The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen is about Sophie Dupont. Sophie assists her father in his studio and does her own work as well. A young man by the name of Wesley Overtree comes to learn from her father. When Captain Stephen Overtree comes looking for his brother to bring home, he finds his brother has sailed for Italy and has left Sophie in series trouble. He does the honorable thing by offering Sophie marriage "in name only". If he were to die in battle, she would be a respected widow. Stephen is the complete opposite of Wesley, but realizing she has no other choice, Sophie agrees to the marriage. Sophie returns with Stephen to his home in Overtree Hall. What happens as they settle in? What happens when Wesley returns to find the love of his life married to his brother? What happens when Stephen goes off to battle? Will Sophie and Stephen ever truly learn to love each other? What will their families think when they discover the truth?
Julie Klassen has written another remarkable story. She captivates you from the very beginning and draws you into the characters. You feel the heartbreak of Sophie and the anguish in the decision she has to make. You feel the dismay Wesley feels when he comes home to find Sophie married to his brother. You also wonder about the mysterious nurse Winnie and what she is up to. Her descriptions of Overtree Hall is almost like a paining that you are looking at. This is a book that once you pick it up, you don't want to put it down - especially as you near the end! (Which is why I was up to 1am one night finishing it!)
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc." I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment