The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Title: The Tutor's Daughter

Author: Julie Klassen

ISBN: 9780764210693

Type: Trade Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Synopsis: Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.
When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame... and which brother to trust with her heart?

My review: The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it and that made me want to know more about the book. Yes I do sometimes judge a book by the cover. The second thing that drew me in was the subject matter. I love books set in England and the 1800s is my favorite time period. 

I like the mystery that was the back drop in this book. The little things like the piano playing when the room was empty, people sneaking into Emma's room at night but there was no one there. It seemed the longer Emma was in Ebbington Manor the more mysteries Emma found including the mystery the family was hiding. 

Julie did a great job at fully developing each of the characters and giving each of them their unique personality. The settings of the book were also done in such a way that you could picture yourself right there with Emma in Cornwall trying to find out the secrets. I think all of the secrets helped to keep the story moving and keeps many of us readers up late as we can't put the book down - or at least that was the case for me. It is hard for me to give you too many details of the story as I don't want to give anything away. I want you to find out for yourself what happens with Emma and the other residents of the Manor. 

If you want to take a trip back in time and experience with Emma her move to the manor and all the mysteries then pick this book up and follow along, it is sure to not disappoint. I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

To find out more about the author and her books check out her website here