Thursday, February 28, 2013

Book Review - The Tutor's Daughter



The Tutor's Daughter

By Julie Klassen                                       

Bethany House Publishers 

Emma Smallwood assists her father with Smallwood Academy, the boarding school in their Devonshire home. Enrollment is down, and her father hasn’t been himself since her mother’s death. Mr. Smallwood accepts an invitation from Sir Giles Weston to tutor his teenage sons at his home in Cornwall. Although hesitant to leave Devonshire, Emma accompanies her father to Ebbington Manor, hoping a change of scenery will lift her father’s spirits.   

Philip and Henry, the older Weston sons, studied at the Smallwood Academy years before. Emma got on well with Phillip, the more personable of the two brothers. Henry was another story. He seemed to enjoy making Emma’s life miserable. Imagine her delight at the prospect of seeing Phillip again, and her trepidation over bumping into Henry. 

The Tutor’s Daughter contains mysteries large and small. Unfortunately, the Smallwoods arrive at the Manor at a bad time. The Westons are in a bit of an uproar over something, but Emma cannot place her finger on what is happening behind the scenes. Unexplained events pop up at the most unusual times, and about the time one mystery appears solved, another surfaces. 

More questions than answers find Emma puzzled and a little nervous. Does Emma’s friendship with Phillip fare well despite the mysterious happenings? Is Henry cold and uncaring, or has time and maturity mellowed his personality? Is Emma drawn to either brother, or one of them to her? If you like historical fiction with a dash of intrigue and a hint of romance, I suggest you pick up a copy and find out.

This book is a wonderful read. I liked Emma immediately; she is complex yet relatable, as are the other key players. The plot twists and turns had me guessing and always on my toes.  Klassen’s classic, consistent style of well-developed characters and rich, appealing storylines is evident once again. Her vivid tales engage the senses, and direct readers to look beyond the surface and examine where their faith lies.

Blogoversary!
 
Don't forget to join me this Monday when we kick off my Fourth Blogoversary celebration. There will be giveaways and special guests throughout the month of March. I hope you can join me!

What are you reading this weekend?

Happy reading and writing, 
Karen

 
Please note:  I received this book free of charge from Bethany House for review purposes. No compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

22 comments :

  1. Love the sound of the book and the cover is really attractive. What am I reading? Unapologetic by Francis Spufford, and I find it hard to put it down and get on with my own writing!

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  2. This may be one of my favorite books of all time. Loved this one. :O)

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  3. Carole,
    I know, the cover is very nice. That alone might draw you in. I know what you mean - getting hooked on a book that you want to finish! :)

    Diane,
    I know, it's really good, isn't it? It's great when writers can keep writing wonderful stories! :)

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  4. Klassen is an excellent writer. I'm looking forward to reading this one!

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  5. All ready to celebrate with you on Monday!

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  6. This sounds like a very good book. I hope to stop in Monday and help you celebrate.

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  7. Tyrean,
    I think you might really enjoy reading this one - in your spare time after your book tour! :)

    Alex,
    Thanks a bunch! Looking forward to it!

    Cecelia,
    You might this one too. It's a lovely story. :) Hope you can make it by next week!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  8. Sounds like a solid book. ;) Right now, I'm about to start City of a Thousand Dolls.

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  9. Happy Blogaversary! Hope you have a great weekend.

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  10. Sounds like a great book. Love the cover.

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  11. Lydia,
    It is! She's a wonderful writer. :) Enjoy your book!

    Carol,
    Thank you! Happy weekend to you too! :)

    Donna,
    I really enjoyed it. The cover is gorgeous, isn't it? :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  12. As soon as I saw that her name was Emma, I knew I'd love it. The story sounds wonderful. I've marked it on my list. Did I mention I could spend the rest of my life just reading. And reading. And reading. Thanks for the review, Karen!

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  13. Love the cover of this one!! I'm a push over when it comes to good covers. I'd throw that in the cart before I even knew the premise (does that make me shallow?).
    LOl... now to really go put it on my wish list.

    Blessings for a wonderful weekend,
    Dotti :)

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  14. Like the sound of this book. The cover is very attractive :)

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  15. Diane,
    I guess you could tell I enjoyed it! :)

    Joylene,
    Emma was a good choice for this character's name, I agree! :) I could read like that too, lol!

    Dottie,
    I think you would like this one. It's right up your alley! :)

    Rachna,
    It had more surprises than I expected, which made it an even better read! :)

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  16. Thanks, Keith! Appreciate you stopping by. Have a great week!

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  17. Great review. I've been looking forward to reading this book!

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  18. Susie,
    I think you might enjoy this one! Hope you get to read it soon. :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  19. You've got some great stuff lined up, don't you? You're ambitious, that's what I think.

    Wish I had your energy. :D

    Happy blogoversary, my friend.

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  20. Rhonda,
    Yes, some fun stuff ahead! I'm thinking you should be part of it...:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!