The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

The Girl in the Gatehouse is the latest stunning novel from author Julie Klassen. As the story opens, we meet Mariah Aubrey and her companion, Miss Dixon. Mariah is being sent away from her home for reasons hinted at but unmentioned until later in the story. She and Miss Dixon take up residence in the gatehouse on the estate of a distant relative. With barely enough money to live on, Mariah begins to write novels in secret as means of supporting herself and Miss Dixon.

With secrets and plot twists, The Girl in the Gatehouse is an intriguing story. A poorhouse with a mysterious resident on the roof. The lease of the estate to Captain Matthew Bryant. A party which brings old acquaintances back into Mariah's life. All of these fit together to bring the story to its climax. Is there still a chance for love for Mariah, and maybe even for dear old Miss Dixon?

I found this book a difficult one to put down. The story never plods, but instead moves along at a rapid pace. As with any work of romantic fiction that I read, I always observe how much Christian content it contains. The works of Julie Klassen do not contain as much obvious Christian content, but it is still definitely there, running in an undercurrent beneath the words.

I would recommend The Girl in the Gatehouse to any reader of historical, romantic fiction, but especially to those lovers of Jane Austen's books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Nick of Time by Tim Downs

            Nick of Time by Tim Downs is the sixth book in the Bug Man series of books. Nick Polchak is a forensic entomologist...and rather a strange character. He has finally found someone to marry: Alena Savard, a dog trainer who is almost as eccentric as he. Their wedding is scheduled for Saturday, but Nick has disappeared. Alena wonders, is he in danger? Or has he run away from her?

            Although this is the sixth book in the series, it is easy to start here. A good enough description is given to make it possible to get to know the characters. And some of their back history is given as well. Nick and Alena are likeable, though so eccentric as to be difficult to relate to.

            A forensic entomologist is someone who studies the insects drawn to dead bodies. Nick uses his knowledge to solve murders. I must warn you, this makes some parts of the book somewhat gruesome.

            I enjoyed the story. I like a mystery that you can't predict. But I am not sure that I am going to go back and read the other Bug Man novels. Once I have jumped into the middle of a series, I have a hard time reading the books that came before.

            The plot is woven skillfully and you have no way of guessing what is going on and who the bad guys and good guys really are. You just have to keep reading until the very end. And let me tell you, when all is revealed, it will blow your mind!

For more information about Nick of Time, click this link: Nick of Time Product Page

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Amish Prayers compiled by Beverly Lewis

Amish Prayers is a collection of prayers from the centuries-old Amish prayer book. They have been translated into English from the original German for the first time. This little volume is one to treasure for years to come.

Die Ernsthafte Christenpficht has been treasured by Amish and Mennonite hearts for over 300 years. Amish Prayers, compiled and introduced by Beverly Lewis, pairs these beautiful prayers with Scripture verses and lovely drawings. There are prayers for a new day, for divine guidance, prayers of gratitude and of repentance, for comfort, of praise, prayers for strength, purity of heart, and unity, prayers of humility and of submission, and prayers in the evening.

Whether you use this book by yourself or with a group, I feel that the prayers will strengthen your faith and will help your relationship with God to deepen. As I have read Amish Prayers, it has come to be an important part of my daily devotions.

One of the prayers reads as follows:

Holy Spirit, capture our hearts with your loving strength. Fill them with heavenly comfort and joy so that we may always rest assured in God and face our concerns with joy and contentment, and so as children of God overcome this evil world. Praise be to you forever and ever, Holy Spirit, along with God the Father and the Son! Amen.


I was given this book for free by the publisher as part of the blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.