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.
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