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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I've enjoyed Julie Klassen's novels for years, and this one was no exception. Shadows of Swanford Abbey sort of reminded me of some of the author's previous work, but its also different enough to not be repetitive. I love Rebecca and Frederick's romance/former beaus who come together again story.
Writing, women's roles and mental health are all subjects dealt with in this story. I love that more and more Christian authors are starting to address mental health in thier novels, and doing it in a realistic and sensitive way. This is something which needs to be explored more.
Don't let that serious stuff put you off though, this book was still fun and intriguing and keeps you turning pages. The romance is great and the faith elements were well handled. It is about forgiving yourself as much as forgiving others.
Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to download an ARC of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Writing, women's roles and mental health are all subjects dealt with in this story. I love that more and more Christian authors are starting to address mental health in thier novels, and doing it in a realistic and sensitive way. This is something which needs to be explored more.
Don't let that serious stuff put you off though, this book was still fun and intriguing and keeps you turning pages. The romance is great and the faith elements were well handled. It is about forgiving yourself as much as forgiving others.
Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to download an ARC of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Julie Klassen stelde me met dit boek een beetje teleur. Het verhaal verliep traag. De situering in het hotel gaf het totaal geen regency-vibe. Er wordt heel veel mysterie gecreëerd rondom de abdij, dat in de eerste helft van het boek spookachtig lijkt en in de tweede helft van het boek meer geschikt voor een detective blijkt.
De Agatha Christie-vibe was wel een leuke variatie op de regency-boeken. Hoe het onderzoek opgestart wordt, en alle personages afgaan wie het zou hebben gedaan, en uiteindelijk culmineert dat in een bijeenkomst waarin de dader wordt aangewezen.
Op de achterflap staat dat er een moord plaatsvindt in de abdij. Het duurde tot de tweede helft voordat die moord plaatsvond, ik vond het vreselijk traag gaan.
De broer was echt een vervelend persoon. Wel realistisch neergezet als iemand met psychische problemen en verkeerde copingmechanismen.
De Agatha Christie-vibe was wel een leuke variatie op de regency-boeken. Hoe het onderzoek opgestart wordt, en alle personages afgaan wie het zou hebben gedaan, en uiteindelijk culmineert dat in een bijeenkomst waarin de dader wordt aangewezen.
Op de achterflap staat dat er een moord plaatsvindt in de abdij. Het duurde tot de tweede helft voordat die moord plaatsvond, ik vond het vreselijk traag gaan.
De broer was echt een vervelend persoon. Wel realistisch neergezet als iemand met psychische problemen en verkeerde copingmechanismen.
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Immediately 5 stars! This book has all of my favorite elements of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie wrapped up in a cozy mystery! The first 5-8 chapters were a bit slow and directionless, but as soon as things started tying together, I immediately realized why it started like that and could not put it down! Even the smallest of loose ends were tied up satisfactorily. There are also several red herrings that keep you guessing who the killer is until the end! Definitely add this to your to-read pile!
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder
Teen pregnancy and implied rape
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
**DNF** was excited by the glowing reviews and comparisons to Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart. Cross between A. Christie and Jane Austen? I found the writing stiff and dull. Simplistic and juvenile. The narrative voice was deadpan. That's the only word I can think of to describe it. Oh well. she's certainly found an audience. Just not for me.
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It seemed like the book started off slow. The mystery didn't really get rolling until the middle of the story, which bothered me. It was at that point that the pace finally picked up, which is why I gave this 4⭐.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
MY RATING SYSTEM
* "I can't believe this got published!"
** "Mediocre."
*** "It was still missing something."
**** "Good. It satisfied."
***** "Impeccable."
I struggled to get into this one, but once I did, it was a fascinating read. However, one thing disappointed me. Klassen is so often full of complex characters with interesting backstories, that the protagonists in this one couldn't hold a flame to. The novel was very plot heavy, and though I loved the plot, it was hard not to notice how much potential the protagonists had, that I never got to see. I'm hoping the next Klassen novel I read brings protagonists Swanford Abbey could have had. Thanks for all your hard work in writing this Julie Klassen. I enjoy sitting down to a good regency romantic mystery. :)
* "I can't believe this got published!"
** "Mediocre."
*** "It was still missing something."
**** "Good. It satisfied."
***** "Impeccable."
I struggled to get into this one, but once I did, it was a fascinating read. However, one thing disappointed me. Klassen is so often full of complex characters with interesting backstories, that the protagonists in this one couldn't hold a flame to. The novel was very plot heavy, and though I loved the plot, it was hard not to notice how much potential the protagonists had, that I never got to see.