Among the first to pen
Regency-set novels for the
inspirational market, Julie
Klassen offers a fresh take on
Christian historical romance—
paving the way for
others. Recognition this past
year from four major literary
awards, including the coveted
Christy, proves her efforts are
making an impact in the
Christian market
and beyond.
For her novel The Girl in the
Gatehouse (Bethany House), the author was
inspired by one of her literary heroes, the
great Jane Austen: “My heroine is a lot like
Jane, whose name did not appear on any of
her books during her lifetime,” Julie says.
“She’s also a secret author at a time when
novel-writing was
considered improper
for ladies.”
No longer welcome at the only home she’s ever known, Mariah Aubrey not only lives in seclusion in an abandoned gatehouse, but she’s got plenty of intriguing secrets to boot, including the fact that she (gasp!) moonlights as a writer.
Of course, things get really interesting once Captain Matthew Bryant arrives on the scene and starts leasing the estate. Intrigued by the beautiful woman living nearby, he has to figure out whether her scandalous past can ever lead to a promising future for the two of them.
But beyond the intriguing storyline, Julie ultimately hopes that readers will be reminded that second chances are available to anyone. “We all stumble and make mistakes,” the author says. “But through Christ, God offers us forgiveness, love and second chances. And that’s exactly what I wanted to convey in The Girl in the Gatehouse.”—Christa A. Banister