The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Back Cover:
　
Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.

When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame...and which brother to trust with her heart? 　
Review:

Julie Klassen again has delivered a wonderful historical novel, cobming aspects of Jane Austin novels and Jane Eyre. I really enjoyed The Tutor's Daughter, and it left me wanting more! (It might make a great movie :) )

I will admit I do not like the storyline of Jane Eyre. So when I started this book, and it was following that plot, I was a little hesitant. Julie Klassen then started to weave some Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensiblilty, and Northanger Abbey. I was sucked in - I did not put the book down. It was the perfect mix of the storys I love!
Of course the plot was totally unrealistic, but it is like any other really good chick-flick, or chick-lit. You don't care if it's unrealistic when the heroine is a strong-willed character you can relate to, and the main man is a good-looking (at least in my head), loyal, kind, but of course misunderstood gentleman.

The setting was so perfect - an old, great, grand house - with forbidden wings, creaky floors, and alledged ghosts. Having been to the UK and visiting some of these old homes and castles, it was wonderful to see it come to life!

I was honestly left at the end of the book wanting to watch a movie version of this book. It was such a wonderful combonation of storylines, and the characters were so vivid in my head, that I wanted to see it again! Perhaps Julie Klassen should send the book to BBC... I would definately watch it. :)


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

Back Cover:

New York City, 1897

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

 

She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother--but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

 

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love?

Review:

I usually really like historical novels. I love visiting different eras, imagining how people lived in that time. Unfortunately No Safe Harbor did not impress me.

The story is centered on Cara Hamilton and Rourke Walsh, and their mysterious pasts and current confusing relationship. The characters are well written, growing through out the book, though how their relationship develops is somewhat confusing. That would have been plenty for the reader to process.

Unfortunately, the story is bogged down by way too many supporting characters! First is all is Cara’s fellow rooms mates at the boarding house, all with their own tales. I often had no idea who was who, and couldn’t remember the characters from earlier in the story. Next were Rourke’s family and friends and, of course, their back stories as well. Then there were the people from Cara and Rourke’s respective pasts. Oh! And do not forget the “bad guys” of the story too.

Simply put: I was so confused who to imagine when reading this book! Sadly, most of the supporting characters became faceless.

The story is set in New York City when immigrants were poring into the city. It was easy to imagine, having read other books set at the same time. The author described the city as I had pictured - the dirty streets, the rich mansions, New York in the turn of the century.

The plot of the story, I believe, would have been much better without all the extra character, to give more time to Cara and Rourke. I understand their relationship, but it felt forced at key points in the book. I know what the author was trying to go for, but however thing Elizabeth Ludwig fell short.

Overall: I might read this book again, only to try to understand the plot a bit better. Elizabeth Ludwig had a great idea for the story, but unfortunately overloaded the reader to the point of having to go back a few pages and read extra carefully to understand. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.