An abbey-turned-hotel holds many secrets, but not nearly as many as the guests.
Perhaps inspired by Agatha Christy and Jane Austen, Julie Klassen’s newest novel is a delight to readers. Set in England in the early 1800s, it features a reclusive author, a potentially haunted hotel, and two sweet lovebirds and other guests with myriad secrets. Although it is a murder mystery and romance, it is clean and Christian.
I loved this story, and I have loved nearly every book Julie Klassen has published. The characters are kind, deep, and imperfect, showing true growth throughout the tale. I enjoyed their sweet romance.
The solution to the mystery surprised me, which is not easily done, and makes me love it more. There was foreshadowing, plot twists, and false leads, all contributing to a satisfying end.
As usual, I learned something about the time period, and that was the presence of a doctor who used humane practices to treat mental health patients. General knowledge of asylums in the time period contradicts that fact, so I am grateful to know that was not true of everyone.
I recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey to fans of clean, Christian, historical fiction.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57070964-shadows-of-swanford-abbey
Emily Kopf 