Book Review: The Painter’s Daughter by Julie Klassen
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What is this book about?
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?
My review:
Even though marriage of convenience isn’t a new concept for historical romance, I did find the inclusion of the ‘other man’ interesting. Sophie marries Stephen even though she is in love with his brother. This made for a lot of conflict, not only between them, but also everyone else around them especially when Stephen’s brother enters the picture again.
Initially I thought Sophie was a little weak but when her character growth gave her great strength, it was a tremendous (and welcome) change.
Stephen was a great character. I found his loyalty appealing. He was patient with Sophie and a man determined to win her heart while following God’s will.
The one thing that I didn’t care for in this story was the battle scene. Even though the focus was on Stephen, I felt that it took me out of the story.
What I enjoyed most about this book:
The romance between Sophie and Stephen.
What I didn’t like about this book:
The battle scene was not to my liking.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. There are many good characters and a good amount of conflict to round out this romance. This is a standalone novel.
Where can I learn more about this author and their books?
-Loraine Nunley
The Painter’s Daughter by Julie Klassen (4 out of 5 stars) #amreading #BookReview Share on XWant a copy for yourself? Buy one here today.
