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19 October 2011

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen - Book Review


Amazing and Fresh Story and Characters 

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Five Stars ***** 

I have listened to all of Julie Klassen's audiobooks available as downloads through audible.com. She doesn't write like anyone else that I know. I love that she gives us fresh writing that is not constrained by formulas and rule-following despite her having been an editor herself!  Her main characters and minor are vibrant and memorable. The romance was realistic and full of great tension.

Many of the other Regencies I have read all sound alike. But Klassen's fresh voice shines throughout the story telling.  The narrator was a great choice for this audiobook.

Mariah Aubry is hiding in her relative’s gatehouse, with a view of a building nearby that houses a number of needy souls. And she has a secret – she’s a novelist (which I love because I write fiction!)   Captain Matthew Bryant is too good for the conniving beauty who threw him aside for another wealthier man. But he has to struggle with his own demons as he charts a new course for his life. Within the gatehouse is something that will change their lives if they can keep it from her deceased aunt’s wicked stepson.  Ms. Klassen does a great job of keeping the reader wondering about the hero and the antagonist and provides a wonderfully satisfying ending to the story.

The only complaint I have with this audiobook is that I like to listen while I am doing other activities such as cleaning.  And I wanted to hear every word.  The great thing is I can play this over and over again! 

Lovely job with the spiritual arc which is embedded well within the story line.  Bethany House has an excellent reputation for producing high quality Christian historical romance books by top authors.  Bravo, Julie, and can’t wait for your next book!


Giveaway:  Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win a copy of The Girl in the Gatehouse.  

23 comments:

  1. Wow, Carrie, one of your best ever reviews! Loved it! It tickled me when you said you liked to listen to books while cleaning house. I do the same thing and between the banging and the clanging, I always have to go back and listen to certain parts over again.:) Sure makes housecleaning a more pleasant ordeal!

    I really enjoyed this book, and am really looking forward to Julie's next one!

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  2. Sounds great! I love reviews that give me the context of the story and the reader's personal view. Great job!
    I've not read any books (or listened to) by Julie, so I would love a chance to win her book. Please enter me.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  3. Sounds interesting. Count me in please!

    -Britt T.

    streamgrass77(at)aol(dot)com

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  4. Thanks, Diana! I wish I could have gotten this up during our Julie Klassen week, but it was not to be!

    Will enter you, Britt! Thanks for coming by!

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  5. Oh Linda, you are missing one of the very best Christian writers out there! You have got to read or listen to all the Julie Klassen books! No one writes quite like her.

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  6. I have a copy, so don't enter me unless it's signed by Julie ;).
    I love, love, love her books! This one is my favorite :) Truly, if you haven't read her books, you are missing out!
    Carrie, you are SO right that she has a unique voice in Regency fiction.

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  7. The Girl in the Gatehouse is on my wishlist! It sounds very intriguing! Thanks for this opportunity!

    gwen[dot]gage[at]gmail[dot]com

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  8. I seriously want to win this book. But guess what? Even if I don't win, I'm putting this on my wishlist because it really looks like a good one. Thank you for your review, Carrie. :)
    amanda38401 at gmail dot com

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  9. I haven't read any books by this author yet, but now I'm thinking I really should! Great review :)

    crazi.swans at gmail dot com

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  10. Very nice but I'm already sold. I automatically get all of Julie's books but I'm about one behind right now. I just finished the Apothecary's Daughter and I think I'll scoot The Girl in the Gatehouse up near the top of my TBR.

    Yes, Faye, you should! :)

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  11. Thanks for the great review Carrie. Would love to win it and if not I just saw it on Amazon for Kindle for $2.99 either way I'm getting it! :) tsmathews61@gmail.com

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  12. Teresa, That is a steal! I would get it right now, esp. since you got that brand spanking new Kindle to enjoy!

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  13. Debra, Girl in the Gatehouse is so unique. I loved ALL the characters and the plot was unusual. Yes, move it up!

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  14. Hi Faye and Amanda! Wow, you are missing out, Faye! Yes, Amanda, this is a must read. Anne, I think we are all in awe of Julie Klassen's writing, especially her style - what flare!

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  15. Gwendolyn, Thanks for coming by and I will enter you in the drawing! Best wishes!

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  16. If you liked it that much, Carrie, I'm sure I will too. :)

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  17. Great review. I have not read any of Julie's books but I have on my wish list. I love a mystery with romance and this book has both. I also like to listen to audio books while doing my house cleaning or in the kitchen and gardening.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  18. Just posted a blurb about "The Girl in the Gatehouse." Hope everyone enjoys the book as much as I have.

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  19. Waving at you Pegg! Have you got your proposals out? Miss Kim, YAYAYAYAYAYAY my CPer showed up!

    Miss Kallie have a blessed day!

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  20. Congrats to Gwendolyn! You won a copy of this great book!

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  21. How funny is this? I just asked Carrie if I could review this book for her and then found she just did it the same day I asked. A DUH moment...

    I'm loving this book!

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  22. Can't wait for Julie Klassen's next release Debra! Well, yes, I will have to wait and if I get the audio that is usually a tad later, too. Well worth the wait, though.

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  23. I just LOVE this book! It's so 'Austen'... wonderful!

    I've enjoyed all Julie's books. They have a special place on my bookshelves! What a writer!

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