Hello dear readers of Austenesque Reviews! Years ago when I started blogging many online friends of mine shared their love of Julie Klassen with me; telling me that since I loved Austenesque, I would love Julie Klassen. Let me tell you something, they were 1000% right! Her stories are full of history, mystery, and romance and are beautifully written! I’ve fallen in love with so many of her characters, and her stories feature so many nods to Jane Austen. Truly a delight for any Jane Austen fan! I’m so very excited to have Julie Klassen visit Austenesque Reviews today and share a little about her latest release, The Secret of Pembrooke Park!
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My “hero,” Jane Austen, and her influence on my characters, by Julie Klassen
I make no secret of the fact that my novels and characters are often inspired by those of Jane Austen. And this is also the case in my latest novel, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. I staunchly believe that we are influenced (for good or ill) by everything we take into our minds (what we read, watch, listen to….); so we’d better make certain we take in good things! I think the works of Jane Austen certainly qualify.
For the first time in eight books, I have written a hero who is a clergyman. He is a curate in a country parish, without a living of his own. The valuable livings were usually held by vicars or rectors, who sometimes had more than one church and congregation under their care. They were sometimes “absentees,” not even living in the parish they served. These men in turn, often hired a younger man—a curate—and paid him out of his own earnings to take services for him, visit the sick in outlying areas, etc. This is the situation my hero, Mr. William Chapman, finds himself in at the beginning of the book. He is poorly paid and overworked, but dedicated. Mr. Chapman is handsome and humble, godly and kind, but also a man’s man—athletic and good-humored, hardworking and not afraid to get his hands dirty. (No Mr. Collins here!) And yes, he notices more about a young lady than her…em…spirituality.
The character of William Chapman was in a great way inspired by Austen’s wry and witty 
Henry Tilney. And yes, my clergyman has red hair just like JJ Feild who played the role of Henry Tilney in the 2007 film version of Northanger Abbey. But beneath his teasing and masculine appeal, William Chapman is deeply concerned about his troubled sister, and the secrets hidden within Pembrooke Park, and within his very family. He is probably my favorite character in the book, and I hope you will fall for him as I did.
I will say that I found it somewhat daunting to represent Church of England clergy and services as they were in the Regency era. To do so, I read biographies of 19th century clergymen, attended several Anglican services in the US and England, and consulted the Book of Common Prayer. But it would take much more than that to become expert. So I asked a London vicar’s wife to read the manuscript to help me avoid errors in describing the services as well as other British gaffes. Her husband kindly answered her questions as needed. Hopefully, I succeeded reasonably well in giving the flavor of the services–and the services rendered–by men of the cloth.
For the book’s heroine, I set out to create a likeable, empathetic character. Abigail Foster is the practical, older daughter, who lives in the shadow of her younger, prettier sister. Abigail holds herself responsible for the financial difficulties plaguing her family and is determined to do all she can to restore her family’s finances—and perhaps her own dowry in the bargain. Hardworking and dependable, Abigail encourages her father to accept the offer of a long-abandoned manor house and undertakes to make it habitable with the help of a small clutch of servants.
Abigail Foster was in many ways inspired by Elinor Dashwood, the reserved, patient, full of “good sense” sister of Sense and Sensibility. As you no doubt recall, it is Elinor who, after the move to modest Barton Cottage, takes the initiative to make sure her mother and sisters live within their means. In similar vein, when the Fosters are forced to sell their London house and take more affordable lodgings, it is Abigail who sets up housekeeping and persuades her family to economize.
But soon after Abigail moves into Pembrooke Park, she begins hearing strange noises at night, finds footprints in the dust, and sees a hooded figure retreating in the shadows. At first, she chalks up the happenings to rumors she’s heard about hidden treasure and treasure hunters, and the influence of the gothic novel she’s been reading. But unlike fanciful Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey, the sounds and sightings are not products of an overactive imagination, but are all too real…
With help from her handsome neighbor and curate, Mr. Chapman, Abigail searches the house, hoping to find its rumored hidden room and treasure. But she will find more than she bargained for–long concealed secrets, danger, and what it really means to be treasured.
I hope you will be as caught up in Abigail’s story as I was when writing it.
What about you? Who is your favorite Austen hero or heroine?
~~~
Giveaway Time!!!
Win One of Four Fabulous Prizes
Win 1 of 4 Fabulous Jane Austen-inspired Prize Packages
To celebrate the release of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, Julie is giving away some lovely prizes!
Three lucky winners will receive one trade paperback or eBook copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, and one grand prize winner will receive one copy of all eight of Julie’s novels: Lady of Milkweed Manor, The Apothecary’s Daughter, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Tutor’s Daughter, The Dancing Master, and The Secret of Pembrooke Park, one DVD of Northanger Abbey (2007) and a Jane Austen Action Figure.
To enter the giveaway contest, simply leave a comment below.
To increase your chances of winning, visit any of the other blog stops on the The Secret of Pembrooke Park Blog Tour and check out Julie’s unique guest posts will be featured on a variety of subjects, along with fun interviews, spotlights, excerpts, and reviews of the novel.
- This giveaway is open to residents in the US, CAN, and UK. Thank you, Julie!
- This giveaway ends March 9th!
I enjoyed learning more about Julie and her love of Jane Austen in this post. I am looking forward to reading The Secret of Pembrooke Park.
Well, Meredith you are responsible for getting me started on Ms. Klassen’s writings. LOL I follow your suggestions often because I find we have the same taste in books. Sooo here we are. =D
Ms. Klassen – I love seeing your train of thought regarding your characters! One of my favorite thing about your books (and I’ve only read two so far!) is your rich descriptions. It yanks me right into the book because I can see it clearly. Whether I win or not…your entire book list is on my TBR list. Thanks for sharing your gift!
Would love to win! I have so enjoyed other books I’ve read by Julie Klassen!
I must confess that I have not read any of Ms. Klassen’s books, but now I am itching to do so. I have always been fascinated that Jane Austen’s clerymen were usually comical, silly men, and, yet, she greatly respected her father and the church. I look forward to reading your books, and thank you for the giveaway.
I love this tour, because I am finding out all kinds of extra tidbits. Thanks for doing this and I am so hopeful for the giveaway.
These books look amazing! Can’t wait to read them!
Love this book! I have added Northanger Abby to my reading list! Julie has made me interested in Jane Austen 🙂
Thank you for this interesting post. I love Julie’s books.
I loved your post. I never realized how Austen’s books helped to shape Klassen’s characters. By reading this I can see the similarities between the two authors.
~Amanda
Mrs. Klassen,
You are my favorite authoress and I have read and loved all of your books. What I love about your books is that you take subjects that people would not have spoken about in proper society during this era and let the characters thoughts and feelings speak for themselves . Thank you for your wonderful characters that bring your books to life.
Many thanks for this post and the very generous giveaway! An older post of Meredith’s highlighted your novels for me and I couldn’t wait to hear more. I just got The Apothecary’s Daughter and I’m loving it! I look forward to reading more of your books and I’d be thrilled to win any of them – or all, if I’m REALLY lucky 🙂
I started reading Ms. Klassen’s books after reading a review of the Silent Governess that Meredith posted. I have loved all the ones I have read so far. I am very excited for her two releases this year!
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
I have yet to read any of Ms. Klassen’s books. This mistake must be remedied!!! I love Darcy and Mr. Tillney. I would love to win the collection of books. If I don’t, I need to start collecting…
Henry Tilney is my favorite Jane Austen hero! I like how you have combined elements of more than one novel with original research to weave a fresh story! I would love to read this book, and will add it to me “to be read” shelf on Goodreads.
As a huge Jane Austen/ Mr. Knightly fan, I have loved every one of Julie Klassen’s novels so far. I cannot wait to read all of the ones to come!
Ahh Mr Tilney, he is most definitely my favorite of the Austen men. This book looks fabulous and I am adding it to my TBR pile as we speak.
Glad to get to know you, Julie!
I was looking forward to hearing from you in Austenesque Reviews because it was, in Meredith´s place, where I knew, first, about your novels. It´s amazing the amount of information a writer has to recollect in order to create a good plot with a good atmosphere. I wish you the best with “Pembrooke Park” but don´t put me for the giveaway because I´m from Spain and I can´t participate ;( I wish I lived in Canada, UK or USA, LOL!
P.S My favourite Austen heroine is Lizzie Bennet but Elinor Dashwood is too one of my faves, and speaking of heroes, I vote for Darcy and Mr. Knightley.
Good luck to all the readers and thanks Meredith for this long-awaited interview 🙂
Thanks so much, Meredith, for hosting me here. I’m enjoying your blog, and reading everyone’s comments.
I loved this interview. I have read all of Julie’s novels except “pembrooke”. I am so looking forward to it. I love the descriptive elements but I also love the characters in these novels. My favorite is “the silent governess”. You truly come to connect with these characters. Congrats julie on your success. I really enjoyed reading how you come up with your characters personalities. I love Henry Tilney as well. Northanger is one of my favorites as well as persuasion.
I’d have to say that my favorite Austen heroine is Elizabeth Bennet.
I love Julie’s books, and this prize package would be so great to win!
I LOVE Elinor Dashwood and I LOVE Abigail!!! 🙂 I really need to read and review more of your work Julie, and get Sense and Sensibility on DVD! 😀
~Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
I loved reading about the inspiration behind the characters in this book. Thanks for the enjoyable feature. Can’t wait to read the book!
I really enjoy Julie Klassen’s novels
and know I will love the newest, because
I adore Northanger Abbey and Henry Tilney. He is not rated highly enough in
the canon (I am not a great Mr Darcy fan.)
Thank you for the giveaway. Hope I win…
Being a huge Julie Klassen fan, I am really enjoying this blog tour!! I’ve read 5 of her books and enjoyed every one tremendously…in fact, I couldn’t read them fast enough! Thank you Julie for a chance to win your books & for the review here. I’m looking forward to reading “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”.
just started The Secret of Pembrooke Park. I am in love. Don’t want to put it down. I am so glad I found your books. So look forward to reading more. You have quickly become my new favorite author.
I just finished this one and adored William and Abby. I loved the Jane Austen flavor too. I look forward to reading more of Julie’s books.
My favorite Austen heroine is Anne Elliott and hero is Capn Wentworth, but I married a Mr. Tilney so I’ve covered a few bases there. Haha!
I think I’ve read every Julie Klassen book she has written! I love her books!
I recognized elements from Persuasion and Northanger Abbey! Sense and Sensibility isn’t my favorite of Austen’s books, so I automatically compared her to Anne Elliot of Persuasion, perhaps because her father is still alive. My favorite Austen heroes are Captain Wentworth, Mr. Tilney, and Mr. Darcy 🙂
Love them, as you know! Can’t wait to see what Lady Maybe will be all about!
Yes, Julie, I fell for Mr. Chapman. Couldn’t help but love the dear man. And his dad! Mac was my favorite character, actually. Funny man.
Blessings,
Andrea
Proofreader/Editor/Writer
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
writingtoinspire.blogspot.com
I’m so excited about the blog tour! Julie Klassen is one of my all-time favorites!
I love all of Jane Austen’s books and the movies based on them!
I am a huge austenesque reader. I also love julie klassen’ swords. I haven’t read this one yet and I’m really looking forward to it.
The Girl in the Gatehouse is my favorite of yours! I listened to it on audio and it was narrated beautifully. Looking foward to your new book.
I’m a Darcy girl all the way… though the good Captain does make me swoon. I’ve never understood the appeal of Henry Tilney.
Thanks, everyone. I am enjoying your comments!
love your books, been reading all of them
I love historical novels. Julie’s book are no exception. They are full of history, rich characters, romance, and adventure. 😀
what a great giveaway!!!
how generous!!
thank you!!
I am not sure I can pick a favorite Austen hero or heroine. This book sounds really good. I like the intrigue of the gothic elements. Thanks for the fabulous informative interview!
Dacy and Elizabeth
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
I don’t really have a favorite Jane Austen character. I do enjoy Julie’s books and am looking forward to reading The Secret of Pembrooke Park.
Regarding heroes, I still love dark, brooding Mr Darcy but I would say that Henry Tilney is a close second. The way he apologizes at the end really made my heart melt!
These books look so great! I’d love to win one!
This book looks like it would make a great addition to our church library. Librarybooks at religious dot Com
I have not yet had the pleasure to read one of ms klaussens books but I can’t wait to enjoy this one. Thanks so much for the exciting review
Love love love Julie Klaussen’s books! I have read them all except The Dancing Master and treasure each one! Thank you Meredith for recommending and thank you Julie for writing such detailed and captivating books! I just finished reading The Apothecary’s Daughter this weekend and really enjoyed it–could not predict all that drama! I think The Tutor’s Daughter and the The Girl in the Gatehouse are my favs…Love to reread her work–so well written and the characters are deep. Thanks for a great interview!
I’m always excited to read new books
I haven’t read any of your books, but now I can’t wait! This book sounds very intriguing. It sounds like a book that I wouldn’t want to put down! I’m definitely going to add it to my to -read list, and I can’t wait to savor the moments of reading it!
My favorite Austen character is Elizabeth Bennett. She too is in the shadow of a beautiful sister yet she embraces her sister’s beauty and charm without jealousy. She is charming, witty and stands for what she believes in, whether it is misplaced or going against perceived class notions.
I love reading these books!!
This looks very cool! I love Jane Austen!
I love everything Jane Austen! Mr. Darcy is definitely my favourite hero. Austenland is currently my favourite Jane Austen inspired book and movie. JJ Field was the actor in both Northanger Abbey and Austenland
My hat is off to you, Julie, for having such a successful career and for allowing us to know you better. However, my head is bowed in shame because I have two books (including this one) sitting on my Kindle unread. They just got bumped up to TBR pile.
Great post, Meredith.
Thanks for the giveaway! Love these books!!
Love Julie Klassen’s books! And Jane Austen of course! Would love to win! Thanks!
I have read every single one of Julie’s books! She is one of my favorite authors!
Thank you for this opportunity. I haven’t read Julie Klausen yet and I’ve been wanting to. So I’m super excited.
I love the Regency Period and historical fiction. I’ll definitely put this book on my goodreads list. Thank you both
I Love Austin’s books especially pride and prejudice and I love how Julie brings a little bit of Austin in her books! I hope I win one of the prizes. I just love reading! ~LaKita
My favorite Austen hero and heroine would have to be: Captain Frederick Wentworth & Anne Elliott , but I must confess that Henry Tilney may be #1 now.. 😀 Thank you for sharing with us Meredith & Julie! ~ Blessings, Juli emeraldelena@hotmail.com
I love your books! I started with Milkweed Manor, fell in love and quickly ordered all your books!
I really enjoyed reading this interview! I love books by Julie Klassen!
I love Emma and Mr Knightly. 😉 But I also really relate to Elinor Dashwood, being an eldest child myself.
I love Jane Austen too. I am watching a DVD Sense and Sensibility. I have read Pride and Prejudice as well.
What an amazing giveaway! Must confess to not having delved into your books. Have at least one on my shelves though. these books sound awesome!!
Fantastic contest, thank you for hosting this giveaway!
wfnren at aol dot com
I enjoy reading Julie’s novels! My favorite so far is The Silent Governess. But in all honestly they are all good!!
I love all of your books, Julie, and can’t pick a favorite because they are all so good and different!. This one is on my TBR list. Am enjoying this tour and your comments. Austen favorites would have to be Darcy and Elinor Dashwood.
I love how your books resemble a Jane Austen feel. Makes me want to delve into her books again!! 🙂 I think my favorite Austen heroine is Anne Elliot. And as for hero–it’s a tie between Mr. Knightly and Henry Tilney. 🙂
I must sadly admit that I have only read one of your books, thus far at least. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more. Your way of writing really puts you in the lives of the characters. Thanks for giving us great books to enjoy and for this giveaway!
I loved this guest post. It’s always wonderful to hear about an author’s research and her inspiration for the characters. Thanks for posting this!
Oh I love all her books!! Can’t wait to read this one!
Dezi A
sethdezAThotmailDOTcom
A great book by a great author!
Loved the book!
So excited for this!! 🙂
Loved the book. Excited for the giveaway!
This would be fabulous as it is already on my TBR list!
Ms. Klassen, it is such a treat to be able to compliment one of my new favorite authors…almost in person. I just finished ‘The Apothecary’s Daughter,’ and absolutely loved it. (My first!) I am so happy to find a beautifully written romance; with intelligence, complicated characters, twisting exciting intrigue, amazing visual scenery and…..wow…the history. I so admire the thorough research involved. Kudos Ms K.
Thank you for your opening statement regarding taking in the good stuff.
Can’t wait to read ‘The Secret of Pembrooke Park.’ Finally!! Someone has written an honorable, likable, and dare I say virile character who is a minister! And in a thoroughly enjoyable tale? I have no doubt.
Oh, and I also want to say how eagerly I await the upcoming ‘The Painter’s Daughter.’
Meredith, once again…broken record here….thank you for your blog, the reviews and interviews. They are the highlights of my email. (Lest you think I’m completely friendless, THEY all text 🙂 )
I am really enjoying the book tour. So excited to read this new book!:)
Meredith, what a lovely Guest Post!
Julie, I’ve read three of your books and loved every one of them. Your attention to details of the era, wonderful characters, and amazing stories are a pleasure to read. I plan to eventually read all of your books.
My favorite Jane Austen character has to be Lizzy Bennett. Who doesn’t want to fall in love with Mr Darcy?? I believe Lizzy expresses many of Austen’s personal opinions, beliefs, hopes, and dreams.
Thank you for the amazing giveaway! And keep writing!
Can’t wait to read this!
Love hearing how Jane Austen’s characters inspire yours, Julie! Now I really have to pick up where I left off reading “Sense & Sensibility” and make sure to read the rest of Jane’s novels!
Austen, Schmausten! I say Klassen, Klassen, and please, more Klassen! Home and hearth await my touch as your books delightfully consume my time. Well worth foregoing the cooking and cleaning, I say. The plot may twist and I do not want to miss it, yea, I even fall asleep imagining the next chapter’s outline :). I awake to be surprised and gratified that you did not follow the plot I entertained. Yours is so much better.
Thank you for sponsoring this generous giveaway. I’ve read all of the books except The Secret of Pembrooke Park and The Tutor’s Daughter. Just the other day, I watched Northanger Abbey. It is one I would enjoy watching again.
I am so looking forward to reading your book “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”
I need to read Northanger Abbey too!
I would like to one just one book. I am very glad I found Julie Klassen’s books. I found them through Goodreads! I love Goodreads. If it weren’t for Goodreads, I may never have found these readers nor have been interested in books. I have already read, “The Secret of Pembrooke Park” already. I liked it. It was scary though. She did a great job on the mystery. For me it wasn’t a novel where I knew what happened next.
Thanks Julie for the post. I loved how your characters are inspired by Jane Austen’s characters and I look forward to reading the Secret of Pembrooke Park. Thanks for the giveaway and as always thank you Meredith for your blog. –Leslie
The newest book “The Secret of Pembrooke Park” sounds wonderful! Read Silent Governess. Would love to win! Thank you for this lovely offer & a chance at winning. Sincerely, Daw Powers.