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The Girl in the Gatehouse
Miss Mariah Aubrey, banished after a scandal, hides herself away in a long-abandoned gatehouse on the far edge of a distant relative's estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how--by writing novels in secret.Captain Matthew Bryant, returning to England successful and wealthy after the Napoleonic wars, leases an impressive estate from a cash-poor nobleman, determined to show the society beauty who once rejected him what a colossal mistake she made. When he discovers an old gatehouse on the property, he is immediately intrigued by its striking young inhabitant and sets out to uncover her identity, and her past. But the more he learns about her, the more he realizes he must distance himself. Falling in love with an outcast would ruin his well-laid plans. The old gatehouse holds secrets of its own. Can Mariah and Captain Bryant uncover them before the cunning heir to the estate buries them forever?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
512 people are currently reading
6102 people want to read
About the author
Julie Klassen
32 books6,111 followersJulie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,286 reviews
March 17, 2011
I cannot trust my friend to ever give me book suggestions again. If I ever hear her refer or compare this to Austen I shall slap her face with a salmon.
June 25, 2012
This is my favorite Julie Klassen book so far! I enjoyed the little mysteries and secrets revealed in the story, and the secondary characters were wonderfully original and interesting. I also enjoyed the little parallels of the heroine with Jane Austen, as she was also an authoress. The plot was enjoyable intricate. Well done.
August 1, 2011
I have a standard "No Christian fiction" policy that stems from the general irritation I feel when a story is going along swimmingly and then all of a sudden it's like you're in Sunday School - and I hate Sunday School. One minute you're reading about a mystery, the next the main character is pontificating on things like mercy and salvation. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a complete pagan, and I get that these are good things. I just don't like them in books. They feel wrong somehow, too out in the open and not quietly personal, which is the way I like my religion.
So...I fought reading The Girl in the Gatehouse only because the author is a Christy Award winner. It wasn't a bad read,although it did last too long and all of the loose strings came together a little too neatly. I felt the resolution could have been reached about 50 pages sooner than it was. The religious bits weren't bad, but still grated on my nerves and there is no good reason why. Apparently I'm a heathen.
So...I fought reading The Girl in the Gatehouse only because the author is a Christy Award winner. It wasn't a bad read,although it did last too long and all of the loose strings came together a little too neatly. I felt the resolution could have been reached about 50 pages sooner than it was. The religious bits weren't bad, but still grated on my nerves and there is no good reason why. Apparently I'm a heathen.
February 27, 2018
I think that I have figured out something very important about Klassen's books that I wish I had understood from the very beginning. While the faith element is present, it is subtle. She lets the reader choose either to draw more, as her stories are rich with meaning and imagery if you are looking for it, or you can take it at face value and see little faith in it.
This is a story of redemption. The road to redemption isn't easy. Finding forgiveness from others and oneself is hard. Klassen did a wonderful job, and I look forward to reading more of her works.
This is a story of redemption. The road to redemption isn't easy. Finding forgiveness from others and oneself is hard. Klassen did a wonderful job, and I look forward to reading more of her works.
July 17, 2020
This is on a 99c Kindle sale. I know a lot of clean Regency romance readers love Julie Klassen's books, but she's been hit-and-miss for me, and this one is at the bottom of the pile. It was way more gloomy and angst-ridden than I like in my romance reading. YMMV, but my recommendation is not to auto-buy this one.
February 2, 2022
2/1/2022 update: $1.99 today. Loved this one! (See review below.)
"'It is you,' he began foolishly. 'I almost did not recognize you. Without the cap, I mean, and. . . well you were dressed so. . . That is, I thought you were . . . '"
"'A maidservant?' she said easily."
"'He winced. 'Forgive me.'"
"'There is nothing to forgive. You came upon me in my jam-making attire.' She smiled. 'Yet I recognize you out of uniform, Captain Bryant.'"
Update: I added my 2011 Amazon review of this book at the botton of this one.
The Girl in the Gatehouse (2010, Bethany House) is a standalone Christian Regency romance with a hint of mystery by Julie Klassen set near the village of Whitmore in Staffordshire, England in 1814. I chose to reread this book because I have enjoyed every Klassen book I've ever read. I loved this book just as much the second time around! It's really excellent, and it's pretty telling that out of all the books she has written, it is Julie Klassen's favorite book - at least as of when she answered a reader's question on Goodreads, which was between the publication of The Secret of Pembrooke Park and her Ivy Hill series.
Rating: 5 stars without question!
Narration: 5 stars
The heroine: Mariah Aubrey, 24, has been banished from her family's home and relegated to the gatehouse on the estate of a relative. She soon finds that she has need of funds and decides to turn to her talent for writing, hoping it can become a means of support.
The hero: Captain Matthew Bryant meets Mariah when he has a mishap while traveling alone on a horse. She helps him out, which was reminiscent of Jane Eyre meeting Mr. Rochester for the first time. This might be coincidental, but either way, I thought it was fun.
Christian elements:
*Before chapter one, we have, "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. --Jesus Christ (NIV)"
*Late in the book: "Mariah prayed, contritely asking God to forgive not only her offenses, but for wavering in her devotion."
Is it clean/chaste? Yes! However, I'd say this book is not for middle school students.
What I liked:
*The cover of this book may possibly be my favorite cover of all time. Not only is it gorgeous, but it's a perfect representation of the story!
*I loved the number of elements from Jane Austen books, especially Mansfield Park, which were used in this story. The beginning of each chapter has a quote, and it's frequently an Austen quote.
*The secondary characters in this story were absolutely stupendous. Loved, loved, loved them all. And there's many of them!
*The setting, the setting! So rich, rich, rich! A manor house, a gatehouse, and a poorhouse! These were so very well drawn, and I loved it all!
*Historical details are always fun, especially when they're lesser-known ones. Klassen includes Kissing Friday in the story, when "boys were allowed, under a tradition of indeterminate origin, to kiss them [girls] without fear of getting a slap or being chased by an angry parent. Under the rules of Kissing Friday, falling two days after Ash Wednesday, the tradition supposedly said that no girl was allowed to say no." (Quote from http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-3547...)
*Another atypical historical detail was the inclusion of the poorhouse. It's something that is occasionally mentioned in Regency novels as something to be avoided, but I've never read another Regency that includes a poorhouse and its people as an important part of the setting.
What I didn’t like: The antagonist! But the reader isn't supposed to. And kudos to Ms. Klassen for showing a hint of redeeming qualities in the antagonist.
Audiobook: The narration by Elizabeth Jasicki was most excellent.
***********
The bottom line: This was an ideal Christian Regency romance. I recommend this book to all fans of Jane Austen or Regency romance, regardless of whether they're readers of Christian novels. I think that aspect was organically portrayed. I will be reading more by this author, whether it's a reread (via Audible) or one of the few I haven't read yet.
I'm adding Klassen to my list of top 5 authors. I have long suspected she belongs on that list, but it had been so long since I had read one of her books that I wanted to do a reread to be certain. It's going to be a top 6 list now, because I really don't feel like eliminating any of the others.
Original 2011 review: I have loved every Julie Klassen book, and this one is no exception. A very fun read with lots of fabulous characters.
"'It is you,' he began foolishly. 'I almost did not recognize you. Without the cap, I mean, and. . . well you were dressed so. . . That is, I thought you were . . . '"
"'A maidservant?' she said easily."
"'He winced. 'Forgive me.'"
"'There is nothing to forgive. You came upon me in my jam-making attire.' She smiled. 'Yet I recognize you out of uniform, Captain Bryant.'"
Update: I added my 2011 Amazon review of this book at the botton of this one.
The Girl in the Gatehouse (2010, Bethany House) is a standalone Christian Regency romance with a hint of mystery by Julie Klassen set near the village of Whitmore in Staffordshire, England in 1814. I chose to reread this book because I have enjoyed every Klassen book I've ever read. I loved this book just as much the second time around! It's really excellent, and it's pretty telling that out of all the books she has written, it is Julie Klassen's favorite book - at least as of when she answered a reader's question on Goodreads, which was between the publication of The Secret of Pembrooke Park and her Ivy Hill series.
Rating: 5 stars without question!
Narration: 5 stars
The heroine: Mariah Aubrey, 24, has been banished from her family's home and relegated to the gatehouse on the estate of a relative. She soon finds that she has need of funds and decides to turn to her talent for writing, hoping it can become a means of support.
The hero: Captain Matthew Bryant meets Mariah when he has a mishap while traveling alone on a horse. She helps him out, which was reminiscent of Jane Eyre meeting Mr. Rochester for the first time. This might be coincidental, but either way, I thought it was fun.
Christian elements:
*Before chapter one, we have, "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. --Jesus Christ (NIV)"
*Late in the book: "Mariah prayed, contritely asking God to forgive not only her offenses, but for wavering in her devotion."
Is it clean/chaste? Yes! However, I'd say this book is not for middle school students.
What I liked:
*The cover of this book may possibly be my favorite cover of all time. Not only is it gorgeous, but it's a perfect representation of the story!
*I loved the number of elements from Jane Austen books, especially Mansfield Park, which were used in this story. The beginning of each chapter has a quote, and it's frequently an Austen quote.
*The secondary characters in this story were absolutely stupendous. Loved, loved, loved them all. And there's many of them!
*The setting, the setting! So rich, rich, rich! A manor house, a gatehouse, and a poorhouse! These were so very well drawn, and I loved it all!
*Historical details are always fun, especially when they're lesser-known ones. Klassen includes Kissing Friday in the story, when "boys were allowed, under a tradition of indeterminate origin, to kiss them [girls] without fear of getting a slap or being chased by an angry parent. Under the rules of Kissing Friday, falling two days after Ash Wednesday, the tradition supposedly said that no girl was allowed to say no." (Quote from http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-3547...)
*Another atypical historical detail was the inclusion of the poorhouse. It's something that is occasionally mentioned in Regency novels as something to be avoided, but I've never read another Regency that includes a poorhouse and its people as an important part of the setting.
What I didn’t like: The antagonist! But the reader isn't supposed to. And kudos to Ms. Klassen for showing a hint of redeeming qualities in the antagonist.
Audiobook: The narration by Elizabeth Jasicki was most excellent.
***********
The bottom line: This was an ideal Christian Regency romance. I recommend this book to all fans of Jane Austen or Regency romance, regardless of whether they're readers of Christian novels. I think that aspect was organically portrayed. I will be reading more by this author, whether it's a reread (via Audible) or one of the few I haven't read yet.
I'm adding Klassen to my list of top 5 authors. I have long suspected she belongs on that list, but it had been so long since I had read one of her books that I wanted to do a reread to be certain. It's going to be a top 6 list now, because I really don't feel like eliminating any of the others.
Original 2011 review: I have loved every Julie Klassen book, and this one is no exception. A very fun read with lots of fabulous characters.
July 30, 2017
Reputation and Redemption
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance, Historical Fiction
SETTING: 1814, Whitmore, England
SYNOPSIS: Mariah Aubrey is no longer welcome in her father’s house, and therefore must move to an abandoned gatehouse on her aunt’s estate. Happy to have a roof over her head, Mariah strives to make her new life a success. But after a few months it is looking a little bleak, and Mariah doesn’t think they will have the funds to continue living there much longer… Her aunt’s estate is soon leased by a Captain Bryant, who is on a mission to impress the woman (and her father) who rejected him four years ago. His plans don’t include befriending the girl in the gatehouse, but it seems he is inexplicably drawn to her even though scandal surrounds her… Is it just friendly compassion or something more?
WHAT I LOVED:
– Touches of Jane Austen: In every Julie Klassen novel readers can spot allusions or references to Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë. In her author bio it says Ms. Klassen “loves all things Jane.” With a character named Mariah with a tarnished reputation and a naval captain trying to win over someone who previously rejected him, there were some nods to Mansfield Park and Persuasion in this tale. Two novels that pair very well together and are not often referenced in Ms. Klassen’s other novels. I enjoyed spotting the parallels and clever ways Ms. Klassen paid tribute to these two stories. There is also a scene or two that made me think of Sense and Sensibility!
– A Host of Characters: Adjoining the estate Mariah lives on is a poorhouse, and Mariah gets to know several of the children and other residents who live there. In addition, Mariah and her nurse-turned-servant meet other workers from the estate and befriend them. It was lovely to see so many people connect and grow closer to each other in this small estate. All these secondary characters were endearing and well-developed and their interactions with each other warm your heart and make you wish you could join their happy little troupe!
– Slowly Revealed: Why is Mariah not welcome in her father’s home? What did she do? What is in her aunt’s locked chest that she gave to Mariah? What secrets does the poorhouse hold? These answers aren’t revealed until more than halfway through the story! I love how Ms. Klassen introduces a bit of intrigue or mystery right at the beginning of her stories and very slowly divulges clues chapter by chapter, but doesn’t reveal all until much later! It is always so much fun to make my own suppositions and see if I am right! 😉
– Eventful: With so many secondary characters and more than one secret, there are quite a few story-lines that interweave with each other in this tale! Between reading journals, writing stories, performing theatricals, visiting the poorhouse, and a grand house party filled with many guests there is quite a bit going on. I enjoyed the multiple story-lines and how each character had some interesting developments happening.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
– Sometimes Overshadowed: With so many delightful characters occasionally stealing the spotlight, I did sometimes feel that Captain Bryant and the relationship between him and Mariah was a little overshadowed. I love relationships that begin as innocent friendships, and in the early part of the book we see many moments where both feel a bit of admiration or attraction for the other. I guess I wanted to see their relationship more in the spotlight during the second part of the book.
CONCLUSION:
Intrigue and secrets, a strong and admirable heroine, seamless writing, and a scattering of Jane Austen influences and allusions – The Girl in the Gatehouse is filled with all my favorite Julie Klassen trademarks! Proving once again why I adore her works! To echo everyone that has said it before – if you love Jane Austen and Regency romances, you should read Julie Klassen!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance, Historical Fiction
SETTING: 1814, Whitmore, England
SYNOPSIS: Mariah Aubrey is no longer welcome in her father’s house, and therefore must move to an abandoned gatehouse on her aunt’s estate. Happy to have a roof over her head, Mariah strives to make her new life a success. But after a few months it is looking a little bleak, and Mariah doesn’t think they will have the funds to continue living there much longer… Her aunt’s estate is soon leased by a Captain Bryant, who is on a mission to impress the woman (and her father) who rejected him four years ago. His plans don’t include befriending the girl in the gatehouse, but it seems he is inexplicably drawn to her even though scandal surrounds her… Is it just friendly compassion or something more?
WHAT I LOVED:
– Touches of Jane Austen: In every Julie Klassen novel readers can spot allusions or references to Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë. In her author bio it says Ms. Klassen “loves all things Jane.” With a character named Mariah with a tarnished reputation and a naval captain trying to win over someone who previously rejected him, there were some nods to Mansfield Park and Persuasion in this tale. Two novels that pair very well together and are not often referenced in Ms. Klassen’s other novels. I enjoyed spotting the parallels and clever ways Ms. Klassen paid tribute to these two stories. There is also a scene or two that made me think of Sense and Sensibility!
– A Host of Characters: Adjoining the estate Mariah lives on is a poorhouse, and Mariah gets to know several of the children and other residents who live there. In addition, Mariah and her nurse-turned-servant meet other workers from the estate and befriend them. It was lovely to see so many people connect and grow closer to each other in this small estate. All these secondary characters were endearing and well-developed and their interactions with each other warm your heart and make you wish you could join their happy little troupe!
– Slowly Revealed: Why is Mariah not welcome in her father’s home? What did she do? What is in her aunt’s locked chest that she gave to Mariah? What secrets does the poorhouse hold? These answers aren’t revealed until more than halfway through the story! I love how Ms. Klassen introduces a bit of intrigue or mystery right at the beginning of her stories and very slowly divulges clues chapter by chapter, but doesn’t reveal all until much later! It is always so much fun to make my own suppositions and see if I am right! 😉
– Eventful: With so many secondary characters and more than one secret, there are quite a few story-lines that interweave with each other in this tale! Between reading journals, writing stories, performing theatricals, visiting the poorhouse, and a grand house party filled with many guests there is quite a bit going on. I enjoyed the multiple story-lines and how each character had some interesting developments happening.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
– Sometimes Overshadowed: With so many delightful characters occasionally stealing the spotlight, I did sometimes feel that Captain Bryant and the relationship between him and Mariah was a little overshadowed. I love relationships that begin as innocent friendships, and in the early part of the book we see many moments where both feel a bit of admiration or attraction for the other. I guess I wanted to see their relationship more in the spotlight during the second part of the book.
CONCLUSION:
Intrigue and secrets, a strong and admirable heroine, seamless writing, and a scattering of Jane Austen influences and allusions – The Girl in the Gatehouse is filled with all my favorite Julie Klassen trademarks! Proving once again why I adore her works! To echo everyone that has said it before – if you love Jane Austen and Regency romances, you should read Julie Klassen!
Austenesque Reviews
September 15, 2019
The Girl in the Gatehouse begins with Mariah Aubrey being dismissed from her family home in disgrace. With only her former governess to serve as a companion, Mariah is forced to rely on the generosity of a beloved aunt. Aunt Francesca allows Mariah to live rent free in the estate gatehouse, but she is firm that Mariah is not allowed to venture up to the big house without invitation. This does not seem to disturb Mariah who takes solace in nature walks and writing novels.
However, when Francesca dies and her stepson takes over and threatens to throw Mariah into the poorhouse if rent is not paid, Mariah quickly works to have her books published albeit anonymously.
It isn't too long before the dashing Captain Matthew Bryant, returning from the Napoleonic Wars, decides to rent the estate and becomes intrigued by the mysterious young lady living in the gatehouse. Both soon realize that they have much in common, but will the Captain be able to handle the secrets that threaten to destroy his and Mariah's happiness?
While this wasn't my favorite Klassen tale, there is no denying that I enjoyed her modeling her Captain Matthew Bryant after Austen's Wentworth(Persuasion). An enjoyable reading experience that will continue to have me picking up her titles.
However, when Francesca dies and her stepson takes over and threatens to throw Mariah into the poorhouse if rent is not paid, Mariah quickly works to have her books published albeit anonymously.
It isn't too long before the dashing Captain Matthew Bryant, returning from the Napoleonic Wars, decides to rent the estate and becomes intrigued by the mysterious young lady living in the gatehouse. Both soon realize that they have much in common, but will the Captain be able to handle the secrets that threaten to destroy his and Mariah's happiness?
While this wasn't my favorite Klassen tale, there is no denying that I enjoyed her modeling her Captain Matthew Bryant after Austen's Wentworth(Persuasion). An enjoyable reading experience that will continue to have me picking up her titles.
March 31, 2016
This book kept me guessing all the way. It starts off with immediate action, with the heroine leaving her parents' home for exile with her former nurse. She is under disgrace for her actions while at a house party (we aren't told details until later in the story). It had the feel of a true Regency story with some elements of mystery thrown in. The romance was very subtle and enjoyable; we didn't get the know the characters only for their bodily traits and perfect fitness for each other, but for their own unique character. In a way, I'd call it more of a Regency drama than a romance.
It was a long book, but I really wanted it to be longer. There were so many little things that I enjoyed, such as the characters of Maggie and Lizzie, that I'd have stayed with them almost indefinitely and been happy. But the ending was quite perfect.
I've already downloaded "The Tutor's Daughter"! :)
It was a long book, but I really wanted it to be longer. There were so many little things that I enjoyed, such as the characters of Maggie and Lizzie, that I'd have stayed with them almost indefinitely and been happy. But the ending was quite perfect.
I've already downloaded "The Tutor's Daughter"! :)
September 8, 2018
4.5. Llevaba tiempo retrasando el leer a esta autora. El clean romance (o novela blanca) es un género dentro de la novela romántica al que de primeras soy reticente, quizás por lo acostumbrada que estoy a la romántica adulta o porque estas novelas suelen ser catalogadas en USA como "christian romance" (romance cristiano), y como, personalmente, soy atea me hace pensar que el libro tendrá apología religiosa en exceso.
He leído a Kristi Ann Hunter ( "Por fin en Marshington Abbey") y a Josi S.Kilpack ( "El secreto de Amber"), dos autoras de este subgénero publicadas también por Libros de Seda y os puedo decir que Klassen juega en otra liga.
En contraste con las otras dos, Klassen no tiene reparos por ejemplo para tratar en sus novelas temas como los abusos y la prostitución. Además de no omitir la naturaleza sexual de sus personajes, la atracción física es algo que eché a faltar muchísimo en la novela de Josi S.Kilpack. Una historia de amor, para mi, pierde credibilidad sin estas cosas y más hablando de personajes con cierta edad.
Me ha quedado muy claro porque la editorial ha apostado tanto por Julie, publicando básicamente toda su obra en español. En la casa del guarda se mezclan la intriga, el romance y el drama en una historia con moraleja que refleja las injusticias sociales y las distinciones de clases y sexo tan marcadas en la Inglaterra de regencia.
Se aprecia bien el trabajo de documentación de Klassen, cuidando el lenguaje y los comportamientos de los personajes. La evolución de la historia y los personajes es constante, por lo que no hay ninguna parte que se haga pesada. Hacia la mitad el drama se intensifica, provocando ese nudo de tensión en el estomago, empatizando con los personajes, que raramente causan las últimas novelas románticas que se están publicando y que es algo que asocio a libros de los 90/de los 2000. Me alegra que, aunque pocas, sigue habiendo autoras que consiguen provocar estos sentimientos con sus historias.
Todo da muchas vueltas, si comparas el inicio con el final resulta un contraste muy agradable.
Si tengo que elegir un personaje favorito ese sería William Hart, seguido de cerca por Mariah y Matthew (los protagonistas).
Recomiendo mucho esta lectura si te apetece un cambio de las novelas románticas históricas habituales, yo después de conocer el estilo de esta autora subo varios de sus libros en mi lista de pendientes.
Por último, para esas personas que son reacias a leer estas novelas blancas por su posible carga "religiosa", deciros que las referencias a este tema no son abundantes, están introducidas adecuadamente no llegando a sacarte de la historia en ningún momento. Nada que no puedas encontrar en cualquier novela clásica escrita en esa época.
He leído a Kristi Ann Hunter ( "Por fin en Marshington Abbey") y a Josi S.Kilpack ( "El secreto de Amber"), dos autoras de este subgénero publicadas también por Libros de Seda y os puedo decir que Klassen juega en otra liga.
En contraste con las otras dos, Klassen no tiene reparos por ejemplo para tratar en sus novelas temas como los abusos y la prostitución. Además de no omitir la naturaleza sexual de sus personajes, la atracción física es algo que eché a faltar muchísimo en la novela de Josi S.Kilpack. Una historia de amor, para mi, pierde credibilidad sin estas cosas y más hablando de personajes con cierta edad.
Me ha quedado muy claro porque la editorial ha apostado tanto por Julie, publicando básicamente toda su obra en español. En la casa del guarda se mezclan la intriga, el romance y el drama en una historia con moraleja que refleja las injusticias sociales y las distinciones de clases y sexo tan marcadas en la Inglaterra de regencia.
Se aprecia bien el trabajo de documentación de Klassen, cuidando el lenguaje y los comportamientos de los personajes. La evolución de la historia y los personajes es constante, por lo que no hay ninguna parte que se haga pesada. Hacia la mitad el drama se intensifica, provocando ese nudo de tensión en el estomago, empatizando con los personajes, que raramente causan las últimas novelas románticas que se están publicando y que es algo que asocio a libros de los 90/de los 2000. Me alegra que, aunque pocas, sigue habiendo autoras que consiguen provocar estos sentimientos con sus historias.
Todo da muchas vueltas, si comparas el inicio con el final resulta un contraste muy agradable.
Si tengo que elegir un personaje favorito ese sería William Hart, seguido de cerca por Mariah y Matthew (los protagonistas).
Recomiendo mucho esta lectura si te apetece un cambio de las novelas románticas históricas habituales, yo después de conocer el estilo de esta autora subo varios de sus libros en mi lista de pendientes.
Por último, para esas personas que son reacias a leer estas novelas blancas por su posible carga "religiosa", deciros que las referencias a este tema no son abundantes, están introducidas adecuadamente no llegando a sacarte de la historia en ningún momento. Nada que no puedas encontrar en cualquier novela clásica escrita en esa época.
January 10, 2016
This book just matched my mood today I guess. I got caught up in the story of Mariah and the atmosphere of the book, like I was transported back in time to Regency England. I really liked Mariah and thought she was a great leading lady. The book starts soon after her father banishes her after a mistake she has made. Alone in the world except for her companion, Miss Dixon, she finds a place to stay at her aunt’s gatehouse. I really liked the setting; the quaint gatehouse seemed cozy and inviting. I liked how over the course of the book Mariah makes genuine friends and learns forgiveness. I also really liked our hero in the book, I liked that they started out as friends and slowly built to something more. Normally I like a little more romance, but the amount in this book just seemed to match the story and left me happy. Instead of the story taking place over a short couple week span, it covers a few months. It was nice to see things develop slowly and have a few mysteries thrown in to keep things interesting. The supporting cast was just as fun as the main couple, especially Miss Dixon and Martin. Probably my favorite of Klassen’s books, so far.
May 23, 2019
What a fun historical romance! I enjoyed this one.
July 26, 2013
Julie Klassen has done it again. A wonderful story full of intrigue and mystrey and many twits and turns in the plot which, I can assure you, you will not expect! It kept me hooked the whole time and I read far too late into the night to finish it – I just had to know what was going to happen!
It had more serious themes running through it than the Silent Governess (with talk of mistresses and the heroine herself landed in the Gatehouse due to the loss of her virtue.) However, it was a great story and still had a lot of humour. There are many points which reminded me of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen; Mariah’s story herself is almost something like the Maria of Mansfield Park would face after her involvement with Henry Crawford. However, the Mariah in this story is a lot more likeable!
There were some wonderful characters, aside from the dashing hero, and many side plots, which all link together in some way or another, which you will enjoy reading about and seeing develop through the story (notably that of the heroes friend, a Mr Hart and a certain young lady as well as the heroines companion, a Miss Dixon and two gentleman both vying for her attention, a Mr Phelps and a Mr Martin.)
If you want a wonderfully intriguing mystery (which you cannot guess what is going to happen) and which is set in beautiful England during the fascinating regency era than you can never go wrong with a novel by Julie Klassen. I cannot wait to lose myself in her next novel...
It had more serious themes running through it than the Silent Governess (with talk of mistresses and the heroine herself landed in the Gatehouse due to the loss of her virtue.) However, it was a great story and still had a lot of humour. There are many points which reminded me of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen; Mariah’s story herself is almost something like the Maria of Mansfield Park would face after her involvement with Henry Crawford. However, the Mariah in this story is a lot more likeable!
There were some wonderful characters, aside from the dashing hero, and many side plots, which all link together in some way or another, which you will enjoy reading about and seeing develop through the story (notably that of the heroes friend, a Mr Hart and a certain young lady as well as the heroines companion, a Miss Dixon and two gentleman both vying for her attention, a Mr Phelps and a Mr Martin.)
If you want a wonderfully intriguing mystery (which you cannot guess what is going to happen) and which is set in beautiful England during the fascinating regency era than you can never go wrong with a novel by Julie Klassen. I cannot wait to lose myself in her next novel...
February 28, 2021
Me gusta mucho Julie Klassen, sus libros en general son historias bastante interesantes e inteligentes, en este género no es algo tan sencillo de encontrar, sin embargo, de todos los libros que he leído de esta autora hasta el momento, este es el que menos me ha gustado.
El argumento esta bastante bien, de hecho hay dos cosas que me han gustado mucho por originales, el primero es que, en muchos libros románticos que se escriben ubicados en la época y en Inglaterra más específicamente, que créanme son más de los que necesitamos, siempre se observa la infinidad de reglas sociales que las mujeres de cierta clase social debían seguir, en esta infinidad de libros he visto más de lo que me gustaría, la situación de la chica que busca ser encontrada en una situación comprometida, para de esa manera obligar al caballero a que se case con ella, porque, si él decide no hacerlo, entonces la dama en cuestión caería en desgracia, en fin, que siempre se casan con la mujer, pero en este caso y aquí voy a mencionar que a la única mujer caída en desgracia que había visto antes, había sido a María Bertram en Mansfield Park, pero solo sabemos de ello en ese libro, no conocemos lo que fue de ella después de su caída social.
En este caso Julie Klassen, nos cuenta la historia de una mujer que ha sido encontrada en una situación muy comprometida y el hombre en cuestión la deja en la estacada, así que sus padres la repudian y la mandan lejos de la familia para no mancillar el honor de ésta.
Mariah llega a vivir a la casa del guarda en la propiedad de una tía, misma que se la ofrece para que pueda recluirse ahí y vivir su “vergüenza” lejos de la sociedad.
La segunda cosa que me ha gustado es que no se trata de una chica que me ha gustado es que nos ha presentado a una mujer que busca y encuentra la manera de salir adelante sola.
Ahora bien, como he dicho en general el libro me ha gustado y creo que el argumento es bastante interesante, pero por algún motivo he sentido muchas partes de la historia como forzadas o de relleno, como si hubiera que poner cosas muy intrascendentes para sumar páginas, así que en momentos el libro se me hizo cuesta arriba.
Por lo demás, es un libro entretenido y de una autora que además se ha convertido en una de mis favoritas
El argumento esta bastante bien, de hecho hay dos cosas que me han gustado mucho por originales, el primero es que, en muchos libros románticos que se escriben ubicados en la época y en Inglaterra más específicamente, que créanme son más de los que necesitamos, siempre se observa la infinidad de reglas sociales que las mujeres de cierta clase social debían seguir, en esta infinidad de libros he visto más de lo que me gustaría, la situación de la chica que busca ser encontrada en una situación comprometida, para de esa manera obligar al caballero a que se case con ella, porque, si él decide no hacerlo, entonces la dama en cuestión caería en desgracia, en fin, que siempre se casan con la mujer, pero en este caso y aquí voy a mencionar que a la única mujer caída en desgracia que había visto antes, había sido a María Bertram en Mansfield Park, pero solo sabemos de ello en ese libro, no conocemos lo que fue de ella después de su caída social.
En este caso Julie Klassen, nos cuenta la historia de una mujer que ha sido encontrada en una situación muy comprometida y el hombre en cuestión la deja en la estacada, así que sus padres la repudian y la mandan lejos de la familia para no mancillar el honor de ésta.
Mariah llega a vivir a la casa del guarda en la propiedad de una tía, misma que se la ofrece para que pueda recluirse ahí y vivir su “vergüenza” lejos de la sociedad.
La segunda cosa que me ha gustado es que no se trata de una chica que me ha gustado es que nos ha presentado a una mujer que busca y encuentra la manera de salir adelante sola.
Ahora bien, como he dicho en general el libro me ha gustado y creo que el argumento es bastante interesante, pero por algún motivo he sentido muchas partes de la historia como forzadas o de relleno, como si hubiera que poner cosas muy intrascendentes para sumar páginas, así que en momentos el libro se me hizo cuesta arriba.
Por lo demás, es un libro entretenido y de una autora que además se ha convertido en una de mis favoritas
May 24, 2012
As far as the story goes... it was kind of fun and cute. As for the writing.... I thought it was lacking. A lot. The characters were one sided. They fit the role they were written for and nothing more. The plot twists were obvious. Coincidencs piled up so high that it was almost funny. (Miss Aubrey the hidden author happens to be in personal connection with 3 other famous writers of her time. In fact they are all living on the same property at one point).
Anyhoo... my other complaint is that Miss Aubrey has made a *mistake* causing her to be thrown out by her family. She is the heroine and we are impressed by her good moral character and assume that she has somehow been mistreated. However when the depth of her mistake is made known... I was surprised. She was infact very flawed morally. I am in favor of forgiveness and all of that, but the story makes her the victim and her only sin was trusting a man. She doesn't have remorse other than learning to be wary of men. I didn't expect that and don't think it does justice to Jane Austen who she was clearly imitating in her writing. Overall... disappointing.
Anyhoo... my other complaint is that Miss Aubrey has made a *mistake* causing her to be thrown out by her family. She is the heroine and we are impressed by her good moral character and assume that she has somehow been mistreated. However when the depth of her mistake is made known... I was surprised. She was infact very flawed morally. I am in favor of forgiveness and all of that, but the story makes her the victim and her only sin was trusting a man. She doesn't have remorse other than learning to be wary of men. I didn't expect that and don't think it does justice to Jane Austen who she was clearly imitating in her writing. Overall... disappointing.
March 14, 2011
This was disappointing. It built a nicely complex story, but the characters were often unconvincing and at times the plot development felt forced, taking away from the stories' power as a tale of redemption and forgiveness and making it seem more like an Austenesque soap opera.
February 18, 2023
This was an intricate Regency redemption story. Mariah’s family has kicked her out of the family and sent her to an aunt’s gatehouse to live the rest of her life in shunned silence. When her aunt dies, the step-son Hugh comes barreling into the picture, determined to find some “mystery” item he swears his aunt stole from him that he wonders if Mariah has. In the meantime, Captain Matthew Bryant rents Hugh’s estate. He is set on winning the heart of the girl who rejected him four years ago, and so plans to host a house party at the estate to show off his newly won success and woo her away from her affianced. Mariah and Matthew become friends along the way, and their hearts entangle just a bit, but she knows she is beneath Matthew because of her downfall and he keeps reminding himself that he wants the other lady he is determined to prove his worth too. The story tells the tale of how each comes to know their worth through forgiveness of self, others, and God.
April 9, 2011
“When my mother and father forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.”~~Psalm 17:10
This verse kept running through my mind as I read Julie Klassen’s historical novel, The Girl in the Gatehouse. In the story, Mariah Aubrey stumbles into disgrace and, as a result, is harshly rejected by her autocratic father. He banishes his heartbroken daughter from their home—with only a brief good-bye for her mother and sister—and hides her away in a relative’s gatehouse. It is there, in a quiet corner of a country estate, which happens to be across the street from the poorhouse, that she builds a new family from the eccentric and endearing characters who come her way—servants, orphans, outcasts, and even a handsome Navy captain.
In writing this story, Julie Klassen was inspired by Jane Austen as she created her main character, premise, and a few scenes, and I know many of you are Jane Austen fans. However, I sometimes find an Austen novel a bit cutting in its treatment of a character’s weaknesses. Also, it seems to me that Austen often portrays the secondary characters as either scoundrels or fools.
So the tone of The Girl in the Gatehouse reminded me more of one of my best-loved authors: Louisa May Alcott. Mariah is a secret author, like Jo March in Little Women. She is rejected by proper society, like Phoebe from Rose in Bloom. Mariah and her friends perform the theatricals she has written, as do Jo March and her sisters. And the gatehouse world is peopled by droll folks who charm and entertain—as are Louisa May Alcott’s warm, homey novels.
I loved how Mariah was pulled into the lives of the poorhouse inhabitants and soon became enmeshed in their troubles more than her own. And I would have a difficult time choosing a favorite out of the droll characters she comes to love. Would it be the tough old sailor who uses his spyglass to look into her garden from the roof of the poorhouse? Or maybe the boys who stretch a rope across the road to catch a girl for kissing Friday? Perhaps sweet Miss Amy with her love of scarlet knitting thread and gentle words of wisdom . . .
And since I’m a suspense lover, any novel that combines charming characters, an inspirational thread, dashes of romance, plus a mystery will always win me over. I enjoyed piecing together the mystery along with Mariah and was surprised at how—without any dead bodies to be found or deranged killers on the loose—it kept me turning pages.
This verse kept running through my mind as I read Julie Klassen’s historical novel, The Girl in the Gatehouse. In the story, Mariah Aubrey stumbles into disgrace and, as a result, is harshly rejected by her autocratic father. He banishes his heartbroken daughter from their home—with only a brief good-bye for her mother and sister—and hides her away in a relative’s gatehouse. It is there, in a quiet corner of a country estate, which happens to be across the street from the poorhouse, that she builds a new family from the eccentric and endearing characters who come her way—servants, orphans, outcasts, and even a handsome Navy captain.
In writing this story, Julie Klassen was inspired by Jane Austen as she created her main character, premise, and a few scenes, and I know many of you are Jane Austen fans. However, I sometimes find an Austen novel a bit cutting in its treatment of a character’s weaknesses. Also, it seems to me that Austen often portrays the secondary characters as either scoundrels or fools.
So the tone of The Girl in the Gatehouse reminded me more of one of my best-loved authors: Louisa May Alcott. Mariah is a secret author, like Jo March in Little Women. She is rejected by proper society, like Phoebe from Rose in Bloom. Mariah and her friends perform the theatricals she has written, as do Jo March and her sisters. And the gatehouse world is peopled by droll folks who charm and entertain—as are Louisa May Alcott’s warm, homey novels.
I loved how Mariah was pulled into the lives of the poorhouse inhabitants and soon became enmeshed in their troubles more than her own. And I would have a difficult time choosing a favorite out of the droll characters she comes to love. Would it be the tough old sailor who uses his spyglass to look into her garden from the roof of the poorhouse? Or maybe the boys who stretch a rope across the road to catch a girl for kissing Friday? Perhaps sweet Miss Amy with her love of scarlet knitting thread and gentle words of wisdom . . .
And since I’m a suspense lover, any novel that combines charming characters, an inspirational thread, dashes of romance, plus a mystery will always win me over. I enjoyed piecing together the mystery along with Mariah and was surprised at how—without any dead bodies to be found or deranged killers on the loose—it kept me turning pages.
April 23, 2011
Although this had a slow start for me, I ended up really enjoying it. This had a Jane Eyre-ish feel to it for me. A romance that is very slow developing but sweet and satisfying in the end. Throw in a bit of mystery and intrigue and there you have it. Clean, easy reading.
February 18, 2014
I love The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, so I tried another Julie Klassen. The pacing in this book was just way too slow with none of the great romantic tension like Fairbourne Hall.
July 13, 2017
I plainly, honestly, loved this book. It is my fourth by this amazing author, and when you think things can’t get better, there she does it again. I was pleasantly surprised by The Girl in the Gatehouse, it was impossible to put down, and it got me reading late into the night, because I just needed to know more.
First things first. I feel compelled to say that not every piece of Regency fiction is to be compared with Jane Austen. That’s unfair, and unnecessary, to say the least. Although in this book, the comparison is needed. And in a good way! I didn’t fully understand it until I got to the very end, although I could read some winks, through the entire novel, to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, and mostly, to Mansfield Park. For those who have read the latter, the name Mariah will ring a bell, and remind you the unfortunate but well-deserved ending of Maria Bertram’s character. In The Girl in the Gatehouse, and just like her namesake, Mariah Aubrey has a sister named Julia, an Aunt Norris, and a man she cares for, named Crawford. Such things are not randomly done. In Mansfield Park, our main focus is to see how the poor, resigned and sweet Fanny Price gets her heart’s desire and her happiness, and how those wretched villains that made her life miserable pay for what they did. But Julie Klassen takes that classic novel to a whole new level. She decides, through her heroine, to give Maria Bertram a chance of redemption.
There’s so many good things to say about this book, so many twist and turns, plenty of delightful details, that I don’t even know where to start. It was wonderful, and brilliant. For starters, it jumps straight into action, with Mariah sent away from her home, by his own father’s decision, to live in solitude in an abandoned gatehouse, with only a loyal servant and friend for company, in the grounds of a grand state, where her old, widow aunt lives. We don’t know why, but we can imagine that such fate could only come after a big, resonant scandal. Something happened with Mariah Aubrey that made her fall from grace, and cover her family in shame, and although we are not told what that is, as chapters go by, you are able to piece together the puzzle thanks to the clues scattered through the whole story. Something I really loved about Mariah is that, in despite of her situation and the many limitations forced upon women at the time, considering them inferior to men in all aspects, she chose to make her life count and put her talent as a writer to good use. True, she did it for the money she needed to afford the gatehouse she lived in, but still, she didn’t back up, and continued to write her stories, sure of her talent and the knowledge that her books were good enough to be published.
On the other hand, we find our hero, Captain Matthew Bryant. He’s a naval officer, and comes from a very strict family who never truly appreciated him for what he is, in despite of his efforts to please them, and his many virtues. There’s no way I could not love him! He’s desperately trying to win over a woman who rejected him years ago, the blonde, beautiful Isabella Forsythe, who is engaged to another man, a fact that he doesn’t care about. He’s sure that, by renting Windrush Court, and inviting her to a house party, along with other guests, he will make her change her mind, and thus, break her engagement to marry him instead. He put all of his efforts to win Isabella, no matter what, and although she wasn’t the woman for him, that nerve and determination are certainly admirable. But he found Mariah before making his plans a reality. They met in the middle of a storm, both real and metaphorical, as they were both weathering a gale of their own by the time he knocked on her door, Mariah struggling with her scandal, her new life, her writing, and her longing for her family and the man she loved; and Matthew, trying to make his life count after years at sea, fighting both in the Napoleonic wars and the home front, dealing with his sister’s past scandal, and his parents, that always focused on everything he wasn’t, clearly stating that they preferred his late brother over him. They didn’t have it exactly easy, but they still knew what they wanted, and went for it.
Their love story was utterly beautiful, and it had me rooting for them from page one. With every word and encounter, with that soft, unexpected first kiss, and all those almost-kisses, I just saw how they simply had to be together. Both Mariah and Matthew are deeply built characters, and their love goes beyond mere romance. I especially loved that emotionally raw, open moment they shared that night in the gatehouse, only the two them, deprived of sleep, and although it was short, it was a beautiful instant of shared trust, where I could see how much they came to be friends and rely on one another, in despite of all their flaws. Mariah certainly made a terrible mistake when she gave herself to an engaged man she was deeply in love with, later being both discovered in bed together, and she felt devastated when she found out that it didn’t have the same meaning for her than it did for him, because he had the chance to go back for her and propose to make things right, after Isabella Forsythe called off their engagement, but he didn’t, and she was the one paying the steepest of prices, bearing all the weight of society’s condemnation. I liked the fact that James Crawford, in the end, had a chance to acknowledge his guilt, and told everyone what he did, why he did it, and his true feelings about Mariah, stating that he would have chosen the honorable path if his life wasn’t manipulated by his father. But still, in my opinion, that was weakness, because, with enough determination, he could have broken free of that iron fist and made the decision to marry Mariah, facing the consequences that it would bring, if he had seen her worth. But he chose not to; he had the opportunity, and didn’t take it.
I guess that the main moral of this story is something we all need to remember, all the time, because we face it every single day, and that is that our mistakes do not define who we are. God took care of that when His Son shed His blood in that cross, only for love. Mariah got to be an accomplished author, and started writing her own dire past in a novel she titled The Tale of Lydia Sorrow –from which we can learn what really happened that fateful night–, but that book never got to a conclusion, because, although there were consequences to what she did, she decided not to focus on narrating how terrible the price she had to pay was, choosing to burn the pages and leave the past behind. In the end, she’s was heroine of her own story because of the decisions she made, and funnily enough, stories are one of the things that unite her and Matthew (that letter of his, at the end, was the sweetest thing). Matthew found out about her scandal, and although he was angry at first, later he understood that Mariah was more than her past, and that she was worthy of being loved, of a second chance. Unlike his first love, she wasn’t fickle and changing like the tide. They were alike because they both had different goals when they met, but upon getting to know each other better, they knew which of them were worthy, and which weren’t. Mariah grew stronger from her experience, in despite of the many tears she shed, and although both of them lived under the pressure of pleasing everyone else, they made the very important decision to stop trying to get the world’s approval, and for once, do what was good for them, attending to their very neglected happiness.
I wish I could do justice to all of the amazing little details in this novel, and of course, the other but equally important love stories, like Dixon and Martin’s (and Maggie, obviously), Lizzy and Hart’s, and of course, Captain Prince and Amy Merryweather’s. All of them speak of a love that chose to go beyond mistakes and flaws, and the shallow opinion of society, and they warmed my heart, making me root for all of them, wishing for them to find their happiness. Captain Prince’s story is fascinating, and although for a moment I considered it a little unnecessary for the main plot, I was soon engrossed by his life and all those things he did, after he chose not to please convention and society rules, and live by his own decisions, that I couldn’t stop reading. The only thing I wish I could have read is William Hart fighting to rescue Lizzy Barnes from her horrible life at the poorhouse, and although their story is not the main focus of the novel, I would have liked to read a little more development in both of their characters, see them fighting for their love. After all, they had their share of bitterness, but their love took them by surprise and lead to a happy ending.
I say this in all my reviews on books by Julie Klassen, and I’ll say it again. She’s a brilliantly committed author who truly cares about historical accuracy, and makes the effort of sitting there and do her research, when so many others don’t, and it is noticeable in their novels. It’s a pleasure to read a well-constructed book, with a solid foundation. She creates deep, passionate characters, blended with a unique, elegant writing style, and knows how to add the dashes of mystery right when they are needed to keep you turning the pages. She’s probably one of the most talented authors I’ve ever read, and all of her books are a treasure chest I’m always delighted to open. This book is a proof of it, because, how are we so sure that, in Mansfield Park, Maria Bertram didn’t regret what she did, didn’t become a better person after ending up in exile, with only her memories and the reminder of her mistakes for company? How do we know that she wasn’t worthy of being loved, only because social pressure and convention dictated she wasn’t? Didn’t she have the right to a second chance, to truly, deeply fall in love after what happened? Did her mistake and the price she paid made her stronger, or utterly destroyed her? I know that Mariah Aubrey isn’t Maria Bertram, but even so, I chose to believe the first. In Mansfield Park, she was a hateable character, with her spoiled upbringing, her well-trained vanity and the constant praises towards her beauty, her remarkable but dull engagement, and her rivalry with her sister, not only over Henry Crawford, but over every other aspect in life in which they were required to excel. Her future, after the ending of the novel, is a big question mark that Julie Klassen chose to fill with her own tale of redemption, humanizing her, and going to the roots of her scandal. And it is brilliantly done.
Needless to say, I’m going to read each and every one of Julie Klassen’s books, and I hope all of them are as good or better than this one!
*If you like what you read, you can find me in my blog for more reviews and other articles: http://abookandateacup.blogspot.com.ar/*
First things first. I feel compelled to say that not every piece of Regency fiction is to be compared with Jane Austen. That’s unfair, and unnecessary, to say the least. Although in this book, the comparison is needed. And in a good way! I didn’t fully understand it until I got to the very end, although I could read some winks, through the entire novel, to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, and mostly, to Mansfield Park. For those who have read the latter, the name Mariah will ring a bell, and remind you the unfortunate but well-deserved ending of Maria Bertram’s character. In The Girl in the Gatehouse, and just like her namesake, Mariah Aubrey has a sister named Julia, an Aunt Norris, and a man she cares for, named Crawford. Such things are not randomly done. In Mansfield Park, our main focus is to see how the poor, resigned and sweet Fanny Price gets her heart’s desire and her happiness, and how those wretched villains that made her life miserable pay for what they did. But Julie Klassen takes that classic novel to a whole new level. She decides, through her heroine, to give Maria Bertram a chance of redemption.
There’s so many good things to say about this book, so many twist and turns, plenty of delightful details, that I don’t even know where to start. It was wonderful, and brilliant. For starters, it jumps straight into action, with Mariah sent away from her home, by his own father’s decision, to live in solitude in an abandoned gatehouse, with only a loyal servant and friend for company, in the grounds of a grand state, where her old, widow aunt lives. We don’t know why, but we can imagine that such fate could only come after a big, resonant scandal. Something happened with Mariah Aubrey that made her fall from grace, and cover her family in shame, and although we are not told what that is, as chapters go by, you are able to piece together the puzzle thanks to the clues scattered through the whole story. Something I really loved about Mariah is that, in despite of her situation and the many limitations forced upon women at the time, considering them inferior to men in all aspects, she chose to make her life count and put her talent as a writer to good use. True, she did it for the money she needed to afford the gatehouse she lived in, but still, she didn’t back up, and continued to write her stories, sure of her talent and the knowledge that her books were good enough to be published.
On the other hand, we find our hero, Captain Matthew Bryant. He’s a naval officer, and comes from a very strict family who never truly appreciated him for what he is, in despite of his efforts to please them, and his many virtues. There’s no way I could not love him! He’s desperately trying to win over a woman who rejected him years ago, the blonde, beautiful Isabella Forsythe, who is engaged to another man, a fact that he doesn’t care about. He’s sure that, by renting Windrush Court, and inviting her to a house party, along with other guests, he will make her change her mind, and thus, break her engagement to marry him instead. He put all of his efforts to win Isabella, no matter what, and although she wasn’t the woman for him, that nerve and determination are certainly admirable. But he found Mariah before making his plans a reality. They met in the middle of a storm, both real and metaphorical, as they were both weathering a gale of their own by the time he knocked on her door, Mariah struggling with her scandal, her new life, her writing, and her longing for her family and the man she loved; and Matthew, trying to make his life count after years at sea, fighting both in the Napoleonic wars and the home front, dealing with his sister’s past scandal, and his parents, that always focused on everything he wasn’t, clearly stating that they preferred his late brother over him. They didn’t have it exactly easy, but they still knew what they wanted, and went for it.
Their love story was utterly beautiful, and it had me rooting for them from page one. With every word and encounter, with that soft, unexpected first kiss, and all those almost-kisses, I just saw how they simply had to be together. Both Mariah and Matthew are deeply built characters, and their love goes beyond mere romance. I especially loved that emotionally raw, open moment they shared that night in the gatehouse, only the two them, deprived of sleep, and although it was short, it was a beautiful instant of shared trust, where I could see how much they came to be friends and rely on one another, in despite of all their flaws. Mariah certainly made a terrible mistake when she gave herself to an engaged man she was deeply in love with, later being both discovered in bed together, and she felt devastated when she found out that it didn’t have the same meaning for her than it did for him, because he had the chance to go back for her and propose to make things right, after Isabella Forsythe called off their engagement, but he didn’t, and she was the one paying the steepest of prices, bearing all the weight of society’s condemnation. I liked the fact that James Crawford, in the end, had a chance to acknowledge his guilt, and told everyone what he did, why he did it, and his true feelings about Mariah, stating that he would have chosen the honorable path if his life wasn’t manipulated by his father. But still, in my opinion, that was weakness, because, with enough determination, he could have broken free of that iron fist and made the decision to marry Mariah, facing the consequences that it would bring, if he had seen her worth. But he chose not to; he had the opportunity, and didn’t take it.
I guess that the main moral of this story is something we all need to remember, all the time, because we face it every single day, and that is that our mistakes do not define who we are. God took care of that when His Son shed His blood in that cross, only for love. Mariah got to be an accomplished author, and started writing her own dire past in a novel she titled The Tale of Lydia Sorrow –from which we can learn what really happened that fateful night–, but that book never got to a conclusion, because, although there were consequences to what she did, she decided not to focus on narrating how terrible the price she had to pay was, choosing to burn the pages and leave the past behind. In the end, she’s was heroine of her own story because of the decisions she made, and funnily enough, stories are one of the things that unite her and Matthew (that letter of his, at the end, was the sweetest thing). Matthew found out about her scandal, and although he was angry at first, later he understood that Mariah was more than her past, and that she was worthy of being loved, of a second chance. Unlike his first love, she wasn’t fickle and changing like the tide. They were alike because they both had different goals when they met, but upon getting to know each other better, they knew which of them were worthy, and which weren’t. Mariah grew stronger from her experience, in despite of the many tears she shed, and although both of them lived under the pressure of pleasing everyone else, they made the very important decision to stop trying to get the world’s approval, and for once, do what was good for them, attending to their very neglected happiness.
I wish I could do justice to all of the amazing little details in this novel, and of course, the other but equally important love stories, like Dixon and Martin’s (and Maggie, obviously), Lizzy and Hart’s, and of course, Captain Prince and Amy Merryweather’s. All of them speak of a love that chose to go beyond mistakes and flaws, and the shallow opinion of society, and they warmed my heart, making me root for all of them, wishing for them to find their happiness. Captain Prince’s story is fascinating, and although for a moment I considered it a little unnecessary for the main plot, I was soon engrossed by his life and all those things he did, after he chose not to please convention and society rules, and live by his own decisions, that I couldn’t stop reading. The only thing I wish I could have read is William Hart fighting to rescue Lizzy Barnes from her horrible life at the poorhouse, and although their story is not the main focus of the novel, I would have liked to read a little more development in both of their characters, see them fighting for their love. After all, they had their share of bitterness, but their love took them by surprise and lead to a happy ending.
I say this in all my reviews on books by Julie Klassen, and I’ll say it again. She’s a brilliantly committed author who truly cares about historical accuracy, and makes the effort of sitting there and do her research, when so many others don’t, and it is noticeable in their novels. It’s a pleasure to read a well-constructed book, with a solid foundation. She creates deep, passionate characters, blended with a unique, elegant writing style, and knows how to add the dashes of mystery right when they are needed to keep you turning the pages. She’s probably one of the most talented authors I’ve ever read, and all of her books are a treasure chest I’m always delighted to open. This book is a proof of it, because, how are we so sure that, in Mansfield Park, Maria Bertram didn’t regret what she did, didn’t become a better person after ending up in exile, with only her memories and the reminder of her mistakes for company? How do we know that she wasn’t worthy of being loved, only because social pressure and convention dictated she wasn’t? Didn’t she have the right to a second chance, to truly, deeply fall in love after what happened? Did her mistake and the price she paid made her stronger, or utterly destroyed her? I know that Mariah Aubrey isn’t Maria Bertram, but even so, I chose to believe the first. In Mansfield Park, she was a hateable character, with her spoiled upbringing, her well-trained vanity and the constant praises towards her beauty, her remarkable but dull engagement, and her rivalry with her sister, not only over Henry Crawford, but over every other aspect in life in which they were required to excel. Her future, after the ending of the novel, is a big question mark that Julie Klassen chose to fill with her own tale of redemption, humanizing her, and going to the roots of her scandal. And it is brilliantly done.
Needless to say, I’m going to read each and every one of Julie Klassen’s books, and I hope all of them are as good or better than this one!
*If you like what you read, you can find me in my blog for more reviews and other articles: http://abookandateacup.blogspot.com.ar/*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2012
I had read good things about Julie Klassen's inspirational regencies so I sought this book out. It started out well. The setting of a young woman in "exile" because of misbehavior and a romance with a sea captain promised a good riff on Jane Austen's themes.
However, Ms. Klassen can't hold a candle to Austen when it comes to creating believable characters and witty dialogue. I could have seen past the dialogue problem--who besides Georgette Heyer has come close?--but the clumsy plotting was just too much. The characters, including our heroine Mariah, are flat and unbelievable. Coincidences pile up, making for ridiculous situations. Secondary characters are little more than plot devices carrying a heavy load. The second half of the book simply spun out of the author's control. She had so many plot twists going that had little or nothing to do with the core story that the ending made little sense.
The inspirational element was negligible, amounting to little more than expressing a feeling of unworthiness of forgiveness on the part of the two main characters. Of course they do achieve forgiveness and reconciliation.
I problably will not read any more of Klassen's work.
However, Ms. Klassen can't hold a candle to Austen when it comes to creating believable characters and witty dialogue. I could have seen past the dialogue problem--who besides Georgette Heyer has come close?--but the clumsy plotting was just too much. The characters, including our heroine Mariah, are flat and unbelievable. Coincidences pile up, making for ridiculous situations. Secondary characters are little more than plot devices carrying a heavy load. The second half of the book simply spun out of the author's control. She had so many plot twists going that had little or nothing to do with the core story that the ending made little sense.
The inspirational element was negligible, amounting to little more than expressing a feeling of unworthiness of forgiveness on the part of the two main characters. Of course they do achieve forgiveness and reconciliation.
I problably will not read any more of Klassen's work.
August 3, 2020
I absolutely ADORE this book. It is probably now one of my top two favorite Julie Klassen reads. I was quickly invested in the story & I really couldn’t put it down the further I was in to it. There were a lot of mysteries to be solved & hidden identifies to uncover.
I love how rounded & flawed both of the main characters are. Mariah was very endearing & I was on the edge of my seat trying to piece together the puzzle of her scandalous background. Captain Bryant (Matthew) is the definition of my favorite regency hero. He is heroic, noble, sweet, & I loved his thirst for “revenge” & how his heart guided him in a different direction in the end. I think his response to Mariah’s background was realistically written & handled very well by Julie Klassen.
All of the side characters were interesting & charming as well. I loved the epilogue & how others got happily ever afters as well. This is the perfect regency redemption story.💕
I love how rounded & flawed both of the main characters are. Mariah was very endearing & I was on the edge of my seat trying to piece together the puzzle of her scandalous background. Captain Bryant (Matthew) is the definition of my favorite regency hero. He is heroic, noble, sweet, & I loved his thirst for “revenge” & how his heart guided him in a different direction in the end. I think his response to Mariah’s background was realistically written & handled very well by Julie Klassen.
All of the side characters were interesting & charming as well. I loved the epilogue & how others got happily ever afters as well. This is the perfect regency redemption story.💕
March 11, 2011
I really liked the mysteries within the mystery of the "girl in the gatehouse" herself. Also, Klassen's nod to Persuasion's Capt. Wentworth made me happy since I love that book and that character. Like Jane Austen, I know I can count on Klassen to provide no loose ends and happy endings. I also like that she subtly weaves in the spiritual elements behind the story and connects it well with the plot. It's like reading a parable at times. I definitely recommend this book if you like Jane Austen. :)
March 20, 2018
I really liked that there was both aspects of mystery (and multiple minor mysteries at that!) and romance woven through this book. I figured out some things before the characters did, but others were definitely surprising twists! I also really appreciated that many people (especially Dixon and Miss Amy) were pointing Mariah to God's grace and forgiveness, and that she was able to find redemption in Him finally (though I wish that thread had been a bit more of a factor in the book as opposed to almost an afterthought.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
June 28, 2022
Loved this story! It kept you guessing throughout and I really, really enjoyed both main characters.
Matthew and Mariah were each personally going through heavy life situations, both characters were relatable and you really sympathized with their difficult circumstances.
I liked who they were and how they communicated—I found that very satisfying as I read the book. There were a few romances budding throughout and I loved watching them all unfold. All the ‘supporting’ characters were so endearing.
I expected to enjoy this book but it was even better than I thought!
Matthew and Mariah were each personally going through heavy life situations, both characters were relatable and you really sympathized with their difficult circumstances.
I liked who they were and how they communicated—I found that very satisfying as I read the book. There were a few romances budding throughout and I loved watching them all unfold. All the ‘supporting’ characters were so endearing.
I expected to enjoy this book but it was even better than I thought!
July 3, 2013
Having read three other Julie Klassen novels, I was eager to get stuck into a fourth. This didn't quite live up to The Tutor's Daughter, The Apothecary's Daughter or The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, and I think it was because the sheer volume of secrets made it cross the line into melodrama. I doubt there was a single character who wasn't nursing something deep, dark, shameful or sinister. It was difficult, therefore, to forget that it was a fiction novel instead of getting totally engrossed in the lives of the characters. In the end, I was grinning and rolling my eyes.
It was still an entertaining read. The main character, Mariah, was a novelist in those Georgian times when female fiction authors were 'frowned upon' and this was just one of her secrets. I appreciated the scene when the hero, Matthew,was innocently discussing his unflattering opinion of her book with her.
There is plenty of beautiful, touching description and many lovable characters so anybody who loves a good regency novel would probably appreciate this one. As usual, I was impressed by Julie Klassen's impeccable research of the time. I'd just add a "Contains excessive drama" label if there was such a thing.
It was still an entertaining read. The main character, Mariah, was a novelist in those Georgian times when female fiction authors were 'frowned upon' and this was just one of her secrets. I appreciated the scene when the hero, Matthew,was innocently discussing his unflattering opinion of her book with her.
There is plenty of beautiful, touching description and many lovable characters so anybody who loves a good regency novel would probably appreciate this one. As usual, I was impressed by Julie Klassen's impeccable research of the time. I'd just add a "Contains excessive drama" label if there was such a thing.
October 15, 2025
Nice book. A second chance for redemption and happiness. What caught my attention in the beginning was the gatehouse. Had to look it up. Anyway, Ms. Mariah Aubrey is sent away from her home for a mistake she made in a moment of weakness. Her widowed aunt offers her a home in the gatehouse of a manor that belonged to her late husband. Mariah realizes that the money she is given by her father is not enough for their everyday expenses, so she takes up writing novels under a nom de plume. She finds herself at odds against Hugh Prin-Hallsey, the apparent heir to the manor. Mariah and her companion Dixon try to settle in to the best of their capacity.
She meets Cap Matthew Bryant, who lets the manor in hopes of winning the heart of a young woman but ends up realizing that the lady doesn't care for him. He is intrigued with Mariah's sweet and kind nature, but that doesn't stop him from hurting her with his words and implied meanings. Well, the story falls into place slowly. They discover that the crazy naval captain from the poorhouse roof is the rightful heir to the manor. Then Matthew realizes that he loves Mariah, Dixon finds a husband too.
I liked the Jane Austen snippets in between.
She meets Cap Matthew Bryant, who lets the manor in hopes of winning the heart of a young woman but ends up realizing that the lady doesn't care for him. He is intrigued with Mariah's sweet and kind nature, but that doesn't stop him from hurting her with his words and implied meanings. Well, the story falls into place slowly. They discover that the crazy naval captain from the poorhouse roof is the rightful heir to the manor. Then Matthew realizes that he loves Mariah, Dixon finds a husband too.
I liked the Jane Austen snippets in between.
January 1, 2022
3.85 stars
My first book of the year!
My first book of the year!
April 15, 2020
**Second time reading this, since I am in quarantine at this time I wanted to see how Mariah did as she is somewhat also in isolation. I enjoyed the story all over again except this time I was more annoyed with Matthew Bryant and didn't see him as worthy of her heart. It all works out and I cried this time a little while reading it...for Amy and for Maggie. A great story and not my preferred genre anymore.**
Okay, so I just finished The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klessen. I’m very happy to say it was quite an enjoyable story that ended well. The main character was someone I could relate to, the minor characters were given their dues in the story, there were enough antagonists to keep the story realistic and the pace wasn’t rushed but it wasn’t dull either. I liked the romance as well. Women tend to have unrealistic expectations when it comes to romance and this issue was addressed in the story. The hero in the story was flawed and faced insecurities just as the main character did. He was superior in status and money, but he lacked certain wisdom and discernment until the end. It’s important to see that with heroic characters. Just because someone is rich and handsome does not mean they are thoughtful or intelligent and without those characteristics the hero falls flat both on the page and in real life.
Mariah Aubrey has been placed in hiding because of a scandal that has embarrassed her father. I assumed the scandal was sexual because in the 1800s that was the worst thing an unmarried woman could do, but the book doesn’t go into those details until halfway through the story. While she is in hiding, she is filled with shame and is very discreet to everyone she comes in contact with. That was frustrating because it caused several misunderstandings throughout the book, but it kept the plot interesting. I wanted to see how every issue dealt with was resolved and I was very satisfied in how Klassen brings closure. Aubrey runs out of money quickly while in hiding so to support herself and her nanny she turns to writing under an alias to make money. She meets many interesting characters that live nearby and a new tenant moves into the property named Captain Matthew Bryant who instantly befriends Mariah. I enjoyed watching these two characters fall in love despite different obstacles they face along the way. Each of them is forced to leave their comfort zones, face their pasts, and confront their fears…all of this before getting into a serious fling. I also loved how the author includes quotes from past writers in the beginning of each chapter. The Jane Austen quotes were incredible and showed the research done to create this book.
One of my favorite lines in the story is at the end, but I felt like cheering once I read it. “I am the scoundrel. Me. Not her! But that is not how polite society works, is it? The man can do as he pleases as long as he does not commit the unpardonable sin of breaking an engagement. Dashed unfair if you ask me, but nobody has. You were all too busy condemning her.” I realized that no matter what happened with Mariah Aubrey that she didn’t need a man to find her happiness and redemption. She found herself while in hiding, but once she did she was finally free.
I definitely recommend this story to those who enjoy historical settings, but this charming book will appeal to all types of readers no matter what genre they prefer.
Okay, so I just finished The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klessen. I’m very happy to say it was quite an enjoyable story that ended well. The main character was someone I could relate to, the minor characters were given their dues in the story, there were enough antagonists to keep the story realistic and the pace wasn’t rushed but it wasn’t dull either. I liked the romance as well. Women tend to have unrealistic expectations when it comes to romance and this issue was addressed in the story. The hero in the story was flawed and faced insecurities just as the main character did. He was superior in status and money, but he lacked certain wisdom and discernment until the end. It’s important to see that with heroic characters. Just because someone is rich and handsome does not mean they are thoughtful or intelligent and without those characteristics the hero falls flat both on the page and in real life.
Mariah Aubrey has been placed in hiding because of a scandal that has embarrassed her father. I assumed the scandal was sexual because in the 1800s that was the worst thing an unmarried woman could do, but the book doesn’t go into those details until halfway through the story. While she is in hiding, she is filled with shame and is very discreet to everyone she comes in contact with. That was frustrating because it caused several misunderstandings throughout the book, but it kept the plot interesting. I wanted to see how every issue dealt with was resolved and I was very satisfied in how Klassen brings closure. Aubrey runs out of money quickly while in hiding so to support herself and her nanny she turns to writing under an alias to make money. She meets many interesting characters that live nearby and a new tenant moves into the property named Captain Matthew Bryant who instantly befriends Mariah. I enjoyed watching these two characters fall in love despite different obstacles they face along the way. Each of them is forced to leave their comfort zones, face their pasts, and confront their fears…all of this before getting into a serious fling. I also loved how the author includes quotes from past writers in the beginning of each chapter. The Jane Austen quotes were incredible and showed the research done to create this book.
One of my favorite lines in the story is at the end, but I felt like cheering once I read it. “I am the scoundrel. Me. Not her! But that is not how polite society works, is it? The man can do as he pleases as long as he does not commit the unpardonable sin of breaking an engagement. Dashed unfair if you ask me, but nobody has. You were all too busy condemning her.” I realized that no matter what happened with Mariah Aubrey that she didn’t need a man to find her happiness and redemption. She found herself while in hiding, but once she did she was finally free.
I definitely recommend this story to those who enjoy historical settings, but this charming book will appeal to all types of readers no matter what genre they prefer.
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