Julie Klassen: The Silent Governess

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
Published by Bethany House on January 1, 2010
Genres: Fiction / Christian / General, Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Romance / Historical / General
Pages: 444
Format: eBook
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Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems.

Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley's secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?

This is the third Julie Klassen I have read, and know by now what I am getting.  Inspirational Christian romance with a pretty strong dose of gothic elements.  I like to take a break from comedy every once in a while to explore other moods, authors, and niches within Regency and she is a great go to who delivers consistently strong writing, interesting plots, and compelling characters.  This is also a winter/Christmas time book if you are the type that likes to read with the Season to get you in the mood.

Klassen also favors down on their luck heroines who have some ties to a genteel life but are in search of employment.  So not an author who gives all the glamour and glitter of ton life.

The Silent Governess is no exception.  Heroine Olivia is on the run, and after a series of unfortunate run ins with unsavory characters temporarily loses her voice.  She is also accidently privy to Lord Bradley’s family secret, and learning this he decides to keep close watch on this mysterious stranger by setting her up in his house as a governess.  Lord Bradley is angry with this secret and also the strange governess, who starts to haunt his dreams and waking thoughts.

Klassen also includes a variety of characters and elements of mystery to her plots to keep the pace going.  Her books also tend to be on the long side, so are great if you are looking for a longer read.  The mysteries in this one actually kept me guessing a bit, as she throws in lots of misdirection.  Klassen also includes a variety of suitor possibilities, so the reader is also kept guessing at who will be the perfect partner for the HEA.

I thought this was an entertaining, more gothic read.  Lord Bradley is one of those tortured, brooding type heroes who seems a bit silly to me, but I know other readers love.  Olivia is interesting, and although she sometimes teeters the edge of Mary Sue, is nonetheless a character with some depth.

There are some beatings and other violence, attempted rape/assault incidents that are hinted at (but not graphic) which make this a bit darker fare than I would normally recommend to the younger or clean reader.  However there is limited kissing and some mild mentions of affairs or mistresses, so otherwise vanilla and fairly clean material.

I would definitely re-read if I was in the mood for something darker and enough time had passed so that I forgot the resolution.  I think Klassen fans will also enjoy.  Klassen is also worthwhile exploring if you are looking to change up your Regency reading and see a “different” side of the era, just be aware that as Inspirational romance there will be a Christian element to the novels.

4 out of 6 Inspirational Regency with gothic overtones