A keener mood to Wuthering Heights I have not found. Chapter after chapter, I was reminded of that old, gothic tale. Aspects of this story were intriguing, inspiring, heartrending, and fascinating. The wealth of historical detail was astounding, though I shouldn’t be surprised, having read other Klassen novels before.Frankly, I was quite stunned at the immense detail about breastfeeding. It went beyond what is acceptable in my personal moral code, but I know others won’t be as offended by this.

Lady of Milkweed Manor was very informative, well-written, and seemingly well researched. I love to read a book where the author knows exactly what everything was like in the time she/he is writing about.It was also a very bittersweet story, filled with twists and turns, happiness and agony, mistakes and good deeds.Julie Klassen weaves an amazing story in Lady of Milkweed Manor- not the everyday book. I absolutely recommend it.

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, Kla...

Charlotte Lamb, a vicar’s daughter, has made a mistake which has taken her to this hideaway for expectant mothers so both her family and herself may be protected from condemnation and gossip in the local community.I really enjoyed this glimpse into the lives of vulnerable women in Edwardian England. How out of wedlock pregnancies were dealt with which made a place like Milkweed Manor necessary.Even though there is a serious issue being dealt with here, I feel like Klassen still manages to make t...

2021 re-read: I think this was my 3rd time reading this book. The first time I read it I was single, the second time I was married and expecting my first child, and this time around, a mother of one with one on the way. It made me emotional in a whole new way reading it as a mother this time. This book is a fabulous debut. One of my favorite things about Klassen novels is the quotes and tidbits from historical literature at the top of each chapter. I love that little glimpse into the times. I wa...

First of all I have to say this book's plot surprised me... greatly. Neither the book cover nor the synopsis betray it, though if you pondered the latter a while you might guess it. I however, did not stop to. I personally think the author did it on purpose, because if they knew, most people would probably not pick it up. I confess I would've probably been in that group... and would've never gotten acquainted with the lovely Charlotte Lamb, and her amazing story! I loved this book!!! Considering...

I enjoyed the historical and medical details along with compelling stories that illustrated how a single choice or moment could alter one's life forever. There were realistic characters that were both likable and detestable. Overall, this was a wonderful story. I cannot wait to read another book by Julie Klassen.

I think I have a new favorite author...I'm more than halfway through her published books and haven't found a dud yet. This one was so interesting and unusual and well written that I stayed up way late (3 am) to read the whole thing in one sitting. One of the best things about Klassen's books (other than the excellent stories, characters, and writing) is the romance. It isn't all touchy-feely-overmuch-desire-y. The characters act like grown-ups and figure out how to communicate with each other in...

Wow! What a splendid gothic regency ride! This is a redemption story with a ton of juicy drama & secrets... definitely a page turner!!I wanted the two protagonists to get together & find happiness so baddd! The ending I had to read twice cause it makes you think it ended one way & then it twists on you. This was my second book by the renowned Julie Klassen & wow, I can see why she’s the queen of regency.

DNF halfway through. Too many inappropriate moments, I finally had enough.

This is truly one of the most emotionally gripping novels I've ever read and it is sure to make my best of 2008 list. My heart pounded with anticipation so many times I lost count. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, something different took place. The author did an amazing job pulling the reader into Charlotte's life. I longed for her happiness. And there were so many powerful subplots that my head is still swimming with amazement, and my heart is still gripped by this strangely

I never realized that I didn't write a review of this novel. Well, it was fairly good ... but not amazing. It dragged in places and was pretty confusing at points. It was sad, too, and it didn't end "just so." That's not really a problem, per se, but it did lower my enjoyment of the book. I do have a couple content concerns, too.

I’m totally speechless of how brilliant this book is. It left me with my mouth open, after making me gasp, cheer and almost cry throughout its pages, and makes me want to say to all those writers out there, “this is how you write a historical novel”. Julie Klassen takes the best from both historical romance and fiction, and blends it together to create these wonderful novels that keep you up at night, needing to know what will happen next. She’s definitely one of the best authors I’ve ever read,...

Julie Klassen writes well in a technical sense, but I found this story disturbing. Charlotte's predicament, the way she got into it, her miserable family situation, and all the strange and sad and sinister circumstances around her didn't make for a very pleasant tale. The period details were probably the most interesting part. Suspension of disbelief was too much work to be worthwhile. The ending was both predictable and extremely awkward; to jump from the heart of a dramatic climax to a garden

I love this book! And it took a million turns and had me so upset at times but I love the way Klassen writes a story.

A very nice tale by Ms. Klassen. Though not one of my favorite of hers, it is still a fun read with a good lesson at it’s core. I feel like the lesson was a little too brushed over perhaps, but everyone likes a happy ending, certainly me, and I wouldn’t have wanted to change that. I don’t know, there was something about Ms. Lamb’s situation that irritated me, and I can’t quite put a finger on it well enough to put it into words. One scene that did stand out to me in particular was the closing sc...

Such a lovely novel. The symbolism of Milkweed and quotes at the beginning of each chapter were fabulous additions. The novel is primarily about Charlotte who has been ostracized from her family. Along her endearing journey we learn about wet nurses, lying in homes, depression during pregnancy and more.There were a few coincidences that seemed a bit unrealistic to me but overall this was a very well done novel. And a debut!

I can't believe this was her debut! Wow!!! This book covers some hard and touchy subjects but it does it well. We see the heartbreaking real life consequences that come when we make certain choices. We get to experience the stigma, the hurt and the eventual triumph of our main character. I thought the history in this book was fascinating. I wouldn't recommend for young readers but for everyone else it's an excellent read.

I pity the poor 12-year-old who picks up this book. Yes, it was a moving story about sin, trial, forgiveness, redemption, love, loss, duty, motherhood, etc, but the majority of the first half of the book I was embarrassed to read, even alone to myself! Much of what goes on is alluded to discreetly, but other references are not so subtle and left me cringing or feeling sick. The idea itself, of an unmarried Charlotte having a child and being faced with difficult decision after difficult decision,...