The Painter's Daughter

Back Cover 

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? 

Review 

Julie Klassen has penned another beautiful story with strong characters and a moving storyline.  Rich in historical detail, The Painter’s Daughter transports the reader to a Jane Austen-esque era resplendent with balls, mansions, family drama, romance, and betrayal, all shrouded in a veil of secrets.  I love the subtle shift in Julie Klassen’s books whereby an element of mystery is being added.  It was prominently shown in her previous work, The Secret of Pembrooke Park, and a thread of intrigue was expertly woven in The Painter’s Daughter, adding a greater depth to the story, and further appealing to a wider variety of readers.  It’s not just a simple, historical romance – The Painter’s Daughter is multi-faceted and greatly enjoyable - one that I would highly recommend. 

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