Charlotte Lamb, a fallen vicar's daughter, hopes to secret herself away in London's grim Milkweed Manor. But once there,she is mortified to find herself in the care of a former suitor, a physician whom her father long ago rejected as unsuitable, a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God's help, to protect those they love. But neither could guess the depth of sacrifice that will be required of them.
Mistakes that seem like a tragic poison bring about healing and new life in Julie Klassen’s debut novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor. In Regency England, the vicar’s daughter, Charlotte Lamb, has been banished from her home and disowned by her family when she discovers she is pregnant out of wedlock. After refusing to name the child’s father, she flees to a manor for unwed mothers and registers under a pseudonym. There, she finds herself in the care of a former suitor, Dr. Daniel Taylor, whom her father deemed unworthy and has some secrets of his own. As they try to protect those they love through incredible sacrifices, they find healing, redemption, and true love.
This novel is remarkably well written. The characters are realistic and easy to sympathize with, and the narration has a poetic gracefulness about it that brings to mind such authors of classics as Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. While it is clear from the first pages of this novel that a vast amount of research was done, the information gathered is worked into the novel seamlessly. The one glaring flaw occurs in the final decision Charlotte’s character makes in regard to her child. Without giving anything away, the phrasing of her explanation seems incredibly cold and clashes with the maternal love she has displayed throughout the novel.
This novel is by no means a cookie-cutter love story. Whereas the ending is a happy one, it doesn’t go for the corny or a quick-fix of the character’s problems. The characters have depth, and the story is both inspiring and true to the pains of life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance, but wants more than a “boy meets girl, boy gets girl” story. -- Shannon Potelicki, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 44 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by AJH (Modesto, CA), July 28, 2009
This was a great book. I didn't want to put it down and I let a couple of my friends borrow it too and they enjoyed it just as much! Klassen is a great writer and her other books are great too!! (check out "The Apothecary's Daughter!!)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Shannon Phillips (Palm Bay, FL), June 29, 2009
This book was so full of excitement. You never really knew what would happen next. I loved the unexpected ending. You'll be glad you read this sweet, exciting, unexpected book!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Janey (Northwest), June 10, 2009
This is the BEST book I have read in a long time!!! What a story, I was captivated page by page. The end was slightly idealistic and a quick wrap. But the rest of the story was well paced, good history, wonderful characters. I am delighted to find a new author.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by myrtia (greece), May 13, 2009
this was a very good book, very well written and rich in spiritual matter. it contained a few deaths, which i would much rather it didn't. however, it was tender, without being overly romantic and had a good plot. also, it deals with a lot of very modern issues, which was really helpful. i intend to read it again, as i do with only the best books.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Julie Granlund (Anamoose, ND), March 18, 2009
Very much a book of Sacrifice...if you are looking for a light hearted book, this is not it. That being said, it was very well written. I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Caroline (South Carolina), March 07, 2009
I was captivated by this first novel by Julie Klassen. Rich in historical detail, heartbreaking at times. The unexpected twists and turns bring joy and satisfaction at the novel's end.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Cheryl Clayburn (Lanesboro, MA), December 17, 2008
excellent book!! you really get a feel for the characters and God's leading in their lives. i am anxiously awaiting more from this author
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by myrtia (greece), November 23, 2008
this was a very good book, very well written and rich in spiritual matter. it contained a few deaths, which i would much rather it didn't. however, it was tender, without being overly romantic and had a good plot. also, it deals with a lot of very modern issues, which was really helpful. i intend to read it again, as i do with only the best books.
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