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5 Minutes for Books — Lady of Milkweed Manor

February 11, 2008 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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A baby born to an unwed mother causes a break with her family. A former love resurfaces. Women suffer with postpartum depression and hysteria. Women from different circumstances find a common bond through motherhood.

The Lady of Milkweed Manor sounds like a novel that could take place in 2008, but it in fact is set in the early 1800s in England. If you like Jane Austen, you will probably like Julie Klassen’s first novel. Even if you don’t like Jane Austen, I think this is worth a read. I enjoyed every page. The subject matter is interestinglady.jpg, the unfolding of the plot is suspenseful, and the writing that tells the story is seamless.

One compelling element of the plot centers around the manor where Charlotte is sent for her “laying in.” Many of the unwed mothers also ends up serving as wet nurses for the more upper-crust women who have recently given birth. Author Julie Klassen answers some questions about this practice:

Your main character finds herself in a very unexpected situation. What is that?

Charlotte, who begins as a proper, respected vicar’s daughter, finds herself working in one of the world’s oldest professions–not as a prostitute–but as a wet nurse. Remember Moses’ mother in the Old Testament? Well, in the 1700s and 1800s, it was common practice to hire a woman to nurse your infant for you. I read one quote that said, “Human milk was the most frequently advertised commodity in the eighteenth century.”

Why was this so common? It seems like such a foreign idea to most of us now.

Several reasons. Medical thought at the time was that mother’s first milk was not good for infants. Beyond that, nursing put a real pinch on social obligations. As I remember all too well from raising m own boys, nursing puts a woman on a very short leash! Fortunately, medical and public opinion toward nursing began to change in the 19th century and maternal breastfeeding became much more common, though I understand that in some South American countries–and in Hollywood–wet nurses are still used.

Read more about the author and the book, including reading more about her research at her website julieklassen.com.

If you’d like to win a copy of The Lady of Milkweed Manor please leave a comment. Come back next week to see if you won.

The three winners of Unlimiting God are

#66 Fruitbearer
#13 Monica
#83 Deborah

If you won, you should have an email from me asking for your address. If you didn’t win, you can click through the link to order your own copy.

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5 Minutes for Books — Art for Kids
Her Poor Auntie!

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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122 Comments

  1. Ingrid J. says

    January 28, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    I read a preview of this book and would really like to read it. Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Helen Keeler says

    February 17, 2008 at 9:40 pm

    I would love to read!

    Reply
  3. Sue George says

    February 17, 2008 at 9:07 pm

    Please pick me – I really need some Mom reading time!

    Reply
  4. WandaJean says

    February 17, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    Sounds like a good book,thank you for the contest, please enter me.

    Reply
  5. Sarah Ulfers says

    February 17, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    I love to read!

    Reply
  6. Pamela White says

    February 17, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    I want this book

    Reply
  7. Kristi says

    February 17, 2008 at 12:19 pm

    please enter me, thanks!

    Reply
  8. kathy pease says

    February 17, 2008 at 11:10 am

    please enter me

    Reply
  9. Sylvia Porter says

    February 17, 2008 at 4:17 am

    sounds like a good read!

    Reply
  10. Samantha Pruitt says

    February 17, 2008 at 1:32 am

    cool beans!

    Reply
  11. Nina says

    February 16, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    I’d love to win this… thanks so much!

    Reply
  12. Jennifer Barr says

    February 16, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    would love to win 🙂

    Reply
  13. philip halter says

    February 16, 2008 at 6:22 pm

    what a great prize

    Reply
  14. bryon shaffer says

    February 16, 2008 at 4:13 pm

    hope i win

    Reply
  15. Angela Thompson says

    February 16, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    Can’t beat a good book

    Reply
  16. rachel says

    February 16, 2008 at 12:40 pm

    sounds like a great read! wet-nursing is so foreign to us now, it would be interesting to see how it played out back then.

    Reply
  17. L McLendon says

    February 16, 2008 at 1:00 am

    I love to read.

    Reply
  18. diane says

    February 15, 2008 at 11:34 pm

    would love to get this

    Reply
  19. Maria says

    February 15, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    It sounds great – I would love to read it.

    Reply
  20. Nicole Price says

    February 15, 2008 at 4:54 pm

    I really think I’d enjoy this book. Enter me too please.

    Reply
  21. Mani Kumar says

    February 15, 2008 at 2:08 pm

    Would like to read this one . Looks interesting.
    Thanks

    Reply
  22. Taryn says

    February 14, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    Sounds great!

    Reply
  23. Nikki Evans says

    February 14, 2008 at 6:01 pm

    Please enter me for a chance to win! Thanks, good luck to all that enter!!!

    Reply
  24. Jenn says

    February 14, 2008 at 5:58 pm

    I’d love to win!

    Reply
  25. Shannon B. says

    February 14, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    I love Jane Austen so I’d like to read this. Thanks!

    Reply
  26. lifeasamama says

    February 14, 2008 at 9:41 am

    is it too late to enter? how did i miss this one?!

    Reply
  27. Ivan Girl says

    February 14, 2008 at 3:48 am

    i love jane austen so i guess i’m gonna like julie klassen’s new book.

    besides, the story looks interesting.

    hope to win a copy!

    ivan(dot)manalansan(at)gmail.com

    thanks.

    Reply
  28. ray davison, II says

    February 13, 2008 at 11:01 pm

    Great contest! Count me in.

    Reply
  29. Karen (mommy of three) says

    February 13, 2008 at 10:03 pm

    Sounds great, please count me in, thanks!

    Reply
  30. Noralee says

    February 13, 2008 at 11:54 am

    Add me in the drawing please. Thank you.

    Reply
  31. Jessica says

    February 13, 2008 at 9:55 am

    It looks like it will be a interesting read. Sign me up please!

    Reply
  32. Deborah says

    February 13, 2008 at 1:28 am

    This looks like a fabulous book!

    dbstout(at)juno(dot)com

    Reply
  33. Kara Poulios says

    February 13, 2008 at 12:52 am

    This book sounds good! I’d love to win

    Reply
  34. Miss Heidi says

    February 12, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    Please enter me. Thanks.
    Heidi
    [email protected]

    Reply
  35. Megan says

    February 12, 2008 at 11:09 pm

    Sounds interesting. I’d love to read it.

    Reply
  36. Meagan says

    February 12, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    I love Jane Austin! And I love to read!

    Reply
  37. Paula McClement says

    February 12, 2008 at 9:43 pm

    Great book. Count me in too.

    Reply
  38. Caryn Bailey says

    February 12, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    Count me in please!!!

    Reply
  39. Overwhelmed With Joy! says

    February 12, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    This book sounds wonderful! If it’s not too late, please enter me in your drawing.

    If I win, I’ll read it and then pass it on in one of my future Pay It Forward book exchanges. 🙂

    Thanks so much!

    Reply
  40. Martha Champion says

    February 12, 2008 at 8:11 pm

    I would love this book. Sounds interesting and I could use something to help take me away from my busy life.

    Reply
  41. Kathy Conley says

    February 12, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    Count me in

    Reply
  42. Maureen says

    February 12, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    I am a Jane Austen Fan so this looks interesting.

    Reply
  43. Beth Kuligowski says

    February 12, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    Sounds like an interesting read. THanks for the chance to win! -beth

    Reply
  44. Shelly says

    February 12, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    I am intrigued by this book. Thanks!

    Reply
  45. Laurie Jameson says

    February 12, 2008 at 2:16 pm

    Right up my alley!

    Reply
  46. Lana says

    February 12, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    I would love to win a romance novel!

    Reply
  47. Katie Wilson says

    February 12, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    Looks good! Please enter me! Thanks!

    Reply
  48. aBookworm says

    February 12, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    Sounds like a great read! Count me in.

    I’ve also posted this at my book review/contest blog – abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com

    Hope that’s ok with you. Thanks!

    Reply
  49. Nancy says

    February 12, 2008 at 1:01 pm

    Sounds really good. Please include me in your giveaway.

    Reply
  50. Susan Chester says

    February 12, 2008 at 12:23 pm

    I havn’t read this, but it sounds like a great read. I love reading about values in times past.

    Reply
  51. Deborah says

    February 12, 2008 at 10:44 am

    Oh yes – I love to read, and this sounds sooo interesting. If I win, you can contact me at dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com Thanks!

    Reply
  52. Bebemiqui says

    February 12, 2008 at 10:41 am

    Count me in.

    Reply
  53. Vickie Couturier says

    February 12, 2008 at 9:05 am

    sounds like a great book to curl up with

    Reply
  54. Nichole says

    February 12, 2008 at 6:02 am

    Sounds great! I love Jane Austen and historical fiction.

    Reply
  55. melody is slurping life says

    February 12, 2008 at 3:46 am

    I’m not so lucky recently. But put me in again. 🙂

    Reply
  56. Gloria Dornin says

    February 12, 2008 at 12:05 am

    I love to read

    Reply
  57. Karin says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:37 pm

    Please enter me in the giveaway. Thank you.

    Reply
  58. renee griffin says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:24 pm

    I would love to read sounds interesting. great giveaway.

    Reply
  59. Beth says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:23 pm

    I’d love to win this book, it seems very interesting.

    (As I type this one-handed while nursing my son.)

    Reply
  60. kristine says

    February 11, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    sounds fascinating!

    Reply
  61. Darla Connor says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm

    looks like very good reading

    Reply
  62. Sandra says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:12 pm

    a new book to read!!

    Reply
  63. Shaun Wallner says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:09 pm

    This sounds like a great book.

    Reply
  64. DARIJA says

    February 11, 2008 at 8:11 pm

    Give me a good book and sunny day and my blanket. Call me happy

    Reply
  65. Jill says

    February 11, 2008 at 8:01 pm

    This book looks great!

    Reply
  66. Anita Yancey says

    February 11, 2008 at 7:57 pm

    I’d love to read this book. Please enter me.

    Reply
  67. Lisa Oguin says

    February 11, 2008 at 7:41 pm

    This sounds like a very interesting book.

    Reply
  68. Becky says

    February 11, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    I can always use a good book.

    Reply
  69. Diane Perkins says

    February 11, 2008 at 7:08 pm

    sounds like a great book, love to win!

    Reply
  70. Shakeia Rieux says

    February 11, 2008 at 6:08 pm

    please enter me

    Reply
  71. jenna says

    February 11, 2008 at 5:47 pm

    This would be great to have, and I’m going to recommend it to my book club.

    Reply
  72. Shannon says

    February 11, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    Sounds like a good one!

    Reply
  73. lovedandamazed says

    February 11, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    This book sounds very interesting and I would love to read it. Please count me in!

    Reply
  74. Rachael says

    February 11, 2008 at 5:11 pm

    I want to win!

    Reply
  75. Cindi Hoppes says

    February 11, 2008 at 4:39 pm

    I have been reading author interviews and reviews on this book. It is supposed to be marvelous! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi

    Reply
  76. Vickie says

    February 11, 2008 at 4:36 pm

    This sounds like a good book. Please count me in.

    Reply
  77. Tonya says

    February 11, 2008 at 4:15 pm

    Sounds like a winner to read at the playground.

    Reply
  78. Alexia says

    February 11, 2008 at 3:53 pm

    I’d love a chance to win this book, it sounds like a really great storyline!

    Reply
  79. Cynthia says

    February 11, 2008 at 3:10 pm

    This sounds like a good read.

    Reply
  80. jenny hebert says

    February 11, 2008 at 3:09 pm

    I could use a good book

    Reply
  81. Lisa O says

    February 11, 2008 at 3:07 pm

    Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  82. Tara Robertson says

    February 11, 2008 at 2:28 pm

    sounds good to me 🙂

    Reply
  83. Shawna says

    February 11, 2008 at 1:43 pm

    sounds like a very interesting read

    Reply
  84. Mary says

    February 11, 2008 at 1:23 pm

    Thanks for the entry!

    Reply
  85. Linda Pinto says

    February 11, 2008 at 1:17 pm

    It sounds like a good read.

    Reply
  86. Trisha from BGBJewelry says

    February 11, 2008 at 1:10 pm

    I would love a new book! Thank you!

    Reply
  87. Shannon H says

    February 11, 2008 at 1:00 pm

    Sounds great, please enter me, thanks!

    Reply
  88. Danielle S says

    February 11, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    Sounds like a good one!
    dansan826 at yahoo.com

    Reply
  89. Jennifer says

    February 11, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    I love Austen, so I’d like to read this book!

    Reply
  90. distybug says

    February 11, 2008 at 12:06 pm

    Sounds very interesting.

    Reply
  91. Dawn says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:57 am

    I sounds like a great book.

    Reply
  92. Edward Durbin says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:57 am

    Make me a winner…Please
    also great luck to all…

    Reply
  93. Corina Smith says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:51 am

    Sounds like a very interesting and good read.
    Sign me up! great giveaway!

    Reply
  94. Rachie S. says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:38 am

    wow sounds like a great book!

    Reply
  95. Liz says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:36 am

    Sounds fascinating! Count me in…it might let me forget about my car woes for a little while.

    Reply
  96. Leigh Anne Wilkes says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:24 am

    I am a huge Jane Austen fan so I think I will love this book!

    Reply
  97. Rachel says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:17 am

    ooh ooh me please. I am pregnant with my fourth, have morning sickness, and need something to look forward to in the evening.

    Reply
  98. Heather says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:16 am

    I’d love to win this!

    Reply
  99. Amy EssentialFamilyLiving says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:15 am

    Another book I would love to read.

    Reply
  100. Trish says

    February 11, 2008 at 11:09 am

    Sounds interesting! Sign me up please!

    Reply
  101. Amy R. says

    February 11, 2008 at 10:39 am

    Ths sounds very interesting!

    Reply
  102. Brenda Prentice (Time and Season) says

    February 11, 2008 at 10:33 am

    Sounds interesting. Thanks.

    Reply
  103. charlotte padgett says

    February 11, 2008 at 10:23 am

    Wow! I want to win this.

    Reply
  104. cpa mom says

    February 11, 2008 at 10:22 am

    please enter me. that books sounds great!

    Reply
  105. Mama Zen says

    February 11, 2008 at 10:11 am

    This sounds fabulous!

    Reply
  106. Kelly says

    February 11, 2008 at 10:10 am

    Sounds good. Count me in.

    Reply
  107. Sara says

    February 11, 2008 at 10:04 am

    Sounds like a good read.

    Reply
  108. Shannon says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:54 am

    I love reading, sounds like an interesting book.

    Reply
  109. Lauren says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:50 am

    This sounds great! Please include me!

    Reply
  110. kelli in the mirror says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:50 am

    Sounds like a good book!

    Reply
  111. Frank Dendwick says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:30 am

    Sounds like a good read.

    Reply
  112. Laurie - coffeequeen says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:02 am

    This looks like a great read!

    Reply
  113. Blessed says

    February 11, 2008 at 9:01 am

    This sounds like an interesting story.

    Reply
  114. Heidi says

    February 11, 2008 at 8:48 am

    Sounds like an interesting book~ I like historical fiction and enjoy Jane Austen. Sign me up!

    Reply
  115. Michelle says

    February 11, 2008 at 5:46 am

    This books sounds wonderful. You have done a great job of making me intrigued. I would love to be entered.

    Reply
  116. Rose says

    February 11, 2008 at 3:02 am

    I’d love a copy!

    Reply
  117. Michele says

    February 11, 2008 at 2:28 am

    Sounds wonderful…I love Jane Austen. Please enter me.

    Reply
  118. Heather C says

    February 11, 2008 at 2:00 am

    Well, I do love Jane Austen, so sign me for this one. 🙂 Thanks.

    Reply
  119. Amanda says

    February 11, 2008 at 1:21 am

    please enter me thanks

    Reply
  120. Krista says

    February 11, 2008 at 1:10 am

    Sounds like a very interesting read. Sign me up please!

    Reply
  121. Noreen says

    February 11, 2008 at 12:37 am

    I would love to read this book

    Reply

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