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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Rebecca Lane has always been concerned for her brother John’s well-being. Called to his assistance, she finds that she would do anything within her power when it came to his wanting to become a published author. She agrees to spend some time at Swanford Abbey, a hotel where an author will be staying. Her brother had been told that he could no longer approach publishers directly so Rebecca agrees to stay in a hotel that very well may be haunted in order to approach the author with her brother’s manuscript.
Not only is the author soon found dead, mysterious sightings and sounds prove very disturbing to Rebecca. She finds it impossible to not investigate matters herself, even though it means working alongside her former beau, Sir Frederick Wilford. Rebecca soon realizes that feelings that she thought with long ago buried for Frederick quickly rise to the fore. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s worry for John never settles as his erratic behavior grows more concerning. She hopes that if his book gets the attention it deserves that perhaps John might become well.
There were also other matters that helped to explain her brother’s behavior all while a murderer was on the loose. Rebecca and Frederick made a fine team as they worked hard to discover the murderer. The comparison of this book to Agatha Christie and Jane Austen was spot on as this intriguing story wove in a strong gothic vibe. Also, this was a very touching story as it dealt with sensitive issues that were perhaps difficult to identify during the time and setting involved. Julie Klassen was a new name for me and this book could not have been a better introduction to her excellent writing.
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Not only is the author soon found dead, mysterious sightings and sounds prove very disturbing to Rebecca. She finds it impossible to not investigate matters herself, even though it means working alongside her former beau, Sir Frederick Wilford. Rebecca soon realizes that feelings that she thought with long ago buried for Frederick quickly rise to the fore. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s worry for John never settles as his erratic behavior grows more concerning. She hopes that if his book gets the attention it deserves that perhaps John might become well.
There were also other matters that helped to explain her brother’s behavior all while a murderer was on the loose. Rebecca and Frederick made a fine team as they worked hard to discover the murderer. The comparison of this book to Agatha Christie and Jane Austen was spot on as this intriguing story wove in a strong gothic vibe. Also, this was a very touching story as it dealt with sensitive issues that were perhaps difficult to identify during the time and setting involved. Julie Klassen was a new name for me and this book could not have been a better introduction to her excellent writing.
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
3.5 stars. The romance stayed clean but took up more of the story than I would have liked. Interesting mystery.
This was a really cute mystery book. It was a slow beginning, but I loved the characters, especially the erratic/unusual lady. The characters were well written, and I would recommend this book as a fun cozy read on a rainy night. I will be looking to read more from this author, and I am hoping that the other books will be just as adorable.
An intriguing Recency whodunit.
I've read and enjoyed several books by Julie Klassen, so without reading the blurb, I dived into this story.
It's an intriguing story with a fascinating mix of characters, and although there's some romance (and unrequited feelings), this book has a different feel to the other books of Ms Klassen's I read. The mystery and whodunit part of the tale takes precedent, even over the romance, but it's still a great story which should keep Recency lovers entertained.
I liked Rebecca from the get-go. Her down-to-earth wholesome upbringing added to her charms, and I was invested in her journey from our first meeting. Sir Frederick gave off Mr Knightley vibes with the studious part of Mr Darcy, so how could I not like him?
I've read and enjoyed several books by Julie Klassen, so without reading the blurb, I dived into this story.
It's an intriguing story with a fascinating mix of characters, and although there's some romance (and unrequited feelings), this book has a different feel to the other books of Ms Klassen's I read. The mystery and whodunit part of the tale takes precedent, even over the romance, but it's still a great story which should keep Recency lovers entertained.
I liked Rebecca from the get-go. Her down-to-earth wholesome upbringing added to her charms, and I was invested in her journey from our first meeting. Sir Frederick gave off Mr Knightley vibes with the studious part of Mr Darcy, so how could I not like him?
Gothic novel at its best..
A bit slow moving in the beginning, but it pulled me in after a bit and I was fascinated by the time period and setting.
A bit slow moving in the beginning, but it pulled me in after a bit and I was fascinated by the time period and setting.
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An enjoyable mystery with nods to Pride and Prejudice and Agatha Christie. It felt longer than it needed to be for the story it told and I wanted a touch more of the romance but I enjoyed it.
Content Notes: Kisses
Content Notes: Kisses
I love the cover of this book and its attention to detail. I enjoyed the mystery element as well. The story had a slow build and picked up quite a bit toward the middle.
While it's been a while since I have read a lot of Agatha Christie, Shadows of Swanford Abbey has a slight Christie vibe with murder and quite a few suspects.
There is so much to love about this story. From a "haunted" abbey to being located in England, nuns, secrets, mystery, madness, love, heartache, swoon-worthy scenes, there is something for everyone.
Thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While it's been a while since I have read a lot of Agatha Christie, Shadows of Swanford Abbey has a slight Christie vibe with murder and quite a few suspects.
There is so much to love about this story. From a "haunted" abbey to being located in England, nuns, secrets, mystery, madness, love, heartache, swoon-worthy scenes, there is something for everyone.
Thank you to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2.5stars rounded up
This one was a bit weak for me nothing special, a bit dragged and boring and predictable to no end.
This one was a bit weak for me nothing special, a bit dragged and boring and predictable to no end.
I love the setting for this book. Such a beautiful description, of the Abby and the village. I have read all of Julie’s books, I feel like as I read them now I feel like I start putting together what’s going to happen before it happens and who means what to each of the MC. Another great hook to add to my collection.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I used to devour Christian fiction books --- two or three to a weekend, two or three during the week. The past six or seven years, though, I've really struggled as they've seemed more and more shallow and juvenile. This book is one of five that I've chosen to read through over the next couple weeks in an attempt to see if Christian fiction has improved since I decided to give up on it. After reading this first book, I'm wondering if the problem isn't so much the genre as it is the depth. Perhaps I've moved on to a season where I thrive on more literary material. In any case, I'll report the results on my YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BellesLibraryVlog">Belle's Library</a>.
Style wise, I found the writing frustratingly filled with fills, fillers, and fillings. The “action”, a term that is relative and questionable in this case, doesn’t show up for 150 pages. I was bogged down by the many characters introduced too quickly and quite frustrated by the extremely slow start. At over 250 pages, I noted that I definitely would have DNF'd the book by that point if I hadn't already committed to reading it for my project.
For an author that often claims to be inspired by Jane Austen, I found it ironic that the story contained several elements that Austen actually would have parodied. The "nervous table napkin" of page 48, the maid being so ready to let someone pose as her and risk losing her needed position of employment, the coincidence of the nuns which began in chapter 20. Even a character hangs a lantern on the idea that it'd be unlikely there'd be two nuns running around. Most of all, though, is the use of made up sanitized Regency Christian curse words. “Thunder and turf!” Who says that??!! No 18th or 19th century story I've read uses such ridiculous terms. I can't honestly believe these are authentic curse words. They used the same words we do. I'm going to guess these come purely (a little too purely) from Georgette Heyer's imagination. This is probably a pet peeve --- but it's a huge pet that flings its nasty slobber around the room every time it shakes its overgrown head.
My final complaint comes about 300 pages in when I start to think maybe the story is growing on me. Then Rebecca responds to her brother and his sin in a way that is so lenient and not normal, promoting dangerous toxic relationships even. I don't know if this is a common trope now in this genre, but it's not the first time I've been disgusted by this over-extension of grace. (Talking to you <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61140615-the-vanishing-at-castle-moreau">Jaime Jo Wright!!</a>)
One huge plus for this author is the way she handles differences in mental illness well, making a distinction between those who are certifiably insane and need life-long supervisory care vs. those who are dealing with heavy depression or trauma and need temporary care. I believe her solutions for depression are Biblical and I was happy to see those promoted.
The majority of this story annoyed and bored me; though the last 40 pages or so wrapped up to a satisfying, if not easily discerned, ending. Many of Rebecca's thoughts and decisions irritated me; though when I tried to look at her situation with more grace and less logic, I found that she did eventually summon the strength to make the decisions that were best for everyone and I admired that strong finale.
One of the questions I'm asking myself during this project is, what makes a book considered to be Christian or inspirational fiction in this generation? Is it put on that shelf in the bookshop because of its lack of content or its inclusion of content? Is it just <i>clean</i> or is it specifically <i>Christian</i>? In the case of this story, I would argue it is specifically Christian. We see flaws resolved based on Biblical principles. We see honor given to YHWH as the only God. The two terms I throw around for this genre, "contrived" and "preachy" did not so much apply to this story, when considered as a whole. While some scenes came together just a little too easily, overall I see this as a simple, solid story.
Style wise, I found the writing frustratingly filled with fills, fillers, and fillings. The “action”, a term that is relative and questionable in this case, doesn’t show up for 150 pages. I was bogged down by the many characters introduced too quickly and quite frustrated by the extremely slow start. At over 250 pages, I noted that I definitely would have DNF'd the book by that point if I hadn't already committed to reading it for my project.
For an author that often claims to be inspired by Jane Austen, I found it ironic that the story contained several elements that Austen actually would have parodied. The "nervous table napkin" of page 48, the maid being so ready to let someone pose as her and risk losing her needed position of employment, the coincidence of the nuns which began in chapter 20. Even a character hangs a lantern on the idea that it'd be unlikely there'd be two nuns running around. Most of all, though, is the use of made up sanitized Regency Christian curse words. “Thunder and turf!” Who says that??!! No 18th or 19th century story I've read uses such ridiculous terms. I can't honestly believe these are authentic curse words. They used the same words we do. I'm going to guess these come purely (a little too purely) from Georgette Heyer's imagination. This is probably a pet peeve --- but it's a huge pet that flings its nasty slobber around the room every time it shakes its overgrown head.
My final complaint comes about 300 pages in when I start to think maybe the story is growing on me. Then Rebecca responds to her brother and his sin in a way that is so lenient and not normal, promoting dangerous toxic relationships even. I don't know if this is a common trope now in this genre, but it's not the first time I've been disgusted by this over-extension of grace. (Talking to you <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61140615-the-vanishing-at-castle-moreau">Jaime Jo Wright!!</a>)
One huge plus for this author is the way she handles differences in mental illness well, making a distinction between those who are certifiably insane and need life-long supervisory care vs. those who are dealing with heavy depression or trauma and need temporary care. I believe her solutions for depression are Biblical and I was happy to see those promoted.
The majority of this story annoyed and bored me; though the last 40 pages or so wrapped up to a satisfying, if not easily discerned, ending. Many of Rebecca's thoughts and decisions irritated me; though when I tried to look at her situation with more grace and less logic, I found that she did eventually summon the strength to make the decisions that were best for everyone and I admired that strong finale.
One of the questions I'm asking myself during this project is, what makes a book considered to be Christian or inspirational fiction in this generation? Is it put on that shelf in the bookshop because of its lack of content or its inclusion of content? Is it just <i>clean</i> or is it specifically <i>Christian</i>? In the case of this story, I would argue it is specifically Christian. We see flaws resolved based on Biblical principles. We see honor given to YHWH as the only God. The two terms I throw around for this genre, "contrived" and "preachy" did not so much apply to this story, when considered as a whole. While some scenes came together just a little too easily, overall I see this as a simple, solid story.