The Tutor's Daughter

Over the last two years, Emma Smallwood's mother has left this earth and her father has ceased caring much about life himself, even when doing what he loves as a tutor.  When the last of his students departs Smallwood Academy, Emma is determined to find young men to replace them or the bills won't be paid and her father may just give up on life.

Several years back, Mr. Smallwood had two students, Phillip and Henry Weston.  No two brothers could have been more different.  Henry always teased and was unkind, promising Emma she would be a spinster.  Phillip was just the opposite in befriending Emma.  If memory serves her correctly, Phillip Weston has two half brothers who are of age and in need of an education so she writes a letter to his father hoping they will be her father's new students. 

When the return letter arrives, a door is opened when Mr. Smallwood is asked to travel to Cornwall to tutor the two boys rather than them being sent to him. Mr. Smallwood has a glint in his eye that Emma hasn't seen in too long as she agrees to accompany him. After all, a change of scenery will be good for both of them, won't it?  Needless to say, Henry's previous treatment of Emma doesn't leave her eager to see him again.

When they arrive, they find that their arrival wasn't expected.  Strange things begin to happen around the house, especially to Emma, and secrets seem to abound.  What are the Westons hiding and who is behind the strange noises and odd happenings (appearances and disappearances)?

I loved the beautiful English country/seaside setting.  The characters were well developed and the mystery with its twists and turns that usually isn't present in historical romance added to my interest.  Not quite as predictable as some either.  I haven't read any other of Julie Klassen's books the  The Tutor's Daughter leaves me wanting to do so.  Others have compared her to Jane Austin and, while I can see some similarities and Ms. Klassen does love Jane Austin's work, let me assure you that The Tutor's Daughter is much easier to read than anything Jane Austin.  Pick up a copy today.  I don't think you will be disappointed if you are a historical fiction reader.  Check out the book trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZi5NQbkb0A&list=UUOTCh77FT1ZAyg-Mrj97HWw&index=4.

I did receive this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.  I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.

Moon Over Edisto

Julia Bennett's life as an artist in Manhattan was pretty much what she wanted.  She had a show opening, a high profile art dealer boyfriend, and was content with that.  Then her past begins knocking at her door in the form of her college friend and roommate, Marney,  who destroyed the home life she thought pretty perfect until that summer almost 20 years ago.

But Marney needs Julia's help.  She needs surgery and wants Julia to help care for her children during her recovery.  Julia has very successfully avoided and has no desire to return to Edisto Island, SC to the place she and her family once vacationed, when they were a family.  From her perspective, she owes Marney and her children absolutely nothing.  Can Julia possibly begin to forgive Marney and, as a result, find true peace and happiness in her own life?

Each chapter is told by a different character's perspective (primarily three--Julia, Julia's mother Mary Ellen and Marney's middle child, Etta) which may be a bit confusing at first.  However, I liked it after I got into the story.  It allows the reader to easily see how both the events of the past and present, when seen through different eyes, are perceived differently and gives better understanding of the characters.  The story was easy to read after sorting through the initial introduction of characters and a great escape to a simpler lifestyle.  It is a wonderful story of forgiveness and restoration.

I originally requested this book because Edisto Island is a vacation spot I have just heard about and thought reading a book set in the area would give me a good feel for the island.  I must say that I think Beth Hart has done a wonderful job of painting a picture of the area. It makes you want to go see the area for youself if you love the seaside.  Close to Chareston, SC, Edisto is fully lowcountry, tranquil, and quaint.  Perhaps Edisto is our spring break vacation spot?


I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.