The Secret of Pembrooke Park

by Julie Klassen

Paperback, 2014

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

Bethany House Publishers (2014), 462 pages

Description

Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. As secrets come to light at the abandoned manor house Pembrooke Park, will Abigail find the hidden treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?

User reviews

LibraryThing member Robin661
The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Julie Klassen

Book Summary: 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,
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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?

Review: This was a long book to read and yet I could not put it down. I read it until 1 AM and than finished is quickly in the next day. I loved all the characters. Even the one who was causing the mayhem was great. I do not like to give away secrets but the were many twists and turns that I was waiting for them at the edge of my seat for them to be revealed. I loved Abigail mostly because her growth and wisdom were sincerely well written and believable all in one. No matter what I would want Abigail to be my friend. She was kind and forgiving. The secret room was the hook that held me until the end. Sometimes I just wanted to climb in the story and search every room till I found it. Who cares about a treasure of goods, a secret room is worth it weight in gold alone. Secret passages too, although this story did not have secret passages. The men in Abigail’s life were great. All of them. They ebbed and grew in many ways that provided a dynamic storyline and kept me going while the mystery stewed in the background. The time flew and the story was well written. I will definitely read this story again someday.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
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LibraryThing member lostinavalonOR
My favorite new-to-me author of 2014 is, by far, Julie Klassen. I've read five or six of her books this year, and loved every one. Tonight I finished her latest, The Secret of Pembrooke Park, and it's my favorite yet! Combing the elements of romance and mystery, and placing them in my favorite
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historical time setting---Regency England---Klassen has written up a true treasure. Mrs. Klassen, if you're reading this, please hear my plea: write more mysteries!This book has all the elements I love in a great historical novel. An old house (in England, to boot!), a girl, a secret, a mystery...wonderful! At over 400 pages, you'd think I'd grow tired of the story after a bit. Not at all---this one kept me interested from beginning to end. Had I the time, I easily could have read it straight through in a day. It's one I definitely did not want to end. My only complaint---and not really so much a complaint as just a bit of a bummer---is that I had the whole thing figured out very early in. This happens to me often, though, so I just enjoy seeing how it's all going to play out!
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LibraryThing member Becky_L
One for the Keeper Shelf!!

I just recently read a quote to the effect that a good book is one that when you get to the last chapter, you read slowly because you're sorry the book is at an end. This could truly be said about the characters that Julie Klassen creates in The Secret of Pembrooke Park. I
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found myself easily identifying with Abigail, feeling her pain when the family loses their fortune and then moves to a mysterious manor. William Chapman, the curate, and Gilbert Scott, the architect make for strong opposing suitors. Leah is a case study with her fears and secrecy.

Speaking of secrets. I would almost contend the book is misnamed. There is not ONE, but MULTIPLE, secrets that are a part of Pembrooke Park's history. Will Abigail discover what they are before she and her family are run off the property or hurt or killed?

The book starts a little slow, but once the stage is set and the action commences, that slowness is easily forgiven.

A couple of quotes:
"One might open the book idly, but one never knows what treasure one might find." -William Chapman about the Bible
"Good from bad, God excels at that." -William

This is a story of fear, of rumors, of love over-protecting, and love releasing and of choosing to live by faith. This is one for the Keeper Shelf!!

I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member lanehillhouse
Saturday, January 10, 2015
The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen, ©2014

Julie Klassen's novels are extremely intriguing with the well-documented history that glides you in as if you were walking with them! The Secret of Pembrooke Park will indeed be a treasure you will hold dear to your
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heart from the beginning to final page turn. How would you endeavor to keep it all together after you felt you had caused your family's demise, however earnest your advise began? Abigail Foster is such a woman. Entrusted with preparation for her family, Abigail settles within the estate attempting to overcome the quizzical expectations of those around her. Owning a nearby cottage, Mac Chapman as groundskeeper/overseer and his family are to be reckoned with as she lives her life before them. Trust? Mac Chapman, the former steward and protector of Pembrooke Park is all of these things. Sitting idle for eighteen years, the manor has been a question of secrecy with speculation of a private room hidden away with its treasures. Mac has guarded this domain with his life until suddenly the executor beckons a family to be admitted to this distant ancestral home. Suddenly. A solitude life to bring staff scurrying to provide; changes brought in that will upend their world as they know it... or reveal it.

Abigail's father while attempting to straighten out their banking ventures, does not immediately make Pembrooke his domicile. Her mother and younger fair of face sister, Louisa, remain in London occupied with the current season, hoping to secure a good match to supply Louisa with the means she has hoped to become accustomed. Especially, with their new situation.

There is mystery and intrigue as Abigail begins receiving journal entries that seem to spy on her recent actions as if someone is following her days. Within a short lapse of time, a second relative is on the scene. Curious as it has been unoccupied, that another person elects to join the Foster family in residence at Pembrooke.

As parish clerk, Mac offers suggestions to his son, William, as he fills in for the rector. The church is visible from the courtyard, within the walled grounds of the estate.

Behind the house, lush green vines with white flowers climbed the manor walls. In the rear courtyard, a terrace overlooked a neglected rose garden, overgrown topiaries, and a lily pond.
--The Secret of Pembrooke, 51

How I want to begin here, with a walk around the lovely sounding hidden from view grounds with Will and Abigail as they begin their acquaintance. Abigail, the older sister in her family, is expected to be the practical one. I am eager to learn of Will's siblings, as the oldest, with a brother and two sisters. Especially Kitty, as she begins to visit Pembrooke to play with the dollhouse in the room Abigail has selected as her bedchamber. Leah, the oldest sister, is quiet and reserved around strangers and is more sheltered. Getting to know this family is very interesting. I like how Abigail finds her way and others are open to befriend her. Clearly, with them all being used to living apart, it is endearing and lively to watch them making acquaintances, to friends.

I, as always, look forward to Julie Klassen's novels. I like the descriptive detail within her historical writings. This is a longer novel bringing in several characters necessary to the story. You will not be disappointed in how they are all drawn together, although they each think they are living separately.
~*~

***Thank you to author Julie Klassen and Bethany House for this copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
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LibraryThing member Bookworm_Lisa
Abigail Foster is sensible. She doesn't fall into the social events with abandon. She doesn't feel the need to always be dressed her best or have perfect hair. She knows that she is practical and she is pleased to be true to herself and her way of life. She lives life in the shadow of her younger
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and favored sister.

Abigail takes responsibility when her family has a reverse of financial standing. She encouraged her father in an investment that left the family with little. While trying to decide what to do, they received an invitation to rent a home that was within their budget.

Pembrooke Park, abandoned for nearly twenty years turns out to be full of mystery. Some say it is haunted, others that it contains a secret room full of treasure. Abigail hears bumps in the night that unsettle her. Her practical nature wins over and she is able to find solutions for the strange occurrences in the manor.

I loved the sense of mystery in this book. The house was abandoned with tea cups still on the table. Who is the person wearing a green cloak? Where did the family disappear to? Who is lending the house to the Fosters? Where is the treasure?

In some ways this book reminded me of a Gothic romance. It may be because of the creaks and groans of an old house, and the feeling that someone is nearby and watching.

The secondary characters in the story all have secrets. No one is exactly who they seem to be. Part of the mystery of the book is to unravel their secrets and try to figure out how the book will turn out because of the secrets. I had some figured out and others were a surprise.

The romance was a little slow to bloom. The reader knows of the attraction between William and Abigail, but they are slow to let each other know how they feel. Their flirtation was fun to read. There is another potential love interest that shows up and puts obstacles in their path.

This book was well written and contains many wonderful quotes and descriptions. The mystery was well done. I enjoyed my time spent with this book.

This book has a Christian theme and contains kissing, innuendo, and murder.
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LibraryThing member wrbinpa
1817 - England - Regency Era - The Foster family was facing financial difficulties and needed a more affordable place to live. Pembrooke Park was offered to them, but the house had been vacated and boarded up for eighteen years. The terms were easy - they were to inhabit the old manor house for
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twelve months, with a staff of five servants to keep them comfortable. And the story unfolds with a mystery, romance, and many twists and turns.

The writing is what you would expect from Julie Klassen. It is well researched, and perfectly penned in her signature style. I always look forward to a new release from this author. I've read all of her books and always have high expectations. However, I'm sorry to say, this book was not for me. There were a few bright spots in the book, but few and far between. I was drawn into the storyline early, but soon lost interest. I found myself caring very little about the characters and eventually I began skimming - I wasn't able to stay motivated. It was difficult to keep track of the many characters, and the story should've been wrapped up at a quicker pace - too long.

Ending on a positive note, the story had a beautiful setting, and the conclusion was good, although rather predictable. The early books written bt this author are still my favorites and had more of an impact on me. This one was just lukewarm. My rating is 3 stars.
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LibraryThing member BookwormMama14
Mystery, murder, treasure and romance. All of which can be found in Julie Klassen’s most recent book, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. This book will have you turning pages until the wee hours of morning.

England, 1817, Abigail Foster and her family are in the midst of a financial crisis that could
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ruin them forever, when an offer to let Pembrooke Park is brought before them. The house has been vacant for almost 20 years, and there is a lot of clean up needed before they can move in, but the terms seem too good to be true. This is just the opportunity the Foster’s need so they can begin to rebuild their lives. Abigail and her father travel to the village of Caldwell to begin fixing up the property. It is not long before whispers and rumors make it to Abigail’s ears regarding the previous inhabitants. Whispers of treasure and murder and ghosts. What happened here so many years ago? Will Abigail be able to uncover the truth? Clues are found and mysterious letters are sent to Abigail from what appears to be someone who lived at Pembrooke Park. Does the miniature doll’s house hold the key to where the treasure was hidden? Abigail befriends the previous steward’s daughter, Leah Chapman, who has her own mysteries of the past that she is concealing. William Chapman, Leah’s sister and the local pastor, seems to become interested in Abigail, but will Miss Foster’s sister, Louisa sweep him off his feet as she does to every man she meets? And Mr. Chapman is not the only man that has taken an interest in Abigail. Truth, faith and love are the primary factors guiding our players. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt.”

I have not enjoyed a book so much as I enjoyed reading The Secret of Pembrooke Park. I stayed up late many a night reading when I should have been sleeping. Most definitely a page turner if I ever read one. I cannot praise Mrs. Klassen enough for her fine works. The historical accuracy, the depth, the feeling. Creative liberties are used in regards to classes intermingling, but that’s what makes her books so intriguing. The suspense and mystery was mild (compared to the thrillers my husband reads), but it was enough to make my head turn at the sounds of my own house creaking in the night. I am looking forward to her next release. I told my husband that I want the rest of Julie Klassen’s books for Christmas this year!

As a part of their blogger review program, I received a free copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
I did not want to put this book down because I wanted to know all the secrets of this house and family. Once she has to move to this house in the country she needs to know if she can find love or just the treasure of Pembroke Park. I loved Abigail and William. There are many twists and turns in
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this story. When you think you know one secret there turns up more. I received this book from book fun.org for a fair and honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member Headinherbooks_27
Julie Klassen did not disappoint !! Amazing story. I couldn't put it down.
LibraryThing member caslater83
I love a good intrigue in my books and the mention of the secret room and hidden treasure definitely kept my interest! I also liked the interactions between Abigail and Mr. Chapman and Mr. Scott. The sister, Louisa, sounds very spoiled and self-centered.

I believe the author was drawing from her
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love of Jane Austen and allowed Louisa to emulate Lydia Bennett--flirting shamelessly and developing a bad reputation. The mother reminds me of Mrs. Bennett--favoring her youngest over the rest. Abigail is very practical--much like Elinor from "Sense & Sensibility." She understands the family's financial state and strives to do whatever is necessary to keep the household afloat.

I think I would be good friends with Leah, Mr. Chapman, and Abigail. The three individuals all value people over possessions.

Some scenes, however, felt somewhat improper for this period. A woman generally isn't left alone with a man, and certain wouldn't allow him in her bedroom or in private parts of the house.

All in all, I did not feel that this book was one of Ms. Klassen's strongest works, but she did do a fair job tying up the loose ends. Would I read this book again? It's hard to say. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either.
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LibraryThing member vonze
Wow, great read for anyone who's ever enjoyed Northanger Abbey or Jane Eyre! Secret of Pembrooke Park has a delightful mix of Austen-like hardship, family, community, and tension, while balancing some Bronte-style mystery. It makes for an awesome combo.

Abigail Foster is a practical, sensible
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heroine. Although her life is far from content from being in the shadow of her beautiful sister, struggling with her father's financial worries, lack of prospects, and moving, she doesn't complain. Instead she adapts to her new surroundings, the eerie Pembrooke Park, curious to understand its mysteries and tragic history.

Along the way, she finds new friends and suitors. Especially the strong and kindhearted local curate, William Chapman. As a reader, I was eager to finally know the deep secrets of Pembrooke Park. However, I was even more impatient for William to confess his feelings! He was perfect. Handsome, gentle, good sense of humor. The tension was too much. I was clinging to every conversation between William and Abigail.

I have to thank the Goodreads Choice Awards for introducing me to this book and author! I have a new favorite in both areas. Highly recommended to Regency romance fans. Great way for me to start my 2016 reading.
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LibraryThing member Medievalgirl
It’s been two years since my last Julie Klassen novel, and it seems The Secret of Pembrooke Park was her longest. Thankfully it was well worth the read, with regency adventure, romance, and a hint of Gothic horror with the mystery of the strange goings on at the house. Hints of the classics, such
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as Northanger Abbey and other literary greats add to a generally satisfactory new novel.
I did feel that the mystery was drawn out for a little too long at times, and could have been ‘wrapped up’ more quickly. Also, the failure to follow up on leads, or pay attention to important clues could be somewhat frustrating. It must be said, however, that although I believed I had guessed the identity of some of the characters, these guesses proved largely incorrect- so the mystery was complex enough to be satisfying.

Mrs Klassen clearly does her homework, so her stories tend to be free of certain elements which I find irksome in some Regency stories: Such as the British characters’ speech being riddled with American terms and phrases, or the superfluous American hero, expressing the almost inevitable distaste at the lifestyle and social attitudes of the upper classes.

The Christian themes of the story as well as the moral struggles of the characters were plausible and true to life. Genuine without being ‘preachy’, but not so vague that it seemed watered down. My only complaint-similar to that made by others, was that the behaviour of the character did not always seem consistent with what would have been acceptable during the time period- such as Abigail going out alone for a walk at night- and starting a cosy conversation with William in his underwear. Also, I did find some of the details were not entirely plausible. Surely someone would have asked questions on seeing a teenage boy bleeding to death from a gunshot wound?

Altogether, The Secret of Pembrooke Park is a quality Regency Romance, and a recommended read for those who don’t mind something over 450 pages.
I received an ebook version of this title free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
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Awards

Minnesota Book Awards (Winner — Genre Fiction — 2015)

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

462 p.; 8.5 inches

ISBN

0764210718 / 9780764210716
Page: 0.8509 seconds