THE MAID OF FAIRBOURNE HALL {CFBA TOUR & REVIEW}

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Maid of Fairbourne Hall Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Julie Klassen


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Two of her books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.



She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.







ABOUT THE BOOK

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?



Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?



On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE

Title:  The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

Author:  Julie Klassen

Publisher:  Bethany House

Available:  Now

Source:  Publisher via CFBA

Genre:  Christian Historical Fiction Romance

Rating:  G

Pages:  410

My Take:

I'm not sure if it's me or the genre of historical fiction is just getting better!  Authors are getting into areas that we didn't even know we wanted to read about and doing it with some great books.  This one is no exception.  The Regency period is one that I have stayed away from in most of my readings and I think I may have been missing something.  This book gives us a glimpse into the behind the scene workings of a well to do house in the early 1800's.  Not only do we learn what it's like to be a servant in that time through the story, but through the snippets of rules Ms. Klassen used during chapter intros.  Learning to serve others is an all important 'grown up' lesson that we all should probably take to heart and learn to not only do it willingly but with an open heart.  Through the story we learn how "Nora" trys to find that meaning.    

I really liked this book, it was written with a believable voice and kept me involved from page one all the way through the end.  And it's no small book!  The research that was done is impressive and it shows that the author definitely knew what she was talking about while writing this!   The writing  takes me to the English countryside and I was expecting someone to bring me a cup of tea while I was reading.  This is another new to me author that I will most definitely be checking out more often!  

Recommendation:

The genre is a little misleading... very little romance, a lot of action and a whole lot of history!  So...if you like historical books of any sort I think you should run out and buy this one!  While it is a Christian book, it is not at all preachy and teaches you through living.  If you are strictly a gotta have all romance, this one has a lot more...but the romance is there just a bit more subtle than most romance novels!    I'd say if you like  a lot of substance to your book, please make sure you check this out!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for an honest review and no other compensation was given and all thoughts are honest and come from my heart!