Showing posts with label julie klassen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label julie klassen. Show all posts

Thursday, November 13, 2014

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen



ABOUT THE BOOK:
Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her--a longtime friend--has fallen for her younger, prettier sister.

When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, 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 . . .

MY THOUGHTS:
I've said it before, but most of Julie's books make me think I'm reading a movie – watching a book? The Secret of Pembrooke Park gave me that same feeling. The descriptions put you right in the manor or grounds or post chaise, and within the first few sentences I was already captivated with the story of Abigail and her family.

The mysteries surrounding the Pembrooke family and estate definitely kept me guessing. Each character had me wondering about their background and/or motive – from Mac to Polly and Molly to Leah to Mrs. Hayes to Duncan to Mrs. Webb to Miles...yes, just about everyone had something I questioned. I had several different ideas that changed as the book progressed...and I was pleased at the final conclusion.

The Secret of Pembrooke Park will make you want to curl up under a blanket with a warm mug and keep turning the pages until you've discovered the secret(s) for yourself!

If you enjoy Regency romance with a little mystery, you will definitely enjoy The Secret of Pembrooke Park!

Thank you to Julie and Bethany House through NetGalley for sending me a copy to read and review!

Did you find my review helpful? Please rate it on Amazon and Christianbook.

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**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Monday, August 24, 2009

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen


I noticed Julie Klassen in my last CBD catalog. I immediately put two of her books on my paperbackswap’s wishlist. I just received my copy of The Apothecary’s Daughter a few weeks ago.

I have only read one book by Jane Austen, but I have watched several movie adaptations of her books.

Right from the beginning of The Apothecary’s Daughter, I felt like I was watching an Austen movie or several episodes of Cranford. I could picture in my mind everything about Klassen’s imagination-born village of Bedsley Priors.

In this village, lives Lilly Haswell. Lilly helps her father run his apothecary shop, while keeping watch over her brother and the new apprentice.

A surprise visit from an aunt and uncle gives Lilly the chance for a life in London, far away from the medicinal life she knows. Lilly, eager for the change, is swept into high society until a letter summons her back to Bedsley Priors.

Leaving suitors behind, Lilly returns home to find her father strangely ill and the apothecary shop near ruin.

I really enjoyed the story of Lilly Haswell. I wouldn’t call The Apothecary’s Daughter “slow” reading, but, like an Austen movie, you really have to be paying attention or you’ll miss something important.

The story is full of complex characters, “blending romance, family drama, and fascinating historical detail.”

Well researched, well written. If you like Regency-inspired romance, you might give The Apothecary’s Daughter a try.

416 pages by Bethany House.

Recommend: YES

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