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The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

by Julie Klassen (Goodreads Author)

4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 · rating details · 3,255 ratings · 499 reviews

Regency Romance and Mystery from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen

To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the...more

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Published (first published January 1st 2012)

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Apr 11, 2012 Kelly_Instalove rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-inspirational, genre-romance, era-historical, hist-eng-stuart-georgian, theme-disguise, theme-friends2lovers

I'm not one for the fangirl "OMG YOU HAVE TO READ THIS" stuff, but Julie Klassen’s books have tempted me to engage in some literary peer pressure. "It's not a preachy inspirational, trust me!"

I was drawn to her books by the intriguing titles, beautiful covers and well-written blurbs, and all four of her previous novels exceeded my expectations. I've read them all several times, and I still can’t decide which one to add to my Desert Island Keepers.

I had The Maid of Fairbourne Hall on my "yay comi...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

Julie Klassen is the 21st century's Jane Austen! I knew she was good after reading The Apothocary’s Daughter, but The Maid of Fairbourne Hall really blew me away. Open this book and Klassen will transports you back to the early 1800s, in England, when upper-class Margaret Macy suddenly finds her life altered to that of a lowly housemaid.

The first character that struck me the strongest and grabbed my attention was wild-mannered and dashingly good lookin...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Clare Cannon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Young Adults (females)

Shelves: young-adult

One of Klassen's better novels, Fairbourne Hall is a sweet Regency Romance with a faintly Christian tone. A well-to-do (somewhat spoiled) young woman is forced to flee her home when her step-father threatens to stoop to sordid means to force her marriage to his ne'er-do-well nephew, in order to gain access to her inheritance. She seeks to survive by assuming the role of a maid below-stairs, in what she belatedly learns is the home of an old acquaintance.

As many reviewers have noted, the novel has a strong 'Downtown Abbey' resemblance in the detailed (and I presume fairly accurate) descriptions of the servants' activities in a grand estate. The change is understandably a shock for young Margaret Macy, but the seriousness of her situation leaves her no choice but to try to survive. I was impressed that Klassen did not ease her character's burden by artificially shortening it, leaving her to follow through with her decision and throw herself completely into the role. Neither did Klassen make it so difficult that she fail miserably. Through genuine effort, with some falling into realistic mistakes and facing their consequences, our heroine demonstrates a realistic yet admirable strength of character that enables her to pull through.

A large part of the romance in the novel is the comparison of two different 'types' of men. The charming, flirtatious one who attracts the attention of every female is set against his more dutiful and far less exciting younger brother. The comparison lasts the entire story, and we are left with no uncertain picture of them both. The first proves most interested in women when they are out of his reach, as when they are courted by or married to another, or ineligible as a match, and his actions and their consequences are shown in all their ugliness. The second gradually proves himself the gentleman in his attitude and actions towards people of all classes, as well as an honest worker and capable manager of his own and others' affairs.

In the romance there is a distinction between passion and love, yet the author does dwell on brief moments of attraction that may not be helpful for younger readers.

While the detail may seem convoluted for those uninterested in Regency Romance, it is a sweet, enjoyable read that is perhaps one of the more worthwhile of its type. www.GoodReadingGuide.com (less)

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Dec 30, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historicalfiction, books-you-will-find-my-name-in, christianfiction, blog-tour-book, big-book-2012

So far I have enjoyed reading the majority of Julie Klassen's historical romances. This one was no exception. The concept intrigued me from the outset, and the way the author pulled me in kept me reading was well done. At first the heroine wasn't very likable, but the author changed that by putting Margaret in a very humbling situation. Then the hero wasn't very likable, but once I was inside his head that all changed as well. I've never read a book where I disliked both main characters right of...more

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Feb 28, 2013 Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-favorites

It’s funny… I usually keep looking to the front cover of a book while reading it in order to better-picture the heroine throughout her times and trials—but not so with this book. While reading The Maid of Fairbourne Hall I kept looking to the back cover. For on the cover of the book, as well as throughout most of the story, Margaret Macy is disguised as a housemaid and going by the name of Nora Garrett. It was usually from the once-spurned, yet ever-loving, Nathaniel Upchurch’s perspective that...more It’s funny… I usually keep looking to the front cover of a book while reading it in order to better-picture the heroine throughout her times and trials—but not so with this book. While reading The Maid of Fairbourne Hall I kept looking to the back cover. For on the cover of the book, as well as throughout most of the story, Margaret Macy is disguised as a housemaid and going by the name of Nora Garrett. It was usually from the once-spurned, yet ever-loving, Nathaniel Upchurch’s perspective that I was trying to visualize Margaret as the blond beauty on the back of the book.

I’ve been looking forward to reading The Maid of Fairbourne Hall for a very long time because I always enjoy reading any book by Julie Klassen. There were so many things I liked about this book; it might be difficult to remember to mention everything. The only thing that that only kind of bothered me was that it seemed to have a rather slow start. But I pressed on because of its high rating on Goodreads and the fact that many of my author/reader friends gave it such high marks. I liked that there were only two perspectives—Margaret Macy and Nathaniel Upchurch. No villains, no secondary characters—just the two people who the book was really about.

Julie Klassen is an excellent writer when it comes to writing the kind of book I love to read.... and write. It used to bother me a great deal when I would read books by authors who seem to be on the same wavelength as me. It’s happened before with Julie Klassen, as well as with books written by Elizabeth Camden, Siri Mitchell and Jodie Hedlund. There’s just something sometimes that reminds me of the books I’ve written myself (although my agent and I are just starting our quest for a publisher for my first book this week). I try to see this as a good thing—that I’m thinking up the kinds of plots and situations that sell. But still, I don’t want anyone to ever read my book and think I took my ideas from them. My characters “tell me” what’s going on in their lives, emotions and circumstances... and I simply write them down in my writerly voice.

I can tell Julie Klassen is very in tune with her characters. They are very well-developed, very real-feeling people coming alive on the page. Her plots are full of hard decisions and difficult situations, all the while being believable, and as always, so incredibly interesting. I am so happy undecided to stick through the first few chapters. It was well worth it.

I borrowed Julie Klassen’s The Maid of Fairbourne Hall from my local library... even kept it days overdue in order to finish it... and give it 5 stars. I recommend all of Julie Klassen’s books, especially if you love books set during England’s Regency Era and anything Jane Austen-like (as I do).
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Jun 27, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-fiction, history, regency-romance, clean-romances

I love the amount of history I know I will get when reading a Klassen novel. I love the deep characters and the twisting plots. I think this is my favorite of all her novels. I loved Downton Abby and loved being pulled back into the world of servants and the upper-class. But this one had a great twist with the spoiled rich girl learning a great life lesson.I was disappointed at first that the love interests got little time together but by the end the tension that she had built threw out the nove...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen is another stellar historical romance in the author's quiver. Margaret Macy is a spoiled young woman in Regency England until her mother marries a man who is determined to get his hands on the inheritance Margaret will receive on her twenty-fifth birthday. That date is only three months away, and the stepfather is applying pressure to his nephew to compromise Margaret, forcing a marriage between them and allowing him access to the funds. She is determ...more

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May 09, 2013 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I blame my recent lack of adequate sleep and lack of focus at work on this book. Not only did it have me pushing it when it came to bedtime, the next day at work I kept thinking about lunch (aka reading time) and what was going to happen. I should have known this was going to happen, because that’s what happens when you read a Julie Klassen novel.

And it was definitely no different with The Maid of Fairbourne Hall.

And I’ve decided she’s the Jane Austen of today.

And no more starting a sentence wit...more I blame my recent lack of adequate sleep and lack of focus at work on this book. Not only did it have me pushing it when it came to bedtime, the next day at work I kept thinking about lunch (aka reading time) and what was going to happen. I should have known this was going to happen, because that’s what happens when you read a Julie Klassen novel.

And it was definitely no different with The Maid of Fairbourne Hall.

And I’ve decided she’s the Jane Austen of today.

And no more starting a sentence with and.

I especially loved this one because it felt like reading a Jane Austen novel and like the set of Downton Abbey.

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

I pretty much pictured the different characters as ones from Downton (even if some of their personalities are different) and it kinda made reading it even more awesome! Except none of the characters you love die. Take a hint Downton. Quit killing people. But there is plenty of mystery, suspense, family and of course love.

So next time I have a project to work on, the last thing I’m going to do right before is start a Julie Klassen novel.

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Apr 10, 2013 Patti rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have rapidly become a real fan of author Julie Klassen. “The Maid of Fairbourne Hall” is my fourth book of hers and having thought my previous read was my favorite, it has now been replaced by this one! It doesn’t have an eye-catching picture on front, but the first chapter grabbed my attention and never let go until the final page.

I love the way Julie Klassen writes, I love her well-thought out plots, and I love her creativity. Kudos to her for finding, and thoroughly researching something u...more

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Feb 22, 2013 Annalea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

Good. Like, really good.

Her ebooks are expensive. (I didn't buy any.) I got this one, used, at Amazon for about $1, plus shipping. That's the way to get these, since her publisher has priced her ebooks high enough to push readers to wait for used copies, cutting the publisher out of those sales entirely (and all the sales from the friends who will borrow the used copy).

That said, if you can get your hands on a non-extortionate copy, I highly recommend it.

Clean.

A great hero, with morals.

Not overt...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Adrienne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Margaret Macy is set to receive an inheritance on her next birthday, and her stepfather wants to make sure that money stays in the family. Therefore, he's determined that she will marry his lecherous nephew--and tells him to make that happen by any means necessary. To protect herself, Margaret disguises herself as a maid and runs away. She winds up working at Fairbourne Hall--the home of not one but two of her former suitors, Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch. Having rejected Nathaniel in favor of Le...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Jelly Bean rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: julie-klassen

Can you imagine living life in the lap of luxury? Having everything done for you? From having help changing your clothes, doing your hair, cleaning the home, every meal cooked for you, anything and everything you want or need is done for you. Wouldn't that be nice? Now, look at the flip side of things. Getting up in the wee hours of the hours to start cleaning, dragging buckets of water to this room and that room. Having to become invisible each time your "boss" appeared. Listening to the gripe...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the second book I read by Julie Klassen, and just as in the first book The Silent Governess, I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction story.

When Margaret Macy's stepfather wants to marry her off to his nephew so that her inheritance--due on her twenty-fifth birthday only three months away--would be within reach of his greedy hands, she flees disguised as a housemaid. She never really planned on working as a servant but ends up doing just that and in the home of her former suitor and...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Atticgirl rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am a die-hard Jane Austen fanatic, so whenever I find a story that is written in the same period, I am definitely intrigued. This is my first time reading a book from Julie Klassen, but definitely not my last!

This story had me hooked from the first few pages. How could you not be with a wicked step-father trying to marry off Margaret to an equally wicked good-looking young gentleman who wants her for her money? That alone kept me turning the pages. But the twist of Margaret, the perfect "lady...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My Thoughts on this book!

This was my first book of Julie Klassen’s and I loved it! At first I thought it was just another story of the rich and famous, but then the surprising twist with Nora was humbling, and I was so intrigued that I couldn’t put the book down until it was finished. Needless to say I didn’t get a lot done that day! I will be watching for more of her books in the future.

I loved the characters created by Julie and the roles they played in the story made it so interesting and rea...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: guily-pleasure-books

Man, I love summer reading. Seriously, my idea of an outdoor activity is taking my book outside to read. So I was saving this book for when I needed my next historical romance fix, and what do you know I needed it right after I finished my last historical romance. I figure as long as it's still hot out there it's OK to read books that don't force me to use the dictionary function on my Kindle. Middlemarch will keep until September.

It was not my favorite Julie Klassen, although it was the enterta...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Tammi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Do you like to read books by Jane Austin, or The Bronte Sisters? If you do, then I recommend The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen.

I was hooked from the first page. The writing is impeccable, drawing the reader into each scene, and conversation. I loved Julie’s descriptions of each scene, they were so well written that even now I can see Fairbourne Hall and her rooms.

I can’t image having had to flee my home in order to protect my reputation, but that is exactly what Margaret Macy had to d...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Brandi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

According to the cover of the book Romantic Times says Julie Klassen’s writing is comparable to Jane Austen. I would have to say I agree with their assessment. While I love Austen, I adore the work of Julie Klaussen. Her characters are distinct and their personalities practically leap off of the pages.

I enjoyed the way Julie gave us a window into the world of the gentry and also the world of the servants. Her descriptions had the ability to conjure up pictures in your head of places that most of...more

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May 12, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was torn between 3-4 stars. I really like the author Julie Klassen. She does a wonderful job writing her characters as well as including other stories amongst the main plot. I liked the story of this book, Margaret, a selfish lady forced into hiding and disguises herself as a servant for protection. She finally has to work and work hard so she doesn't blow her cover. She learns to appreciate the role of servants and starts to have a change of heart as to what is really important in her life. S...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An excellent read. What fun the reader has watching golden-haired Margaret Macy, to save her virginity, hide herself from her abusive step-father and his nephew in London, acting as a bewigged, dark-haired maid in the country manor of the one man, Nathaniel Upchurch, who loves her and wants to marry her! Even writing that brief plot description makes me smile. Somehow the Regency Era lets us willingly suspend disbelief at serendipitous circumstances as these! Disguising herself as Nora Garret, s...more An excellent read. What fun the reader has watching golden-haired Margaret Macy, to save her virginity, hide herself from her abusive step-father and his nephew in London, acting as a bewigged, dark-haired maid in the country manor of the one man, Nathaniel Upchurch, who loves her and wants to marry her! Even writing that brief plot description makes me smile. Somehow the Regency Era lets us willingly suspend disbelief at serendipitous circumstances as these! Disguising herself as Nora Garret, she learns the ins-and-outs of the servant world of the time. That alone makes this book interesting and worthwhile, - a lady learning how to be a maid! What is most fun is that her disguise is seen through by almost everyone she really cares about in the Upchurch household, fairly soon. She suspects that Helen Upchurch, the sister, and even Nathaniel might see through her disguise, but she is not sure. They suspect that she suspects that they see through her disguise and know true indentity, but they are not sure. This leads to such humor as Margaret sometimes forgets to use her servant accent and shy-maid ways, and lets the lady shine through. It reminds me of the many Shakespeare plays where characters doff disguises to trick others, who aren't tricked much at all. Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Merry Wives of Windsor, Twelfth Night, Two Gentlemen from Verona come to mind. Once again Dramatic Irony plays such an important role here. The reader knows more than the characters and delights to watch them discover what the reader already knows. The point of view here is interesting to examine. It is Omniscient as the author lets us see into the mind and heart of not only our heroine, Margaret, but Nathaniel and Helen. This lets us know more and experience more irony. But Omniscient narration also pushes us away emotionally a bit. We fail to engage solely with just one main character, and instead empathize with several. But since they all have the same goal in mind, i.e. the marriage of Margaret to Nathaniel, no harm done. Another fun technique Klassen uses somewhat, (and Dickins uses a lot!) is giving some of the characters names that reveal their most dominant strengths or weaknesses. Whether deliberate or not, the brother Mr. Lewis Upchuch's name needs to be spelled Loose, for that word describes his morals. And I need not explain how Upchurch reveals the strength of the main man, Nathaniel. This book is another Clean Romance, and like some others read recently, would make a really fun movie!!!(less)

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Apr 08, 2012 Annie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I respect Julie Klassen's intent with this novel. I think it just felt typical and unsurprising. I mean there were pirates and sword fights which were entertaining flourishes. But mostly it was a standard girl's character improves through unexpected circumstances and romance ensues.

There was too much time spent in below stairs details. It felt a little like reading an episode of Downton Abbey. And while I get that she was trying to immerse you in the time period and going for historical accurac...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Coranne (The Best Books Ever) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The cover: This cover was tricky- I thought the cover model was obviously in a bad wig and was a little upset about how fake it looked. I laughed pretty hard at myself while I was reading the story because she is SUPPOSED to look that way- she is wearing a wig in the story! I wanted to say "Well played, cover designer, well played." I love that she is also on the back of the book- which I didn't realize until I started reading. I am a big fan of all of Julie Klassen's covers and this book is no...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Sunflower rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Margaret Elinor Macy,heiress to a fortune, a daughter, strong-willed and innovative, she has the makings of a fantastic protagonist and central to the happenings of "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall".

This is one of those historical fiction books that is fun to read on a rainy day or on vacation, particularly if you're not the type into overtly romance novels, but rather novels, with a little suspense, a little humor, rich historical details and strong characters and yes, have to admit, there is roman...more Margaret Elinor Macy,heiress to a fortune, a daughter, strong-willed and innovative, she has the makings of a fantastic protagonist and central to the happenings of "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall".

This is one of those historical fiction books that is fun to read on a rainy day or on vacation, particularly if you're not the type into overtly romance novels, but rather novels, with a little suspense, a little humor, rich historical details and strong characters and yes, have to admit, there is romance, but its not central to the book as a whole, but rather on a "growing up" story of Margaret Elinor Macy, who finds herself in the middle of a plot by a greedy step-father, battling constraints of society and learning not all is what it appears to be.

"The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" was an enjoyable read and I enjoy how each chapter not only had pertinent quotes, but "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall " also give readers a behind the scenes look of the life of servants in that time and era and the etiquette and practices that were prevalent.

Through all this, Julie Klassen weaves a suspenseful tale as her main character finds herself trying to not only take control of her inheritance, but of her own destiny.

We get a glimpse of the different levels of society that exist in the time period that, "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" was written and at the same time, we meet a very strong character who learns not to allow others to dictate her destiny, but learn to be strong, for herself.

In the process, she learns valuable lessons of seeing a world she took for granted, in a new way and develop valuable friendships that changes her life and mind.

"The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" is entertaining, very endearing and a book that for the casual reader, looking for a book that is both captivating and engaging, perfect for rainy days, maybe going on vacation or just something to take you away to another time and place.

This book doesn't use a "tried and true formula", but instead is both fresh, original and very endearing as readers find themselves escaping with Margaret Elinor Macy and laughing and finding themselves smiling with her escapades.

If you haven't already and needing a book to read for this summer or just anytime, "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" is well worth it; Run off with Margaret Elinor Macy as she disguises herself as a maid and in the process tries to figure out how to hold on, both to her inheritance and her heart.(less)

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Mar 21, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Title: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
Author: Julie Klassen
Pages: 416
Year: January 2012
Publisher: Bethany House

Does the time period of the 1700 to 1800’s interest you? What about the history of servants, the different levels, rules and more? Did you even know that Sarah and Samuel Adams, Jane Austen as well as many others wrote on the subject of servants in that time frame? At the beginning of each chapter, the author shares some snippet of wisdom from those who wrote about the subject whether in a...more Title: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
Author: Julie Klassen
Pages: 416
Year: January 2012
Publisher: Bethany House

Does the time period of the 1700 to 1800’s interest you? What about the history of servants, the different levels, rules and more? Did you even know that Sarah and Samuel Adams, Jane Austen as well as many others wrote on the subject of servants in that time frame? At the beginning of each chapter, the author shares some snippet of wisdom from those who wrote about the subject whether in a book or letter or a different source. Whatever one thinks of such practices, you may find that it helps add to the understanding of the time period in which this excellent novel is set.
This was the first book of this subject and time period I have ever read as well as the first from this author. I found this book inspiring and very riveting. It also helped that the chapters were not of such a long length as to lose my attention either. The author has many scenes and plots that she flashes back to time and again without ever losing the attention of the reader.
Margret Macy is the main character of this story, as is Nathaniel Upchurch, his brother Lewis, and a sister named Helen. Margret was raised with a sister and brother both of whom are younger. Margret lost her father, and her current step-father is a shady character to say the least. There is an undercurrent of something far more sinister going on in the story. The undercurrent is so strong that along with other forces Margret is pushed in a direction she despises so much that she leaves in the cloak of night and ends up…where? Next, we see Nora working in the Upchurch home as a servant; she is the newest member of the staff and the lowest in rank. Who is Nora and why doesn’t she know how to properly do her job? Nora doesn’t have anything but a pair of spectacles, a cameo pin, and a little money. Oh, and the money Nora has she takes from another maid, causing that maid to lose her job. Nora left London and goes to …well, you better find that one out for yourself.
Also included in the story is love to be found in unusual places between unlikely people as well as shady characters, dueling, pirates, devotions and so much more. Lewis Upchurch is the eldest, Nathaniel the youngest with Helen in between them in age. She loves her brother Lewis and is rediscovering her youngest brother, Nathaniel, has decided to love the Lord. He comes home from Barbados because his father ordered him to as Nathaniel’s faith interferes with his father’s use of slaves on the plantation. There is a revolt in the story and a change in the heart of his father.
It is hard to stop here, but I must before I share too much more. Then again, if I did, it would probably be the whole book itself! Get this 5 star book as soon as you can, grab a comfy chair, a tall cool ice tea or a cup of coffee and then travel back in time and get lost reading! I know I was enjoying this book so much my guys couldn’t bother me! Grab the book, get lost in the story and enjoy! You will be more than happy you did!
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Mar 14, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, favorites, owned, bethany-house-review-copies

To escape an overbearing step father and an insistent suitor, Margaret Macy runs away disguised as a maid. After many days of travel she finds herself playing the part of a maid at the home of someone from her past.

So, when I first picked out this book I wasn't really paying attention to who the author was, and it wasn't until I recieved the book and looked at the other books she had written that I realized I had read another book by her "The Apothecary's Daughter" which I also really enjoyed.

I...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Deborah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: award-winning-author, english-setting, new-author-for-me, paperback-i-own, reviewer-book, woman-writer, regency-romance

It was high time I read a decent romance novel, and Julie Klassen was just the author to choose for my reading. Her book "The Apothecary's Daughter" brought rave reviews. I was not disappointed in reading this little gem of a novel from her, either.

First, I want to tell you that I was struck by the treasure Ms Klassen divulges to us in her Dedication. She has six aunts! I read a comment somewhere in our book world recently by a woman who talked of meeting her aunt for lunch and talking about all...more It was high time I read a decent romance novel, and Julie Klassen was just the author to choose for my reading. Her book "The Apothecary's Daughter" brought rave reviews. I was not disappointed in reading this little gem of a novel from her, either.

First, I want to tell you that I was struck by the treasure Ms Klassen divulges to us in her Dedication. She has six aunts! I read a comment somewhere in our book world recently by a woman who talked of meeting her aunt for lunch and talking about all sorts of special things including a great deal about books, and how wonderful it had been. How I envied her. To see that Julie Klassen had six aunts to whom she had dedicated a book each, was flooring! Imagine the rich treasures she has to plunder there... This set me off on my research of the her Regency Romance with some real interest.

I was shocked, actually, to find out how much I loved this book. The characters were so well-defined and engaging they were hard to resist. Margaret Macy is a young woman of beauty and depth. I found myself relating to her anxiety being manipulated into a marriage she didn't want, having no financial means of her own, and being forced to leave the security of her mother and home to avoid that marriage.

After having set the tone of her novel, Ms Klassen steadily built a story that was irresistible. The contrast of upstairs characters and downstairs characters was fun to read. And, there were so many moments of near misses and discoveries in the masquerades Margaret had to carry out in the Upchurch mansion, it gave levity and suspense. I fell for Nathaniel Upchurch completely. He's a Mr. Darcyish hero...just a bit more Captain Wentworth in him, who many of you know is my heartthrob in Jane Austen's novels.

All in all, I found "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" a great reprieve from my standard reading fare. I really liked it more than I'd anticipated. I like Julie Klassen's writing style very much. She's not quite Jane Austen; but, who is? Instead, she's a stand-out author who has a very engaging style of writing; strong character development, romantic but not syrupy, a good story with mystery and intrigue. She made a believer out of me.

I'll be reading Julie Klaussen's books. First, I have to find a copy of "The Apothecary's Daughter!" I'm sure I've missed a good read in (less)

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Mar 09, 2012 L_manning rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Margaret Macy has found herself in a horrible situation. Only 3 months shy of inheriting a fortune, Margaret's step-father is insistent that she marry his nephew. When Margaret overhears just how far her step-father is willing to go to ensure the marriage takes place, she does something desperate. She runs away with her maid. Margaret is forced to hide as a servant in a large manor home. Not only does she have to hide her lack of knowledge of what maids do, she must hide her identity from the Up...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Krystal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Set in 19th century England, this story offers an “upstairs, downstairs” view of the privileged and servant classes. Margaret Macy has led a privileged life with a doting father that she adores and younger siblings she loves and protects. When her father dies and her mother remarries, there is a grasping stepfather and new suitor in her life who intend to force her into marriage for the inheritance she will soon receive. To escape their plans, Margaret becomes Nora, a servant looking for a posit...more

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Feb 24, 2012 Valentina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’m not usually a huge fan of Regency novels (with the exception of Jane Austen’s works, of course), but this book captured my attention.
The idea of a lady becoming a maid and learning what domestic service is all about is a fascinating one. There were so many period details in the story, little small things, that made the book captivating to read. We follow Margaret aka Nora, as she tries to learn how to do the things she’d taken for granted for so long. There is a romance in the book as well,...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Amanda Stephan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: historical romance readers, clean romance readers

Shelves: read-agains

When you dwell on a set of characters long after the story has been read and the book put back on the shelf, and then you start counting the days until you can pick it up and re-read it...that's a great book. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall is such a book.

Margaret Macy, the spoiled and selfish daughter of a dead Vicar, isn't my normal cup of tea. It was the stepfather that first caught my attention ~ as well as my imagination. Ms. Klassen weaved a well thought out plot with plenty of twists and tur...more

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About Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She has been an advertising manager, fiction editor, and now works as a full-time novelist. Her 3rd book, The Silent Governess, won the Christy Award for Historical Romance, and was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and the RITA Awards. Her latest books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall...more

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“I found I quite enjoyed having you under the same roof. Being able to see you, hear your voice many times a day. I miss that.” His eyes locked on hers. “I miss you.” — 8 people liked it

“I remember everything about you, Miss Macy. Every moment between us—the good and the bad.” He chuckled dryly. “Though I prefer to linger on more recent pleasant moments.” — 4 people liked it

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