Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

Title: Shadows of Swanford Abbey

Author: Julie Klassen

Pages: 416

Release Date: December 7, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expresses are my own.

About the book

     In pursuit of an author who could help get her brother published, Rebecca Lane stays at Swainford Abbey, a grand hotel rumored to be haunted. It is there she encounters Sir Frederick-the man who broke her heart. When a mysterious death occurs, Rebecca is one of the suspects, and Frederick is torn between his feelings for her and his search for the truth.

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance!

     There is a definite mystery that comes into play in the plot. But the main story seems to be the interaction between Rebecca and Frederick. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these two main characters. They are extremely well developed. I liked seeing the glimpses that are given into the years when they were growing up.

     The mystery captivated me. It was a lot of fun seeing how people in 1820 would have gone about solving a murder. I believe that the author had to have spent a good amount of time researching the jobs of magistrate and constable. She gave a lot of details along the way as to who would be responsible to questions witnesses and such.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales From Ivy Hill #2) by Julie Klassen

Title: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales From Ivy Hill #2)

Author: Julie Klassen

Pages: 448

Release Date: December 5, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentleman Miss Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

     Rachel’s friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls’ school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what—or who—has captured each man’s attention? The truth may surprise them all.

     Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return—but where is he?

     As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?

My review:

     This is a charming historical romance novel!

     There are a number of characters that play a major part in this story. Miss Rachel Ashford is the central figure though. Everyone else connects with her in some way or another. They are all extremely well developed and a delight to get to know. 

     Primarily this is a stand-alone story within a series. Though there were a number of things that I felt a little left out of the loop about since I haven’t read the first book in the series. I believe that this is simply because of the small country town and the tight connections that the residents have with each other.

     It is set in 1820, Wiltshire, England. The descriptions of the area and how life was lived were fabulous. Many times I felt transported to the area.

     Rachel’s best friends are Jane Bell and Mercy Grove. They each have things going on in their own lives and at times I was so touched by their circumstances and heart aches that I found myself reaching for a tissue to dry my eyes.

     I will definitely be reading the first book in the series. I want to truly understand these wonderful characters and their lives in Ivy Hill. I am giving this fantastic book a 5 star rating and highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*