A few weeks ago, I finished The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen. Readers of Jane Austen will enjoy this latest book by one of my favorite authors. Here’s the description:
Miss Mariah Aubrey, banished after a scandal, hides herself away 
in a long-abandoned gatehouse on the far edge of a distant relative’s estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how–by writing novels in secret. Captain Matthew Bryant, returning to England successful and wealthy after the Napoleonic wars, leases an impressive estate from a cash-poor nobleman, determined to show the society beauty who once rejected him what a colossal mistake she made. When he discovers an old gatehouse on the property, he is immediately intrigued by its striking young inhabitant and sets out to uncover her identity, and her past. But the more he learns about her, the more he realizes he must distance himself. Falling in love with an outcast would ruin his well-laid plans. The old gatehouse holds secrets of its own. Can Mariah and Captain Bryant uncover them before the cunning heir to the estate buries them forever?
I love this historical era, and appreciate new stories set here. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Since then, I’m in the middle of reading books for research and a novel for possible endorsement. Next on my fiction reading list – I’m not sure. I’ve downloaded a number of free Kindle books that all look good, and my paperback to-be-read stack is several shelves tall. Sometimes it’s hard to choose! And like many readers, I am drawn to covers and back-cover copy. Historicals have captured my attention most often of late.
In other thoughts…my guys had the day off today, so we worked around the house for awhile and then went out to dinner. I never turn down an opportunity to avoid cooking a meal! I’ve been focusing on a new diet lately, trying to give up certain foods – especially caffeine. I ended up with a four-day headache (as expected) but am happy to say it is finally gone. It’s hard to pick foods that are healthy at some restaurants. But tonight’s choice tasted yummy, so I’m not complaining.
Next up on my research reading list: Everyday Life in Ancient Times – a gift from a friend who was dispensing with her collection of such books. The cover is deceiving. The inside is full of pictures, bringing the ancient world to life! My favorite type of research book. 🙂
Speaking of which…I need to get off the computer and do some of that reading…
Selah~
