The Painter's Daughter

Starred review from November 1, 2015

Sophie Dupont is a woman with an uncertain future. After her relationship with the feckless Wesley Overtree ends with a note that he's sailed to Italy, Sophie realizes she is with child. Devastated yet hopeful he will return, she is surprised by the arrival of Wesley's younger brother, Capt. Stephen Overtree. Known to his men as Captain Black for his moods and brusque manner, Stephen demands a marriage of convenience to save Sophie from scandal. Now married to a man she doubts she can ever love, Sophie secretly wishes for Wesley. However, as time passes, Sophie finds herself more in love with the enigmatic captain. Stephen is then deployed with his regiment to battle Napoleon, and Wesley returns, determined to have Sophie back. VERDICT In this gorgeous story of love and redemption, Klassen (Lady Maybe) spins a tale of secrets and deception, coupled with unexpected plot twists and a swoon-worthy ending; giving readers more evidence as to why she's a fan favorite. Readers of inspirational Regency romances will clamor for this title.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 15, 2015
Captain Stephen Overtree has always been his older brother Wesley's keeper. Case in point: Stephen, who is on leave from the British Army, must now travel to Devonshire to track down Wesley, who is there to paint, and bring him back home so that he can help run the family estate. When Stephen arrives in Lynmouth, however, he discovers that Wesley has already left for Italy. Of course, Wesley left no note or letter for Stephen. Instead, Stephen discovers that Wesley had a brief affair with Sophie Dupont and left her with a very tangible reminder of the time they spent together. As an honorable man, Stephen has no choice but to offer to marry Sophie, but will their marriage in name only be the start of something wonderful, or something they both will come to regret? Christy Awardwinning Klassen (Lady Maybe, 2015) draws on Jane Austen's impeccably crafted novels in her latest richly nuanced and superbly written inspirational Regency romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)