Shadows, Secrets and Surprises--"Shadows of Swanford Abbey" by Julie Klassen—Review

 

My Review

“Shadows of Swanford Abbey” by Julie Klassen is a Regency mystery and romance novel.  Ms. Klassen is the queen of inspirational regency fiction.  Her newest addition is touted as Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen.  In this story you will travel to an old abbey-turned-hotel, which is possibly haunted!  Add in a murder and you have quite a story!

This book is more of a mystery novel than many of Ms. Klassen’s previous works.  But do not worry, there is still a super sweet romance reminiscent of Austen’s “Persuasion” and “Mansfield Park.”  I was also reminded of “Northanger Abbey” with the Gothic feel and the mystery aspects.  Speaking of nods to great literature, there are many fun character names and situations that brought to mind Austen, Brontë, Dickens and Christie.

The atmospheric setting of an abbey that has been converted into a hotel is the perfect place for a murder mystery, as there are many guests gathered together.  One gets to see characters from both “upstairs” and “downstairs”—people of all classes and walks of life.  As one gets to know them, one wonders, what are their connections to one another?  What could their motives be?  Everyone seems to be hiding a secret of some sort.  I feel the story lagged a bit in the middle, but it really picked up at the end.  I also listened to parts of it as an audiobook and it was hard to feel the suspense and Gothic shivers because of the narrator’s chipper voice (but this is certainly no fault of the author’s).  

The mystery keeps you guessing till the end!  There are as many twists and turns as the old abbey and just when you think you have figured something out, new evidence and information is presented.

I highly recommend this book!

Content: I give this book a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are: a man is shown dealing with depression; a wife was unfaithful to her husband; references to liquor, opium and addiction; talk of women “entertaining” men at night in their rooms; a man is drunk and another high; descriptions of how the mentally ill are treated poorly with some asylums.  Mental health does play a role in the story, and it is treated with sensitivity and respect. 

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Julie Klassen and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won 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 a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

"An Ivy Hill Christmas" by Julie Klassen Blog Tour (Review) & GIVEAWAY!

 

About the Book

Book: An Ivy Hill Christmas

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christmas Historical Romance

Release Date: September, 2020

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

“An Ivy Hill Christmas” by Julie Klassen is a companion novella to her “Tales from Ivy Hill” trilogy.  It can also be read as a standalone.  I have absolutely loved her “Tales from Ivy Hill” novels!  They remind me of the show “Lark Rise to Candleford” or any show with a small, English village set in the country where all the residents know one another.  I became so invested in Ms. Klassen’s characters that I was so delighted to hear I would be able to visit Ivy Hill once more through this novella.  

This book is everything a lover of Regency stories would want in a Christmas novella.  It includes all the traditions and customs of the time and just has that “olde Christmas” feel to it.  I was delighted to once again meet some of my favorite characters and get to know some new ones.  My Jane Austen loving heart was excited to pick up hints or nods to “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” throughout Ms. Klassen’s novella.  Of course, Ms. Klassen always includes beautiful sentiments and lessons.  This story has lessons on forgiveness and on learning that a person is valuable and significant just as they are.

The characters of “An Ivy Hill Christmas” are well done, and I did not feel like the story was too rushed, as is often the case with novellas.  I especially love Richard, our main character.  I appreciated his transformation from a bit of a “bad boy” bachelor to a sweet and caring man.  Of course, there is romance and a bit of a love triangle as well.  I honestly went back and forth on who I wanted Richard to end up with.  

I invite you to grab some mulled cider, your favorite blanket, start a warm fire and cozy up with this book.  You will be transported to an idyllic country village during a 19th century Christmas.

Happy Christmas!

Content:  This book is pretty much a clean read.  Some examples of the content are: people drink alcohol and smoke pipes; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; mention of a woman’s bosom; a man had a mistress; a person has a past of sleeping with women before marriage; a boy is physically abused.

Rating:  I give this book 5 Christmas bells.

I want to thank Julie Klassen, Bethany House, NetGalley and Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won 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 a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

More from Julie

My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.

An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.

In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind.  I love a transformation story; don’t you?

If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:

“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.”  —Booklist

“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” —Publishers Weekly

And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.

Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”

Happy Christmas!

 

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30

Christian Bookaholic, November 30

Andrea Christenson, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 1

KarenSueHadley, December 1

Robin’s Nest, December 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Blessed & Bookish, December 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Mia Reads, December 2

Wishful Endings, December 3

lakesidelivingsite, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Just Your Average reviews, December 3

She Lives To Read, December 4

Remembrancy, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 4

Writing from the Heart Land, December 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5

Quiet Workings, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Spoken from the Heart, December 5

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6

Connect in Fiction, December 6

Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Worthy2Read, December 7

Genesis 5020, December 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Life of Literature, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 8

Batya’s Bits, December 8

Labor Not in Vain, December 8

Hallie Reads, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9

Older & Smarter?, December 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9

Betti Mace, December 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10

Faery Tales Are Real, December 10

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bigreadersite, December 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11

Splashes of Joy, December 11

Vicky Sluiter, December 12

To Everything There Is A Season, December 12

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12

Blossoms and Blessings, December 12

The Write Escape, December 12

A Baker’s Perspective, December 13

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, December 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/103f5/an-ivy-hill-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Heartwarming Story Set in a Quaint English Village--"The Ladies of Ivy Cottage" by Julie Klassen Review

 

 

Julie Klassen is an "auto-buy" author for me.  She is one of my favorite authors and I've read all of her books.  Her newest book, "The Ladies of Ivy Cottage," lived up to the expectations I have of a Julie Klassen book! 

This book is the second book in the "Tales from Ivy Hill" series.  It can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the series in order, as there is a lot of backstory one would miss if they read out of order.  Ms. Klassen does have a helpful website dedicated to the series, complete with a map and list of characters (http://talesfromivyhill.com/).  It was hard at first to remember all of the characters and their backstories, but Ms. Klassen does a good job of refreshing the reader's memory.  Once I saw her post about this website devoted to Ivy Hill, the character list helped me out a lot as well!  I got to know all of these characters again, I fell in love with them and felt like they were my friends and neighbors. 

This series overall is very reminiscent of the TV series "Lark Rise to Candleford."  Everyone in the village of Ivy Hill knows one another, helps each other out and knows everyone's "business."   As a former librarian and a book lover, I found it delightful to read about one of our main characters, Rachel, establishing and running a lending library.  I also love that some of the characters pray and recall Scripture. 

Ivy Hill is an old, quaint English village with a plethora of characters, many of which you will fall in love with.  This book gives one a warm, cozy feeling.  There is even some mystery thrown in.  "The Ladies of Ivy Cottage” has it all and I highly recommend it! 

Content: This is a clean read.  I would give it a PG rating for a few minor things.  Some examples are: a character mutters a swear word but the word is not actually used; mention of a woman's bosom, mention of a dalliance and a child born out of wedlock; use of the word “prostitute;” talk of a woman being a man's mistress; talk of stillbirths and miscarriages; talk of sharing a bed.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre:  Christian Fiction; Historical; Regency; Romance

I want to thank Julie Klassen and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.


About the Author:

I love all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, I worked in publishing for sixteen years and now write full time. Three of my books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park won the Minnesota Book Award, and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards. I have also been honored with the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. I enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

To visit Julie Klassen's website click here

To purchase the book click here