Saturday, December 27, 2014

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

Overview: Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister.

Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play . . .

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor's past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.

This catches Abigail's attention. Hoping to restore her family's finances—and her dowry—Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn't the only one secretly searching the house.

As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks . . . or very real danger?

ISBN-13: 9780764210716
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 12/2/2014
Pages: 464
Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD 
Read other reviews of Julie Klassen's books.

My Review: Julie Klassen does it again! She has created another wonderful story with mystery, intrigue, romance and faith. I absolutely loved this story. I especially enjoyed the references to Pride and Prejudice. The plot was engaging. I didn't figure out the mystery until Abigail did, which I love.

The characters were very well rounded and written. I loved Abigail's selfless characteristics and her obvious growth in faith throughout the story. Her curiosity about the manor and the people that she met added a delightful layer to the plot. William Foster is a fantastic character. He is not a typical curate. I loved that Julie allowed him such temptations and thoughts. It proves that he is just man, like every other man. Their romance was subtle and sweet.

The message was about overcoming your fears. Placing our trust in God allows us to overcome the fears and prejudices of the past. It allows us to fully embrace all that God has planned for us, as well.

Overall, this story is one of mystery, intrigue, faith, family, and overcoming your obstacles and fears. I highly recommend it to any of Julie Klassen's fans!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Bethany House blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

JulieAbout the Author: I worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now write full time. Three of my books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.
 
I graduated from the University of Illinois and 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.

Connect with Julie: Blog | Facebook | Website

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