When her father’s teaching academy finds itself without students, Emma Smallwood, despairs of his mental health until an opportunity to tutor the younger brothers of former Smallwood Academy students, Henry and Philip Weston. Travelling to Ebbington Manor on the Cornwall coast, Emma and her father once again encounter the adult Weston brothers ~ both of whom had a significant impact on Emma as a young girl but for very different reasons.

Settling in at the Manor proves difficult as mysterious noises and an unwelcome visitor plague Emma during the night as items disappear from her room and her fears mount. The younger Westons cause havoc in the schoolroom, while Emma worries Henry is still engaged in hurtful pranks and Philip may have forgotten her fledgling affection.

As the strange happenings escalate and take a more dangerous bent, Emma tries to discover who is behind the troubles and decide which of the Weston men is deserving of her heart.

Julie Klassen pens another beautiful Regency novel, with impeccable period detail, dialogue, and sensibilities. Emma, her father, the Baronet and his sons, are all drawn with complexity, with likeable as well as less desirable traits, exuding authenticity as people and for their era.  The setting and plot have a Gothic feel, reminiscent of Bronte’s work, once again showcasing Julie’s talent for this genre and the Regency period. Julie’s previous novels have been slow to begin, delaying my investment in the story and this remained true for this novel but when she picked up the pace my interest was truly peaked and I was gripped by each page until the end. Julie tackles the shame and impact of family secrets, the class divide and more in this engrossing novel, and gives a unique twist to the developing romance. The Tutor’s Daughter is my favourite Klassen novel to date and one I gladly recommend.

With thanks to Bethany House and Litfuse for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall,  The Silent Governess, The Apothecary’s Daughter & Lady of Milkweed Manor

Character spotlight on Margaret & Nathaniel
Character spotlight on Olivia & Lord Bradley
Character spotlight on Mariah & Matthew

Character spotlight on Lilly
Visit Julie’s website
Buy The Tutor’s Daughter at Amazon or Koorong