. all found under Tales From Ivy Hill dot com.

internet photo from Art of Tea

Book #2 © December 2017 Bethany House, 442 pages with discussion questions

Book 3 – Book 3 – The Bride of Ivy Green, due out Dec. 2018 , due out Dec. 2018

[REVIEW & PICS RE BOOK 1 HERE]

5 stars

(Reviews Posted to: Amazon.com / Amazon.CA, Amazon.Co.Uk  /  Barnes And Noble / BooksAMillion / CBD / DeeperShopping  /GoodReads / Google Play /Indigo.CA / Kobo /  Scribd.com / My FB page / Author’s FB page / My Pinterest)

I hope you enjoyed my review and teatime with the Littles.  Incidentally, January is also known as Natl. Hot Tea MONTH so you are not too late to join me in celebrating!

We certainly have been partaking A LOT this month since school does not start back up until Tuesday, Jan. 16th.  It has been divine. Lots of poetry tea times as well.

my own photo with RWE quote. 

adorable google image

Hugs and a cup of tea to you friends!

Natl Hot Tea Day 2017 and The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

Today (01/12/2017) marks the 2nd annual Natl. Hot Tea Day in America, according to the Tea Council of the USA. I am commemorating the day with my 1st ever YouTube video (20 seconds - tea hee).  Press play, or right-click and open in a separate tab.

I enjoyed a lovely pot of Flavors of France tea, from a local tea room in Southern California.  I hope you enjoy something warm and wonderful today as well.

I'd like to share with you a lovely book I read this past weekend, in which, appropriately tea abounds.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill – Book #1 Tales from Ivy Hill

Julie Klassen

•°o•:*:•.CHARMING.•:*:• o°•

Ivy Hill, Wilshire, England, May 1820

A small English village is such a charming place to visit.  It draws you in, and welcomes you to stay, find community and become invested in its people.

That is how I felt in Ivy Hill, while slipping out of my every-day-life and between the pages this story centered around. Jane Fairmont Bell (age 29) has inherited her husband’s coaching inn, The Bell,  after his sudden death.

  

She lives her life in a daze, wearing her “widow’s weeds”, relying on the staff to see to running the inn, until one day, its needs can no longer be ignored.  Her brother-in-law, Patrick, has returned to help and eventually her cantankerous mother-in-law, Thora Bell, also returns to shape things up.  There are many problems at hand.  The inn has fallen into disrepair, the bank reveals a large loan that is past due, many people don’t believe Jane can handle the responsibility of being a business woman; particularly the abrasive cook Bertha Rooke, and mystery lies in wait. Additionally, as the story progresses, three potential suitors hint interest at Jane. Personally I am rooting for Gabriel Locke, the Bell’s horse farrier.  But, book 1 is not about Jane finding new love, but rather learning what she is made of, and how to rely on her neighbors.

A favorite storyline was the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society, where local business women meet to discuss business concerns. 

Photo courtesy of Teatime Magazine

–Ch.14 “So the knitting is merely a guise?” “Basically,” Mercy agreed, eyes twinkling. “What about the tea?” Jane asked. “Heavens no. Tea is mandatory. What would a clutch of women do without tea?”

There is an entire patchwork quilt of characters in this story, much like a real village.  I got to know them, enjoyed some, wanted to punch others, fellowshipped in their faith, grieved their losses, and in the end was so delighted to share in their lives.

The author has some lovely pictures, character directory, map of the town (featured herein), etc. all found under TalesFromIvyHill.com.

I enjoyed this story very much and recommend it to others.

Book #1 - © December 2016 Bethany House

444 pages with discussion questions

Book 2 – The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, due out Dec. 2017

I received a copy from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Read: 1/7&8/20176 - Reviewed: 1/12/2017 - 5 stars

Reviews Posted to: Amazon.com / Amazon.CA, Amazon.Co.Uk  / Alibris / Barnes And Noble / BooksAMillion / CBD / DeeperShopping  /GoodReads / Google Play /Indigo.CA / Kobo /  Scribd.com / My FB page / Author’s FB page / My Pinterest 

Hugs and cup of tea,

The Painter's Daughter A BOOK REVIEW

Hello Friends,

I was recently asked to review 2 books by Christian Historical authors.

Just before Christmas I read:

The Painter’s Daughter

Julie Klassen

•°o•:*:•.OK, BUT HEAVY.•:*:• o°•

March 1815, Devonshire, England

While I enjoyed this book, the particular struggle Sophie deals with by being torn between two brothers, due to an impossible situation, makes it for me, rather heavy. Sophie is not very repentant about her bad choices, but quick to make excuses. Stephen is strong and seeks to solve problems determinedly and quickly, while preserving honor.  Wesley is self-serving and wishy-washy. There are secrets and creepy “spaces” in the family home, where people lurk about.  I definitely thought it weird when the younger, sneaking person in particular was revealed.  Why were they doing that? How were they allowed to?  It did not quite make sense.  The old nanny was very complex, and the suggestion that she might have some fortune-telling type sight was bothersome.  I did not click with her character as much as I would have liked.  On the one had she seems to be a God-fearing, loving, old care-giver, and on the other she sneaks around and gets drunk. In the end, I really wished Wesley – and trying not to spoil anything here – had gone back and tried searching for a particular person lost to him from a few years ago, and attempted to right his wrong, but clearly he was not interested in that. Sophie makes a good choice, and I believe will have the life she desires.  The details of this book were interesting and held my attention, but the overall feeling was not great for me.

I found this book to be not quite as good as Pembrook Park (Bethany House Pub), but FAR BETTER than Lady Maybe (Penguin Random House Pub).

3 stars

© 2015 Bethany House

456 pages + Discussion Questions

I received a copy from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review and also purchased a copy (which I gifted), before I realized I was going to be part of the advanced reader group.

Read: 12/17&18/2015 - Reviewed: 01/14/2015 {sorry, holidays!}

Click here to purchase from CBD

Team Members/Influencers received a Christmas
card and flat bookmark/ornament, which was a lovely
and unexpected gift.

The cover picture was based on this historical
picture the author found on google, and
submitted to the publisher.  Rather interesting.

Publisher's Description

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?

Author Bio

Bestselling, award-winning author Julie Klassen loves all things Jane -- Jane Eyre and Jane Austen.  A graduate of the University of Illinoise, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time.  She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Learn more at www.JulieKlassen.com.

Lady Maybe Not

 

Lady Maybe

by: Julie Klassen

•°o•:*:•.LUSTY.•:*:• o°•

[Rom 13:12-14 ESV] 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

I have been putting off the writing of this review because it is with a heavy heart I do so.  While this book is well written, with lots of mystery and twists, it is not at all what I would expect from a well-known Christian author.  I realize I will be in the minority for my opinion, but I cannot, in good conscience, lay the book aside without giving fair warning to other conservative Christians. 

This book has a strong love triangle that pulls back and forth at Hannah.  I found her to be quite wishy-washy.  I was surprised at how steamy the intimate scenes were.  Where my friend and I who share books are usually fine with handing books down to her teenage daughter, I have warned her not to do so with this book.  Perhaps utilizing Penguin Publishing instead of Bethany house gave the author more freedom.  While she does not cross the line completely, I know I felt disturbed reading the material.

God, church, scripture are hardly present at all in this book.  In one of the much later chapters, maybe 2/3 or more through, Hannah finally has a repentant heart, and prays to God.  She is encouraged by a kindly staff member and reminded of God’s forgiveness.  She even shows incredible grace to her nemesis.  However, shortly after that, she still seems wishy-washy about which man she will choose.  After being out looking for one man, and then packing and paying the remainder of her rent to continue to look for him, she receives the other into her room: [“But, Hannah, I want to be with you.  I could not bear to never touch you again…” He ran his hands up her arms, lowered his head and kissed her exposed shoulder, prickling her skin into gooseflesh.  “Don’t go yet.  Stay and give me a chance.  Give us a chance.” For one moment, she considered it.-Ch.29]  Uuuugh. That was hard to read.  Even though she had been careful to not let him in her room previously for the sake of propriety, for this scene she did.  She did not come off very repentant.  And allowing him to get that close to her and touch her was just cruel.

The Bible is clear, that lust is a sin.  Rather than just being a casual observer of what the character was going through, as related to simple alluded to explanation, I felt drawn in with more explicit detail than was necessary.  Sadly, I believe reading the romantic scenes in this book can easily promote the reader to feel lust. 

I can only pray that her next book, The Painter’s Daughter, scheduled for release in December through Bethany House will be a cleaner read.

2 stars

© 2015

Berkley Books, a div of Penguin Random House Publishing

384 pages + Readers Study Guide

I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Read: 07/11&12/15-, Reviewed: 07/15/15