Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Two of her books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards.
She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt–and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?
Observing both brothers as an “invisible” servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?
On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of “serve one another in love.”
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE.
Learn more about Julie and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall was a thoroughly enjoyable tale with a delightful twist on the usual Regency novel. Electing to run away rather than allow herself to be victimized by the plotting of her stepfather and his nephew, Margaret experiences a side of life she has never imagined in her own pampered existence. Forced to accept employment as a servant in order to survive, she discovers that her new master is the man she had refused to marry earlier. Would Margaret be able to hide her identity from the members of the Upchurch family long enough to avoid detection by her stepfather?
I loved the reversal of roles in this story and how Margaret began to empathize with the servants she had once overlooked unless she needed their assistance. This novel has it all, a bit of action and suspense, swashbuckling pirates, glamorous balls, details of life below stairs, and of course some romance. Mix all these elements with historical facts and a faith based message and it becomes the perfect book for my reading preferences. I am looking forward to the next novel by Julie Klassen and must make sure I haven’t missed any of her previous ones. Do NOT hesitate to pick this one up if you are even slightly interested in historical fiction.
