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Nebezpečná zámena
Posledný vydesený výkrik a v nasledujúcej sekunde sa všetko okolo nej rozkrútilo. Koč sa s ňou kotúľal, kým neprišiel zničujúci náraz, ktorý rozmetal jej myšlienky a otriasol ňou až do špiku kostí. Potom prišla bolesť a ľadová voda. A keď všetky pocity zmizli, načiahla sa za ňou ruka a vzápätí ju obklopila tma…
Uprostred ničivej búrky sa koč s tromi cestujúcimi – sirom Johnom Mayfieldom, lady Mariannou Mayfieldovou a jej spoločníčkou – zrúti z útesu a navždy zmení ich osudy. V koči napokon nájdu iba dve osoby – vážne zraneného sira Johna a ženu so vzácnym prsteňom na ruke, ktorá je v bezvedomí.
Zachránená sa preberie v neznámom dome a zápasí s útržkovitými spomienkami na nehodu, so znepokojujúcimi snami o dieťati, ktoré sa ocitlo v ohrození, a s tajomstvom skrytom v prsteni na svojej ruke. Obklopená neznámymi tvárami a prenasledovaná zlou predtuchou si zrazu uvedomí, že nemôže veriť vôbec nikomu a že musí odhaliť pravdu o tom, čo sa stalo počas tej búrlivej noci, hoci nebezpečenstvo rastie a nepriatelia sa sprisahali proti nej.
Uprostred ničivej búrky sa koč s tromi cestujúcimi – sirom Johnom Mayfieldom, lady Mariannou Mayfieldovou a jej spoločníčkou – zrúti z útesu a navždy zmení ich osudy. V koči napokon nájdu iba dve osoby – vážne zraneného sira Johna a ženu so vzácnym prsteňom na ruke, ktorá je v bezvedomí.
Zachránená sa preberie v neznámom dome a zápasí s útržkovitými spomienkami na nehodu, so znepokojujúcimi snami o dieťati, ktoré sa ocitlo v ohrození, a s tajomstvom skrytom v prsteni na svojej ruke. Obklopená neznámymi tvárami a prenasledovaná zlou predtuchou si zrazu uvedomí, že nemôže veriť vôbec nikomu a že musí odhaliť pravdu o tom, čo sa stalo počas tej búrlivej noci, hoci nebezpečenstvo rastie a nepriatelia sa sprisahali proti nej.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2015
319 people are currently reading
9396 people want to read
About the author
Julie Klassen
32 books6,121 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 917 reviews
July 27, 2015
Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors, among the best in the Regency genre, a trusted name on my “automatic buy” list. I knew when I requested this novel that it was published by Berkley Trade, but was hoping Klassen was simply doing as many before her have done: broadening her reach into mainstream romance. I know there has been some backlash in the past for those who have done so, but I personally don’t feel as if the author is abandoning her faith or core audience simply because they publish with a secular printer—it’s about the writing. What, if anything, changes with the storyline, characters or situations?
I expected a toned-down spiritual component but was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn’t the case. At first, most of the references were similar to the one in the back cover blurb, prayers uttered quickly, references to God, but little depth or content. But about 70 percent of the way through, we get a Gospel presentation and Jesus is how we obtain forgiveness for the sin we commit. Wow. Didn’t see that coming, even from a secondary character. There is also a scene towards the end of incredible grace and forgiveness, completely undeserved, that was the best part of the novel in my opinion. It’s never called grace, not necessarily lauded, but it is there as a strong witness to those who may question why she would do such a thing. I credit the publisher and author for not feeling as if God must be stricken from her writing.
I love Klassen’s writing and that remains the case in this book, at least as far as the writing itself goes. The prose is always well done and the dialogue sounds natural, but I found that I struggled to like the characters in this particular novel. The heroine is caught between two men, both of whom are taciturn and unpleasant fellows the majority of the time. Just when I thought we were getting somewhere and one or the other of them said or did something wonderful, he would immediately undo all of my goodwill by behaving hurtfully again. I know real life works that way sometimes, but for both of the potential heroes to act this way left me frustrated. As for our heroine, attracted to two men is understandable, but waffling between them to such an extent that even she begins to lament that her indecision will cost her both of them just left me feeling everyone would be better off going separate ways.
I really did not care much for how the plot developed, either. This book really is a series of unveiling various secrets and lies, from the first chapter through the ending. Everyone seems to be hiding something and it is largely the revelations that propel the action along; everyone acts according to the latest news and how they must modify their lies to still obtain their desired end. Growth in characters is hard to gauge as I was never sure who the real person was beneath all of the layers.
It is unreasonable to expect to like every book by an author, but unfortunately I think a lot of my dislike of this particular novel also stems from the increased sexual content in this book. Inappropriate touching occurs several times and a flashback describes a sexual encounter between unmarried individuals. It doesn't get overly detailed, but it was enough to make this married mother of three uncomfortable reading it. I know what goes on behind closed doors—I prefer not to read it described, even if it stops before delineating the actual act. One of the reasons I read almost exclusively Christian authors is to avoid scenes that go beyond passionate kisses, even if the characters I’m reading are married, which these weren’t.
I admit that I fall to the far right side of the conservative spectrum, but I don’t think I’ll be the only one of Klassen’s core audience of Christian women who will likely be a bit surprised by this novel from her, though there are some similarities to her debut, Lady of Milkweed Manor. There are also stark differences however, especially as relates to the topic of infidelity, or what the characters assume is infidelity based on what they know at the time. There's no way for me to really explain what bothered me except through the use of spoilers. I won’t do that but I will say that even after important secrets are revealed, the ending still doesn’t make up for the way we get there.
I am afraid that by trying to please both the secular and inspirational markets, Klassen will have everyone unhappy; Christian readers will likely find this novel too risqué, while secular romance readers may find it too tame or complain about the spiritual content. Honestly, I am torn about how to rate this novel, and that’s why I chose to go middle of the road. On one hand, it’s a novel from a secular publisher and it was fairly “clean” even if I didn’t much care for the story; on the other, this is an author whose name I trusted, and the content disappointed me greatly but it doesn’t feel right to hold it to the same standards that I would if it came from a Christian publisher.
From the author's name, I trusted the content. This is not the "one foot on the floor" romance, however, and I really struggled with this uncomfortable tale of mistaken identity and infidelity. I am a bit surprised that her Christian publishing house did not insist on a pseudonym for the publication of this novel—I am afraid it may create a bit of a branding problem for her. I will still read Klassen’s work going forward, but only as long as it comes from a Christian publisher I trust. I’m sorry—I’m just not willing to go there, even for a favorite author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
I expected a toned-down spiritual component but was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn’t the case. At first, most of the references were similar to the one in the back cover blurb, prayers uttered quickly, references to God, but little depth or content. But about 70 percent of the way through, we get a Gospel presentation and Jesus is how we obtain forgiveness for the sin we commit. Wow. Didn’t see that coming, even from a secondary character. There is also a scene towards the end of incredible grace and forgiveness, completely undeserved, that was the best part of the novel in my opinion. It’s never called grace, not necessarily lauded, but it is there as a strong witness to those who may question why she would do such a thing. I credit the publisher and author for not feeling as if God must be stricken from her writing.
I love Klassen’s writing and that remains the case in this book, at least as far as the writing itself goes. The prose is always well done and the dialogue sounds natural, but I found that I struggled to like the characters in this particular novel. The heroine is caught between two men, both of whom are taciturn and unpleasant fellows the majority of the time. Just when I thought we were getting somewhere and one or the other of them said or did something wonderful, he would immediately undo all of my goodwill by behaving hurtfully again. I know real life works that way sometimes, but for both of the potential heroes to act this way left me frustrated. As for our heroine, attracted to two men is understandable, but waffling between them to such an extent that even she begins to lament that her indecision will cost her both of them just left me feeling everyone would be better off going separate ways.
I really did not care much for how the plot developed, either. This book really is a series of unveiling various secrets and lies, from the first chapter through the ending. Everyone seems to be hiding something and it is largely the revelations that propel the action along; everyone acts according to the latest news and how they must modify their lies to still obtain their desired end. Growth in characters is hard to gauge as I was never sure who the real person was beneath all of the layers.
It is unreasonable to expect to like every book by an author, but unfortunately I think a lot of my dislike of this particular novel also stems from the increased sexual content in this book. Inappropriate touching occurs several times and a flashback describes a sexual encounter between unmarried individuals. It doesn't get overly detailed, but it was enough to make this married mother of three uncomfortable reading it. I know what goes on behind closed doors—I prefer not to read it described, even if it stops before delineating the actual act. One of the reasons I read almost exclusively Christian authors is to avoid scenes that go beyond passionate kisses, even if the characters I’m reading are married, which these weren’t.
I admit that I fall to the far right side of the conservative spectrum, but I don’t think I’ll be the only one of Klassen’s core audience of Christian women who will likely be a bit surprised by this novel from her, though there are some similarities to her debut, Lady of Milkweed Manor. There are also stark differences however, especially as relates to the topic of infidelity, or what the characters assume is infidelity based on what they know at the time. There's no way for me to really explain what bothered me except through the use of spoilers. I won’t do that but I will say that even after important secrets are revealed, the ending still doesn’t make up for the way we get there.
I am afraid that by trying to please both the secular and inspirational markets, Klassen will have everyone unhappy; Christian readers will likely find this novel too risqué, while secular romance readers may find it too tame or complain about the spiritual content. Honestly, I am torn about how to rate this novel, and that’s why I chose to go middle of the road. On one hand, it’s a novel from a secular publisher and it was fairly “clean” even if I didn’t much care for the story; on the other, this is an author whose name I trusted, and the content disappointed me greatly but it doesn’t feel right to hold it to the same standards that I would if it came from a Christian publisher.
From the author's name, I trusted the content. This is not the "one foot on the floor" romance, however, and I really struggled with this uncomfortable tale of mistaken identity and infidelity. I am a bit surprised that her Christian publishing house did not insist on a pseudonym for the publication of this novel—I am afraid it may create a bit of a branding problem for her. I will still read Klassen’s work going forward, but only as long as it comes from a Christian publisher I trust. I’m sorry—I’m just not willing to go there, even for a favorite author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
dnf
May 14, 2025DNF review:
This is a hard review to write if I am honest. Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. I went into Lady Maybe hoping for a historical romance filled with mystery and strong emotional depth....something Julie Klassen has always delivered. The atmospheric setting, intriguing premise, and beautiful writing drew me in. Love a good mistaken identity storyline too. A woman surviving a carriage accident with no memory, a mysterious ring on her finger, and the danger that surrounds her.....it all had the makings of a gripping story. I really liked it too for a while....
But unfortunately, I had to put this one down due to my personal convictions.
What ultimately made me DNF the book was the direction the plot took with double infidelity shown and a love triangle that just didn’t sit right with me. I don’t mind flawed characters, but the gray areas here.....especially involving marital betrayal and shifting affections felt too heavy-handed and uncomfortable for my personal taste. I found it difficult to connect with or root for the characters, and the emotional entanglements became more frustrating than compelling. I love a redemption story just as much as the next person, but this one just wasn't it.
If you're a reader who doesn’t mind messy relationships or complex romantic dynamics, this might still work for you. But if infidelity and romantic confusion are deal-breakers...consider this a heads-up.
From what I understood, this is a book that was re-released and the sensual content was toned down, but I still didn't care for the plot of where things went. I have seen other reviews say a similar reason for why they DNF this one.
Final Thoughts:
While I appreciate Julie's talent and the premise had promise, the themes and relational dynamics in Lady Maybe weren’t a good fit for me. DNF around the halfway mark. I will continue to read her other books as they usually don't have these themes in them. Thank you to the publisher for giving me this copy to honestly read and review.
This is a hard review to write if I am honest. Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. I went into Lady Maybe hoping for a historical romance filled with mystery and strong emotional depth....something Julie Klassen has always delivered. The atmospheric setting, intriguing premise, and beautiful writing drew me in. Love a good mistaken identity storyline too. A woman surviving a carriage accident with no memory, a mysterious ring on her finger, and the danger that surrounds her.....it all had the makings of a gripping story. I really liked it too for a while....
But unfortunately, I had to put this one down due to my personal convictions.
What ultimately made me DNF the book was the direction the plot took with double infidelity shown and a love triangle that just didn’t sit right with me. I don’t mind flawed characters, but the gray areas here.....especially involving marital betrayal and shifting affections felt too heavy-handed and uncomfortable for my personal taste. I found it difficult to connect with or root for the characters, and the emotional entanglements became more frustrating than compelling. I love a redemption story just as much as the next person, but this one just wasn't it.
If you're a reader who doesn’t mind messy relationships or complex romantic dynamics, this might still work for you. But if infidelity and romantic confusion are deal-breakers...consider this a heads-up.
From what I understood, this is a book that was re-released and the sensual content was toned down, but I still didn't care for the plot of where things went. I have seen other reviews say a similar reason for why they DNF this one.
Final Thoughts:
While I appreciate Julie's talent and the premise had promise, the themes and relational dynamics in Lady Maybe weren’t a good fit for me. DNF around the halfway mark. I will continue to read her other books as they usually don't have these themes in them. Thank you to the publisher for giving me this copy to honestly read and review.
January 4, 2016
I love the Regency era novels, and Julie Klassen writes them with rich detail and intrigue. However, despite that, and Julie Klassen being one of my favorite historical authors, I had a few (personal) problems with Lady Maybe.
Subtly hinting at the dark, scandalous classic of Jane Eyre, this story centers on Hannah, a lady's companion, who is suddenly thrust into a world of riches, and secrets, and deception. She longs to save the one person most precious to her, but doesn't know how long she can go on before she's found out.
Lady Maybe was thoroughly entertaining. It had completely unexpected plot twists. Shocking secrets. Bizarre love triangles. With danger, fear, tenderness, and long-hidden misdeeds, this novel kept me wondering and guessing - until the very end.
That being part of the problem. If you know me, you know I don't prefer love triangles. I definitely don't like them when you have no idea which young man the lady will choose, until the end of the book. How does the romance mean anything to the reader then? All those sweet moments, and those one or two stolen kisses ... I just read them with a perturbed feeling, knowing that she's, on one hand, giving away kisses and having tender moments with a man she won't marry. It just bothered me to no end! I realize readers are all about suspense and crazy, unimaginable plot twists these days; but I would way rather have a big hint at which man she's going to choose ... and watch their romance blossom into something more than just infatuation and physical attraction. I suppose, when you get the whole story, she does actually love one guy, and just is attracted to the other. I suppose. But, we can't see this. We can't see Hannah's feelings, or remember her past, or anything; even though she's the main POV character. We're left guessing. And again, I know lots of readers love this. It's just not my personal preference at all.
And yes, the romance stuff. I don't like reading about a young woman "falling in love" with two different men at the same time. It's not very appropriate. Nor was it appropriate at all, keeping with the Jane Eyre theme, for a sort of secretly married man to ask a young woman to live in sin with him! Grr! To me, that just shows how much he doesn't honor, cherish, and love her. I don't know. It rubbed me very wrong, despite how people gush over the similar Jane Eyre story. It turns out pretty right in the end, but Lady Maybe is quite the story of scandal and alluded-to-indiscretions right and left. Erm, most of it is alluded to. Some bits a little more detailed. If you don't like a lot of sensuality in the novels you read, prepare to do a bit of skimming, which is what I did. There's one scene in particular (a flashback) which was inappropriate and completely unneeded, in my opinion.
There still is a bit of a faith theme, talking about God's forgiveness, even of our darkest sins; and the like. But overall, I just wasn't a fan of this story. Too much scandal, and past sins, and mixed-up drama, and all that.
I've LOVED some of Julie Klassen's other books, such as The Tutor's Daughter and The Lady of Milkweed Manor. I have five of her books on my bookshelf and hope to collect more! Lady Maybe wasn't so much for me ... but I'm looking forward to reading The Painter's Daughter, and hope it will be more like her other books! *smiles*
Subtly hinting at the dark, scandalous classic of Jane Eyre, this story centers on Hannah, a lady's companion, who is suddenly thrust into a world of riches, and secrets, and deception. She longs to save the one person most precious to her, but doesn't know how long she can go on before she's found out.
Lady Maybe was thoroughly entertaining. It had completely unexpected plot twists. Shocking secrets. Bizarre love triangles. With danger, fear, tenderness, and long-hidden misdeeds, this novel kept me wondering and guessing - until the very end.
That being part of the problem. If you know me, you know I don't prefer love triangles. I definitely don't like them when you have no idea which young man the lady will choose, until the end of the book. How does the romance mean anything to the reader then? All those sweet moments, and those one or two stolen kisses ... I just read them with a perturbed feeling, knowing that she's, on one hand, giving away kisses and having tender moments with a man she won't marry. It just bothered me to no end! I realize readers are all about suspense and crazy, unimaginable plot twists these days; but I would way rather have a big hint at which man she's going to choose ... and watch their romance blossom into something more than just infatuation and physical attraction. I suppose, when you get the whole story, she does actually love one guy, and just is attracted to the other. I suppose. But, we can't see this. We can't see Hannah's feelings, or remember her past, or anything; even though she's the main POV character. We're left guessing. And again, I know lots of readers love this. It's just not my personal preference at all.
And yes, the romance stuff. I don't like reading about a young woman "falling in love" with two different men at the same time. It's not very appropriate. Nor was it appropriate at all, keeping with the Jane Eyre theme, for a sort of secretly married man to ask a young woman to live in sin with him! Grr! To me, that just shows how much he doesn't honor, cherish, and love her. I don't know. It rubbed me very wrong, despite how people gush over the similar Jane Eyre story. It turns out pretty right in the end, but Lady Maybe is quite the story of scandal and alluded-to-indiscretions right and left. Erm, most of it is alluded to. Some bits a little more detailed. If you don't like a lot of sensuality in the novels you read, prepare to do a bit of skimming, which is what I did. There's one scene in particular (a flashback) which was inappropriate and completely unneeded, in my opinion.
There still is a bit of a faith theme, talking about God's forgiveness, even of our darkest sins; and the like. But overall, I just wasn't a fan of this story. Too much scandal, and past sins, and mixed-up drama, and all that.
I've LOVED some of Julie Klassen's other books, such as The Tutor's Daughter and The Lady of Milkweed Manor. I have five of her books on my bookshelf and hope to collect more! Lady Maybe wasn't so much for me ... but I'm looking forward to reading The Painter's Daughter, and hope it will be more like her other books! *smiles*
July 10, 2015
Lady Maybe was good, very good. There were several plot twists (some predictable and others not) which had me quickly turning pages.
This is definitely a 4.5 star read. I enjoyed Julie Klassen's beautiful writing, the vivid imagery and the compelling storyline. Conversely, the romance wasn't quite strong enough for me. Perhaps that was done purposefully, to keep the reader engaged and guessing to where the story was going. In the end though, I didn't feel the sense of "Ahh, these two fabulous characters made for each other are now together". Thus, the 4 star rating.
I highly recommend this novel for fans of Regency era novels. I look forward to Julie's next novel which is scheduled to release at the end of the year.
This is definitely a 4.5 star read. I enjoyed Julie Klassen's beautiful writing, the vivid imagery and the compelling storyline. Conversely, the romance wasn't quite strong enough for me. Perhaps that was done purposefully, to keep the reader engaged and guessing to where the story was going. In the end though, I didn't feel the sense of "Ahh, these two fabulous characters made for each other are now together". Thus, the 4 star rating.
I highly recommend this novel for fans of Regency era novels. I look forward to Julie's next novel which is scheduled to release at the end of the year.
September 20, 2015
This is the first, Julie Klassen book I've read. What I want to know is why no one said to me years ago I need to read this author's books ? Lol Some needed to put some of her books in my hands and tell me to read them. I have heard glowing reviews about her books and I had to see for myself how true it was, or not. I absolutely loved this book. It was a book I wanted to gallop along reading it to see what happened but yet didn't want it to end. It was very different from the usual book I read and my first regency but obviously now, not my last. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would !
August 19, 2015
"Lady Maybe" was an intriguing, suspenseful read that had me literally shocked at times. The plot twists were COMPLETELY unexpected but truly added to the excitement of the story. I enjoyed the plot and the characters and was truly thinking about the story even when I was not reading it!
However, there are a few things that I am concerned about with the author and this book and the path that it is taking that caused me to give it only 4 stars.
While I mostly enjoyed all of the characters in this novel, I found Hannah to be an unstable, double-minded woman when it came to the two men vying for her affections. I can understand the angst that comes with having to choose between two men who love you, but going back and forth so much that you almost lose both of them? I feel that this is what Hannah almost did to an extent.
While she is packing in her room, one of her lovers comes in and bemoans her decision to marry another man and not him. An excerpt from the book reveals this:
He ran his hands up her arms, lowered his head and kissed her exposed shoulder, prickling her skin into gooseflesh. “Don’t go yet. Stay and give me a chance. Give us a chance.” For one moment, she considered it.-Ch.29]
I couldn't believe that Hannah would be that wishy-washy to even consider that! It also seemed that her relationship with him was lust-driven. There is an instance in which he sees an almost fully exposed Hannah after her bath, many "steamy" kissing scenes, and night-time rendezvous.
There is no mention or even contemplation of the fact that their relationship would not be wise because it was not based on any real substance.
Lowden's only reason he voiced to Hannah about why he would be sad to not marry her was because "I could not bear to never touch you again."
Another thing I had a problem with was the fact that Klassen did not present as strong a message of the Gospel as she usually had done in her previous books. Yes, there is an element of Christ's forgiveness and the grace only He can give, but overall it is subtle and not presented clearly enough.
Perhaps this is due to the author's wish to reach both the secular and Christian audiences.
In my observation of musicians, authors, and artists who try to accomplish this, they either end up not pleasing either party, or they go completely secular and abandon all Christian principles.
I am not saying that Julie Klassen is or will ever do this, but I do see that it is a slippery slope for her to change publishing houses for this reason.
When we as Christians try to please the world, we end up not being edgy or graphic enough for secular audiences and unfortunately are too much towards the inappropriate side for conservative Christians to read. Therefore, the author pleases nobody in the attempt to reach both audiences.
I do not think that it is wise to try to draw in a secular audience with secular things such as graphic sexual scenes or a secular publishing house to get them to like Christianity. The problem with this is that the secular audience will not be attracted to Christianity for its Biblical principles, instead they will attracted temporarily to Christianity only because of the secular hints that they see and want to be around.
I am not going to be dishonest and say that I did not enjoy this book, because I did. I am also not going to say that I will "disown" Julie Klassen as one of my favorite authors, because she still is.
I just see the dangerous path that Klassen is taking to present watered-down Christianity and duplicitous standards to secular audiences that will not cause them to come to Christ, but will eventually cause them to become deceived and disillusioned with the whole idea of Christianity.
I pray that Julie Klassen will realize this and continue with her Christianity-inspired Regency romance novels!
However, there are a few things that I am concerned about with the author and this book and the path that it is taking that caused me to give it only 4 stars.
While I mostly enjoyed all of the characters in this novel, I found Hannah to be an unstable, double-minded woman when it came to the two men vying for her affections. I can understand the angst that comes with having to choose between two men who love you, but going back and forth so much that you almost lose both of them? I feel that this is what Hannah almost did to an extent.
While she is packing in her room, one of her lovers comes in and bemoans her decision to marry another man and not him. An excerpt from the book reveals this:
He ran his hands up her arms, lowered his head and kissed her exposed shoulder, prickling her skin into gooseflesh. “Don’t go yet. Stay and give me a chance. Give us a chance.” For one moment, she considered it.-Ch.29]
I couldn't believe that Hannah would be that wishy-washy to even consider that! It also seemed that her relationship with him was lust-driven. There is an instance in which he sees an almost fully exposed Hannah after her bath, many "steamy" kissing scenes, and night-time rendezvous.
There is no mention or even contemplation of the fact that their relationship would not be wise because it was not based on any real substance.
Lowden's only reason he voiced to Hannah about why he would be sad to not marry her was because "I could not bear to never touch you again."
Another thing I had a problem with was the fact that Klassen did not present as strong a message of the Gospel as she usually had done in her previous books. Yes, there is an element of Christ's forgiveness and the grace only He can give, but overall it is subtle and not presented clearly enough.
Perhaps this is due to the author's wish to reach both the secular and Christian audiences.
In my observation of musicians, authors, and artists who try to accomplish this, they either end up not pleasing either party, or they go completely secular and abandon all Christian principles.
I am not saying that Julie Klassen is or will ever do this, but I do see that it is a slippery slope for her to change publishing houses for this reason.
When we as Christians try to please the world, we end up not being edgy or graphic enough for secular audiences and unfortunately are too much towards the inappropriate side for conservative Christians to read. Therefore, the author pleases nobody in the attempt to reach both audiences.
I do not think that it is wise to try to draw in a secular audience with secular things such as graphic sexual scenes or a secular publishing house to get them to like Christianity. The problem with this is that the secular audience will not be attracted to Christianity for its Biblical principles, instead they will attracted temporarily to Christianity only because of the secular hints that they see and want to be around.
I am not going to be dishonest and say that I did not enjoy this book, because I did. I am also not going to say that I will "disown" Julie Klassen as one of my favorite authors, because she still is.
I just see the dangerous path that Klassen is taking to present watered-down Christianity and duplicitous standards to secular audiences that will not cause them to come to Christ, but will eventually cause them to become deceived and disillusioned with the whole idea of Christianity.
I pray that Julie Klassen will realize this and continue with her Christianity-inspired Regency romance novels!
Read
May 22, 2025This story is a hard one to review.
As a longtime fan of Klassen’s works, this book was very different than her others.
Though her characters are never perfect and have their struggles, this book was rather scandalous. Maybe not in descriptions (there is no on page s*x), but there is marriage infidelity, bigamy, and premarital relations. None of which are presented in a good light, but the way in which the plot developed made it hard for me to root for any of the characters.
The ending was redemptive, so that made a lot of the struggle worth it, but I personally have a hard time rooting for characters who cheat on their spouses. That’s a huge “no” for me, even if a good redemption thread can come out of it.
If you’re a reader who isn’t troubled by messy relationships and the content listed above, then maybe you’ll enjoy this one. I think Klassen is very talented, this story just didn’t do it for me, unfortunately. So I don’t know if I can recommend it.
BUT! If you’re like me, please don’t let this review stop you from reading Julie’s other works. They are very wholesome and don’t weigh as heavily as Lady Maybe. I encourage you to give her others a try :)
Additional Content:
- Some passionate kissing
- Some noticing and admiring of physical appearance
- No language
- Closed door
As a longtime fan of Klassen’s works, this book was very different than her others.
Though her characters are never perfect and have their struggles, this book was rather scandalous. Maybe not in descriptions (there is no on page s*x), but there is marriage infidelity, bigamy, and premarital relations. None of which are presented in a good light, but the way in which the plot developed made it hard for me to root for any of the characters.
The ending was redemptive, so that made a lot of the struggle worth it, but I personally have a hard time rooting for characters who cheat on their spouses. That’s a huge “no” for me, even if a good redemption thread can come out of it.
If you’re a reader who isn’t troubled by messy relationships and the content listed above, then maybe you’ll enjoy this one. I think Klassen is very talented, this story just didn’t do it for me, unfortunately. So I don’t know if I can recommend it.
BUT! If you’re like me, please don’t let this review stop you from reading Julie’s other works. They are very wholesome and don’t weigh as heavily as Lady Maybe. I encourage you to give her others a try :)
Additional Content:
- Some passionate kissing
- Some noticing and admiring of physical appearance
- No language
- Closed door
August 10, 2015
There's good news and bad news. Which to start with?! I'll start with the good news, I suppose.
The good news is that there is very little distinctively Christian content within Lady Maybe. Why is that good news? Well, you don't have to be unChristian to have disdain for "Christian romances." Some Christians avoid it perhaps for the reason that "Christian fiction" is "preachy." Some perhaps for the reason that "Christian fiction" rarely contains realistic content: characters that are actually, genuinely sinners--or so they say.
I can honestly say that there is nothing within Lady Maybe that could be considered preachy. The first slight evidence of "Christian content" comes in at around three hundred pages. The main character, Hannah, prays or speaks of praying. And another character reminds her that Jesus forgives all who ask. I can also say that the characters are certainly sinners living in a sin-filled world. For example, the main character is a "fallen woman".
The characters subtly point to the message that forgiveness is offered to all by Christ. I say subtly because there is nothing preachy--nothing obvious--about this one.
Now, the bad news. The bad news is that there is very little distinctively Christian content within Lady Maybe. It would be unfair for me to generalize that all readers of Christian romance read exclusively Christian romances, or, that Christian readers avoid secular romances. But some readers--at least--do exclusively read Christian romances, and, there is a reason for this. They want their romances to be clean, absent of graphic details, a high purity quality especially between unmarried characters, but lacking of intimate details even between married characters. (Some secular books are capable of this. Georgette Heyer, for example, comes to mind.) But sadly, more and more Christian romances are failing this standard. Some readers perhaps--like myself--have learned the hard way that reading "smutty books" is spiritually dangerous or unwise. Some readers hold themselves accountable to a higher standard, not caring what everyone else is reading, or what everyone else considers fine for reading.
Lady Maybe is a Regency Romance set during 1819. Marianna and Sir John are unhappily married. She has had a lover since the very beginning. Sir John is aware of his wife's cheating, but, hopes that if he keeps on forgiving her that even if it takes three hundred or so chances, that their marriage might eventually work out. Hannah Rogers, the heroine, has been in and out of their lives. She was first hired to be a companion for Marianna, (Lady Mayfield). She left her job--suddenly--and then returned a year later asking for past wages. She ended up getting rehired as a companion for the Lady. The couple is--for better or worse--moving yet again. Sir John is trying to "hide" his wife from his lover and cut off all communication between the two. But an accident within the first few chapters of the book changes everything….
Lady Maybe is a secret-driven, surprise-heavy historical romance. The characters are well-drawn. Marianna. Hannah. James Lowden. Sir John. Becky (the wet nurse). Dr. Parrish. Mrs. Parrish. Mrs. Turrill, the housekeeper. I could go on. There were plenty of characters that I genuinely started to care about and/or got the chance to know. That is a strength, I won't deny it. I have read Christian romances where 90% of the characters are completely one-dimensional and essentially lifeless. That is not the case with Lady Maybe.
Was it compelling? Yes. I admit that it was. But was it bordering on inappropriate for picky readers? Yes. I think it was.
The good news is that there is very little distinctively Christian content within Lady Maybe. Why is that good news? Well, you don't have to be unChristian to have disdain for "Christian romances." Some Christians avoid it perhaps for the reason that "Christian fiction" is "preachy." Some perhaps for the reason that "Christian fiction" rarely contains realistic content: characters that are actually, genuinely sinners--or so they say.
I can honestly say that there is nothing within Lady Maybe that could be considered preachy. The first slight evidence of "Christian content" comes in at around three hundred pages. The main character, Hannah, prays or speaks of praying. And another character reminds her that Jesus forgives all who ask. I can also say that the characters are certainly sinners living in a sin-filled world. For example, the main character is a "fallen woman".
The characters subtly point to the message that forgiveness is offered to all by Christ. I say subtly because there is nothing preachy--nothing obvious--about this one.
Now, the bad news. The bad news is that there is very little distinctively Christian content within Lady Maybe. It would be unfair for me to generalize that all readers of Christian romance read exclusively Christian romances, or, that Christian readers avoid secular romances. But some readers--at least--do exclusively read Christian romances, and, there is a reason for this. They want their romances to be clean, absent of graphic details, a high purity quality especially between unmarried characters, but lacking of intimate details even between married characters. (Some secular books are capable of this. Georgette Heyer, for example, comes to mind.) But sadly, more and more Christian romances are failing this standard. Some readers perhaps--like myself--have learned the hard way that reading "smutty books" is spiritually dangerous or unwise. Some readers hold themselves accountable to a higher standard, not caring what everyone else is reading, or what everyone else considers fine for reading.
Lady Maybe is a Regency Romance set during 1819. Marianna and Sir John are unhappily married. She has had a lover since the very beginning. Sir John is aware of his wife's cheating, but, hopes that if he keeps on forgiving her that even if it takes three hundred or so chances, that their marriage might eventually work out. Hannah Rogers, the heroine, has been in and out of their lives. She was first hired to be a companion for Marianna, (Lady Mayfield). She left her job--suddenly--and then returned a year later asking for past wages. She ended up getting rehired as a companion for the Lady. The couple is--for better or worse--moving yet again. Sir John is trying to "hide" his wife from his lover and cut off all communication between the two. But an accident within the first few chapters of the book changes everything….
Lady Maybe is a secret-driven, surprise-heavy historical romance. The characters are well-drawn. Marianna. Hannah. James Lowden. Sir John. Becky (the wet nurse). Dr. Parrish. Mrs. Parrish. Mrs. Turrill, the housekeeper. I could go on. There were plenty of characters that I genuinely started to care about and/or got the chance to know. That is a strength, I won't deny it. I have read Christian romances where 90% of the characters are completely one-dimensional and essentially lifeless. That is not the case with Lady Maybe.
Was it compelling? Yes. I admit that it was. But was it bordering on inappropriate for picky readers? Yes. I think it was.
December 26, 2015
I really enjoyed the incredible plots twists in this book. In fact, there are so many that it makes it nearly impossible to review without giving some amount of spoilers...but I will do my best to keep them out.
At the beginning of the book we meet the Mayfields, who are leaving Bath posthaste because Sir John is desperate to separate his wife from the lover she refuses to give up. It is said that Marianna considers her marriage a farce and hopes her lover, Anthony Fontaine, will end it soon. Instantly I had a million questions: is she a fortune-hunter? Is there a long-standing reason she puts more faith in Fontaine's care of her than her husband's? Is the marriage real? Is she plotting with a murderer? One sentence opens so many possibilities, and some are sure to play out in the tale that follows.
Then there is Hannah Rogers, who obviously had some history with the family, and who comes almost at the time of departure to receive pay that was long owed her. Marianna, knowing she must leave for regions unknown within hours, leaving behind all servants per Sir John's requirement, asks Miss Rogers to go with her as paid companion. And, surprisingly, Hannah Rogers does go, bringing with her an air of quiet, tortured desperation that hints of many, many more secrets.
And then, before they reach their destination, there is a tragic carriage crash that leaves all in the vehicle hurt or dead.
The biggest weakness of the story is actually the characterization. The plot and writing are excellent, but secondary characters such as Fontaine and James Lowden (I couldn't stand either!) are not as well fleshed-out, so they sometimes do things that feel off for the character. I'd have liked a few more hints of their actual personalities.
For readers of Christian fiction: this is tagged for the general market, so some themes are more adult: adultery, a child born out of wedlock, etc. Scenes are kept clean, but some themes might bother certain people. Recommended 18+.
For secular readers: there are some spots near the end where a clergyman's daughter speaks of her heartfelt faith and her previous actions vs. her beliefs.
At the beginning of the book we meet the Mayfields, who are leaving Bath posthaste because Sir John is desperate to separate his wife from the lover she refuses to give up. It is said that Marianna considers her marriage a farce and hopes her lover, Anthony Fontaine, will end it soon. Instantly I had a million questions: is she a fortune-hunter? Is there a long-standing reason she puts more faith in Fontaine's care of her than her husband's? Is the marriage real? Is she plotting with a murderer? One sentence opens so many possibilities, and some are sure to play out in the tale that follows.
Then there is Hannah Rogers, who obviously had some history with the family, and who comes almost at the time of departure to receive pay that was long owed her. Marianna, knowing she must leave for regions unknown within hours, leaving behind all servants per Sir John's requirement, asks Miss Rogers to go with her as paid companion. And, surprisingly, Hannah Rogers does go, bringing with her an air of quiet, tortured desperation that hints of many, many more secrets.
And then, before they reach their destination, there is a tragic carriage crash that leaves all in the vehicle hurt or dead.
The biggest weakness of the story is actually the characterization. The plot and writing are excellent, but secondary characters such as Fontaine and James Lowden (I couldn't stand either!) are not as well fleshed-out, so they sometimes do things that feel off for the character. I'd have liked a few more hints of their actual personalities.
For readers of Christian fiction: this is tagged for the general market, so some themes are more adult: adultery, a child born out of wedlock, etc. Scenes are kept clean, but some themes might bother certain people. Recommended 18+.
For secular readers: there are some spots near the end where a clergyman's daughter speaks of her heartfelt faith and her previous actions vs. her beliefs.
October 17, 2017
First of all, and probably because I'm a published author and pay attention to more publisher related things, I knew from almost the day I heard about this book that it was written for a secular publisher. That said, I still looked forward to reading it because I love Julie Klassen's writing. She's always been one to write her historical romances involving a little more of the messiness of life, so I went into reading Lady Maybe fully expecting much of the same, but perhaps on a different level--which as it turns out, was exactly what I got.
There are many things about this novel that are nothing like a Bethany House (her usual publisher with which she used to also edit for before her debut released) historical romance novel. But I didn't go into reading it expecting it would be, and quite possibly that is a major factor in why my response to the book is so different than what it's been for many of her faithful inspirational followers.
I loved this book. It's the first book I've read for pleasure in about two years (my own last book contract came as I'd just found out I was pregnant with my second son--so I spent my 2nd trimester writing a book, the 3rd RECOVERING from doing so while pregnant + having a 2yo running circles around me, and then because I have two little boys and I'm trying to write my own books, I just haven't had much time until now). And I read it in about a day's time, losing much valuable sleep.
Lady Maybe ended up being very different from the usual kind of books I enjoy reading, and this has nothing to do with the romance. It was the level of mystery and intensity throughout the plot that really had me reading. The romance part of the story definitely took the back seat (in more ways than one), so much so that I wasn't sure who the hero of the story actually would end up being until the last few pages.
There were three character POVs mentioned in this novel--one character had one chapter near the beginning, one was the heroine and the other had a number of chapters in the latter half of the book. Which is another "not normal" way of writing a story--but it worked. And I think a lot of the reasoning behind going with the publisher she did probably had a lot to do with things like this, and not strictly because of the complicated messy relational issues between the characters.
And yes, wow it was complicated. And messy. And interesting and compelling. Klassen's way with words was perfect, as always. She pulled me in and didn't let go, planting little seeds throughout the novel that only made sense at the end. These are the reasons I loved it.
And although the characters are not perfect--by far--there is a ton of Christianity in this secularly published book. I do think it might have been a good idea to use a pen name in having this book published, since I know it can be found in Christian bookstores and in The inspirational sections of libraries solely based on her name and other books from Bethany House. I think Lady Maybe has a bit lower ratings (compared to most of her other books) simply because most of her readers read it assuming it would be like the rest of them. But don't be fooled by the low-star ratings. Yes, there is a lot of mess in this book, but it is still a really good, well-written novel that teaches lesson after lesson about grace, forgiveness, second chances and how God can take a huge mess and still bless those who love him despite the fact that they don't deserve it. Isn't that real life every day?
There are many things about this novel that are nothing like a Bethany House (her usual publisher with which she used to also edit for before her debut released) historical romance novel. But I didn't go into reading it expecting it would be, and quite possibly that is a major factor in why my response to the book is so different than what it's been for many of her faithful inspirational followers.
I loved this book. It's the first book I've read for pleasure in about two years (my own last book contract came as I'd just found out I was pregnant with my second son--so I spent my 2nd trimester writing a book, the 3rd RECOVERING from doing so while pregnant + having a 2yo running circles around me, and then because I have two little boys and I'm trying to write my own books, I just haven't had much time until now). And I read it in about a day's time, losing much valuable sleep.
Lady Maybe ended up being very different from the usual kind of books I enjoy reading, and this has nothing to do with the romance. It was the level of mystery and intensity throughout the plot that really had me reading. The romance part of the story definitely took the back seat (in more ways than one), so much so that I wasn't sure who the hero of the story actually would end up being until the last few pages.
There were three character POVs mentioned in this novel--one character had one chapter near the beginning, one was the heroine and the other had a number of chapters in the latter half of the book. Which is another "not normal" way of writing a story--but it worked. And I think a lot of the reasoning behind going with the publisher she did probably had a lot to do with things like this, and not strictly because of the complicated messy relational issues between the characters.
And yes, wow it was complicated. And messy. And interesting and compelling. Klassen's way with words was perfect, as always. She pulled me in and didn't let go, planting little seeds throughout the novel that only made sense at the end. These are the reasons I loved it.
And although the characters are not perfect--by far--there is a ton of Christianity in this secularly published book. I do think it might have been a good idea to use a pen name in having this book published, since I know it can be found in Christian bookstores and in The inspirational sections of libraries solely based on her name and other books from Bethany House. I think Lady Maybe has a bit lower ratings (compared to most of her other books) simply because most of her readers read it assuming it would be like the rest of them. But don't be fooled by the low-star ratings. Yes, there is a lot of mess in this book, but it is still a really good, well-written novel that teaches lesson after lesson about grace, forgiveness, second chances and how God can take a huge mess and still bless those who love him despite the fact that they don't deserve it. Isn't that real life every day?
July 15, 2015
•°o•:*:•.LUSTY.•:*:• o°•
[Rom 13:12-14 ESV] 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
I have been putting off the writing of this review because it is with a heavy heart I do so. While this book is well written, with lots of mystery and twists, it is not at all what I would expect from a well-known Christian author. I realize I will be in the minority for my opinion, but I cannot, in good conscience, lay the book aside without giving fair warning to other conservative Christians.
This book has a strong love triangle that pulls back and forth at Hannah. I found her to be quite wishy-washy. I was surprised at how steamy the intimate scenes were. Where my friend and I who share books are usually fine with handing books down to her teenage daughter, I have warned her not to do so with this book. Perhaps utilizing Penguin Publishing instead of Bethany house gave the author more freedom. While she does not cross the line completely, I know I felt disturbed reading the material.
God, church, scripture are hardly present at all in this book. In one of the much later chapters, maybe 2/3 or more through, Hannah finally has a repentant heart, and prays to God. She is encouraged by a kindly staff member and reminded of God’s forgiveness. She even shows incredible grace to her nemesis. However, shortly after that, she still seems wishy-washy about which man she will choose. After being out looking for one man, and then packing and paying the remainder of her rent to continue to look for him, she receives the other into her room: [“But, Hannah, I want to be with you. I could not bear to never touch you again…” He ran his hands up her arms, lowered his head and kissed her exposed shoulder, prickling her skin into gooseflesh. “Don’t go yet. Stay and give me a chance. Give us a chance.” For one moment, she considered it.-Ch.29] Uuuugh. That was hard to read. Even though she had been careful to not let him in her room previously for the sake of propriety, for this scene she did. She did not come off very repentant. And allowing him to get that close to her and touch her was just cruel.
The Bible is clear, that lust is a sin. Rather than just being a casual observer of what the character was going through, as related to simple alluded to explanation, I felt drawn in with more explicit detail than was necessary. Sadly, I believe reading the romantic scenes in this book can easily promote the reader to feel lust.
I can only pray that her next book, The Painter’s Daughter, scheduled for release in December through Bethany House will be a cleaner read.
2 stars
© 2015
Berkley Books, a div of Penguin Random House Publishing
384 pages + Readers Study Guide
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
[Rom 13:12-14 ESV] 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
I have been putting off the writing of this review because it is with a heavy heart I do so. While this book is well written, with lots of mystery and twists, it is not at all what I would expect from a well-known Christian author. I realize I will be in the minority for my opinion, but I cannot, in good conscience, lay the book aside without giving fair warning to other conservative Christians.
This book has a strong love triangle that pulls back and forth at Hannah. I found her to be quite wishy-washy. I was surprised at how steamy the intimate scenes were. Where my friend and I who share books are usually fine with handing books down to her teenage daughter, I have warned her not to do so with this book. Perhaps utilizing Penguin Publishing instead of Bethany house gave the author more freedom. While she does not cross the line completely, I know I felt disturbed reading the material.
God, church, scripture are hardly present at all in this book. In one of the much later chapters, maybe 2/3 or more through, Hannah finally has a repentant heart, and prays to God. She is encouraged by a kindly staff member and reminded of God’s forgiveness. She even shows incredible grace to her nemesis. However, shortly after that, she still seems wishy-washy about which man she will choose. After being out looking for one man, and then packing and paying the remainder of her rent to continue to look for him, she receives the other into her room: [“But, Hannah, I want to be with you. I could not bear to never touch you again…” He ran his hands up her arms, lowered his head and kissed her exposed shoulder, prickling her skin into gooseflesh. “Don’t go yet. Stay and give me a chance. Give us a chance.” For one moment, she considered it.-Ch.29] Uuuugh. That was hard to read. Even though she had been careful to not let him in her room previously for the sake of propriety, for this scene she did. She did not come off very repentant. And allowing him to get that close to her and touch her was just cruel.
The Bible is clear, that lust is a sin. Rather than just being a casual observer of what the character was going through, as related to simple alluded to explanation, I felt drawn in with more explicit detail than was necessary. Sadly, I believe reading the romantic scenes in this book can easily promote the reader to feel lust.
I can only pray that her next book, The Painter’s Daughter, scheduled for release in December through Bethany House will be a cleaner read.
2 stars
© 2015
Berkley Books, a div of Penguin Random House Publishing
384 pages + Readers Study Guide
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 6, 2015
This book is really hard for me to review.
Now first off, let me say that Julie Klassen is on of my favourite Christian Historical Fiction writers. I've read many books by her and they have all had high ratings. Which brings me to this book....
I was very excited to read Lady Maybe, but I have to admit I was disappointed. This book had a plot that involved a "situation" that I am not very keen on reading about. I read about enough in secular fiction and am tired of it, to be quite honest. Now if I am to compare her book to regular fiction that I read, I definitely think she handled the situation better. Having said that, because this was a Christian fiction book, I have higher standards for it, therefore I could only give it 3 stars.
I also want to add, that I was not overly thrilled with any of the characters. None of the men "swept me off my feet,", nor did I want to be in any of the ladies shoes. (because face it, that is what we all want from a romance novel) =)
I have another book from Julie sitting on my nightstand, I am excited to read it as I think it will be more of the type of book I would expect from her.
She tried something different, and although I respect her for giving it a go, for me, it just fell a little flat.
Now first off, let me say that Julie Klassen is on of my favourite Christian Historical Fiction writers. I've read many books by her and they have all had high ratings. Which brings me to this book....
I was very excited to read Lady Maybe, but I have to admit I was disappointed. This book had a plot that involved a "situation" that I am not very keen on reading about. I read about enough in secular fiction and am tired of it, to be quite honest. Now if I am to compare her book to regular fiction that I read, I definitely think she handled the situation better. Having said that, because this was a Christian fiction book, I have higher standards for it, therefore I could only give it 3 stars.
I also want to add, that I was not overly thrilled with any of the characters. None of the men "swept me off my feet,", nor did I want to be in any of the ladies shoes. (because face it, that is what we all want from a romance novel) =)
I have another book from Julie sitting on my nightstand, I am excited to read it as I think it will be more of the type of book I would expect from her.
She tried something different, and although I respect her for giving it a go, for me, it just fell a little flat.
June 9, 2016
I rarely give books such a low rating as this, and the book has to be pretty bad to warrant a one star. Unfortunately, this book was.
Let me say first of all that I hadn't realized that this book was not published by Bethany House. I have been a mild fan of Klassen for several years mostly because of her writing style and talents with word choice and imagery. I've gone back and forth, liking her faith messages in one book and then feeling it lacking and the character's being more balanced in others of her books. Still I thought her writing abilities worth the bother of reading through incomplete stories, characters, and faith messages. So when I picked up Lady Maybe, I thought I would be getting much of the same. However, at the time, I didn't know that this story was published and written for a more secular audience. (I didn't learn of that fact until afterward when I read a young ladies review of the book below).
I'm not a Jane Eyre fan, but I was willing to give this book a try and hoped that it wouldn't be too influenced in that direction but rather, just have a few minor things here and there that had some of Bronte's flare. That wasn't the case and I would go so far as to say that this book was just as bad, if not worse than the things I dislike about Jane Eyre.
Lady Maybe started out rocky and continued downhill from there. We first meet Hannah Rogers when she gains a position with a family she has worked for in the past. We meet her mistress, Marianna, and quickly learn that the lady of the house is being forced into retiring to a country estate with her husband who hopes to hide her away from her lover.
Strike one. I should have just stopped reading the book there but like any good-natured person, I wanted to give the character's and book a chance. Sir John, Hannah's new employer, couldn't be completely at fault for the fact that his wife was cheating on him. After all, Marianna was presented as a bit of a spoiled, lovesick, brat.
We continue the story and follow Hannah and her two employers as they journey to the country estate. Unfortunately, along the way, a carriage accident occurs. Hannah awakes in a confused, concussed state of mind and doesn't realize when the dr. and his wife mistakenly identify her as the lady of the house rather than a servant. It is several days before she realizes the mistake and by then, we learn that she is worried for the welfare of her young son who she was forced to leave behind in bath. So, under the guise of lady of the house, she uses a carriage and some money to go and fetch her son.
I could sympathize with Hannah's plight. It was a hard thing being a single mother without much of an income and yet trying to do her best to provide for her young son. The lying should have ended there but it doesn't. Hannah learns that her mistress died in the accident and was swept downstream in a nearby river. So, to provide for her son while she recovers, she keeps up with the lies. Until the Lord of the house wakes up from his own concussion and realizes she isn't his wife. And doesn't reveal the fact to anyone.
Strike two. I hated that Hannah and Sir John began to fall in love with each other and that Sir John wanted her to keep lying about her identity. It was pushed to the point of even insinuating and pretending to spend the night together as husband and wife so the staff wouldn't become suspicious. It was sickening. Especially when James Lowden, Sir John's new solicitor, came on the scene. I didn't particularly like James at first but he grew on me as the book progressed. He wasn't the most upstanding of men. He tended to lust after Hannah a bit and there was an instance where he walked in on her after she'd just had a bath. She was practically naked and only had the smallest of coverings on because she had grabbed the closest thing she could find when the door blew open on her. Instead of being a gentleman, James just kept staring at her. So really, if Hannah chose one of these two men, it would be hard to tell which was the lesser of two evils.
There was also an incident where we learn that it was Sir John who fathered Hannah's baby boy.
Strike Three. We learn that in a moment of lust and loneliness, both Sir John, and Hannah willingly slept together while he was married to Marianna. The story was just getting worse and worse.
I also hated how Hannah just strung both men along. First she preferred James a bit more and then she felt she liked Sir John. It was awful.
Near the end of the book, Sir John's living wife comes back on the scene. And we learn that Marianna had been married prior to marrying Sir John.
Strike four (if there even is such a thing). You discover that Marianna's lover is actually her first, and real legal husband and that Marianna was convinced by her first husband and her father to marry Sir John for his money. So in the end, everyone was cheating on everyone and no one was really married except Marrianna who had one too many husbands.
Near the end of the book there was a sort of faith message. Hannah accepts Christ and asks for forgiveness for the choices she's made. She also is able to reunite with her preacher father. Unfortunately, that little bit of faith message wasn't enough for me. It wasn't enough that Hannah admit her sins, I felt she didn't really change much from the experience of having Christ in her life near the end of the book. The only thing that changed was that she was no longer willing to lie. But in terms of her romances, she was much the same as before. She was repentant and covered by grace, yes. But it felt like a blip in the story. It was over almost as quickly as it had begun and I couldn't see that it had made much of an impact in the way Hannah thought or continued to act. It just, wasn't a very significant change that one could see and say, “hey, I can tell that now she is really trying to turn her life around and follow God.”
Overall, this book put me off ever reading anything by this author again. I was extremely disappointed by the writing, the content, and the author. It was just so full of worldliness and crud and in the end, the message of redemption wasn't very strong. Not enough to make the book passable and easier to swallow. Even the happily ever after wasn't much of a happy ending. How can there be a happy ending when you have one guy who cheats on his wife and wants the girl to lie to people about her identity and then, on the other side, a lovesick, lustful man who doesn't really know the girl's history at all until the end. I won't say who Hannah picks in case someone is still planning on reading this book after seeing my review but I will say I felt that Sir John's attempt at getting Hannah to marry him was more than a bit manipulative. I tend to agree with a previous reviewer below who said that it would have been better if Hannah and her two suitors had just decided to go their separate ways.
Let me say first of all that I hadn't realized that this book was not published by Bethany House. I have been a mild fan of Klassen for several years mostly because of her writing style and talents with word choice and imagery. I've gone back and forth, liking her faith messages in one book and then feeling it lacking and the character's being more balanced in others of her books. Still I thought her writing abilities worth the bother of reading through incomplete stories, characters, and faith messages. So when I picked up Lady Maybe, I thought I would be getting much of the same. However, at the time, I didn't know that this story was published and written for a more secular audience. (I didn't learn of that fact until afterward when I read a young ladies review of the book below).
I'm not a Jane Eyre fan, but I was willing to give this book a try and hoped that it wouldn't be too influenced in that direction but rather, just have a few minor things here and there that had some of Bronte's flare. That wasn't the case and I would go so far as to say that this book was just as bad, if not worse than the things I dislike about Jane Eyre.
Lady Maybe started out rocky and continued downhill from there. We first meet Hannah Rogers when she gains a position with a family she has worked for in the past. We meet her mistress, Marianna, and quickly learn that the lady of the house is being forced into retiring to a country estate with her husband who hopes to hide her away from her lover.
Strike one. I should have just stopped reading the book there but like any good-natured person, I wanted to give the character's and book a chance. Sir John, Hannah's new employer, couldn't be completely at fault for the fact that his wife was cheating on him. After all, Marianna was presented as a bit of a spoiled, lovesick, brat.
We continue the story and follow Hannah and her two employers as they journey to the country estate. Unfortunately, along the way, a carriage accident occurs. Hannah awakes in a confused, concussed state of mind and doesn't realize when the dr. and his wife mistakenly identify her as the lady of the house rather than a servant. It is several days before she realizes the mistake and by then, we learn that she is worried for the welfare of her young son who she was forced to leave behind in bath. So, under the guise of lady of the house, she uses a carriage and some money to go and fetch her son.
I could sympathize with Hannah's plight. It was a hard thing being a single mother without much of an income and yet trying to do her best to provide for her young son. The lying should have ended there but it doesn't. Hannah learns that her mistress died in the accident and was swept downstream in a nearby river. So, to provide for her son while she recovers, she keeps up with the lies. Until the Lord of the house wakes up from his own concussion and realizes she isn't his wife. And doesn't reveal the fact to anyone.
Strike two. I hated that Hannah and Sir John began to fall in love with each other and that Sir John wanted her to keep lying about her identity. It was pushed to the point of even insinuating and pretending to spend the night together as husband and wife so the staff wouldn't become suspicious. It was sickening. Especially when James Lowden, Sir John's new solicitor, came on the scene. I didn't particularly like James at first but he grew on me as the book progressed. He wasn't the most upstanding of men. He tended to lust after Hannah a bit and there was an instance where he walked in on her after she'd just had a bath. She was practically naked and only had the smallest of coverings on because she had grabbed the closest thing she could find when the door blew open on her. Instead of being a gentleman, James just kept staring at her. So really, if Hannah chose one of these two men, it would be hard to tell which was the lesser of two evils.
There was also an incident where we learn that it was Sir John who fathered Hannah's baby boy.
Strike Three. We learn that in a moment of lust and loneliness, both Sir John, and Hannah willingly slept together while he was married to Marianna. The story was just getting worse and worse.
I also hated how Hannah just strung both men along. First she preferred James a bit more and then she felt she liked Sir John. It was awful.
Near the end of the book, Sir John's living wife comes back on the scene. And we learn that Marianna had been married prior to marrying Sir John.
Strike four (if there even is such a thing). You discover that Marianna's lover is actually her first, and real legal husband and that Marianna was convinced by her first husband and her father to marry Sir John for his money. So in the end, everyone was cheating on everyone and no one was really married except Marrianna who had one too many husbands.
Near the end of the book there was a sort of faith message. Hannah accepts Christ and asks for forgiveness for the choices she's made. She also is able to reunite with her preacher father. Unfortunately, that little bit of faith message wasn't enough for me. It wasn't enough that Hannah admit her sins, I felt she didn't really change much from the experience of having Christ in her life near the end of the book. The only thing that changed was that she was no longer willing to lie. But in terms of her romances, she was much the same as before. She was repentant and covered by grace, yes. But it felt like a blip in the story. It was over almost as quickly as it had begun and I couldn't see that it had made much of an impact in the way Hannah thought or continued to act. It just, wasn't a very significant change that one could see and say, “hey, I can tell that now she is really trying to turn her life around and follow God.”
Overall, this book put me off ever reading anything by this author again. I was extremely disappointed by the writing, the content, and the author. It was just so full of worldliness and crud and in the end, the message of redemption wasn't very strong. Not enough to make the book passable and easier to swallow. Even the happily ever after wasn't much of a happy ending. How can there be a happy ending when you have one guy who cheats on his wife and wants the girl to lie to people about her identity and then, on the other side, a lovesick, lustful man who doesn't really know the girl's history at all until the end. I won't say who Hannah picks in case someone is still planning on reading this book after seeing my review but I will say I felt that Sir John's attempt at getting Hannah to marry him was more than a bit manipulative. I tend to agree with a previous reviewer below who said that it would have been better if Hannah and her two suitors had just decided to go their separate ways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2017
I feel like the oddball for not loving this book. I admit, the last 100 pages were redeeming compared to the majority of the story, but I never felt drawn to the characters. I never felt like the characters emotions were sincere. There were so many lies and deceitful motives that I lost count. I also didn't enjoy the style of writing. For example, many chapters ended with the heroine asking herself questions that the reader should have simply understand based on the circumstances implied! They just felt condescending. On a positive note, I did feel like the writing much improved during the final chapters. I only wish the book was written like that in its entirety.
July 11, 2020
By the end, I was very disappointed in this book. In my opinion, it was much too romantic.
I did enjoy the characters, and I loved seeing Hannah grow in her struggles, but I thought the whole plot was kind of strange and silly. It had a lot of twists and turns, and that was very enjoyable. I was greatly disappointed in Hannah's actions. Even though actions were regretted, people were sorry, some things just shouldn't have happened. I would definitely recommend this for more mature readers.
I did enjoy the characters, and I loved seeing Hannah grow in her struggles, but I thought the whole plot was kind of strange and silly. It had a lot of twists and turns, and that was very enjoyable. I was greatly disappointed in Hannah's actions. Even though actions were regretted, people were sorry, some things just shouldn't have happened. I would definitely recommend this for more mature readers.
October 3, 2015
A Regency Romance More in the Style of Charlotte Brontë
TYPE OF NOVEL: Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
SETTING: Devonshire, England 1819
MAIN CHARACTERS:
- Hannah Rogers: a former companion to Lady Mayfield who has just returned after leaving mysteriously six months ago. But due to a tragic carriage accident she now finds herself in a very conflicted situation.
- Lady Marianna Mayfield: a flirtatious married socialite who despises her husband and practices no discretion as she carries on with another man.
- Sir John Mayfield: a dejected and desperate husband who attempts to save his marriage by removing his wife swiftly and secretively from Bath to one of his other estates.
- James Lowden: Sir John’s newly appointed solicitor whose presence has been requested in Devonshire to make some alterations to Sir John’s will.
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
Easy question – it’s by Julie Klassen! An author whose tastes in literature and proclivities for suspenseful intrigue and tender romance are in such perfect harmony with my own!
WHAT I LOVED:
- So Much Intrigue/So Many Twists: Probably one of the elements I love most about Julie Klassen’s writing is that she never gives you the whole story right away. Readers are introduced to characters and become familiar with their situations, but they don’t know about their pasts and what motivates their actions. I love the slow unraveling of each characters’ past, I’m always trying to figure it out beforehand! I also love how this novel had lots of surprises in store for the reader, I didn’t find the plot predictable and some twists caught me unawares! Not your typical and formulaic romantic story-line!
- Darker Themes and Heightened Sensuality: As I indicated above, this story is definitely more Brontësque then Austenesque. Our heroine is downtrodden and in a desperate situation, and the story includes: adultery, infidelity, deception, children born out-of-wedlock, passionate embraces, and sensual descriptions. This may surprise readers who are accustomed to Julie Klassen’s books being classified as Inspirational Romance/Christian Fiction. Although it does have an inspiring message about grace and forgiveness, Lady Maybe would not fit under that description. I thoroughly enjoyed the bleaker storyline and passionate nature of this book. (Note: this book was published by Berkley Books and not Bethany House, a publisher of Christian Fiction)
- Heart-Wrenching and Poignant Writing: No matter what the she writes, Ms. Klassen’s stories always hold me captive. The writing is beautiful, descriptive, and enthralling. Similar to when I reread Jane Eyre, my sympathies are fully engaged and cannot help but feel all the despair, doubt, and disappointment experienced by these characters.
- Loveable and Kind Souls: Some of the supporting characters really won my heart in this tale. I loved the sunny and affable Dr. Parrish, the motherly Mrs. Turrill, and sweet and innocent Becky.
WHAT I AM FEELING AMBIVALENT ABOUT:
- Caught Between Two Men: Our heroine has two men offering her affection and protection, and it is often hard to decipher the leanings of her heart. While love triangles can be very gripping and diverting to read about, I find it harder to enjoy them when both men are likable and the heroine continually wavers about her feelings. It puts into question who the real hero of the story is and the strength of the heroine’s love for him.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Some Small Quibbles: It felt like some character’s feelings for each other were based on nothing more than attraction or sympathy. I typically prefer stories where the love grows over time and is based more on character. With our unfortunate hero and heroine there is a lot of focus on deception and misdeeds, and less on their good qualities. I am sort of sad that the hero was more flawed than I first initially thought – two wrongs don’t make a right!
CONCLUSION:
I applaud Julie Klassen for taking a step in a different direction with her novels, her talent and skill shine in whatever she writes! It was interesting to see her write more on the Brontë side of the spectrum. I await with eager anticipation her next novel, The Painter’s Daughter, scheduled to be released December 2015!
TYPE OF NOVEL: Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
SETTING: Devonshire, England 1819
MAIN CHARACTERS:
- Hannah Rogers: a former companion to Lady Mayfield who has just returned after leaving mysteriously six months ago. But due to a tragic carriage accident she now finds herself in a very conflicted situation.
- Lady Marianna Mayfield: a flirtatious married socialite who despises her husband and practices no discretion as she carries on with another man.
- Sir John Mayfield: a dejected and desperate husband who attempts to save his marriage by removing his wife swiftly and secretively from Bath to one of his other estates.
- James Lowden: Sir John’s newly appointed solicitor whose presence has been requested in Devonshire to make some alterations to Sir John’s will.
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
Easy question – it’s by Julie Klassen! An author whose tastes in literature and proclivities for suspenseful intrigue and tender romance are in such perfect harmony with my own!
WHAT I LOVED:
- So Much Intrigue/So Many Twists: Probably one of the elements I love most about Julie Klassen’s writing is that she never gives you the whole story right away. Readers are introduced to characters and become familiar with their situations, but they don’t know about their pasts and what motivates their actions. I love the slow unraveling of each characters’ past, I’m always trying to figure it out beforehand! I also love how this novel had lots of surprises in store for the reader, I didn’t find the plot predictable and some twists caught me unawares! Not your typical and formulaic romantic story-line!
- Darker Themes and Heightened Sensuality: As I indicated above, this story is definitely more Brontësque then Austenesque. Our heroine is downtrodden and in a desperate situation, and the story includes: adultery, infidelity, deception, children born out-of-wedlock, passionate embraces, and sensual descriptions. This may surprise readers who are accustomed to Julie Klassen’s books being classified as Inspirational Romance/Christian Fiction. Although it does have an inspiring message about grace and forgiveness, Lady Maybe would not fit under that description. I thoroughly enjoyed the bleaker storyline and passionate nature of this book. (Note: this book was published by Berkley Books and not Bethany House, a publisher of Christian Fiction)
- Heart-Wrenching and Poignant Writing: No matter what the she writes, Ms. Klassen’s stories always hold me captive. The writing is beautiful, descriptive, and enthralling. Similar to when I reread Jane Eyre, my sympathies are fully engaged and cannot help but feel all the despair, doubt, and disappointment experienced by these characters.
- Loveable and Kind Souls: Some of the supporting characters really won my heart in this tale. I loved the sunny and affable Dr. Parrish, the motherly Mrs. Turrill, and sweet and innocent Becky.
WHAT I AM FEELING AMBIVALENT ABOUT:
- Caught Between Two Men: Our heroine has two men offering her affection and protection, and it is often hard to decipher the leanings of her heart. While love triangles can be very gripping and diverting to read about, I find it harder to enjoy them when both men are likable and the heroine continually wavers about her feelings. It puts into question who the real hero of the story is and the strength of the heroine’s love for him.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Some Small Quibbles: It felt like some character’s feelings for each other were based on nothing more than attraction or sympathy. I typically prefer stories where the love grows over time and is based more on character. With our unfortunate hero and heroine there is a lot of focus on deception and misdeeds, and less on their good qualities. I am sort of sad that the hero was more flawed than I first initially thought – two wrongs don’t make a right!
CONCLUSION:
I applaud Julie Klassen for taking a step in a different direction with her novels, her talent and skill shine in whatever she writes! It was interesting to see her write more on the Brontë side of the spectrum. I await with eager anticipation her next novel, The Painter’s Daughter, scheduled to be released December 2015!
March 2, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ for uniqueness and creativity!
This book was really interesting and I was really surprised by unexpected revelations a number of times! I absolutely loved the ‘hero’ in this book… but I won’t name who it is because that’s one of the main points of the plot.
This was such a good book because it was so unpredictable. There were so many interesting elements… each character had their own unique storyline that made you very curious to see what would happen to them.
Loved it. This review is vague because I feel like anything describing the story in detail would be a spoiler!
This book was really interesting and I was really surprised by unexpected revelations a number of times! I absolutely loved the ‘hero’ in this book… but I won’t name who it is because that’s one of the main points of the plot.
This was such a good book because it was so unpredictable. There were so many interesting elements… each character had their own unique storyline that made you very curious to see what would happen to them.
Loved it. This review is vague because I feel like anything describing the story in detail would be a spoiler!
August 10, 2015
First thought that comes to mind is, "Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive." And, oh my goodness, tangled doesn't begin to describe the state of the story threads in this plot. Klassen has a devious imagination! Enthralling and angsty and utterly astonishing. I was seriously shocked...yes, shocked...at one point. I didn't think my heart or my mind could take much more but I persevered to the end. This is the kind of read that steals your breath away and leaves you really and truly flummoxed. At least it did me -- and I enjoyed every blessed minute.
The perfect regency read -- a heroine in peril, not one but two dark and brooding heroes, and so many secrets to be solved...or discovered. Seriously spellbinding.
The perfect regency read -- a heroine in peril, not one but two dark and brooding heroes, and so many secrets to be solved...or discovered. Seriously spellbinding.
August 11, 2015
This was a delightful read. The book worked. It's a case of mistaken identity that spirals out of control. Over the course of the novel, the romance develops in a triangle that left me really hoping the heroine would choose one hero -- she made the right choice! ;-) It's also a story that spools out the past in dribs and drabs that are entirely compelling. This is a Regency novel that comes with my highest recommendation. I loved it!
One side note: the faith thread wasn't as strong as it is in some of Julie's novels, but is still a part of the story.
One side note: the faith thread wasn't as strong as it is in some of Julie's novels, but is still a part of the story.
December 29, 2015
This is probably one of my favorite ones of Julie's.
July 28, 2015
As mentioned in other reviews, this is the first book by Julie Klassen to clearly go beyond the bounds of clean Christian fiction. So sad to see a favorite author go in this direction.
October 1, 2017
Hannah is a ladies companion who has been in an accident and has lost some of her memories. After the accident she awakens in a room she has never seen before and she is tended to by unfamiliar faces. But she does remember fragments of the accident. She remembers a baby, and a ring on her finger reminds her of a lie. But most of all, she remembers a secret that she can trust no one but herself to keep.
I've read several books by Julie Klassen and usually know what to expect. She writes Christian romance that is usually not too preachy, which I like. They are sweet, completely clean romances. Lady Maybe actually surprised me because it is unlike anything else I've read by the author.
There have been several reviewers who disliked this book for one reason or another. Some because they felt like the romance or "sexual" scenes got too descriptive, or because the main character was too tempted and made too many wrong choices throughout the book. Personally I didn't have a problem with this book at all. I like my romances to be clean and I honestly didn't feel like this one wasn't. There is a flash back scene with more description than usual for a Julie Klassen book, that leads up to an act between an unmarried woman and a man, but it was still fade to black with no detail written about the act itself.
This isn't the first Klassen book that I've read that has a character who has done something in their past that they are ashamed of. I like to read about characters that struggle and learn from their mistakes. The difference in this book is that the main character is still struggling with honesty and is tempted morally, and she has several choices to make about her present and future which could lead her down the right path or the wrong path. In the end she does her best to right the wrongs in her life which I think makes the book worth reading.
The point of the book was that there is redemption for all and I thought that point was very well drawn without being preachy. The part where the main character stops the boy from throwing the apple at the woman in the stocks and quotes "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" was a nice touch and helped to drive home the whole message of the book. It was interesting that she went and sat beside the woman in the stocks, and that she forgave her for the things she had done to her. How many of us would do that?
At times I struggled to like the main character or either of the two love interests in the book, but that somehow made the story better and the characters more real to me. Also the fact that there is a love triangle in a Klassen book surprised me as I don't remember any of her other books containing one. But this was a love triangle done right and it made a lot of sense to the story.
I thought one of the best things about this book were all of the twists and secrets involved. It really kept me reading and wondering and hoping I was guessing right about things. In the end I was happy with the way things turned out.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
I've read several books by Julie Klassen and usually know what to expect. She writes Christian romance that is usually not too preachy, which I like. They are sweet, completely clean romances. Lady Maybe actually surprised me because it is unlike anything else I've read by the author.
There have been several reviewers who disliked this book for one reason or another. Some because they felt like the romance or "sexual" scenes got too descriptive, or because the main character was too tempted and made too many wrong choices throughout the book. Personally I didn't have a problem with this book at all. I like my romances to be clean and I honestly didn't feel like this one wasn't. There is a flash back scene with more description than usual for a Julie Klassen book, that leads up to an act between an unmarried woman and a man, but it was still fade to black with no detail written about the act itself.
This isn't the first Klassen book that I've read that has a character who has done something in their past that they are ashamed of. I like to read about characters that struggle and learn from their mistakes. The difference in this book is that the main character is still struggling with honesty and is tempted morally, and she has several choices to make about her present and future which could lead her down the right path or the wrong path. In the end she does her best to right the wrongs in her life which I think makes the book worth reading.
The point of the book was that there is redemption for all and I thought that point was very well drawn without being preachy. The part where the main character stops the boy from throwing the apple at the woman in the stocks and quotes "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" was a nice touch and helped to drive home the whole message of the book. It was interesting that she went and sat beside the woman in the stocks, and that she forgave her for the things she had done to her. How many of us would do that?
At times I struggled to like the main character or either of the two love interests in the book, but that somehow made the story better and the characters more real to me. Also the fact that there is a love triangle in a Klassen book surprised me as I don't remember any of her other books containing one. But this was a love triangle done right and it made a lot of sense to the story.
I thought one of the best things about this book were all of the twists and secrets involved. It really kept me reading and wondering and hoping I was guessing right about things. In the end I was happy with the way things turned out.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
October 13, 2015
Let me start by saying Julie Klassen is a hit-or-miss author for me. I've absolutely adored three of her novels (The Silent Governess [the first of hers I ever read], The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, and The Secret of Pembrooke Park); thought three were okay (The Lady of Milkweed Manor, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Tutor's Daughter); and hated two (The Apothecary's Daughter and The Dancing Master). For the most part, I really do like her work, so I was excited when I saw that Lady Maybe was releasing in early July - I couldn't wait to read it!
I'll break down into two sections the things I loved and things I didn't below. Minor spoilers are ahead, but they are clearly marked.
-Things I Loved-
1) The scenery. As always, the places the characters went were always beautifully described. JK has a real gift for description - I can smell the salt-laden sea air or the freshly blooming flowers; feel the breeze on my face and the slide of silk against my skin; taste the food as if I were eating it myself; hear the birds calling, the wind rustling in the trees, the constant push and pull of the ocean waves. Her descriptions are always so evocative - some of the best written I've ever read, and I give her a lot of credit for this in all the books she's written.
2) The tale. This is a cautionary type of story, in a way.
3) All of the characters were very well developed, and practically stepped off the page. Character development is something JK rarely lacks (only in Apothecary's Daughter did I even consider this a problem for her.) Everyone from Hannah to Becky to little Danny had their own distinctive personalities, motives, and direction. Their interactions were very well described, meaning I felt every emotion alongside the characters. Fear, hope, love, forgiveness, anger - it was all there, and each of them was clear and strong.
4) The "mystery," of sorts. Each of JK's novels have something that is a little mysterious, something the characters are trying to track down and put their fingers on. Lady Maybe was definitely not exempt.
-Things I Didn't Love-
1) The love triangle (square?). This is a big thing for me. I am NOT a love triangle sort of person. It is extremely difficult to find well-written ones, I've found, and most of them come across as either unbelievable, or the writer (sometimes deliberately, sometimes by accident) writes one of the suitors as a jerk to make the heroine's decision easier. I can greatly admire JK inasmuch as she did not fall into this trap; however, I do have another problem with it.
2) The resolution. After everything the main character went through in the course of the book, I found her to be quite sympathetic. I really did feel for her, and hoped that she would find redemption and happiness by the end of the book. And she did, she really did. I just don't agree with how she got there.
In conclusion, the two stars I gave this book are well earned. I struggled between deciding whether to give it two or three, but since three stars mean "I liked it," I couldn't give it that, because there was too much about it I didn't like. But I do mean every bit of the two "it's OK" stars I gave it, because I did truly enjoy some parts, and thought they shone brightly as the Klassen whose work I enjoyed (in TSG, TMoFH, and TSoPP.) But, sadly, there was too much I couldn't agree with to rate it any higher than that.
I look forward to her December release, "The Painter's Daughter," with Bethany House, and hope it's more up to her usual standard.
I'll break down into two sections the things I loved and things I didn't below. Minor spoilers are ahead, but they are clearly marked.
-Things I Loved-
1) The scenery. As always, the places the characters went were always beautifully described. JK has a real gift for description - I can smell the salt-laden sea air or the freshly blooming flowers; feel the breeze on my face and the slide of silk against my skin; taste the food as if I were eating it myself; hear the birds calling, the wind rustling in the trees, the constant push and pull of the ocean waves. Her descriptions are always so evocative - some of the best written I've ever read, and I give her a lot of credit for this in all the books she's written.
2) The tale. This is a cautionary type of story, in a way.
3) All of the characters were very well developed, and practically stepped off the page. Character development is something JK rarely lacks (only in Apothecary's Daughter did I even consider this a problem for her.) Everyone from Hannah to Becky to little Danny had their own distinctive personalities, motives, and direction. Their interactions were very well described, meaning I felt every emotion alongside the characters. Fear, hope, love, forgiveness, anger - it was all there, and each of them was clear and strong.
4) The "mystery," of sorts. Each of JK's novels have something that is a little mysterious, something the characters are trying to track down and put their fingers on. Lady Maybe was definitely not exempt.
-Things I Didn't Love-
1) The love triangle (square?). This is a big thing for me. I am NOT a love triangle sort of person. It is extremely difficult to find well-written ones, I've found, and most of them come across as either unbelievable, or the writer (sometimes deliberately, sometimes by accident) writes one of the suitors as a jerk to make the heroine's decision easier. I can greatly admire JK inasmuch as she did not fall into this trap; however, I do have another problem with it.
2) The resolution. After everything the main character went through in the course of the book, I found her to be quite sympathetic. I really did feel for her, and hoped that she would find redemption and happiness by the end of the book. And she did, she really did. I just don't agree with how she got there.
In conclusion, the two stars I gave this book are well earned. I struggled between deciding whether to give it two or three, but since three stars mean "I liked it," I couldn't give it that, because there was too much about it I didn't like. But I do mean every bit of the two "it's OK" stars I gave it, because I did truly enjoy some parts, and thought they shone brightly as the Klassen whose work I enjoyed (in TSG, TMoFH, and TSoPP.) But, sadly, there was too much I couldn't agree with to rate it any higher than that.
I look forward to her December release, "The Painter's Daughter," with Bethany House, and hope it's more up to her usual standard.
August 31, 2025
Hannah Rogers se va a Bristol como compañera de Lady Mayfield y Lord John. Desafortunadamente, tienen un accidente en el camino. Cuando Hannah se despierta, su brazo y cabeza están gravemente heridos y no recuerda nada. El hombre a su lado, Lord John, está en coma. Cuando un médico se dirige a ella como 'Lady Mayfield', ella asume que ese es su nombre. Es bien cuidada por el Dr. Parrish y su esposa y se recupera gradualmente.
Poco a poco, comienza a darse cuenta de que su nombre no es Lady Mayfield, ¡sino que es solo la dama de compañía ! Pero ahora que está tan bien cuidada y no tiene que preocuparse por su dinero, ya no se atreve a admitir quién es realmente. ¿Dónde está la verdadera dama Mayfield? ¿Podrá seguir fingiendo ser otra persona? ¿Y si Lady John se despierta y revela su secreto
No puedes evitar devorar cada capítulo a medida que cada uno te lleva al siguiente, haciéndote anhelar saber qué sucederá a continuación. Y déjame asegurarte que Lady Maybe no es en lo más mínimo predecible.
Me encanta como Julie describe el paisaje haciendo que creas estar en los maravillosos acantilados y ese clima cambiante que refleja tan bien el drama que ocurre en la casa .
He disfrutado que los personajes fueran adorables y al mismo tiempo muy defectuosos. Pude entender las decisiones que tomaron, incluso si al final no fueron exactamente buenas.
En conclusión, ya sabéis que adoro cada uno de los libros de esta autora, solo me queda animaros a leer esta bonita historia ya que leer los libros de Julie Klassen son como una taza de té caliente en un día frío y lluvioso.
Poco a poco, comienza a darse cuenta de que su nombre no es Lady Mayfield, ¡sino que es solo la dama de compañía ! Pero ahora que está tan bien cuidada y no tiene que preocuparse por su dinero, ya no se atreve a admitir quién es realmente. ¿Dónde está la verdadera dama Mayfield? ¿Podrá seguir fingiendo ser otra persona? ¿Y si Lady John se despierta y revela su secreto
No puedes evitar devorar cada capítulo a medida que cada uno te lleva al siguiente, haciéndote anhelar saber qué sucederá a continuación. Y déjame asegurarte que Lady Maybe no es en lo más mínimo predecible.
Me encanta como Julie describe el paisaje haciendo que creas estar en los maravillosos acantilados y ese clima cambiante que refleja tan bien el drama que ocurre en la casa .
He disfrutado que los personajes fueran adorables y al mismo tiempo muy defectuosos. Pude entender las decisiones que tomaron, incluso si al final no fueron exactamente buenas.
En conclusión, ya sabéis que adoro cada uno de los libros de esta autora, solo me queda animaros a leer esta bonita historia ya que leer los libros de Julie Klassen son como una taza de té caliente en un día frío y lluvioso.
July 18, 2025
2025: This book is just as unputdownable as I thought the first time I read it 3 years ago. A big reason for my 5 stars⭐️ is pure enjoyment factor- the story really sucks you in & keeps you guessing. I actually really don’t care for love triangles, but admit it does add to the mystery of the story. My main wish would be that there would have been more romance development between Hannah & the suitor she chooses.
I honestly couldn’t tell any obvious differences between this edition and the first except some of the suggestive content being toned down.
It’s a very enjoyable book. Now, if this story was written by a different author, I don’t think I would like it. But I guess that speaks to JK’s talent! 💗
2022: WOW. Just WOW. I have no idea how I’ll relay what I want to say but I’ll start with WOW, I loved it!! This novel BLEW ME AWAY. It is unputdownable- my favorite adjective for a book & a rarity for me these days.
The drama is AMAZING.🔥 (& to avoid spoilers I’ll leave it at that.) The plot line is original & keeps you guessing the whole time!
The heroine’s indecisiveness could be a little bothersome, but overall she is a very likable lead. There was a male character I was really drawn to & really liked 💜.
This book seems to be controversial to some as it’s spicer than JK’s other novels. It’s a closed door romance & I really didn’t feel like the romantic elements crossed the line. But I understand everyone has different comfort levels. Personally, I wish she wrote at this more romantic spice level for all of her books. 💕😆
This novel is wayyy up there on my Julie Klassen favorites list. Maybe #2 or even tied for #1 with The Painter’s Daughter.
The narrator was amazing & enhanced my reading experience- highly recommend!
I honestly couldn’t tell any obvious differences between this edition and the first except some of the suggestive content being toned down.
It’s a very enjoyable book. Now, if this story was written by a different author, I don’t think I would like it. But I guess that speaks to JK’s talent! 💗
2022: WOW. Just WOW. I have no idea how I’ll relay what I want to say but I’ll start with WOW, I loved it!! This novel BLEW ME AWAY. It is unputdownable- my favorite adjective for a book & a rarity for me these days.
The drama is AMAZING.🔥 (& to avoid spoilers I’ll leave it at that.) The plot line is original & keeps you guessing the whole time!
The heroine’s indecisiveness could be a little bothersome, but overall she is a very likable lead. There was a male character I was really drawn to & really liked 💜.
This book seems to be controversial to some as it’s spicer than JK’s other novels. It’s a closed door romance & I really didn’t feel like the romantic elements crossed the line. But I understand everyone has different comfort levels. Personally, I wish she wrote at this more romantic spice level for all of her books. 💕😆
This novel is wayyy up there on my Julie Klassen favorites list. Maybe #2 or even tied for #1 with The Painter’s Daughter.
The narrator was amazing & enhanced my reading experience- highly recommend!
August 29, 2015
An intense Regency romance which brings to mind hints of Jane Eyre, Ethan Frome, and First Knight, Julie Klassen's Lady Maybe held me captive from word one. This story of riveting secrets, love... polygons (too complicated for a simple triangle lol), and colorful characters reminds us of the power of our choices - past, present, and future.
The main character is torn between three different suitors, all good men in their own right, all men for whom she has different measures of affection. Right up until she made her choice, I was honestly not sure who she would pick. But she chose well. Over the course of the novel, my heart had softened toward this man & I know I would have been very disappointed if he had not been the victor.
Lady Maybe is rich with Julie Klassen's stellar trademark writing voice and her ability to craft a beautifully poignant story. While a bit more sensual than her previous works, the story remains clean and carries a sweet element of faith that refreshes the swirl of deceit. There are moments when you will hold your breath, moments where you will smile, moments where you will tear up, and moments when you will cheer out loud. But in every moment you will be entranced.
The main character is torn between three different suitors, all good men in their own right, all men for whom she has different measures of affection. Right up until she made her choice, I was honestly not sure who she would pick. But she chose well. Over the course of the novel, my heart had softened toward this man & I know I would have been very disappointed if he had not been the victor.
Lady Maybe is rich with Julie Klassen's stellar trademark writing voice and her ability to craft a beautifully poignant story. While a bit more sensual than her previous works, the story remains clean and carries a sweet element of faith that refreshes the swirl of deceit. There are moments when you will hold your breath, moments where you will smile, moments where you will tear up, and moments when you will cheer out loud. But in every moment you will be entranced.
August 3, 2015
My favourite of Julie's to date!
Highly recommended. Emotionally rich, complex characters, crisp dialogue, intense suspense of continually unexpected twists and turns. And...
A sigh worthy ending - Extremely Well Done!
Highly recommended. Emotionally rich, complex characters, crisp dialogue, intense suspense of continually unexpected twists and turns. And...
A sigh worthy ending - Extremely Well Done!
May 24, 2016
This book irritated me on so many levels, I don't even want to waste the time writing a review.
September 19, 2016
Let me just say, this book is awesome! It was not what I expected at all but was so much better. I read a few of Julie Klassen’s other books and loved them, which made me decide to read this one. When comparing this book to some of the others, one difference I notice is that some of the main characters are not as, well, innocent. I mean, they are good, God-fearing people, but they have made mistakes, whereas some of the characters in other books have not made those mistakes. For some reason, I liked it better this way for this book. It allowed for the characters to have secrets that blew me away and completely threw off my predictions. Yes, in some circumstances my predictions were completely wrong and in others I had no idea what to predict at all or how the characters would ever find a happily-ever-after. But they did, and that’s what counts. And the suspense made me love this book even more!
February 20, 2023
I wasn't sure at first what to think about this book! It's unconventional in some ways, and a gen market departure for Klassen from her usual inspirational publisher (though the content is no different, other than a closed-door depiction of infidelity).
I did enjoy the audiobook, and as I've come to expect from a Klassen Regency story, it is all excellently told and described.
My review is in rather general terms because to share specific names and examples would spoil much of the story for the reader!
Sometimes I liked Hannah and admired her determination, at other times I was frustrated with her fickle choices and sometimes-deceit. Having read all of it and knowing the surprises, twists, and identities of certain characters, I do see why she justified her actions and why she was driven to make some of her choices.
A love triangle is not my preferred trope, but Klassen uses it here to spin the story in a unique way and to surprise the reader at a few turns. I'm happy with the way the love thread worked out, though I have to admit ambivalence at a certain point towards both potential heroes. Both were portrayed realistically with noble qualities, flaws, and prejudices, though I think one of them was a little more manipulative at times.
It is interesting to me how the significant themes of Lady Maybe are portrayed in oppsites, as in truth vs deceit, honor vs shame, and fidelity vs unfaithfulness. These characteristics and behaviors are shown with full consequences, both positive and negative. I think this is my favorite thing about the story, beyond any particular character or other story element.
I did enjoy the audiobook, and as I've come to expect from a Klassen Regency story, it is all excellently told and described.
My review is in rather general terms because to share specific names and examples would spoil much of the story for the reader!
Sometimes I liked Hannah and admired her determination, at other times I was frustrated with her fickle choices and sometimes-deceit. Having read all of it and knowing the surprises, twists, and identities of certain characters, I do see why she justified her actions and why she was driven to make some of her choices.
A love triangle is not my preferred trope, but Klassen uses it here to spin the story in a unique way and to surprise the reader at a few turns. I'm happy with the way the love thread worked out, though I have to admit ambivalence at a certain point towards both potential heroes. Both were portrayed realistically with noble qualities, flaws, and prejudices, though I think one of them was a little more manipulative at times.
It is interesting to me how the significant themes of Lady Maybe are portrayed in oppsites, as in truth vs deceit, honor vs shame, and fidelity vs unfaithfulness. These characteristics and behaviors are shown with full consequences, both positive and negative. I think this is my favorite thing about the story, beyond any particular character or other story element.
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