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kjulie's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
leslie_books_and_socks_rock's review against another edition
4.0
I love all the mystery elements Klassen has included in her last few books. I hadn’t read the blurb for this book so I didn’t know what to expect, just that it’s a Klassen book and that I’d like it.
Some sleuthing, forced proximity, unrequited love/second chance, a touch on faith and forgiveness.
*Death of character, I did think it would happen sooner. Also talks about mental illness and asylums.
Some sleuthing, forced proximity, unrequited love/second chance, a touch on faith and forgiveness.
*Death of character, I did think it would happen sooner. Also talks about mental illness and asylums.
starburst3625's review against another edition
5.0
I always enjoy books by this author and she is very skilled at building solid mysteries or intrigue into the historical setting. I won’t say that this was my favourite of her books…but I did enjoy it. The mystery was deep enough without being overly complicated and the location was compelling. I would have liked more complex development in the romance. It did feel a little too understated for me. The religious themes were not overwhelming. Overall, a recommended read.
emmierose_721's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book very much! The atmospheric regency setting was spectacular (really made me feel like I was there.) The mystery aspect kept me on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the book. And, trust me when I say, you’ll not get the plot twists ahead of time. If you like secret passageways, hidden staircases, murder mysteries, disguised figures, and other suspenseful things; then this book is the one for you. So well done! Another Klassen favorite. ❤️
meezcarrie's review against another edition
5.0
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
rachel_loves_2_read's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the book. It was a good mystery. There wasn’t as much romance as I normally like but I still enjoyed it.
clotisbooks's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5