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07 January 2013

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen reviewed by Marian Baay


The Tutor's Daughter

The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

Reviewed by Marian Baay
5 stars~*****


Emma Smallwood is the tutor’s daughter. Her father has a school for boys—The Smallwood Academy. Together they’re trying to run the academy after Emma’s mother died two years ago. But now they have no students, Emma’s father is melancholic and therefore not motivated to try to win new students.
Emma comes up with a plan and writes a letter to the Weston family. Two of their sons attended their academy a couple of years ago and Emma is hoping that the younger two sons will also attend their academy.
When a letter arrives from the Weston family, Emma and her father are invited to come to their manor in Cornwall to privately tutor the two youngest sons. Father Smallwood is exited and is looking forward to a new environment. Emma, on the other hand, is dreading to meet one particular Weston son—Henry, because he played a lot of pranks on her when he lived with them.

When they get there they are not expected and come at an inconvenient time. Nevertheless they are welcomed in the manor and bedrooms are hurriedly prepared.
Soon Emma will find out that someone is playing tricks on her. She is also hearing someone screaming in the night. On another night she hears someone playing the piano. And then she's told a story about a ghost who is hunting the manor…
Every member of the Weston family acts strange…they are hiding something, but what? Is there really a ghost? And who is trying to frighten Emma?

When Emma finds out about the family secret, will the pranks stop then, or will they get worse? And who of the Weston brothers will win Emma’s heart?

I loved how Julie took me away across the pond to life in Cornwall. I also loved the mystery in this story. At first I thought I knew who played the tricks, but later I would begin to doubt and in the end I found out I was completely wrong!
The characters are well developed and easy to sympathize with. The tenderness and romance are sweet…overall a marvelous story! Well done, Julie!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*

Julie's books can be found at AmazonCBDB&N and other bookstores.





GIVEAWAY: A book by Julie Klassen of your choice. Leave a comment, your email, and answer the question to be entered in the contest. 

QUESTION: Have you ever been to England? What did you like best there?

96 comments:

  1. I have been to England and loved it! I was struck by the history and kept imagining life as it was before. Who walked these streets? Who touched this banister that I am touching? It was such a treat to be there.

    I'm excited about this book! And isn't the cover lovely?

    sherrinda (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh yes, the cover is lovely!

      Good luck in the drawing, Sherrinda.

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  2. Great review Marian. I also found this book mysterious, intriguing and really kept me guessing til the end. Another well written book by Klassen!

    I have never been to England but dream of going.
    Please don't not enter me in the drawing as I own of all Julie's books.

    Janella

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Janella. I haven't been to England either. Someday I hope to visit to see it.

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  3. I also have never been to England, but have a dream of one day enjoying the sounds and smells.

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  4. I found the review very interesting. The plot intrigues me. I love reading books about historical England.

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    1. Have you ever been to England? And please leave an email to be entered in the contest.

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  5. Ohhh I can hardly wait to read this story! Your great review MARIAN has only served to whet my appetite more lol! Sounds sooo intriguing and interesting!! Praise the Lord it was delivered to my doorstop only just this morning.. :)

    I haven't been to England but I would absolutely LOVE to go there! I would have to go to the country and see/stay in one of those charming english cottages I think, and we'd also want to go to Cornwall! Because did you know MARIAN and JULIE, the name Nancarrow originated in Cornwall?? :)

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    1. WHAT?? Your name originated in Cornwall? I would also love to see those charming English cottages!
      Enjoy The Tutor's Daughter, Noela! It's such a great read!!

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    2. Yes, this is where Allen's ancestor's came from! I'll be beginning The Tutor's Daughter today sometime.. :) Looking forward to it!

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    3. Noela, I ran across the name Nancarrow when I was searching for common Cornish names to use in the book. In fact, I use the name once in the book, but only in passing. You'll definitely have to visit England (and especially Cornwall with your husband's connections to it) sometime.

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    4. JULIE, really?! That's pretty cool our surname is in your book... I'll make sure to keep an eye out for it!

      You know, this year we were thinking of having a little holiday as I've never flown, and we were just going to go somewhere close, for e.g Tasmania or New Zealand... but you and all these posts have inspired me to keep on saving and pray for the opportunity to go to England! And I have to tell you, I feel way more excited about that!! Thanks for the inspiration JULIE, MARIAN, and everyone. Nothings too hard for God, so why not think BIGGER!! :)

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    5. Love that, Noela! "Nothings too hard for God, so why not think BIGGER!!" :)

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  6. I have never been to England, but would love to go. I would love to go and see all the historical places there. I love Julie's books and would love to enter to win a copy of this one! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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    1. Martha, I also love Julie's books. This latest one is just awesome!

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  7. I have never been to England but I would love to go someday. I would need to get over my fear of flying though.
    Katie J.
    johnsonk133[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. I didn't like flying either, but wanted to see something of the world, so I just stepped on that plane and found out it wasn't so bad after all. :)

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  8. No I have never been To England! Would to go! I think it would be great to travel to all the different countries and this book is the only one I haven't read of Julie's Klassen! Would love to win it

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    1. I'd also love to see more of the world--England included. Maybe some day... Good luck in the drawing!

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  9. I haven't been to England but so loved the book by Helene Hanff, 84, Charing Cross Road, and also the stage play version. It was made into a movie but I don't remember seeing that. The book is about the author and her correspondence with a used book seller in London as she orders rare copies they search for for her. During 1949-50 rationing there, she sent them food gift packages. Oddly enough, I read that 84, Charing Cross Road is now a Pizza Hut with no plaque about it having been a bookstore. Such a visual story, it is like you are there as she writes it.
    I would love to have a copy of Julie Klassen's The Apothecary's Daughter. I read a library copy and would love my own copy. Thanks for this post and drawing offer. Kathleen
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Thanks for sharing that story with us, Kathleen. You're entered.

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  10. I have never been there. I would really like to someday. Your book sounds good would like to read it. Thanks for the chance to win it.
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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  11. Love your review, MARIAN, and the book as well! Never have been outside of the U.S. though. Someday...

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  12. I have never been to England but have a trip to England, Scotland and Wales planned for 2014. My grandfather was from Loftus England and I want to go and see the area where he was born. I have lots of English ancestors who came to the US and Canada so feel a close connection to England.

    I love Julie Klassen's writing and have all her books I haven't read on my to-read list! Thanks for your giveaway.
    Loraine
    Lpertelt@aol.com

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    1. That's great that you get to visit the area where your grandfather came from. Enjoy!

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  13. Half a day on my way to Spain and a whole day on my way back I got to spend time in London. It was like a dream to see so many of the historical sites I love to read about in my period English novels.
    Please put me on your list as Ms. Klassen is absolutely of my favorite authors!
    tojoleen@yahoo.com

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  14. WHOO HOOO!! THANK YOU !!! I've would absolutely LOVE to win a copy of Julies new book!

    I have never been to England, but when I was younger I was obsessed with going with London! I am no longer obsessed with going, but I would love to see England someday. :)

    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez

    amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com

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    1. Hope you'll get to see England someday, Amada. :)

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  15. I have never been to England. Would love to go one day.
    Great post. Thanks for the review. First review I've seen on this book.
    Amy C
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  16. MARIAN what a wonderful review! I loved this book, it was so spellbinding! Julie is quite the author, I have enjoyed all of her books I have read.

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    1. I also loved all Julie's books that I have read. Only didn't read her 2011 release. Hope to do so soon.

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  17. Great review Marian. I love the cover on this book and think it would be an excellent read. I have never been to England but it fascinates me. My husband was there when he was stationed in Germany. He got fogged in and had to drive to Scotland to fly out! Please add my name. Blessings! Darlene
    spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. I can't believe you haven't been to England, Darlene. I thought you had seen the whole world! ;) Good luck in the drawing.

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  18. Enjoyed your review, Marian. This book is top on my list to read this year. I would love, love, LOVE to have a copy :)

    I have not been to England, but of course would jump at the opportunity to go, if it came. I want to see the castles and manor homes :)

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    1. Thanks Anne. Maybe you'll win a copy this week. Good luck!

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  19. Hi Marian,
    I have never been to England but it's on my bucket list.
    Please add my name: helenabrittain@yahoo.com

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    1. Maybe some day you'll see England, Helen. Good luck in the drawing.

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  20. I have not yet been to England but my brother-in-law & his wife live there so we hope to visit in the near future. I am absolutely obsessed with their history & it is my favorite book genre.

    Aimee

    music_love84@yahoo.com

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    1. Hope you will enjoy your stay in England, Aimee!

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  21. It's always such a treat to find out about a book I want and then see it reviewed here! Well done, Marian, your comments only make me want to read the book even MORE! Thanks for also including the trailer.

    I have enjoyed other books by Klassen, but the cover on this one INSTANTLY had my attention!! WHAT a VIEW! I have not been to England, but with sights like this I definitely plan on visiting one day :)

    Please don't enter me in this giveaway, planning on reviewing this one :) So happy this book got 5 stars from you, Marian, and that you enjoyed it. Makes me even more excited about reading it :)

    Hugs and blessings to you my bookloving friend and once again a happy birthday to your sweet dog!

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    1. Thanks from Jessie. ;)

      The cover is extremely well done! The cover is so pretty you just have to read this one in paperback instead of ebook.

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    2. Thanks, Kara. I love the cover, too. Jennifer does a great job.

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  22. I have been to England!! We went two summers ago with my youth group on a mission trip. We helped out at a huge VBS and youth group. We toured London for one day by walking everywhere. So it was pretty tiring! We're going back again this summer! I'm soooo excited!! :)

    I've never read any of Julie's books, but I've heard great things about all of them!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Sounds like you had a great time in England, Marissa! Hope this summer is going to be wonderful as well.

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    2. Have a great time in London, Marissa. Hope you'll have a chance to read one of my books soon.

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  23. The Tutor's Daughter sounds like a great story. I would love to read it. No, I've never been to England. I'm sure it a a fascinating place to visit. I do enjoy historical fiction set in England.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I hope you will enjoy the book when you get to reading it, Kay!

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  24. I'll give this a try, be nice to win a book, though I plan to buy it for my e-reader too. I have read and love all of Julie's books. If you don't win make sure you get to read it anyway. Becky

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    1. In this case I'd prefer a paperback over an ebook, because of the lovely cover. Good luck in the drawing.

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  25. No, never been to England or anywhere outside of the United States. I would love to visit England though. Ireland and Scotland too. I have English and Scottish ancestors and would love to see the land where they came from.

    enter me please :D

    winterrose (at) comcast (dot) net

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    1. Louise, that would be so nice if you could visit there. Hope your wish will come true.

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  26. I have never been to England, but it is on my list of dream places I want to go. I want to stay in a Castle, see Anne Boleyn's home, search for anscestors, go to the country, I want to do it all, lol. Thank you for the chance to win

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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    1. Sounds like a great plan! I'd love to stay in a castle too. Good luck in the draw, Angela.

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  27. Yes, I've been to England and loved it. My Father was stationed there and we were fortunate to be able to attend British schools. A wonderful opportunity and so many special memories. I would like to someday go back for an extended visit. I loved the people, the book shops, my school chums were marvelous and I really learned to like tea there. The history and trains were quite impressive as well. I was in my teens. Blessings, Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com

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    1. That sounds like an exciting time, Susan. Hope you will see England again someday.

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    2. I would love to find a way to spend an extended time in England someday, too. Lucky you, Susan!

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  28. I've never been to England or anywhere in Europe. Would love to visit sometime!

    Patty
    Pattymh2000(at)Yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Wouldn't that be wonderful, PATTY! Hopefully someday!

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  29. The Tutor's Daughter sounds wonderfully suspenseful! The trailer had just the right amount of creepiness to make me want to read the book to find out what is going on.
    I've never been to England but have read many books with that setting and have always wanted to visit.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. The creepiness is wonderful, PAM K, and will keep you guessing! Love this intriguing setting in The Tutor's Daughter and JULIE does such a good job describing it!

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  30. I have never visited England but would have loved to. I would like to see a real castle and the historic sites. Thanks for the opportunity.

    ldwrncpn@comcast.net

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    1. Hi, LORI! I would love to visit a real castle, too, but an overnight stay in one?...no thank you! LOL

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    2. Don't you have castles in the U.S.? We have plenty in Holland as well.

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  31. I've never been, but it's the one place I really want to see!!! I LOVE castles and would love to take tons of pictures there! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com

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    1. That makes two of us, MEGAN! Wouldn't it be so interesting? Thank you for showing an interest in JULIE'S book!

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  32. This is a question that is short for me. I have never been to England, or any place overseas. There are so many beautiful places in the USA that I have never seen. The most beautiful place I have been to is Jackson Hole Wyo. where I got to live for 6 years. The Tetons are beautiful mountains to see, and we could see them every day. And, they have beautiful lakes, wildflowers, meadows, and lots of wild animals to look at. There is a lot of GOD's handiwork there. I also got to visit Yellowstone park with many of GOD's wonders. I loved the tall waterfalls. And, saw much of HIS beauty in Colo. But other than that time in my life, I've not been able to travel much, so just look at photos of all of the other nations. But, I'm happy to be right here in America. God bless you Julie. Maxie

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    1. Every place on this earth is God's handiwork. We can enjoy His work anywhere. But I'd love to visit Canada or the US someday. I'd like to see the mountains, so probably would go to the Rockies. Like you I'm not able to travel much, but one can keep hoping, right?
      I also love to look at beautiful photos of all other nations.
      Well said, Maxie!

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    2. Thanks, Maxie. Blessings to you!

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  33. I forgot to say this book sounds like a very good one. And, I would love to win one of Julie's books.
    Maxie

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    1. You're entered, and I wish you lots of luck in the drawing, Maxie.

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  34. The book sounds fantastic and I can't wait to read it. I savor every word of Julie's wonderful novels. England? In my dreams!

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    1. You also need something to dream of course. :)

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  35. Marian, I have been to England and Julie's last novel (not this one) was set mainly in Maidstone, Kent, which is where my great-grandparents were from!!! That was cool! I did not go to Maidstone when I was there. But I'd love to visit Boughton Mon Thames which is where they were married! Emily Wenham and William Fancett.

    I started reading this new book per NG but I SO love the audiobooks that I am holding out a couple of months (IF I can, lol--I keep going back to the book to read some more with my eyes.) Julie has been blessed with awesome narrators.

    Great review, Marian!!! Thanks!

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    1. I haven't read Julie's book before this one yet. Hope to do so next month.
      Let's hope The Tutor's Daughter is soon available on audio!

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  36. I've never been to England but would like to go. The cover of The Tutor's Daughter makes you want to pick up the book and read it. Beautiful! Would like to win the The Tutor's Daughter. Julie did a great job of writing this book.

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    1. I agree that the cover is beautiful, Sandi! It certainly is worth to put on display.

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  37. I have been to England and like the English people best. While my husband attended an international biochemistry conference for a week, I took our ten-month-old daughter and went sight-seeing in the mornings. People were very polite and helpful, holding my place in line if I had to take my daughter for a walk when she was tired of waiting in line. We really enjoyed our visit there!
    Kaye Whitney

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    1. It sounds like you had a great time in England, Kaye! Good luck in the drawing.

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    2. Kaye, please leave your email address to be entered in the contest.

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  38. I have never read any of Julie's books...but I am very interested. Even more so by your review Marian. I do judge a book by their cover...if buying one..and I really like this cover! I have been hearing a lot of good things about her books....hope I win!
    I have never been to England..but my adopted grandmother
    was from England. She would tell me all kinds of stories. I would love to visit one day and see the manor houses and castles...and who doesn't love their accents??.I love all things historical...and England, Scotland & Ireland have always been places I want to visit...but since I cannot afford to..books are great way to visit..lol.

    I forgot my e-mail last time so I deleted my comment and my e-mail is: sunydey26@aol.com!

    Thanks & Have a great day!

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    1. Well Johnette, I think it's time you get to know Julie's books. And this one is a good book to start with.
      I have a Dutch accent, how is that? ;)
      Good luck in the drawing!

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  39. I have never been to England but I would love to go there sometime. :)
    The review has me very intrigued! I can't wait to read this book!

    samanthaakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hope you'll enjoy the book when you get to reading it, Samantha.

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  40. I have never been to England, but oh how I wish I could go! I grew up in Europe, and I always think of what a shame it was that we never went there as a family!

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  41. Hi Marian, I've never been to England, but it would be one interesting trip I'm sure. Would be nice to go with someone whose been there??? Anyway Julie's books give us a wonderful time over there. Would love to win this one. Becky

    beccifortythreeatgmaildotcom

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    1. Two years ago we went on a holiday with someone who visited the area earlier (not in England, but in Holland) and he could show us all the beautiful places. It's really great to have your own guide!

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  42. I went to England last year and loved it! I thought the Tower of London was really interesting, but I missed a couple things I really wanted to see, so I have to go back! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  43. No, I've never been to England but I think it would be very interesting and educational.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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