The Silent Governess does not disappoint. From the expertly-done prologue (the perfect example of a prologue that enhances the story) to the mysterious plot, this book kept me turning pages!
This story literally dropped me in the middle of a chase scene that I couldn’t get enough of. Julie Klassen’s writing style fascinates me. She has honed a delectable blend of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte to bring this English era to life in a way that will captivate lovers of historicals and reel in those who love adventure.
The dazzling descriptions and the subtle way Olivia and Edward fall in love is totally swoon-worthy and made me wish the story (already a good 400 pages long) could continue.
The ending is so unexpected. The breathtaking mystery that had me anxious about how it would all turn out was wrapped up so beautifully that I literally sat back and thought, “I did NOT see that coming!” It’s so nice when an author defies the cliche and brings about a resolution that I couldn’t foresee.
I honestly can’t think of a single thing to write about that I didn’t like in The Silent Governess. It was the first I read by Julie Klassen and by far my favorite of her works.
About the Author
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She is a fiction editor and novelist. Her book, The Silent Governess, won a 2010 Christy Award and was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
Read my review of The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Rachelle Rea says
Agreed, Natasha! The writing voice/style/beauty is never lacking. Ever. :)
Valerie (ValsVicinity) says
OOoooooh, the Silent Governess is definitely a good one. It's one of my favorites by Klassen, along with The Apothecary's Daughter. I've also read The Girl in the Gatehouse, although I didn't enjoy that one quite as much as the other two. I have yet to read Milkweed Manor and Fairbourne hall, but they are both on my never ending "to be read" list! :)
Natasha says
I, too, enjoy Julie Klassen. Even when the story-line isn't my favorite, I want to finish the book because I can read it without feeling frustrated with poor writing. <br /><br />The Silent Governess was definitely one of the best.
Rachelle Rea says
Jennifer, you are a fan! I've read all of those as well as Maid of Milkweed Manor, but that's an adult one. You liked The Apothecary's Daughter best? Truly? That was my least favorite, but I had a hard time liking Lilly, that's why. :) Glad to find another JK fan! :)
Jennifer says
I am a Julie Klassen fan! I've read The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Apothecary's Daughter, The Silent Governess, and am currently in the middle of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. My absolute favorite is The Apothecary's Daughter, but I've enjoyed each of them.<br /><br />Great review!
Rachelle Rea says
Oh, Tarissa! Thank you! I'm glad it came across how much I loved it! :)
Tarissa says
This book sounds good! Might have to read it. :)
Rachelle Rea says
Sarah, oh, it was. I liked almost all of her books.<br /><br />Sierra, my favorites of Julie Klassen's are this one and The Girl in the Gatehouse (loved, loved, loved that the MC was a writer). Can't wait to read TMOFH!
Sierra says
Oh I loved this book! She wrote in bunch of amazing characters and a great plot….twisted it all together with a lot of excitement…I loved it :)<br />She has another that I thought measured up about the same, The Maid Of Fairbourne Hall. However her others didn't strike me as much as this one and TMOFH did. I haven't read her first one though, yet. Sierra<br />Keep Growing Beautiful♥ (
Sarah H says
Sounds like a great book!