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 … 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?
Praise for Julie Klassen
“A remarkable tale with many unpredictable twists and turns.”–CBA Retailers+Resources
“A treat for [readers] who want their historical romances served up with a generous dash of mystery.”–Booklist
“[Klassen’s] work appeals to all who seek a riveting Regency romance.”–RT Book Reviews
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If you lived Downton Abbey you will love this novel.
I really enjoyed reading this book even though it was a long book. It held my interest throughout the length of almost 600 pages. I will read of of Ms Klassen’s stories.
This story was a nice blend of historical detail, romance, and mystery, giving it a slight creepiness reminiscent of Gothic novels. I especially spending time with the hero and heroine, and several of secondary characters were enjoyable as well. The mystery kept me guessing for most of the novel. The ending felt a little off to me personally, but …
This is just one of Julie Klaussen’s books I’ve read. Love Historical Romance and she delivers. This one has an intriguing mystery. Kept me turning pages way into the night.
I loved this book. It had mystery. It had romance. It had well thought out plot twists. This is only the second book by Julie Klassen I have read, but I am excited to read more.
Abigail Foster is the practical daughter of a family who has lost their money due to a bad investment she encouraged her father to take part in. Now she and her Mr. Foster have to find cheaper lodgings for their family and fast. They meet with a solicitor who offers them the use of a manor house that has been abandoned for nearly twenty years, …
This book keeps your attention from the very start and then keeps moving to create a great suspenseful story.
I like this author. Her books are not predictable. There is mystery along with a love story. I feel they are a window into what life was like years ago in England. Hard book to put down.