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The Silent Governess

by Julie Klassen (Goodreads Author)

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 · rating details · 4,117 ratings · 534 reviews

Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems.
Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his d...more

Paperback, 440 pages

Published February 1st 2010 by Bethany House

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Oct 20, 2011 Kay rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Kay by: a passing vanilla cupcake

Shelves: quite-the-romantic, historical

I noted while I was reading that this book was like vanilla pudding with vanilla sprinkles on a very vanilla day.

Upon finishing, I still hold to that statement.

The plot was bland, the conflict was bland, the romance was bland (not because of the lack of, um, physical carnality but because there was not even a fizzle—much less a spark— between the two characters), and the characters were bland. There was a great deal of potential in the plot, such as: a governess who stumbles upon a secret is fo...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, clean-romance, regency, to-read-again

I have come to really enjoy Julie Klassen's work. I love how she pulls you into the time period with beautiful descriptions and actual facts. I can't imagine the amount of research she does to make her books seem to come to life as they do. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Jan 15, 2013 Rachel Antzak rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical, christian

Summary: Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his. But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything--his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.

He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to h...more

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Mar 06, 2010 Staci rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads

Just finished this book and I have to say that I loved it! Do you like Regency fiction? If so, then you should read this story about Olivia Keene who has fled her home because she thinks she has killed her father. Through twists and turns she ends up as a Governess for the Bradley family, once that happens the story really gets going. I didn't realize how lonely the job of governess was and really liked reading about the dynamics between governess, household servants and the family of the home....more

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Dec 28, 2012 Yiya rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had a pretty good idea of what a regency story is, and assumed this would be just another historical novel with the typical ups and downs. However, the highlight of this book is that the author makes it all new and surprising, so enticing that it is very difficult to put down. Twists, intricacies, fears, hopes and discoveries are ever present; nothing is as I expected, and that is always refreshing; I even want to read it all over again - I do not want to miss any detail!! With rich descriptio...more

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Jan 04, 2010 Janna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Regency Romance is a new favorite of mine and Julie Klassen is a genius in the style. In "The Silent Governess" she blends deep characters, vivid mystery, luscious settings and beautiful layers of era, language and costuming that roll together and send you back in time.

This book has so much more going for it than just a nice romance. Olivia is fleeing her home after she tries to kill her father as he tries to kill her mother. She is in horrible danger and ends up in jail where she is strangled....more

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Apr 19, 2013 Patti rated it 2 of 5 stars

Uhmmm…as much as I have really enjoyed Julie Klassen’s stories, this one just didn’t do anything for me. Just ok. Definitely my least favorite, way down at the bottom of the list. The story did not grab me immediately like her others. The characters I just didn’t feel a connection to – just my mind, not my heart and soul like her other stories.

My biggest complaint was that the last third of the story, where everything is revealed and explained, was very confusing! Thinking it was my problem, I...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Melissa Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

I've found a new favorite author in Julie Klassen. "Moving, mysterious, and romantic" is how the book jacket describes The Silent Governess and I couldn't agree more! This author reminded me how much I use to love reading authors like Victoria Holt (and of course Jane Eyre) as a teen and I couldn't get enough of romantic suspense in a historical setting. I think it's all about identifying with the heroine and, in The Silent Governess, I attached myself to Olivia from the beginning and did not l...more I've found a new favorite author in Julie Klassen. "Moving, mysterious, and romantic" is how the book jacket describes The Silent Governess and I couldn't agree more! This author reminded me how much I use to love reading authors like Victoria Holt (and of course Jane Eyre) as a teen and I couldn't get enough of romantic suspense in a historical setting. I think it's all about identifying with the heroine and, in The Silent Governess, I attached myself to Olivia from the beginning and did not let go. This is saying something, because it's quite a long book!

Klassen won the 2010 Christy Award, recognizing excellence for a christian worldview, in the historical romance category for this book. I admit, I haven't read a lot of "inspirational" fiction, but I'm so glad I decided to read a story so richly layered and slightly outside my normal reading. This book is different from the passionate, mass-market regency romances, but in its subtle way, it is not a boring story (I finished it at 3 a.m.). The twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing, the descriptions are divine, and the characters well-drawn. It seems like everyone has a secret or two. Olivia especially, has her share, and her story begins with an excellent prologue introducing her unique talent for mathematics exploited by her father for profit. Then chapter one picks up years later and flies by with Olivia on the run and her situation going from bad to worse. I don't dare give it away, but as the book description says, "Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his. But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything -- his reputation, his inheritance, his very home."

Now that I've read a few of the reviews for this book, I also agree with one that says it's like watching a favorite period film in your mind. It's a great change of pace and I will definitely be reading more from this author! I also found this an enjoyable way to learn a lot about the roles of servants, as Olivia transitions to several different social levels throughout the book.
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Mar 19, 2013 Carolyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, historical-fiction, romance, religious, wvreads150

Following its 1847 publication, Jane Eyre sparked a trend of “governess” novels that continues even today, as evidenced by Julie Klaasen’s The Silent Governess. This work of Christian historical fiction tells the story of Olivia Keene, who flees her home after wounding and possibly killing a man who attacks her mother. She ends up on a stranger’s estate, where she is caught having overheard a scandalous secret. The handsome Lord Bradley employs Olivia in order to prevent the secret from spreadin...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Kimber rated it 3 of 5 stars

Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems.

Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Melmac MacDonald rated it 4 of 5 stars

Olivia Keene takes off into the forest with only the small packet her mother pushed into her hands. Running wildly she is fleeing a secret that she must never reveal. Her flight takes her to Brightwell Court where she overhears a secret of great import belonging to Lord Bradley. Caught spying she is locked in a cell where she is injured by a fellow prisoner and rendered temporarily mute. Edward (Lord Bradley) fearing his secret may be revealed, takes her to Brightwell Court and employs her while...more Olivia Keene takes off into the forest with only the small packet her mother pushed into her hands. Running wildly she is fleeing a secret that she must never reveal. Her flight takes her to Brightwell Court where she overhears a secret of great import belonging to Lord Bradley. Caught spying she is locked in a cell where she is injured by a fellow prisoner and rendered temporarily mute. Edward (Lord Bradley) fearing his secret may be revealed, takes her to Brightwell Court and employs her while keeping a very close eye on her. If his secret is found out he stands to lose his legacy, his inheritance, his reputation and if her secret is found out she fears she'll lose much more.

Initially hired to work with Edward's orphaned cousins as their under nurse Miss Keene is eventually promoted to Governess. Secrets surround Miss Keene. Her mother was supposed to be close behind her has not appeared and is assumed dead. Her father is a wanted man and is missing. Meanwhile threatening notes are being delivered to Lord Brightwell and Lord Bradley that threaten their secret. Edward can't help but feel drawn to Miss Keene and yet still find her mysterious.

The plot thickens as secrets begin to unravel. Could Lord Brightwell actually be Miss Keene's father? Why has the mysterious game keeper kept such a close eye on Edward all these years? And who is the masked woman who is searching for Miss Keene?

Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. I will actually go out of my way to pay full price for one of her books. She has the ability to paint such a vivid picture of her setting and characters that you are completely transported. I always walk away from finishing one of her books having gained knew historical knowledge which I so appreciate.

The Silent Governess is a captivating read. Fans of Downton Abbey will fall in love with this book. The reader gets to see life at Brightwell Court from both above stairs and below stairs. I particularly found Miss Keene's adjustment to being lonely as the governess particularly interesting. Not quite a servant and yet not family, she really doesn't fit in.

There were a couple of aspects of this book that I question. Miss Keene's secret is created to be this monstrosity when in actuality it is not worthy of the hype. Perhaps I missed the cultural relevance of the secret or the author didn't explain it well enough but I kept rereading to make sure I hadn't missed something bigger. It seemed a little unbelievable. There were a couple of sloppy parts in the book in relation to Miss Keene's mother as well. I won't go into details but this too I called into question.

Other than a few minor things this is an excellent read. I seriously wanted to put on a "spot o tea" and read all day. You will truly find yourself transported and integrated into the book. Klassen remains one of my favorites and I applaud The Silent Governess.

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Nov 01, 2011 Kate Hinderer rated it 4 of 5 stars

One day, Olivia Keene makes a terrible mistake and is forced to flee her hometown in search of work and safety. As she runs away, Olivia stumbles upon a rough crowd in the woods, disrupts a nobleman’s hunt and then accidentally overhears a secret that can ruin Lord Bradley’s life.

To keep his secret, Lord Bradley forces Olivia to work as the governess for his neice and nephew and forbids her to speak – ever. While the rest of the staff believes her mute from an attack in the town’s prison, the fu...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. My favorite by this author yet! I could hardly put it down for wanting to know all the answers to the secrets that were coming about. I loved the time period of earls, and dukes, and lord. I didn't like so much that the woman were so low in favor, but appreciate that we have better freedoms now.

When Olivia Keene comes upon her mother being strangled by a man presumable her drunken father, she does what is instinct and clobbers him with a fire poker to save her mother. Her mother gasping for air...more My favorite by this author yet! I could hardly put it down for wanting to know all the answers to the secrets that were coming about. I loved the time period of earls, and dukes, and lord. I didn't like so much that the woman were so low in favor, but appreciate that we have better freedoms now.

When Olivia Keene comes upon her mother being strangled by a man presumable her drunken father, she does what is instinct and clobbers him with a fire poker to save her mother. Her mother gasping for air pleads with her to run away to a girls school and await for word from her there, but not to return.

Olivia does and meet up with peril after another. First the unsavory poachers and is saved by Mr. Croome and his expertise with the bow and arrow. Helps to convince her captures to release her. Later he brings her to peril when he catches her on the Brightwell estate during a party and thinks her a eavesdropper and delivers her to the constable and thrown into a cell with none other than the poacher she escaped from. He strangles her to the point of harming her vocal cords. Lord Bradley, Lord Bradley's son, comes by to find out what Olivia has overheard and takes her back to recover at the estate for fear of her revealing the secret he has just learned about him not being a born Bradley and having lived a lie all his life.

He keeps her in his employ by demand as a undermaid in the nursery with his niece and nephews even though she can't talk at present. She thrives with the children as she has always wanted to be a teacher and care for children. Lord Edward Bradley is surprised at her abilities of a lady when the circumstances of her arriving were so preposterous. He is drawn to her but also holds some suspicion of her intentions as to the use of his secret. When his "mother" lady Brighwell dies, he is heart broken and can't understand why Olivia's simple presence and words comfort his father so. then more truth is revealed...Lord Brightwell knows her mother, Dorothea and suspects that Olivia may be his daughter, but can't know for sure because Dorothea is presently missing and Olivia thinks that this is because he is the one that tried to kill her mother and who may be looking for her. When all is revealed; Olivia finds that her father is Mr. Keene and that he had been crestfallen when he thought that she might not be "his" clever girl, he started drinking to cover his misery and that is when he stayed away to try to give his wife room to leave, but missed her so and then went looking for her. he came to the Brightwell estate and then left after he found Olivia there with Lord Brightwell. When mystery notes arrive that demand the truth to be told, Edward again suspects Olivia and she leaves even though she has many friends behind. Then Lord Brightwell brings news of her mother. She is well and waiting at the girls school. Edward's cousin and supposed friend, Judith is the conniving woman who was trying to get the truth out about Edward's unworthiness to accept the Lordship and allow her brother the place in hopes that he will always support her and her child and step children, but when found out she weds in a hurry and only takes her child with her. Lord Brightwell again takes the two children as his ward to raise and takes Felix, the rightfull heir under his wing to help develop his knowledge to one day lead. Edward marries Olivia now that he is free to marry without status or dowry issues and they open a all girl school without constraint to pay with her mother as headmistress, her father is the new clerk for the Brightwell estate and Olivia can teach arithmetic and sill have connection with both family and students without being constrained by the governess status and alone. She raises her own son with the blessing of Edward's true grandfather, Mr. Croome and his adopted father, Lord Brightwell. He finds that Mr. Croomes daughter was his mother who died in childbirth after being forced with child by Lord Brightwell's scandal of a brother. All the connections were complete, but still had you guessing as to how everyone was related.(less)

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May 20, 2011 Denise Ganser rated it 5 of 5 stars

I bought this book because I saw that it had won the Christy Award; a great way to find books worth reading. Although I wasn’t as impressed with “Lady of Milkweed Manor” by the same author, this book was outstanding!! I can’t say enough good things about it. It was beautifully written. Each page was a pleasure to be savored; masterful storytelling, with well written characters, gorgeous descriptions of scenery and surroundings, and exquisite attention to detail.

The setting is nineteenth century...more

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Mar 07, 2011 Jolene Ceravalo rated it 4 of 5 stars

I learned a lot about governesses from this book. This was my first time reading a novel by Julie Klassen and I was drawn in quickly to the story, setting, etc. I am, admittedly, a huge Jane Austen fan so that may have something to do with my quick interest in this particular book. Ms. Klassen tells the story of Olivia Keene - a young woman who goes through several trials of sorts throughout the tale. She is thrust into a situation beyond her control and finds herself in unexpected circumstances...more

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Feb 22, 2011 F. rated it 4 of 5 stars

The cover of The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen is very beautiful and elegant.

Olivia Keene flees from her parents' home after she hits a man who was trying to kill her mother. Dorthea, Olivia's mother, gives her a little bag with money and other items, and tells her they shall meet again. Olivia ends up trespassing on Lord Bradley's property, Brightwell Court, overhearing a secret of Lord Bradley's. Olivia gets caught, gets thrown in jail, but is injured in the process. She ends up recovering...more

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Aug 17, 2010 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems…. Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she wi...more

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Jun 06, 2010 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

When Olivia fled from her home in fear, the last thing she wanted was to know Lord Bradley’s secret. After all, she had enough troubles of her own. Yet the knowledge she acquired from her unintentional eavesdropping afforded her the job of the silent governess. She had found a refuge from her troubles until she could discover what had happened the night she ran. Had she killed her own father?

As I began reading this book, I failed to read the back cover. When I did read it, I was not shocked to d...more

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Apr 28, 2010 Cafelilybookreviews rated it 2 of 5 stars

I’m not a huge fan of the regency genre, so this book was a bit hard for me to get into. However, for those who ARE into “lords, ladies and manors” – this book will most likely be enjoyable.

As the story begins, Olivia Keene is fleeing from a terrible situation at home. When she ventures into the woods and ends up stepping on private property, she finds herself headed to the “lock up” accused of trespassing. Lord Bradley, owner of Brightwell Court comes to her “rescue” but only because he’s terr...more

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Feb 28, 2010 Virginia rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 1815 England, Olivia Keene flees her home after a horrifying incident, hoping to find a position someplace where she will be safe. When she passes across the lands at Brightwell Court, she overhears a secret that could ruin the handsome Lord Bradley. Instead of the safety she seeks, Olivia is arrested for trespassing, jailed, and then strangled nearly to death. Unable to speak and terrified of her fate, she has no choice but to take the only job offered to her – under nurse to Lord Bradley’s...more

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Feb 27, 2010 Amydeanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

oooo this one made me giggle, while creating a few lumps in my throat as well… hard to tell which parts I enjoyed more. You know you’re reading a good book when you get mad at the characters. Klaasen had me engages in the first few pages, and I actually had to put the book down because I didn’t like the way one of the characters treated another! lol. When I got over myself and reminded myself that it was just fiction I delved in and couldn’t put it down again.

The book is called The Silent Govern...more

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Feb 17, 2010 Valerie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, for-book-reviews

The Silent Governess, by Julie Klassen was recently released. In the brief bio on the back cover, it says "Julie Klassen loves all things Jane - Jane Eyre and Jane Austen." She writes with a style similar to Jane Austen, less romantic though, which was a relief for me.

This was the first book I read following Jane Eyre. Yes, immediately after reading Jane Eyre, this is the book I started. The similarities between the two were somewhat tiring; a governess, a rich bachelor, a manor, a misunderstood...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Mynameisntcollins rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was hoping for more out of this book. I'll admit I finished it within a 24 hour period, but I think it was more out of the hope that something truly wonderful would happen and make me want to adore this book. As it was, by the time I reached the end I thought, well, that was interesting. Didn't love it, but didn't hate it either. Part of that feeling stems from thinking something about Mr. Edward Bradley, the hero, seemed a bit off - his overnight transition from spoiled and overly critical to...more

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Aug 01, 2011 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-historical-fiction

Julie Klassen is a pretty good writer, and the plot of this book was interesting. I liked the characters, all the little mysteries going on, and the theme of redemption the book had. I don't know why it is called The Silent Governess, since Olivia is never a silent governess. She is a silent under-nurse, then a non-silent governess. I kept wondering how she could be a governess if she was silent, but that never happened.

I thought the romance was the weakest part of the book. I never particularly...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Shari Larsen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story takes place in Regency Era England. Olivia Keene is fleeing from a bad situation at home. After a rough night in the woods, she finds herself on private property and is accused of trespassing. She is injured while she is locked up, causing her to lose her voice.

Lord Bradley, owner of the estate on which she was found, comes to her rescue, but only because he is afraid that the secret she might have overheard while eavesdropping may come out. He sentences her to the position of nurse f...more

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Sep 18, 2011 Tanya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, gothic, historical, read-2011, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 14, 2010 Librarianforhim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: britain-fiction, christian-reading, family-relationships, historical-fiction, romance, read-in-2010, christy-award-winners

Olivia Keene is forced to flee her home and finds herself in dire circumstances, without home or family (she believes). Edward Brightwell has a secret which Olivia has discovered. So, Edward hires her as under nurse to his nephew and his sister's adopted children. Thus he keeps her close so she can't reveal his secret.

I love the world Klassen created and the way she incoporated rich details of 18th century English social structures. She even includes quotes from various sources on how a househo...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Ivey rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I bought this book from a used bookstore thinking I would get a light romantic read. I had just finished an epic series and wanted something not as time consuming. I got what I wanted. A modern romantic story set almost like a movie backdrop to Regency England. I overall liked the story, but found myself criticizing the reasons why our protagonist was in her predicament. I didn't understand how she allowed herself to get there and just accepted the situation with whole-hearted trust. *sigh* I'll...more I bought this book from a used bookstore thinking I would get a light romantic read. I had just finished an epic series and wanted something not as time consuming. I got what I wanted. A modern romantic story set almost like a movie backdrop to Regency England. I overall liked the story, but found myself criticizing the reasons why our protagonist was in her predicament. I didn't understand how she allowed herself to get there and just accepted the situation with whole-hearted trust. *sigh* I'll explain.

The author opens the book with Olivia's childhood inviting the reader to understand the parental disappointment she had experienced. Fast forward until she is 24 (which is quite surprising considering stories like this fast forward to 18, 19 or at the very oldest 21). Olivia returns to her home after a long day of work tutoring the local people when she sees someone strangling her mother. She reacts quickly and hits the man over the head and he falls to the floor. Years of paternal disappointment instantly makes her think that she had just killed her father who had been strangling her mother in a drunken bender. Conveniently, Olivia's mother convinces her that she must leave her home and not come back until she retrieves her as Olivia could be punished by death for killing another person. But didn’t she just save someone’s life??

Armed with a small purse with very little money in it, Olivia abandons her house and mother to run through the woods with hopes of perhaps getting a position as a teacher in a different town. If only getting a job was just that easy! Now, I don't know if this is my modern woman take on the situation, but why would Olivia leave her mother? Her mother had just been strangled by a man (presumably her father) and Olivia leaves her? What about the police or a strong neighbor? Why does she scamper off into the night leaving her mother to fend for herself without any reassurances that she will ever see her again?
Okay, I can understand she is a young woman and when her mother tells her she should flee for safety, she will trust her, but there must be more you can tell a child who depends so much on you than she will see her later. Meh. Go to this random place and perhaps you will get a position as teacher there. I’ll see you next decade!

But for the love story to occur, she must be in the vicinity of the man so Olivia runs into the woods dogging would-be rapists like she was a linebacker. When Olivia and Edward finally meet its misconception at first sight. Olivia interrupts their riding party (faux pas!) and then accidently overhears a secret between Edward and his father. Instantly, Olivia is captured and taken to 19th century jail. After she is attacked in jail (like you do…) she is taken by Edward to his home where he convinces her that she will pretend to be the new under nurse in his home. And her response? Okay! Is Olivia trustworthy enough to not tell a secret? No, but to be in charge of two children? Of course she is!

This is my main problem with the book. Olivia is told she will be an indentured servant to him for three months as punishment and she is completely fine with it. Even thanks god for transporting her to a place where she can be around children. *sigh* Why didn’t Olivia put up a fight? Why didn’t she try to run away? Why didn’t she let him know she wasn’t friendless in the world and he couldn’t just take random 24 year old women off the street? There were so many ways the story could go, but because she has to be there for the man to fall in love with her, the story keeps her there.

Without ruining too much of the story, I would like to say I could have used more of Olivia’s inner struggle. She only every once in a while remembers her mother’s plight and instead is worried more about fitting in at the house and pretending to be mute.

Like many of the reviews I read, I think the story doesn’t get good until Olivia is settled as the governess to the two children. If there had been more satisfying story before Olivia becoming a governess, I would have liked it more. There is one redeeming quote near the end of the book. Edward describes his cousin in a particularly vulnerable position and thinks, “Perhaps… that was how God saw all His children. Selfish and fallen, yes. But in the forgiving light of His son, each wore an unmerited halo” (403). It is how I feel about this book. The plot markers were a little slippery, but overall it has a pleasant glow of regency romance. Its Diet Pamela and Jane Austen with a splash of “Female Gothic” overtones.
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Jan 01, 2011 postcrdprincess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his. But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything --- his reputation, his inheritance, his very home. He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for his children, he finds himself stru...more

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Mar 16, 2010 Jennifer Jensen (Literally Jen) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: luxuryreading

Believing herself guilty of a crime punishable by death, Olivia Keene is forced to flee the only home she has ever known. At her mother's bequest, she heads for St. Aldywns, where she may be given sanctuary and possibly a teaching position while she waits for her mother to join her. Olivia's plans are put on hold when she is caught trespassing on a wealthy family's grounds and overhears a long kept family secret that could bring Lord Bradley to ruins. Desperate to keep the truth buried, Edward B...more Believing herself guilty of a crime punishable by death, Olivia Keene is forced to flee the only home she has ever known. At her mother's bequest, she heads for St. Aldywns, where she may be given sanctuary and possibly a teaching position while she waits for her mother to join her. Olivia's plans are put on hold when she is caught trespassing on a wealthy family's grounds and overhears a long kept family secret that could bring Lord Bradley to ruins. Desperate to keep the truth buried, Edward Bradley keeps her under his watchful eye as first an under nurse and then a governess for his niece and nephew. Although Edward Bradley thinks Olivia is hiding a secret of her own, he cannot help his growing attraction to her. His suspicions reach their peak when his father, the Earl of Brightwell, takes an unusual interest in the mysterious governess.

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen is an intriguing tale of familial secrets, romance, and class systems in the 19th century. Klassen's writing style flows easily, but has little of the elegance and formality in language found in similar works by Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. Much of the dialogue seemed very modern, and not what one would expect for characters living in the 19th century. Klassen masterfully created a believable and tension-filled romance between Edward Bradley and Olivia Keene. Though she keeps his shameful secret, he still has reason to distrust her. Despite his hot and cold treatment of her, Olivia finds herself falling in love with Edward. Even if there were no secrets between them, they are both of different classes: Edward is the heir to Brightwell Court, and Olivia is little more than a servant.

To write from the perspective of a 19th century governess, Klassen had to do a lot of research. At the beginning of each chapter, Klassen shares with readers some of the interesting tidbits regarding the expectations of a governess and the lifestyle one would lead. Though a governess is in a servitude position like maids, housekeepers, and nurses, she is expected to remain distant from the other servants: "A governess must possess good sense enough not to intrude on domestic privacy. And she must, of course, not make herself too familiar with the domestic servants (excerpt from The Complete Servant by Samuel and Sarah Adams)." It is these historical facts weaved in with Klassen's fiction that made this a truly enjoyable story. The Silent Governess is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, 19th century customs, and clean romance.(less)

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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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Quotes from The Silent Governess

“Come to think of it, she did not speak a word. Yet I could have sworn she had the most beautiful voice.” — 49 people liked it

“When you set yourself on fire, people love to come and see you burn.” — 36 people liked it

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