The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen
Bethany House, Dec.1, 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)
Bethany House, Dec.1, 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)
A Picture Paints A Thousand Words
In The Painter's Daughter, author Julie Klassen pens a spellbinding Regency era novel that exudes an aura of mystery—sweeping the reader from the thatched cottages, cries of the seagulls, and dangerous slopes of the Devonshire coast—to the opulent beauty of Overtree Hall with its hidden rooms, secrets, and strange noises.
Sophia Margaretha Dupont, the daughter of a portrait and landscape painter, often sketches the picturesque cliffs of the north Devon coast—popular with many an artist—hiding her own talented work. It is there she meets the handsome artist, Wesley Overtree, who flatters Sophie with his many compliments and lovely portraits of her. At the end of his leave, Captain Stephen Overtree is sent to bring his brother back to Overtree Hall, but is shocked to learn Wesley has sailed to Italy leaving Sophie in dire straights. Feeling the need to recompense for past failures, Stephen's proposal "in name only" leaves Sophie terribly torn and conflicted. She barely knows this brooding man who has been nicknamed Captain Black, and what if her beloved Wesley should return for her? Should she wait for him or elope with Stephen?...a decision she could regret the rest of her life.
Julie Klassen has written a captivating regency with a delectable blend of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte, and Jane Austen—filled with twists and turns and never a dull moment! Ms. Klassen is a master of descriptive imagery and in my mind's eye I could totally see the dangerous, but picturesque slopes and quaint cottages of Devonshire, the sheep dotting the meadows near the brothers' estate, and the ornate, but somewhat creepy Overtree Hall. Secrets abound as do mysterious, eerie characters and things that go bump in the night—making this a novel that is terribly hard to put down! The Painter's Daughter is definitely one of my favorite Julie Klassen novels ever...order your copy today!
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| Castle Rock Where Sophie Loved To Sketch And Watch The Sunset |
This novel may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.
GIVEAWAY: Julie Klassen has generously offered to give away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter. To be eligible for the drawing please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
GIVEAWAY: Julie Klassen has generously offered to give away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter. To be eligible for the drawing please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
Oh my, you've certainly whetted my appetite with that beautiful review, Diana! I'm definitely placing this one on my Must Read Soon list! :)
ReplyDeleteYou HAVE to read this one, NOELA! I know how much you love Julie Klassen's books and this one is the BoMb! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteHi Noela. Hope you get a chance to read it soon!
DeleteI could sit in that same spot and take photograph after photograph! That is lovely!!! Can't wait to read this one. I've heard SO many good things about the book. And you know Julie never disappoints! :-)
ReplyDelete{{hugs}}
Lovely but dangerous, dear ANNE! If I'm not mistaken Julie Klassen herself has been to that spot and has pics on her website!
DeleteThanks, Anne. My old friend and traveling buddy, Sara, took tons of photos for me there. I, unfortunately, am the world's worst photographer. :)
DeleteI would be willing to risk the danger, Diana! :-)
DeleteJulie, You paint gorgeous word pictures!!! No need for a camera. ;)
I'm sure you would, ANNE! Lol I agree...you have no need for a camera, Julie!
DeleteDIANA, thank you for the lovely review! This novel is at the top of my wish list.
ReplyDeleteThank you, CARYL, and also for sharing on your timeline! So sweet!
DeleteDiana wrote a great review, didn't she? Hope you get to read it soon, Caryl.
DeleteAhh...thank you, Julie! It's easy to write a good review when you have just finished an excellent book.
DeleteThis story looks great. I want to read this.
ReplyDeleteahenderson312(at)gmail(dot)com
You're so right on, MELISSA! Gotcha entered!
DeleteSHARON, this one is over 400 delicious pgs, but you won't realize it's that long while reading b/c there is always something happening and the story NEVER drags. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteto start with, I love the name chosen for the heroine of the story, different, yet a 'real' name of the period. the story itself sounds really intriguing, with its plots and twists. i would definitely love to read this book. i would like to win the paperback, even more would love to see this come out on kindle. redhvn56(at)bellsouth(dot)net
ReplyDeleteSo true about the name, JO-AN. I will be reading another book soon with the same name for the heroine. I thought that was rather amusing, b/c as a blonde I'm liable to get them mixed up! lol The story is very intriguing as you say and I hope you get the chance to read it ASAP!
DeleteI have seen this book advertised but the name of it just didn't resonate with me until I read your review. Now I can't wait to read it. Thanks for an opportunity to win a copy. spotts06 at comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled my review made you want to read this wonderful book, STELLA! Put it at the top of your wishlist, my friend! If you don't win it here, Christmas is right around the corner. Hint away! lol
DeleteI like the way you think, Diana! :)
DeleteOh this looks so good!! I can't wait to read it for myself!!
ReplyDeletealander87 at allcom dot net
I can't wait for you to be able to read it, too, ABBY! Lotsa luck!
DeleteDiana! Your review is simply exquisite. I can completely pictured the predicament Sophia is in and when you said a mixed of Jane Eyre, Jane Austen & Charlotte Bronte - well, I'm there. Over the moon there. So let's channel some good luck my way to win that copy! LOL.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, as always.
Annie
justcommonly[at]gmail[dot]com.
Thank you, ANNIE! I always love reading your comments; they bless and amuse me so! I just love these type of regency era books -- over the moon! LOL! God bless!
DeleteGreat hearing from a fellow Jane/Jane/Charlotte fan, Annie!
DeleteI'm so looking forward to reading this book! I have an art degree and hope to really connect with the characters :) Thanks for sharing your excellent review!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
This book sounds right up your alley, HEIDI! You're so welcome, my friend!
DeleteWhether I win this book or not, I am going to read it soon. I love Julie Klassen's books. She is a fabulous writer. Hope I win. princessdebbie 1 underscore 2000 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteWelcome to OWG, DEBBIE! She most definitely is a fabulous writer and I especially loved this one b/c it was rather unpredictable. Plus the aura of mystique surrounding it as well. ;)
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful book! I'll have to pick it up!
ReplyDeleteLove your name, CHERIE! If you would like to enter the drawing please come back and leave your email as I described above. You never know...someone has to win! (wink)
DeleteOMGoodness....the cover alone makes me want to read it. Sounds like an awesome book. Add my name tothe drawing, please. christianromancewriter (at) gmail (dot) come
ReplyDeleteDEBRA! How wonderful to see you here! I'm sure you'll just love Julie's new book! Thanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteHi Debra. Thanks for your interest--hope you have a chance to read it and enjoy it even half as much as Diana did. :)
DeleteI loved your exciting review of "The Painter's Daughter" Diana. I truly want to read Julie's book.
ReplyDeleteYour vivid description of not only the era, but also the beauty of the location drew me into the story. I would love to win a copy, but know for sure that if I don't win one, I will be getting it soon. I must learn of Sophia's decision and how it works out. How could Wesley possibly leave such a beautiful lady in dire straights - the cad! Rescue must follow, but by his brother, Stephen?
I enjoyed reading the comments here of many of my friends.
Joyce @ Heart"wings" joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you so much, JOYCE! Wesley is indeed a cad, I agree! But, there is redemption for all so Stephen, Wesley, Stephen, Wesley? hmmm Thx for your lovely comment!
DeleteI am looking forward to reading the The Painters Daughter! For some reason the storyline's with the brooding hero's always draw me in.....Rebecca. rdewey17(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, REBECCA! Like Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. Perfect brooding hero in my book. Pardon the pun. :)
DeleteThank you for your wonderful review! It's been on my wish list for a little while, but it has now moved to the very top. So looking forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeletepwestfall7 at hotmail dot com
YAY, PAM! So glad you moved it to the top! If you don't win, it surely will make a wonderful Christmas gift. Hint hint to family. lol
DeleteWould love to win a copy! ! Love Julie and her books! Leah(at)myredwingchiro(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWelcome to OWG, LEAH! I love her books, too -- glad we're on the same page! Pardon my pun. lol
DeleteGreat to see you here, Leah! Here's hopin' you score a book!
DeleteOh yes, Julie Klassen can certainly paint quite a few vivid pictures with her writing can't she? And I'm not referring to "The Painter's Daughter" either. Her writing is absolutely exquisite, her research flawless, and her characters unforgettable (and lovable most times!). I am a HUGE fan of hers and have devoured her many books....but maybe two of them, not including this one. I am over-the-moon excited for this book, to say the least (can you tell?). I could spend an entire afternoon on the Devonshire shore frittering away the time with my nose in her book. The last one I read "The Tutor's Daughter" was a similar setting, and since I live on the Oregon coast, I could well imagine hearing the surf and seagulls above!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win this one, it's a much anticipated book :-)
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
I loved The Tutor's Daughter, TRIXI! Some similarities but a lot different as well! I so hope you get the chance to read this one -- if you loved TTD you'll definitely love this one! Thank you for your always delightful comments!
DeleteHi Trixi, whose name I love. :) I enjoyed reading your comments.
DeleteWonderful review! I would love to win :) bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, BETTI! Tossed your name in the hat!
DeleteCan't wait to listen to this book after reading your great review, Angel Diana! Thanks for the wonderful book review!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie Angel! Ohhh, you will enjoy this one!
DeleteCarrie, I'll be interested in your opinion on the new-to-me reader, a British gentleman formerly with the BBC! Hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI am a fan of Julie's books and can't wait to read this one. Thank you for sharing your review.
ReplyDeletebookaunt (at) outlook (dot) com
You're so welcome, ANGELA! Her writing is pretty awesome, isn't it?
DeleteWonderful review Diana!
ReplyDeleteI am NOT entering the contest as I have the book...haven't read it yet but will soon.
I love the book cover, it is beautiful. And I love Julie's books, so I know it will be good.
Blessings, Tina
Thanks, TINA! I hope you're ready for a wonderful Julie Klassen treat...and some time to read bc you won't want to put this one down!
DeleteA wonderful review thank you. This sounds lovely.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thank YOU, MARY! A wonderful book!
DeleteWow--that is one beautiful review, Diana. Well done! I appreciate it a great deal and am delighted to know how much you enjoyed the book.
ReplyDeleteThank you, JULIE! My pleasure indeed! Just never stop writing these type of books. They bless so many!
DeleteOh, I'm so excited to read another great book by Julie Klassen-- she's one of my favorite authors!! Thanks for the opportunity to win! :)
ReplyDeletesleepy_bookworm_aery [at] yahoo [dot] com
Good luck to you, dear AERYKAH! I know you'll enjoy this one as much as her others!
DeleteI haven't yet read all of Julie Klassen's books, but I've read enough that new ones are automatically on my "wish list." The Painter's Daughter has another lovely cover and is one I'm looking forward to reading.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
PAM, you've been missing out! She is just one of the best authors ever, but it's not too late. Maybe you'll win here and be able to read your first JK book ever. I hope random number likes you as much as we do on OWG! :)
DeleteI just sent in my picture for Klessen's Coloring Contest. The book looks interesting.
ReplyDeletelotsofbooks1(at)live(dot)com
Awesome, BOOKISHQUEEN! I take it you're a big Julie Klassen fan then. Very interesting! I hope you get the chance to read it ASAP.
DeleteThanks for coloring and entering, Bookishqueen. Love your online name, by the way!
DeleteI am looking forward to reading Julie's latest. I just love the cover. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeletemomrain(AT)aol(DOT)com
It's as good as its cover, LORAINE! Hoping you get the chance to read it ASAP! :)
DeleteThanks for the great review and giveaway! I would love to win a copy of this book! I have a friend in nursing school with me who is more than a little obsessed with Julie Klassen, and it would make a great Christmas present for her ☺️ Mdp94 (at) bellsouth (dot) net
ReplyDeleteThank you, MORGAN! Such a wonderful Christmas gift and what a good friend you are!
DeleteLoved the review. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteBless you, KIM! Thank you and good luck.
DeleteI love her books. I look forward to reading this one. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteKarenskrayons(at)gmail(dot) com
You're welcome, KAREN! I'm quite sure you'll love this one as well.
DeleteMy favorite Era for a story to be set in, oh, I love every historical I believe!
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
MELODY, you sound just as bad as me. LOL! I will say that the Regency era is way up there at the top of my favorites when at first I never even read it. I think that Julie Klassen's are the first Regency books I ever read, and I fell in love with that era.
DeleteI'm falling behind in my reading. I missed her last book and now this one is out too. Yikes!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me!!!
Diane
dianemestrella at gmail dot com
You're still good since they are all stand alones and not in a series, DIANE. lol But DO hint for this one for Christmas! ;)
DeleteSounds wonderful, and what a lovely cover!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Such a lovely story, too, PATTY! Good luck!
DeleteI cannot decide where to read this book but the advertisement, reviews and contests may change my mind. I love characters who redeem themselves.
ReplyDeleteSonnetta_jones@hotmail.com
Sonnetta,
DeleteNo need to be hesitant to read one of Julies books, she has a way with words that keep you engaged till the very end! You won't be disappointed and will probably find yourself wanting to devour ALL her books in short order....lol!! I know I do :-) Give her books a chance, you'll be glad you did!
TRIXI, thank you so much for your support! You're such a sweetheart.
DeleteSONNETTA, I know not everyone's taste in books is the same, but I have never spoken to anyone yet who did not enjoy Julie Klassen's books. As Trixi said give her a chance...you may become a staunch fan like the rest of us. Thanks for your honest comment, dear.
Such an exceptional, compelling review, Diana - thank you!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful cover and a beautiful storyline - but it's those "secrets, mysterious, eerie characters, and things that go bump in the night" that captured my attention!! Can't wait to read "The Painter's Daughter" - Julie's books are always exquisite!!
Thank you, BONNIE! It's such a challenge to write a review and do a book such as this justice, but it was so fun to try! Exquisite is the right word to describe her books for sure!
DeleteI am new to Julie Klassen, but from reading the review, I don't believe that I will be disappointed. I look forward to reading your work.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I know you won't be disappointed in Julie's latest book! Would you like to be entered in the giveaway to win a copy? If so please leave your email address written this way (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
DeleteWhat a great review--now I'm even MORE anxious to read it.
ReplyDeleteeeyoregirl2009 (at) aol (dot) com
Thanks, Teresa. Hope you love the book!
DeleteYes, thank you, TERESA!
DeleteCongrats to Sharon Timmer who has won a copy of The Painter's Daughter per random number.org. I'll be sending you an email, Sharon!
ReplyDelete