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The Danforths of Lancashire #1
Ashton Park
For fans of the hugely popular Downton Abbey series, comes this equally enthralling story of the Danforth family of Ashton Park. Among the green hills and trees of Lancashire, only a few miles from the sea, lies the beautiful and ancient estate of Ashton Park. The year is 1916. The First World War has engulfed Europe and Sir William's and Lady Elizabeth's three sons are all in uniform―and their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul. As the head of a strong Church of England family for generations, Sir William insists the Danforth estate hold morning devotions that include both family and staff. However, he is also an MP and away at Westminster in London whenever Parliament is sitting. During his long absences, Lady Elizabeth discreetly spends time in the company of the head cook of the manor, Mrs. Longstaff, who is her best friend and confidante. This friendship includes visits to a small Baptist church in Liverpool that exposes Lady Elizabeth to a less formal approach to Christian worship and preaching than she is used to and which she comes to enjoy. Readers will follow Ashton Park's charming upstairs/downstairs characters through the perils of war and the affairs of the heart with relish―and with an eye to the sequel coming in Fall 2013. Book One in The Danforths of Lancashire series
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
37 people are currently reading
2112 people want to read
About the author
Murray Pura
151 books747 followersreader, writer, author, free thinker
books published in 2023
KINGFISHER CROSS
NEVENA IN LOVE
CLARA RAVEN
UNDER THE STONES
available on Amazon, B&N, Indigo, etc.
listed for Best Series of the Year Award 2023
Hemingway Award 2022 Seattle
Word Guild Award 2022, 2012 Toronto
books published in 2023
KINGFISHER CROSS
NEVENA IN LOVE
CLARA RAVEN
UNDER THE STONES
available on Amazon, B&N, Indigo, etc.
listed for Best Series of the Year Award 2023
Hemingway Award 2022 Seattle
Word Guild Award 2022, 2012 Toronto
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 23, 2012
It is halfway through WW1 and there is a lot of unrest in England and Ireland. It is during this period that Sir William Danforth with his wife and seven children are trying to live a normal life at Ashton Park—a large estate with a beautiful manor, old family castle, forests, and the Irish Sea nearby.
Sir William, the master of Ashton Park, and his wife Lady Elizabeth have three sons and four daughters. They are all of marriageable age—some are looking for love while others have already found it.
It is expected that the children marry in their own class. But what will happen when they start falling in love with someone of the lower social class?
Sir William expects everyone in his household to remain loyal to the Church of England, just like his family has been for many generations. When he is away for business – he is a Member of Parliament – his wife decides to go to a Baptist church together with the head cook. When Sir William finds out about this he’s none too pleased.
There is a lot of drama in this exciting and enjoyable story. Is the family falling apart because the children go their own way? And what unforeseen dramas will occur after the children marry? I really liked seeing all the family members playing an important role, and all having their own drama to deal with.
A story set in a tumultuous period, with lovely and lovable characters, looking for and finding romance—this is a fabulous read!
Sir William, the master of Ashton Park, and his wife Lady Elizabeth have three sons and four daughters. They are all of marriageable age—some are looking for love while others have already found it.
It is expected that the children marry in their own class. But what will happen when they start falling in love with someone of the lower social class?
Sir William expects everyone in his household to remain loyal to the Church of England, just like his family has been for many generations. When he is away for business – he is a Member of Parliament – his wife decides to go to a Baptist church together with the head cook. When Sir William finds out about this he’s none too pleased.
There is a lot of drama in this exciting and enjoyable story. Is the family falling apart because the children go their own way? And what unforeseen dramas will occur after the children marry? I really liked seeing all the family members playing an important role, and all having their own drama to deal with.
A story set in a tumultuous period, with lovely and lovable characters, looking for and finding romance—this is a fabulous read!
November 27, 2019
Fascinating epic of the Danforth family of the 1000 yr old Ashton Park estate in Lancashire...
Nearing 400 pages of small print and covering 6 years of a large number of intertwined character's lives, this book is for readers who love delving into another era and have enough time to immerse themselves in the lives of another world. Definitely resembling the lengthy Downton Abbey series only in written form. Not for readers faint of heart.
Canadian author, Murray Pura, has used an intriguing style of depicting scenes of many lifestories within the main. Reminiscent of camera shots for a movie, each interjection adds interest and variety that advances another aspect of the plot.
The story begins with sons serving in various positions of sea, land and air service during WW1, including one daughter as a nurse in France while the youngest daughter protest marches against the war in England. Already we grasp uniqueness of richly drawn characters who grow and develop under Pura's capable hand throughout the novel. Introduction of new and fascinating relationships, edge-of-seat high intrigue, abundant adventures, romantic scenes of such beauty they inevitably brought tears, and conspired to keep me reading to completion in one day.
Excellent insights into the era's nobility and class distinctions, familial relationships, upstairs/downstairs staff interactions, political concerns in Ireland throughout the 6 year duration of the novel, interracial interactions, and romantic content from a male perspective.
If you, like CS Lewis, can't find a book long enough or cup of tea large enough, this one's for you!
And a great time to read Ashton Park as Book 2 in The Danforths of Lancashire, 'Beneath the Dover Sky', is set to release July 1st.
I'm looking forward to another great read with anticipation!
Congrats, Murray, on a substantial and well written novel.
Thank you for sharing your writing gift with us.
I can't believe this is my 500th book rating!
The Canadian Reading Challenge, Scotland Reading Challenge, Ireland Reading Challenge, and WW1 Reading Challenge have all been covered in this one book. Amazing.
Now, which book will I read next ...?
Nearing 400 pages of small print and covering 6 years of a large number of intertwined character's lives, this book is for readers who love delving into another era and have enough time to immerse themselves in the lives of another world. Definitely resembling the lengthy Downton Abbey series only in written form. Not for readers faint of heart.
Canadian author, Murray Pura, has used an intriguing style of depicting scenes of many lifestories within the main. Reminiscent of camera shots for a movie, each interjection adds interest and variety that advances another aspect of the plot.
The story begins with sons serving in various positions of sea, land and air service during WW1, including one daughter as a nurse in France while the youngest daughter protest marches against the war in England. Already we grasp uniqueness of richly drawn characters who grow and develop under Pura's capable hand throughout the novel. Introduction of new and fascinating relationships, edge-of-seat high intrigue, abundant adventures, romantic scenes of such beauty they inevitably brought tears, and conspired to keep me reading to completion in one day.
Excellent insights into the era's nobility and class distinctions, familial relationships, upstairs/downstairs staff interactions, political concerns in Ireland throughout the 6 year duration of the novel, interracial interactions, and romantic content from a male perspective.
If you, like CS Lewis, can't find a book long enough or cup of tea large enough, this one's for you!
And a great time to read Ashton Park as Book 2 in The Danforths of Lancashire, 'Beneath the Dover Sky', is set to release July 1st.
I'm looking forward to another great read with anticipation!
Congrats, Murray, on a substantial and well written novel.
Thank you for sharing your writing gift with us.
I can't believe this is my 500th book rating!
The Canadian Reading Challenge, Scotland Reading Challenge, Ireland Reading Challenge, and WW1 Reading Challenge have all been covered in this one book. Amazing.
Now, which book will I read next ...?
July 2, 2019
Very historical read as well as captivating characters. I like that at the beginning of the book you get a quick overview of all characters and who they are married to or related to as it is a bit challenging to keep them straight.
I have learned a lot of history reading this series!
I have learned a lot of history reading this series!
January 31, 2013
Ashton Park, the first in The Danforths of Lancashire series, is being marketed as for those who watch Downton Abbey (isn't that everyone?). It is written by a Canadian author and published by an American company. I had a natural fear that it would be full of illogical Americanisms which I find very annoying in books written by Americans but set in England (although it is always a relief to find books that set somewhere other than in the US). Sadly, my fears were soon confirmed.
Things don’t start well, when the map of the Danforth estate has it situated on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean when the estate is supposed to be in Lancashire. Modern maps show that Lancashire borders the Irish Sea, not the Atlantic Ocean (if this wasn’t the case in 1916, then this would have been an ideal fact to include in an introductory ‘note from the author’).
We then have an overwhelming two-page list of characters. This is too many for one novel, even if it is intended to be the beginning of a series. It also contains a reference to the Royal Air Force, which wasn’t formed until 1918 (the novel starts in 1916 but covers several years). The opening chapters have far too many characters and too much information. It makes it hard, as a reader, to know who or what is important.
Our first introduction is to Victoria, one of the Danforth daughters, who comes across as spirited if somewhat unappealing. In this, she reminds me of Lady Mary, my least favourite character from Downton Abbey. Unfortunately, while Lady Mary has improved with age, I am unable to say the same for Victoria. Overall, the characters are lifeless, missing the acerbic wit of the Dowager Duchess, and the dry wit of Carson, the butler at Downton Abbey.
In some respects, Pura has captured the English essence, like putting up bunting for a celebration. In others, he has failed miserably. There was the patronising spelling of English words like ‘Leftenant’ and ma’arm (which is spelt ‘ma’am’, despite being pronounced as rhyming with ‘arm’, not ‘ham’). There were factual errors, like references to Northern Ireland (which didn’t exist until 1921. Prior to this, it was either Ulster or northern Ireland). There is a reference to Christchurch, Oxford. Christchurch is a city in New Zealand, while Christ Church is the college from the University of Oxford.
There was a conversation about passing notes to girls in school, at a time when only the lower classes attended mixed schools (the upper classes were either tutored at home or attended single-sex boarding schools). At one point, Kipp couldn’t seem to remember ‘what little French he knew’, where most boys of his social class would have received extensive schooling in both French and Latin. And, as a single man in April 1916, Ben Whitecross should already have been conscripted (under the Military Service Act), so shouldn’t have been at Ashton to woo Victoria. I’m also not convinced that a Conservative would have been in favour of Home Rule for Ireland, given that Conservative voters were the landowners who had the most to lose.
And then we have the Americanisms – quit (resigned in this context), gotten (received – the English don’t use gotten as the past participle of ‘get’), two hundred and thirty pounds of weight (the English weigh in stone and pounds), calling people ‘cute’, meaning attractive (it meant ‘shrewd’ in England at this time), eating oatmeal (porridge), cables (telegrams), and May thirty-first (the thirty-first of May).
There were also issues with the writing, like head-hopping and point of view issues, creative speaker attributions (“flared Emma”), and some sentences that were so complex that they were almost incomprehensible (e.g. “Despite the devastating news she awoke to, Lady Elizabeth greeted them with warmth and grace, clever work with cosmetics by her maid, Cynthia, disguising the redness and swollenness under her eyes.” Technically, this is correct. It just would have been easier to read as two sentences).
You may think I'm being dreadfully picky, and maybe I am. But by 10% of the way through Ashton Park, nothing had happened in the plot to gain or maintain my interest. Sure, Robbie had been captured by the Irish, Emma had cancelled her wedding and Ben has been asked to leave for romancing with Miss Victoria. So it wans’t as though nothing happened. It's just that it was all been very hurried, and the conflict was all very passive and distant. It just didn’t engage me, and I tend to notice these things when I’m not engaged.
Then, at around the 27% mark, the book turned interesting for all the wrong reasons. There was a comment to 'Murray' (the author), presumably from the editor. There were another six comments, asking for additional content to fill up plot holes, and asking for facts to be checked or passages to be changed because they were factually incorrect. From an editorial point of view, comments like these are educational and enlightening, but they also raise questions. What version of the book is this? Is the editing almost complete or has it only just begun? Why are they concerned about the correct use of the French language when they haven't even got the English right?
The beginning of Ashton Park has the usual disclaimer that “Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events or locales, is entirely coincidental.” Yet this is historical fiction. It is supposed to contain deliberate and accurate references to relevant historical events (although that disclaimer accurately describes the contents, based on the 27% I managed to read properly. I skipped through the rest, but only found more faults, so finishing the book wouldn’t have improved my review).
I don’t mind receiving an unproofed manuscript for review (as long as this is disclosed at the beginning, as it was), but I don’t think it’s fair to either reviewers or the author to present an unfinished manuscript. I contacted the publisher and received a very prompt and polite reply from the publicist thanking me for my detailed comments, confirming this was not the final version of the book and continuing, “Hopefully, many of the items you listed will no longer be present in the final edited version of the book”. Yet a quick search through the ‘Look Inside’ version on Amazon shows that all the errors I note above are still there in the published version.
I haven't read any previous books by Murray Pura, because the ones I've seen have been Amish, a genre I don't particularly care for. Based on Ashton Park, I don’t think I will read any of his future books either. Please, authors, if you are going to set books in England, make sure the facts are correct and make sure your English characters don’t sound like Americans. Not recommended for those who like their historical fiction to be historically and culturally accurate.
Thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Things don’t start well, when the map of the Danforth estate has it situated on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean when the estate is supposed to be in Lancashire. Modern maps show that Lancashire borders the Irish Sea, not the Atlantic Ocean (if this wasn’t the case in 1916, then this would have been an ideal fact to include in an introductory ‘note from the author’).
We then have an overwhelming two-page list of characters. This is too many for one novel, even if it is intended to be the beginning of a series. It also contains a reference to the Royal Air Force, which wasn’t formed until 1918 (the novel starts in 1916 but covers several years). The opening chapters have far too many characters and too much information. It makes it hard, as a reader, to know who or what is important.
Our first introduction is to Victoria, one of the Danforth daughters, who comes across as spirited if somewhat unappealing. In this, she reminds me of Lady Mary, my least favourite character from Downton Abbey. Unfortunately, while Lady Mary has improved with age, I am unable to say the same for Victoria. Overall, the characters are lifeless, missing the acerbic wit of the Dowager Duchess, and the dry wit of Carson, the butler at Downton Abbey.
In some respects, Pura has captured the English essence, like putting up bunting for a celebration. In others, he has failed miserably. There was the patronising spelling of English words like ‘Leftenant’ and ma’arm (which is spelt ‘ma’am’, despite being pronounced as rhyming with ‘arm’, not ‘ham’). There were factual errors, like references to Northern Ireland (which didn’t exist until 1921. Prior to this, it was either Ulster or northern Ireland). There is a reference to Christchurch, Oxford. Christchurch is a city in New Zealand, while Christ Church is the college from the University of Oxford.
There was a conversation about passing notes to girls in school, at a time when only the lower classes attended mixed schools (the upper classes were either tutored at home or attended single-sex boarding schools). At one point, Kipp couldn’t seem to remember ‘what little French he knew’, where most boys of his social class would have received extensive schooling in both French and Latin. And, as a single man in April 1916, Ben Whitecross should already have been conscripted (under the Military Service Act), so shouldn’t have been at Ashton to woo Victoria. I’m also not convinced that a Conservative would have been in favour of Home Rule for Ireland, given that Conservative voters were the landowners who had the most to lose.
And then we have the Americanisms – quit (resigned in this context), gotten (received – the English don’t use gotten as the past participle of ‘get’), two hundred and thirty pounds of weight (the English weigh in stone and pounds), calling people ‘cute’, meaning attractive (it meant ‘shrewd’ in England at this time), eating oatmeal (porridge), cables (telegrams), and May thirty-first (the thirty-first of May).
There were also issues with the writing, like head-hopping and point of view issues, creative speaker attributions (“flared Emma”), and some sentences that were so complex that they were almost incomprehensible (e.g. “Despite the devastating news she awoke to, Lady Elizabeth greeted them with warmth and grace, clever work with cosmetics by her maid, Cynthia, disguising the redness and swollenness under her eyes.” Technically, this is correct. It just would have been easier to read as two sentences).
You may think I'm being dreadfully picky, and maybe I am. But by 10% of the way through Ashton Park, nothing had happened in the plot to gain or maintain my interest. Sure, Robbie had been captured by the Irish, Emma had cancelled her wedding and Ben has been asked to leave for romancing with Miss Victoria. So it wans’t as though nothing happened. It's just that it was all been very hurried, and the conflict was all very passive and distant. It just didn’t engage me, and I tend to notice these things when I’m not engaged.
Then, at around the 27% mark, the book turned interesting for all the wrong reasons. There was a comment to 'Murray' (the author), presumably from the editor. There were another six comments, asking for additional content to fill up plot holes, and asking for facts to be checked or passages to be changed because they were factually incorrect. From an editorial point of view, comments like these are educational and enlightening, but they also raise questions. What version of the book is this? Is the editing almost complete or has it only just begun? Why are they concerned about the correct use of the French language when they haven't even got the English right?
The beginning of Ashton Park has the usual disclaimer that “Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events or locales, is entirely coincidental.” Yet this is historical fiction. It is supposed to contain deliberate and accurate references to relevant historical events (although that disclaimer accurately describes the contents, based on the 27% I managed to read properly. I skipped through the rest, but only found more faults, so finishing the book wouldn’t have improved my review).
I don’t mind receiving an unproofed manuscript for review (as long as this is disclosed at the beginning, as it was), but I don’t think it’s fair to either reviewers or the author to present an unfinished manuscript. I contacted the publisher and received a very prompt and polite reply from the publicist thanking me for my detailed comments, confirming this was not the final version of the book and continuing, “Hopefully, many of the items you listed will no longer be present in the final edited version of the book”. Yet a quick search through the ‘Look Inside’ version on Amazon shows that all the errors I note above are still there in the published version.
I haven't read any previous books by Murray Pura, because the ones I've seen have been Amish, a genre I don't particularly care for. Based on Ashton Park, I don’t think I will read any of his future books either. Please, authors, if you are going to set books in England, make sure the facts are correct and make sure your English characters don’t sound like Americans. Not recommended for those who like their historical fiction to be historically and culturally accurate.
Thanks to Harvest House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
April 9, 2013
What a delightful book this turned out to be! I enjoyed getting to know the entire Danforth family so much. If you’ve heard anything about this book, you’ve probably heard that any fans of Downton Abbey will enjoy it. Having not yet seen Downton Abbey myself, I can’t speak to the truth of that statement – but from what I’ve read, I think it’s probably true. Certainly, anyone with an interest in World War I fiction will find this an interesting book! There were a lot of characters, and especially at the beginning, I had a bit of trouble keeping them apart. However, there was also at the beginning a Cast of Characters sheet – which I ignored, as I hate flipping back and forth to that kind of thing. So it’s at least somewhat my own fault that I had any confusion. As the book continued, however, I grew quite familiar with all of them, and attached to many. There was plenty of excitement and unexpected plot turns. This book will keep you guessing! Ashton Park – overall, a good book that I’ll keep in my library. Definitely anticipating the next one! Recommending for any fans of World War I fiction, period dramas.
**The author sent me a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not recompensed in any other way for this review, and wasn’t required to be positive.**
**The author sent me a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not recompensed in any other way for this review, and wasn’t required to be positive.**
September 9, 2015
Probably one of the most disappointing books I have read this year. I have read worse books, but this one did not reach the criteria I needed for an enjoyable read. I won't go on about how bad it was, but there were several errors in the writing as well as awkwardly phrased sentences that left me scratching my head in bewilderment as to what the author meant to say.
Not only was that just plain annoying to have to go through, but the character development was poorly done. There were so many of them that I did not feel a real connection to a single one of the 20 something characters! The author constantly switched the point of view right in the middle of a paragraph which was so incredibly strange and hard to keep up with...I had seriously never read anything that switched the point of view like that so much.
Also, time went by so fast in so many places that I felt I was missing a huge part of the character's lives that I think would have helped in having a connection with them. Over the course of the book, it covered seven years, yet I felt as if they were the same strangers at the end of the book as they were when I first started.
I was also completely disappointed that they advertised this book for those who like Downton Abbey. As an avid fan of Downton Abbey, I was looking forward to reading something a little like the show I enjoyed so much. I saw the author's attempt at replicating some of the stories and picked a couple of the characters that seemed to have a few characteristics as those in Downton Abbey. Other than that, this book was missing SO much of what made Downton Abbey the successful and enjoyable show that it is.
Not recommended for those who like Downton Abbey or for those who like to enjoy a good fiction book.
Not only was that just plain annoying to have to go through, but the character development was poorly done. There were so many of them that I did not feel a real connection to a single one of the 20 something characters! The author constantly switched the point of view right in the middle of a paragraph which was so incredibly strange and hard to keep up with...I had seriously never read anything that switched the point of view like that so much.
Also, time went by so fast in so many places that I felt I was missing a huge part of the character's lives that I think would have helped in having a connection with them. Over the course of the book, it covered seven years, yet I felt as if they were the same strangers at the end of the book as they were when I first started.
I was also completely disappointed that they advertised this book for those who like Downton Abbey. As an avid fan of Downton Abbey, I was looking forward to reading something a little like the show I enjoyed so much. I saw the author's attempt at replicating some of the stories and picked a couple of the characters that seemed to have a few characteristics as those in Downton Abbey. Other than that, this book was missing SO much of what made Downton Abbey the successful and enjoyable show that it is.
Not recommended for those who like Downton Abbey or for those who like to enjoy a good fiction book.
December 11, 2012
Standing firm in one's cause can often times elicit many challenges.
Sir William and his wife Lady Elizabeth Danforth are master and mistress of Ashton Park in Lancashire England and have three sons and four daughters. William, as well as their sons, are pledged to defend their homeland of England in World War I. With a yearning for independence, the forces of frequent adversaries are swift taking with them at times innocent victims. Onshore as well as off duty and love have snarred the hearts of the Danforth's and their servants. Will the estate of Danforth withstand all that hold them captive?
War, combat, danger, faith and romance commands the storyline of this impossible to put down read. Fans of Downton Abbey (as I am) as well as followers and admirers of inspirational historical fiction will want to be sure to grab this book to become a part of historical significance. Exciting and intense from the beginning until the ending, the reader will instantly connect with realistic, charming and personable characters, picturesque scenery, engaging, enjoyable and easy to follow dialogue that promises absolutely no dull or broken parts. I believe this can be a novel that can be enjoyed by all, male and female. Extremely well written worthy of more than 5 Stars!! Thanks to Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC for my review.
Sir William and his wife Lady Elizabeth Danforth are master and mistress of Ashton Park in Lancashire England and have three sons and four daughters. William, as well as their sons, are pledged to defend their homeland of England in World War I. With a yearning for independence, the forces of frequent adversaries are swift taking with them at times innocent victims. Onshore as well as off duty and love have snarred the hearts of the Danforth's and their servants. Will the estate of Danforth withstand all that hold them captive?
War, combat, danger, faith and romance commands the storyline of this impossible to put down read. Fans of Downton Abbey (as I am) as well as followers and admirers of inspirational historical fiction will want to be sure to grab this book to become a part of historical significance. Exciting and intense from the beginning until the ending, the reader will instantly connect with realistic, charming and personable characters, picturesque scenery, engaging, enjoyable and easy to follow dialogue that promises absolutely no dull or broken parts. I believe this can be a novel that can be enjoyed by all, male and female. Extremely well written worthy of more than 5 Stars!! Thanks to Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC for my review.
February 10, 2019
Mr. Pura can write! I am partial to Downton Abbey-esque fiction, so this was fascinating to me. However, unlike Downton, upstairs family mixed with downstairs servants much less formally...friendly even.
This book follows the Danforth family, the master of which is a member of Parliament. The years are 1916 (during WWI) through half of 1923. Seven adult children, Sir Danford's sister, and grandparents all call Ashton Park home. Add to that a slew of servants that we get to know very well and there are side stories galore.
Masterfully handled history of that time and well written characters absolutely make this book.
Looking forward to the next in The Danforths of Lancashire series.
This book follows the Danforth family, the master of which is a member of Parliament. The years are 1916 (during WWI) through half of 1923. Seven adult children, Sir Danford's sister, and grandparents all call Ashton Park home. Add to that a slew of servants that we get to know very well and there are side stories galore.
Masterfully handled history of that time and well written characters absolutely make this book.
Looking forward to the next in The Danforths of Lancashire series.
November 1, 2013
Supposedly if you love Downton Abbey, you will love this new series...well I have never watched any of Downtown Abbey...but I sure did love this first book! I am all about period books, and focusing on this time in England during the unrest of WWI as well as the growing fight with Ireland for their independence....what a hot bet of strife that time was!
I liked watching how the author spent time with each of the adult children so we could learn a bit about them. I only wish we had more time to spend on some of them. I look forward to reading further books in this series.
I liked watching how the author spent time with each of the adult children so we could learn a bit about them. I only wish we had more time to spend on some of them. I look forward to reading further books in this series.
April 16, 2020
If you enjoy historical fiction based on early twentieth century life in the United Kingdom, you may enjoy Ashton Park. Through the complex lives of one large family, the story provides insights about the impact of World War One on the class system in England. While the book has a few too many characters, the multiple subplots are easy to follow. The people portrayed are believable, memorable and endearing. The storyline moves quickly. Through the joy and sorrow experienced by the family members, the reader is comforted by the faith and perseverance exhibited in their lives. The author provides the reader with a genuine heartfelt foundation for hope in the middle of our own turbulent lives. Good reading and good providence to you!
January 25, 2013
If you're a fan of Downtown Abbey, then you will absolutely fall in love with the latest novel from Murray Pura, Ashton Park. In this novel set in the early 1900's the reader is about to meet the Danforths of Lancashire, a wealthy family of 7 children, 3 boys and 4 girls. Along the journey you get a glimpse into each of their personal lives and the struggles they each face not only growing up in a well-to-do family but also in dealing the conflict that evidently follows when your family wants you to marry in the same class as they are. The parents Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth struggle with the same issues all parents face. The sons, Edward, Kipp and Robbie are all serving in the armed forces just at the beginnings of World War 1. As any mother would be, Lady Elizabeth is praying for the safety of each of her sons and hopes that each will stay as far away from true danger as possible, but that will not be the case.
With her daughters, Emma, Catherine, Elizabeth and Victoria, she has to deal with the issues of finding suitable husbands for each of them to marry into, only what's a parent to do when one of their daughters soon falls in love with a member of the household staff? The novel will definitely keep you on your toes as you attempt to keep up with each of the children, their love lives and the members of the household staff who are not mere supporting characters. In the truest sense of Downtown Abbey, it is bound to keep you guessing with what will be happening in the household next. Like most children, some are a bit on the rebellious side and wish to live their own life outside of what their parents believe is in their best interests. However will their parents wishes ultimately win out in the end?
I received, Ashton Park compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Harvest House Publishers for my honest review and if you've never read a book from Murray Pura, then you are in for a real treat indeed. Contrary to the stereotypes that most women write from the heart of a woman when it comes to romance novels, Murray shatters that image. Having read his other books from Amish Historical Romance with a twist of stories from the wars and everything in between, he truly captures what women want I believe in their romance novels. He writes well rounded characters often portraying the women in them as strong and determined, not your frail weak willed, fall at the sight of any handsome man in the story. I believe this is what appeals to his female fans the most. In any case, this one will not disappoint fans of historical fiction among the wealthy class and see what happens when the family sleeps and the household staff have to tend to the needs of the estate. Truly one not to be rushed through and one I hope Murray Pura writes more of. This one hits home with a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
With her daughters, Emma, Catherine, Elizabeth and Victoria, she has to deal with the issues of finding suitable husbands for each of them to marry into, only what's a parent to do when one of their daughters soon falls in love with a member of the household staff? The novel will definitely keep you on your toes as you attempt to keep up with each of the children, their love lives and the members of the household staff who are not mere supporting characters. In the truest sense of Downtown Abbey, it is bound to keep you guessing with what will be happening in the household next. Like most children, some are a bit on the rebellious side and wish to live their own life outside of what their parents believe is in their best interests. However will their parents wishes ultimately win out in the end?
I received, Ashton Park compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Harvest House Publishers for my honest review and if you've never read a book from Murray Pura, then you are in for a real treat indeed. Contrary to the stereotypes that most women write from the heart of a woman when it comes to romance novels, Murray shatters that image. Having read his other books from Amish Historical Romance with a twist of stories from the wars and everything in between, he truly captures what women want I believe in their romance novels. He writes well rounded characters often portraying the women in them as strong and determined, not your frail weak willed, fall at the sight of any handsome man in the story. I believe this is what appeals to his female fans the most. In any case, this one will not disappoint fans of historical fiction among the wealthy class and see what happens when the family sleeps and the household staff have to tend to the needs of the estate. Truly one not to be rushed through and one I hope Murray Pura writes more of. This one hits home with a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
December 22, 2012
Alright I'll admit it, I'm a huge fan of Downton Abbey. Nothing to be ashamed about that other than I hate to be part of the status quo. I was reluctant to read this book because I feel like Downton Abbey "like" books are quickly becoming a new trend in fiction. Trend or not, status quo or not this was an excellent book. I very much enjoyed it. Pura does a wonderful job of weaving a tale.
I do have a couple of complaints. At times I felt as if the story too closely mirrored Downton Abbey and I would have liked to see a little more uniqueness. That's not to say there aren't completely new story lines, because there are. This is a long book that reads more like an epic novel than the start of a series. The Danforths have 7 children and at different times in the book we follow all 7 separate lives. It did get to be a bit much. I felt as if I needed to read with a notebook nearby to make notes so I wouldn't forget who was who.
In spite of my complaints I loved this book and found myself missing it when I was done reading. The characters are well developed (all 100 of them :)) and the story lines will completely hold your attention. Settle in with some tea and a blanket in a sunny spot and prepare to fully enter the world of the Danforths. You'll be delighted that you did.
www.melmacsreviews.blogspot.com
I do have a couple of complaints. At times I felt as if the story too closely mirrored Downton Abbey and I would have liked to see a little more uniqueness. That's not to say there aren't completely new story lines, because there are. This is a long book that reads more like an epic novel than the start of a series. The Danforths have 7 children and at different times in the book we follow all 7 separate lives. It did get to be a bit much. I felt as if I needed to read with a notebook nearby to make notes so I wouldn't forget who was who.
In spite of my complaints I loved this book and found myself missing it when I was done reading. The characters are well developed (all 100 of them :)) and the story lines will completely hold your attention. Settle in with some tea and a blanket in a sunny spot and prepare to fully enter the world of the Danforths. You'll be delighted that you did.
www.melmacsreviews.blogspot.com
April 9, 2013
Pura has written a gentle book about the era of 'class' in England which carried over into the US culture as well. This book has a gentle Christian focus that is a little different from other books in this early 20th century genre -- a pleasant side track which I enjoyed.
There are more books in this series which I am looking forward to.
In Ashton Park, the large family is supportive — I would say if I had to find a TV comparable in family, it would be Blue Bloods with featuring Tom Selleck and a fantastic cast. Each member of the family has to deal with what must have been traumatic social changes in the era. There is political unrest in the Empire and around the world. Social unrest — people are beginning to return to human, individual character, something that has been bound by corsets and politics for at least a generation in a stagnating culture. The economy isn’t addressed much in the story, but I think that had some bearing on the changes as well. The class structure is fragile and will crumble.
I highly recommend this book and any other writing by Murray Pura. There is a great deal of variety available for you, so you don't feel like you are reading the same thing over and over.
There are more books in this series which I am looking forward to.
In Ashton Park, the large family is supportive — I would say if I had to find a TV comparable in family, it would be Blue Bloods with featuring Tom Selleck and a fantastic cast. Each member of the family has to deal with what must have been traumatic social changes in the era. There is political unrest in the Empire and around the world. Social unrest — people are beginning to return to human, individual character, something that has been bound by corsets and politics for at least a generation in a stagnating culture. The economy isn’t addressed much in the story, but I think that had some bearing on the changes as well. The class structure is fragile and will crumble.
I highly recommend this book and any other writing by Murray Pura. There is a great deal of variety available for you, so you don't feel like you are reading the same thing over and over.
June 10, 2015
Rich historical detail and vivid characterization bring the Danforth family to life as they struggle with wartime distress and the diminishment of class boundaries that result in romances between nobility and staff that would have been impossible before the global conflict. William in particular wrestles with his conscience and his faith as he is tempted to maintain social inequality while realizing that God loves everyone equally. Pura’s novel is perfect for fans of Downton Abbey.
Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth of Ashton Park in Lancashire, England, along with their seven adult children and various estate servants, weather World War I and the ensuing social changes through mutual support and the power of prayer in this first book in Pura’s The Danforths of Lancashire series. (HARVEST HOUSE, Jan., 352 pp., $13.99)
Reviewed by:
Kerry Sutherland
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth of Ashton Park in Lancashire, England, along with their seven adult children and various estate servants, weather World War I and the ensuing social changes through mutual support and the power of prayer in this first book in Pura’s The Danforths of Lancashire series. (HARVEST HOUSE, Jan., 352 pp., $13.99)
Reviewed by:
Kerry Sutherland
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
July 22, 2019
**Spoilers Ahead** It's a review, what can I say?
I will say this was an interesting read. I did not get too 'bored' or find myself refusing to pick up the book to continue. I rather liked most of the characters - though it took at least half the book and frequent flipping to the character list to sort out who was who, but it was not a chore to read about these characters, even if I wasn't entirely sure who they were. Most of them were clarified with last names for the first while, so it was confusing, but not stallingly so. The over all plot(s) were interesting and I did find myself somewhat pulled into this family's lives wanting to know what was going on.
That being said. . .it really is the final 'nail' in my opinion that I really do NOT enjoy this style of story. Too many characters to really keep track of, LOTS of flipping back and forth between them, so you never really get time to be in anyone's head -and it's hard to really get to know or get to care about any of them - and so much time is covered, you never really become a part of any of their lives.
The over all story arc is interesting - but we flip back and forth so quickly, that you just start getting 'into' something before we're suddenly switched again. No where do we really SEE any of the action. The scene cuts are almost just before things 'get interesting' or cutting in just after, so we 'hear' about what happened, but are never SHOWN what happens. (This keeps reoccuring in book 2 as well. And, I'm assuming book 3 which I am just starting now.) In many ways this begins to get really frustrating so you don't really care if you care - even if the family is somewhat interesting.
We'll see how things progress in the rest of the trilogy. But as it's looking, this was a passingly interesting read, but the books will hardly land on my 'favourites' shelf or be read a second time. :P
I will say this was an interesting read. I did not get too 'bored' or find myself refusing to pick up the book to continue. I rather liked most of the characters - though it took at least half the book and frequent flipping to the character list to sort out who was who, but it was not a chore to read about these characters, even if I wasn't entirely sure who they were. Most of them were clarified with last names for the first while, so it was confusing, but not stallingly so. The over all plot(s) were interesting and I did find myself somewhat pulled into this family's lives wanting to know what was going on.
That being said. . .it really is the final 'nail' in my opinion that I really do NOT enjoy this style of story. Too many characters to really keep track of, LOTS of flipping back and forth between them, so you never really get time to be in anyone's head -and it's hard to really get to know or get to care about any of them - and so much time is covered, you never really become a part of any of their lives.
The over all story arc is interesting - but we flip back and forth so quickly, that you just start getting 'into' something before we're suddenly switched again. No where do we really SEE any of the action. The scene cuts are almost just before things 'get interesting' or cutting in just after, so we 'hear' about what happened, but are never SHOWN what happens. (This keeps reoccuring in book 2 as well. And, I'm assuming book 3 which I am just starting now.) In many ways this begins to get really frustrating so you don't really care if you care - even if the family is somewhat interesting.
We'll see how things progress in the rest of the trilogy. But as it's looking, this was a passingly interesting read, but the books will hardly land on my 'favourites' shelf or be read a second time. :P
June 28, 2021
Ashton Park is the story of the Danforth family told over a ten-year period of time beginning with the Great War and ending several years following the end of the war. Sir William Danforth, a deeply spiritual Christian, and his wife Elizabeth lead their family of three sons and four daughters through the hardships of war, and during a historical period which includes unrest in Ireland and Palestine. The war also brings about social changes affecting the spouses chosen by the Danforth children and causing rifts with their more traditional parents. Through it all, this family does its best to maintain their faith in Christ.
September 6, 2024
Loved the book because it reminded me of England and the beautiful country away from the city. I could almost picture the castle. It certainly kept me turning the pages. It was also a history lesson of the unrest between Britain and Ireland. All the stories on the relationships and how they came together were great. However, the story, the last one regarding Aunt Holly was the best.
May 26, 2017
Too much god stuff.
Read
November 21, 2020It's not you, It's me. I gave up on this about 80 pages in. It never captured my interest. Maybe I will try it again next year.
June 4, 2021
Reminds me of Downton Abbey.
June 11, 2023
I had enjoyed a book by this author so checked this one out. I didn't enjoy it but it might be because of the time frame of the book.
October 18, 2023
British WWI Historical
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Pura combined history, action, family and faith so cleverly. I can't wait to start Book 2!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Pura combined history, action, family and faith so cleverly. I can't wait to start Book 2!
October 21, 2025
I have enjoyed several of Murray Pura's books. His stories usually have a spiritual lesson and exciting plot.
March 24, 2017
I agree if you liked Downton Abbey you will probably enjoy this book. It does have it's own twist being set in Ireland. I look forward to reading the sequels.
June 28, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
Murray Pura's Ashton Park: Book One in The Danforths of Lancashire series, ©2013
The First World War has engulfed Europe. The three sons of Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Dansforth are all in uniform―their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.
Ashton Park is the first of The Danforths of Lancashire trilogy by Murray Pura, set in Lancashire, England in 1916-1923.
Wouldn't you like to join Todd Turpin, assistant groundskeeper, with the fragrant scent coming up the drive? But then, maybe you would like to pass by, as Old Todd Turpin has long been guardian of Miss Victoria Dansforth, high-spirited youngest daughter.
cliffs above the Irish Sea
And then she hauled back on the reins, turned the mare's head to the left, sprang from the saddle, and hit the ground boots-first with a shout. The horse dug in all its hooves and tossed up mud and stone and grass. The cliff edge was only a few yards away when she stopped.
--Ashton Park, 11
Now, whoever would suspect that of this genteel young lady?
Sir William Danforth is a Member of Parliament and master of Ashton Park estate. He is frequently away at Westminster. Firstborn son, Edward, is part of the Royal Navy at dock in Scotland; son Kipp, with the Royal Air Force, is flying with his squadron in France; and youngest son, Robert (Robbie), is with the British Army, in Dublin, a part of Britain. Daughters are Emma, soon to wed, and Catherine, married, lives across the Irish Sea in Belfast; Elizabeth (Libby), nursing in France, and Victoria at home at the 116-room manor house. Sir William also has a hunting lodge in Scotland. He has other holdings. Albert Moore, daughter Catherine's husband, manages the Danforth shipyards in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Eldest daughter Emma's soon betrothed is an Anglican minister, Reverend Jeremiah Sweet. Catherine and Albert have come early to be with the family Easter week preceding Emma and Jeremiah's prepared wedding ceremony.
A few yards away from Ashton Park is the Danforth Castle. Sir William's ancestral home is overseen by the main groundskeeper, Harrison. Tourists come to view what life must have been like within its walls, being interested in their English heritage.
I like that there is a map in the front of the book so you can tell where everyone is at, and a list of characters so you know who everyone is from the start. Then we can get on with the action! Helps move the story along, indeed.
I must confess that I cannot take you beyond the middle of chapter two, as change begins both within the household and abroad.
Enough to say, Murray Pura's novels are fabulous, not only because I love historical fiction, but the intricate ways he blends the happenings within and without the family structure. Highly recommend Ashton Park. Rich in history, you will travel far beyond the estate and look forward to the next books in The Danforths of Lancashire series.
Murray Pura earned his Master of Divinity degree from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and his ThM degree from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. In addition to his writing, Murray has pastored churches in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Alberta. His novels include the Snapshots in History series The Wings of Morning, The Face of Heaven, and Whispers of a New Dawn featuring the characters 20 years later. The novel after Ashton Park, Book 2 in the series, comes out July-August and is entitled Beneath the Dover Sky - it covers the years 1924-1933 in the family saga. Book 3 is due out for Christmas-New Year's and covers the years 1934-1941. Murray writes from his home in southern Alberta near the Rocky Mountains.
Ashton Park by Murray Pura
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736952853
ISBN-13: 978-0736952859
***Thank you to author Murray Pura and Wynn&Wynn for sending me a copy of Ashton Park to read and review in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
I am sure you will agree Book 2, Beneath the Dover Sky, has a beautiful cover! It is ready for pre-order and releases August 1, 2013. Just time enough for you to read Ashton Park. You won't want to miss this background story.
Murray Pura's Ashton Park: Book One in The Danforths of Lancashire series, ©2013
The First World War has engulfed Europe. The three sons of Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Dansforth are all in uniform―their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.
Ashton Park is the first of The Danforths of Lancashire trilogy by Murray Pura, set in Lancashire, England in 1916-1923.
Wouldn't you like to join Todd Turpin, assistant groundskeeper, with the fragrant scent coming up the drive? But then, maybe you would like to pass by, as Old Todd Turpin has long been guardian of Miss Victoria Dansforth, high-spirited youngest daughter.
cliffs above the Irish Sea
And then she hauled back on the reins, turned the mare's head to the left, sprang from the saddle, and hit the ground boots-first with a shout. The horse dug in all its hooves and tossed up mud and stone and grass. The cliff edge was only a few yards away when she stopped.
--Ashton Park, 11
Now, whoever would suspect that of this genteel young lady?
Sir William Danforth is a Member of Parliament and master of Ashton Park estate. He is frequently away at Westminster. Firstborn son, Edward, is part of the Royal Navy at dock in Scotland; son Kipp, with the Royal Air Force, is flying with his squadron in France; and youngest son, Robert (Robbie), is with the British Army, in Dublin, a part of Britain. Daughters are Emma, soon to wed, and Catherine, married, lives across the Irish Sea in Belfast; Elizabeth (Libby), nursing in France, and Victoria at home at the 116-room manor house. Sir William also has a hunting lodge in Scotland. He has other holdings. Albert Moore, daughter Catherine's husband, manages the Danforth shipyards in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Eldest daughter Emma's soon betrothed is an Anglican minister, Reverend Jeremiah Sweet. Catherine and Albert have come early to be with the family Easter week preceding Emma and Jeremiah's prepared wedding ceremony.
A few yards away from Ashton Park is the Danforth Castle. Sir William's ancestral home is overseen by the main groundskeeper, Harrison. Tourists come to view what life must have been like within its walls, being interested in their English heritage.
I like that there is a map in the front of the book so you can tell where everyone is at, and a list of characters so you know who everyone is from the start. Then we can get on with the action! Helps move the story along, indeed.
I must confess that I cannot take you beyond the middle of chapter two, as change begins both within the household and abroad.
Enough to say, Murray Pura's novels are fabulous, not only because I love historical fiction, but the intricate ways he blends the happenings within and without the family structure. Highly recommend Ashton Park. Rich in history, you will travel far beyond the estate and look forward to the next books in The Danforths of Lancashire series.
Murray Pura earned his Master of Divinity degree from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and his ThM degree from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. In addition to his writing, Murray has pastored churches in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Alberta. His novels include the Snapshots in History series The Wings of Morning, The Face of Heaven, and Whispers of a New Dawn featuring the characters 20 years later. The novel after Ashton Park, Book 2 in the series, comes out July-August and is entitled Beneath the Dover Sky - it covers the years 1924-1933 in the family saga. Book 3 is due out for Christmas-New Year's and covers the years 1934-1941. Murray writes from his home in southern Alberta near the Rocky Mountains.
Ashton Park by Murray Pura
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736952853
ISBN-13: 978-0736952859
***Thank you to author Murray Pura and Wynn&Wynn for sending me a copy of Ashton Park to read and review in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
I am sure you will agree Book 2, Beneath the Dover Sky, has a beautiful cover! It is ready for pre-order and releases August 1, 2013. Just time enough for you to read Ashton Park. You won't want to miss this background story.
June 11, 2013
Murray Pura in his new book, “Ashton Park” Book One in The Danforths of Lancashire series published by Harvest House Publishers takes us into the life of Victoria Danforth and the goings on at her home, Ashton Park.
From the Back Cover: Behind the doors of the ancient and magnificent Ashton Park estate, there lurks the high drama of romance between the nobility and the household staff.
But when war (and interference from a meddlesome sister) separates Victoria Danforth from Ben Whitecross–one of her father’s groomsmen–the young woman assumes she’ll never see her beloved again.
Victoria’s plight is just one of the obstacles facing the seven adult children of Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth. The three sons, Edward, Kipp and Robbie, are all in uniform facing mortality daily. Victoria’s sisters–Catherine, Emma and Libby–each face their own hurdles to happiness with the men in their lives.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Mr. And Mrs. Seabrooke oversee the household staff with a stern hand, sending anyone foolish enough to fall in love with a Danforth on their way packing. But what can they do when it is a Danforth who falls in love with a member of the staff?
Join the lords and ladies, servants, and household staff of Ashton Park as they face the perils of war and affairs of the heart.
If you are a fan of Downtown Abby, you’ll enjoy your visit to Ashton Park.
“Ashton Park” is a high quality drama involving the family of Lord and Lady Danforth. They and the lives of their seven children play out against the backdrop of World War I in 1916. The three sons are all serving their country while the four daughters are all at home. Then there are the lives of the household staff led by Mrs. Seabrooke, best friend of Lady Danforth, and how they play out with the Danforths. Murray Pura knows how to write great stories and “Ashton Park” is a great story. Mr. Pura has given us well thought out characters that, each, have a life and identity of their own. You come to care for these individuals as they try to live out their lives according to the rules of society. Mr. Pura explores the differences between the Upper Class and the Servants and how they are not supposed to mingle. He also explores the fact that God created men and women, not upper and lower classes, and that men and women are drawn to each other despite their societal standing. Set aside the chores, order take out for dinner, make yourself comfortable because once you get started reading “Ashton Park” you are not going to want to stop until the pages run out–and even then. This book will keep you up late until you finish it so I recommend that you start reading early. Mr. Pura does a wonderful job with all his characters you would think you had known them all your life. “Ashton Park” is a great read and I am already looking forward to the next book in the wonderful series..
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
From the Back Cover: Behind the doors of the ancient and magnificent Ashton Park estate, there lurks the high drama of romance between the nobility and the household staff.
But when war (and interference from a meddlesome sister) separates Victoria Danforth from Ben Whitecross–one of her father’s groomsmen–the young woman assumes she’ll never see her beloved again.
Victoria’s plight is just one of the obstacles facing the seven adult children of Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth. The three sons, Edward, Kipp and Robbie, are all in uniform facing mortality daily. Victoria’s sisters–Catherine, Emma and Libby–each face their own hurdles to happiness with the men in their lives.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Mr. And Mrs. Seabrooke oversee the household staff with a stern hand, sending anyone foolish enough to fall in love with a Danforth on their way packing. But what can they do when it is a Danforth who falls in love with a member of the staff?
Join the lords and ladies, servants, and household staff of Ashton Park as they face the perils of war and affairs of the heart.
If you are a fan of Downtown Abby, you’ll enjoy your visit to Ashton Park.
“Ashton Park” is a high quality drama involving the family of Lord and Lady Danforth. They and the lives of their seven children play out against the backdrop of World War I in 1916. The three sons are all serving their country while the four daughters are all at home. Then there are the lives of the household staff led by Mrs. Seabrooke, best friend of Lady Danforth, and how they play out with the Danforths. Murray Pura knows how to write great stories and “Ashton Park” is a great story. Mr. Pura has given us well thought out characters that, each, have a life and identity of their own. You come to care for these individuals as they try to live out their lives according to the rules of society. Mr. Pura explores the differences between the Upper Class and the Servants and how they are not supposed to mingle. He also explores the fact that God created men and women, not upper and lower classes, and that men and women are drawn to each other despite their societal standing. Set aside the chores, order take out for dinner, make yourself comfortable because once you get started reading “Ashton Park” you are not going to want to stop until the pages run out–and even then. This book will keep you up late until you finish it so I recommend that you start reading early. Mr. Pura does a wonderful job with all his characters you would think you had known them all your life. “Ashton Park” is a great read and I am already looking forward to the next book in the wonderful series..
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
April 9, 2017
The back of the book boasts, if you like Downton Abbey, you'll love this book.
I do like Downton Abbey, and I did like the book. It is too much like Downton though. For example, the youngest daughter is in love with someone who works for her father and is marching for the women's right to vote. Sound familiar, Downton fans?
My other beef is that the book is very episodic. There is not one plot line that goes throughout the novel. Plots develop, climax and resolve within a few chapters in most of the cases. The author takes you on a whirlwind of the family's life from 1916 to 1923 I think is where it left off. So that's 7 years with 7 (yes, 7) of the kids, plus their love interests, plus the parents and staff. So many characters creates a lack of development. We don't meet the 3rd sister, for example, until page 110. We are told (not shown) that she feels like an outcast amongst her family and siblings, and then she is thrust into a meet cute and a romance.
That all being said, it is a novel, and I was entertained by the plots. I enjoy this time period and British aristocracy, so this was a nice beach read.
I do like Downton Abbey, and I did like the book. It is too much like Downton though. For example, the youngest daughter is in love with someone who works for her father and is marching for the women's right to vote. Sound familiar, Downton fans?
My other beef is that the book is very episodic. There is not one plot line that goes throughout the novel. Plots develop, climax and resolve within a few chapters in most of the cases. The author takes you on a whirlwind of the family's life from 1916 to 1923 I think is where it left off. So that's 7 years with 7 (yes, 7) of the kids, plus their love interests, plus the parents and staff. So many characters creates a lack of development. We don't meet the 3rd sister, for example, until page 110. We are told (not shown) that she feels like an outcast amongst her family and siblings, and then she is thrust into a meet cute and a romance.
That all being said, it is a novel, and I was entertained by the plots. I enjoy this time period and British aristocracy, so this was a nice beach read.
October 29, 2013
This is an exceptional and exhilarating saga featuring a wealthy and large aristocratic family called the Danforth’s of Lancashire who reside in an ancient, grand manor on their Ashton Park Estate. There is nothing stuffy about this story however, considering it is replete with forbidden romances; suspenseful drama and action; and intrigue aplenty. Ashton Park carries a semblance of Downton Abbey but whether you’re a fan or not, you can be sure this novel is definitely livelier and more action-packed than the television series.
We are taken back to an era during World War One where the decline of the aristocrats and the breaking down of strict social rules has begun to take effect. Lord William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth struggle to come to terms with these changes when it directly touches their family with some of their children falling in love with those of a lower class. As a result, there are secret rendezvous’, betrayals, and heartbreak. With the Great War also impacting upon the Danforth family due to the active service of three of the young Danforth sons and one of the Danforth daughters, this family of nobility goes through tremendous upheaval during the time span of this book which is from 1916 until 1923.
It is during this time; the great conflict between the British and the IRA (Irish Republican Army) was also transpiring and beginning to intensify. The youngest son Robbie Danforth, who was enlisted in the British Army, was serving in Ireland for this war and we see him wrestle for self-control when it becomes extremely personal to him. His brother Kipp, a pilot in the Royal Air Force, takes up in the air for an exciting battle with a German tri-plane and ends with a victory that then credits him with becoming an Ace. And Edward the eldest son is in the Royal Navy, and faces his own harrowing experiences. These and a few other portrayals of extremely intense battles are illustrated in this book, but all are absolutely thrilling without being verbose. The history is fascinating and interesting, and the author, proficient in his research.
There is not a dull moment to be found in Ashton Park amidst the trials and triumphs of the Danforth’s and their loved ones. The romances dotted right throughout are delightful and smile-inducing. Their faith in God is often tested, and sometimes left wanting, while other times, inspiring. The births and weddings are joyous, but the dangers and deaths, are heart-stopping and heart-rending. Ashton Park also delivers an important message of redemption and forgiveness. Overall, it captures you with its charm whilst whisking you on a fascinating journey back into history with its breathtaking scenes!
We are taken back to an era during World War One where the decline of the aristocrats and the breaking down of strict social rules has begun to take effect. Lord William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth struggle to come to terms with these changes when it directly touches their family with some of their children falling in love with those of a lower class. As a result, there are secret rendezvous’, betrayals, and heartbreak. With the Great War also impacting upon the Danforth family due to the active service of three of the young Danforth sons and one of the Danforth daughters, this family of nobility goes through tremendous upheaval during the time span of this book which is from 1916 until 1923.
It is during this time; the great conflict between the British and the IRA (Irish Republican Army) was also transpiring and beginning to intensify. The youngest son Robbie Danforth, who was enlisted in the British Army, was serving in Ireland for this war and we see him wrestle for self-control when it becomes extremely personal to him. His brother Kipp, a pilot in the Royal Air Force, takes up in the air for an exciting battle with a German tri-plane and ends with a victory that then credits him with becoming an Ace. And Edward the eldest son is in the Royal Navy, and faces his own harrowing experiences. These and a few other portrayals of extremely intense battles are illustrated in this book, but all are absolutely thrilling without being verbose. The history is fascinating and interesting, and the author, proficient in his research.
There is not a dull moment to be found in Ashton Park amidst the trials and triumphs of the Danforth’s and their loved ones. The romances dotted right throughout are delightful and smile-inducing. Their faith in God is often tested, and sometimes left wanting, while other times, inspiring. The births and weddings are joyous, but the dangers and deaths, are heart-stopping and heart-rending. Ashton Park also delivers an important message of redemption and forgiveness. Overall, it captures you with its charm whilst whisking you on a fascinating journey back into history with its breathtaking scenes!
January 26, 2013
This book is being marketed with the line, "If you're a fan of Downton Abbey, you'll enjoy your visit to Ashton Park." I'm a devoted Downton fan, but I have to say, I didn't enjoy Ashton Park nearly as much as I enjoy Downton Abbey. It was a very slow read for me, and normally I can get through a Christian historical novel in just a couple of days. This novel, with its dense prose, smaller print, and longer passages of time interspersed with chapters simultaneously coinciding with each other, took me nearly two weeks to read.
Thankfully, there is a two-page "who's who" in the beginning of the book. You'll need it (and this would be something to bookmark if you're reading this book on an ereader). There's a huge, huge cast of characters to remember.
Pura's prose is dense. It is not easily or quickly read. The issue of the novel's pace is another one that I had difficulty with. Some passages dealt with a short amount of time in great detail, with multiple chapters occurring simultaneously; at other times, the book skips months at a time and suddenly the reader is playing catch-up. I wonder if the future books in the series are covering future decades.
While the Danforth family is interesting as a whole, the patriarch is inconsistent. He seems to waffle between doing the right thing, and then suddenly becoming stubborn and interfering where his wife is concerned. I also thought some of the storylines were suspiciously similar to Downton's.
I would have enjoyed more "below stairs" action, to be honest. And perhaps more time spent on a shorter time period--say, a year or two rather than one book covering seven years.
As far as the family's Christian faith and the evangelicalism of the book, it seems generally consistent and realistic, without being smack-over-the-head-with-the-gospel-message.
That is not to say that other readers who are fans of Downton won't enjoy this book. If you're fascinated with the history and the time period, you may be enthralled with Ashton Park. It's book one of a new series, after all, so perhaps judging it on its own merit is unkind.
Special thanks to Harvest House for a review copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review, as well as Bonnie Calhoun for generously allowing me to be a part of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance review team.
Thankfully, there is a two-page "who's who" in the beginning of the book. You'll need it (and this would be something to bookmark if you're reading this book on an ereader). There's a huge, huge cast of characters to remember.
Pura's prose is dense. It is not easily or quickly read. The issue of the novel's pace is another one that I had difficulty with. Some passages dealt with a short amount of time in great detail, with multiple chapters occurring simultaneously; at other times, the book skips months at a time and suddenly the reader is playing catch-up. I wonder if the future books in the series are covering future decades.
While the Danforth family is interesting as a whole, the patriarch is inconsistent. He seems to waffle between doing the right thing, and then suddenly becoming stubborn and interfering where his wife is concerned. I also thought some of the storylines were suspiciously similar to Downton's.
I would have enjoyed more "below stairs" action, to be honest. And perhaps more time spent on a shorter time period--say, a year or two rather than one book covering seven years.
As far as the family's Christian faith and the evangelicalism of the book, it seems generally consistent and realistic, without being smack-over-the-head-with-the-gospel-message.
That is not to say that other readers who are fans of Downton won't enjoy this book. If you're fascinated with the history and the time period, you may be enthralled with Ashton Park. It's book one of a new series, after all, so perhaps judging it on its own merit is unkind.
Special thanks to Harvest House for a review copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review, as well as Bonnie Calhoun for generously allowing me to be a part of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance review team.
January 21, 2014
This was my second book to read by Murray Pura and I have enjoyed both. I will read more of his books. If you are a fan of Downton Abbey you will love this book.
This is book one in The Danforth's Of Lancashire series.
Ashton Park has a lot of characters in it. I caught myself going back to the front of the book, where Murray has a character page. Thank you Murray for this character page.
This book starts out in 1916 and there is this magnificent Ashton Park Estate. Sir William is husband to Lady Elizabeth, father , a member of parliament, and master of Ashton Park. Sir William and Elizabeth has seven children , three sons and four daughters.The three sons are each in the service, one is in The Navy, One in The Air Force, and one in The Army. Sir William and Elizabeth pray for their sons everyday .Praying that their sons come back home safe. Sir William and Elizabeth wants the best for their children and wants them to marry well. Of the four daughters two of them are married. At Ashton Park Estates you will find romance between the nobility and the staff. Victoria Danforth , one of the daughters, is seeing Ben Whitecross.. Now he is one of the groomsmen at the stables and a coach driver. When this leaks out Ben is sent away. They cannot have their daughter seeing a stable man. This is just not what they want for their daughter. Victoria is thinking will she ever see Ben again?The other three daughters also have some problems in their lives.The three sons loves their careers, but they also have some problems with their happiness and the women they want. This book is full of romance and wars. The Danforths only want their children to be matched with the most best of families. Should they marry for love and happiness ,or wealth and title? This book will carry you to the Master, the ladies of the estate and also be carried off into the wars. Mr. Pura has done some excellent writing in his story and you will not want to miss it.
This is book one in The Danforth's Of Lancashire series.
Ashton Park has a lot of characters in it. I caught myself going back to the front of the book, where Murray has a character page. Thank you Murray for this character page.
This book starts out in 1916 and there is this magnificent Ashton Park Estate. Sir William is husband to Lady Elizabeth, father , a member of parliament, and master of Ashton Park. Sir William and Elizabeth has seven children , three sons and four daughters.The three sons are each in the service, one is in The Navy, One in The Air Force, and one in The Army. Sir William and Elizabeth pray for their sons everyday .Praying that their sons come back home safe. Sir William and Elizabeth wants the best for their children and wants them to marry well. Of the four daughters two of them are married. At Ashton Park Estates you will find romance between the nobility and the staff. Victoria Danforth , one of the daughters, is seeing Ben Whitecross.. Now he is one of the groomsmen at the stables and a coach driver. When this leaks out Ben is sent away. They cannot have their daughter seeing a stable man. This is just not what they want for their daughter. Victoria is thinking will she ever see Ben again?The other three daughters also have some problems in their lives.The three sons loves their careers, but they also have some problems with their happiness and the women they want. This book is full of romance and wars. The Danforths only want their children to be matched with the most best of families. Should they marry for love and happiness ,or wealth and title? This book will carry you to the Master, the ladies of the estate and also be carried off into the wars. Mr. Pura has done some excellent writing in his story and you will not want to miss it.
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