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book_nerd_1990's review against another edition
4.0
Be prepared to be transported to 1820 England, where men rule all and a woman's lot in life is to be a housewife. I loved Lady Fitzhoward, the way she so bluntly says what's on her mind made me giggle. I found Rebecca to be curious to me, I couldn't quite work her out until the end. But, I did like her relationship with Frederick, how can you not like childhood crushes?
I liked the drips of the characters backgrounds amongst the story, as well as the history of the Abbey. The writing and characters voices are resemblant of the time period which makes it more authentic. I also have to say that I loved all the different voices, the way each person spoke showed their upbringing and really brought each one to life.
My favourite quote: "Reasons of family loyalty and the desire to protect those you love."
I liked the drips of the characters backgrounds amongst the story, as well as the history of the Abbey. The writing and characters voices are resemblant of the time period which makes it more authentic. I also have to say that I loved all the different voices, the way each person spoke showed their upbringing and really brought each one to life.
My favourite quote: "Reasons of family loyalty and the desire to protect those you love."
hannahjoy91's review against another edition
4.0
Never have I ever devoured a 400-some page book this fast! So I think that should give some indication as to how much I enjoyed this book.
To summarise: Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen is this wonderfully delicious mystery with a side of sweet romance. When a famous author is murdered at the Swanford Abbey Hotel, all of the guests are thrown into suspicion as one-by-one their own secrets are revealed and Frederick & Rebecca work to find out who the killer is.
I loved the subtle romance going on on the side. Rebecca & Frederick were so sweet!
"Rebecca breathed him in deeply, wanting to slow down this moment, press it between the pages of her favourite book..."
If you like:
- estranged childhood friends to lovers/second chance romance
- unrequited love
- old houses full of secrets
- Gothic vibes
- Jane Austen, Agatha Christie or Jane Eyre
- family drama
...I'd recommend you give this book a try!
To summarise: Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen is this wonderfully delicious mystery with a side of sweet romance. When a famous author is murdered at the Swanford Abbey Hotel, all of the guests are thrown into suspicion as one-by-one their own secrets are revealed and Frederick & Rebecca work to find out who the killer is.
I loved the subtle romance going on on the side. Rebecca & Frederick were so sweet!
"Rebecca breathed him in deeply, wanting to slow down this moment, press it between the pages of her favourite book..."
If you like:
- estranged childhood friends to lovers/second chance romance
- unrequited love
- old houses full of secrets
- Gothic vibes
- Jane Austen, Agatha Christie or Jane Eyre
- family drama
...I'd recommend you give this book a try!
amelia990's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
I usually like Julie Klassen but I had a hard time getting into this book. It also stayed rather slow, despite being a murder mystery. The story involves the hero and the heroine having a chance meeting at a hotel after several years apart (when they were younger, they had a friendly acquaintanceship). A famous author that both characters have disputes with is murdered, and they end up investigating the crime. This book is probably more an attempt to write mystery with romance on the side.
gabriela_ytzel's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this book but I felt it dragged on a bit. I do like mysteries but this one was quite slow which meant I had to skip at least half the book to able to finish it which was a shame.
bookishlynady's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
scottishpixie26's review against another edition
4.0
Great mystery with surprising twists. I did wish for a bit more romance and more on events towards the end of the book - at least a bit more of the aftermath of said events.
abbygcarter08's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was a slow burn but I did enjoy the plot and the characters. The murder mystery could have been more exciting but was kind of overwhelming. I also would've enjoyed a little more romance!
sriya7's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0