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Las sombras de Swanford Abbey
Rebecca Lane regresa a su pueblo preocupada por su hermano. Este parece ver fantasmas, como si estuviera perdiendo la razón. Cuando llega, este le pide que se quede con él en Swanford Abbey, un lujoso hotel que en tiempos fue una abadía medieval, un lugar del que la gente dice que está embrujado. Su hermano espera la llegada de un autor famoso, alguien que un día les traicionó, para que lo ayude a publicar ahora su manuscrito. Y para colmo, allí se topa con una persona que vuelve de su pasado, un hombre que un día le rompió el corazón; sir Frederick, antiguo vecino, baronet y magistrado. Poco a poco, este se irá sintiendo más y más atraído por Rebecca hasta que, un día, el autor al que esperaban aparece muerto. ¿Quién lo ha asesinado? Desde luego, los hermanos Lean tenían motivos… ¿Podrá sir Frederick llegar a la verdad? ¿Y qué será de Rebecca? Sin duda, la joven oculta algo.
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2021
362 people are currently reading
6240 people want to read
About the author
Julie Klassen
32 books6,108 followersJulie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 749 reviews
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars, personally.
About this book:
“News of her brother's worrisome behavior spurs Miss Rebecca Lane to return home to her village. Upon her arrival, he begs her to go to nearby Swanford Abbey, a medieval monastery turned grand hotel rumored to be haunted. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees to stay at the abbey until she can deliver his manuscript to a fellow guest who might help him get published--an author who once betrayed them.
Soon, Rebecca starts seeing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters at night. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick--baronet, magistrate, and former neighbor--who long ago broke her heart. Now a handsome widower of thirty-five, he is trying to overcome a past betrayal of his own.
When the famous author is found dead, Sir Frederick makes inquiries and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the author, including Miss Lane and her brother. As Sir Frederick searches for answers, he is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something. . . .”
Series: No, a stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- 2 Timothy 1:7 at the beginning; Scriptures are remembered, quoted, & prayed; Prayers & Thanking God; Rebecca stays at an old abbey-turned-hotel; After she has lied, Rebecca feels troubled and prays for forgiveness for her sin (which she feels like her prayers are unheard and unanswered); Going to Churches & Chapels; Talks about God; 'H's are capital when referring to God & Jesus; Many mentions of the abbey, nuns, & religious persecution; Mentions of God & forgiveness; Mentions of prayers, praying, & Thanking God; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of a painting of Christ on The Cross & thinking about it; Mentions of churches, chapels, church going, vicars, services, & sermons; A few mentions of Bibles; A few mentions of stained glass depicting The Cross; A few mentions of Easter; A few mentions of hymn books & prayer books; A couple mentions of a crucifix; A couple mentions of monks; A mention of being Blessed; A mention of wishing someone Godspeed; A mention of an asylum/hospital trying to help the patients restore mental, emotional, and spiritual health (the staff and doctors there encourage to battle their fears with “prayer…and a reliance on God’s strength”); A mention of a difference in religion being a reason why some people were put into an asylum;
*Note: The phrase “devilishly” or a form of it is used a handful of times as an adjective (‘devilishly angry’, ‘devilishly vain’, ‘devilish smile’, etc.); Rebecca knows there are no ghosts besides the Holy Ghost, but there are sightings of a “ghost” around the abbey (*Spoiler* ); Many mentions of Swanford Abbey being haunted by the spirits of nuns (including the abbess being called evil by someone once), ghosts, & children being scared and dared to go in there; A mention of someone being called a “devil”; A mention of most people being somewhere in between pure and evil; A mention of statues of Greek gods; A mention of rabbits being a symbol of the resurrection in Christian art & fertility in secular art (the latter which is in turn based off of a pagan god).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘balderdash’, a ‘blasted’, a ‘drat’, a ‘pah!’, a ‘what the deuce’, a ‘what the devil’, two forms of ‘stupid’, three ‘bah!’s, three ‘dash it’s, three forms of ‘idiot’, four ‘dashed’s, and four ‘thunder and turf’s; A bit of eye rolling; A bit of pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Rebecca is concerned that someone very close to her is the murderer; Rebecca lies to protect her brother (which she prays for forgiveness for, but feels like God isn’t hearing her now, and later confesses her lies to Frederick, who says he knows she had compelling reasons); Rebecca’s brother hasn’t been the same since a childhood head injury & has “deep depression of spirits” (there are also a few mentions of the possibility of him threatening to and possibly harm himself or others); Frederick feels guilt about how his late wife died (*Spoiler* , it is recalled, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Many mentions of a murder, how it happened, & the murderer (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of poisons, drugs, a plan to poison someone, & someone possibly being poisoned (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of injuries & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of stealing, stolen items, thefts, thieves, robberies, & a possible break-in; Mentions of gambling; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & bars; Mentions of opium; Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of a war & deaths; A few mentions of prison & arrests; A few mentions of those at an asylum who have pose a threat to themselves or others; A few mentions of those at an asylum being forced to endure barbaric practices; A few mentions of a child falling out of a tree & his injury (Rebecca recalls it, barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of tobacco & cigars; A few mentions of hatred (including someone hating himself); A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of criminals being hung; A couple mentions of bullies; A couple mentions of nightmares; A mention of suicide; A mention of a threat against someone; A mention of a drunken brawl; A mention of hunting;
*Note: Mentions of books & authors.
Sexual Content- A hand/fingers kiss, a cheek kiss, an almost (semi-detailed) kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Recalling an almost kiss (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Rebecca has had a crush on Frederick since she was young (he’s about ten years older than her); At one point, Rebecca has to stay the night in Frederick’s room (he sleeps elsewhere) and she gets a giddy feeling of sleeping in his bed (thinking that her childhood imagination always wanted to be his bride and kiss him, though those thoughts had never ventured to the bedroom); Many mentions of a man liking any woman (not having a type), him “bothering” other women (including when they’re unwilling), & him trying to suggest Rebecca to be with him (which she will not do); Mentions of a man taking advantage of a young woman (16-years-old) & her becoming with child (out-of-wedlock); Mentions of lovers, affairs, & unfaithful wives (including a fictional one and *Spoiler* ); Mentions of flirting & flirts (including a married woman flirting with her husband’s brother); Mentions of touches & a couple embracing (with the woman not wanting it); Mentions of reputations & chaperones; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of elopements, young couples running away together, & a young man leaving multiple women (one with a child); A couple mentions of kisses; A couple mentions of a man helping teach a woman to bowl while touching her waist; A couple mentions of guests of a hotel bothering the maids; A mention of a young man trying to kiss a young Rebecca (she pushed him away); A mention of a brothel; A mention of a man possibly arranging to meet a woman alone at a hotel; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a wife not wanting to be a mother (because she doesn’t want to lose her figure and says she has no maternal instincts) & her possibly taking “measures to destroy the child” (and whether by her hand or God’s, the pregnancy ends in a miscarriage, *Spoiler* ); Mentions of women’s figures & tight clothing (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of mothers and children dying in childbirth (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of a woman who’s name was ironically “Modesty” (implying later that she has a large chest); A mention of the assumption that most actresses are “a light-skirt” (a prostitute); A mention of an actress saying that she would “get little else done” if she tried to kill every man who tried to take advantage of her; A mention of an actress saying men have tried to sneak into her room; A mention of an actress implying that Rebecca (a vicar’s daughter) might want to move away from her [due to her profession]; A mention of seducing someone; A mention of a man wanting to have an “illicit liaison” with a woman, but she is a lady and won’t do that; A mention of a couple remaining childless “despite [their] best efforts”; A mention of a man calling another a “poor fool” for getting married; A mention of rabbits representing fertility (which causes Rebecca to blush at that word).
-Rebecca Lane
-Frederick Wilford, age 35 (?)
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1820
410 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
One thing I’ve noticed with reading some of Julie Klassen’ answer books is that it feels like a journey. Not necessarily because of a plot involving travel (lack thereof would be a better example) or because the book is set over a long period of time, but perhaps because of the length of the novel and the writing style. Not a bad thing, but I typically always end up dwelling on the story for a while after reading it.
I found this plot very fascinating with the murder (that didn’t happen till over 150+ in, mind you), the location, the historical jury details, and the descriptions of different regency elements. I can’t say that I ever connected with Rebecca or Frederick, though, especially after Rebecca lied (to protect her brother, but I still wasn’t a fan of how she handled it, personally). They were both fine, but I wasn’t enthralled with them or became a big fan of these main characters. There are a few flashbacks sprinkled in at different points that added background about certain characters or events. They were short and not super frequent, so those parts didn’t bother me.
I did really enjoy the writing style and how events were described and played out within this book, which is why my attention was easily kept throughout these 400-pages.
This novel being my third book by this author in recent months, I would personally rank this one above The Bridge to Belle Island and just below A Castaway of Cornwall.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“News of her brother's worrisome behavior spurs Miss Rebecca Lane to return home to her village. Upon her arrival, he begs her to go to nearby Swanford Abbey, a medieval monastery turned grand hotel rumored to be haunted. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees to stay at the abbey until she can deliver his manuscript to a fellow guest who might help him get published--an author who once betrayed them.
Soon, Rebecca starts seeing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters at night. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick--baronet, magistrate, and former neighbor--who long ago broke her heart. Now a handsome widower of thirty-five, he is trying to overcome a past betrayal of his own.
When the famous author is found dead, Sir Frederick makes inquiries and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the author, including Miss Lane and her brother. As Sir Frederick searches for answers, he is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something. . . .”
Series: No, a stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- 2 Timothy 1:7 at the beginning; Scriptures are remembered, quoted, & prayed; Prayers & Thanking God; Rebecca stays at an old abbey-turned-hotel; After she has lied, Rebecca feels troubled and prays for forgiveness for her sin (which she feels like her prayers are unheard and unanswered); Going to Churches & Chapels; Talks about God; 'H's are capital when referring to God & Jesus; Many mentions of the abbey, nuns, & religious persecution; Mentions of God & forgiveness; Mentions of prayers, praying, & Thanking God; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of a painting of Christ on The Cross & thinking about it; Mentions of churches, chapels, church going, vicars, services, & sermons; A few mentions of Bibles; A few mentions of stained glass depicting The Cross; A few mentions of Easter; A few mentions of hymn books & prayer books; A couple mentions of a crucifix; A couple mentions of monks; A mention of being Blessed; A mention of wishing someone Godspeed; A mention of an asylum/hospital trying to help the patients restore mental, emotional, and spiritual health (the staff and doctors there encourage to battle their fears with “prayer…and a reliance on God’s strength”); A mention of a difference in religion being a reason why some people were put into an asylum;
*Note: The phrase “devilishly” or a form of it is used a handful of times as an adjective (‘devilishly angry’, ‘devilishly vain’, ‘devilish smile’, etc.); Rebecca knows there are no ghosts besides the Holy Ghost, but there are sightings of a “ghost” around the abbey (*Spoiler* ); Many mentions of Swanford Abbey being haunted by the spirits of nuns (including the abbess being called evil by someone once), ghosts, & children being scared and dared to go in there; A mention of someone being called a “devil”; A mention of most people being somewhere in between pure and evil; A mention of statues of Greek gods; A mention of rabbits being a symbol of the resurrection in Christian art & fertility in secular art (the latter which is in turn based off of a pagan god).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘balderdash’, a ‘blasted’, a ‘drat’, a ‘pah!’, a ‘what the deuce’, a ‘what the devil’, two forms of ‘stupid’, three ‘bah!’s, three ‘dash it’s, three forms of ‘idiot’, four ‘dashed’s, and four ‘thunder and turf’s; A bit of eye rolling; A bit of pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Rebecca is concerned that someone very close to her is the murderer; Rebecca lies to protect her brother (which she prays for forgiveness for, but feels like God isn’t hearing her now, and later confesses her lies to Frederick, who says he knows she had compelling reasons); Rebecca’s brother hasn’t been the same since a childhood head injury & has “deep depression of spirits” (there are also a few mentions of the possibility of him threatening to and possibly harm himself or others); Frederick feels guilt about how his late wife died (*Spoiler* , it is recalled, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Many mentions of a murder, how it happened, & the murderer (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of poisons, drugs, a plan to poison someone, & someone possibly being poisoned (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of injuries & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of stealing, stolen items, thefts, thieves, robberies, & a possible break-in; Mentions of gambling; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & bars; Mentions of opium; Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of a war & deaths; A few mentions of prison & arrests; A few mentions of those at an asylum who have pose a threat to themselves or others; A few mentions of those at an asylum being forced to endure barbaric practices; A few mentions of a child falling out of a tree & his injury (Rebecca recalls it, barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of tobacco & cigars; A few mentions of hatred (including someone hating himself); A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of criminals being hung; A couple mentions of bullies; A couple mentions of nightmares; A mention of suicide; A mention of a threat against someone; A mention of a drunken brawl; A mention of hunting;
*Note: Mentions of books & authors.
Sexual Content- A hand/fingers kiss, a cheek kiss, an almost (semi-detailed) kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and a semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Recalling an almost kiss (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Rebecca has had a crush on Frederick since she was young (he’s about ten years older than her); At one point, Rebecca has to stay the night in Frederick’s room (he sleeps elsewhere) and she gets a giddy feeling of sleeping in his bed (thinking that her childhood imagination always wanted to be his bride and kiss him, though those thoughts had never ventured to the bedroom); Many mentions of a man liking any woman (not having a type), him “bothering” other women (including when they’re unwilling), & him trying to suggest Rebecca to be with him (which she will not do); Mentions of a man taking advantage of a young woman (16-years-old) & her becoming with child (out-of-wedlock); Mentions of lovers, affairs, & unfaithful wives (including a fictional one and *Spoiler* ); Mentions of flirting & flirts (including a married woman flirting with her husband’s brother); Mentions of touches & a couple embracing (with the woman not wanting it); Mentions of reputations & chaperones; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of elopements, young couples running away together, & a young man leaving multiple women (one with a child); A couple mentions of kisses; A couple mentions of a man helping teach a woman to bowl while touching her waist; A couple mentions of guests of a hotel bothering the maids; A mention of a young man trying to kiss a young Rebecca (she pushed him away); A mention of a brothel; A mention of a man possibly arranging to meet a woman alone at a hotel; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a wife not wanting to be a mother (because she doesn’t want to lose her figure and says she has no maternal instincts) & her possibly taking “measures to destroy the child” (and whether by her hand or God’s, the pregnancy ends in a miscarriage, *Spoiler* ); Mentions of women’s figures & tight clothing (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of mothers and children dying in childbirth (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of a woman who’s name was ironically “Modesty” (implying later that she has a large chest); A mention of the assumption that most actresses are “a light-skirt” (a prostitute); A mention of an actress saying that she would “get little else done” if she tried to kill every man who tried to take advantage of her; A mention of an actress saying men have tried to sneak into her room; A mention of an actress implying that Rebecca (a vicar’s daughter) might want to move away from her [due to her profession]; A mention of seducing someone; A mention of a man wanting to have an “illicit liaison” with a woman, but she is a lady and won’t do that; A mention of a couple remaining childless “despite [their] best efforts”; A mention of a man calling another a “poor fool” for getting married; A mention of rabbits representing fertility (which causes Rebecca to blush at that word).
-Rebecca Lane
-Frederick Wilford, age 35 (?)
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1820
410 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
One thing I’ve noticed with reading some of Julie Klassen’ answer books is that it feels like a journey. Not necessarily because of a plot involving travel (lack thereof would be a better example) or because the book is set over a long period of time, but perhaps because of the length of the novel and the writing style. Not a bad thing, but I typically always end up dwelling on the story for a while after reading it.
I found this plot very fascinating with the murder (that didn’t happen till over 150+ in, mind you), the location, the historical jury details, and the descriptions of different regency elements. I can’t say that I ever connected with Rebecca or Frederick, though, especially after Rebecca lied (to protect her brother, but I still wasn’t a fan of how she handled it, personally). They were both fine, but I wasn’t enthralled with them or became a big fan of these main characters. There are a few flashbacks sprinkled in at different points that added background about certain characters or events. They were short and not super frequent, so those parts didn’t bother me.
I did really enjoy the writing style and how events were described and played out within this book, which is why my attention was easily kept throughout these 400-pages.
This novel being my third book by this author in recent months, I would personally rank this one above The Bridge to Belle Island and just below A Castaway of Cornwall.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
January 24, 2022
I enjoyed it! I really like isolated settings, especially big houses and this book does it well.
The murder investigation allowed for some background on the characters that was nice to have.
I liked that there were two different mysteries that got solved too.
The two main characters prayed and thought about their faith here and there and it fit with the story, which I liked.
Overall enjoyed it, but it felt a bit long and I think she’s written better stories.
The murder investigation allowed for some background on the characters that was nice to have.
I liked that there were two different mysteries that got solved too.
The two main characters prayed and thought about their faith here and there and it fit with the story, which I liked.
Overall enjoyed it, but it felt a bit long and I think she’s written better stories.
February 11, 2022
Loved all the characters and the mystery in this one! The romance was very light which I didn't mind at all. Another wonderful novel from a favorite author. I love all the nods to Gothic novels with this one, and yet it wasn't dark or disturbing in the least. Just fascinating and fun.
December 13, 2023
”I forgive you, and I love you.”
This book started out mind-numbingly slow. The first nearly half was Klassen developing the characters and atmosphere and setting everything up for the plot, but it was really boring and could’ve been done in half the time it took, or she could’ve continued developing while the plot was already going on.
Alas, she thought it necessary to neglect everything other than the atmosphere and character dynamics and foreshadowing for nearly 200 pages. The blurb wasn’t fulfilled and the plot wasn’t started until halfway through.
It took every ounce of my self-control to stick to my no-DNF rule. Unfortunately, nothing amazing happened to make it better like I hoped for.
Things did get a bit better once the plot got off its feet though. The historical jury system was quite intriguing and fun to read about. The murder mystery in and of itself was well done, not terribly surprising, but the twists were nicely foreshadowed (thank goodness, at least the first half of the book wasn’t completely boring fluff but actually had a purpose) and executed.
It just felt… very anticlimactic. The way the mysteries, investigations, and discoveries were told was very straight-to-the face and, well, dull.
The characters were fine; they had a kind of cardboard feel to them most of the time, but there was nothing terrible about them. The romance was mediocre and there wasn’t much chemistry, unfortunately.
I feel really bad about such a negative review. Trust me, I much prefer writing positive reviews (I’m terrible at writing negative ones). But this book, despite its amazing premise and gold pile of potential, was mediocre at best. Julie Klassen just missed the mark with this one.
”Thankfully, God offers second chances.”
happy reading loves!! 🤍🤍🤍
This book started out mind-numbingly slow. The first nearly half was Klassen developing the characters and atmosphere and setting everything up for the plot, but it was really boring and could’ve been done in half the time it took, or she could’ve continued developing while the plot was already going on.
Alas, she thought it necessary to neglect everything other than the atmosphere and character dynamics and foreshadowing for nearly 200 pages. The blurb wasn’t fulfilled and the plot wasn’t started until halfway through.
It took every ounce of my self-control to stick to my no-DNF rule. Unfortunately, nothing amazing happened to make it better like I hoped for.
Things did get a bit better once the plot got off its feet though. The historical jury system was quite intriguing and fun to read about. The murder mystery in and of itself was well done, not terribly surprising, but the twists were nicely foreshadowed (thank goodness, at least the first half of the book wasn’t completely boring fluff but actually had a purpose) and executed.
It just felt… very anticlimactic. The way the mysteries, investigations, and discoveries were told was very straight-to-the face and, well, dull.
The characters were fine; they had a kind of cardboard feel to them most of the time, but there was nothing terrible about them. The romance was mediocre and there wasn’t much chemistry, unfortunately.
I feel really bad about such a negative review. Trust me, I much prefer writing positive reviews (I’m terrible at writing negative ones). But this book, despite its amazing premise and gold pile of potential, was mediocre at best. Julie Klassen just missed the mark with this one.
”Thankfully, God offers second chances.”
happy reading loves!! 🤍🤍🤍
May 14, 2024
Shadows of Swanford Abbey - Julie Klassen - 4 Stars
I am so glad I read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen last year because this had the perfect atmosphere that reminded me of a good Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie regency story! Very reminiscent of the Northanger Abbey itself - so I loved that! Julie Klassen has the best settings in her stories and this was just a good cozy time for me on a Sunday afternoon.
In this story, we follow Rebecca Lane who returns to her home village after a few years away. Her brother begs her for a favor to go to Swanford Abbey to deliver his manuscript to an author staying there so he can get published. She agrees to help him but this grand hotel known as Swanford Abbey is rumored to be haunted. She starts seeing strange things there and runs into Sir Frederick - the magistrate, widower and former neighbor who broke her heart long ago..... A famous author is found murdered in the abbey and the mystery goes on from here as feelings start to emerge for Rebecca as Sir Frederick tries to find the truth of who the murderer is.
This was such a great murder mystery that truly put me in the mind of an Agatha Christie story. We can certainly tell our characters are Christian in their faith and I loved Rebecca and Frederick's love story as they became more than friends in their unrequited love story.
If you love a good cozy, historical mystery with Jane Austen Northanger Abbey vibes, Gothic/Eerie settings and Agatha Christie like story, pick this up.
The only reason it wasn't quite a 5 star for me is some parts dragged for me a little bit, but I was just enjoying my time with the story overall anyway so that's ok!
I am so glad I read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen last year because this had the perfect atmosphere that reminded me of a good Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie regency story! Very reminiscent of the Northanger Abbey itself - so I loved that! Julie Klassen has the best settings in her stories and this was just a good cozy time for me on a Sunday afternoon.
In this story, we follow Rebecca Lane who returns to her home village after a few years away. Her brother begs her for a favor to go to Swanford Abbey to deliver his manuscript to an author staying there so he can get published. She agrees to help him but this grand hotel known as Swanford Abbey is rumored to be haunted. She starts seeing strange things there and runs into Sir Frederick - the magistrate, widower and former neighbor who broke her heart long ago..... A famous author is found murdered in the abbey and the mystery goes on from here as feelings start to emerge for Rebecca as Sir Frederick tries to find the truth of who the murderer is.
This was such a great murder mystery that truly put me in the mind of an Agatha Christie story. We can certainly tell our characters are Christian in their faith and I loved Rebecca and Frederick's love story as they became more than friends in their unrequited love story.
If you love a good cozy, historical mystery with Jane Austen Northanger Abbey vibes, Gothic/Eerie settings and Agatha Christie like story, pick this up.
The only reason it wasn't quite a 5 star for me is some parts dragged for me a little bit, but I was just enjoying my time with the story overall anyway so that's ok!
January 26, 2022
Stars: 3.5
Synopsis: Rebecca Lane returned to her hometown only for a short visit with her brother John...but when he ropes her into his scheme to get his novel published and sends her to the local convent-turned-hotel Swanford Abbey, she ends up confronting the unexpected, including lost love, ghosts, and murder.
I’ve held off on reading anything by Julie Klassen for years now, despite all the good things I’ve heard about her novels, and for the longest time I didn’t have a reason to…until now.
Of course, I probably ought to read another of her works before I swear her off forever (The Painter’s Daughter, perhaps, as it seems to be one of her most popular), but suffice to say that I’m not pleased enough to go out and immediately buy one. I did read the whole thing and it did keep my attention, but it wasn’t until the murder took place that I was really invested enough in it to keep on going.
(This is not an uncommon occurrence, though. It’s like, you done tol’ me somebody was dyin’, woman! Why ain’t they dead yet? And I can be impatient, so…)
From the perspective of a mystery, I do think Klassen pulled it off and, yeah, Christie would be proud. The slow beginning had its merits, as all the suspects were properly developed and defined (more so than the main characters, in fact) and the circumstances were set up well. I do think it was a little too long, though, because I was about to lose interest before Oliver was killed.
As for red herrings? *chef’s kiss * Perfecto! I was kept guessing the whole time, and although I did have my own bias as to who it could’ve been (or at least who was donning the habit and running about), I never did come up with a firm conclusion for fear of being wrong. (I was wrong. Ish.)
The perpetrator was revealed and dealt with in true Christie fashion—although I’d say no one was quite as malicious as a Christie murderer—and at the end, I was rather satisfied with the turn of events concerning Oliver’s murder.
But that was the end of my satisfaction.
As for the romance thread, I think it was subtle enough, only that the culmination of it was a bit rushed. (Is it just me, or are the endings in which either the hero or the heroine suddenly decides to fight for their beloved, dashes up to them and declares their undying affection, and then they live happily ever after for the last two sentences too...cliche?) I will admit, though, that the scene modeled after (or, rather, the exact opposite of) Lady Catherine’s speech in Pride and Prejudice was just too good. I loved that part.
On that note, although the entire secondary cast—from John, Rose, and Lady Fitzhoward, to Thomas, Selina, and Mr. George—were vibrant and developed, I felt that Rebecca and Frederick were lacking that same definition. Frederick seemed to have very little purpose or much of an arc except for interviewing suspects. All he needed, really, was a bit of pain or heartache over the circumstances of his wife’s death that he needed to overcome, as well as some personality. Otherwise, he reminded me of Christie’s Hastings, I guess, detached and distant, I mean. Not romance hero quality, although he was fine for the mystery plot.
As for Rebecca...she wasn’t annoying or obnoxious or unpleasant. She wasn’t really anything, actually. She had very little personality or will, and not much of an arc either, which, as I said, would be fine if this were just a mystery. The romance/drama side just seemed a little lacking on the characters’ parts. Also, as strong of a premise as the mystery was, I didn’t like how it all hinged on Rebecca’s lying. She did repent for her deception, but at times she seemed like more of a villain than a heroine in some ways.
With how long and drawn-out the beginning was, I feel like Klassen could have developed Rebecca and Frederick more and made their personal romantic storyline more defined, rather than the characterization being so unbalanced.
Lastly, I’m sorry to say that I just couldn’t get into Klassen’s writing! I feel like this story and its setting had all the makings of a deep, immersive novel, and I could tell that Klassen was attempting to bring that about; however, she did more showing than telling and her descriptions were limited and awkward at best. I simply couldn’t connect with or enjoy her writing style, which is a shame, for I do so love good prose.
The style of her narrative leaked a bit into her dialogue, for there were several lines that, to me, seemed out-of-place and awkward. I’d pause and lift my eyebrows wondering to myself, “Where did that come from? Whatever was that doing there?” Otherwise, there was at times a rather delightful flavor to her dialogue that I longed for more of in her narrative.
Long story short, I wasn’t able to connect with the writing, the characters, or even really the romance, due to a lack of development and definition. I did, however, enjoy the mystery itself, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up another Klassen novel just yet.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Synopsis: Rebecca Lane returned to her hometown only for a short visit with her brother John...but when he ropes her into his scheme to get his novel published and sends her to the local convent-turned-hotel Swanford Abbey, she ends up confronting the unexpected, including lost love, ghosts, and murder.
I’ve held off on reading anything by Julie Klassen for years now, despite all the good things I’ve heard about her novels, and for the longest time I didn’t have a reason to…until now.
Of course, I probably ought to read another of her works before I swear her off forever (The Painter’s Daughter, perhaps, as it seems to be one of her most popular), but suffice to say that I’m not pleased enough to go out and immediately buy one. I did read the whole thing and it did keep my attention, but it wasn’t until the murder took place that I was really invested enough in it to keep on going.
(This is not an uncommon occurrence, though. It’s like, you done tol’ me somebody was dyin’, woman! Why ain’t they dead yet? And I can be impatient, so…)
From the perspective of a mystery, I do think Klassen pulled it off and, yeah, Christie would be proud. The slow beginning had its merits, as all the suspects were properly developed and defined (more so than the main characters, in fact) and the circumstances were set up well. I do think it was a little too long, though, because I was about to lose interest before Oliver was killed.
As for red herrings? *chef’s kiss * Perfecto! I was kept guessing the whole time, and although I did have my own bias as to who it could’ve been (or at least who was donning the habit and running about), I never did come up with a firm conclusion for fear of being wrong. (I was wrong. Ish.)
The perpetrator was revealed and dealt with in true Christie fashion—although I’d say no one was quite as malicious as a Christie murderer—and at the end, I was rather satisfied with the turn of events concerning Oliver’s murder.
But that was the end of my satisfaction.
As for the romance thread, I think it was subtle enough, only that the culmination of it was a bit rushed. (Is it just me, or are the endings in which either the hero or the heroine suddenly decides to fight for their beloved, dashes up to them and declares their undying affection, and then they live happily ever after for the last two sentences too...cliche?) I will admit, though, that the scene modeled after (or, rather, the exact opposite of) Lady Catherine’s speech in Pride and Prejudice was just too good. I loved that part.
On that note, although the entire secondary cast—from John, Rose, and Lady Fitzhoward, to Thomas, Selina, and Mr. George—were vibrant and developed, I felt that Rebecca and Frederick were lacking that same definition. Frederick seemed to have very little purpose or much of an arc except for interviewing suspects. All he needed, really, was a bit of pain or heartache over the circumstances of his wife’s death that he needed to overcome, as well as some personality. Otherwise, he reminded me of Christie’s Hastings, I guess, detached and distant, I mean. Not romance hero quality, although he was fine for the mystery plot.
As for Rebecca...she wasn’t annoying or obnoxious or unpleasant. She wasn’t really anything, actually. She had very little personality or will, and not much of an arc either, which, as I said, would be fine if this were just a mystery. The romance/drama side just seemed a little lacking on the characters’ parts. Also, as strong of a premise as the mystery was, I didn’t like how it all hinged on Rebecca’s lying. She did repent for her deception, but at times she seemed like more of a villain than a heroine in some ways.
With how long and drawn-out the beginning was, I feel like Klassen could have developed Rebecca and Frederick more and made their personal romantic storyline more defined, rather than the characterization being so unbalanced.
Lastly, I’m sorry to say that I just couldn’t get into Klassen’s writing! I feel like this story and its setting had all the makings of a deep, immersive novel, and I could tell that Klassen was attempting to bring that about; however, she did more showing than telling and her descriptions were limited and awkward at best. I simply couldn’t connect with or enjoy her writing style, which is a shame, for I do so love good prose.
The style of her narrative leaked a bit into her dialogue, for there were several lines that, to me, seemed out-of-place and awkward. I’d pause and lift my eyebrows wondering to myself, “Where did that come from? Whatever was that doing there?” Otherwise, there was at times a rather delightful flavor to her dialogue that I longed for more of in her narrative.
Long story short, I wasn’t able to connect with the writing, the characters, or even really the romance, due to a lack of development and definition. I did, however, enjoy the mystery itself, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up another Klassen novel just yet.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 13, 2021
Goodness this was such a fun story! It was absolutely classic Julie Klassen, but the mystery added in was absolutely delightful!
I just loved getting to know Miss Rebecca Lane! What a wonderful young lady who has been through so much with her family. Coming back to her home to find her brother still struggling with life, you could see how much it affected her. I just loved Rose, the caretaker of the siblings and lodge. Well, as much as she could with Rebecca traveling as a companion and her brother, John, dealing with mental instability.
Sir Frederick along with his brother, Thomas, end up at Swanford Abbey at the same time as Miss Rebecca, who once as a young girl, was smitten with him. He was also still recovering from the loss of his wife, but not in a way most suspect.
The story absolutely had Agatha Christie vibes to it. I have to giggle, whenever there was a suspected person running around in a nun's outfit I had flashbacks to Scooby Do! Trust me, you'll spend the entire book trying to figure out who might be dressed as a nun!
With the death of the famous author staying at the Abbey, Sir Frederick has to figure out "who done it". I can tell you, I couldn't figure it out and the end was such a surprise! I have to admit, with Rebecca being a companion to Lady Fitzhoward, I was super curious why she was so familiar to people from the town. She was such a fun character! There were lots of twists and turns in the story, which completely kept me guessing about the outcome the whole time! Gotta love a mystery that doesn't give anything away.
I don't read a lot of mysteries, but this one held my attention to the very last page.
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
I just loved getting to know Miss Rebecca Lane! What a wonderful young lady who has been through so much with her family. Coming back to her home to find her brother still struggling with life, you could see how much it affected her. I just loved Rose, the caretaker of the siblings and lodge. Well, as much as she could with Rebecca traveling as a companion and her brother, John, dealing with mental instability.
Sir Frederick along with his brother, Thomas, end up at Swanford Abbey at the same time as Miss Rebecca, who once as a young girl, was smitten with him. He was also still recovering from the loss of his wife, but not in a way most suspect.
The story absolutely had Agatha Christie vibes to it. I have to giggle, whenever there was a suspected person running around in a nun's outfit I had flashbacks to Scooby Do! Trust me, you'll spend the entire book trying to figure out who might be dressed as a nun!
With the death of the famous author staying at the Abbey, Sir Frederick has to figure out "who done it". I can tell you, I couldn't figure it out and the end was such a surprise! I have to admit, with Rebecca being a companion to Lady Fitzhoward, I was super curious why she was so familiar to people from the town. She was such a fun character! There were lots of twists and turns in the story, which completely kept me guessing about the outcome the whole time! Gotta love a mystery that doesn't give anything away.
I don't read a lot of mysteries, but this one held my attention to the very last page.
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
January 4, 2022
This is a Regency era tale with a gentle murder mystery and a gentle romance, along with a delightful measure of mysterious cloaked figures, secret passageways, characters in disguise, and people who are not what they seem.
I felt like it was one of Klassen's best efforts to date, and I was absorbed in the story from the moment I picked up the book. I didn't want to stop reading to live life! In fact, I dinged up my brand new cover a bit because I dropped it in my purse to go shopping...
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. The review is based off the final paperback version.
I felt like it was one of Klassen's best efforts to date, and I was absorbed in the story from the moment I picked up the book. I didn't want to stop reading to live life! In fact, I dinged up my brand new cover a bit because I dropped it in my purse to go shopping...
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. The review is based off the final paperback version.
January 18, 2022
Where has this author been all my life?! This era is not something I read often (don’t at me, just never fell into the regency faze) however, something prompted me to get this when I saw the review email request.
I honestly forgot about it because shipping for these things is rather unpredictable and I’m always the last person to get my book, and this was a prime example of “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”… I got it in the mail and was instantly wondering why I had ordered it simply because the cover didn’t give me any hint to the gem inside till I flipped it over and read Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen and that is the moment I started falling head over heels in love with this story.
I half read, half listened to it in about one weekend while sick and it is definitely a stand out! The murder mystery, classic whodunit vibes with the antique abbey brought to life so vividly under Julie Klassen’s pen all combined with characters full of mystery, shrouded in humanity, and with as many secrets as a cat has lives became one of my all time favorites and will definitely probably be in my top 5 of the year.
The way she described the surroundings was so vivid and descriptive, all without getting bogged down and the story just. Kept. rolling.
If you are fan of classic mysteries, stories where you can’t guess the ending, Pride and Prejudice or anything having to do with the regency era, then this book is for you.
I was blown away and immediately added several other Klassen titles to my TBR list and amazon wishlist.
Five raving stars from me!
Content: does include content of philandering, womanizers, and mention of premarital relationships but it was all tastefully done as it would have been talked about at the time… very delicately. I would be totally fine with mid to young teens reading this. Highly recommend!
**Also a side note, the audio book version of this is also stellar with an amazing reader.
*This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and in no way influenced by the publisher.
I honestly forgot about it because shipping for these things is rather unpredictable and I’m always the last person to get my book, and this was a prime example of “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”… I got it in the mail and was instantly wondering why I had ordered it simply because the cover didn’t give me any hint to the gem inside till I flipped it over and read Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen and that is the moment I started falling head over heels in love with this story.
I half read, half listened to it in about one weekend while sick and it is definitely a stand out! The murder mystery, classic whodunit vibes with the antique abbey brought to life so vividly under Julie Klassen’s pen all combined with characters full of mystery, shrouded in humanity, and with as many secrets as a cat has lives became one of my all time favorites and will definitely probably be in my top 5 of the year.
The way she described the surroundings was so vivid and descriptive, all without getting bogged down and the story just. Kept. rolling.
If you are fan of classic mysteries, stories where you can’t guess the ending, Pride and Prejudice or anything having to do with the regency era, then this book is for you.
I was blown away and immediately added several other Klassen titles to my TBR list and amazon wishlist.
Five raving stars from me!
Content: does include content of philandering, womanizers, and mention of premarital relationships but it was all tastefully done as it would have been talked about at the time… very delicately. I would be totally fine with mid to young teens reading this. Highly recommend!
**Also a side note, the audio book version of this is also stellar with an amazing reader.
*This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and in no way influenced by the publisher.
August 6, 2022
1820 Worcestershire, England
Lovely! Pure delight to read this historical mystery set in an abbey.
Lovely! Pure delight to read this historical mystery set in an abbey.
January 25, 2022
Atmospheric and compelling, this book will certainly rank as one of my favorites from this author! And I love so many of her books already! I love this "whodunit" vein she's been exploring recently. This book had all the best parts of the classic whodunit she constructed in Bridge to Belle Island, with the shadowy, deep-steeped setting feels of The Silent Governess. The characters are wonderful, both main and supporting. The romance is fairly secondary to the rest of the events, and in a good way. Klassen hit a sweet spot with this one!
January 23, 2022
This author is new to me but has written a large number of books. I looked at the reviews and it sounded like an interesting read. I thought the book was waaaaay too slow to introduce the murder and the romance has also been slow to build. We are only 3 or 4 days into the story, and it feels likes weeks. Good writing but needs plot tightened. The romance was more longing looks than actual courting. The murder mystery was good, and all is tied up at the end. I think it would have been a much better book if it had been 100 pages shorter.
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December 7, 2021
'God seemed silent and forgiveness not forthcoming.'
Julie Klassen has been a favorite since I read her first book, the Lady of Milkweed Manor, which I have read twice. This current book, described as 'Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen' is very good indeed. And the blurb is quite true. All through the reading of it, I kept thinking how much it reminded me of an Agatha Christie mystery. Klassen is very adept here and I never once guessed the culprit, even though there were a plethora of suspects. Her books are always filled with likeable characters and believable plots. This one fit the bill for me indeed. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.
Julie Klassen has been a favorite since I read her first book, the Lady of Milkweed Manor, which I have read twice. This current book, described as 'Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen' is very good indeed. And the blurb is quite true. All through the reading of it, I kept thinking how much it reminded me of an Agatha Christie mystery. Klassen is very adept here and I never once guessed the culprit, even though there were a plethora of suspects. Her books are always filled with likeable characters and believable plots. This one fit the bill for me indeed. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.
December 12, 2021
4.5⭐️ Loved this and as most of you know, J Klassen is one of my favorite regency writers. She always does a really special job creating elaborate well constructed characters. I soaked this novel up while contemplating all the mysterious clues, taking in the charming grand hotel that once was a monastery. This had ghosts, stage actresses, writers and publishers to round out the full cast.
I really enjoyed the setting and highly recommended it if you love a good mystery. There wasn’t a lot of romance if you’re wonder and that was fine with this intriguing plot.
I hope this was helpful.
Thanks Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley.
I really enjoyed the setting and highly recommended it if you love a good mystery. There wasn’t a lot of romance if you’re wonder and that was fine with this intriguing plot.
I hope this was helpful.
Thanks Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley.
December 5, 2021
Such a great regency romantic mystery. Hints of Agatha Christy and her closed house novels. Secrets abound everywhere as does forgiveness and the potential for love.
August 6, 2022
"Calm down. Talk to her before you do anything you might regret."
As the town magistrate, Sir Frederick Wilford has been called upon to settle typical local disputes, but a murder; where to even begin? The Swanford Abbey hotel guests and employees are all under suspicion of course, but there's only one whom Frederick is hoping and praying is as innocent as he believes her to be.
When the very man who has caused her beloved brother so much angst turns up dead, Rebecca Lane is terrified to tell the truth about what she knows, and horrified to admit her half-truths. Especially to Sir Frederick, her childhood friend and admittedly the object of her girlish affections. Time has changed them both, for Frederick is now a widower and Rebecca has been under employment as a lady's maid. Is there room for more? "Thankfully God offers second chances."
This author has long blended history with an air of mystery, but this story takes the concept a step further and reads more like a crime novel, with its "who done it" creeping around every corner and invading every shadow. Utilizing a game of chess and a clever trap, the characters ultimately expose the true culprit while readers enjoy being thoroughly entertained in the process. And the bonus? A sweet romance between two long time friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. I also purchased a copy.
As the town magistrate, Sir Frederick Wilford has been called upon to settle typical local disputes, but a murder; where to even begin? The Swanford Abbey hotel guests and employees are all under suspicion of course, but there's only one whom Frederick is hoping and praying is as innocent as he believes her to be.
When the very man who has caused her beloved brother so much angst turns up dead, Rebecca Lane is terrified to tell the truth about what she knows, and horrified to admit her half-truths. Especially to Sir Frederick, her childhood friend and admittedly the object of her girlish affections. Time has changed them both, for Frederick is now a widower and Rebecca has been under employment as a lady's maid. Is there room for more? "Thankfully God offers second chances."
This author has long blended history with an air of mystery, but this story takes the concept a step further and reads more like a crime novel, with its "who done it" creeping around every corner and invading every shadow. Utilizing a game of chess and a clever trap, the characters ultimately expose the true culprit while readers enjoy being thoroughly entertained in the process. And the bonus? A sweet romance between two long time friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. I also purchased a copy.
July 23, 2022
An abbey-turned-hotel holds many secrets, but not nearly as many as the guests.
Perhaps inspired by Agatha Christy and Jane Austen, Julie Klassen's newest novel is a delight to readers. Set in England in the early 1800s, it features a reclusive author, a potentially haunted hotel, and two sweet lovebirds and other guests with myriad secrets. Although it is a murder mystery and romance, it is clean and Christian.
I loved this story, and I have loved nearly every book Julie Klassen has published. The characters are kind, deep, and imperfect, showing true growth throughout the tale. I enjoyed their sweet romance.
The solution to the mystery surprised me, which is not easily done, and makes me love it more. There was foreshadowing, plot twists, and false leads, all contributing to a satisfying end.
As usual, I learned something about the time period, and that was the presence of a doctor who used humane practices to treat mental health patients. General knowledge of asylums in the time period contradicts that fact, so I am grateful to know that was not true of everyone.
I recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey to fans of clean, Christian, historical fiction.
Perhaps inspired by Agatha Christy and Jane Austen, Julie Klassen's newest novel is a delight to readers. Set in England in the early 1800s, it features a reclusive author, a potentially haunted hotel, and two sweet lovebirds and other guests with myriad secrets. Although it is a murder mystery and romance, it is clean and Christian.
I loved this story, and I have loved nearly every book Julie Klassen has published. The characters are kind, deep, and imperfect, showing true growth throughout the tale. I enjoyed their sweet romance.
The solution to the mystery surprised me, which is not easily done, and makes me love it more. There was foreshadowing, plot twists, and false leads, all contributing to a satisfying end.
As usual, I learned something about the time period, and that was the presence of a doctor who used humane practices to treat mental health patients. General knowledge of asylums in the time period contradicts that fact, so I am grateful to know that was not true of everyone.
I recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey to fans of clean, Christian, historical fiction.
January 16, 2022
4.5 stars
Julie Klassen has long been one of my go-to authors – her stories are always full of delightful characters, delicious layers, and swoony romance. Most of my favorite Klassen books also have a bit of a gothic feel and/or a mystery thrown in that amplifies those layers I just mentioned. And while I’m pitifully behind on her books, I jumped at the chance to read this new standalone – after all, how could I possibly resist a ‘haunted’ abbey, a murdered author, and a blissful-sigh-inducing romance laced with tensions of the past??
I mean… even if I hadn’t already been on board (which I was), this quote would still have sent my reader heart into twitterpations –
He smelled of spices and safety, childhood memories, and unrequited love.
Pardon me for a moment while I keep swooning over that perfect hug just there. Frederick is the kind of guy you’d want beside you in a crisis, a man with a protective nature and a good heart (as well as sharp instincts). It’s no surprise that Rebecca fell in love with him when they were growing up and even less surprising that she never forgot him. His character made an indelible impression on me, and I know you’ll love him too. Rebecca also left her mark on my heart – I could relate to many of her motivations and feelings, and I admired her strength more than once.
Along with delighting in Rebecca’s friendship with Frederick (which turns decidedly more affectionate, as you might suspect), I especially enjoyed her relationship with her employer, Lady Fitzhoward. The elder woman is possibly the most fascinating character in Shadows of Swanford Abbey, and readers will remain fully engaged in trying to figure out her secrets. She is unpredictable and impossible to put in a box, and I loved the role she plays in this story!
Speaking of secrets… Swanford Abbey and its village have their fair share, woven effortlessly into the fabric of this atmospheric narrative by a skilled author. Truth is revealed at a perfect pace, neither so slowly that readers lose track of the questions nor so quickly that we overlook the complexities of the story or the personalities of the characters. The skill shown here goes beyond just the pacing, however; it is also evident in the choice of ‘whodunnit’ and the difficulty in figuring out exactly who that is from among the mix of plausible suspects.
Bottom Line: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen is the kind of book you’ll love to curl up with over a wintry weekend. With a little something for everyone, it draws you in and keeps you engaged from beginning to end with wonderful characters and an intriguing plot. The historical nuggets to discover & explore on these pages will make you smarter, and they fit seamlessly into the narrative, too. One of the things I most enjoyed about this gothic mystery is how each character – main and supporting – plays a role in tying all the layers together; tracing those threads heightens the mood of the story and makes the ending all the more satisfying!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Julie Klassen has long been one of my go-to authors – her stories are always full of delightful characters, delicious layers, and swoony romance. Most of my favorite Klassen books also have a bit of a gothic feel and/or a mystery thrown in that amplifies those layers I just mentioned. And while I’m pitifully behind on her books, I jumped at the chance to read this new standalone – after all, how could I possibly resist a ‘haunted’ abbey, a murdered author, and a blissful-sigh-inducing romance laced with tensions of the past??
I mean… even if I hadn’t already been on board (which I was), this quote would still have sent my reader heart into twitterpations –
He smelled of spices and safety, childhood memories, and unrequited love.
Pardon me for a moment while I keep swooning over that perfect hug just there. Frederick is the kind of guy you’d want beside you in a crisis, a man with a protective nature and a good heart (as well as sharp instincts). It’s no surprise that Rebecca fell in love with him when they were growing up and even less surprising that she never forgot him. His character made an indelible impression on me, and I know you’ll love him too. Rebecca also left her mark on my heart – I could relate to many of her motivations and feelings, and I admired her strength more than once.
Along with delighting in Rebecca’s friendship with Frederick (which turns decidedly more affectionate, as you might suspect), I especially enjoyed her relationship with her employer, Lady Fitzhoward. The elder woman is possibly the most fascinating character in Shadows of Swanford Abbey, and readers will remain fully engaged in trying to figure out her secrets. She is unpredictable and impossible to put in a box, and I loved the role she plays in this story!
Speaking of secrets… Swanford Abbey and its village have their fair share, woven effortlessly into the fabric of this atmospheric narrative by a skilled author. Truth is revealed at a perfect pace, neither so slowly that readers lose track of the questions nor so quickly that we overlook the complexities of the story or the personalities of the characters. The skill shown here goes beyond just the pacing, however; it is also evident in the choice of ‘whodunnit’ and the difficulty in figuring out exactly who that is from among the mix of plausible suspects.
Bottom Line: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen is the kind of book you’ll love to curl up with over a wintry weekend. With a little something for everyone, it draws you in and keeps you engaged from beginning to end with wonderful characters and an intriguing plot. The historical nuggets to discover & explore on these pages will make you smarter, and they fit seamlessly into the narrative, too. One of the things I most enjoyed about this gothic mystery is how each character – main and supporting – plays a role in tying all the layers together; tracing those threads heightens the mood of the story and makes the ending all the more satisfying!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 9, 2021
Thank you, Austen Prose, Julie Klassen, and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book! It releases TODAY, and I am so excited for this amazing historical fiction mystery.
In Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Rebecca Lane comes back home urgently as her brother, the writer has been struggling with issues on his mental health. After many years of trying to be published, Rebecca is tasked to deliver his manuscript to Swanford Abbey. While there, she runs into an old beau, Sir Frederick, and things get complicated with a murder mystery.
I loved getting into the story and the writing was truly immersive and atmospheric - so perfect for these cold winter nights. The story and plotting was tight, characters incredibly believable and enjoyed to read, and a plus for the mental health inclusion especially for that time frame of the early 1800's period.
I highly recommend this wonderful novel by new to me author Julie Klassen.
In Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Rebecca Lane comes back home urgently as her brother, the writer has been struggling with issues on his mental health. After many years of trying to be published, Rebecca is tasked to deliver his manuscript to Swanford Abbey. While there, she runs into an old beau, Sir Frederick, and things get complicated with a murder mystery.
I loved getting into the story and the writing was truly immersive and atmospheric - so perfect for these cold winter nights. The story and plotting was tight, characters incredibly believable and enjoyed to read, and a plus for the mental health inclusion especially for that time frame of the early 1800's period.
I highly recommend this wonderful novel by new to me author Julie Klassen.
March 8, 2023
Worcestershire, England. March 1820. Julie Klassen’s Shadows of Swanford Abbey kept me reading almost straight to the end, but life got in the way. Having finished the book now, I would like to compliment the author on discussing treatment of people with mental health problems. One character, Dr. Fox, who is continually referred to as “the mad doctor”is a guest at Swanford Abbey which is now a high class hotel. The protagonist, Rebecca Lane, is also a guest. This book has mystery, history, a bit of architecture, and , of course, characters of Regency England. The author uses family as a keynote in her story as well as mystery, vices of the day, and a haunting. Swanford Abbey reminded me of Lacock Abbey, given in memory by Lady Ela, Countess of Salisbury in memory of her late husband and where she is actually buried. Swanford Abbey supposedly has the Abbess who gave Swanford Abbey in memory of her late husband. The author’s writing flowed easily, and I found the characters intriguing except for ‘the famous author’. Very enjoyable! Recommend to those who find the Regency Era appealing. 4.5 stars.
August 6, 2022
It's been too long since I've read a Klassen novel, but I was quickly reminded with this story why I enjoy her work!
I really liked Rebecca, and could easily understand her motivation as an elder sister to help and protect John, even though I did not agree with some of the ways she did so. I also enjoyed her interactions with the other characters in the story, and found her a good woman who ultimately wanted to please God and do what was right.
I also enjoyed Frederick. I liked that he was determined to ferret out the truth, even as he needed to come to terms with the truth of his own unhappy marriage before his wife's untimely passing.
Though the romance was definitely secondary to the mystery (and what a good mystery it was! I was suspecting various characters left, right, and centre, but never quite hit on the right combination to figure out 'whodunnit' and why), I really liked the easy way Frederick and Rebecca's love blossomed.
4.5 stars
I really liked Rebecca, and could easily understand her motivation as an elder sister to help and protect John, even though I did not agree with some of the ways she did so. I also enjoyed her interactions with the other characters in the story, and found her a good woman who ultimately wanted to please God and do what was right.
I also enjoyed Frederick. I liked that he was determined to ferret out the truth, even as he needed to come to terms with the truth of his own unhappy marriage before his wife's untimely passing.
Though the romance was definitely secondary to the mystery (and what a good mystery it was! I was suspecting various characters left, right, and centre, but never quite hit on the right combination to figure out 'whodunnit' and why), I really liked the easy way Frederick and Rebecca's love blossomed.
4.5 stars
dnf
May 31, 2024DNFd at 12% because I was bored
August 1, 2022
Klassen does a great job of combining some Agatha Christie and Jane Austen to make a wonderful Regency read that is filled with mystery, intrigue, and romance. She had my attention from start to finish with a wonderful cast of characters, hidden staircases, possible ghosts, and an old abbey made into a hotel. From heroes to villains, this book had it all. The two main characters, Sir Frederick and Rebecca Lane had known each other since childhood, could feelings develop between them or were they both too involved in the mystery to have time?
Another great read from Julie Klassen.
Another great read from Julie Klassen.
August 16, 2022
Captivating! I was thoroughly caught up in reading Julie Klassen’s novel, not only because I love her portrayal of the Regency era but her wonderfully memorable characters and well-plotted whodunit kept me turning the pages. A pining romance reminiscent of Jane Austen or Elizabeth Gaskell, Shadows of Swanford Abbey also addresses some underlying issues that will resonate with anyone who cherishes family. I highly recommend!
August 21, 2025
I liked the long litany of literary references like Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey (of course), but also scripture, Dickens, and Gaskell.
Since I don't like murder-based mysteries, I typically stay clear, but tried this one because of the author. All of that was pretty gentle and not gross, which I appreciate.
The literary references, the secret staircase, and sightings of a (supposedly) evil, ancient Abbess roaming the "haunted" medieval nunnery-turned-Grand Hotel were cool.
A map of all the places in the village would have been great.
Triggers besides the obvious: serious kid injury, lots of mental illness and asylum details and discussions.
Since I don't like murder-based mysteries, I typically stay clear, but tried this one because of the author. All of that was pretty gentle and not gross, which I appreciate.
The literary references, the secret staircase, and sightings of a (supposedly) evil, ancient Abbess roaming the "haunted" medieval nunnery-turned-Grand Hotel were cool.
A map of all the places in the village would have been great.
Triggers besides the obvious: serious kid injury, lots of mental illness and asylum details and discussions.
April 11, 2024
5 Stars!
I couldn’t put this down, such a cozy mystery! I’m addicted to Julie Klassen’s writing now!
Review to come.
I couldn’t put this down, such a cozy mystery! I’m addicted to Julie Klassen’s writing now!
Review to come.
June 4, 2022
Story rating: 9/10 Faith rating: 2/3
Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a romantic mystery set in Regency-era England. It follows Rebecca, who is a travelling companion to a lady. She returns to her childhood village to visit her brother, a struggling author. He wants her to pass his latest manuscript to a famous author, staying at the nearby hotel, Swanford Abbey. Whilst Rebecca is there, one of the guests dies, and her childhood crush Frederick is the one who has to solve the mystery.
This book is a genteel murder mystery. All of the guests are hiding secrets. I particularly enjoyed following the side character’s mysteries.
I loved the romance, the slight references to Jane Austen novels, as well as the main characters, Rebecca and Frederick.
The main characters are clearly Christian, but their faith is not the main point of the plot.
Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a romantic mystery set in Regency-era England. It follows Rebecca, who is a travelling companion to a lady. She returns to her childhood village to visit her brother, a struggling author. He wants her to pass his latest manuscript to a famous author, staying at the nearby hotel, Swanford Abbey. Whilst Rebecca is there, one of the guests dies, and her childhood crush Frederick is the one who has to solve the mystery.
This book is a genteel murder mystery. All of the guests are hiding secrets. I particularly enjoyed following the side character’s mysteries.
I loved the romance, the slight references to Jane Austen novels, as well as the main characters, Rebecca and Frederick.
The main characters are clearly Christian, but their faith is not the main point of the plot.
November 2, 2022
Julie Klassen es una de mis autoras favoritas y esta es una de sus mejores novelas. Creo que es la historia más equilibrada en cuanto a romance y misterio, e incluso la parte de misterio me ha parecido que tiene un plus respecto a las otras, más meticuloso y enrevesado.
Rebecca Lane es una joven que regresa de urgencia a su pueblo, debido a una carta donde le pedían que fuera a ver a su hermano. El chico no consigue levantar cabeza tras un tormentoso episodio sucedido tres años atrás. Rebecca se siente culpable de su hermano menor, de no haberle prestado más atención y haberlo apoyado más. Por eso soportará carros y carretas para intentar que salga de tal desdicha que lo tiene casi postrado en la cama.
La muchacha desde bien joven ha sido un alma aventurera y resolutiva, bajo una apariencia delicada y unos exquisitos modales. Es una chica leal y familiar que no duda en buscar independencia económica para poder arrimar el hombro.
Por ciertos motivos, acabará hospedándose en Swanford Abbey una antigua abadía convertida en hotel. Allí se encontrara con gente del pasado, incluido si Frederick su primer y único amor. Él también oculta un secreto bajo esa apariencia imperturbable y un gran sentimiento de culpa, cuando ve de nuevo a Rebecca no puede evitar sentirse atraído de una forma distinta, un instinto protector surge en él y no duda en ayudarla y darle consejo.
Con el asesinato de un hombre, comienza una auténtica búsqueda al estilo Cluedo, el lector forma parte de la partida y todos acaban siendo sospechosos. La verdad es que la autora hila con perfección cada trama, confundiendo y lanzando conjeturas para que nadie quede libre de pecado. Al final hay mitad obviedad mitad originalidad, pero me ha gustado mucho el desenlace.
Al final, el romance va perdiendo fuelle y la trama policial se va comiendo la trama amorosa. No obstante, merece la pena ver el coqueteo y breves encuentros entre ellos, que se conocieran ya desde la infancia ayuda a que su relación fluya desde el primer momento y vayan más directos, sin tantas formalidades. Sin olvidar que estamos ante una novela de clean romance. Como en otras historias de la autora, la religión está presente en especial en la forma de actuar y de pensar de la protagonista, de forma sutil.
Julie Klassen destaca por un estilo cuidado y una documentación impecable. En casi todas sus historias hay romance y misterio, dependiendo de la historia da más peso a un componente que otro, aunque en esta está bastante equilibrada. Esta novela es un buen punto de partida para conocerla.
Este libro no puede ser mejor acompañante para esta época del año: algún que otro susto, fantasmas y venganza en un plato frío ...A mí me ha durado un suspiro.
Rebecca Lane es una joven que regresa de urgencia a su pueblo, debido a una carta donde le pedían que fuera a ver a su hermano. El chico no consigue levantar cabeza tras un tormentoso episodio sucedido tres años atrás. Rebecca se siente culpable de su hermano menor, de no haberle prestado más atención y haberlo apoyado más. Por eso soportará carros y carretas para intentar que salga de tal desdicha que lo tiene casi postrado en la cama.
La muchacha desde bien joven ha sido un alma aventurera y resolutiva, bajo una apariencia delicada y unos exquisitos modales. Es una chica leal y familiar que no duda en buscar independencia económica para poder arrimar el hombro.
Por ciertos motivos, acabará hospedándose en Swanford Abbey una antigua abadía convertida en hotel. Allí se encontrara con gente del pasado, incluido si Frederick su primer y único amor. Él también oculta un secreto bajo esa apariencia imperturbable y un gran sentimiento de culpa, cuando ve de nuevo a Rebecca no puede evitar sentirse atraído de una forma distinta, un instinto protector surge en él y no duda en ayudarla y darle consejo.
Con el asesinato de un hombre, comienza una auténtica búsqueda al estilo Cluedo, el lector forma parte de la partida y todos acaban siendo sospechosos. La verdad es que la autora hila con perfección cada trama, confundiendo y lanzando conjeturas para que nadie quede libre de pecado. Al final hay mitad obviedad mitad originalidad, pero me ha gustado mucho el desenlace.
Al final, el romance va perdiendo fuelle y la trama policial se va comiendo la trama amorosa. No obstante, merece la pena ver el coqueteo y breves encuentros entre ellos, que se conocieran ya desde la infancia ayuda a que su relación fluya desde el primer momento y vayan más directos, sin tantas formalidades. Sin olvidar que estamos ante una novela de clean romance. Como en otras historias de la autora, la religión está presente en especial en la forma de actuar y de pensar de la protagonista, de forma sutil.
Julie Klassen destaca por un estilo cuidado y una documentación impecable. En casi todas sus historias hay romance y misterio, dependiendo de la historia da más peso a un componente que otro, aunque en esta está bastante equilibrada. Esta novela es un buen punto de partida para conocerla.
Este libro no puede ser mejor acompañante para esta época del año: algún que otro susto, fantasmas y venganza en un plato frío ...A mí me ha durado un suspiro.
November 6, 2023
I loved this book! It was so atmospheric. I felt like I was there with Rebecca exploring a spooky abbey. I’m finding I really like books set in large, slightly creepy buildings and this one had such a neat one. When there are mysterious cloaked figures about, that’s even more intriguing. It had all the Jane Eyre, Gothic vibes which I loved!😍 The descriptions were perfect. I loved the writing. It kept me engaged the whole time.
Rebecca and Frederick were wonderful characters! I loved them both. I felt so much sympathy for both of them, especially Frederick. The love story was so, so sweet! I love friends-to-more/ unrequited love and this one was so sweet.❤️
I couldn’t put it down. The mystery was so intriguing. I had absolutely no idea who-did-what and it was so fun to try to figure it out! I was suspicious of pretty much everyone. There were plenty of plot twists that had me second-guessing myself. In the end, I was completely surprised.
The faith was subtle but still beautifully there. It touched me and even teared me up at the end.
In conclusion, the setting was atmospheric, the characters were wonderful, the mystery intriguing, the love story sweet… I loved it!
If you like books that have:
•a slightly creepy building/ abbey with rumors of mysterious cloaked figures
•a whodunit plot with plot twists and suspicious characters
•a gentle yet daring, brave heroine
•a serious but kindhearted and protective hero
•Jane Eyre/ Gothic vibes
•friends-to-lovers/ unrequited love story
I think you’ll really like this one!😍
Also if you love Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, and Agatha Christie, I think you’ll love this book!
*Thank you to the publisher for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
2023 reread-
I was in the mood for a cozy historical mystery to read during these fall evenings so I decided to reread this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s so atmospheric and mysterious. The suspense is perfect. It was a wonderful fall read.🥰
Rebecca and Frederick were wonderful characters! I loved them both. I felt so much sympathy for both of them, especially Frederick. The love story was so, so sweet! I love friends-to-more/ unrequited love and this one was so sweet.❤️
I couldn’t put it down. The mystery was so intriguing. I had absolutely no idea who-did-what and it was so fun to try to figure it out! I was suspicious of pretty much everyone. There were plenty of plot twists that had me second-guessing myself. In the end, I was completely surprised.
The faith was subtle but still beautifully there. It touched me and even teared me up at the end.
In conclusion, the setting was atmospheric, the characters were wonderful, the mystery intriguing, the love story sweet… I loved it!
If you like books that have:
•a slightly creepy building/ abbey with rumors of mysterious cloaked figures
•a whodunit plot with plot twists and suspicious characters
•a gentle yet daring, brave heroine
•a serious but kindhearted and protective hero
•Jane Eyre/ Gothic vibes
•friends-to-lovers/ unrequited love story
I think you’ll really like this one!😍
Also if you love Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, and Agatha Christie, I think you’ll love this book!
*Thank you to the publisher for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
2023 reread-
I was in the mood for a cozy historical mystery to read during these fall evenings so I decided to reread this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s so atmospheric and mysterious. The suspense is perfect. It was a wonderful fall read.🥰
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