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The Silent Governess
Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems.
Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley's secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?
Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley's secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?
440 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
421 people are currently reading
8162 people want to read
About the author
Julie Klassen
32 books6,108 followersJulie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,490 reviews
October 20, 2011
I noted while I was reading that this book was like vanilla pudding with vanilla sprinkles on a very vanilla day.
Upon finishing, I still hold to that statement.
The plot was bland, the conflict was bland, the romance was bland (not because of the lack of, um, physical carnality but because there was not even a fizzle—much less a spark— between the two characters), and the characters were bland. There was a great deal of potential in the plot, such as: a governess who stumbles upon a secret is forced to remain as a mute in the secret-holder's household. This is an even better setup for intrigue and sizzle than the setup in Jane Eyre! But, believe you me, this book ain't no Jane Eyre.
I'm surprised I got through this book, especially considering one of the most glaring flaws was characterization. Not only is Olivia, our heroine, supremely gifted with math (to the point where she, after an hour's perusal, finds that one niggling flaw in account books that various authorities couldn't find after poring over the same books for hours upon hours), but she's also pretty, nice, and extremely likable. She's not an aristocrat, but that doesn't matter because with her innate qualities, she has the capability to attract all manners of men to her effusively kind-spirited self, from jaded earls to sour old woodsmen.
*******
Excuse me while I take this time to issue a belated MARY SUE ALERT .
This is not a drill. Please proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion.
Don’t mind the Mary Sue heroically and self-sacrificially herding everyone out of the building as she will miraculously emerge alive anyway, even after the building collapses on her.
Mary Sues always come back.
*******
I was going to give this book one star, but looking back, the writing itself wasn't bad. And I do think this style of storytelling would appeal to some people. Also, I don’t really regret reading the book, though I feel no particular joy in having read it. I like my books with more realism, conflict, and shades of gray. So, to make up for my (potential) bias, I decided to bump up my rating to two stars.
Upon finishing, I still hold to that statement.
The plot was bland, the conflict was bland, the romance was bland (not because of the lack of, um, physical carnality but because there was not even a fizzle—much less a spark— between the two characters), and the characters were bland. There was a great deal of potential in the plot, such as: a governess who stumbles upon a secret is forced to remain as a mute in the secret-holder's household. This is an even better setup for intrigue and sizzle than the setup in Jane Eyre! But, believe you me, this book ain't no Jane Eyre.
I'm surprised I got through this book, especially considering one of the most glaring flaws was characterization. Not only is Olivia, our heroine, supremely gifted with math (to the point where she, after an hour's perusal, finds that one niggling flaw in account books that various authorities couldn't find after poring over the same books for hours upon hours), but she's also pretty, nice, and extremely likable. She's not an aristocrat, but that doesn't matter because with her innate qualities, she has the capability to attract all manners of men to her effusively kind-spirited self, from jaded earls to sour old woodsmen.
*******
Excuse me while I take this time to issue a belated MARY SUE ALERT .
This is not a drill. Please proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion.
Don’t mind the Mary Sue heroically and self-sacrificially herding everyone out of the building as she will miraculously emerge alive anyway, even after the building collapses on her.
Mary Sues always come back.
*******
I was going to give this book one star, but looking back, the writing itself wasn't bad. And I do think this style of storytelling would appeal to some people. Also, I don’t really regret reading the book, though I feel no particular joy in having read it. I like my books with more realism, conflict, and shades of gray. So, to make up for my (potential) bias, I decided to bump up my rating to two stars.
June 13, 2020
Es el segundo libro que leo de la Klassen y, aunque el primero me gustó mucho más porque en cierta manera me recordó al estilo de Jane Austen, éste se me ha hecho algo lento, pesado. Quizá porque apenas hay romance o es tal sutil que pasa desapercibido. De todas maneras, seguro que leeré otra novela suya :)
February 21, 2021
Creo que hace mucho tiempo un libro no me atrapaba tanto, en serio, a pesar de lo largo que es, lo terminé en poco más de dos días; simplemente no podía parar sin saber cómo continuaría la historia.
He visto comentarios que lo comparan con el estilo de Jean Austen o Charlotte Brontë; no lo sé porque aún estoy al debe con estas autoras, pero podría apostar que sí, ya que tenemos un romance que se cuece a fuego muuuuuuy lento, con personajes que son enormemente coherentes con la época (es decir, no tenemos a personajes femeninos emancipados ni masculinos libertinos). Olivia y Edward se comportan acorde a la época y posición social que les corresponde: él es el heredero de un condado y ella una institutriz, una labor que me chocó mucho por la soledad en que vivían las mujeres dedicadas a este trabajo, al no ser parte de la familia, pero tampoco de la servidumbre.
El día a día en Brightwell Court transcurre junto a situaciones de lo más extrañas y sospechosas, así como a los descubrimientos de secretos familiares de ambos protagonistas, que le dan muchísimo sabor a la trama. La pluma de la autora es muy hermosa y emotiva, pero también supo manejar muy bien las intrigas de la historia.
Si hay que ponerle un pero, sólo me queda un poco al debe el romance: puedo entender que en este estilo de libros no haya una declaración en regla hasta las últimas páginas, pero a mi gusto la evolución de los sentimientos de la pareja no se profundizó todo lo que podría haber dado.
Reto #38 PopSugar 2018: Un libro con una portada fea
Respecto del reto, bueno, como dice el dicho, para gustos los colores, pero reconozco que casi no compro esta novela exclusivamente por la portada, la encontré tan fría y circunspecta que en ningún momento es posible imaginar la hermosa historia que hay en sus páginas, sobre todo comparándola con la bella portada de su edición en inglés (tirón de orejas a la Editorial Seda).
He visto comentarios que lo comparan con el estilo de Jean Austen o Charlotte Brontë; no lo sé porque aún estoy al debe con estas autoras, pero podría apostar que sí, ya que tenemos un romance que se cuece a fuego muuuuuuy lento, con personajes que son enormemente coherentes con la época (es decir, no tenemos a personajes femeninos emancipados ni masculinos libertinos). Olivia y Edward se comportan acorde a la época y posición social que les corresponde: él es el heredero de un condado y ella una institutriz, una labor que me chocó mucho por la soledad en que vivían las mujeres dedicadas a este trabajo, al no ser parte de la familia, pero tampoco de la servidumbre.
El día a día en Brightwell Court transcurre junto a situaciones de lo más extrañas y sospechosas, así como a los descubrimientos de secretos familiares de ambos protagonistas, que le dan muchísimo sabor a la trama. La pluma de la autora es muy hermosa y emotiva, pero también supo manejar muy bien las intrigas de la historia.
Si hay que ponerle un pero, sólo me queda un poco al debe el romance: puedo entender que en este estilo de libros no haya una declaración en regla hasta las últimas páginas, pero a mi gusto la evolución de los sentimientos de la pareja no se profundizó todo lo que podría haber dado.
Reto #38 PopSugar 2018: Un libro con una portada fea
Respecto del reto, bueno, como dice el dicho, para gustos los colores, pero reconozco que casi no compro esta novela exclusivamente por la portada, la encontré tan fría y circunspecta que en ningún momento es posible imaginar la hermosa historia que hay en sus páginas, sobre todo comparándola con la bella portada de su edición en inglés (tirón de orejas a la Editorial Seda).
February 11, 2015
My word, what a novel!
I have no idea what to say...I loved it!! It was SO engrossing right from the start, and the excitement didn't drop once. From the prologue was are swept in a web of intrigue, mystery, secrets and adventure. This book is like, impossible to put down.
Olivia Keene, the heroine, was absolutely amazing. She was courageous, loyal, clever and fierce and I loved the way she stayed true to herself and stood up to Lord Bradley from time to time. Her relationship with the children was really touching, and I loved all the scenes they had together. Who said children were annoying in Regencies? ;) I used to think they were, but lately I've hit upon a few books that featured really attaching ones.
The plot in The Silent Governess is really intricate and twisty, and although I guessed a few things right early on enough, it still kept me really interested and I couldn't wait to turn the next page to see what would happen. I have amazed myself for once and DID NOT SPOIL ANYTHING FOR MYSELF BY PEEKING (cue round of applause) and the experience was so enjoyable that I am determined not to peek in the next novel I'll read.
This book was definitely more focused on the plot than the romance, which was a little too bad because the hero, while not exactly swoon-worthy, was really fascinating and of the reserved-judgemental-haughty- type, with a resting bitchface on his gorgeous blond-haired, blue-eyed face. Aaaannnd he's tall, broad-shouldered and very muscular, facts confirmed by Olivia herself, when she *accidentally* sees him in his bath. ;) We learn his secret, or part of it, right from the beginning because the heroine overhears it, and that is why he forces to stay on his estate, first as an under-nurse, and eventually as a governess (all the while never taking his eyes off her - both for security and personal reasons, hehehe!). Their relationship is a bit peculiar, although interesting. Lord Bradley is clearly attracted to her early on, but it isn't until almost the end that we are made to understand that Olivia sees him in a romantic light too. All along, they have a few delicious scenes, but also some very conflicting ones where it felt unclear why they were acting the way they were. Edward had a few strange mood swings throughout, and Olivia's decisions near the end were rather too sudden and precipitous. But nevertheless the romantic aspect was very enjoyable to follow, and the ending is delectable.
My favourite character is probably Lord Brightwell, though, and I *wish* he'd gotten a HEA too, because he was the most deserving and the most awesome. Generous, philanthropic and super kind, he reminded me a lot of Mr. Jarndyce from Bleak House, and every scene with him was really good. I wish there was a sequel to this book so he could get his own story.
The setting of this novel was really great, and I enjoyed learning more about the lives of servants back in the Regency era (and prior to this I had no idea what the heck an undernurse was!), and it also made me realize just how awkward the position of governess was, since they were only supposed to interact with the children and no one else, being too good for the servants, but not good enough for the family of the house. Awkward indeed. No wonder Olivia got tired of it and wanted to teach in a school of her own!
I loved how we can so tell that Julie Klassen loves all things Jane. :) The Silent Governess was reminiscent of Jane Eyre in so many ways, but what would have been really awesome is if the author had started the epilogue with "Reader, I married him.". :)
I can't wait to read another Klassen novel. Her books are SO good. And she has TWO new ones coming out this year!!! Weeee!! :D
I have no idea what to say...I loved it!! It was SO engrossing right from the start, and the excitement didn't drop once. From the prologue was are swept in a web of intrigue, mystery, secrets and adventure. This book is like, impossible to put down.
Olivia Keene, the heroine, was absolutely amazing. She was courageous, loyal, clever and fierce and I loved the way she stayed true to herself and stood up to Lord Bradley from time to time. Her relationship with the children was really touching, and I loved all the scenes they had together. Who said children were annoying in Regencies? ;) I used to think they were, but lately I've hit upon a few books that featured really attaching ones.
The plot in The Silent Governess is really intricate and twisty, and although I guessed a few things right early on enough, it still kept me really interested and I couldn't wait to turn the next page to see what would happen. I have amazed myself for once and DID NOT SPOIL ANYTHING FOR MYSELF BY PEEKING (cue round of applause) and the experience was so enjoyable that I am determined not to peek in the next novel I'll read.
This book was definitely more focused on the plot than the romance, which was a little too bad because the hero, while not exactly swoon-worthy, was really fascinating and of the reserved-judgemental-haughty- type, with a resting bitchface on his gorgeous blond-haired, blue-eyed face. Aaaannnd he's tall, broad-shouldered and very muscular, facts confirmed by Olivia herself, when she *accidentally* sees him in his bath. ;) We learn his secret, or part of it, right from the beginning because the heroine overhears it, and that is why he forces to stay on his estate, first as an under-nurse, and eventually as a governess (all the while never taking his eyes off her - both for security and personal reasons, hehehe!). Their relationship is a bit peculiar, although interesting. Lord Bradley is clearly attracted to her early on, but it isn't until almost the end that we are made to understand that Olivia sees him in a romantic light too. All along, they have a few delicious scenes, but also some very conflicting ones where it felt unclear why they were acting the way they were. Edward had a few strange mood swings throughout, and Olivia's decisions near the end were rather too sudden and precipitous. But nevertheless the romantic aspect was very enjoyable to follow, and the ending is delectable.
My favourite character is probably Lord Brightwell, though, and I *wish* he'd gotten a HEA too, because he was the most deserving and the most awesome. Generous, philanthropic and super kind, he reminded me a lot of Mr. Jarndyce from Bleak House, and every scene with him was really good. I wish there was a sequel to this book so he could get his own story.
The setting of this novel was really great, and I enjoyed learning more about the lives of servants back in the Regency era (and prior to this I had no idea what the heck an undernurse was!), and it also made me realize just how awkward the position of governess was, since they were only supposed to interact with the children and no one else, being too good for the servants, but not good enough for the family of the house. Awkward indeed. No wonder Olivia got tired of it and wanted to teach in a school of her own!
I loved how we can so tell that Julie Klassen loves all things Jane. :) The Silent Governess was reminiscent of Jane Eyre in so many ways, but what would have been really awesome is if the author had started the epilogue with "Reader, I married him.". :)
I can't wait to read another Klassen novel. Her books are SO good. And she has TWO new ones coming out this year!!! Weeee!! :D
March 25, 2016
Wow, I was swept away in the tides of this book! It took me longer to read than a book normally does because I wanted to fully absorb it all! This is a book that keeps you reading far into the night and thinking about it first thing in the morning. You thought you had things figured out but in actuality you were far from figuring it out! Intrigue,suspense, a bit of creepiness and a hint of romance make for an exciting story here. I look forward to reading more Klassen books in the future!
February 6, 2017
Olivia Keene huye de su casa precipitadamente debido a algo que podría meterla en serios problemas, las cosas se complicarán más cuando escuche una conversación comprometida que implica a Lord Bradley. Éste decide que esa información debe permanecer en secreto con lo que decide contratar a Olivia para mantenerla callada.
Esta novela me llamó la atención y tenía altas expectativas con ella puesto que desde la editorial la pintaban como una novela de romance histórico ¡y además premiada!; pero… mi gozo en un pozo. Después de comenzar la lectura me enteré que es de género religioso y ya os podéis imaginar lo demás, un punto negativo que le doy a la editorial por no mencionarlo.
Otra de las cosas negativas que voy a mencionar es la sinopsis / spoiler tremendo que se marca, señores un poco más y nos desvelan el final.
A estas alturas todavía me pregunto qué puntuación darle a la novela y es que no entiendo que se lleve tan alta puntuación por los lares de Goodreads. Para mí ha sido una novela aburrida, de esas que intento leer lo más rápidamente posible para acabar con el trauma. No le quito que tenga buena ambientación y esté bien documentada; en cuanto a narración estoy entre dos mares, entre sí y no, no me llega a gustar del todo. El libro es extenso y de modo abrupto acaba un capítulo y empieza otro pero no ves la conexión, el puzle no encaja bien, es como que la autora toca algo de refilón y luego a otro tema, no sé si me explico. Las descripciones quizás demasiado excesivas.
Los personajes… nunca me he topado con personajes con menos feeling en la vida. Olivia Keene es una muchacha a la que le pasan continuamente desgracias, a veces es tonta de remate por dejarse hacer ciertas cosas. Y Lord Bradley desde el principio me pareció un esnob, un antipático y quizás cambie un poco pero no me hizo tilín en ningún momento.
Una cosa es que sea de género religioso pero es que ésta raya lo absurdo, es obvio que no contenga escenas explícitas de sexo, que no me importa pero es que entre los personajes principales no existe conexión alguna, nada que te anime a seguir leyendo. Ya quisiera parecerse a los libros de Julianne Donaldson, ya. La historia podría dar de sí y ser entretenida pero es que no tiene sentimiento, es como el que monta un coche, con todas las piezas correctas y en su sitio pero que al final no le arranca el motor, así ha sido. Es una historia larga, aburrida, insulsa, sin sentimiento, con un final muy absurdo por cierto. Si se supone que el fin de este tipo de novelas es meternos en vena lo religioso y espiritual, y transmitirnos la Fe y ese tipo de cosas, no lo ha conseguido, he leído libros que me han inspirado más. A mí éstos y los libros tipo Paulo Coelho me superan y no los tolera mi sistema, jajaja.
A veces me parecía que leía un libro escrito unos siglos atrás, y si me pongo a pensar ni tampoco, hay libros de esa época que son menos cerrados, una cosa es la historia y el año en el que se ambiente y otra es tener planteamientos que para mí eran inverosímiles por no decir otra cosa.
En conclusión, una novela para olvidar, que lo que te incita es a leer algo con más sentimiento, cosa sencilla si lo piensas ;) Me voy a hacer una cura desintoxicante y a pastar por novelas más prósperas XD
Esta novela me llamó la atención y tenía altas expectativas con ella puesto que desde la editorial la pintaban como una novela de romance histórico ¡y además premiada!; pero… mi gozo en un pozo. Después de comenzar la lectura me enteré que es de género religioso y ya os podéis imaginar lo demás, un punto negativo que le doy a la editorial por no mencionarlo.
Otra de las cosas negativas que voy a mencionar es la sinopsis / spoiler tremendo que se marca, señores un poco más y nos desvelan el final.
A estas alturas todavía me pregunto qué puntuación darle a la novela y es que no entiendo que se lleve tan alta puntuación por los lares de Goodreads. Para mí ha sido una novela aburrida, de esas que intento leer lo más rápidamente posible para acabar con el trauma. No le quito que tenga buena ambientación y esté bien documentada; en cuanto a narración estoy entre dos mares, entre sí y no, no me llega a gustar del todo. El libro es extenso y de modo abrupto acaba un capítulo y empieza otro pero no ves la conexión, el puzle no encaja bien, es como que la autora toca algo de refilón y luego a otro tema, no sé si me explico. Las descripciones quizás demasiado excesivas.
Los personajes… nunca me he topado con personajes con menos feeling en la vida. Olivia Keene es una muchacha a la que le pasan continuamente desgracias, a veces es tonta de remate por dejarse hacer ciertas cosas. Y Lord Bradley desde el principio me pareció un esnob, un antipático y quizás cambie un poco pero no me hizo tilín en ningún momento.
Una cosa es que sea de género religioso pero es que ésta raya lo absurdo, es obvio que no contenga escenas explícitas de sexo, que no me importa pero es que entre los personajes principales no existe conexión alguna, nada que te anime a seguir leyendo. Ya quisiera parecerse a los libros de Julianne Donaldson, ya. La historia podría dar de sí y ser entretenida pero es que no tiene sentimiento, es como el que monta un coche, con todas las piezas correctas y en su sitio pero que al final no le arranca el motor, así ha sido. Es una historia larga, aburrida, insulsa, sin sentimiento, con un final muy absurdo por cierto. Si se supone que el fin de este tipo de novelas es meternos en vena lo religioso y espiritual, y transmitirnos la Fe y ese tipo de cosas, no lo ha conseguido, he leído libros que me han inspirado más. A mí éstos y los libros tipo Paulo Coelho me superan y no los tolera mi sistema, jajaja.
A veces me parecía que leía un libro escrito unos siglos atrás, y si me pongo a pensar ni tampoco, hay libros de esa época que son menos cerrados, una cosa es la historia y el año en el que se ambiente y otra es tener planteamientos que para mí eran inverosímiles por no decir otra cosa.
En conclusión, una novela para olvidar, que lo que te incita es a leer algo con más sentimiento, cosa sencilla si lo piensas ;) Me voy a hacer una cura desintoxicante y a pastar por novelas más prósperas XD
May 31, 2019
This is the first novel I've read by Julie Klassen, and I'm eager to read her other novels since finishing this one. While it is your typical regency romance/mystery, the plot was very creative.
This book was mainly plot-driven; I could hardly stop reading because I just had to see what was going to happen next. I love when a book is like that. I really enjoyed watching the mysteries unravel as Olivia, the main character, figures everything out. It's hard to say much about the mysteries without giving anything away, but they definitely all intertwined in unexpected ways.
Some aspects of the plot were a bit predictable, mostly in the romance department...but, then again, if they had ended any other way, I think I would have been quite put out. I usually don't mind the happy endings as long as getting there is entertaining and perhaps has a twist all it's own, and I feel like this novel did that. I'm all for a charming and sweet romance and happy ending.
It was also more realistic; she didn't magically become rich somehow or just happen to have a wealthy long-lost relative, which is what I've noticed happening in a lot of other regency-type novels. I've read a good deal of regency novels in the past (especially Victoria Holt), and this is one of my favorites.
This is labeled as a Christian novel, and so many that fall in that category deal with characters that are just too good. While Olivia Keene is a "good" person, it was refreshing that she had doubts, lost her temper, and had a hard time forgiving (herself and others) just like a real person would.
Sweet romance, delicious plot. Recommended!
This book was mainly plot-driven; I could hardly stop reading because I just had to see what was going to happen next. I love when a book is like that. I really enjoyed watching the mysteries unravel as Olivia, the main character, figures everything out. It's hard to say much about the mysteries without giving anything away, but they definitely all intertwined in unexpected ways.
Some aspects of the plot were a bit predictable, mostly in the romance department...but, then again, if they had ended any other way, I think I would have been quite put out. I usually don't mind the happy endings as long as getting there is entertaining and perhaps has a twist all it's own, and I feel like this novel did that. I'm all for a charming and sweet romance and happy ending.
It was also more realistic; she didn't magically become rich somehow or just happen to have a wealthy long-lost relative, which is what I've noticed happening in a lot of other regency-type novels. I've read a good deal of regency novels in the past (especially Victoria Holt), and this is one of my favorites.
This is labeled as a Christian novel, and so many that fall in that category deal with characters that are just too good. While Olivia Keene is a "good" person, it was refreshing that she had doubts, lost her temper, and had a hard time forgiving (herself and others) just like a real person would.
Sweet romance, delicious plot. Recommended!
January 15, 2020
Stunning! I get breathless just thinking about how good this is! I grieved when it was over.
Klassen has an exquisite command of the English language and she isn't afraid to use it. Rich descriptions paint a vivid picture and carry the reader away into an Austen-like setting. "The autumn air was crisp, the wood a colorful fresco of flaming brown and orange beechwood trees..." (p.96) Doesn't that conjure up a reaction in all your senses? I can smell the musty scent of decaying leaves, hear them rustling under the children's feet, see the brilliant colours in contrast to the blue sky...It's passages like these that elevate Klassen's writing into the sublime.
In case you haven't guessed by now -- I LOVED this book, as I have every other one this author has written. Her characters are richly developed, the plot is complex and full of surprises and the romance --- be still my heart! How can you resist a man such as this:
"She stretched her legs out before her, and Edward glimpsed a sliver of stocking and tapered ankle. He averted his gaze. He was not a man to sneak a look at a woman's leg." (p.177)
But the course to true-love is never straight and Klassen sends her hero and heroine along a very crooked, perilous road indeed! And every moment of their romance is to be savored and copious scenes to be read over for the sheer thrill of it!
Klassen's bio says that she loves "all things -- Jane -- Jane Eyre and Jane Austen" and I certainly got a feel for that and yet her own distinctive voice is not lost in similarities. Rather she has crafted a unique epic of her own that will be cherished by fans for years to come.
Klassen has an exquisite command of the English language and she isn't afraid to use it. Rich descriptions paint a vivid picture and carry the reader away into an Austen-like setting. "The autumn air was crisp, the wood a colorful fresco of flaming brown and orange beechwood trees..." (p.96) Doesn't that conjure up a reaction in all your senses? I can smell the musty scent of decaying leaves, hear them rustling under the children's feet, see the brilliant colours in contrast to the blue sky...It's passages like these that elevate Klassen's writing into the sublime.
In case you haven't guessed by now -- I LOVED this book, as I have every other one this author has written. Her characters are richly developed, the plot is complex and full of surprises and the romance --- be still my heart! How can you resist a man such as this:
"She stretched her legs out before her, and Edward glimpsed a sliver of stocking and tapered ankle. He averted his gaze. He was not a man to sneak a look at a woman's leg." (p.177)
But the course to true-love is never straight and Klassen sends her hero and heroine along a very crooked, perilous road indeed! And every moment of their romance is to be savored and copious scenes to be read over for the sheer thrill of it!
Klassen's bio says that she loves "all things -- Jane -- Jane Eyre and Jane Austen" and I certainly got a feel for that and yet her own distinctive voice is not lost in similarities. Rather she has crafted a unique epic of her own that will be cherished by fans for years to come.
January 28, 2022
2.75
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2022/...
Este es un ejemplo de choque entre lo que esperaba de esta lectura y lo que he encontrado.
Esperaba más misterio y más romance.
Es una novela costumbrista, bien escrita, pero con un ritmo demasiado lento para mí.
Al principio el tema religioso no es muy relevante. Al final de la novela, es cansino —o quizás para mí, que me molesta tanto.
La evolución de la protagonista, el reflejo de costumbres y la ambientación, en general, me han gustado. Personajes interesantes, pero una historia demasiado rocambolesca y la otra, demasiado previsible.
Quizás el problema es que pensaba que la pareja, como tal, iba a tener más peso y esperaba más de esa parte de suspense.
Creo que puede gustar, quizás no era el momento adecuado.
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2022/...
Este es un ejemplo de choque entre lo que esperaba de esta lectura y lo que he encontrado.
Esperaba más misterio y más romance.
Es una novela costumbrista, bien escrita, pero con un ritmo demasiado lento para mí.
Al principio el tema religioso no es muy relevante. Al final de la novela, es cansino —o quizás para mí, que me molesta tanto.
La evolución de la protagonista, el reflejo de costumbres y la ambientación, en general, me han gustado. Personajes interesantes, pero una historia demasiado rocambolesca y la otra, demasiado previsible.
Quizás el problema es que pensaba que la pareja, como tal, iba a tener más peso y esperaba más de esa parte de suspense.
Creo que puede gustar, quizás no era el momento adecuado.
February 3, 2022
2022 Reread: 5 Star book for excellent writing, but while this is a well loved JK novel & I do enjoy it, it isn’t my favorite of hers. There’s plenty to love, but I think it’s my first impression of the hero Edward that bothers me. Edward is so snotty toward her in the beginning & then suspicious & accusing of her for most of the novel. He redeems himself for sure but I didn’t care for him for the first half of the book or more. Olivia’s character is very likable & is quite saintly. I love that JK weaves drama & secrets so well. I listened to the story & it was fabulous!
Ahh what every regency should have: excellent plot, good mystery, great secret reveals, & a swoon worthy hero 💜
Ahh what every regency should have: excellent plot, good mystery, great secret reveals, & a swoon worthy hero 💜
May 12, 2014
There are no words. (Now watch me prattle on in typical fangirl fashion. ;) Yes, I just used the word 'prattle'.)
The Silent Governess is such a treasure! It has everything a historical fiction fan could want! Mystery, suspense, contention, suspicion, some humor, light (clean) romance, family, friends, loyalty, betrayal- lots of unexpected plot twists and discoveries!
Trust and the value of family are the major themes in this story, and they are proved over and over to our confused and searching heroine (and hero).
This book was brim full of fun and lovable characters (at least, you think so. >:)) and I especially loved reading about Olivia's young charges- Audrey and Andrew.
There really isn't too much you can say about this story without giving something away...so go read it for yourself! It's incredible and totally worth your time. I found myself drawing out the last chapters over as many hours as I could, to keep it in my life- knowing I'll always wish I could read it for the first time again. (Which makes me REALLY glad her books are so long! :D)
I'm really looking forward to reading more from Julie Klassen! How can one author continue to completely surprise her readers with each and every new and unique plot?! I'm not sure, but I've been told it's true that she does, so I can't wait to see for myself.
May 5, 2019
Forced to escape from her home, because she thinks she killed a man, Olivia Keene arrives to Brightwell Court where overhears a great secret concerning the family who lives there. Worried for his future, if that secret is revealed, Lord Bradley decides to keep an eye on Olivia (who is temporarily unable to speak because of an accident) and offers her a post at his father’s estate until she is perfectly recovered. The relationship between Olivia and Lord Bradley starts badly because they do not trust each other and they are both sure the other is hiding something. Will things be easier for Olivia and Lord Bradley once those secrets will be unravelled?
Sometimes it is very hard to express your feelings about a book because there is the fear of being banal. This happens to me both for a terrible book and for an excellent one. I hope I will not be unoriginal by saying with a few words what I think about “The Silent Governess”: I loved it so much! This is one of the best book I have read so far. Julie Klassen is a very talented author and I always enjoy reading her novels. This story can seem complicated at the beginning because there are a lot of secrets, characters and mysteries to understand and discover, but the writer made everything easy. Her writing is detailed, her researches accurate and the readers may have the impression to be actually in the English countryside. All the characters are important, you cannot forget anybody, because at some point everybody returns and all the questions you have will find an answer. I thought I had unravelled at least one secret, but I was completely wrong! And that is one of the things I particularly love about Ms. Klassen. She is unpredictable. While you are thinking everything is clear and resolved there is a sudden twist in the plot that leaves you speechless!
Readers can find any kind of people in this book. There is the good hero, there are evil men, the mysterious gamekeeper, the trustworthy and sweet cook, the traitor (and that one is always the last person you think), the rogue who makes suffer many women and of course, the governess, the lovely and gentle Olivia Keene. I loved Olivia. When she starts her journey because she must escape and she needs to find a better future she is scared and has no idea of what it will become of her but she does not stop all the same. She faces her problems and tries to be confident and resolute despite her real feelings. Throughout the story she becomes stronger, she starts to trust people and especially God who will help her discover some things of her family’s past she did not know and see the truth about some persons she misjudged. It was lovely to witness her changing her opinions and living her new life. Just as it was beautiful to see the development of Lord Bradley. He has a big secret to deal with and he is afraid his entire world might fall apart, but slowly he will understand what it really matters in his life aside from his title, wealth and property. He gradually changes his behaviour to become a different man. From the secretive and unhappy heir of the first chapters, he becomes a wiser and better man by the end of the book, and I loved to witness his growth. Among the others, I liked two other characters: Lord Brightwell (Lord Bradley’s father) and Mr. Croome (the gamekeeper). Both men suffered a lot during their lives and all of their actions hide important meanings. The first one proves to be a strong and good gentleman, the second one is a gruff man who acts in a strange way but believe me, he has his good reasons. Nothing is as it seems in this novel!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to other stories by Julie Klassen. I highly recommend “The Silent Governess”!
Sometimes it is very hard to express your feelings about a book because there is the fear of being banal. This happens to me both for a terrible book and for an excellent one. I hope I will not be unoriginal by saying with a few words what I think about “The Silent Governess”: I loved it so much! This is one of the best book I have read so far. Julie Klassen is a very talented author and I always enjoy reading her novels. This story can seem complicated at the beginning because there are a lot of secrets, characters and mysteries to understand and discover, but the writer made everything easy. Her writing is detailed, her researches accurate and the readers may have the impression to be actually in the English countryside. All the characters are important, you cannot forget anybody, because at some point everybody returns and all the questions you have will find an answer. I thought I had unravelled at least one secret, but I was completely wrong! And that is one of the things I particularly love about Ms. Klassen. She is unpredictable. While you are thinking everything is clear and resolved there is a sudden twist in the plot that leaves you speechless!
Readers can find any kind of people in this book. There is the good hero, there are evil men, the mysterious gamekeeper, the trustworthy and sweet cook, the traitor (and that one is always the last person you think), the rogue who makes suffer many women and of course, the governess, the lovely and gentle Olivia Keene. I loved Olivia. When she starts her journey because she must escape and she needs to find a better future she is scared and has no idea of what it will become of her but she does not stop all the same. She faces her problems and tries to be confident and resolute despite her real feelings. Throughout the story she becomes stronger, she starts to trust people and especially God who will help her discover some things of her family’s past she did not know and see the truth about some persons she misjudged. It was lovely to witness her changing her opinions and living her new life. Just as it was beautiful to see the development of Lord Bradley. He has a big secret to deal with and he is afraid his entire world might fall apart, but slowly he will understand what it really matters in his life aside from his title, wealth and property. He gradually changes his behaviour to become a different man. From the secretive and unhappy heir of the first chapters, he becomes a wiser and better man by the end of the book, and I loved to witness his growth. Among the others, I liked two other characters: Lord Brightwell (Lord Bradley’s father) and Mr. Croome (the gamekeeper). Both men suffered a lot during their lives and all of their actions hide important meanings. The first one proves to be a strong and good gentleman, the second one is a gruff man who acts in a strange way but believe me, he has his good reasons. Nothing is as it seems in this novel!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to other stories by Julie Klassen. I highly recommend “The Silent Governess”!
May 22, 2017
To be a lonely Governess for the rest of your life is one thing...
To be marked by a tainted family name and a questionable past, is another.
Secrets galore leave you guessing throughout the book for both of the main characters!
Julie Klassen masterfully weaves an intense plot and ties up the end so neatly, you are in tears with the joy it produces. She is so talented and I am thankful to have read another great book. Some of the aspects of this book hits home for me regarding family, so I knew I was going to love it! I truly loved the Duke. He reminded me so much of my Papa it's not even funny. Add in suspense, plot twists and of course, characters you love-to-hate, and you have a superb book in your hands!
To be marked by a tainted family name and a questionable past, is another.
Secrets galore leave you guessing throughout the book for both of the main characters!
Julie Klassen masterfully weaves an intense plot and ties up the end so neatly, you are in tears with the joy it produces. She is so talented and I am thankful to have read another great book. Some of the aspects of this book hits home for me regarding family, so I knew I was going to love it! I truly loved the Duke. He reminded me so much of my Papa it's not even funny. Add in suspense, plot twists and of course, characters you love-to-hate, and you have a superb book in your hands!
May 3, 2021
I enjoyed it. And I immediately realised that Jane Eyre was one of sources of inspiration. And Edward for the main lead... really? How much obvious does it have to get.
November 19, 2022
It was such a happy and pleasant surprise that I loved this book so much. I didn't have any expectations going into it, and I just ended up falling in love with the characters, hated the bad guys and loved the happily ever after.
June 15, 2016
This was my first read by Julie Klassen (Shocking I know) but it won't be my last.
Julie has a gift of drawing the reader in with various mysteries, interesting ladies, handsome but a bit rugged gentlemen, too many bad guys and a story that flows and builds beautifully.
I enjoyed the various mysteries intertwined in this book and the small clues given to the reader, enough to solve the mystery, but not too obvious that you are being kept in the dark right till the end. Even at the end when I though all was solved, another twist.
I enjoyed the character growth and character build in this story. My favourite scenes were Olivia and Audrey and Andrew. Julie also did a great job of redeeming characters which I started off disliking, for example Johnny Ross. I think the epilogue in this book is my favourite off all books read.
Please add this book to your shelf, especially if you love a sweet historical fiction.
Julie has a gift of drawing the reader in with various mysteries, interesting ladies, handsome but a bit rugged gentlemen, too many bad guys and a story that flows and builds beautifully.
I enjoyed the various mysteries intertwined in this book and the small clues given to the reader, enough to solve the mystery, but not too obvious that you are being kept in the dark right till the end. Even at the end when I though all was solved, another twist.
I enjoyed the character growth and character build in this story. My favourite scenes were Olivia and Audrey and Andrew. Julie also did a great job of redeeming characters which I started off disliking, for example Johnny Ross. I think the epilogue in this book is my favourite off all books read.
Please add this book to your shelf, especially if you love a sweet historical fiction.
March 31, 2016
It's difficult to satisfactorily review a book when you care so much about it. I've waited a week since finishing to tackle this review, and yet I don't know how to express how much I enjoyed getting lost between two covers!
First I had it from the church library in the fall. I was only a few chapters in and had already made it to the point of carrying it in the car...and then my mom had to wait for me, and got so completely absorbed in it that she made it beyond where I was. She was going through a difficult move, so I was glad enough to let her have it to enjoy. Recently I bought my own copy and blasted through the whole thing in a day and a half!
It felt real. Olivia is spunky and doesn't bow her spirit even under the hardships she faces. And Lord Bradley's decisions to make and the process of becoming a true man emotionally was very well done. I felt that both characters were believable and faithful to the time period that Klassen portrayed so well.
First I had it from the church library in the fall. I was only a few chapters in and had already made it to the point of carrying it in the car...and then my mom had to wait for me, and got so completely absorbed in it that she made it beyond where I was. She was going through a difficult move, so I was glad enough to let her have it to enjoy. Recently I bought my own copy and blasted through the whole thing in a day and a half!
It felt real. Olivia is spunky and doesn't bow her spirit even under the hardships she faces. And Lord Bradley's decisions to make and the process of becoming a true man emotionally was very well done. I felt that both characters were believable and faithful to the time period that Klassen portrayed so well.
February 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Olivia, and my heart broke with all she had endured even before she found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and overheard Lord Bradley's secret. I grew to love her even more as she found the courage to stand up for what was right, help solve mysteries, and fall in love into the bargain!
I also enjoyed Edward, though there were moments when I wanted to talk some sense into him. Obtuse, much? He did eventually figure things out, and make things right for as many people as he could. He and Olivia were a good match.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Audrey and Andrew. I particularly appreciated how Mr Tugwell reminded Olivia, Edward, and even Simon that they needed to turn themselves and their troubles to Christ's care . . . because He is the only way to please God.
4.5 stars
I also enjoyed Edward, though there were moments when I wanted to talk some sense into him. Obtuse, much? He did eventually figure things out, and make things right for as many people as he could. He and Olivia were a good match.
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Audrey and Andrew. I particularly appreciated how Mr Tugwell reminded Olivia, Edward, and even Simon that they needed to turn themselves and their troubles to Christ's care . . . because He is the only way to please God.
4.5 stars
April 10, 2012
I bought this book from a used bookstore thinking I would get a light romantic read. I had just finished an epic series and wanted something not as time consuming. I got what I wanted. A modern romantic story set almost like a movie backdrop to Regency England. I overall liked the story, but found myself criticizing the reasons why our protagonist was in her predicament. I didn't understand how she allowed herself to get there and just accepted the situation with whole-hearted trust. *sigh* I'll explain.
The author opens the book with Olivia's childhood inviting the reader to understand the parental disappointment she had experienced. Fast forward until she is 24 (which is quite surprising considering stories like this fast forward to 18, 19 or at the very oldest 21). Olivia returns to her home after a long day of work tutoring the local people when she sees someone strangling her mother. She reacts quickly and hits the man over the head and he falls to the floor. Years of paternal disappointment instantly makes her think that she had just killed her father who had been strangling her mother in a drunken bender. Conveniently, Olivia's mother convinces her that she must leave her home and not come back until she retrieves her as Olivia could be punished by death for killing another person. But didn’t she just save someone’s life??
Armed with a small purse with very little money in it, Olivia abandons her house and mother to run through the woods with hopes of perhaps getting a position as a teacher in a different town. If only getting a job was just that easy! Now, I don't know if this is my modern woman take on the situation, but why would Olivia leave her mother? Her mother had just been strangled by a man (presumably her father) and Olivia leaves her? What about the police or a strong neighbor? Why does she scamper off into the night leaving her mother to fend for herself without any reassurances that she will ever see her again?
Okay, I can understand she is a young woman and when her mother tells her she should flee for safety, she will trust her, but there must be more you can tell a child who depends so much on you than she will see her later. Meh. Go to this random place and perhaps you will get a position as teacher there. I’ll see you next decade!
But for the love story to occur, she must be in the vicinity of the man so Olivia runs into the woods dogging would-be rapists like she was a linebacker. When Olivia and Edward finally meet its misconception at first sight. Olivia interrupts their riding party (faux pas!) and then accidently overhears a secret between Edward and his father. Instantly, Olivia is captured and taken to 19th century jail. After she is attacked in jail (like you do…) she is taken by Edward to his home where he convinces her that she will pretend to be the new under nurse in his home. And her response? Okay! Is Olivia trustworthy enough to not tell a secret? No, but to be in charge of two children? Of course she is!
This is my main problem with the book. Olivia is told she will be an indentured servant to him for three months as punishment and she is completely fine with it. Even thanks god for transporting her to a place where she can be around children. *sigh* Why didn’t Olivia put up a fight? Why didn’t she try to run away? Why didn’t she let him know she wasn’t friendless in the world and he couldn’t just take random 24 year old women off the street? There were so many ways the story could go, but because she has to be there for the man to fall in love with her, the story keeps her there.
Without ruining too much of the story, I would like to say I could have used more of Olivia’s inner struggle. She only every once in a while remembers her mother’s plight and instead is worried more about fitting in at the house and pretending to be mute.
Like many of the reviews I read, I think the story doesn’t get good until Olivia is settled as the governess to the two children. If there had been more satisfying story before Olivia becoming a governess, I would have liked it more. There is one redeeming quote near the end of the book. Edward describes his cousin in a particularly vulnerable position and thinks, “Perhaps… that was how God saw all His children. Selfish and fallen, yes. But in the forgiving light of His son, each wore an unmerited halo” (403). It is how I feel about this book. The plot markers were a little slippery, but overall it has a pleasant glow of regency romance. Its Diet Pamela and Jane Austen with a splash of “Female Gothic” overtones.
The author opens the book with Olivia's childhood inviting the reader to understand the parental disappointment she had experienced. Fast forward until she is 24 (which is quite surprising considering stories like this fast forward to 18, 19 or at the very oldest 21). Olivia returns to her home after a long day of work tutoring the local people when she sees someone strangling her mother. She reacts quickly and hits the man over the head and he falls to the floor. Years of paternal disappointment instantly makes her think that she had just killed her father who had been strangling her mother in a drunken bender. Conveniently, Olivia's mother convinces her that she must leave her home and not come back until she retrieves her as Olivia could be punished by death for killing another person. But didn’t she just save someone’s life??
Armed with a small purse with very little money in it, Olivia abandons her house and mother to run through the woods with hopes of perhaps getting a position as a teacher in a different town. If only getting a job was just that easy! Now, I don't know if this is my modern woman take on the situation, but why would Olivia leave her mother? Her mother had just been strangled by a man (presumably her father) and Olivia leaves her? What about the police or a strong neighbor? Why does she scamper off into the night leaving her mother to fend for herself without any reassurances that she will ever see her again?
Okay, I can understand she is a young woman and when her mother tells her she should flee for safety, she will trust her, but there must be more you can tell a child who depends so much on you than she will see her later. Meh. Go to this random place and perhaps you will get a position as teacher there. I’ll see you next decade!
But for the love story to occur, she must be in the vicinity of the man so Olivia runs into the woods dogging would-be rapists like she was a linebacker. When Olivia and Edward finally meet its misconception at first sight. Olivia interrupts their riding party (faux pas!) and then accidently overhears a secret between Edward and his father. Instantly, Olivia is captured and taken to 19th century jail. After she is attacked in jail (like you do…) she is taken by Edward to his home where he convinces her that she will pretend to be the new under nurse in his home. And her response? Okay! Is Olivia trustworthy enough to not tell a secret? No, but to be in charge of two children? Of course she is!
This is my main problem with the book. Olivia is told she will be an indentured servant to him for three months as punishment and she is completely fine with it. Even thanks god for transporting her to a place where she can be around children. *sigh* Why didn’t Olivia put up a fight? Why didn’t she try to run away? Why didn’t she let him know she wasn’t friendless in the world and he couldn’t just take random 24 year old women off the street? There were so many ways the story could go, but because she has to be there for the man to fall in love with her, the story keeps her there.
Without ruining too much of the story, I would like to say I could have used more of Olivia’s inner struggle. She only every once in a while remembers her mother’s plight and instead is worried more about fitting in at the house and pretending to be mute.
Like many of the reviews I read, I think the story doesn’t get good until Olivia is settled as the governess to the two children. If there had been more satisfying story before Olivia becoming a governess, I would have liked it more. There is one redeeming quote near the end of the book. Edward describes his cousin in a particularly vulnerable position and thinks, “Perhaps… that was how God saw all His children. Selfish and fallen, yes. But in the forgiving light of His son, each wore an unmerited halo” (403). It is how I feel about this book. The plot markers were a little slippery, but overall it has a pleasant glow of regency romance. Its Diet Pamela and Jane Austen with a splash of “Female Gothic” overtones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
Let me catch my breath...
Julie Klassen knows how to create breathtaking stories that carry you off to faraway places. The Silent Governess does not disappoint.
When Olivia Keene goes on the run, she intends to keep her secret, not overhear someone else's. When an incident leaves her voiceless, Lord Edward Bradley forces her to work in his father's household until he may discern what details about his secret she knows... and if she'll have a loose tongue once she is no longer silent. What neither of them knows is that their secrets will be the least of their concerns. Will danger and intrigue find them before or after their secrets come to light? Will they ever learn to trust each other?
For the first third of the book, I found Edward to be annoyingly harsh. Eventually, though, he eased up and grew on me. Olivia, however, I loved from the start. I particularly liked how she was a genius with numbers and how the book opened and ended with her talents on that front. Very neat bookends. This tale won't quickly leave my mind, even if I do start working on my own story upon waking tomorrow morn.
Some thematic elements are inappropriate for younger readers, but I recommend it for fans of historical fiction. Very intriguing storyline, mysterious characters, and secrets galore will keep you turning pages late into the night. Will you be able to figure it all out before the details are revealed in full?
Let me catch my breath...
Julie Klassen knows how to create breathtaking stories that carry you off to faraway places. The Silent Governess does not disappoint.
When Olivia Keene goes on the run, she intends to keep her secret, not overhear someone else's. When an incident leaves her voiceless, Lord Edward Bradley forces her to work in his father's household until he may discern what details about his secret she knows... and if she'll have a loose tongue once she is no longer silent. What neither of them knows is that their secrets will be the least of their concerns. Will danger and intrigue find them before or after their secrets come to light? Will they ever learn to trust each other?
For the first third of the book, I found Edward to be annoyingly harsh. Eventually, though, he eased up and grew on me. Olivia, however, I loved from the start. I particularly liked how she was a genius with numbers and how the book opened and ended with her talents on that front. Very neat bookends. This tale won't quickly leave my mind, even if I do start working on my own story upon waking tomorrow morn.
Some thematic elements are inappropriate for younger readers, but I recommend it for fans of historical fiction. Very intriguing storyline, mysterious characters, and secrets galore will keep you turning pages late into the night. Will you be able to figure it all out before the details are revealed in full?
February 25, 2017
¡Reseña en el blog!: http://crecererasencillo.blogspot.com...
Hace ya rato que lo acabé pero preferí esperar a hacer la reseña para ponerlo. Me he enamorado de esta historia. No era para nada mi estilo y aún así me ha conquistado... muy recomendable <3
Hace ya rato que lo acabé pero preferí esperar a hacer la reseña para ponerlo. Me he enamorado de esta historia. No era para nada mi estilo y aún así me ha conquistado... muy recomendable <3
August 1, 2011
Julie Klassen is a pretty good writer, and the plot of this book was interesting. I liked the characters, all the little mysteries going on, and the theme of redemption the book had. I don't know why it is called The Silent Governess, since Olivia is never a silent governess. She is a silent under-nurse, then a non-silent governess. I kept wondering how she could be a governess if she was silent, but that never happened.
I thought the romance was the weakest part of the book. I never particularly liked Edward and I think he should have had more character development. Actually, Edward and Olivia's whole relationship needed more development. The way it is presented in the book makes it seem like it was all physical attraction, even though I'm sure that is not what the author meant. One thing that bugged me is how many times the author threw in instances where Edward and Olivia touch each other, sometimes accidentally (e.g. falling on top of each other while ice skating), but often purposely (e.g. Edward touching Olivia's cheek for no reason). There are also two instances where they walk into the other's bedchamber unannounced; both of these instances are quite inappropriate and unnecessary, and I don't think they actually would have happened. I didn't like the proposal scene either, because he doesn't actually propose, he just says something like "Do you know how long I've wanted to kiss you?" and then there is quite the description of the kiss. Anyway, the romance is probably only 20% of the book, and I did enjoy most of the book.
3 1/2 stars.
ETA: One other thing that bothered me is how often Olivia shrugged. I can't really imagine a Regency lady shrugging, so it bugged me every time she did it.
I thought the romance was the weakest part of the book. I never particularly liked Edward and I think he should have had more character development. Actually, Edward and Olivia's whole relationship needed more development. The way it is presented in the book makes it seem like it was all physical attraction, even though I'm sure that is not what the author meant. One thing that bugged me is how many times the author threw in instances where Edward and Olivia touch each other, sometimes accidentally (e.g. falling on top of each other while ice skating), but often purposely (e.g. Edward touching Olivia's cheek for no reason). There are also two instances where they walk into the other's bedchamber unannounced; both of these instances are quite inappropriate and unnecessary, and I don't think they actually would have happened. I didn't like the proposal scene either, because he doesn't actually propose, he just says something like "Do you know how long I've wanted to kiss you?" and then there is quite the description of the kiss. Anyway, the romance is probably only 20% of the book, and I did enjoy most of the book.
3 1/2 stars.
ETA: One other thing that bothered me is how often Olivia shrugged. I can't really imagine a Regency lady shrugging, so it bugged me every time she did it.
November 13, 2014
I was originally drawn to this because of the cover; I love all the covers of Klassen’s books. Anyway, the story started off interesting and there was somewhat of a mystery (actually a couple) throughout the story. I enjoyed that it was a different perspective of the regency setting than I am used to. In this story we follow Olivia as she becomes an under nurse and moves up as a governess. I rather enjoyed getting to know the “servants” and seeing things from their perspective. I also liked Edward, or Lord Bradley. He has a few secrets of his own, but mostly I liked his interactions with Olivia. They have a sweet romance and it was fun to watch it grow. I do wish there had been more, I don’t know, banter or something between them. They kind of lack some of the chemistry that I like, but they did have a very sweet relationship that grew over time. The story was enjoyable and I liked all the characters. Would recommend to any regency fans!
April 25, 2020
I haven’t read a great historical fiction in a while. This had humor, heart and mystery enough to keep me entranced the whole way. I loved the added faith element as well. Beautiful story!
August 26, 2016
I was ready to give this book the five stars the other works by Julie Klassen I’ve read so far earned in their own right. However, and even when I tried, I can’t give The Silent Governess more than four. Don’t get me wrong. It is far superior to other books to which I gave four stars; but still, I can’t give it five. Let me explain myself.
Something I love about Julie Klassen’s writing is her elegance. Words flow and form beautiful sentences, the dialogues never feel forced, nor the metaphors, and she’s able to create characters you love from page one, like it happened here. Her stories are captivating, beautifully written, and this one is no exception. I love when an author writes a book with a well done research behind it. It is a true pleasure to feel she/he actually knows what she/he’s talking about, and in this book, that can be clearly seen (as in the others, too). I love the fact that Julie tells the story in the third person, but let her heroines tell the prologue and the epilogue with their own voices. It’s a very nice touch.
I must say, I’m not reading Ms. Klassen’s books in the order they were published in. That’s why, upon reading The Silent Governess I noticed lots of mystery elements I had already read in The Secret of Pembrooke Park. Those who have read both will understand: the anonymous letters, the mysterious veiled woman, and the mumblings of an old woman who’s mind is slipping, and no one pays real attention to her (but she knows the truth). Of course, this one is one was published earlier, but I couldn’t help noticing the similarities. I’m not criticizing, just stating the fact.
I loved Olivia Keene. She’s beautiful and smart, really good with numbers, and has inherited her mother’s calling to be a teacher. Something I loved about her is that, during the whole book, she stays true to herself. The novel opens with a prologue in which she’s a kid, and her father uses her quickness with math to place bets in the local tavern, something that leaves a mark on her, after the only episode in which she loses one of those bets, earning her father’s disappointment and disaffection. Years later, she comes home to see his mother being strangled, and flees after hitting the attacker with a fire-iron, fearing she may have killed him. But she doesn’t go far, and ends up at Brightwell Court, a house in which her mother used to work as a governess, and in which a party is being held. There, without meaning to do so, she overhears a conversation regarding Lord Brightwell’s son, Edward, and his parentage, so, upon being discovered, she’s not allowed to leave, and for that employed as under nurse to Lord Brightwell’s wards, his niece’s stepchildren. In despite of the book’s title, Olivia isn’t silent for a very long time. She’s soon able to speak again, though for the whole house, except Edward, she must seem mute. I guess her silence is rather metaphorical, given that she never fully reveals who she is, and where she comes from, except for a few things.
There were some aspects I need to mention. First of all, I grew a bit tired of how Olivia was a temptation for everyone. First, Borcher, the poacher who almost raped her, if it had not been for Croome, who saved her just in time. Then, Johnny Ross, the stable hand in Brightwell Court. And then, Felix, Judith Howe’s brother. And the three of them without counting Edward, of course. I mean, I understand that servants were usually the object of such desires, but this felt a bit tiring and repetitive. And although some people thought Lord Brightwell himself was romantically interested in Olivia, we as readers (and Edward) knew that it was true he was interested, but not in that way. He thinks Olivia could be his daughter, as he had an affair with her mother back when she was a governess in his house, before marrying his wife, and she was actually pregnant with his child when she left. However, when Lord Brightwell tells Edward he thinks he may be Olivia’s father, I instantly knew it wasn’t true. Somehow I felt it was too early in the book to arise such a doubt, and that told me that Olivia wasn’t his daughter. Perhaps because that kind of revelations use to come closer to the ending of the story, but the question is that I didn’t think it was true.
Edward and Olivia’s love story is beautiful, but... I wasn’t completely satisfied with it. Julie Klassen writes very passionate heroes and heroines, and they are not the exception. A bonus point is that here there’s no love triangle, Edward falls in love with her a short time after she starts working on her house as the kids’ nursemaid, and they have lots of parent-like moments with them, like when they go ice-skating, or play in the schoolroom. But I felt like they only had a few moments together, and always with the kids present, so that couldn’t let anything more to happen. Actually, Olivia spends more time with Edward’s father than with him. I don’t doubt they love each other. But I waited a lot for them to have a truly heartfelt, emotionally open moment just for the two of them (save some furtive glances and stolen moments of closeness -like in the carpentry), and when they finally had it, it was at the very last page! Literally! It was really sweet, and very romantic, but too short! Too rushed! They passed from declaring their love to their happy ending too quickly, before we could truly savor it!
Another bonus point, in addition to the no love triangle topic, is that at the end, once the mysteries are solved, we learn who Edward’s real parents were, and get to know that his illegitimacy will deny him the earldom he thought was his during his entire life, there’s no magical solution for that. He can’t inherit, and he won’t. That door is closed. And that is what makes the ending atypical, and hence, a little gem. There’s not much to be done, no distant relative who suddenly leaves a generous amount of pounds that end’s up being the hero’s salvation, and allows him to live richly ever after. And needless to say, I liked that Olivia accepted him knowing that theirs wouldn’t be a perfectly comfortable life, because she’s no meek miss, and she’s more than ready to roll up her sleeves and work for a living. As for Edward’s true parents, I knew from the very start that Croome was related to him, in a way or another. I thought he was his father at first, so I only missed the target for a few inches. What I didn’t see coming was the identity of his real father, because his physical similarity with Lord Brightwell wasn’t entirely unjustified. He was a Bradley, after all, but the illegitimate son of the one he always considered his uncle, and Croome’s daughter, a servant in the household. Lord and Lady Brightwell adopted him, because they could never have a child of their own. And for the entire book, the family is stalked by an anonymous blackmailer who writes letters threatening to expose the truth (it bothered me a bit that Edward thought it was Olivia, but still). It was well written, and it kept me guessing to very end.
Something that bothered me a little where the unsolved matters. Like the missing cubes Edward carved for baby Alexander (Judith’s son) in the carpentry, and then those mysteriously painted ones that appeared when he gave them to the kid. Was it Croome? Probably, but we don’t know for sure. On the other hand, was Martha’s baby Felix’s child? Probably, again. And even more, I felt a bit disappointed that we don’t know how Eliza Ludlow and Mr. Tugwell’s story ended. Or at least, we don’t know if he finally proposes to her. But this three things are very small, and the story has a lot more, bigger pillars to sustain it, so they are only a tiny something I noticed.
The Silent Governess is not a book in which you can enjoy the parties and balls of the highest society, because it isn’t the point (sadly, because I like that). I guess that for many of us the word “governess” has become synonymous with “Jane Eyre” (she’s even mentioned in the little research extracts Julie Klassen adds at the start of every chapter). But here, I have to say, I saw more likeness to another Brontë sister’s work, Anne. Rather than Jane Eyre, this book reminded me more of Agnes Grey. Those who have read it will remember that both Agnes and her mother were teachers (like Olivia and Dorothea Keene), and worked as governesses, and by the end of the book, they both start a school for girls together, much like Olivia and Dorothea’s dream, that Edward helps them fulfill (by the way, Agnes Grey’s hero is also named Edward). Perhaps that book is generally less known, overshadowed by Jane Eyre, but it is still there, and it also features a governess, even when we instantly think of Jane at the mention of that word.
I did loved this book, and I was more than willing to give it five stars, but those were the little things I couldn’t help but notice. However, I will keep reading until I have devoured each and every single book written by this amazing author! If you like historical novels (especially Regency), hers -along with the classics by Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters- are the best I’ve ever read.
*Did you like what you read? Find more reviews in my blog: http://abookandateacup.blogspot.com.ar/*
Something I love about Julie Klassen’s writing is her elegance. Words flow and form beautiful sentences, the dialogues never feel forced, nor the metaphors, and she’s able to create characters you love from page one, like it happened here. Her stories are captivating, beautifully written, and this one is no exception. I love when an author writes a book with a well done research behind it. It is a true pleasure to feel she/he actually knows what she/he’s talking about, and in this book, that can be clearly seen (as in the others, too). I love the fact that Julie tells the story in the third person, but let her heroines tell the prologue and the epilogue with their own voices. It’s a very nice touch.
I must say, I’m not reading Ms. Klassen’s books in the order they were published in. That’s why, upon reading The Silent Governess I noticed lots of mystery elements I had already read in The Secret of Pembrooke Park. Those who have read both will understand: the anonymous letters, the mysterious veiled woman, and the mumblings of an old woman who’s mind is slipping, and no one pays real attention to her (but she knows the truth). Of course, this one is one was published earlier, but I couldn’t help noticing the similarities. I’m not criticizing, just stating the fact.
I loved Olivia Keene. She’s beautiful and smart, really good with numbers, and has inherited her mother’s calling to be a teacher. Something I loved about her is that, during the whole book, she stays true to herself. The novel opens with a prologue in which she’s a kid, and her father uses her quickness with math to place bets in the local tavern, something that leaves a mark on her, after the only episode in which she loses one of those bets, earning her father’s disappointment and disaffection. Years later, she comes home to see his mother being strangled, and flees after hitting the attacker with a fire-iron, fearing she may have killed him. But she doesn’t go far, and ends up at Brightwell Court, a house in which her mother used to work as a governess, and in which a party is being held. There, without meaning to do so, she overhears a conversation regarding Lord Brightwell’s son, Edward, and his parentage, so, upon being discovered, she’s not allowed to leave, and for that employed as under nurse to Lord Brightwell’s wards, his niece’s stepchildren. In despite of the book’s title, Olivia isn’t silent for a very long time. She’s soon able to speak again, though for the whole house, except Edward, she must seem mute. I guess her silence is rather metaphorical, given that she never fully reveals who she is, and where she comes from, except for a few things.
There were some aspects I need to mention. First of all, I grew a bit tired of how Olivia was a temptation for everyone. First, Borcher, the poacher who almost raped her, if it had not been for Croome, who saved her just in time. Then, Johnny Ross, the stable hand in Brightwell Court. And then, Felix, Judith Howe’s brother. And the three of them without counting Edward, of course. I mean, I understand that servants were usually the object of such desires, but this felt a bit tiring and repetitive. And although some people thought Lord Brightwell himself was romantically interested in Olivia, we as readers (and Edward) knew that it was true he was interested, but not in that way. He thinks Olivia could be his daughter, as he had an affair with her mother back when she was a governess in his house, before marrying his wife, and she was actually pregnant with his child when she left. However, when Lord Brightwell tells Edward he thinks he may be Olivia’s father, I instantly knew it wasn’t true. Somehow I felt it was too early in the book to arise such a doubt, and that told me that Olivia wasn’t his daughter. Perhaps because that kind of revelations use to come closer to the ending of the story, but the question is that I didn’t think it was true.
Edward and Olivia’s love story is beautiful, but... I wasn’t completely satisfied with it. Julie Klassen writes very passionate heroes and heroines, and they are not the exception. A bonus point is that here there’s no love triangle, Edward falls in love with her a short time after she starts working on her house as the kids’ nursemaid, and they have lots of parent-like moments with them, like when they go ice-skating, or play in the schoolroom. But I felt like they only had a few moments together, and always with the kids present, so that couldn’t let anything more to happen. Actually, Olivia spends more time with Edward’s father than with him. I don’t doubt they love each other. But I waited a lot for them to have a truly heartfelt, emotionally open moment just for the two of them (save some furtive glances and stolen moments of closeness -like in the carpentry), and when they finally had it, it was at the very last page! Literally! It was really sweet, and very romantic, but too short! Too rushed! They passed from declaring their love to their happy ending too quickly, before we could truly savor it!
Another bonus point, in addition to the no love triangle topic, is that at the end, once the mysteries are solved, we learn who Edward’s real parents were, and get to know that his illegitimacy will deny him the earldom he thought was his during his entire life, there’s no magical solution for that. He can’t inherit, and he won’t. That door is closed. And that is what makes the ending atypical, and hence, a little gem. There’s not much to be done, no distant relative who suddenly leaves a generous amount of pounds that end’s up being the hero’s salvation, and allows him to live richly ever after. And needless to say, I liked that Olivia accepted him knowing that theirs wouldn’t be a perfectly comfortable life, because she’s no meek miss, and she’s more than ready to roll up her sleeves and work for a living. As for Edward’s true parents, I knew from the very start that Croome was related to him, in a way or another. I thought he was his father at first, so I only missed the target for a few inches. What I didn’t see coming was the identity of his real father, because his physical similarity with Lord Brightwell wasn’t entirely unjustified. He was a Bradley, after all, but the illegitimate son of the one he always considered his uncle, and Croome’s daughter, a servant in the household. Lord and Lady Brightwell adopted him, because they could never have a child of their own. And for the entire book, the family is stalked by an anonymous blackmailer who writes letters threatening to expose the truth (it bothered me a bit that Edward thought it was Olivia, but still). It was well written, and it kept me guessing to very end.
Something that bothered me a little where the unsolved matters. Like the missing cubes Edward carved for baby Alexander (Judith’s son) in the carpentry, and then those mysteriously painted ones that appeared when he gave them to the kid. Was it Croome? Probably, but we don’t know for sure. On the other hand, was Martha’s baby Felix’s child? Probably, again. And even more, I felt a bit disappointed that we don’t know how Eliza Ludlow and Mr. Tugwell’s story ended. Or at least, we don’t know if he finally proposes to her. But this three things are very small, and the story has a lot more, bigger pillars to sustain it, so they are only a tiny something I noticed.
The Silent Governess is not a book in which you can enjoy the parties and balls of the highest society, because it isn’t the point (sadly, because I like that). I guess that for many of us the word “governess” has become synonymous with “Jane Eyre” (she’s even mentioned in the little research extracts Julie Klassen adds at the start of every chapter). But here, I have to say, I saw more likeness to another Brontë sister’s work, Anne. Rather than Jane Eyre, this book reminded me more of Agnes Grey. Those who have read it will remember that both Agnes and her mother were teachers (like Olivia and Dorothea Keene), and worked as governesses, and by the end of the book, they both start a school for girls together, much like Olivia and Dorothea’s dream, that Edward helps them fulfill (by the way, Agnes Grey’s hero is also named Edward). Perhaps that book is generally less known, overshadowed by Jane Eyre, but it is still there, and it also features a governess, even when we instantly think of Jane at the mention of that word.
I did loved this book, and I was more than willing to give it five stars, but those were the little things I couldn’t help but notice. However, I will keep reading until I have devoured each and every single book written by this amazing author! If you like historical novels (especially Regency), hers -along with the classics by Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters- are the best I’ve ever read.
*Did you like what you read? Find more reviews in my blog: http://abookandateacup.blogspot.com.ar/*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2022
It’s so easy to get lost in Julie Klassen’s books! They’re so mysterious and atmospheric. I feel like I’m really there with the characters, living the story right beside them. And that is my favorite feeling when reading a good book!
This book was really good! I’ve found that I really enjoy books about governesses. I think that’s because I love books that have children included in the plot and the governess plot is really interesting to me. This one was especially interesting to me because it showed the lonely aspect of the governess’s life that I hadn’t thought about.
I loved Olivia’s character from the start. She had this quiet strength and confidence about her that I really admired. She was also really intelligent and kind. The way she handled the difficult people in her life *cough cough, Edward* was just well done! 👏🏼 I was rooting for her the whole time. I also liked that she wasn’t perfect though. She was relatable and human too.
Edward, on the other hand, was something else. I really didn’t like Edward for most of the book. He was just plain rude, and rather harsh, to Olivia for the majority of the book. But then he would do sweet things for his nieces and nephews, and when a hero does sweet things for children, it’s really hard for me not to like them at least a little. So by the end, I had softened towards him. But I spent most of the book whisper-yelling at him for the dumb things he was doing. The man had a temper. 😅 I did feel like he changed rather quickly at the end in regards to how he treated Olivia. I would’ve liked there to be a little more character development there but all in all, I liked the change I saw in him. All that being said, I did like Edward. He was just difficult. But it was kind of fun yelling at him.😂
I also really liked Lord Brightwell and Croome! And loved the children!
The mystery in this one was really intriguing! I’ve decided historical mysteries might just be my favorite genre ever.
I loved the mysterious vibe to this story and it had me guessing the whole time.
This book was set around the wintertime, particularly December, so it made a perfect cozy, winter-y read!😍
I’d recommend it to older teens and up due to some more mature topics talked about a few times. Nothing explicitly detailed or inappropriate but more mature.
In conclusion, this book was really good! I enjoyed it! It gave me Jane Eyre vibes because of the governess plot and because the hero was difficult. If you’re a fan of Jane Eyre or historical mysteries, this one was good!
This book was really good! I’ve found that I really enjoy books about governesses. I think that’s because I love books that have children included in the plot and the governess plot is really interesting to me. This one was especially interesting to me because it showed the lonely aspect of the governess’s life that I hadn’t thought about.
I loved Olivia’s character from the start. She had this quiet strength and confidence about her that I really admired. She was also really intelligent and kind. The way she handled the difficult people in her life *cough cough, Edward* was just well done! 👏🏼 I was rooting for her the whole time. I also liked that she wasn’t perfect though. She was relatable and human too.
Edward, on the other hand, was something else. I really didn’t like Edward for most of the book. He was just plain rude, and rather harsh, to Olivia for the majority of the book. But then he would do sweet things for his nieces and nephews, and when a hero does sweet things for children, it’s really hard for me not to like them at least a little. So by the end, I had softened towards him. But I spent most of the book whisper-yelling at him for the dumb things he was doing. The man had a temper. 😅 I did feel like he changed rather quickly at the end in regards to how he treated Olivia. I would’ve liked there to be a little more character development there but all in all, I liked the change I saw in him. All that being said, I did like Edward. He was just difficult. But it was kind of fun yelling at him.😂
I also really liked Lord Brightwell and Croome! And loved the children!
The mystery in this one was really intriguing! I’ve decided historical mysteries might just be my favorite genre ever.
I loved the mysterious vibe to this story and it had me guessing the whole time.
This book was set around the wintertime, particularly December, so it made a perfect cozy, winter-y read!😍
I’d recommend it to older teens and up due to some more mature topics talked about a few times. Nothing explicitly detailed or inappropriate but more mature.
In conclusion, this book was really good! I enjoyed it! It gave me Jane Eyre vibes because of the governess plot and because the hero was difficult. If you’re a fan of Jane Eyre or historical mysteries, this one was good!
February 27, 2014
This is the story of Miss Olivia Keene, who is a teacher in a local school for girls. She returns home one day to find her mother being strangled. Olivia rushes to her mother’s aid and strikes the attacker over the head. Her mother gives her a purse and pleads with Olivia to run, in case she has unintentionally killed him, and Olivia obeys. She hopes to find sanctuary with a friend of her mother’s some distance away, and hopes that they will take her on to work in their school. Olivia has a near run escape from being ravished by poachers. The next day fate initially seems to be kinder to her; she meets a vicar who offers her lodging for the night and points her in the direction of a kindly lady shop owner who can provide Olivia with the wherewithal to repair her damaged clothes. Olivia is returning to the Vicar’s abode when she takes a detour. She had found a newspaper cutting in the purse her mother gave her mentioning an estate, and finding how close she is, she decides to have a look. We all know that this is a bad idea, and so it proves to be!
Olivia doesn’t intend to eavesdrop but she overhears a colossal family secret, which has come to light due to a blackmail attempt, and before she can get away she is captured and handed into the local constabulary for trespass. Unfortunately for Olivia, they hadn’t noticed that there is somebody already in the cell she is put into; it’s one of the poachers from the previous night. He decides that this is his opportunity to continue what was interrupted, as long as Olivia can be silenced, and he chokes her hard enough to damage her larynx. Although she is saved before she can be violated she now can’t speak. She is removed from the cell at the request of Lord Bradley (Edward), the man whose deepest secret she now knows. He is understandably keen to keep a very close eye on Olivia for the next few months, until he can root out the blackmailer and the danger has passed. Olivia is taken on as a nurserymaid, and then later a governess, all the while getting closer to Edward Bradley, and trying to discover the whereabouts of her mother and the identity of the blackmailer.
This was a story where you found you were immediately in the thick of the action. It’s pretty fast paced and there is a lot going on, and quite a cast of characters to come to know. I thought the author did a good job of the pacing, and not overwhelming the reader considering the amount of threads there are to the various mysteries being unravelled. There are also some useful and interesting quotes provided at the beginning of each chapter regarding the place of servants in the home, particularly governesses. How they were above the servants but below the family, how lonely and vulnerable their lives could be. The author hails from across the pond I believe, but aside from the odd US English word and the mention of a raccoon, which don’t live in the wild here, you wouldn’t particularly notice.
There was a lot I liked about this book. The various threads gave you much to think about, and although I worked some of it out, other events were unexpected for me, which really added interest. I enjoyed seeing Olivia settle into her new home and overcoming the obstacles she faces in trying to communicate without speaking. The theme of her silence followed through the story, as we learn that in the past Olivia has stayed silent at times when perhaps she should not have, and so she overcomes physically having to be silent, being forced to remain silenced, and also overcomes choosing to silence herself. Olivia also evaluates her relationship with her father, and with God. Edward also has a journey of discovery; the secret he learns completely shakes the foundation of what he thought his life was, and causes him to question many of his beliefs.
There are characters of varying classes, and interaction between the classes is a theme in this book, but in English society at the time it was a big deal. Many times while reading this book I wondered if it would be possible for Olivia to have any kind of future together with Edward without the author coming up with something really clever. For me, the ending of this book was a bit of a letdown. Most of the threads of the story were resolved fairly quickly and some aspects of the conclusion felt rushed to me. Some of the events at the end weren’t what I would have chosen to happen, and in fact some I felt were unlikely, but it wasn’t that I objected to so much although I couldn’t help but feel that there would have been a scandal though the possibility of this was brushed under the carpet. The bigger issue for me was that various characters seemed very accepting of events I felt they probably would have made more of an attempt to resist. There was an epilogue only a short time later which answered very few of the questions that I was left with. For me, this made it a 4 star read rather than a 5. Still, I thought this was a good read, and very gripping. I was surprised to see how long it is, it felt much shorter. I certainly plan to read more by this author.
Olivia doesn’t intend to eavesdrop but she overhears a colossal family secret, which has come to light due to a blackmail attempt, and before she can get away she is captured and handed into the local constabulary for trespass. Unfortunately for Olivia, they hadn’t noticed that there is somebody already in the cell she is put into; it’s one of the poachers from the previous night. He decides that this is his opportunity to continue what was interrupted, as long as Olivia can be silenced, and he chokes her hard enough to damage her larynx. Although she is saved before she can be violated she now can’t speak. She is removed from the cell at the request of Lord Bradley (Edward), the man whose deepest secret she now knows. He is understandably keen to keep a very close eye on Olivia for the next few months, until he can root out the blackmailer and the danger has passed. Olivia is taken on as a nurserymaid, and then later a governess, all the while getting closer to Edward Bradley, and trying to discover the whereabouts of her mother and the identity of the blackmailer.
This was a story where you found you were immediately in the thick of the action. It’s pretty fast paced and there is a lot going on, and quite a cast of characters to come to know. I thought the author did a good job of the pacing, and not overwhelming the reader considering the amount of threads there are to the various mysteries being unravelled. There are also some useful and interesting quotes provided at the beginning of each chapter regarding the place of servants in the home, particularly governesses. How they were above the servants but below the family, how lonely and vulnerable their lives could be. The author hails from across the pond I believe, but aside from the odd US English word and the mention of a raccoon, which don’t live in the wild here, you wouldn’t particularly notice.
There was a lot I liked about this book. The various threads gave you much to think about, and although I worked some of it out, other events were unexpected for me, which really added interest. I enjoyed seeing Olivia settle into her new home and overcoming the obstacles she faces in trying to communicate without speaking. The theme of her silence followed through the story, as we learn that in the past Olivia has stayed silent at times when perhaps she should not have, and so she overcomes physically having to be silent, being forced to remain silenced, and also overcomes choosing to silence herself. Olivia also evaluates her relationship with her father, and with God. Edward also has a journey of discovery; the secret he learns completely shakes the foundation of what he thought his life was, and causes him to question many of his beliefs.
There are characters of varying classes, and interaction between the classes is a theme in this book, but in English society at the time it was a big deal. Many times while reading this book I wondered if it would be possible for Olivia to have any kind of future together with Edward without the author coming up with something really clever. For me, the ending of this book was a bit of a letdown. Most of the threads of the story were resolved fairly quickly and some aspects of the conclusion felt rushed to me. Some of the events at the end weren’t what I would have chosen to happen, and in fact some I felt were unlikely, but it wasn’t that I objected to so much although I couldn’t help but feel that there would have been a scandal though the possibility of this was brushed under the carpet. The bigger issue for me was that various characters seemed very accepting of events I felt they probably would have made more of an attempt to resist. There was an epilogue only a short time later which answered very few of the questions that I was left with. For me, this made it a 4 star read rather than a 5. Still, I thought this was a good read, and very gripping. I was surprised to see how long it is, it felt much shorter. I certainly plan to read more by this author.
December 6, 2022
As always, Julie Klassen does not disappoint! This is probably one of my favorites.
January 22, 2020
Es muy fácil leer a Julie Klassen, he leído varios libros de ella y nunca defrauda, su escritura fluye de una manera que no te das cuenta en qué momento te has acabado el libro.
No tiene un estilo de Romántica clásica, ciertamente ninguno de sus libros podría denominarse únicamente bajo ese género, yo diria que es más bien un chik lit histórico, siempre se centra más en el sus personajes protagónicos femeninos, su estilo de vida en épocas generalmente Victorianas o Eduardianas.
Lo que me gusta de esta autora es que siempre se centra en personajes que no son precisamente ricos o de clase alta, sino más bien de personas normales, comunes y corrientes y la manera en que la sociedad vivía y se manejaba en la época, con tantas restricciones sociales, con tantas reglas de comportamiento, supongo que al no tener televisión la diversión general de la gente era el chismorreo, así que había que siempre cuidar las formas.
En este caso como en los anteriores tiene un personaje femenino fuerte, una mujer decidida a salir adelante, odie profundamente al protagonista hombre, puedo entender que las formas y formalidades de la época eran así, pero me cuesta, así que no me ha gustado mucho a pesar de la parte romántica.
Por lo demás siempre es muy grato leer a esta autora, sobre todo cuando se tiene poco tiempo para leer, como es mi caso actualmente.
No tiene un estilo de Romántica clásica, ciertamente ninguno de sus libros podría denominarse únicamente bajo ese género, yo diria que es más bien un chik lit histórico, siempre se centra más en el sus personajes protagónicos femeninos, su estilo de vida en épocas generalmente Victorianas o Eduardianas.
Lo que me gusta de esta autora es que siempre se centra en personajes que no son precisamente ricos o de clase alta, sino más bien de personas normales, comunes y corrientes y la manera en que la sociedad vivía y se manejaba en la época, con tantas restricciones sociales, con tantas reglas de comportamiento, supongo que al no tener televisión la diversión general de la gente era el chismorreo, así que había que siempre cuidar las formas.
En este caso como en los anteriores tiene un personaje femenino fuerte, una mujer decidida a salir adelante, odie profundamente al protagonista hombre, puedo entender que las formas y formalidades de la época eran así, pero me cuesta, así que no me ha gustado mucho a pesar de la parte romántica.
Por lo demás siempre es muy grato leer a esta autora, sobre todo cuando se tiene poco tiempo para leer, como es mi caso actualmente.
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April 30, 2025
When Olivia overhears a secret that she was never supposed to hear, her whole life changes. After her throat is injured leaving her unable to speak, she ends up as a governess under the management of Lord Edward Bradley. He is determined to keep what she heard a secret and to see if he can trust her. The only way to do that in his mind is to keep her close. Edward is rude and grumpy at the beginning. There are certain comments that he makes that I don’t care for. Olivia has been through a lot in her life so far. It might take a bit to get into this story as it starts out kinda slow at least for me. The secret was very complicated and confusing to be honest. I really enjoyed this book the first time I read it, but the second time, I didn’t really like it. Certain things just rubbed me the wrong way. For instance, the bathtub scene was completely unnecessary and inappropriate. Overall, it was just okay and overly long story. I don’t know if I would read it again.
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