The Girl in the Gatehouse

     BOOK REVIEW:   Mariah Aubrey lives in seclusion with her secrets, will an ambitious captain uncover her identity . . . . and her hidden past?    Banished from the only home she's ever known, Mariah Aubrey hides herself away in an abandoned gatehouse on a distant relative's estate. There she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how--by writing novels in secret.
    When Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate, he is intrigued by the beautiful girl in the gatehouse. But there are many things he doesn't know about this beguiling outcast. Will he risk his plans--and his heart--for a woman shadowed by scandal?
    Intriguing, mysterious, and romantic, THE GIRL IN THE GATEHOUSE takes readers inside the life of a secret authoress at a time when novel-writing was considered improper for ladies and the smallest hint of impropriety could change a woman's life forever.

    MY REVIEW:   Julie Klassen writes about society in the 1800's. But rather than focusing on the highest scales, she writes about the lower and often unknown scales.
     This particular book is the story of Mariah Aubrey, who is sent away from home to live in the gatehouse of an aunt due to an unfortunate scandal. When funds get low, she gets a few novels published, anonymously.
     The owner of the estate, Mariah's distant cousin Hugh Prin-Hallesly, rents the estate to Captain Matthew Bryant, who wants the estate in order to win back the lovely Isabella. Little does he know how related he is through Isabella to Mariah's scandal.
      In close proximity to the gatehouse is the poorhouse. Mariah befriends a few of the children, and stumbles upon mystery or two. She and her loyal companions/servants become quite attached to some of the occupants, and are quite disturbed by what they learn. But, have no fear--everything works out for the best in the end.
             ----Another lovely book that I was happy to read.