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readingintheweehours's review against another edition
5.0
What a treat
Julie hasn't disappointed me yet. So many twists and turns. O was kept guessing until the end. The characters kearned much of honor and integrity in this story. And of course, sweet romance. Highly recommend.
Julie hasn't disappointed me yet. So many twists and turns. O was kept guessing until the end. The characters kearned much of honor and integrity in this story. And of course, sweet romance. Highly recommend.
jnak's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy Julie Klassen’s books. This one is a sweet historical romance with just the right mix of mystery to keep you guessing.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 4 STARS
In Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Klassen takes on a mystery element, which she does well. As well as keeping with her usual endearing characters and comforting tale.
In Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Klassen takes on a mystery element, which she does well. As well as keeping with her usual endearing characters and comforting tale.
anjleo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
lilac_cottage_library's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
kiwilizzi's review against another edition
4.0
Now that I’m on a regency kick, I figured I’d pick up some of Julie Klassen’s books that I didn’t read in high school. This is one of her newer ones, and I definitely enjoyed it for the mystery aspect.
It took quite awhile to get into it, and the main mystery aspect didn’t even start until over 100 pages in. This isn’t necessarily an issue, but I do think the chapters preceding it were more filler than buildup. Once it got started though, I was extremely curious to understand what happened and who was behind everything.
While I loved the mystery, there wasn’t a large focus on the romance. Which was honestly completely ok with me since I was enjoying the mystery aspect so much! I do wish there was a little more character growth between the two main characters, but the mystery for me seemed to take center stage and that’s more what someone should read this particular one for.
It took quite awhile to get into it, and the main mystery aspect didn’t even start until over 100 pages in. This isn’t necessarily an issue, but I do think the chapters preceding it were more filler than buildup. Once it got started though, I was extremely curious to understand what happened and who was behind everything.
While I loved the mystery, there wasn’t a large focus on the romance. Which was honestly completely ok with me since I was enjoying the mystery aspect so much! I do wish there was a little more character growth between the two main characters, but the mystery for me seemed to take center stage and that’s more what someone should read this particular one for.
kmoes85's review against another edition
4.0
Rebecca Lane has been traveling the world as a companion for the widow Lady Fitzgerald when she gets an urgent note from home in regards to her younger brother's destructive behavior. When she arrives at her small family cottage her brother pleads with her to deliver his new manuscript to the famous author who is staying at the nearby Swanford Abbey Hotel. Unfortunately, when the author ends up dead, Rebecca will find that she is a suspect being investigated by the first man who broke her heart.
I did not find anything fundamentally wrong with this book. There was a good cast of characters. I enjoyed the creepy old abbey and thought that the author did a good job of setting the scene. The identity of the murderer was not too obvious and all of the pieces came together in the end.
I deducted a star because I just didn't find it that thrilling. I didn't even realize when the climax of the story had occurred since it was over so quickly. The romance was sweet but I wasn't that invested in it. I feel like this would be a fun little PBS special for spooky season. For me I just need something that gets my blood pumping a bit more.
I did not find anything fundamentally wrong with this book. There was a good cast of characters. I enjoyed the creepy old abbey and thought that the author did a good job of setting the scene. The identity of the murderer was not too obvious and all of the pieces came together in the end.
I deducted a star because I just didn't find it that thrilling. I didn't even realize when the climax of the story had occurred since it was over so quickly. The romance was sweet but I wasn't that invested in it. I feel like this would be a fun little PBS special for spooky season. For me I just need something that gets my blood pumping a bit more.
saraelizabetha's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0