ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie says: My background is in advertising and marketing, but I am blessed with a dream job—working as an editor of Christian fiction. I have been writing since childhood, but Lady of Milkweed Manor was my first novel. It was a finalist for a Christy Award and won second place in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards. My second novel, The Apothecary's Daughter, was a finalist in the ACFW Book of the Year awards. I am currently writing one novel a year.I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.
My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Girl in the Gatehouse, go HERE
MY THOUGHTS:
Mariah has been banished from her home, swept away to live at a Gatehouse on her distant aunt's property. Left alone with only her servant friend Dixon, Mariah has to find a way to survive on her own.
The author is very secretive about the reason for banishment, it is hinted at throughout the book, but the full reason is not fully revealed until late in the book, which makes you want to read faster to learn the truth! I liked how Mariah's character had to learn to persevere and use her mind to get past her hardship, yet throughout it all she remained cheerful and upbeat.
Mariah is a woman who loves a bit of mystery and her character is quite intriguing! Read the book and see for yourself! I can't wait to read Julie's next book!
Follow the link above to read the first chapter, and if you'd like, you can purchase the book here:
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from CFGA
Posts
Mariah Aubrey is sent away to live in the gatehouse on her aunt's large estate for something she did- something scandalous. She is ripped from the luxury she is so fond of, and must support herself and her companion by writing novels-under a false name, of course. At the same time, Matthew Bryant, a dashing navy captain, rents the estate with the intent of impressing a certain young lady who has rejected him. Matthew and Mariah are attracted to one another, but Mariah's secrets and Matthew's pursuit of another woman get in the way of love.
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