reviewsbyerin

There aren't many authors who have their own tag here on my blog, but Julie Klassen is one of them. Now that I have finished this 2009 release, I can say I have read every one of her published novels, and am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to review her upcoming December release. You could certainly say that I am a fan.

I would have loved "The Silent Governess" even if it hadn't been a Julie Klassen book. The plot is full of intriguing mysteries and characters, and you really can't guess what is going to happen next.

Our heroine, Olivia Keene, is fleeing her family home at the opening of the book, afraid she killed her father after defending her mother from a violent attack. Her mother urged her to find a position as a teacher at a school many miles away, promising that when it is safe she will come for Olivia. Along the way Olivia is sidetracked by people with both good and bad intentions, and winds up in the wrong place at the wrong time, being caught on the Brightwell Estate after accidentally overhearing a secret that would destroy Lord Edward Bradley if it were to ever get out.

Lord Bradley doesn't really have a choice but to keep the young trespasser as part of his household staff, where he can keep an eye on her to ensure her silence. As he wrestles with what to do over the dreadful news that has just been revealed to him, he can't help but be very suspicious about Olivia, her intentions, and the secrecy surrounding her own background.

As the months pass, Olivia worries about how to hear from her mother, as she never reached their rendezvous point. Lord Bradley broods over what is the right course of action, fearful of what his contemplations may lead him to do. His father, Lord Brightwell, wonders if the dark-haired young woman might not be the daughter he never knew he had, and wants to do everything he can to help Olivia, if only she will let him.

I am happy to report that the layers of mystery all work themselves out wonderfully in the end. There are no easy outs in the solutions, and not everything is wrapped up as the readers might deem perfect, but it is very well done. I cried over the last few paragraphs, which does not happen often. If there are any Regency fans not reading Julie Klassen's books, I cannot urge you strongly enough to get to a bookstore and pick one up. You are sure to be delighted!