The Silent Governess

by Julie Klassen

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 cousins. But Brightwell Court is nothing but a different sort of jail, one arranged by Lord Bradley himself, to keep her from telling anyone what she knows. If only she could convince him that she would never betray him to anyone – she’s too busy trying to keep her own secret.

The Silent Governess is regency romance at its best. I adored Julie Klassen’s previous books, so I’ve looked forward to this one. I was not disappointed. Her writing style reflects the influence of Jane Austin, and she’s obviously done a tremendous job researching the time period. The details of the lives and circumstances of servants in that era were fascinating. Once again, I was drawn into the story by beautiful prose, realistic characters, and a compelling plot. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantic stories in historical settings.