I found this book to be an intriguing historical mystery, murder, danger, strange happenings, and more... with bits of romance thrown in.
I'd hesitate to class it with Agatha Christie, as those are in a class all their own…but I did enjoy the mystery in this book.
Becky Lane is a relatable heroine. She finds herself, through no fault of her own, mixed up in a murder. And, not at all unusual for a big sister, she is hiding a few pieces of truth in order to protect her brother.
Her childhood friend, Sir Frederick, is the magistrate in charge of this case. He knows her well enough to know she is hiding something. But what?
I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow, will they learn to love and trust each other again? I also enjoyed seeing the truth about 'whodunit' be revealed, bit by bit.
This story takes you on a journey full of twists and turns. I had suspicions about what might have happened, but was surprised as I read the ending.
If you enjoy historical mystery novels, you won't want to miss this one.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Miss Rebecca Lane is a paid companion to Lady Fitzhoward in the year 1820. She has finally returned to her home village in England after traveling for the past few years. She is surprised to find her brother in a state. He has no room for her in the lodge he lives in, and he would like her to deliver his latest manuscript to a publisher that is staying at the nearby Swanford Abbey.

Swanford Abbey has been transformed into a high-class hotel. Lady Fitzhoward is also staying at the Abbey and Rebecca is able to get a small room that fits into her budget. Her childhood friend and crush, Sir Frederick, is also staying at the abbey. Rebecca starts to notice strange things such as a mysterious figure gliding around dressed as a nun and hushed secret conversations. When a guest is murdered, Rebecca fears that it may have been her brother. As Sir Frederick investigates, will Rebecca be able to prove her and her brother’s innocence?

I loved this novel. It is a perfect combination of gothic and romance. It is like a Jane Austen novel and Charlotte Bronte novel blended together. I loved all of the gothic details such as the mysterious figure, secret staircases, mysterious deaths, etc. I also loved that everyone seemed to have a secret, but they all had a good explanation. Rebecca is a great character. I loved her world of being the daughter of a vicar but having to be a paid companion. She’s not quite a lady and not quite a servant and is in a precarious social position. I also loved Sir Frederick and the secret of his past with his first wife. I love how he took over the investigation and helped to solve the mystery.

I have enjoyed Julie Klassen’s novels in the past. This one is more of a suspense and historical mystery like The Secret of Pembroke Park. I enjoyed it.

Overall, Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a wonderful historical mystery with great characters and story. I highly recommend it.

Book Source: Review Copy from Bethany House / Baker Publishing. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shadows of Swanford Abbey
by Julie Klassen
Pub Date 07 Dec 2021 | Archive Date 26 Jan 2022
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance



I am reviewing a copy of Shadows of Stanford Abbey through Bethany House and Netgalley:





If you’re looking for Jane Austen Meets Agatha Christie type novel, then Shadows of Stanford Alley is just the book for you.





After Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away,, her brother asks a favor of her 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.






In the medieval monastery now turned ground 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. Despite all of 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.




After 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.





I give Shadows of Swanford Abbey five out of five stars!




Happy Reading!

They said "Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen" and they delivered! I'd describe this book as an excellent whodunnit novel set during the Regency era, complimented with some gothic undertones. If you're looking for a very cozy historical mystery with a little bit of a romantic sidenote, there you go.

4.5⭐️ Loved this and as most of you know, J Klassen is one of my favorite regency writers. She always does a really special job creating elaborate well constructed characters. I soaked this novel up while contemplating all the mysterious clues, taking in the charming grand hotel that once was a monastery. This had ghosts, stage actresses, writers and publishers to round out the full cast. I really enjoyed the setting and highly recommended it if you love a good mystery. There wasn’t a lot of romance if you’re wonder and that was fine with this intriguing plot.
I hope this was helpful.
Thanks Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley.

Rebecca Lane has always been concerned for her brother John’s well-being. Called to his assistance, she finds that she would do anything within her power when it came to his wanting to become a published author. She agrees to spend some time at Swanford Abbey, a hotel where an author will be staying. Her brother had been told that he could no longer approach publishers directly so Rebecca agrees to stay in a hotel that very well may be haunted in order to approach the author with her brother’s manuscript.

Not only is the author soon found dead, mysterious sightings and sounds prove very disturbing to Rebecca. She finds it impossible to not investigate matters herself, even though it means working alongside her former beau, Sir Frederick Wilford. Rebecca soon realizes that feelings that she thought with long ago buried for Frederick quickly rise to the fore. Meanwhile, Rebecca’s worry for John never settles as his erratic behavior grows more concerning. She hopes that if his book gets the attention it deserves that perhaps John might become well.

There were also other matters that helped to explain her brother’s behavior all while a murderer was on the loose. Rebecca and Frederick made a fine team as they worked hard to discover the murderer. The comparison of this book to Agatha Christie and Jane Austen was spot on as this intriguing story wove in a strong gothic vibe. Also, this was a very touching story as it dealt with sensitive issues that were perhaps difficult to identify during the time and setting involved. Julie Klassen was a new name for me and this book could not have been a better introduction to her excellent writing.

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I was slightly suspicious when I first read the description- can we truly have a full mystery set in a period like the Regency, without skimping on plot or details? Well, I am thrilled to say that Klassen has indeed mastered the historical romance! Throughout the entire time I was reading this, I kept thinking “did Christie write a Regency mystery?”. It is a wonderfully immersive whodunnit, and it shows Klassen’s skills as an author. It kept me guessing through the story, and I definitely made a few wrong guesses, which made the book even more fun to read!

This is absolutely a book for Jane Austen fans! A lot of authors try to mimic Austen’s voice, but Klassen captures the feelings of Austen without feeling stiff or awkward in tone. If you don’t know, Northanger Abbey is one of my favourite novels, and there are Northanger vibes from Swanford Abbey in the best way. It also made me think of Sanditon; with the second seasoning airing in March of 2022, this is the perfect book to read while we are waiting to return to the seaside town. (It is also the perfect Christmas gift, perhaps for yourself…)

It's been a while since I last read a Julie Klassen book, I always remembered them being good but I forgot just how great her books are! Shadows of Swanford Abbey is by far her best work yet and my new favourite! This story was very reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, with one murder victim and a whole host of interesting suspects with motive. The mystery in this book was really well done and very addictive! The romance was pleasantly subtle. Frederick and Rebecca are one of my new favourite couples, so adorably awkward and sweet!

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

A Captivating Regency Mystery

A clergymans daughter, Miss Rebecca Lane, hastens home after receiving a letter from her family’s housekeeper. The contents of the letter depicts her younger brothers John’s agitated state of of mind.

After several years traveling as a ladies maid to her energetic employer, Lady Fitzhoward. She arrives concerned to her hometown village of Worcestershire, England. Sweet natured Rebecca feels responsible for her young brother, as both
of their parents have passed away. Easily persuaded by John, she is tasked with delivering her brothers manuscript to a popular author Mr Oliver, who happens to be staying at the Swanford Abbey.

Swanford Abbey, turned hotel, is notorious for its chilling tales of haunted spirts. Rebecca checks into the hotel hoping to deliver her package to the author. She unexpectedly encounters Sir Frederick Wilford from her past. When the unthinkable happens and Mr Oliver is found dead, an inquest has people asking questions. Rebecca regrets ever having agreed to become involved in her brother’s scheme.

A mystery is afoot, and the killer needs to be caught. When the secrets start to unfold, and Frederick Wilford knows Rebecca is hiding something.
A mysterious gentle romance, with gothic nuances blended in. The romance, along with the chemistry of Rebecca and Frederick, had the right amount tension. Making for a proper regency romance, that I throughly enjoyed.

Julie Klassen has done it again. As the book description says, this is an ode to both Jane Austen and Agatha Christie, and it is a work of art. The characters are well developed, and the mystery is full of twists and intrigue. The setting in an old abbey turned hotel makes this novel even more fascinating. The cast of characters is superb. The hotel guests add even more suspense and intrigue. As you are navigating this historical romantic mystery, you might even see a ghost. Mystery, history, and romance are all woven together masterfully. Fans of all of these genres will love this compelling read. Fans of Julie Klassen will not be surprised that she’s produced another winner.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

1820 England. Christian historical. A murder mystery skillfully woven through the romance. Rebecca is a lady's companion and is returning home after years because her brother John is distressed and not handling things well. He had worked for an author, writing his own story, who then stole it. It became a best seller. They wouldn't believe him though. He wrote another story and wanted to sell it. This time making a copy, for it to be presented to the same author to catch him this time. This author is staying at a nearby hotel, which used to be an Abbey, and was supposed to be haunted. John convinces Rebecca to stay at the hotel to get the author to look at his book.
Sir Frederick, owner of the small home that John stays in, is also staying at the hotel, with his brother. He is an old friend from when their parents were alive. One who Rebecca had a crush on when younger.
Getting the book to the author is difficult. He is more than unpleasant, sequestering himself in the room which was once the old Abess's, with a hired guard outside his room. Rebecca sees some strange things during her stay, woven throughout, clues Agatha Christie style. The tension between characters, who each have their own mystery to discern, builds.
After the murder of the author, Sir Frederick, who is also the magistrate, must figure out what happened. Unraveling the backstory is quite interesting. He has a soft spot for Rebecca, which makes things more difficult for him as she seems more and more involved in the circumstances of the murder. While she is trying to solve it herself, worrying that her brother is involved.
Warm relationships are wound throughout the story, pull at your heartstrings. Excellent read. Not an easy mystery to figure out who done it. Keeps you intrigued to the end.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ShadowsofSwanfordAbbey #NetGalley.

As a Regency-era romance, the story here is pretty good. As a mystery, it’s only okay. My biggest issue is that it takes quite a while to really get going; so much of the first half is spent describing the abbey, hinting at things from the past that affect the present (which we won’t know more about until much later), and setting up the mystery around the murder, which doesn’t even occur until over halfway through the book. I don’t mind a mystery taking so long to get started if I spend that time trying to figure out who the victim might end up being, along with who the murderer will be, but in this case, the synopsis tells us who the victim will be. All of this led the book to feel slow for a while.

I mostly liked the characters. Rebecca had her issues in the story, mostly stemming from the task her brother insists she help him with, but this seems to lead her to not care at all about the societal conventions of her time or about her reputation. That leaves Frederick to be the most understanding man ever. He ends up having to help her in a lot of different ways, more times than I might normally prefer in a story like this, but it didn’t bother me this time, I think because it didn’t seem as contrived as it could have.

I raised my eyebrows during part of a scene that seemed to be straight out of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, and found out while reading the author’s note at the end of the book that I was correct. She also mentioned other classics that she took some direct inspiration from, though those others I either haven’t read or don’t know well enough to have recognized the way she used that inspiration. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the characters and recommend it to fans of historical romance. Fans of mystery books may like it, too, if they’re not bothered by what I described above.

When Julie Klassen sets her pen to writing mystery, she excels in combining intrigue and romance against the perfect backdrop! Swanford Abbey is full of secrets and Rebecca is about to discover that where there is one, there is many. I love the brave, adventurous side of Rebecca that wars with the responsible, guilt-ridden gentlewoman determined to do the right thing. Frederick is intelligent and stoic as he approaches the case, yet his soft and gentle side is apparent as he is reunited with Rebecca. Together, they create a chemistry that draws the reader and leaves them hoping for more. There is the right amount of tension of propelling the reader forward and pulling them back with guesses and twists. The tone is set deftly, and the location is perfect for all the possibilities that come with this creative, regency style who-dun-it. There is a great blend of practicality, science, and detective work as the truth comes to light. I cannot recommend this one highly enough. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Touted as “Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen” this Regency slash Gothic novel is a real page turner!
Julie Klassen is one of my top favorite authors who first introduced me to Regency romance & I fell head-over-heels in love with this genre. I've read just about everything she's written! She has a way of immersing you into her settings and making you feel like you're right in the middle. Her atmospheric prose and vivid descriptions come to life for me every time.

Shadows of Swanford Abbey is a slight deviation from her usual writing but still has her unique authors’ voice. She introduces us to Sir Fredrick Wilford & Rebecca Lane as her main characters. They grew up knowing each other but with a decade between them; Rebecca has always had a secret crush on Fredrick. So after years away and a chance meeting while staying at the Abbey-turned-hotel they have the opportunity to reacquaint themselves. You can feel the underlying sizzle of attraction that's still there between them. For this story however, the murder of a famous author takes precedence and trying to find his killer & motives for doing so occupies Fredrick's time and energy. Plus, you have the mystery of a shrouded figure in black that is rumored to haunt the hotel. Perhaps it’s the ghost of the long ago buried Abbess herself? With all these things culminating, it makes for a book impossible to put down!

While not my favorite book by Klassen, it definitely kept my interest as I wanted to know how both the murder was solved & a hinted-at romance developed. I'm more of a Jane Austen romance fan than an Agatha Christie mystery fan.

*I received a complimentary copy and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed her are mine alone. *

I was really enjoying the first third of Julie Klassen's latest piece of historical fiction, Shadows of Swanford Abbey. Then not far into the second third the story also became a who-done-it, and my enjoyment doubled. Klassen does a wonderful job of character development, of dropping bread crumbs, and of placing red herrings at just the right time.

Set in 1820s England, Mis Rebecca Lane, accompanied by her employer, Lady Fitzhoward, has returned to her hometown to check on her brother. Forced to stay at Swanford Abbey, an old abbey-turned-hotel, Rebecca works to aid her brother in getting his novel presented to a publisher while encountering old friends and meeting new people against a backdrop of suspicious circumstances. Readers will enjoy meeting the cast of characters and attempting to determine who did the foul deed.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

As a huge Julie Klassen fan and mystery lover, I couldn’t wait to read this latest book! It’s a classic gothic mystery with an intriguing plot, interesting characters, humor, and a slow burn romance that completely drew me in. Like the great Agatha Christie, Ms. Klassen brilliantly describes each character, their history, and possible motivations for murder.

Swanford Abbey, a religious-abbey-turned-hotel, makes a spooky setting, with secret passageways, hidden staircases, and a ghostly abbess haunting its halls.

When unlikable, pompous author Ambrose Oliver is found murdered, there are a slew of suspects at the famed abbey. A lady with hidden past regrets, a loyal sister, a local nobleman whose wife died under suspicious circumstances, an aspiring writer struggling with addiction and mental illness, an actress, an editor under financial strain, and various hotel personnel, all with a motivation for murder.

Rebecca Lane, companion to Lady Fitzhoward, returns home after receiving disturbing reports about her brother John. Suffering under some duress, John begs his sister to go to Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to Ambrose Oliver, a surprisingly difficult task.

Sir Frederick Wilford hasn’t seen Rebecca since she was young. Though pleasantly surprised by this beautiful woman, his tumultuous marriage and wife’s death make him cautious about falling in love again. Just as the two rekindle their friendship, Ambrose Oliver is murdered. As the local magistrate, Frederick helps investigate the crime by systematically interviewing each person at the abbey. When he realizes Rebecca might be involved, his worst fears are realized.

There were so many things I loved about this mystery: fantastic characters, Rebecca’s and Frederick’s slow burn romance sizzling just under the surface, and feisty Lady Fitzhoward’s witty observations. The mystery kept me guessing until the last chapters with plenty of clues and a few red herrings. I also loved the themes of family and forgiveness.

Fans of classic mysteries will definitely enjoy this book! I received complementary advanced copies from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.

Julie Klassen is sincerely one of those authors that I can read no matter what mood I am. And, I'm a definite "mood reader". She was one of the first authors who writes Christian fiction, that I ever read. And, I was hooked--way back when she wrote The Apothecary's Daughter and The Lady of Milkweed Manor.

I feel like she's only gotten better.

Shadows of Swanford Abbey was such a wonderful read for me. It held all the wonder of a Julie Klassen book--amazing writing, amazing characters, and a book I couldn't put down--and paired those things with some mystery and intrigue that kept me even more hooked into the story.

The suspense of this one added a whole new excitement for me--because I feel like now, there's nothing that Julie Klassen can't tackle!

There was just enough romance in this one to keep that part of me satiated, along with some great characters and an excellent ending.

I don't think there's a book of Klassen's that I haven't loved. And I don't ever see that changing.

This review is a bit hard to write, in fact I don't know that it can be classified as a review...more like an offering up of some random thoughts and a shout to the void that simply says - Read it if you want! 😂

My reading life has changed. Actually my whole life has changed a bit. I changed my diet, my sleep, my routine. I'm busier than ever before. In many ways I'm much healthier and considerably happier, but it's taking me much longer to finish a book these days, that's for sure.

So I had read and loved Christmas at Ivy Hill and when I saw the eARC for Shadows of Swanford Abbey I jumped at it! I really enjoyed the writing style as it had that lovely oomph that sets this genre apart from contemporary fiction. There is a mystery - which I'm not usually the mystery type - but I did enjoy this one. The love story has some backstory to it which I love and the setting is truly phenomenal. It's just that for me the pacing did seem off. I struggled to not be impatient as we neared 40% and I almost gave it up. Shortly after, things picked up and I was engaged until the end. Overall I'd say 3.5 star and I will continue to read this author!

QOTD: Was your reading life normal this year? I read significantly less. I'll probably finish about 70 books this year which is 50 less than the last two years! Crazy!

Thank you, NetGalley, Julie Klassen, and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book! It releases TODAY!! (December 7th, 2021)

I will never say no to a Julie Klassen book and Shadows of Swanford Abbey is one of her best! Rebecca Lane has come home after an urgent letter from her brother’s housemaid. Her brother has been struggling with mental illness for some time. He is a writer who has been denied and plagiarized. He has not been the same since the betrayal. He asks her to take his new manuscript to the author and his publisher who happened to be staying at the newly renovated Swanford Abbey. It is now a hotel, but it used to be an Abbey and there are rumors that the ghost of the first Abbess still roams the halls. While staying at the Abbey, she runs into a childhood friend and the man who happened to break her heart—Sir Frederick. He is reeling from the death of his wife, so instead of staying at home, he and his brother visit the Abbey. Emotions are already running high—but then there is a murder and the suspect could be anyone.

I am in love with all the gothic vibes!! Julie Klassen always has channeled Jane Austen and Jane Eyre in her stories but this one definitely drifted to the darker side of those classics. AND I AM HERE FOR IT! A lot of Christian/Romantic Historical Fiction stick to the same plot devices and same characters. Julie Klassen really stepped out of the box here. I love a good murder mystery and I did not predict the ending! Huge plus.

The characters are amazing as well. I love how Rebecca isn’t this stereotypical historical romance woman. Lately, the common theme in historical fiction is “women ahead of their time.” —which irks me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I want to read about these women who defied the limitations of their society but sometimes liberties are taken and these women seem more like a character from a fantasy novel than a character from a historical fiction novel. Sometimes (especially in ancient or medieval historical fiction) I think to myself that this woman would have definitely been burned as a witch. She is incredible but also would have never survived in that time period. So it doesn’t feel believable. Not in this case. Rebecca is strong, a little quirky, she shines, but she also has flaws. THANK YOU for giving us a main character with flaws. I was rooting for her and freaked out when she made mistakes.

And last but not least, we have themes that revolve around mental health. This time period was not accepting of mental illness. It was treated as a crime, not as an illness. I love how the author incorporated the concepts of accepting those with mental illness but the importance of seeking treatment. It is really powerful. Overall, a stunning 5 out of 5 stars!!!!

In Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Julie Klassen combines a sweet regency romance with a classic murder mystery to create a captivating tale that will keep readers riveted until the last page! I was utterly mesmerized by the unique setting and method of storytelling used to create a gothic regency romance with a classic whodunnit mystery feel. In my opinion, Julie Klassen is the queen of regency romance with intrigue and mystery, and this tale is no exception. This might be my favorite book by her because it has everything I love in a good mystery-- adventure, romance, ancient legends, and a dashing noble to serve as hero and investigator.

Forgiveness is a recurring theme in the lives of the hero and heroine, which provides a firm spiritual foundation to this narrative. I also loved the approach to mental health that the author took in this work, and thought it provided a wonderful perspective into the struggles of those afflicted, how it affects their families, and how treatments have been improved by rational and kind-hearted people over the years. I usually do prefer a bit more romance than was present in this love story--which could be described as a “slow burn”-- but that is a personal preference. I still found Rebecca and Frederick adorable and their happily ever after was immensely satisfying and endearing.

I highly recommend this regency romance with a good dose of mystery to lovers of either genre. Julie Klassen never fails to deliver a sweet regency romance with intrigue, and Shadows of Swanford Abbey may just be my favorite work of hers yet.

I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes, but my thoughts are my own. I truly did love it!