The Tutor's Daughter

Fabulous narration for Jane Austenesque story

I started reading this as a Net Galley advance copy but I had listened to all of Julie's other books on audible.com downloads. So, frankly, I had been spoiled. As soon as I discovered the download was available I purchased it and began listening. The narrator couldn't be any more perfect for this book, which really enhanced my reading pleasure. Julie and Jane lovers will not be disappointed!!! Worth the wait!

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I don't care for mysteries, however...

I didn't realize this was a mystery-I bought it because I enjoyed "The Apothecary's Daughter" written by the same author and narrated by the same person. I'm picky about narrators and this is the first one who sounds American but does English accents really well. Maybe she is British; either way she has a good mix of characters and I really appreciate her interpretation and is the only reason I stuck with it. I think Emma is a little naïve considering her age and everything is wrapped up in a pretty little bow towards the end-I would have liked more story about the family and how they resolved their issues.
If you have read and liked this duo before, you will probably love this book, if you like mysteries, you probably
will too. I don't know if I'll listen to it again, but it helped pass the time while I cleaned my house and ran errands.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Wonderful!

This is the third book by Julie Klassen that I have read--one right after another! I understand that her books are classified under the genre of Christian Romance, but I don't believe that phrase does her work justice. There certainly is romance in Klassen's novels, as well as a heroine who strives to emulate Christ's love and compassion for others in the choices she makes.

Klassen's books, however, are so much more than that. The characters, including the heroine, are complex, fully drawn people who struggle with difficult situations--and who, as all of us do, make mistakes and often need to grapple with difficult decisions that are rarely black-and-white in nature.

Her books could easily be included under the genres of Historical or Literary Fiction, given the beauty of Klassen's writing and the historically accurate settings in early 19th century England (or at least the three novels I've read were).

In any case, if this sounds at all appealing to you, I recommend you give Klassen a try if you haven't already. You could probably begin with any of her novels. I greatly enjoyed this one, which (unlike the other two) had a mystery strongly woven into the plot. I also read The Apothecary's Daugter and The Painter's Daughter, similar titles but very different settings and plots and equally wonderful.

I must not forget to mention the wonderful narration by Elizabeth Jasicki. It was a pleasure to listen to her reading of The Tudor's Daughter!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Very enjoyable read without vulgarity.

Pleasantly read with an interesting, but not always predictable storyliine. Would definitely recommend to a friend!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Excellent! Another fabulous book by Klassen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, well written and performed.

Any additional comments?

Another excellent rendering by Julie Klassen and Elizabeth Jasicki! This is my third one so far and I have really enjoyed them and am so glad I discovered them! Just enough mystery to be exciting! And I'm thinking it's such a shame that today's society is in such a hurry - so much of a rush for everything from conversation to love that all is lost in text messages, faxes, speed dating, internet dating, sex before marriage, "trial" marriages, etc. If one always chooses to put the cart in front of the horse, which direction will you go? Backward is my observation.

We live in a "progressive" society?!

Thoroughly enjoying these adventures in past days and times. :-)

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great read...

This book started slow but heated up about half way through. I enjoyed the references regarding faith and it add strength to the book.

There were several twists and turns that kept me interested. The narrator did a good job and overall I am pleased with this novel.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Loved it!

This romance novel was very sweet and had many funny moments. I am becoming a fan of this author and have lost a lot of sleep listening to the past couple books by her. If you like old-fashioned romance and mystery, this is a book(or author) for you!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

overall a good book

I was expecting a bit more mystery but overall it kept my attention. The narrator did a very good job.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Another PHENOMENAL Novel by Klassen & Jasiki

As always, Julie Klassen's composition & Elizabeth Jasicki's narration of this work are MASTERFUL!!! This is at least the 3rd book written by Klassen & the 2nd narrated by Jasiki to which I have listened ... savoring every word! Klassen's plots are artfully constructed with beauty, mystery, suspense, and poignant moments that literally bring me to (happy) tears. I relish the protagonists and how they work through their various adversities with strength in God -- No profanity or inappropriate scenes of sensuality, only the innocent blossoming of real love. The details of "scenery" and "costumes" from this historical era are enchanting, as well as the skillfully-intertwined relationships among characters, and the ever-intriguing plot as it unfolds. Oh how I wish there were a never-ending supply of audio books by this author & narrator!!! (I adore Elizabeth Jasicki's gorgeous narration -- so beautifully and softly articulated, not rushed or over-acted. She's at once calming and compelling -- so amazingly talented in voicing characters male and female, young and not-so-young, with many different types of accents.) At the end of the book, my heart is full with satisfaction and joy in how God "works all things together for good," but I am sad that this particular novel is at an end. I delight in the lessons learned from it and look forward with eagerness to the other books by this author & narrator. I recommend them without reserve!!! (Thank you, thank you, Ms. Klassen & Ms. Jasicki!!!)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fabulous!!!

Emma Smallwood helps her father run his school for boys called The Smallwood Academy. Emma lost her mother two years prior to the start of this story and as a result finds her father unmotivated and melancholy. Since they have no more students, Emma, worried not only about their financial situation but also her father's depressed state of mind, comes up with the idea of sending a letter to Mr. Weston who had his oldest two sons attend their academy in the past. The letter invited him to consider their academy for his younger twin boys as well. Mr Weston responds by inviting Emma and her father to go to their home Cornwall to privately tutor the two youngest sons. Emma is surprised to find her father not only receptive to the idea but also looking forward to taking up that offer. Emma herself is not too excited about meeting the older son Henry again since he played a lot of pranks on her when he lived with them. Once they arrive at the manor, they find their welcome less than warm and completely unexpected by all except Lord Weston who had forgotten about their arrival and had not informed anyone else of it either. The strange screams in the night and the sense of having someone in her room in the middle of the night in addition to the residents of the manor's strange behavior and start of unpleasant pranks again has Emma puzzled. Everyone keeps telling her that there is a resident ghost in the manor but she realizes that nothing in that house is as it seems. Most seem to be hiding something.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I personally am not a religious person and was surprised by the turn of the story into one that was much more strongly religious. I respect those that do believe in God and am sure that most if not all of you believers will enjoy that part and find it most gratifying.

It was extremely difficult for me to guess who was behind all the pranks but the love story which blossomed was easy to see from the start. I loved Henry's character and his solid personality and the strength and kindness of Emma. All characters were very well developed and the story had well developed facets. A very well done book.

8 of 12 people found this review helpful