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Mariah Aubrey has fallen upon hard times. Since she has few prospects she is sent away to live in the unused gatehouse at her Aunt's estate. Mariah has a few mysterious encounters with her aunt, but then her aunt passes away. Mariah also busies herself with her writing - a secret pastime that she hopes can become a source of financial support. When a new tenant for the estate arrives, Mariah's life becomes decidedly more complicated - and lively.
I greatly enjoyed this regency era romance, as I listened to it transported me to a gentler time and place. Mariah was a plucky character and she stood her own despite all of the conventions of the time. All turned out well in the end of course - but the mishaps along the way were great fun. I definitely recommend this book and other Julie Klassen novels to fans of regency romances, especially if they would enjoy references to the characters faith along with an enjoyable story. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this romance taking place in England in the early 1800's. Besides the main characters of Mariah and Matthew, the author has us take interest in all people on the estate and poorhouse across the road. I liked the setting and felt like the cover matched the description of the gatehouse and Mariah pretty well. Julie Klassen has become one of my favorite authors. ( )

A fun story and up until the end I would have given it 4 stars. I was bothered by Captain Bryant revealing some things to his friend but he doesn't share those things with Mariah, though he previously becomes angry with Mariah for keeping things from her past hidden from him. I wished that had been resolved in a different way. ( )

While this isn't Jane Austen, there is an Austen tone to this book and she is referenced before most chapters. Mariah has had to leave her father's house in disgrace and seeks refuge in her aunt's estate. She is given the opportunity to live in the gate house. Moriah secretly writes books for her income. Her disgrace is found out eventually here.

This book was well written and kept my interedt throughout. ( )