The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen ~ My Review
The Story:
Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists--including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape.
Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble.
Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady, who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but marriage "in name only" to save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he fears, she will at least be a respectable widow.
Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows. Dare she wait for Wesley to return? Or should she elope with the captain and pray she doesn't come to regret it?
My Thoughts:
I eat these marriage of convenience stories up! The fact that Klassen has written such a good one, satisfies this bookworm's heart. I'm pretty sure of all her stories, this hero is my favorite just because he has that Mr. Rochester vibe going on. From his brooding to his not so classically handsome features, he definitely has that gothic mystery man thing down pat. His brother on the other hand....ughhhh. What a selfish, childish cad. What WERE you thinking, Sophie? Clearly the chemicals in the art studio were getting to you, girl.
As with most of Ms. Klassen's romances, there is definitely a presence of faith and spiritually in this book, however this story is more overt in that than any of her other books. As a reader of Christian fiction, I don't mind it, but if you're strictly a regency fan wanting to test the waters in a new genre, I might ease into it with one of her earlier books. Still, The Painter's Daughter is a fine example of great storytelling from the pen of Julie Klassen!
Highly recommended!
Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists--including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape.
Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble.
Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady, who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but marriage "in name only" to save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he fears, she will at least be a respectable widow.
Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows. Dare she wait for Wesley to return? Or should she elope with the captain and pray she doesn't come to regret it?
My Thoughts:
I eat these marriage of convenience stories up! The fact that Klassen has written such a good one, satisfies this bookworm's heart. I'm pretty sure of all her stories, this hero is my favorite just because he has that Mr. Rochester vibe going on. From his brooding to his not so classically handsome features, he definitely has that gothic mystery man thing down pat. His brother on the other hand....ughhhh. What a selfish, childish cad. What WERE you thinking, Sophie? Clearly the chemicals in the art studio were getting to you, girl.
As with most of Ms. Klassen's romances, there is definitely a presence of faith and spiritually in this book, however this story is more overt in that than any of her other books. As a reader of Christian fiction, I don't mind it, but if you're strictly a regency fan wanting to test the waters in a new genre, I might ease into it with one of her earlier books. Still, The Painter's Daughter is a fine example of great storytelling from the pen of Julie Klassen!
Highly recommended!
~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
Happy Reading!
Renee, it sounds like you enjoyed this book a great deal. Very nice review!
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