I’ve loved multiple award-winning author Julie Klassen since I first read her gripping historical romance, Lady of Milkweed Manor. It moved me to tears, and I’ve read almost every Julie Klassen book since. Last summer, I got to interview her for my YouTube channel: The Book Club Life.
Answering questions inspired by themes and quotes from Lady of Milkweed Manor (and some just-for-fun questions, too), Julie shared about:
- A time she used a secret identity
- Sacrifice
- Something so beautiful, she cried
- Her mistaken impressions about a certain man
- And so much more!
Want to watch? Here you go! (After watching, scroll down to ENTER THE GIVEAWAY for winner’s choice of any Julie Klassen novel.)
As mentioned, I’m giving away winner’s choice of any of Julie’s books, including her newest:
The Bridge to Belle Island
(affiliate link)
Back Cover:
After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn’t satisfied with Bow Street’s efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect–a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?
On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee’s murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man’s death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended . . . this.
When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn’t know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.
I can’t wait to read it!
To Enter the Giveaway (2 Steps)
- Click this link to subscribe to my newsletter, check your e-mail, and confirm that you want to subscribe. (If you’re already a subscriber, you can skip this step.) Even if you don’t win, I’ll send all new subscribers a free PDF of my short story romance, Sweet Sentiments. (If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your junk mail!)
THEN…
2. Leave a comment about the interview or sharing which Julie Klassen book you’d like if you win. You can comment here on the blog, on YouTube, or on any of my corresponding Facebook or Instagram posts about the interview. I’ll count them all, so comment in all four places if you like! Likes, hearts, and shares are appreciated, too. : ) (But not required!)
The contest begins now and ends Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 9:00 pm Central Time.
(***Restrictions/Giveaway Rules Posted below)
ONE MORE THING…
If you enjoyed the show, would you mind tapping the “thumbs up” on YouTube? And if you really liked it, would you consider tapping the subscribe button on my YouTube channel and clicking the bell to receive notifications? This helps you to not miss an episode and helps make the show discoverable to new viewers. If you’re interested, here is the link directly to my YouTube channel, The Book Club Life.
Thanks for watching and happy reading!!
Jenny
***Giveaway Rules: Must be 18 to enter. Only one randomly selected winner will receive his or her choice of book by Julie Klassen. Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond with a mailing address. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, he or she will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. Contest only open to residents in the contiguous United States of America.
****Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Edited on 12/21/19 to add: Congrats Jennifer N. for winning the giveaway! I’ll be in touch with you shortly to find out where to send you book!
I loved the interview! I own The Lady of Milkweed Manor and The Bridge to Bell Island 😉. Interesting enough,
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, is one of the two that I have not read from her, and you hooked me with the chamber pot comment 😆. Thank you for the giveaway and great interview! 🙌 ❤️
LOL! It really is a fun read. And I hope to join you in owning The Bridge to Belle Island soon! It’s on my Christmas list, so I know it will be appearing under the tree any day now. : )
Awesome pawesome! Christmas books are the best books in my opinion!
I think I have read all of Julie’s books except the new one “The Bridge to Belle Island. I have loved them all!
I’ve loved every one I’ve read too, Tracie! They’re among the best out there, in my opinion. Thanks for tossing your name in the hat!
I love Julie Klassen’s writing and own several of her books. I believeI would choose The Maid of Fairbourne Hall if I won.
The interview was so good. I love learning about my favorite authors.
Oooh, that would be a great choice, Paula. One of my favorites of hers. : )
I would love the bridge to belle island. Thanks. Great interview!
I’m hoping to read that one soon, too! Thanks for the interview love, Margaret. It’s nice to hear! : )
Enjoyed the interview so much. Loved all your great questions and hearing Julie’s answers. She is such a humble person. Love all Julie’s books, and reread them periodically, they are that good. It amazes me how when you read Julie’s books you feel like you are right there with the characters. How does she do that? I would love to have a copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall.
Thanks so much
That is a good question, Phyllis! I don’t know how she does it. (Though as a writer, I’d really like to!) But I am so glad she does. Truly, it’s such a gift to be able to enter the worlds she creates for a little while. Also, I agree with you about Julie being humble. So talented, and yet humble, kind, and friendly. <3
Such a fun interview! I’d love to win a copy of her new book “The Bridge to Belle Island” 😍
Thank you, Katie! I’ve got your name in the hat. : )
I have read all of Julie’s books and am always anxiously waiting for the next!!! I would love to win her newest book, Bridge toBelle Island!!!!
So fun to meet a fellow Julie Klassen fan, Lynette! <3 I've read almost all Julie's books and have been looking forward to this one for months! It's going to be so gooooood!!! : )
I discovered her when trying to find a kind of rewrite of Persuasion. Her book “The Girl in the Gatehouse” was recommended in the list. It was the only one that truly interested me. I’ve been hooked on her books ever since. Would love her latest book, but I might have missed another one of her old ones.
Oh, how neat. Thanks for sharing that, Joanna. I love hearing the stories of how people found the authors they love. <3
And I would definitely get onto her website and see if there’s one you missed! What a fun discovery that would be! A whole extra book. 🙂
I love Julie’s books! I have read all of her books, some more than once! I would love to get her latest, The Bridge to Belle Island. I loved your interview with her….lots of great questions!
Oh, thank you, Susan! I love knowing that you liked the interview. <3 (And I've reread some of Julie's books, too!)
Love, love, love Julie Klassen! Can’t wait to read her newest.
Me too, Andrea! I hope I can keep myself from fishing it out from under my Christmas tree, but I’m not sure I’m going to make it! LOL
What an honor and privilege to interview such a wonderful person! You guys had a blast and covered some great topics. As a side note, I too have cried those ugly tears 😭.
I love ALL of Julie Klassen’s books. She’s on my automatic purchase list!! The only I have not yet read or purchased is her newest one (so here’s hoping 😊).
Oh, thank you, Brandi! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Yes! It was an honor and a privilege–one of the highlights of my year! Julie is one of my must-reads, too. In fact, I’m having a hard time waiting for this one! I may have to sneak a peak before Christmas…
Sooo fun!! And I’d have to pick her newest book! I’ve read all her others. 😁
I’ve got your name in the hat, Dezi! <3
You always do an excellent job with your interviews! I thoroughly enjoyed the interview. I haven’t read any of her vooks yet, so The Lady of Milkweed Manor would be my choice. I do wonder, though why she chose to name the manor Milkweed? Thanks for the interview! I’m already a newsletter subscriber.
Great question, Perrianne. I believe Milkweed is in the title because it’s referencing the Milkweed plant. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch butterfly caterpillars eat, and it comes up in the story’s theme. Such a great story. You definitely need to put this on your Christmas list, even if you don’t win. After you read it, I’d love to know your thoughts!
I love Julie’s books and would love to read this one! Such a pretty cover.
It is gorgeous, isn’t it? Thanks for chiming in, Shelly! <3
Julie is one of my favorite authors! I just subscribed to your newsletter.
She’s one of my favorite authors, too! <3 <3 Thanks for subscribing! I hope you enjoy the free short story, Sweet Sentiments. : ) (If it doesn't show up in your inbox, check your spam folder.)
Sounds like a great read.
Yes, it does, doesn’t it! Julie is so good at weaving intricate tales with mystery and romance. <3
As I commented on facebook, it was a great interview and I really enjoyed the writing workshop I took in Bemidji, Mn with Julie Klassen and Michelle Griep teaching it. I would LOVE to win Julie’s latest book.
I suscribed to your newsletter and am looking forward to reading your books. You do a wonderful job coming up with your interview questions!
Thank you, Bonnie! I so appreciate it. (And I hope you enjoy the free short story for new newsletter subscribers!) <3
This book sound really good. So does The Bridge to Belle Island. I love all her books.
Me too, Bobbi! I can’t wait to dive into The Bridge to Belle Island.
Hi Julie,
I would love to receive a copy of your book The Apothecary‘s Daughter. I read the book awhile ago and it is still one of my all time favorite reads! I enjoyed her character very much. Thank you for writing and giving us Christlike, historical books to read and ponder.
The Apothecary’s Daughter was a wonderful read! Thanks for chiming in, Patricia! <3
Wow!! Thanks Jenny! I loved this interview. Great questions and I loved Julie’s answers! She’s one of my favorite authors too! And actually her book “The Silent Governess” is what started me as an avid reader of Historical Fiction and Christian Fiction. Through her I discovered other authors later, but she was the first and a true favorite! One of my favorite books from her is “The Tutors Daughter”! Awesome author and awesome stories full of sweet romance, intrigue and faith inspiring characters!
Wow, Paty! I love knowing this about you! The Silent Governess is another one of Julie’s I have on my favorites shelf. She is truly one of the best authors out there, in my opinion. Have you read The Painter’s Daughter? That’s another fave of mine that I think I forgot to mention in the interview. So good! Such an honorable hero. Loved “meeting” you Paty! Thanks for joining in the conversation.
I’d love to win The Bridge to Belle Island! I’ve read a couple of Julie’s books and loved them. I need to get caught up on the rest of them.
What a great problem to have, Winnie! I wish I could go back and read some of Julie’s again for the first time. Even so, I’ve reread a couple of them. : ) Thankfully, she is still writing, and I have a new one to look forward to each year. Thanks for entering! I’ve got your name in the hat.
I would like to win Bridge to Belle Island. I have read all of Julie Klassen’s other books. I love her writing!
Me too, Connie! So nice to “meet” another major fan of Julie’s. : ) Thanks for chiming in!
Thanks for the wonderful interview, Julie and Jenny! Julie is a fantastic author! I would love to win The Bridge to Belle Island! It sounds FANTASTIC!!!
Oops! I forgot to say that I am a newsletter subscriber. I also commented on your interview posts on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. 🙂
Thanks, Alison. I recognized you! <3 I've got your name in the hat. : )
It is, Alison! I’m a few chapters in and loving it!
I love Julie’s books! All of the ones I have read so far are so good!
Me too! She’s one of my favorites!!
I’ve read quite a few of Julie’s earlier books, but it’s been a while! I would love to read The Bridge to Belle Island.
You’d love it, Patty! I’m almost to the end and have loved every second. <3
I loved the interview. The questions were very interesting and it seems like I know Julie Klassen much better now. I would love to have a copy of “Bridge to Belle Island.
Thank you for taking time to say so, Bev! <3 It means so much. I've got you entered!
I’d love to be entered into the giveaway! I’ve loved Julie’s books for a long time – I bought “Lady of Milkweed Manor” the year it came out because Iwas browsing a Christian book store and I fell in love with the cover – and I’ve been hooked since! I’d love to win her newest book (“The Bridge to Belle Island”) or the other one I LOVE, but have yet to own… “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”!
Thank you for the opportunity and the wonderful interview!!
Your story of discovering Julie Klassen is very similar to mine! I’ve got you entered in the drawing, Dallas!
Congrats to Jennifer N. for winning your choice of any Julie Klassen novel! Woohoo! I’ll be in touch with you shortly to find out where to send it!
I’d love the Bridge to Belle Island! So nice to hear what Julie has to say, and kudos to you for insightful questions.
Thank you, Barbara! Someone else has already won the giveaway, but I do hope you’ll get the chance to read it anyway. It was completely wonderful. <3