Tuesday, December 1, 2015

The Painter's Daughter

GIVEAWAY

KLASSEN, JULIE
THE PAINTER'S DAUGHTER

Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists -- including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble.

Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but "marriage in name only" to save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he fears, she will at least be a respectable widow.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie finds herself torn between her first love and this brooding man she barely knows. Dare she wait for Wesley to return? Or should she elope with the captain and pray she doesn't come to regret it?

My Review:

456 delectable pages guaranteed to carry a reader away to Regency England. I was very reluctant to resurface back into the 21st century when I finally reached the end. In fact, now that I know the whole story I feel like reading The Painter's Daughter all over again so I can enjoy all the crafty nuances within. High praise from me since I rarely have the urge to reread a novel. But, goodness, there is so much wonderment in this one I can't help yearning to savor it once more.

I love the way Klassen's descriptions plant me firmly in the setting. Her words conjure up a plethora of sights and sounds. I honestly thought I detected the scent of oil paints and turpentine. And the invigorating smell of the fresh sea air along the Devonshire coast. Scrumptious reading for sure!

Sophie's impossible situation, Stephen's gruffly gallant proposal -- be still my heart -- what happens next is utterly magnificent. Truly. I delighted in the way they slowly got to know each other, hovering on the precipice of hope as they gradually let down their guard only to have unforeseen events threaten it all. I fretted through the whole read. Seriously, my tummy hurt and I ground precious enamel off my molars. And some characters sent me into hissy fits of epic proportion.

I especially appreciate how the author wove an invigorating faith thread into the story. Definitely the best in Christian fiction right here. Has just become my favourite Klassen novel of all time...though I tend to say that with each one of her new releases :-) What can I say, I'm loyally fickle.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Painter's Daughter please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 6 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

70 comments:

  1. Oh, I am so looking forward to reading this one. I love Julie's books. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. I know -- what's not to love about Julie's books, right? Good luck, Loraine.

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  2. Love this author. I haven't read this one yet! Lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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    1. Just hits the stores today, I believe. Good luck, Susan.

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  3. This sounds like a wonderful story. I would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  4. I love Julie's books, but I am sooo behind in reading some of them. Going to make that my new year's resolution....catch up on her books! Don't enter me, Kav......will download on my Kindle...'cause I can't wait to read about Sophie and Stephen, after your great review.

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    1. No, you definitely don't want to wait, Jackie. It's too delicious a read not to dive in right away!

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  5. I've been looking forward to this one especially since I'm an artist! So glad to hear it's your new favorite of hers :) Thanks for your generous giveaway!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh -- a kindred spirit for Sophie. Yes, you'll enjoy this book for sure. Good luck, Heidi.

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  6. That is quite the endorsing review. Can't wait to read this one!

    Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. An easy book to endorse. Good luck, Diane.

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  7. sounds great!

    alysap at yahoo dot com

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  8. She is one author I have come to enjoy. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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    1. It's a given to buy one of her books. Always enjoy them. Good luck, Kim.

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  9. I have been looking forward to reading this one. Thank you!
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  10. Can't wait to read this one and your review just made me more eager! Thanks for the giveaway!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Well, Kav, you've done it again....drawn me in with another spellbinding review & got me anxiously wanting to know more!!! I just can't read fast enough to keep up with all these GREAT books you recommend :) I really appreciate you taking the time to review these books so we readers can get the scoop on all these delicious goodies. Thanks!!! ~Alison

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Alison....reading is blissfully addictive, isn't it? Good luck.

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  12. I have serious author love here.....Julie is my all-time favorite!!! I'm going all fan-girl on the inside here, Kav!!!

    I've read almost everything of hers but maybe 1 or 2. I will be rectifying that forth with however (The Secret of Pembrooke Park) by requesting an inter-library loan. She seriously can't write fast enough for me!! I always say whatever book I am currently reading by her is my favorite, then she comes out with yet another :-) I think you can relate here...haha! I'd be blissfully happy to have this in my hands.........

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Can totally relate. Julie Klassen is amazing. Good luck, Trixi.

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  13. Regency England is a fun period to read about.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. One of my favourite time periods. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  14. I'm so excited for this release! I can't wait to read it.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. It's like Klassen is a rock star with her newest song hitting the charts. LOL Good luck, Caryl.

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  15. Oh, that review has made me want this so badly! I am adding it to my to-read-list!
    eeyore722 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Maybe put a word in to Santa as well. Good luck, Cindy.

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  16. I've never been disappointed with a Julie Klassen novel. The Painter's Daughter sounds like another great book. Thanks for the chance to win.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmal[dot]com

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  17. As you probably know, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Julie Klassen! And this is on my MUST read and review list! :D So glad it is SO good!

    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

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    1. You'll LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this one, Amada. Good luck!

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  18. Sounds so good! Can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the give away.

    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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  19. Please don't enter me as I'm still reading this delectable book. I've had Thanksgiving, babysitting, company, an ultrasound, a mammogram (again), and a hair appt tomorrow while trying to read this. I have come to the conclusion that it's meant for me to savor this novel, so that's exactly what I'm doing! It's the best Julie K. novel ever. Wait. I think I, too, say that with all of hers. Lol

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    1. I think all her readers say her latest is her best ever. And yes, definitely a book to be savored. Hope your life calms down long enough to enjoy it.

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  20. I've read all but one of Ms. Klassen's books. This one sounds so good...and the marriage of convenience plotline, love that! Thanks for the giveaway!
    garfsgirl AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Yes, I love marriage of convenience plots too. Don't know why -- but they give me a little thrill. Good luck, Lis.

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  21. Would love a print copy! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  22. Oh, Kav. Your blog is always my go to blog to find books I know I will like! Thank you for a great service. I love Julie's novels, and would be HONORED to win! Thank you for the opportunity. YOU ROCK, girl!

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    1. Glad you like the same books I do, Marianne. Good luck.

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  23. Sounds like a wonderful read. Thanks for the giveaway. teshaw(at)sbcglobal(dot)net.

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  24. What a great review! I haven't read Julie's last few books, but this sounds like one not to be missed. And 456 pages, wow!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. And it wasn't long enough in my humble opinion. LOL Good luck, Patty.

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  25. Ooh, I have really been looking forward to another great book by Julie Klassen! So excited!! :)

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    1. It's a book to be excited about. Good luck, aerykah.

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  26. I haven't had the opportunity to review this one yet, Kav, so I have to enter. I believe I've read all of Julie's novels so far. Love her deeper writing style and the Regency era. It's dangerous to read your reviews because you make me want to pick up almost everything, but you're so right about Julie's books.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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    1. Yes, Julie's books are of the 'must read now' variety. Good luck, Carole.

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    2. Kav, I just got the opportunity to be on a team with Julie to review this book!!! Just a little excited here. Please take me off the list for this giveaway and I'll sign up for Elizabeth Camden's book, which I want just as much.

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  27. Oh, I LOVE Julie's books!!! Winning a copy would be a great Christmas gift. :)

    duhpaynes[at]gmail[dot]com

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  28. Yes Julie's books are a must read, can't wait to read this one too. rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. I don't think I know anyone who doesn't like Julie Klassen's books. Good luck, Becky.

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  29. I was under the mistaken impression that this was published by a mainstream publisher and lacked the interwoven faith message like Klassen's last book, Lady Maybe. That does not deter me from reading it altogether, but it does deter me from reading it sooner than other books on my tbr list. So I was deeply motivated by your review to read this sooner than planned and also interested in reading your older review on Lady Maybe. More stellar raves. Thank you for the investment of time you make in reading these books and giving us honest and influencing reviews. Now I can't wait to devour these books as you did. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I believe Julie Klassen has two publishers now. One secular, one Christian so looks like we'll be getting more books from her. Have to admit, I prefer the inspirational threads though. Good luck, Terrill.

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    2. Yes, I read that in an interview. It's a bold move on her part and probably hard for some of her loyal readers.

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  30. I would love to win a copy of The Painter's Daughter. I can hardly wait to start reading it. I will have to get a copy after my Christmas reading is completed--if I don't win.
    Blessings,
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Yes, by hook or by crook you will have to get a copy of this book and read it. Good luck, Kay.

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  31. I've never read any of Julie Klassen's books. I know I must remedy to that ;)

    Thanks for the chance!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh, yes you must!!!!!!!! Good luck, Samantha.

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  32. OH, I do believe I would love to read this one. I have not read any books by her either.
    Thank you for giving an opportunity to win.
    amylsmith at bledsoe dot net

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    1. You have lots of reading enjoyment ahead of you then, Aimee. Good luck.

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  33. I love how Julie Klassen paints with words, this sounds so beautiful.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  34. I've heard a lot of wonderful comments about this beautiful book, Kav - your review just confirmed all of them. Can't wait to read it!!

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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