THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE by Julie Klassen

Mariah Aubrey is sent away by her father to her aunts estate to live. She takes with her a tainted reputation and a secret. She sets up residents in the gatehouse and is supporting herself and her companion, Dixon, by secretly writing novels using a pen name instead of her real name. Captain Matthew Bryant has never had the approval of his father or the father of Isabella, the woman he loves. He leases Windrush hoping to not only impress his father but also Isabella. But he is drawn to the lovely girl in the gatehouse. There is much he doesn't know about Mariah. When he finds out the truth will he turn away from her or will love conquer all?

This was very good tale from Julie Klassen. The way this author writes made everything come to life in my minds-eye so it was much like watching a movie. There is lots of characters to get to know and several sub-plots but it was well done so as not to feel overwhelming. I will admit that there were parts that were a little slow for my taste but the last third of the book kept me turning pages. Lots of twists and turns throughout and a totally satisfying ending. I enjoyed learning that lots of writers published anonymously in that era and most especially women. I also liked the way the author sprinkled little bits of the mystery surrounding the Prin-Hallsey family. It was fun trying to put all the pieces together. There was an underlying theme of faith and forgiveness that seemed natural to the story. When you read the book be sure to catch the authors note. She had some interesting things to say. A thank you goes to Bethany House for providing this complementary copy for my review.