Lady of Milkweed Manor
As Charlotte drew closer to the looming grey edifice that was to become her temporary home, she could not help but notice the secretive shuttered windows. Then she noticed the milkweeds.... Even a proper vicar's daughter can make a mistake--and now Charlotte Lamb must pay a high price for her fall. To avoid the prying eyes of all who know her, she hides herself away in London's forbidding "Milkweed Manor," a place of mystery and lore, of old secrets and new birth.
But once there, she comes face to face with a suitor from her past--a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God's help, to protect those they love. But neither can imagine the depth of sacrifice that will be required.
Sprinkled with fascinating details about the lives of women in Regency England, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.
Reviews
As a reader of historical novels, I was just getting frustrated by stories that were borderline 'bodice rippers', and wanted to read a Christian author that wasn't totally boring or predictable. This book pleasantly surprised me with its sweet story and characters. It definitely kept my interest throughout the whole book, and I have given the genre a second chance. I will be reading more of this author in the future!
The only disappointment about this book was reaching the end! Having read Silent Governess, I was most impressed so bought this book along with the Apothecary's daughter - I yet have to read the latter! I love this author and hope she carries on to write more books!
This is the second of Julie Klassen's books I've read and I enjoyed this one as much as the first. They are "easy" reads, but also still full of rich detail of life for young women in that time period, and the Christian message is there but not forced. Forgiveness and understanding is given but also shows the reality that not everyone, especially those who would be most expected to give it, actually do so. This isn't a book I had to think hard about, but the ending was still up in the air right until the last, and that made it more interesting. Not wanting to spoil the story too much, I fully related to Charlotte, as she goes through something that I went through, only more difficult, in a time when single-parenthood was unacceptable for a woman in her position. I was amazed, actually, that there were places for "unwed mothers" in that time period, and I was impressed with the delicate way in which Miss Klassen handled the scene where Charolette gets pregnant. Yes, there is a bit of "Jane Eyre" in the story, but Klassen does manage a new spin on the story. All in all I would recommend this to anyone, and I look forward to the next book, "The Silent Governess", already on it's way. I hope there will be many more from Julie Klassen.
Another great story that could surely make for a nice movie, you can just picture the characters. You learn as you read about life in the 18th and 19th century. It is an easy read, great love story, I would read other books by this author (and I already have)
This book kept me reading till the end. I even had a bit of a cry, but I enjoyed it so much I order another of her books.