The Sisters of Sea View: On Devonshire Shores #1 by Julie Klassen

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

my thoughts:

What a charming and entertaining story! I just loved Julie Klassen's latest book, The Sisters of Sea View - it's the first in her new series, On Devonshire Shores. And let me just say, it is excellent! 

Sarah Summers' father has just passed away and now her family is in desperate need of money. So, she comes up with the idea of letting out rooms in their seaside home to guests. This will alleviate their financial concerns and help them to provide for their sick mother. Talk about a win-win. Except, that other problems manage to crop up and soon the sisters are dealing with guests, romantic entanglements, and so much more. 

Klassen has written a terrific story that introduces us to a family determined to find their footing in a new business venture that manages to open up their world in ways they hadn't imagined. I really enjoyed getting to know Sarah and her sisters, along with their guests - talk about a motley crew. I can't wait to read more about them in the stories to come in this lovely new series. The Sisters of Sea View was such a treat to read! Top notch writing, unforgettable characters, and an unputdownable story - what more could I want? 

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Klassen and anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to fallen love with this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publish for providing me with a copy of this book!

Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: 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.

The medieval monastery turned grand 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. For all 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.

When 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…

my thoughts:

Wow, wow, wow! I just LOVED Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen. The story was fantastic! I found myself happily settling in with the book on a chilly day and couldn't believe how quickly time passed as I turned the last few pages of the story. Talk about the perfect read on a winter day. 

The story takes place at Swanford Abbey, a medieval monastery turned hotel. It's reputed to be haunted, which definitely adds to the atmosphere of the story. Rebecca's brother wants her to drop off his manuscript to an author staying at the abbey. She's not keen on doing the favor, but feels obligated and so she agrees. Once at Swanford Abbey, she begins to notice some pretty creepy things. And, it doesn't help when she runs into her ex, Sir Frederick Wilford - the man who broke her heart. Talk about awkward.  Of course, that reunion pales in comparison to the murder at the abbey. Yep, turns out the author is murdered and that nobody really liked him. Meaning there were grudges against him and Rebecca and her brother were some of the people holding grudges. Looks like Sir Frederick, the magistrate, has his work cut out for him - following his heart and searching for the truth. Especially as it seems that Rebecca is not being very forthcoming...hmm...what could she possibly be hiding? And, that is all I will write about this terrific tale. You need to get your hands on a copy to find out what happened to the author, and to find out if Rebecca and Sir Frederick get back together. What a story!

I would happily recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey to fans of Klassen and to anyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book to bits! Check it out! The writing is superb and the characters are so much fun to get to know. This is one book you will LOVE falling in deep with. A must-read for historical fiction fanatics who love the Regency era!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

about book:

The lifeblood of the village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant landlady. Jane has no idea how to manage a business, but with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must quickly find a way to save the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to overcome her losses and find purpose for the future. As she works with Jane, two men from her past vie for her attention, but Thora has promised herself never to marry again. Will one of them convince her to embrace a second chance at love?

As pressure mounts from the bank, Jane employs new methods, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place, including a mysterious newcomer with secret plans of his own. With the help of friends old and new, can Jane restore life to the inn, and to her empty heart as well?

Visit talesfromivyhill.com to find a map of the village, character profiles, a book giveaway, and more!

my thoughts:

As a huge fan of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, I was delighted to review Klassen's latest novel, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill - the first in a new series titled, Tales From Ivy Hill.  How exciting! I just knew that I would be in for quite a treat.  And how right I was!  I absolutely LOVED The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill!!  It was the perfect book to settle down with this holiday season - heartwarming with a bit of mystery, which I just love. And the writing was top notch, filled with rich and vivid details that bring the village of Ivy Hill to life.  Oh, and the characters - I couldn't help but fall in love with them. Seriously, this book is amazing! 

So what exactly is The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill about?  Set during the Regency era, this novel tells the story of Jane Bell and the village of Ivy Hill.  Jane was married to John who ran the inn, The Bell.  After he suddenly passes away it is up to her to take over and become the new innkeeper - a job that she is not prepared for.  Jane is not a business woman in the least and finds herself struggling to figure out how to keep the inn running and pay off the huge loan her husband had taken out before he died.  A loan that no one knew anything about and where exactly did the money go?  Hmm...John had some secrets after all.  Of course, as Jane is trying to figure things out, her mother-in-law Thora makes things more complicated. She has no confidence in Jane and sees her more as a trophy wife than an innkeeper.  The Bell is important to Thora and the village and she hates the idea that Jane is now running it - what if she lets it fall to ruin (which is exactly what Thora is sure will happen)?  Talk about stress for Jane - not only does she have to learn the ins and outs of running an inn and pay off her husband's loan, but she has to contend with her prickly and resentful mother-in-law. Ack! What a nightmare!  Will Jane be able to get Thora off her back?  Will she be able to pay off that loan and figure out what it was for?  What about The Bell, will she be successful or run it to the ground?  

Let me just say that The Bell will thrive - thanks to Jane, Thora, family and friends from Ivy Hill.  This book is all about community and what we make of it.  With the help of those around her, Jane will indeed manage to figure things out.  Of course, it won't be easy and along the way there will be some mysteries to figure out - such as that loan (what was it for?)  Is Patrick Bell truly trying to help the Inn or not? And who exactly is Gabriel Locke?  Along with these mysteries, we get to know some of the women of Ivy Hill through their knitting group where they discuss matters of the heart and matters of business.  We learn about property laws and how women were never given credit for their hard work.  It helps in understanding why Thora was so resentful of Jane.  And it shows us how Jane finally realizes that she too wasn't as open-minded when it came to the fairer sex.  Talking with these women helps to open Jane's eyes to so much and I just loved it.  As for Thora, she begins to understand where Jane is coming from and watches as her daughter-in-law grows into a businesswoman.  Oh, and she also manages to capture the attention of two suitors along the way.  And that is all I will say about this fantastic novel.  I think I've shared more than enough details about the story, now its time for you to read it for yourself and find out the rest. Believe me, you will LOVE The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill.  There is mystery, drama, and a spot of romance - all the right ingredients for an unputdownable story.  I absolutely enjoyed it to bits and can't wait for the next one in the series.

I would happily recommend The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill to fans of Klassen's books and anyone looking for a new great read - you will LOVE getting lost in Julie Klassen's words and world!  In fact check out the details below regarding Klassen's amazing giveaway!! You may just be lucky enough to win a copy of this book and more.  Good luck!!!

GIVEAWAY:
Be sure to enter the giveaway before you leave - the winner will receive a $20 Teavana gift card and a package of four inspirational British romances from four different eras (The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen, A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell, The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White, Not by Sight by Kate Breslin).  The winner will notified on December 22.

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GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

about book:

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 outstanding 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.

Then Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, containing clues about the hidden room and startling discoveries about the past.

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?

my thoughts:

Pembrooke Park is the place to be!  If you want mystery, suspense, and romance all rolled up into one fantastic story, then you need to read The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen.  This is one Gothic Regency romance you won't want to miss!

Abigail Foster believes that she is to blame for her family's recent financial ruin.  She urged her father to invest in her uncle's bank and now they are in the poorhouse.  Well, poor in the sense that her sister will still be able to enjoy the season (husband hunting society style) and they will have to downsize their staff to only five.  Of course, house hunting on a budget is not easy, so when they are introduced to a solicitor who is keen on providing them with accommodation they are bit skeptical.  Turns out Abby's father's distant relative has a manor that they would like the Fosters to let for twelvemonth at a pittance of price.  Insecure about her financial savvy after her last epic fail, Abby feels she must prove herself once again to her father.  She decides that this too-good-to-true offer is a must and urges her father to agree to it.  She even sacrifices her dowry so that her sister can buy new dresses for the season.  Abby just wants the best for her family and believes that Pembrooke Park is the answer.  So, she heads to their new digs to get it all in order for her family's arrival.  The house has been abandoned for nearly twenty years, so it is in quite a state.  Under Abby's management, the staff brings the house up to snuff and soon she is enjoying walks around the estate, meeting her neighbors, and developing a new crush.  Life is looking up for the Fosters.

Except, Abby's heart still beats for her childhood friend, Gilbert.  Only he's been making the rounds with her sister during the season, so he is no longer an option.  And then there is the biggest problem of all - the rumors swirling around Pembrooke Park.  Seems that it houses a hidden treasure so valuable, people are willing to lie, cheat, steal and even die for it.  Abby asks her neighbors and staff about the house's and Pembrooke family's history, but no one will tell her anything.  They are all afraid to talk about the past.  As for Abby, she is lonely in that big house.  It makes too many unusual noises late at night.  She finds footsteps in dusty hallways and doors left ajar (when they should have been shut).  And she keeps receiving old journal entries in the mail with notes attached from someone purporting to be a Pembrooke relative.  There are so many unsettling events, that Abby is eager for her father to arrive at the house.  Unfortunately, his arrival also brings an unexpected guest - someone Abby was warned to keep out of Pembrooke Park.  Talk about drama!! And I haven't even mentioned Abby's crush - Will Chapman.  He's the local curate who lives right next door to Abby and she is rather keen on him.  The only problem is that she's not so sure how he feels about her.  Then again as the story progresses, Abby finds herself admired by more than one suitor.  Hmm...looks like Pembrooke Park just might be the ticket after all.  If only, the house would quiet down, along with all those unseemly rumors.

And that is all I shall write about this wonderful book.  If you want to find out what the mystery is surrounding Pembrooke Park and whether or not Abby winds up married, then you must pick up a copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park and read it ASAP!  You will love getting lost in Julie Klassen's words and world!  In fact check out the details below regarding Klassen's amazing giveaway!!  You may just be lucky enough to win a copy of this book.  Good luck!!

GIVEAWAY:

GRAND GIVEAWAY CONTEST

WIN ONE OF FOUR FABULOUS PRIZES

In celebration of the release of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, four chances to win copies of Julie's books and other Jane Austen-inspired items are being offered.

Three lucky winners will receive one trade paperback or eBook copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park, and one grand prize winner will receive one copy of all eight of Julie's novels: Lady of Milkweed Manor, The Apothecary's Daughter, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Tutor's Daughter, The Dancing Master, and The Secret of Pembrooke Park, one DVD of Northanger Abbey (2007) and a Jane Austen Action figure.

To enter the giveaway contest, simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on The Secret of Pembrooke Park Blog Tour starting February 16, 2015 through 11:59 pm PT, March 9, 2015.  Winners will be drawn at random from all of the comments and announced on Julie Klassen's website on March 16, 2015.  Winners will have until March 22, 2015 to claim their prize.  The giveaway contest is open to residents of the US, UK, and Canada.  Digital books will be sent through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  Good luck to all!

How awesome is that?  So, don't forget to leave a comment!  Here's the schedule for the tour of: The Secret of Pembrooke Park  Check it out!!