love to paint

This week I read a fun novel called The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen.  I've read a few other novels by Ms. Klassen, so I was looking forward to this one. The story follows Abigail Foster, who unfortunately, is to blame for the loss of her family's fortune.  Her family must find a new, much more affordable home.  An offer comes in the form of Pembrooke Park, where they will be able to live for a very reasonable rent.  Abigail and her foster accept on behalf of their family and so begins the adventure.  Pembrooke Park has several secrets it's hiding. The characters of the story are fun to get to know.  There were a couple that annoyed me (as any good antagonist should).  But, I particularly enjoyed the main character of Abigail and her relationships to the other characters. The plot moves along at a steady pace and you do get to know the characters as Ms. Klassen tells the story.  I do enjoy Ms. Klassen's writing more than other...

Last week I read a book that who's author's writing was described by someone on the back cover as "comparable to Jane Austen's..."  The comment made me curious about the author and her new book, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall .   Julie Klassen wrote this book with an interesting premise--that is very reminiscent of Austen and the themes of her books.  A young English woman lives with her mother and stepfather in London.  Her stepfather is conspiring for his nephew to marry the daughter and take possession of her coming inheritance.  When she realizes these intentions, she runs away with her maid and faces the harsh reality of servants' lives.  She becomes a maid at Fairbourne Hall, the home of a man who she once rejected as a suitor.  Hmmm... Can you tell yet where the story is heading? If you've been enjoying Downton Abbey on PBS, then I think you'll enjoy the author's descriptions of the life of the servants in this novel.  I did.   A...