Lady of Milkweed Manor

Upon finishing this novel, I sigh in complete contentment. This is near one of the best novels I have ever had the opportunity to fall deep within the pages and stay for a while. From beginning to end I had my opinions of how things should go, with the slight twists and turns I never had a clue how the plot would be. Sometimes I could not read fast enough, as a matter of fact most of the time. I would not believe certain things were happening. This is a perfect novel in regency time and I can see a bit of Austen and Jane Erye. I can easily say that readers of such will enjoy this story. It is alike, but completely unique and what a tale it tells. Julie Klassen is beyond talented with this work and I am shocked to admit it a debut. You can bet that I will read her new novel coming out soon, [b: The Apothecary's Daughter 3870943 The Apothecary's Daughter Julie Klassen https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1325356997l/3870943.SY75.jpg 3916135]. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If I were able to surpass five stars, I have not a clue as to how many I would vote. Throughout this book my heart was breaking. My soul was soaring with joy. It was one of those scenarios where you want to lay the blame, but within yourself you can see that the sinner is not much worse than yourself. Then you attempt to imagine what is going on and put yourself in their place. What would you do? How would you act? What would you want? On a personal note, if too personal skip it, as a person who suffers depression, I can sometimes see how easy it would be to walk away from situations so hard with any foreseeable future or answer. But oh how incredible God can be when he works things out through time. His plan for us is so much more incredible than we could have ever thought. It really makes a person think.

I think I have a new favorite author...I'm more than halfway through her published books and haven't found a dud yet. This one was so interesting and unusual and well written that I stayed up way late (3 am) to read the whole thing in one sitting.
One of the best things about Klassen's books (other than the excellent stories, characters, and writing) is the romance. It isn't all touchy-feely-overmuch-desire-y. The characters act like grown-ups and figure out how to communicate with each other in an adult way. And there isn't swooning over a shirtless man and a woman's incredible palpitations over such things. Yes, there are grown-up topics mentioned, but it isn't silly, and her heroes and heroines are attracted to each other for the qualities of their hearts. The focus is on the real-life issues, not just the “Let's get the hero/heroine hitched” aspect; often that feels almost like a side issue. As a result, the books feel authentic and realistic, as though they might really have happened.
And I love the incredible historical details she includes! The tales in this book about the life of a wet-nurse of the day were fascinating.