RITA finalist Julie Klassen has earned numerous awards for her popular historical romance novels. In The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, pampered Margaret Macy flees her home in London to avoid marrying a dishonorable man. Now, with no money and no place to stay, Margaret does the unthinkable: she takes a job as a housemaid in the home of two brothers- both of whom are former suitors. As an ''invisible'' observer, Margaret realizes she may have misjudged one brother and wonders if it's too late to win his admiration.
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"The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen is another stellar historical romance in the author's quiver. Margaret Macy is a spoiled young woman in Regency England until her mother marries a man who is determined to get his hands on the inheritance Margaret will receive on her twenty-fifth birthday. That date is only three months away, and the stepfather is applying pressure to his nephew to compromise Margaret, forcing a marriage between them and allowing him access to the funds. She is determined to escape his influence and flees the house dressed as a maid. Through a series of errors, she finds herself employed as a housemaid at the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, the man whose heart she broke years ago when she turned down his marriage proposal. Nathaniel has returned from his time in Barbados a changed man, but he still can't get Margaret off his mind. Margaret, Nora in her new position, just has to stay incognito for three months to claim her fortune, but her stepfather is taking extreme steps to find her. Klassen writes thoroughly compelling historical romances that are far more than that label could explain. But her real talent lies in creating characters that the reader comes to care about. I was sad at the end of the story because I knew I wouldn't be spending time anymore with Nathaniel, Margaret, Betty, Helen, and the rest. Each person feels real and alive, and despite the implausibility of the plot, Klassen's characterizations make the reader believe in it. I don't know what I'm going to do until Klassen's next book comes out!"
— Clockstein (5 out of 5 stars)
“The reliable Klassen has produced a well-realized genre winner in which Christian elements are subtle and historically appropriate.”
— Publishers Weekly“Christy Award winner and RITA nominee Klassen delivers another impeccably crafted romance rich in fascinating details about life both upstairs and downstairs in a country estate. An excellent choice for fans of faith-based fiction and readers who miss traditional Regency romances.”
— Booklist" I'm already a fan of Julie Klassen, but I am trying to get through some of her early books (The Tutor's Dauughter was the first one I read, and then the ones after it). This one had an interesting premise, and although some people found the details boring, I liked the parts about the day to day life of servants and thier roles. The details about the Slave Trade and situation in Barbados were also interesting for background. I tend to think novels like this should have a British narrator, and this one did, so it worked well. She did not speak in monotone, and managed the different accents and styles of speech very well. A good read from one of my favourite Regency authors. "
— English Lady , 11/9/2016" I am a big fan of julie klassen. And so far her books have not yet dissapointed. She goes into detail of everyday life and leaves you feeling like you were really there with the characters. Though its not as dramatic as her other books it is however a lovely read. Naration is on point and entertaining. "
— kuks, 3/29/2016" This was actually really good. The writing was amazing and our main protagonist develops in character exceedingly well throughout the story. Set in the 1800's it was interesting to learn about how people lived in the time, servants and gentry alike. Great historical fiction! "
— Kath, 2/15/2014" It was a little slow at first, but I heart regency romance!! "
— Erica, 2/10/2014" I loved this book. My favorite Julie Klassen novel so far. She always does an amazing job with her descriptions of characters, situations and absolutely everything. She makes you feel as if you are there. "
— Brenda, 2/8/2014" Although I'm not a huge fan of historical romance, I actually found this book to 1) hold my interest, and 2) be a fun read. Probably wouldn't have picked it up on the shelf (especially when looking at the cover -- blech!), but my book group received it as a free book. I give it between a 3.5-4.0. If you are a fan of Downton Abbey (which I am), then you will enjoy this book. It has a bit of everything you would expect in a novel set in 19th C England --- intrigue, disguises, duels, pirates, honor, manners, chivalry, love, etc. It was nice that so much of the story revolved around the lives of the wait staff, who knew about everything going on! A fun book!!! "
— Jeanne, 2/5/2014" I love Julie Klassen books. She is an outstanding author. Once again, I love the romance and the period of time it occurred in. Everyone I know has finished it in two or three days. I can't believe I have to wait another year or two for another one to come out....dangit. "
— Cheryal, 2/2/2014" I loved, loved, this book! This is one I'd give 10 stars if I could! "
— Kim, 2/1/2014" My new favorite Klassen novel. Right up there with The Apothecary's Daughter. Convincing characters, great upstairs/downstairs dynamic, and interesting plot. Good for Downton Abbey withdrawal... ;) "
— Valerie, 1/19/2014" A sweet story of how a girl turned into woman through her understanding of what is real and what is not. A bit of romance in the end. "
— Laurel, 12/26/2013" I have decided she is one of my top 5 favorite authors!!! My poor family - I went AWOL for a couple of days reading this :) "
— Pam, 12/18/2013" It was cute and clean. Predictable. Sometimes I just like a bit of fluff. :) "
— Angela, 12/12/2013" Ahhhh, I never get tired of reading books set in England in the 1800s. Is the book predictable? Yes. Do I care? No. :) "
— elisha, 12/8/2013" A passable romance with a moderately good plot. "
— Kaye, 11/11/2013" I loved, loved, LOVED this book! It has a Jane Austen feel, yet much easier to read. I couldn't put it down1 "
— Kari, 11/10/2013" One of my favorites by this author, I think. I liked the character development and of course, the romance. "
— Kara, 4/30/2013" Perfect book to follow my mourning of Downton Abbey Season 3! I will definitely read some of the author's other books too. "
— Beth, 2/20/2013" I did like the story. I liked that the backstory was explained well, and how we come to see our Heroine's life and attitude change. An enjoyable read. "
— Erin, 2/8/2013" Cute read. I love the romance between the characters of course! "
— Chesney, 12/15/2012" One of my favorites of hers so far, especially coming on the tails of Downton Abbey. "
— Michele, 8/7/2012Julie Klassen loves all things Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. She has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois, worked in publishing for sixteen years, and now writes full-time. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com.
Elizabeth Jasicki is an actress, voice-over artist, and audiobook narrator. She is known for her role in the film Merry Christmas and her performance in the critically acclaimed video game Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony.