The Tutor's Daughter

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters were so real and I was sorely tempted to skip to the end to find out who was responsible for all the mischief. However, I was able to overcome that temptation and read through to the end. Well written book and a sure page turner!

I’m just in the first chapter after having read the prologue… I thought she was 13 in the beginning of the book, and then 5 years later she’s 21? Hasn’t this been edited?

Update:
Although there was that mistake in number or years in age, the story was very nice and not the usual boring historical romance. Love the originality.

This is my second book by Ms. Klassen - I reviewed The Maid of Fairbourne Hall previously and found it a light and enjoyable read. I therefore accepted The Tutor's Daughter with anticipation of another good tale.In this story we meet young Emma Smallwood who is caring for her widowed father and teaching with him in their academy for young boys; only there are no more boys to teach. This turn of events does not seem to bother her father but it concerns Emma mightily because she doesn't know how she will pay their bills without students. She comes up with a plan to invite the younger sons of previous students but instead receives an offer to come to the manor house instead to teach them there. At first insulted for her father she soon learns he feels that the change of scenery is just what he wants to help forget the wife he so loved.Off they trek with Emma feeling some trepidation as she has very fond feelings for one of these former students and less than fond feelings for the other. She meets the rest of the family including a ward, Lizzie who is far too outspoken and invasive for Emma's comfort. Soon strange manifestations start to occur in and around Emma and she starts to worry that she is being haunted by a ghost.But it is nothing so spectral that haunts her; it is most definitely something earthbound and something evil. She works towards figuring out the secrets of the manor while sorting out her feelings for the older sons of the house.I was intrigued with the synopsis of this book but the story didn't live up to its teaser. I think what left me most dissatisfied was the lack of any real justice or comeuppance for the bad guys at the end. I obviously don't want to give too much away but what good is revealing the evil doer for lack of a better phrase and then just letting him/her off? It was an emotional let down. The romantic aspects ended up quite nicely though and Ms. Klassen does have a way with descriptions - I really felt as if I was there. I felt Emma's fear and confusion and she was being stalked. It just felt like a rushed ending with, as mentioned an unsatisfactory wrap up for the bad guys.It was, though an enjoyable read and I will read the next book from Ms. Klassen when it comes out.

It took me awhile to get into this book but once I did I couldn't put it down. I had to know who was causing all the problems and why they were doing them. I wasn't shocked to find out who the bad people were but I was shocked to find out how and why they were doing the things they did. I knew who Emma would end up falling in love with but once again I was shocked at how things ended there as well. The author does a great job to describing the scenes and at times I felt like I was really there with the characters.

Julie Klassen has become my new favorite author! I absolutely loved this book. The way she sets the scene makes you feel like your right there with the characters and her story line is very believable. The setting of this book is in the year 1817. I think this time period is fun to read about and imagine what it would of been like to live back then. I've learned a lot about the history of this time period by reading her historical fiction books. This book is full of mysterious piano playing at night, people keeping secrets and of course, romance. If your looking for a book that is reminiscent of Jane Eyre and Jane Austen, then pick up this book. You won't be disappointed!

**I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

By 1817 Emma Smallwood's widowed father's boarding school in Longstaple, Devonshire had failed. Unexpectedly, a teaching offer arrives from Sir Giles, the baronet of Ebbington Manor in Ebford, Cornwall. His two oldest sons, Henry and Phillip were former students of Mr. Smallwood. He asks Mr. Smallwood to come to Ebbington Manor to teach his two younger twin sons. With no other prospects in sight, Mr. Smallwood accepts the position and he and Emma travel to Cornwall. So opens Julie Klassen's historical romance novel, The Tutor's Daughter.
From the time the Smallwoods arrive at Ebbington Manor things do not go well. The baronet's second wife, Lady Weston, is not welcoming and considers the Smallwoods beneath her. Lizzie, the supposed ward of the family, initially convinces Emma that she would welcome her friendship. Emma eventually learns that Lizzie is dangerous. Emma had been fond of Phillip when he was a student at her father's school, but this was not the case with his brother Henry. She remembered his pranks and teasing. Henry seems different now and appears to be preoccupied with issues of his own. Strange things begin to happen. Emma's journal goes missing. Who left a bloody handprint on Emma's mirror? Her life is threatened and there is no shortage of suspects. Somehow, through it all, Emma discovers love is possible for her.
This a page turning suspense novel with a carefully constructed plot . At every turn, the reader is met with surprises. The author has written an intensely vibrant story with three dimensional characters. The Tutor's Daughter is faith-based fiction and an excellent choice for fans of romance and mystery.

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House and I give this review of my own free will,

Each book Julie writes gets better and better! Her love of Austen and Bronte shine brightly and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the family secrets, ghostly happenings in the middle of the night, the wondering who the culprit could be as well as the setting of Cornwall, the mystery and intrigue it added to the story. The rich cast of characters are easy to like and it was exciting to see many of them change and grow. The storyline with Adam is very touching.