About the book:
To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors.
As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?
About Julie:
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com
Link to buy the book:
My Review:
5 STARS
Julie Klassen sure knows how to write GREAT stories!! I instantly fell in love with the Maid of Fairbourne Hall from the very first chapters!! I was appalled at Margaret Macy’s family and felt that if I was in that same situation I would flee too and do whatever it took to keep myself safe! She suddenly finds herself without any choice but to search for work and willing to accept any possible position.
I don’t believe Margaret Macy ever thought she’d be scrubbing chamber pots and being treated like a nobody but that’s exactly what happened to this spoiled and selfish girl. I was fascinated to see how Margaret’s heart and character would change as she goes from being the one treating her own maid poorly to being a maid herself that is treated poorly. Her growth was genuine and not instantaneous which made her that much more endearing.
The story line is magnificent! There was lots of tension brewing throughout the story that kept you on the edge of your seat wondering if Margaret was going to get away with her disguise or if her step-father would eventually find her! The two brothers in the story kept it even more uncertain as to who she could trust and what her fate would be! I loved the details Julie gives us about being a maid, how it’s a whole other world. She also writes with historical accuracy and spiritual enlightenment!
This time period is probably one of my favorites and just love the way Julie captured it in this unique setting! Julie Klassen’s books always end up on my favorite shelves and this is no exception! Great book!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my personal and honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own.
I don’t believe Margaret Macy ever thought she’d be scrubbing chamber pots and being treated like a nobody but that’s exactly what happened to this spoiled and selfish girl. I was fascinated to see how Margaret’s heart and character would change as she goes from being the one treating her own maid poorly to being a maid herself that is treated poorly. Her growth was genuine and not instantaneous which made her that much more endearing.
The story line is magnificent! There was lots of tension brewing throughout the story that kept you on the edge of your seat wondering if Margaret was going to get away with her disguise or if her step-father would eventually find her! The two brothers in the story kept it even more uncertain as to who she could trust and what her fate would be! I loved the details Julie gives us about being a maid, how it’s a whole other world. She also writes with historical accuracy and spiritual enlightenment!
This time period is probably one of my favorites and just love the way Julie captured it in this unique setting! Julie Klassen’s books always end up on my favorite shelves and this is no exception! Great book!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my personal and honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own.
GIVEAWAY TIME
Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and mystery in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Grab a copy and then be sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party on Facebook! Swoon.
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- A Julie Klassen Library (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)
So grab your copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and join Julie and friends on the evening of March 15th for a book chat party.
Great review, Courtney. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis was the first book of this subject and time period I have ever read as well as the first from this author. I found this book inspiring and very riveting. It also helped that the chapters were not of such a long length as to lose my attention either. The author has many scenes and plots that she flashes back to time and again without ever losing the attention of the reader.
ReplyDeleteMargret Macy is the main character of this story, as is Nathaniel Upchurch, his brother Lewis, and a sister named Helen. Margret was raised with a sister and brother both of whom are younger. Margret lost her father, and her current step-father is a shady character to say the least. There is an undercurrent of something far more sinister going on in the story. The undercurrent is so strong that along with other forces Margret is pushed in a direction she despises so much that she leaves in the cloak of night and ends up...where? Next, we see Nora working in the Upchurch home as a servant; she is the newest member of the staff and the lowest in rank. Who is Nora and why doesn't she know how to properly do her job? Nora doesn't have anything but a pair of spectacles, a cameo pin, and a little money. Oh, and the money Nora has she takes from another maid, causing that maid to lose her job. Nora left London and goes to ...well, you better find that one out for yourself.