Lady of Milkweed Manor: (A Second Chance Romance Historical Regency Romance Novel)
Lady of Milkweed Manor: (A Second Chance Romance Historical Regency Romance Novel) book cover

Lady of Milkweed Manor: (A Second Chance Romance Historical Regency Romance Novel)

Paperback – January 1, 2008

by
Price
$17.96
Format
Paperback
Pages
411
Publisher
Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0764204791
Dimensions
5.5 x 1.04 x 8.38 inches
Weight
15 ounces

Description

From Publishers Weekly In this inspirational historical romance debut novel set in 19th-century England, a young pregnant woman is forced to make difficult choices. Twenty-year-old Charlotte Lamb is the daughter of a heartless English vicar, as we discover when she becomes pregnant and he throws her out of her childhood home. Vulnerable and unprotected, she is forced to a lodging place for unwed mothers. Soon, Lamb must make decisions involving true love and sacrifice, providing many powerful turning points throughout the story. Although Klassen occasionally lapses into back-to-back dialogue, her prose is generally smooth, and Charlotte has the reader's sympathy from the earliest pages. The amount of information about wet nurses, lactation and breastfeeding can become weighty, although often intriguing (such as the practice of using goats to directly feed foundling infants to avoid the spread of syphilis). Faith themes are subtly woven throughout. The reader will need to suspend disbelief to enjoy some of the plot twists, especially the happily-ever-after ending, which provides the redemptive conclusion common to Christian fiction. A bonus is the milkweed poetry, lore and symbolism knitted into the narrative. Both readers of faith fiction and general readers of historical romance should enjoy this lovely first offering from Klassen. (Jan.) Cut to the Quick (reviewed Oct. 29) will be published in July 2008. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "... not only a beautiful tale but a fascinating study of women's roles in a time not so terribly distant." -- Violet Nesdoly, Blogcritics.org "Overall this is a fantastic narrative that will draw you into the era and wreak havoc with your emotions." -- Michelle Griep, novelreviews.blogspot.com "The characters are strong - the writing excellent ... will leave you immensely and blissfully happy...." -- Amy Lignor, OnceUponaRomance.com "This is truly one of the most emotionally gripping novels I've ever read...." -- Michelle Sutton, edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com "This was an excellent first novel and one of the best historical novels I've read this year. I am looking forward to Julie Klassen's next book. HIGHLY recommended." -- Deborah Khuanghlawn, books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com As Charlotte drew closer to the looming grey edifice that was to become her temporary home, she could not help but notice the secretive shuttered windows. Then she noticed the milkweeds...Even a proper vicar's daughter can make a mistake--and now Charlotte Lamb must pay a high price for her fall. To avoid the prying eyes of all who know her, she hides herself away in London's forbidding "Milkweed Manor," a place of mystery and lore, of old secrets and new birth.But once there, she comes face to face with a suitor from her past--a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God's help, to protect those they love. But neither can imagine the depth of sacrifice that will be required.Sprinkled with fascinating details about the lives of women in Regency England, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love. Julie Klassen (www.julieklassen.com) loves all things Jane-- Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing 's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit julieklassen.com. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • The engaging and moving story of a once-proper lady who finds herself in a most unexpected situation; a romance set in Regency England.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
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(516)
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(129)
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Most Helpful Reviews

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Intriguing historical with endearing characters

I didn't want to include any plot spoilers. Read on here with an open mind.

The Lady of Milkweed Manor is a sweet historical romance. For Ms. Klassen's debut work, the story is impressive. She uses a writing style that seems almost effortless. And she definitely knows how to keep you interested! In the beginning all we know is that Charlotte Lamb is leaving her home to settle somewhere new, away from her family. Her goodbye with her father is the only hint that things may be not all good for Charlotte. That she is not leaving for any happy reason, like getting married, a new position, visiting family or friends. You only have an inkling of what is going on. Her situation is not fully explained until a few chapters in.

The story seems very historically based and well-researched. The manor home is based on a real home that existed in London at that time. Each chapter begins with a quote from a historical figure or article- most being about milkweeds. Milkweeds are not the most attractive plants but we learn that they have medicinal and herbal properties that make them more useful than one would assume for a weed-looking plant. These quotes and the repeated presence of the milkweed carries out the theme that things are not always as they appear.

There are many interesting supporting characters. There is drama, intrigue, medical drama/action, history, and romance. Overall, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a great find. The plot may be a bit predictable at times but it's not overly so that it's annoying. It's a light read but with enough background and depth to make it riveting and intriguing. (The reason I hesitate to give it 5 stars is that I don't feel like it is a book so entertaining that I would be drawn to re-read.) I hope there is more to come from this very capable author! If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out Silent Governess- I found it to be an equally riveting read- fans of Regency romances should gobble it up!!
70 people found this helpful
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Lady of Milkweed Manor ~ Reviewed

Charlotte Lamb, a fallen vicar's daughter, hopes to secret herself away in London's Milkweed Manor. But once there, she is mortified to find herself in the care of a former suitor, a physician whom her father long ago rejected as unsuitable--a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God's help, to protect those they love. But neither could guess the depth of sacrifice that will be required of them.

Drawn from fascinating research about the secret lives of women in the nineteenth century, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.

It's a rare book that forces me to press the pause button on my life and simply devour the story--this is one such book. Well-written, emotionally charged, unexpected plot twists, and an amazing balance of foreshadowing with backstory all lend to a remarkable debut novel by author Julie Klassen. The tension builds throughout and keeps the reader guessing until the last page.

Klassen has captured the best of Austen and Brontë. There are complex relationships and plenty of snooty nobility. The ambiance is generally foreboding and ominous which sets quite a gothic stage. This mixture combines into a haunting quality, leaving the characters on the mind of the reader days after the story has been finished.

The only thing I thought was a bit overdone were the references to milkweeds. Interesting, yes. Educational, admitted. But I found myself skipping over the quotes at the beginning of each chapter since the story engrossed me so much more. A small quarrel to be sure, but thought it should be mentioned.

Overall this is a fantastic narrative that will draw you into the era and wreak havoc with your emotions. Kudos to Bethany House for taking on this new author. I'll be sure to look for future titles by Julie Klassen. Once you've read Lady of Milkweed Manor, I've no doubt you'll be anxious for more as well.

Review by: Michelle Griep
10 people found this helpful
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Beautiful Story!

When I first began this novel, I was a little disheartened to think that it might be similar to Klassen's most recent novel, The Girl in the Gatehouse, but I soon found that the similarity was just that, a small similarity. From the novel's beginning, I felt totally pulled into the story. There was such a depth of sacrifice and a tangible quality to the emotion in the story, but none of it was overdone or too dramatic.From what appears to be a setting and a situation that was devoid of hope, Klassen created a powerful story of love and sacrifice.

It's obvious that Klassen made researching for this novel a top priority. Having never read anything about wet nurses or a novel that deals directly with the life of unwed mother's during this particular time in history, I found all the detail to be engrossing.

The plot was steady and realistic. It held my interest the entire time. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, a new circumstance would appear, but it all felt natural to the flow of the story. In a genre that has issues with predictability, Klassen kept me guessing the entire time. I wasn't entirely certain how the story was going to end.

Speaking of the ending--the ending also worked so well, in my opinion. While it was happy, not everything was perfect. As in real life, not every relationship was mended, and the characters did not achieve their happiness without some regret along the way.

I was already a fan of Klassen, but this is by far my favorite of her novels that I've read thus far. She is definitely one of my favorite writers in the Christian fiction world and historical fiction, in general. Highly recommended!
4 people found this helpful
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Heartwrenching and bittersweet

Charlotte Lamb has made a mistake that will change her life forever. A mistake that her father the vicar refuses to forgive, a mistake that causes her sister to despise her, a mistake that sends her to a temporary home for unwed mothers. The man who contributed to her situation, Edward, had no intention of doing the honorable thing by marrying her, not when he could marry her cousin and gain a fortune. She is alone in this world, until she meets an old suitor, Dr. Daniel Taylor, who is battling his own demons. Daniel is married to a woman who suffers from manic depression due to her pregnancy. He loves his wife and remains faithful to her, but still has feelings for Charlotte. Charlotte is unable to keep her darling son and makes the ultimate sacrifice that any mother would dread to make: she gives away her son to the very man who so cruelly slighted her. Meanwhile, Mrs. Taylor gives birth to a little girl who they name Anne. His wife is unable and considers it beneath her to nurse her daughter, so Charlotte steps in as the baby's wet nurse and nanny. The awkward situation continues even a little while after his wife does better, at least until Charlotte feels that it is time for her to move on. She takes a different position as a wet nurse for another couple but doesn't hold that occupation for very long. Mrs. Taylor is pregnant again and in a drastic attempt to return to her country, she dies. To help her old friend, Charlotte returns to caring for Anne as if she were her own daughter. When the proper time of mourning passes, Daniel proposes to Charlotte, but she refuses because her soul still needs healing after what she experienced. A few years pass, Edward's wife dies and it only makes sense to him that he should make Charlotte his wife, that way she could finally be a true mother to her son.
I swear, no matter how many times I read "The Lady of Milkweed Manor," I always end up crying like a baby. Then ending is bittersweet and everything you could hope for for Charlotte. The Christian message is subtle and not at all preachy. While Charlotte loves her son with all her heart, she regrets her mistake and is humbled through out the story. In the flashbacks she is shown as a carefree and innocent girl, after her "fall" she matures into a strong, independent young woman. I also admire the character Daniel Taylor; here is a man who loves and is attracted to another woman other than his wife, but there is no place in the story where he cheats on his wife or treats Charlotte with any impropriety.
Julie Klassen's newest book, "The Apothecary's Daughter" is out in the bookstores now and I eagerly am waiting (not so patiently) until I can read it.
[...]
4 people found this helpful
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A great read from a first time author

I was pleasantly surprised by this lovely read from a first-time author.
Between this book and Deanne Gist's "Courting Trouble", Bethany is foraging back to the frontlines of 'memorable' fiction.
4 people found this helpful
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Life Changing

This book was incredible! The story takes so many turns. It bounces back and forth from her wants to what she knows is right, until the two finally come together in the end. Miss Lamb is a stand up, intricate woman, perceived as shameful and simple by society. But those who truly know her get to see otherwise...as do we. i definitely recommend this one! You'll be finished in two days, or less!
3 people found this helpful
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Great Book

I was really surprised to learn that this book was written by a new author. This book was a real page turner from first page to last. I didn't want to put it down. The main charactors were strong. They went through several heartbreaking choices and events. The end had a bit of a twist to it, so don't read the end first. Overall an excellent book! I am looking forward to reading new books from this author.
3 people found this helpful
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Excellent, an NOT your typical romance fiction

I just have to say, being an avid fiction reader, this book was refreshingly different, not your typical run of the mill christian romance novel. It was interesting and had me guessing till the end how it would end with the main characters, and I wasn't disappointed. This one is definately a good one to purchase. You wont be disappointed either!
3 people found this helpful
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This story is mainly focused on breast feeding--in some specific detail and at some great length. The novel focuses on out-of-we

Be prepared in advance. This story is mainly focused on breast feeding--in some specific detail and at some great length. The novel focuses on out-of-wedlock births, complications of birthing, nursing, and the service of wet nurses. I believe this was Julie Klassen's first book. In her subsequent novels she has developed more interesting plot lines, mysteries, and intriguing, ambitious, and intelligent female characters.
2 people found this helpful
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A novel no mother can resist!

Charlotte Lamb has made a mistake. A grave mistake, but one that-could you say-was made innocently enough? Even so, there are consequences, and they demand Charlotte pay a heavy price for her error in judgment. After all, the daughter of a vicar can't expect to live out those consequences in full view of her family and her father, God forbid. Not that Charlotte wanted to leave, but her father could not-would not-allow her to remain under his roof. And so her life and the lives of many associated with Charlotte, were altered forever.

Reading Lady of Milkweed Manor is like being caught in a web. It grabs you in the heart and refuses to let go. The reader is emotionally tangled in many ways, restless with maternal feelings that are all too familiar, yet wonderful. Any mother will find this novel hitting too close for comfort as they ask multiple times "Could I have done that?" I ached for the decisions Charlotte had to make, and at times, seemingly, unfair at that. However, Klassen has so thoroughly researched the topic of wet nursing in the Regency Era that the unfolding of events may not appear fair, but they are accurate. In fact, writing of the breastfeeding experience was calculated and precise. Any mother who has nursed and then weaned understands when Charlotte tells her little one, "Very soon, you will not remember this time together. But I shall always remember. And I shall miss it."

One of the study questions at the end of the book asks "Were you satisfied with the ending?" Klassen did everything right, not only with the ending, but within each page of the novel. As entertaining and emotionally addicting as the plot and characters were, the reader will live a mother's life in the Regency era vicariously through Charlotte. It was thought-provoking without being preachy. The ending, oh yes, the ending was very satisfying! Lady of Milkweed Manor is one of the best novels ever written in regards to motherhood and the sacrifices moms sometimes choose to make, and at others, the choices that are thrust upon them.

Be forewarned. There is very little about Klassen's novel that will leave you unmoved, untouched, unchanged. Reading Lady of Milkweed Manor will stir strong feelings, and yet, you will relish every moment of it.
2 people found this helpful

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