1. The Girl in the Gatehouse
    Julie Klassen
    Bethany House / 2010 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$15.99 Retail Price$18.00 Save 11% ($2.01)
    4.6 out of 5 stars for The Girl in the Gatehouse. View reviews of this product. 57 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW207082
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  1. Debbie from ChristFocus
    Harrison, AR
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Enjoyable happily-ever-after story
    February 6, 2013
    Debbie from ChristFocus
    Harrison, AR
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    "The Girl in the Gatehouse" is a Christian historical romance set in 1813 in England. This novel was a Regency romance, but it came from a slightly different viewpoint than the usual respectable heroes and heroines. The manners and propriety were there, but there were also a few stolen, private kisses. And the heroine is a girl who was tempted and mislead into "giving in" to the man she thought intended to marry her. Now she's now having to deal with the resulting disgrace.

    The characters were engaging, varied, and acted in realistic ways. I liked how the ex-naval officers got bored with living like gentlemen and wanted more action. The main suspense was from relationship tensions, uncovering various secrets, and wondering if Mariah's books would do well enough to pay the rent. The end got a little complicated with the number of secrets exposed and righted. But it's a happily-ever-after sort of story even if there were some sad parts for Mariah before getting there.

    The Christian element was about forgiveness. Mariah felt unworthy of God (so she didn't go to church) and unworthy of being loved. Bryant was kind toward Mariah and wanted to somehow remove the scandal attached to her name, but when he realized he loved her and that her past would affect him personally, it was a little harder. It was a natural issue for them to struggle with.

    There were no graphic sex scenes and no bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.
  2. Carrie
    Virginia
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Fresh Voice and Unique Story!
    February 18, 2012
    Carrie
    Virginia
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Julie Klassen doesn't write like anyone else that I know. I love that she gives us fresh writing that is not constrained by formulas and rule-following despite her having been an editor herself! Her main characters and minor are vibrant and memorable. The romance was realistic and full of great tension.

    Many of the other Regencies I have read all sound alike. But Klassen's fresh voice shines throughout the story telling.

    Mariah Aubry is hiding in her relative's gatehouse, with a view of a building nearby that houses a number of needy souls. And she has a secret — she's a novelist (which I love because I write fiction!) Captain Matthew Bryant is too good for the conniving beauty who threw him aside for another wealthier man. But he has to struggle with his own demons as he charts a new course for his life. Within the gatehouse is something that will change their lives if they can keep it from her deceased aunt's wicked stepson. Ms. Klassen does a great job of keeping the reader wondering about the hero and the antagonist and provides a wonderfully satisfying ending to the story.

    Lovely job with the spiritual arc which is embedded well within the story line.
  3. Blue Jeans & Teacups
    California
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    •°o•:*¨¨*:•. MOST ENJOYABLE .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
    July 9, 2011
    Blue Jeans & Teacups
    California
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I truly enjoyed this book. The friendship of Mariah and Matthew developed sweetly and naturally. The story immediately opens filled with mystery. There are wonderful characters throughout and various levels of faith portrayed in them.

    The author describes some very interesting facts in great detail; such as how Mariah made a quill pen and how she made her own ink. Figgy Dowdy was a featured dish... it would have been nice if the author better described what that was. I learned online that it is an English pudding, which is a distant relative to the dish: Spotted Dick. Early in Naval history is was made from ships biscuits, dried fruit, pork fat and rum.

    Tea was featured throughout, as is appropriate in England during that time. Along with Christian faith, I love reading about tea times woven throughout a book. It is lovely and relaxes any scene. I enjoyed that greatly. (The book notes that the author is a Jane Austen and Jane Eyre fan).

    Another great aspect... this book made me laugh out loud several times, showing how clever the author can be.

    Things I would appreciate: recipes in the back (a fun extra when an author cares to share them! And a glossary of old fashioned terms is most helpful, so that we may learn and grow our own vocabulary.

    [Recipe I found online for Figgy Dowdy may be found at: http://www.traditionalenglishpuddings.co.uk/f1figgydowdy.html]

    Things that ARE included:

    *Discussion Questions for the reader to ponder or for a Book Club :)

    *Author's Notes regarding historical references and also that The Gatehouse featured on the cover is the actual Gatehouse the author pictured when writing the story. How interesting.

    *Each chapter opens with a random quote the author wished to share; such as: "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!" — Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. How appropriate! ;)
  4. Joyful Books
    Washoe Valley, NV
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Couldn't put the book down until I was finished!
    June 18, 2011
    Joyful Books
    Washoe Valley, NV
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    The girl in the gatehouse

    By Julie Klassen

    "Banished from the only home she's ever known, Mariah Aubrey hides herself away in an abandoned gatehouse on a distant relative's estate. There she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she know how-by writing novels in secret.

    When Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate, he is intrigued by the beautiful girl in the gatehouse. But there are many things he doesn't know about this beguiling outcast. Will he risk his plans-and his heart-for a woman shadowed by scandal?

    Intriguing, mysterious, and romantic, The Girl in the Gatehouse takes readers inside the life of a secret authoress at a time when novel-writing was considered improper for ladies and the smallest hint of impropriety could change a woman's life forever."

    ~

    REVIEW:

    If you like Regency Era books then you will like The Girl in the Gatehouse. Have you ever made a mistake and then spent your life not blaming God for your problems, but rather feeling unworthy of God's love? Often it is difficult to embrace forgiveness and get passed the bumps in our past. This book reminds the reader that life is about seasons. Life is about closing one chapter and moving on to a new. Making new choices is not always easy, sometimes the choice is made for you as your past is revealed, but then often comes forgiveness and healing.

    I loved the book Girl in the Gatehouse. There were several characters with secrets in their pasts to solve and lives that intertwined. I loved the fact that the main character was a writer and the struggle of writing novels was part of the book. The Girl in the Gatehouse was a fun journey for anyone who loves a good "Jane Austen" influenced novel.

    I received this book for free from Bethany House Publisher's.
  5. HSCottage
    Raleigh, NC
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Mystery and Intrigue
    May 12, 2011
    HSCottage
    Raleigh, NC
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I loved this story. Mariah captured my heart from chapter 1.

    I was captivated hearing about Captain Prince and who he really was. I was intrigued by what Mariah's aunt had to say in her journals. The story really kept you guessing but gave you enough information to keep you interested. Not only is romance brewing of course for Mariah as the main character but also for her governess Dixon, by two gentlemen. There were lots of orphaned children running about, war heroes, and other interesting characters, and some characters not so likable.

    The story is light and you get a lot out of the story with out being bombarded and weighted down with too many details, there are just enough details.

    If you want a historical romance that is a light and easy read that you just can't put down then try this book. I wasn't disappointed and I hope you won't be either.

    I will be getting the rest of Julie Klassen's books because I liked this one that much.

    (I received this book for review from Bethany House for my honest opinion of this book)
Displaying items 1-5 of 57
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