The Painter's Daughter: A Marriage of Convenience Historical Regency Romance Novel

🎨 The Painter’s Daughter by Julie Klassen 🗡️ About This Book: - Historical Romance - Stand-alone Novel - England, 1815 - Dual POV - Secrets, Shame and Difficult Circumstances - Slow Burn Romance - Marriage of Convenience - Published in 2015 - Parents Guide: Mild adult themes are present. The book includes light romantic elements such as kissing and subtle implications of intimacy, making it better suited for mature readers. 🖼️ My Thoughts: First of all, you really can’t go wrong with a Julie Klassen novel. She is one of the greats when it comes to historical fiction. The Painter’s Daughter is one of my favorites of hers. When I describe it to friends, it sounds like a juicy soap opera because it truly is full to the brim with drama. But Klassen brings her signature grace and elegance to the story, transforming all that turmoil into something beautiful. At its heart is a compelling love story that I probably enjoyed too much! It was slow, restrained, and complicated, especially due to the social and moral stigma women faced and the limited options for women in this time period. It’s impossible not to love and root for these characters, who are good to their core! Adding to my personal favorites! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5 stars This is one of my favorite of Julie Klassen's books so far. I have read all but 2 or 3 of them I believe and I did really enjoy this one. If you have read her books then you know that she doesn't write about the perfect respectable character. She writes about characters who have made choices that leave them as outcasts in society, or characters who try to hide that they are outcasts. With characters found in those certain situations, Klassen shows the reader that there is redemption, that there are good people who are willing to help and allow a person who has faltered to be healed and make restitution and be able to know that no one is perfect and everyone is in need of mercy and love. Sophie Dupont is one such character. She finds herself pregnant and the father has left England to go paint in Italy. Definitely not a subject matter that I would recommend young readers to read but for mature readers. That being said there are no explicit sex scenes, some kissing and a scene with a married couple in the same room while the mother is nursing and I don't think there were any swear words(I read it a couple days ago so can't remember completely but I think if there were, especially more than just a couple mild ones I would remember.) Stephen Dupont is a second son on leave for a couple weeks from the military and is searching for his older brother Wesley so he can come home and manage the estate. Stephen arrives at the Devon coast hoping to find Wesley painting only to come upon Sophie. He learns of her condition and his brother's part in it. Sophie has received a note from Wesley saying he is bound to Italy in search of a new muse for his paintings and that he doesn't know when he will return. Sophie is devastated. She truly believed that Wesley loved her and was going to marry her yet he has now left without proposing and without knowing he is to be a father. Stephen is all things good and duty bound and salvaging what his brother has left behind. Once again he is to come to the rescue and save Sophie from any embarrassment and to save this child from a life of being an outcast. Stephen has a secret(or two) though that he can't tell Sophie...he has carried a miniature portrait of her for the last year when he found it in a crate of paintings Wesley had sent home. He can't believe that he has come across her and that he can be the one to marry her. He has promised her that marriage will be platonic and that she probably will be a widow within the next few months as he is returning to the war with Napoleon. Sophie doesn't know what to think about Stephen's offer of marriage. Is he the monster his brother painted him to be, or could he truly be the one to save her and allow her child to live a normal life and not as an outcast. What will happen when Wesley returns and finds her married to his brother? What will happen if she doesn't marry Stephen and Wesley never returns? Sophie agrees to the marriage and finds herself the new bride of Captain Stephen Overtree. There are ups and downs in her life as she travels to let her father know as well as traveling to meet the Overtree family and to create a life living with her new husband's family. This is a pretty long and in depth novel, we're talking 452 pages long. Plenty of time for twists and turns and mystery and heartache and decisions to be made. I loved reading about Sophie, discovering who she is, what lead her to all the choices she made as well as how she took responsibility for those choices even though it wasn't always easy. Stephen was complex and brooding and not at all what Sophie had imagined or what his brother Wesley had described. The two come to learn more about each other, about their dreams and fears and hopes and their pasts. They have many roadblocks in their way. Yes, one of those roadblocks being Wesley. Yes he does return and yes he causes some major problems. I loved certain characters and liked some characters and definitely did not like other characters. Yes I'm being vague, but hey if I said which characters are which it might taint your opinion or it might give away what happens. I know some readers ask about why Julie Klassen continues to write about "fallen" women and their circumstances. I am a clean reads lover, I enjoy Christian fiction and I love regency. I love reading books that show the good characters who don't make any big mistakes and follow the dictates of society and religion in not having any relations before marriage. Yet, I do enjoy reading about redemption and the ability to fix what was broken, or fix a mistake. Tell me who in life has never made a mistake that they wish they could go back and fix, that they wish they could have a do over and never make that mistake in the first place. There is not one and so reading these stories about characters who have to rely on a greater power (God) and trusting and hoping that redemption is possible that all humans can work through any mistake with mercy and love and can move forward in life and relationships. So if you don't want to read about a person who has made a mistake and who is learning to fix it and move forward then this book isn't for you. But if you enjoy reading about a character who is portrayed as real and aching and growing then I recommend this book for you. My only complaint is that I felt the ending was almost drawn out too much. Maybe because after everything was resolved and I felt that it was at a good point to finish up it kept going. Not a huge complaint from me though, you might feel completely different and want it to go longer. My personal feelings. I hope you enjoy it if you pick it up. I purchased my own paperback copy. Happy Reading!!!

I loved this book. Added it to my favorites collection and know I will read it again. Two brothers in love with the same women. Wesley Overtree spends his time refining is artistic skills instead of learning to run his family's estate. During his travels, he meets Sophia DuPont, daughter of the artist he is training under. After much coaxing, Sophie becomes his muse and then his lover. When an opportunity to return to study in his beloved Italy arises, he tries to find Sophie to say a proper good-bye. When he's unsuccessful, he leaves her a note that makes no promise of his return. Sophie is devastated as she now finds herself with child and no idea if or when the father will return or of his true feelings. Enter Captain Stephen Overtree, second son. Stephen is trying to track down his elusive brother to bring him home. Imagine his surprise to find the woman whose face adorns a miniature portrait he carries with him. A miniature he found in Wesley's studio. He became infatuated with the image and keeps it with him always. Of course, the woman is Sophia. Once Stephen discovers Sophia's secret, he offers to marry her to save her from scandal. Not knowing where in Italy Wesley has gone or when/if he'll return and unsure of his feelings, she reluctantly agrees. What will happen when Stephen is called away to war and Wesley returns to the family estate? What other secrets will be revealed? This book has excellent supporting characters, and other storylines that add depth and interest. God, His mercy and forgiveness are a big theme throughout. But not so much to overwhelm or overpower. Sex is implied, but there are no explicit sex scenes in the book. This is a wonderful, captivating historical. Plan to check out more by this author.

The Painter's Daughter had a good, strong storyline. The characters were quite human as evidenced by the mistakes they made. I loved the setting, Ms. Klassen paints beautiful pictures with her words! I think most of all I enjoyed the way Sophie and the Captain grew in their faith. From Amazon: Julie Klassen Is the Gold Standard for Inspirational Regency Fiction Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful. Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse. Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family. Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows? About the author: Bestselling, award-winning author Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Once again, Julie Klassen has delivered a wonderful novel to her readers. I'm never disappointed when I read her books. And I've read two new ones this year, too! This was features Sophie Dupont, who helps her painter father on the north Devon coast. She paints his backgrounds mostly, but she does have talent. She falls in love with Wesley Overtree, a handsome artist who is working there also. When he leaves, he leaves her in trouble. His brother, Captain Stephen Overtree, comes to bring Wesley home because their father is ailing. Stephen finds Sophie and proposes marriage. In name only. To save her from scandal. Once again, Julie's readers are treated to her own special brand of writing that plops us down in her books and into her characters' lives. Dark and brooding, secret rooms and passageways, mysterious characters, danger and intrigue. All come alive within these pages. Will Wesley return to claim Sophie? Will she marry Stephen to protect herself? Will these characters trust God's plan for their lives, no matter the mess they have made of them? I loved every moment of this book and now I eagerly anticipate Julie Klassen's next book.

Sophie Dupont helps her father in his art studio on the Devonshire coast. She tries not to draw attention to herself but visiting artist Wesley Overtree takes an interest and she can’t resist the pleasure of an admiring eye. But when he takes off suddenly leaving nothing but a note she finds herself in a terrible predicament. Shortly after his departure Captain Stephen Overtree comes riding into town searching for his brother. Instead he finds a heartbroken Sophie and wants to make up for his brother’s heartlessness by offering marriage, “in name only”. Sophie has a difficult decision to make and it gets harder when Wesley comes back regretting his swift departure. This was a really good book. I enjoy how Julie Klassen weaves together a story. The plotline and pacing were good. Lovely settings, especially Devonshire. The characters were all quite interesting. You get some good characters, some not so likeable characters, and those “I’m not sure about you” characters, making the story even more intriguing. The romance is a bit of a love triangle, but not too angsty and even though it does seem to lean towards one couple sometimes, the reader still can’t be quite sure who Sophie will end up with. A very well-written story. I enjoyed this book a lot. I was very happy with the couple that ended up together and how the love triangle was handled. You do get the POV of three people and I didn’t love that third POV of a character that wasn’t overly likeable. The Christian aspect of the story did get a little preachy in some places, but overall wasn’t too in your face. I would say this is a “clean” read, but it does deal with the underlying theme of the physical aspect of a relationship. If you enjoy regency romance with an interesting cast of characters, a beautiful setting, and a dash of intrigue, you’ll enjoy this book.

As a devoted Julie Klassen fan, I must say this newest novel did not disappoint! This book has everything I've come to love about Klassen's books in particular, and in Regency fiction in general. A complicated love story, a swoon-worthy leading man, a fascinating cultural and geographical backdrop, and some good old-fashioned suspense. While it lacks some of the gothic mystery often found in Kalssen's earlier works, the old house in which the Overtree's live provides several fun plot twists. I particularly liked the complexities of many of the characters. Wesley, while inconstant and irresponsible, is a redeemable and believable antagonist. Sophie's perceived lack of physical beauty and talent leads her to fall victim to such a charming young man, and accurately shows the eithical dangers many young women face. Stephen Overtree-- the scarred, yet dashing Captain Wentworth-esq romantic lead-- exudes just the right amount of masculinity and tenderness. As usual, Klassen pays homage to the great Jane Austen, with references to several young characters reading Sense and Sensibility, and a wonderful allusion to Pride and Prejudice's Lady Catherine de Bourgh, "If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient." Austen and Klassen fans rejoice, this is another hit! http://ellifayereads.blogspot.com/

I loved this book. It was well-paced, enjoyable, hard to put down (like all of hers) and satisfying. I cried & smiled & laughed & loved every moment of it. What stood out to me about The Painter's Daughter, over her other books, was the steady use of Scripture & prayer throughout, which was not only encouraging for the reader, but showcased how each of the characters progressed spiritually throughout the book. It reminded me of how Francine Rivers (a favorite author of mine) used Scripture & prayer throughout Redeeming Love (one of my favorite books). I thought I could guess what was going to happen, and I was usually wrong as the plot went a different direction. I loved that it was surprising but also familiar - a healthy balance that created a touching book. The courtship between Stephen and Sophie was incredibly sweet, and to me, more romantic than any passionate bedroom scene. I love the sweetness of that first puppy love. It was a beautiful story full of grace, redemption, hope & love. This will be the book of Julie's that I will hand out as a gift to friends!

Hooray for a wonderfully slow-burning plot that kept me captivated through masterful storytelling. I hated having to put the book down to tend to my real life (work, showering, laundry, dishes). Five stars for this one and I'm happily adding it to my "would read again" list!

This beautifully written book lifted my romantic spirit. I couldn't put it down. Page by page intrigues me rivalry between the brothers, the illegitimate baby, the artists, Sophie's new family, at the end it all came together because truth and trust in God prevailed. Julie Klassen, you have the wonderful ability to write with compassion and as a reader, I want more of your work. May you be blessed with many more writing ideas. I am waiting. In His name. Dalene

Auch dieses Buch hat mir super gefallen, schön, spannend und manchmal traurig

I have gobbled up this book in 2 short days and it has been a devastatingly good read. This book really gives me life. SO MUCH LIFE. Bear in mind I have never read anything from this author, but after a small sample on Kindle it really got me going. I literally couldn't put it down- literally. This story is certainly Jane Austen/Charlotte Brontë stuff, but it's better because the author engages us with contemporary English instead of the flowery language, which usually tires my patience in Austen's work. The story kicks in right at the beginning; there's no fiddle faddle, and it is clear who the heroine and hero are. Oh my God, the characters; they are truly realistic, with all their faults, yet they are flawless in my eyes. Even Wesley, probably the most hated one with O'Dell coming close in second, but I cannot really hate them because Klassen paints their personalities realistically and relatable. It is difficult to really hate her characters. In the past, I have always deemed Captain Wentworth from 'Persuasion' and Mr Rochester as my all-time favourite literary heroes, but Captain Overtree gives them a run for their money. He is sweet and kind and possesses a good sense of humour. What and whom he loves he cherishes right from the start. He may not be handsome, but seeing him through Sophie's eyes really makes my heart flutter. The symbolism of the cracked yellow vase of Stephen Overtree really moved me; Sophie loves everything about Stephen, despite his faults and what others say about him. I find the two of them very endearing. There was once when Sophie wavered and thought of returning to Wesley, but she made the right and honourable choice. As for Wesley, it just shows men like him should be carefully scrutinised. I absolutely love this story. I knew I would love it anyway, but not as much as I had initially thought. Now, I await the paperback version of the book. I want to own two copies; e-copy to bring with me whenever I go, a hardcopy to be proudly displayed. That is how much I love this book

I have read every one of Julies books and this one by far the best for me. I love the way Julie keeps an interesting flow going and her references to Gods word. I hope there are lots more books coming.