Sophie Dupont has found herself in a great
predicament. She assists her father at
his art studio in Devon, and there meets the handsome artist Wesley Overtree,
the heir to the Overtree estate. When
Wesley abruptly leaves to paint in Italy, he leaves without knowing that Sophie
carries his unborn child. As an
unmarried woman in the Regency period, there are not many options for
Sophie. When Wesley’s younger brother,
Captain Stephen Overtree comes searching for him and learns of Sophie’s
predicament, he does the honorable thing and offers to marry Sophie. Will this marriage of convenience lead to
love between Stephen and Sophie? Will
Wesley return? What will both families
think of this romance?
I love Julie Klassen’s novels. The Painter’s Daughter is set during one of
my favorite time periods, the Regency period.
It also has many references to
characters reading Sense and Sensibility and other remembrances of Jane Austen. It also has the threat of Napoleon on the
horizon and has a riveting battle sequence with Captain Overtree in the
infantry. This is one of the best battle
sequences I’ve ever read. Klassen writes
wonderful characters with three-dimensional personalities and actions that are believable. The plot was very engaging and surprised me
at the end. I also thought it was a
fascinating look into what a marriage of convenience would be like. I also love that while it is a romance, it is
a chaste romance with plenty of passionate feelings, but no vivid descriptions
of actions. The Painter’s Daughter is
also a Christian romance and Captain Overtree in particular uses prayer and
faith to guide his actions.
The Painter’s Daughter contains a great author’s
note that explains how the book was written.
Discussion questions are also included that could be used by a book club
or just for your own remembrances of the novel.
My favorite quotes:
This quote is about a small portrait of Sophie that
Stephen had rescued from the garbage, but this quote could be construed to be
about Sophie as well.
“His brother had discarded it, after all. But Stephen had saved it from the flames.”
In this passage before battle, a soldier is asking
Stephen how he’ll know that he’s right with God. This is Stephen’s reply.
“I am not a good man, not by any measure,” Stephen
replied. “And thank God I don’t have to
rely on my own merit. I’d never be good
enough to deserve to live forever with a holy God. But Christ is, and He already died to cover
my sins. He sacrificed His earthly life
for my eternal one. And for yours, and
for everyone willing to accept Him.”
This quote is great advice for newlyweds everywhere.
“This is real life, Master Stephen. Happily ever after takes effort. But you two will triumph. I believe it with all my heart.”
Overall, The Painter’s Daughter is a riveting
Regency Christian Romance. It has many
elements of my favorite writers including Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and
even some of the mystery of Daphne Du Maurier or Victoria Holt. I highly recommend this novel!
Book Source:
Review Copy from Bethany House.
Thank-you!
Lovely review, Laura!This one is going on my reading list.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Amazing! This is Julie at her best! Sophie's story is rich in character that keeps giving as you read, you want to continue reading because the story pulls you towards it. Finishing it was sad because I loved the characters and didn't want it to end, on the other hand it was like eating a really good meal and you just want to savor it. That is how I felt as I turned the last page.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend this book!