 Author: Julie Klassen Genre: Historical Romance Pages: 368 Release Date: December 2, 2025 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance. Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year. Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late?
 Reviewer: Diana Varela Definitely a read you do not want to miss. It is full of mystery and twists that is a real page turner. This had a smidgen of romance, and the person who Anna was going to stay with was a mystery until way into the story. The main focus of the book was the mystery. And it was such a good mystery book. There were times where I thought it was going one way and knew who the culprit was, but then Julie Klassen threw my suspicions elsewhere, so it kept me on my toes constantly. Aside from the murder, there were family problems that unraveled that I was taken aback by. It took a lot of planning from Julie Klassen, and I think she did such an excellent job constructing this novel. It is told from just Anna’s point of view. This book was super well written. I liked Julie Klassen’s writing style. She is an author that I will read other books by her just based on her writing. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.  Reviewer: Winnie Thomas Talented author Julie Klassen has once again penned an absorbing Regency historical fiction story in her book, Whispers at Painswick Court. With obvious impeccable research, well-drawn and engaging characters, and some added mystery and suspense, this tale illustrates once again why Klassen is such a popular and well-known Christian fiction author. Anne Loveday has trained by her surgeon father’s side and knows much about health care and the use of herbal remedies. When her mother’s friend invites her to Painswick, she quickly agrees in order to escape her stepmother’s matchmaking. Upon arriving at Painswick, she is asked to act as a nurse to Lady Celia and soon finds that someone is trying to do the old lady harm. Lady Celia’s two nephews show up, and along with two doctors and Lady Celia’s daughter, there are suspects galore. Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages. With plenty of suspense, an abundance of secrets, and a dash of romance, this book will appeal to those who enjoy Christian historical Regency fiction. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin Wow! This book is amazing! I think it’s my favorite book by Julie Klassen so far! There’s mystery, intrigue, suspense, a “ghost” and a very sweet love story. The characters are written brilliantly! Each one had some sort of mysterious quality. I was immediately invested in their stories. Anne is a wonderful young woman. She has the gift of being a wonderful nurse, but she doesn’t believe in herself due to an unfortunate situation. She’s compassionate, caring and a protector. Dr. Ernest Finch is 😍! He’s very mysterious because he’s keeping a huge secret. He’s also compassionate, caring and treats his patients with tender care. He also turned out to be quite the romantic!! Lady Celia is very important to the whole plot. Her tenacity and iron grip on her family led many to despise her. Unfortunately for her, this led to many people wanting her dead. The actual perpetrator completely surprised me! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen is a slow-burn romance with a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Anne Loveday is a surgeon’s daughter who has been asked to serve as a nurse to Lady Celia. She is happy to do so as her stepmother is playing matchmaker, and it is driving her to distraction, as she is determined never to marry. So she wants to get as far away from her as possible. While at Painswick Court, she meets Dr. Finch. Here is where I had a problem with the story. Dr. Finch appears to be a possible love interest for Anne, but as the story progresses, I found it hard to believe they had any interest in one another at all. Yes, some signs were there, but when it appeared a romance was developing, it didn’t feel genuine to me at all. I realize I’m probably in the minority on this one, but I just didn’t “feel” it. The mystery of who might be trying to harm Lady Celia on the other hand, was far more interesting. I had my suspicions, but the author had me second-guessing. I was very surprised at how it all turned out in the end. If you like slow-burn romances with a bit of a mystery, you will enjoy Whispers at Painswick Court. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review. Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise Another fabulous Regency story by Julie Klassen, Whispers at Painswick Court adds an element of intrigue that goes well with the setting of an old estate in the Cotswolds. Anne Loveday, feeling unappreciated at home, travels to Painswick to spend time with an old friend. While there, she agrees to tend an elderly lady as a nurse in the old mansion at Painswick Court. This atmospheric read saw Anne finally seeing herself as a beloved child of God and switching her perspective on family and service to others. A certain young doctor, Ernest Finch, sees great qualities in Anne, but circumstances and secrets interfere, not to mention sightings of the ghost of King Charles I. Something is amiss, and more than one person is in danger. Ms. Klassen kept me guessing as to who was at the center of the nefarious happenings. Beautifully written, with an engaging plot and characters, this one is definitely a keeper. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone. Reviewer: Anna Bottoms Whispers at Painswick Court is a refreshingly different type of historical mystery with the perfect blend of romance and suspense. I was captivated from the very first words and finished it in one day. Anne’s character was engaging, interesting, and someone I would have wanted to be friends with had I lived during that time period. Her skill as a nurse/doctor’s assistant is only surpassed by her crime-solving instincts and compassion for others. The other characters lent their own value to the story as they interacted with Anne and with one another. They were all uniquely different yet somehow complemented one another and drove the story forward. This is one of the best historical novels I’ve read this year. No rehashed ideas, but a truly refreshing book I will read again. I highly recommend it. I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book. Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson Another beautiful masterpiece from one of my favourite authors! Julie Klassen has a way of engaging readers with her novels. From plots that keep you glued to her work and well-crafted characters, there is never a dual moment when reading her writings. Whispers at Painswick Court, the latest novel from this cherished author, does not fail to deliver. The novel is set in the Gloucestershire County where Anne Louise Loveday leaves home to visit her deceased mother’s friend, Ms Charlotte Newland. Anne, who has been helping her father, a physician, is encouraged by two doctors and Charlotte to take up a role as a nurse to the ailing Lady Celia Fitzjohn, the owner of Painswick Court. All is not as it seems at Painswick Court as someone is intent on killing Anne’s ward. Is it Dr Ernest Finch, Lady Celia Fitzjohn’ young physician? Or the relatives of Lady Celia who have gathered at Painswick Court? The suspense and growing romance kept me engaged with this novel until the end. Julie Klassen, you have done a brilliant job. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who wants a dish of mystery served with romance on the side. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Lori Parrish I knew this book was gonna be good when I opened it. I found a quote right off that I got to thinking about. “Do you really think there is only one path to happiness? God is bigger and life is more complicated than that. You waste so much time pining for what you can’t have that you miss—even scoff at—other excellent opportunities right in front of you.” How true this is! I was excited when I saw this. I knew I had to have it right away. I love Klassen’s books. They never disappoint. I flew through this one because it was so good! I loved Anne Loveday. She was so good to the grumpy old lady. I didn’t like the old lady at first. She made me kind of mad at her, but I found myself liking her as I read on. I loved the mysterious figures, and that’s what kept me turning the pages to see what they were up to. I really enjoyed staying at Painswick Court. My visit there was awesome. Imagine the stories that mansion could tell! I didn’t want to leave. Klassen made this story so delightful and realistic that I felt like I was really there! There were a few characters that I didn’t like, of course, but they are what made this book in my opinion. Five stars for keeping me turning the pages and a job well done! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney
" . . . . someone in Painswick could use your help, though I hesitate to name the person, for fear it will put you off coming here." Stifled by her stepmother's near constant romantic machinations, Anne Loveday takes advantage of an invitation to visit one of her mother's dearest friends in Painswick. Upon arrival she realizes that Miss Lotty's invitation carries a strong suggestion to utilize her bedside nursing skills to benefit an esteemed member of the local community, with whom her family, her sister in particular, had formed a less than positive impression. Arriving at Painswick Court, Anne not only encounters a myriad of curious circumstances but fears that someone close within the household wishes deadly harm upon her patient. Establishing an informal friendship with one of the doctors in attendance, Anne enjoys sharing treatments and remedies from years of experience assisting her own father, yet Anne often gets the sense that even Dr. Finch is harboring secrets. Shadowy figures, ill-tempered family members, and inexplicable accidents all combine to create an aura of mystery between every page of this entrancing historical romance. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. Leave a Reply. |
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