Bloomington, Minn. (July 18, 2019)—Award-winning, bestselling author Julie Klassen has reached over a million readers with her compelling Regency fiction novels. Bethany House Publishers staff gathered together this month to celebrate this milestone with reader tributes, a speech by Klassen, and—of course—tea and scones.
Klassen worked in publishing as a fiction editor for sixteen years before becoming a full-time writer. She is a self-described “lover of all things Jane Austen and Jane Eyre,” and many of her stories include subtle nods to them. Her debut novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor, was one of the first inspirational novels set in Regency England. Since then, she has written a total of fourteen novels, all taking place in England between 1811 and 1820, the time period in which many of Jane Austen’s novels are set. Some have an air of gothic mystery, others explore charming countryside village life, but all are beloved by readers for their compelling characters and page-turning plots.
During her career, Klassen has received extensive recognition for her achievements, including three Christy Awards, the Minnesota Book Award for genre fiction, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s Best award.
Her annual book launch event at Barnes & Noble each year is always standing room only, as more than one hundred readers gather to have a book signed and listen to Klassen speak about topics as diverse as coaching inns and period wedding traditions—sometimes while she’s dressed in a proper Regency gown, spencer, and bonnet.
Contact: Amy Green, 952-828-2596, agreen@bethanyhouse.com
Praise for Julie Klassen’s Novels:
“Klassen draws on Jane Austen’s impeccably crafted novels in her latest richly nuanced and superbly written inspirational Regency romance.”
—Booklist starred review of The Painter’s Daughter
“Klassen blends her tale well; each ingredient—romance, friendship, mystery—is measured to produce a lively tale that will satisfy Regency aficionados and general readers, too.”
—Publishers Weekly on The Apothecary’s Daughter
“Klassen has combined all kinds of reader-favorite elements in this mystery romance, including a grand estate, inscrutable villagers, a family tragedy and the first sweet buds of a love story . . . a gem for Regency and inspirational readers alike.”
—BookPage on The Secret of Pembrooke Park