Shadows of Swanford Abbey

Clean Regency Mystery ****** Overall, I enjoyed this 1820 English mystery. The descriptions of the old abbey-turned-hotel were well written. I really liked the fact that Rebecca and Frederick had history to build upon vs the more ridiculous falling in love over a few days that some authors favor. The secondary mystery involving Rebecca's employer was another wonderful layer to the story. The unfortunate accident that cause's her brother John to have mental issues for the rest of his days was an interesting angle to explore, along with Dr. Fox's asylum that is more like a home for such individuals to receive unusually kind care. I liked reading his description. There are plenty of suspects in and around the hotel in this who-done-it, and the killer is not easily guessed which speaks well of the author's talent. There is also a third mystery concerning Frederick and his wife; yet another layer to peel away. This novel contains a lot less faith than I would prefer from a Christian author as well as a Christian publishing house. It's in there, but not consistently so. ****** Tea Quote: John would wait. Tea first. For Courage. ****** Very Good - 4 stars ****** This story was gifted to me via NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation. *****

Shadows of Swanford Abbey By Julie Klassen Rebecca Lane has returned home after years away living as a lady's companion to support her brother. But word has reached that her brother's peculiar ways have worsened. But their is no room for her as her brother has spread out his work into her former room. But John has the perfect solution she can stay at Swanford Abbey and while there present his manuscript to Ambrose Oliver in hopes of getting his recommendation. Reluctantly Rebecca agrees to John's scheme - though residing temporarily in the hotel long rumored to be haunted is the last thing she wants to do. But delivering her brother's manuscript is nigh on impossible and so Rebecca waits (and wastes funds she doesn't have). Soon she begins to see the rumored ghost that she heard tales of in her youth. Sir Frederick Wilford has hidden himself away from life since the death of his late wife. A betrayal has made him avoid unnecessary company but when his brother Thomas visits he finds himself agreeing to a stay at Swanford. There he comes upon the daughter of his late tutor. Rebecca Lane is no longer the young girl she was and he finds himself enjoying the chance to renew their acquaintance. But when a dark deed is perpetrated in the night questions are raised about all who are staying at the Swanford. And Sir Frederick as magistrate is dutybound to get answers. He knows someone is hiding something but the question is who is hiding what and whether or not it has a bearing on the murder he is investigating. Shadows of Swanford Abbey is Historical Fiction with a good dose of mystery and a touch of romance. I love when books keep one in suspense as to who did it and this book did an excellent job at doing such. There are so many to suspect it is hard to narrow one's focus on who had the most compelling reason to take out Mr. Oliver. Julie Klassen does an excellent job at presenting a engaging and intriguing story. This is a standalone book as as such is an excellent introduction to this author if you have not yet read her. I have never been disappointed in any of Julie Klassen's books. I love how her characters are flawed and are aware of their failings and yet work to overcome the obstacles they have created in their lives. I would recommend this as an excellent book club selection. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations no that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Julie Klassen has written a most interesting book in Shadows of Swanford Abbey. It has everything that makes a book interesting. First there is the history of the old abbey which has been turned into a hotel. Then there is romance, mystery, suspense, murder, mental illness and rekindling of a childhood flame. There are rumors that the ghost of the first Abbess still roams the halls of the Abbey/hotel. There is so much to hold one's interest between the pages of this five star book. Of course one cannot go wrong with a Klassen novel. She is one of my favorites.....I was given an ecopy of this book, courtesy of Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group. This is my honest review.