RTC ( )

5 Stars 🤩! Mesmerizing Historical Fiction!
Oh, how I adored this historical fiction. I fell in love with the characters, the setting, and the overall arching theme of beauty coming out of darkness, second chances, and faith.

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen is set in 19th-century England on an estate called Brightwell Court. Olivia Keene, through a various number of mishaps fleeing from danger in her hometown, becomes a governess burdened with a secret. It's impossible not to feel empathy for Olivia, who is smart, independent, and resilient in a world that often disregards such qualities in women. Her journey, is one of mystery, suspense, and heart. Lord Edward Bradley, presumed heir of Brightwell Court has hired Olivia on as governess for more than one reason. Their interactions are complex under his looming guise of suspicion.

The story has so many other secondary characters that make for a beautifully well-rounded read that you can’t help but get immersed in. You will not regret taking this journey with Olivia and Edward as they each discover truths about who they are, embrace second chances and find a happy ending. 💗 ( )

Solid inspirational regency romance.
I enjoy Julie Klassen's books, so I picked up one of her earlier titles. I did enjoy it, but I feel like her writing has improved over time.
This one involves a young woman fleeing a difficult family situation. She is sent out the door by her mother with some vague instructions about finding a nearby abbey and asking for work there. As she walks through the countryside she has several strange encounters, the last of which involve her overhearing something she shouldn't have from a young Lord. He finds out that she has overheard his secret and says that she must stay at his estate as a servant (nursemaid) until he can find out what to do. Oh, and she briefly loses her voice but then keeps pretending like she can't speak so that no one will discover her secrets. Of course romance will eventually develop between her and the Lord, and along there way there are some adorable children, a vicar with a lot of Christian advice, a meddling cousin, and also a mischievous one. Klassen does do a good job of creating some memorable characters, but some of the plot points and decisions made seemed far fetched to me. Still, I would definitely recommend it to fans of Inspirational, clean romances - especially if they enjoy the Regency time period. ( )

Olivia is keeping a secret, a dangerous secret...yet when she flees her home and family, she never dreams that she will be required to harbor more secrets. When the dashing, Lord Bradley comes across her flight from danger and appears to be a potential haven of safety, Olivia grasps that hope...only to be dashed into more intrigue, secrets, and danger. As Olivia fights to keep herself and her family safe, she is also trying to help Lord Bradley keep his family honor and members safe as well...Will the secrets never end?

This was a great book! I devoured it in 3 days! Another great novel from Ms. Klassen! ( )

Pleasant, relaxing romance. ( )