Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen is this week’s Reader Friday for all my historical readers. Here’s the first line: Miss Rebecca Lane quaked at the thought of returning to Swanford after more than a year’s absence, even though her heart had never really left.
But first the photo and Scripture. I love that verse and have run into it a couple of times this week, so I thought I’d share it. The photo was taken early one morning as I drove to physical therapy. I knew there had to be a silver lining in having to be there at 7 a.m. 😉
Now for Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen. Here’s the cover and back copy:
My take:
I don’t usually read historicals, but I happened to read the first page of this one and had to know what was going on. The story grabbed me from the beginning. Klassen did a great job of creating caring characters and an intriguing mystery. And I didn’t guess “whodunnit” until almost the end. Good job, Ms Klassen!
Rebecca is a very appealing heroine and Frederick is great as the hero! I could read more stories about him. 😉
Klassen created a whole cast of characters that were very interesting and each had enough mystery about them to make me wonder if they were the killer. I loved the housekeeper, Rose. And Rebecca’s Lady that she was a companion to was so crusty and had something to hide as well. Great story and I’m going to look up more of Judy Klassen’s books to read!
Leave a comment with the first line of the book you’re reading. OR tell me if you enjoy historical mysteries. And I’ll enter you in an August drawing for a book from my library.
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Comments 32
Isn’t it wonderful that God searches us out to strengthen us? Good pairing of photo and verse.
I’m not big on historical novels myself, but occasionally do read them. “The Cryptographer’s Dilemma” by Johnnie Alexander is an excellent book.
“A woman’s scream ripped through the small brick house, drowning out the echo of the doorbell Ivy Bridges had just pressed.” is the first line from “Witness in Peril” by Jodi Bailey. It’s a solid whodunit set near the Grand Canyon where AZ and NV meet.
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I loved Johnnie’s book Tim. In fact, I love everything she writes! Oh, my goodness. I’ll have to get Jodie’s book today!
“To strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed….” That’s our God…always seeking a way to provide for us. Thank you, Lord!
I’ve never been much of a historical reader, but that’s been changing of late. Your review of Julie Klassen’s book continues that pursuit of giving historical novels more chances. Adding this one to the TBR pile!
Getting ready to start Burning Proof by Janice Cantore. The first line is “If George Sanders weren’t already dead, I’d kill him.” I wonder if George will make it…?
Beautiful photo, Pat! We’re having torrential rains at the moment, so seeing that sunrise was encouraging.
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Rain? Wow. We need some about now, Barbara. I have one of Janice Cantore’s books on my nightstand.
Wish I could ship you some of our rain…well maybe not. We need it here, too. We’re in the middle of our monsoon season here in Tucson. Rain some place nearly every day for the last few weeks. Last Saturday it was buckets for over an hour.
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Tim, what we need around here is a nice, slow overnight rain…sounds like you’ve gotten way too much at one time!
Wonderful review, Patricia. I love the verse and the foamy clouds, too. “Lavender mist drifted through the Appalachian dawn like smoke from a double-barrel shotgun.” -Code Red by R. Saint Claire.
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Ooh, I love that first line, Vera. Gives a sense of what the book is going to be about. 🙂
My love of reading started with reading historical books when I was young but now, I enjoy contemporary mysteries and suspense. My daughter and I share a Kindle library and she enjoys historicals. I know this one is in our library. I used to love regencies and have started reading more of them. I am about to start The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White. (historical)
19 July 1645
The Waters Around Scilly
He was a prince at sea. That’s what John Mucknell shouted whenever battle was upon him.
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I enjoy Roseanna M. White’s books, too Gloria.
I don’t read a lot of historicals but every now and then one grabs my attention or I like the author. I do like Oregon Trail or marriage of convenience stories.
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I’m the same way, Gail about reading historicals. It was the mystery in this one that drew me in.
“Everything is arranged, Miss Jane.” An Inelegant Death by Blythe Baker
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I love that first line and title, BN!
I love a good historical mystery! This book is one I’ve been wanting to check out but haven’t gotten to yet.
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It’s good, Megan! I didn’t figure out the killer at all and that is very unusual.
Hi, yes, I love Historical mysteries, I love reading all kinds of mysteries. This book sounds and looks very intriguing , thank you for sharing about it. Have a great weekend and stay safe.
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I think you’d enjoy it, Alicia!
I used to read quite a lot of historical fiction, but have been on a suspense and mystery kick for several months now. You made Shadows of Swanford Abbey sound interesting though! Right now I’m reading through the Alaska K-9 series and am currently in Deadly Cargo by Jodie Bailey. The opening line is “She would beat that storm to the airstrip even if it killed her.”
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I have Jodie’s book on my TBR list right now, L. Can’t wait to read it.
I enjoyed seeing the picture. The verse goes so well.
I like some historicals set in specific periods, such as the Old West and World War II. Others not so much.
I have enjoyed all of the Kendrick Brothers’ movies and read most of the books written from those movies. I happened on the novelization of their latest movie which will only be shown on September 9, from what I can determine. We already have tickets to see it. The novelization was written by Chris Fabry. The title of the movie and the book is Lifemark. The first line:
The lake sat at the end of a winding dirt road on the outskirts of Columbus, Indiana, forty miles south of Indianapolis. On the back cover, it says the movie and book were inspired by a true story of adoption, redemption, and hope. I am enjoying the story.
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Lifemark sounds like something I’d love to read and see, Edward. Not sure if it’ll be in our small town on September 9 though. The first line is intriguing.
I love historical mysteries. Thank you for sharing. Blessings
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I think you’d enjoy this one, too, Lucy!
Beautiful photo for this powerful scripture!
Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors.
Enjoy your weekend!
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I really enjoy Julie’s books, Caryl!
I love all kind of mysteries!
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Me, too, Shelia!
I thoroughly enjoy Julie Klassen, she’s the one who first introduced me to Regency fiction and I fell in love with it 🙂 I read Swanford Abbey, it was definitely much different from her other books. Not that it was bad because her writing is amazing, but it just wasn’t for me. So I would say I’m more of a historical reader than a historical mystery reader 🙂
The book I’m finishing up is “In Honor’s Defense” by Karen Witemeyer. Another author whose writing in amazing 🙂 First lines:
St. Louis, Missouri
1895
(Prologue) “Invisible people rarely received correspondence. A fact Damaris Baxter had accepted long ago. So when the housekeeper entered the parlor and held out an envelope with her name on occupying the address line instead of her aunt’s, it took a moment to process the unprecedented event. “
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Trixi, I really enjoy both Julie Klassen and Karen Witemeyer’s books! And I love that first line!
Such a beautiful picture and comforting verse. I enjoy historical mysteries. Swanford Abbey was a fun book. I really enjoyed it. I’m reading Long Way Home by Lynn Austin. I know it looks hopeless, I told Jimmy Barnett’s father.
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Thank you, Erika! And I’ll have to check out Lynn Austin’s book!