Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen is the perfect tagline for Julie Klassen’s newest release. Combining everything you love about the regency period with the twists and turns of a murder mystery provides a captivating read that will keep you on your toes until the very end. There’s no shortage of suspects, and even a ghost, who may or may not be more flesh than apparition. The mysterious Abbey turned hotel is the perfect setting for this intriguing tale, and I enjoyed every minute. Having a mystery that involves an author and a heroine who enjoys reading was the perfect combination for this lover of all things bookish.
The heroine Rebecca carries a significant burden of living her own life and worrying about her brother, whose distress she feels partly responsible for. She is a good and kind sister but must make a difficult decision for the best of all involved. Her lies may have put them all in greater danger and she weighs the truth against love of family. Which is more important?
The hero Sir Frederick is wonderfully protective of Rebecca. He, too, bears a heavy burden and regrets of the past. Both Frederick and Rebecca must release themselves of burdens that aren’t theirs to carry to move into a promising future. The lesson to be learned is that we are not responsible for the actions of others, and we cannot let their misfortunes or poor decisions control our lives and steal our joy.
One of my favorite scenes is when Frederick is in the library and talks out the various suspects using chess pieces!
I highly recommend this book for readers of regency romances and for those looking for mysteries with little descriptiveness of the murder itself. Excellent book!

With nods to Agatha Christie and Jane Austen and other notable classic writers, Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a page-turning historical novel that has its own unique blend of mystery and romance. Julie Klassen has penned a very enjoyable book! The mystery, that I kept guessing at until the end, was what hooked me, but I loved the atmospheric setting and the likable characters. For Rebecca Lane, the return to her home village is filled with memories, mostly poignant, as she longs for better times and circumstances. A brother with issues keeps her on edge, while an old crush brings back feelings long buried. There is a great tension in this book, both in the romantic relationships and in the twisting mystery. I felt an urgency to find out whodunit and if Rebecca would get her happily-ever-after. This kept me reading and reading! Characters are not all they seem — enhancing the plot and giving readers some things to think about. There are themes of forgiveness, lost chances, and personal responsibility. Fans of the Regency era will enjoy the historical details. I especially liked learning about the legal rules of the day and the treatment of those with mental illness. Swanford Abbey provided its own character with hidden passages and ghosts — a great place to stage a murder. 😉 And for book nerds like me, the references to classic lit were fun.

Shadows of Swanford Abbey should appeal to a variety of readers with its historical, romantic, and mysterious plot threads. I heartily recommend it.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Julie Klassen is a personal favorite when it comes to historical fiction. Her impeccable research sets the stage for an absorbing story, while her realistically-flawed characters are colorful, interesting, and engaging. Rebecca Lane and Sir Frederick star in this Regency tale with an accompanying mystery to be solved. Klassen keeps the reader guessing as to who the murderer is with many twists and turns. The various characters all add to the complex plot and story line.

Mystery, intrigue, suspense, and a dash of romance combine to make this a captivating read which should appeal to a large variety of readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.

My Thoughts:
A cozy mystery set in the Regency era. Now, that’s an intriguing idea!
I have to be honest and say that the story lagged in the beginning for me. But once the expected murder took place, my detective brain was more than satisfied. I did really enjoy watching all the characters and making note of them as the story unfolded. There were several believable suspects to keep my eyes on.
My favorite aspect was the Abbey setting. Historically, it was really neat and I wanted to tour the grounds for myself. The story could have used a tad more of the suspenseful/Gothic flair considering the storyline and setting.
I appreciated the solid faith elements and characters who held a clear relationship with Christ.
The romance was sweet and safe, and I mean that in every good way.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving Shadows of Swanford Abbey 4 stars. I recommend it to those looking for Christian Regency or a new cozy mystery.

~ I received a copy from Bethany House. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen is an excellent Regency mystery. I have come to love gothic novels (Michelle Griep, Abigail Wilson), and this story had the PERFECT gothic vibe for me. Haunted abbey. A mysterious death. Multiple suspects–and everyone has a motive!
I loved exploring the chilly and haunting abbey with Rebecca. Even the sanctuary of the chapel seemed tainted by the ghostly abbess and the fog of suspicion hanging over the guests. I would definitely stay at a hotel like Swanford Abbey!
The twisty mystery of this novel was addicting and kept me turning pages late into the night. Having Rebecca be entangled in the mystery of the murder made the plot (and the romance) all the more complicated. I enjoyed piecing the evidence together with Frederick and Rebecca.
The romance between Rebecca and Frederick was definitely a slow burn and was not in the forefront as much because of Frederick’s involvement in the investigation and Rebecca’s dishonesty. BUT, I loved how the wise-to-the-world Frederick was so bold when speaking his feelings for Rebecca and how her girlish crush matured into more. Sigh. The friends to more romance was still satisfying for romance lovers!
Overall, I absolutely loved this story. I would recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey to Regency romance, historical romance, and mystery fans. Readers of Michelle Griep and Abigail Wilson will enjoy this story, too!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

Julie Klassen has long been one of my go-to authors – her stories are always full of delightful characters, delicious layers, and swoony romance. Most of my favorite Klassen books also have a bit of a gothic feel and/or a mystery thrown in that amplifies those layers I just mentioned. And while I’m pitifully behind on her books, I jumped at the chance to read this new standalone – after all, how could I possibly resist a ‘haunted’ abbey, a murdered author, and a blissful-sigh-inducing romance laced with tensions of the past??

I mean… even if I hadn’t already been on board (which I was), this quote would still have sent my reader heart into twitterpations –

He smelled of spices and safety, childhood memories, and unrequited love.

Pardon me for a moment while I keep swooning over that perfect hug just there. Frederick is the kind of guy you’d want beside you in a crisis, a man with a protective nature and a good heart (as well as sharp instincts). It’s no surprise that Rebecca fell in love with him when they were growing up and even less surprising that she never forgot him. His character made an indelible impression on me, and I know you’ll love him too. Rebecca also left her mark on my heart – I could relate to many of her motivations and feelings, and I admired her strength more than once.

Along with delighting in Rebecca’s friendship with Frederick (which turns decidedly more affectionate, as you might suspect), I especially enjoyed her relationship with her employer, Lady Fitzhoward. The elder woman is possibly the most fascinating character in Shadows of Swanford Abbey, and readers will remain fully engaged in trying to figure out her secrets. She is unpredictable and impossible to put in a box, and I loved the role she plays in this story!

Speaking of secrets… Swanford Abbey and its village have their fair share, woven effortlessly into the fabric of this atmospheric narrative by a skilled author. Truth is revealed at a perfect pace, neither so slowly that readers lose track of the questions nor so quickly that we overlook the complexities of the story or the personalities of the characters. The skill shown here goes beyond just the pacing, however; it is also evident in the choice of ‘whodunnit’ and the difficulty in figuring out exactly who that is from among the mix of plausible suspects.

Bottom Line: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen is the kind of book you’ll love to curl up with over a wintry weekend. With a little something for everyone, it draws you in and keeps you engaged from beginning to end with wonderful characters and an intriguing plot. The historical nuggets to discover & explore on these pages will make you smarter, and they fit seamlessly into the narrative, too. One of the things I most enjoyed about this gothic mystery is how each character – main and supporting – plays a role in tying all the layers together; tracing those threads heightens the mood of the story and makes the ending all the more satisfying!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

“For the first time in years, the rusty hinges of his shuttered heart gave an experimental creak.”
Julie Lessman entices the reader into the world of the Jane Austen era with beautifully crafted sentences like this. Lessman’s latest offering, The Shadows of Swanford Abbey, is wonderfully stuffed with mystery, Regency-era (even a bit of Gothic) romance, and faith.

It is March of 1820 in Worcestershire, England.
Rebecca Lane returns home to care for her foundering brother. His problems are deeper than Rebecca realized, and she must board at a nearby hotel, where a famous writer is in residence.

A former family friend who is also their landlord, Frederick Wilford, is staying at this hotel. Wilford’s manor renovations, started by his deceased wife, were never completed. Before his marriage, young Rebecca carried a torch for Frederick. Can she hide the embarrassment of that attraction now?

So many different characters to puzzle out, whether Rebecca’s brother, John, Miss Selina Newport or Lady Fitzhoward, to name a few of the supporting cast. What fun it is when there are several well-thought-out and presented mysteries to try to work through before all is revealed.

Rebecca is greatly loyal, but that lands her in a heap of trouble. “She just wanted her brother back as he had once been, but she feared that John was gone forever.” She wants to help John, but how far will she go in the name of brotherly love? What will that do to the attraction that is finally blossoming between her and her erstwhile unrequited love? One thing she does realize is this:
“Family . . . once gone, there’s no replacing them.”

A ghost. Secrets of the former convent. Relationships are hidden, some for nefarious reasons, some discarded in the shadows of the past. What will come to light at the end?

Lovers of Regency Romance, who also want faith and mystery will devour this Lessman novel, as will historical buffs. Definitely discovering I have not read enough of Julie Klassen’s expertly crafted Regency tales! Hand me another, please!!

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House via NetGalley. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own.

I read one of Julie Klassen’s books a few years ago and absolutely loved it. She reminds me of a modern Victoria Holt and by modern I don’t mean her stories, as they are all historical fiction, but modern in that Klassen is a modern woman and she writes strong, vibrant heroines! I was super excited to check out this latest novel from Klassen so when it came up for review, naturally it was a no brainer as a YES!

In the historical fiction world, there are a ton of Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart fans and for good reason. Their novels really took the small ‘Gothic romance’ genre and brought it forward into the modern era. Now tat both of these talented writers have passed away, I know that I am always looking for a new writer to rise to the top of the Gothic romance genre.

Sure there are plenty out there who claim to be similar to Holt or Stewart, however when I think of an author who is most like Holt I always come back to Klassen. I know a lot of people have described this one as Christie meets Austen which I agree with but I still always think of Victoria Holt when I read Klassen’s books! I just love how well done the romances are and how new the mystery or family secrets feel and this book did not disappoint! If you are looking for an excellent gothic romance with a lovely crumbling and possibly haunted abbey—then look no further! I simply adored this book and I am sure you will too!

Summary

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austenin 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…

Review

In this book, Rebecca is so easy to fall in love with right off the bat! She is hardworking and dedicated to her family. I thought Klassen did a marvelous job creating a character that was likeable from the get go. Some times it takes me some time to warm up to some characters, especially in gothic novels where the focus is often more on the atmosphere (more on that later), sometimes getting to know the characters just takes some time. But in this book, Rebecca shines on the pages right away and readers will no doubt love her character. Her brother is struggling with his mental health and I loved how she came to his aid but I could also detect this subtle frustration with her brother that I thought felt so honest and rang true. I felt her frustration too and her pull to want to help. It was a nice balance and a great way to introduce us to her character.

For any gothic novel, atmosphere is a huge factor. Especially when you are dealing with a crumbling old castle or in this case an abbey. The expectation is that the ruinous house will feel creepy and unsettling and in this book it absolutely does! It doesn’t cross over into horror or anything like that but Klassen really makes the reader feel uneasy about the abbey. Her writing is moody and full of atmosphere too which just adds to the over all feeling in the characters and within the story.

The romance between Rebecca and Sir Frederick is one part murder mystery and one part romance. The murder mystery is interesting and held my attention. There were definitely hints of Christie in this mystery! And yes the romance had a bit of the Brontes and Austen mixed in so the romance also kept me engaged and interested for the duration of the novel. If you are a lover of classic gothic novels like Jane Eyre this book is one you do not want to miss! I absolutely loved watching their romance unfold and I loved the alternating POVs in the story. It made it move faster. The beginning took me a minute to get into but as soon as I was hooked I couldn’t put it down! It oyu are a historical fiction fan you need this one on your radar! It was a spooky delight full of heart!

Book Info and Rating

Format: ebook 416 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 7, 2021)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Bethany House in partnership with Austen Prose Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: historical fiction, gothic lit

Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen was a whodunit and may I say done very well. The story keeps the reader intrigued with complex characters and plenty of plot twists.
I enjoyed both the main characters Rebecca and Fedrick. Rebecca had a crush on Fredrick when they were growing up. Although he showed her attention it stopped when he met the woman who was to be his wife.

The story starts years later when they have both experienced life’s challenges. He has lost his wife and she has taken the position of a lady’s maid. They are both staying at Swanford Abbey when a famous author is murdered. We have plenty of suspects as we try to figure out who murdered him.

The author did a fabulous job of balancing the relationship between Rebecca and Fedrick and the mystery. I absolutely loved how they responded to each other; even when he knew she was hiding something from him. He still trusted her. Be sure to have plenty of time to flip the pages in this one because you won’t want to put it down. I devoured it!

Gentle Regency-Era Gothic blending with Murder Mystery and Inspirational Romance was a winning recipe for reader delight. Auto-buy author, Julie Klassen, introduces a tale that several literary greats would give the nod of familiarity to setting, backdrop, characters and plot.



A young woman, Rebecca Lane, has been a paid companion traveling abroad with her employer until a letter from home leaves her uneasy and needing to return. Her volatile brother has never been the same since their parents’ deaths, the loss of their home, a long-standing battle with a famous author who stole his early work, and a severe fall as a child that affected his mind. Now, he has a new manuscript and insists she take it for him to Swanford Abbey, a converted hotel, and deliver it to the same author he is still battling and hope the man has enough conscious left to present it on her brother’s behalf for publication.

Rebecca gets the shivers about being anywhere near that haunted abbey since she was a child and doesn’t need a premonition to tell her this is not a good idea. Naturally, things take a terrible turn for the worst when she bumps into the local man, Sir Frederick, for whom she had an unrequited crush and he is now recovering from the death of a wife after a marriage that was a mistake and that is followed by the murder of the author she was sent to approach. Sir Frederick is the magistrate who must investigate and Rebecca and her brother are near the top of his suspect list even while he feels the attraction to the haunted and secretive Miss Lane.



Over the years, Julie Klassen’s books have ranged from sweet historical romance to a dabble into mild romantic suspense, but of late, I felt the stronger flavoring of suspense taking over. It was no surprise that this one plunged deeply into a murder mystery with several suspects with opportunities, motives, and more. There are twists and surprises as the mystery trails to the big reveal. Meanwhile, there is still some delicious Gothic atmosphere and a tender chance at love.



The Regency era backdrop was spot on as was the description and feel of that shadowy abbey hotel. There is a slow build of character development, murder plot, and romance with the romance more back burner to the end. Like other books, Klassen teases out topics like the traumatic brain injury that went undiagnosed and treated back then, the tremendous guilt Rebecca takes on for her brother’s fall, and the weight of a failed marriage that Frederick carries. The author offers a religious approach to these concerns though it is light and appropriate to the story. There is much going on in this book without it ever feeling too busy. I never did work out the solution to the murder and chose to just go along for the ride.



I really hope Julie Klassen writes more murder mysteries as this one was a true pleasure. I can recommend it to those who love historical mysteries and romantic suspenses set in historical eras.

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 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.

I enjoyed it! I really like isolated settings, especially big houses and this book does it well.
The murder investigation allowed for some background on the characters that was nice to have.
I liked that there were two different mysteries that got solved too.
The two main characters prayed and thought about their faith here and there and it fit with the story, which I liked.
Would recommend it!

Set in England during the early 19th century, Shadows of Swanford Abbey, by Julie Klassen, is a captivating novel abounding with elements of mystery, suspense, and romance. With unexpected twists and stunning surprises, this book absolutely entertains with immersive settings, unforgettable characters, and authentic moments of hope and faith. It features a genuinely compelling plot, that is thoroughly entertaining and meaningful from beginning to end.
 
With thoughtful creativity, this novel explores the themes of loss, betrayal, secrets, love, redemption, faith, and family through a variety of characters who are authentically intriguing. The characters’ struggles, concerns, worries, and motivations are very moving. Though they are burdened at times by doubt and danger, they persevere nevertheless in the face of trials. Even when beset by uncertainty, their search for truth and redemption is truly inspiring.

Ms. Klassen is an undeniably gifted writer. Shadows of Swanford Abbey is beautifully gripping, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. Exceptionally well written, it is certainly a novel worthy of much praise and attention. I can easily recommend this book to all readers who enjoy historical fiction with elements of mystery and romance. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading more of Ms. Klassen’s books in the future.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and Austenprose PR. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This is a good novel for readers who love those set in Regency England. The setting is based on an actual abbey turned into a hotel. The murder does not happen until well into the story and I felt it played a reduced part of the overall narrative.

Besides the typical stumbling romance, there were several interesting aspects of the plot. One was book publishing. A character is trying to get a novel published and we see the difficulty in that happening and the possibility of plagiarism. Another issue was the process of law enforcement of the day. The process and people involved were quite different than what we see today. Another interesting issue was how mental illness was treated and the techniques of one innovative doctor.

There is a good message of forgiveness included as some of the characters must confront their own acts and the results they caused. The novel is good for readers who like to be immersed in the customs, culture, clothing, etc. of the era. Klassen does well in creating a good setting. The characters are well drawn and there is a surprising but welcome relationship twist at the end. A good novel for Regency romance readers who like a hint of a Gothic mystery included.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Mysteries abound at a dissolved nunnery turned hotel in Julie Klassen’s newest novel from Bethany House. Since Shadows of Swanford Abbey is Christian fiction, however, it’s unlikely that ghosts are to blame. There must be a logical reason for the mysterious figure seen at night because it surely can’t be a deceased nun, right? That is what the 21st century reader would probably conclude anyway. But Klassen’s lead character is a 19th century woman, and she’s not entirely certain what she keeps seeing.

Rebecca is a well-traveled lady’s companion, but life hasn’t exactly been fun since her brother suffered a traumatic brain injury. A long overdue visit home finds her brother and his staff hasn’t prepared for her arrival, and she must stay at the nearby hotel along with her employer and other unique individuals. Here she meets with old acquaintances and makes new friends and discover everyone has a past haunts haunting them.

Although Christmas is a wonderful time for spooky tales, and this novel was released in December 2020, Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a great book to curl up with on any winter evening. It provided me with an escape from the wintery mix coming down outside and I found I could easily visualize most of the action, much like I was watching a movie or mini-series. The plot consists of a variety of characters who could all easily have motives, and has a slow and steady, yet interesting, build up to the reveal. You could say I wasn’t totally stunned by the identity of the murderer, but it wasn’t someone I’d had on my list of suspects. And, while there is a required Happy Ever After, I couldn’t help but feel sad for the way things turned out for a couple of the characters by the end.

Coincidentally, I’d just finished reading a non-fiction book about an English monastic community turned country estate called Battle Abbey. Growing up in Yorkshire, the dissolved monasteries I knew had either been left to ruin or become parish churches, so I didn’t realize that some had been converted into private dwellings until reading that book. Klassen used another of these converted properties, Lacock Abbey, and its history as the basis for Swanford Abbey, and now I want to see it in person.

Disclaimer: Although I received an advance electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.

Another great read from Julie Klassen! I loved the unlikely romance, the who done it mystery, and the gothic vibes of the creepy abbey. I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction and mystery.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for the purpose of review.

Thank you, Austen Prose, Julie Klassen, and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book! It releases TODAY, and I am so excited for this amazing historical fiction mystery.

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.

This is a Regency era tale with a gentle murder mystery and a gentle romance, along with a delightful measure of mysterious cloaked figures, secret passageways, characters in disguise, and people who are not what they seem.

I felt like it was one of Klassen's best efforts to date, and I was absorbed in the story from the moment I picked up the book. I didn't want to stop reading to live life! In fact, I dinged up my brand new cover a bit because I dropped it in my purse to go shopping...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. The review is based off the final paperback version.

Shadows of Swanford Abbey, by Julie Klassen, is set in the countryside of England in the year 1820. Miss Rebecca Lane has come home to visit her younger brother, only to find that John is not in a position to host a guest. However, she does find a place to lay her head at a local inn, Swanford Abbey!

Rebecca’s brother, John, asks her to pass along his manuscript; however, the publisher does not seem interested in this piece of prose. When John suddenly shows up at the inn, she worries that he may be up to ill purposes. Before Rebecca can figure out her next step, a famous author staying at the inn is found murdered!

Several of the hotel guests, with grudges against this man, are considered suspects. Sir Frederick, a former friend of Rebecca’s who is now a magistrate, begins questioning staff and guests to determine who may be responsible. Watch as Rebecca puts herself in dangerous situations to help Sir Fredrick continue his search!

You will be surprised by the facts that come to light. The culprit is someone you would not have suspected!

This was a wonderful book to end the year 2021 on. I loved it. My attention was captured from the beginning and I had a hard time doing anything else. Including not getting out of bed until 10 am so I could finish it.

This story has the feel of a gothic novel. But it also carries hints of Regency and suspense. It was set in an old abbey turned into a hotel. There is a murder and the "ghost" of a nun haunting the establishment. The cast of unique characters left me guessing until the end on who the villain really was. Just a hint, the murderer was not the true villain of the book, but you need to read it to find out who it was.

The romance was slow but very satisfying. I couldn't have hoped for a better ending for the characters. I felt as if all of the loose ends were tied up neatly with a beautiful bow.

This is a clean romance with elements of Christianity, infidelity, and murder. There is no graphic violence.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.