The Painter's Daughter

GIVEAWAY

KLASSEN, JULIE
THE PAINTER'S DAUGHTER

Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists -- including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble.

Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but "marriage in name only" to save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he fears, she will at least be a respectable widow.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows. Dare she wait for Wesley to return? Or should she elope with the captain and pray she doesn't come to regret it?

My Review:

456 delectable pages guaranteed to carry a reader away to Regency England. I was very reluctant to resurface back into the 21st century when I finally reached the end. In fact, now that I know the whole story I feel like reading The Painter's Daughter all over again so I can enjoy all the crafty nuances within. High praise from me since I rarely have the urge to reread a novel. But, goodness, there is so much wonderment in this one I can't help yearning to savor it once more.

I love the way Klassen's descriptions plant me firmly in the setting. Her words conjure up a plethora of sights and sounds. I honestly thought I detected the scent of oil paints and turpentine. And the invigorating smell of the fresh sea air along the Devonshire coast. Scrumptious reading for sure!

Sophie's impossible situation, Stephen's gruffly gallant proposal -- be still my heart -- what happens next is utterly magnificent. Truly. I delighted in the way they slowly got to know each other, hovering on the precipice of hope as they gradually let down their guard only to have unforeseen events threaten it all. I fretted through the whole read. Seriously, my tummy hurt and I ground precious enamel off my molars. And some characters sent me into hissy fits of epic proportion.

I especially appreciate how the author wove an invigorating faith thread into the story. Definitely the best in Christian fiction right here. Has just become my favourite Klassen novel of all time...though I tend to say that with each one of her new releases :-) What can I say, I'm loyally fickle.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Painter's Daughter please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!