I have loved all of Julie Klassen's books, however, "The Girl in the Gatehouse" is one of my favorites! I liked this one nearly as much as her first book, "The Lady of Milkweed Manor." As a huge Regency and Jane Austen, I loved the parallels between this story and Austen's tales--both through names, characters, and plot similarities. Yet, I enjoyed Klassen's ability to make the story original and her added touches with poorhouse and the Navy. I also loved that the main character, along with several others, are authors! I really related to them because I want to be one myself! Also, the Christian theme of forgiveness was prevalent throughout without being overly preachy or tiresome. While I enjoy Christian fiction, sometimes the themes and parallels become blatant and cliche; not so in this story. Even though Mariah's relationship with her estranged father was tied up a bit too quickly and neatly, this book was a fun, engaging, and worthwhile. Had I not needed necessary sleep, I would have stayed up all night simply to finish the book. Klassen's other novels are wonderful but this one has captured the original style and passion that initially engaged me in her first novel ("The Lady of Milkweed Manor"). When I read these books, I am always amazed at how a woman's reputation could be ruined and she disgraced and yet the man usually has nothing done to him. Sometimes a man will marry someone he doesn't love for her sake, and that seems like a hard thing to live through too. I am glad that I live in the time I do, but I enjoy reading the books from this time period. A young lady is caught in a compromising position by the man's intended even though she thought he was proposing to her (Yes he was a cad) The lady announced her actions and so she was put out by her father. Her aunt takes her in and she lives in the gatehouse with her lady's companion- Dixon. This story goes through her meeting other people, writing books, and how another man looked beyond her discretion and loved her anyway. The fun character in this book is definitely Martin- seemingly-a crusty old nothing- that turned into a great cook, musician, and writer himself. Super job with developing the characters and making the story seem real.
Do You like book The Girl In The Gatehouse (2011)?
The pace was a little slow to my liking but enjoyed it nevertheless!
—Leah
