Thanks for the advanced readers copy. I was not able to get into this one, so I won't be proving a review on social media.

This is a fantastic example of Regency fiction. Klassen transports the reader to the setting. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and the mystery is captivating enough to entrance someone who is not into historical fiction into someone who has an affinity for the genre (me!). Absolutely delightful book.

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen was the first book I had read by this author and after reading this book, I intend to read more of her books. I loved this book and could not put it down. Normally with mysteries I am able to figure it out fairly early on in the book, not so with this one. I had my suspicions but didn't at all know how it would all come together. This on top of the fact that the main character, Abigail, was very likeable and real made it a great read. The only drawback for me was that I felt William and Abigail behaved inappropriately at times but I don't feel like it took away from the overall quality of the storyline. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I love this author and knew this was going to be a great read. I was not disappointed. The Secret of Pembrooke Park is a long book but it reads like a short novel.

Abigail is rumored to be plain. But since true beauty shines from within and she gives up much to go live in an isolated old manor home that is said to be haunted by the ghosts of those who lived there prior, I think it's safe to say she's quite the character and deserves to be called anything but plain.

Abigail is determined to find out the secret of this house before her family is totally ruined. Plus maybe she can find love as well. after all, she's becoming an old spinster and lost the man she thought she'd love to her sister. Or did she?

What secrets are hidden within Pembrooke Park? WIll Abigail figure out the secrets or will she be killed before she can? Who is working against her? Will they find the treasure first? Why does she feel she is being watched? And why does she think the curate's sister is hiding something?

These characters are so full of life and I really became friends of theirs. I was invested in the outcome. Plus the history around the Pembrooke home and what had been and what could be is so interesting. I'd love to read more about this area. The author has a great way of bringing the characters to life and making it appear as if you are right there.

Definitely a book I recommend. Get a copy of this and any other book you can find by Julie Klassen. You won't be disappointed.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

"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.

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?"

The title alone makes it all Jane Austen-y and a must read!

“The Secret of Pembrooke Park” by Julie Klassen is published by Bethany House. It is a stand-alone novel, and I found it had a different feel than her other works. I don’t know exactly how to put it; her other works are more historical, while this had more of a mysterious feel than historical air.



Abigail Foster is a practical girl, helping her father with the family finances, especially since her mother and sister like spending money that the family does not have. When the family’s finances run too low to stay in their own house, a mysterious opportunity arises to stay at a mansion in the country that has been boarded up for eighteen years. Abigail is intrigued, and convinces her father to try it out. When they arrive at the house, they find everything looking as if it had been quickly abandoned. Tea is still out in the parlor; dollhouses and their pieces are left on the floor in a bedroom. Soon after she arrives, Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, diary-style, about the day of departure from the mansion.



I couldn’t stop reading this book! The mystery of what happened to the original residents of this mansion was captivating, and Abigail was a relatable character. The plot was well-developed and kept me hanging.



Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. Although I liked Julie Klassen’s older books better, this was a good read.

Thank you for the opportunity read and review this title! I didn't enjoy it as much as I"d hoped, and rather than post a negative review, I chose to not feature it on my blog. I look forward to seeing what new releases you have in store!