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Title: Shadows of Swanford Abbey
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Author: Julie
Klassen
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Genre: Regency Romance, Historical
Suspense, Inspirational Fiction
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Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
(December 7, 2021)
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Length: (416) pages
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Format: Hardcover, trade paperback,
eBook, & audiobook
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Tour Dates: December 6-17, 2021
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Agatha
Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale
brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.
When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years
away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his
manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling
responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.
The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there,
Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black
gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters. For all its renovations
and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the
past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick—magistrate, widower,
and former neighbor—who long ago broke her heart.
When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins
questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held
grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a
painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn
between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss
Lane is clearly hiding something…
YOUTUBE VIDEO
Author
Julie Klassen shares her inspiration for Shadows of Swanford Abbey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPQ24y7dl-E
ADVANCE PRAISE
"A brilliant Agatha Christie-esque whodunit by reader favorite Julie Klassen. Set in the creepy atmosphere of an old abbey, Shadows of Swanford Abbey will keep you guessing until the very end. There's plenty of danger, intrigue, and—yes—romance to delight Regency-era lovers of all ages. Truly a don't-miss read!"—Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas
“If you enjoy historical fiction with equal blends MYSTERY (suspense) and ROMANCE, then I recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey with you wholeheartedly without any reservations. This may just be my FAVORITE Klassen novel yet.”—Becky Laney, Becky’s Book Reviews
“Once again Julie Klassen has delivered an intriguing book with all kinds of mystery and a few ghosts added in made it all worth the midnight oil I burned because I didn't want to put it down!”—Lori Parrish, Red Headed Book Lady
MY THOUGHTS:
In Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Rebecca Lane comes back home urgently as her brother, the writer has been struggling with issues on his mental health. After many years of trying to be published, Rebecca is tasked to deliver his manuscript to Swanford Abbey. While there, she runs into an old beau, Sir Frederick, and things get complicated with a murder mystery.
I loved getting into the story and the writing was truly immersive and atmospheric - so perfect for these cold winter nights. The story and plotting was tight, characters incredibly believable and enjoyed to read, and a plus for the mental health inclusion especially for that time frame of the early 1800's period.
I highly recommend this wonderful novel by new to me author Julie Klassen.
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
AUTHOR BIO
Julie
Klassen loves all
things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million
copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical
Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the
Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book
Award and Christian Retailing's BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA
and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in
publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have
two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Michelle. Julie is such a gifted writer and I always look forward to reading each new book as soon as it arrives. The issue of mental health added to the story. I love the Gothic elements too. I am glad that you enjoyed it. Best, LA
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