Book Review: The Tutor’s Daughter

I have another book review to share with you today, courtesy of the blogging review program offered by Bethany House Publishers. This time I read The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen.

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Determined to help her father when his boarding school fails, Emma Smallwood accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes? When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?

As usual, here’s my 5 point review:

• I’m not normally into Regency-era novels, but Julie Klassen is my exception. She makes settings and characters come so alive that just because this time period isn’t my thing, I just don’t mind. Love that!
• Though I am not a Regency-era fan, I did enjoy Emma’s character immensely. Her love of learning and literature, as well as devotion to her father and respect for her aunt is so admirable.
• Speaking of Julie Klassen, one thing that I appreciate about her as a writer is that she gives the reader what they need to know, without revealing too much. Many Christian fiction books are incredibly predictable–even the ones with intrigue [read: almost every review posted on my blog]–so this is just refreshing. In this story, just when I thought I had figured out what was happening, there was an unexpected twist, and bam! back to square one in detective school for me. This happened several times, and in my opinion, that always makes for a better story.
• Though this wasn’t a story told from two time periods, Emma’s history with the two older sons of the baronet definitely is important. I can’t tell you more than that–remember, unexpected twists?!? But seriously, Emma’s relationships with each of the four brothers is very different and has consequences as the story progresses.
• All in all, this is a book that does not disappoint. It has a little of everything–romance, drama, mystery, intrigue–but not too much of anything so as to be overwhelming. It’s clean and wholesome, but not too ridiculous or overflowing with Christian fiction craziness. The book was obviously well written and researched to be true to 19th century England. I would certainly read it again and again, and hope you will too.

P.S. Here’s a link to the book trailer… check it out! 🙂

What are you reading lately?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House for the chance to read this great book!