Meet a practical woman and a curate in
Julie Klassen’s
historical romance
The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Bethany House
The Story
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?
Introducing Abigail and William
Miss Abigail Foster
Brief physical description
Credit: Sophie Molins
Abigail is the practical, plain sister, with fair skin, dark hair, and brown eyes.
Resembles…
Elaine Cassidy in A Room with a View
Strengths and weaknesses
Abigail is organized, capable, and responsible.
She is also insecure, and feels less worthy than her prettier sister.
Quirk (if any)
Abigail is interested in architecture and loves to study and draw house plans. She values practicality over beauty and enjoyment.
Your inspiration for the character
I set out to create a likeable, empathetic character. I drew on some of what I love about Austen’s Elinor Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility) for inspiration.
Reverend Mr. William Chapman
Brief physical description
William Chapman has dark red hair and mischievous blue eyes. He is tall and well built. He stays lean and fit thanks to long country walks during which he composes sermons and visits outlying parishioners.
Resembl
es…
JJ Feild in Northanger Abbey and Austenland
Strengths and weaknesses
Mr. Chapman is a dedicated clergyman. He is also modest and funny and athletic.
He has a weakness for pretty women, noticing them perhaps a bit more keenly than a clergyman ought. He finds Miss Foster especially appealing and thinks other men must be blind not to notice her many charms.
Quirk (if any)
He is known for giving short sermons laced with humor, which the more staid among his congregation don’t appreciate.
Your inspiration for the character
I set out to create a clergyman who is godly but also a man’s man. No Mr. Collins here! He also has an ironic sense of humor, inspired by Henry Tilney in Austen’s Northanger Abbey.
Background to the story
The book is set in a mysterious, long-abandoned manor. This aspect of the novel was inspired by an abandoned house in the woods near my childhood home. I was fascinated to look upon its crumbling walls, the sagging piano, the tattered blue dress on its hanger, and the mason jars of home-canned peaches on its shelves. I tried to imagine what had happened to the people who once lived there, and why did they leave so suddenly, without their belongings? I found it very satisfying to weave this real-life mystery into The Secret of Pembrooke Park.
Thanks Julie!
Relz Reviewz ExtrasGet to know Julie
Reviews of The Tutor’s Daughter, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Silent Governess, The Apothecary’s Daughter & Lady of Milkweed ManorCharacter spotlight on Emma SmallwoodCharacter spotlight on Margaret & Nathaniel
Character spotlight on Olivia & Lord Bradley
Character spotlight on Mariah & MatthewCharacter spotlight on Lilly
Visit Julie’s website
Buy at Amazon: The Secret of Pembrooke Park or Koorong
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December 6, 2014 at 11:58 pm
i like the clothing and how people acted, more polite.
December 7, 2014 at 12:47 am
I love the clothes and vocabulary the best, I think. And the manners of the gentry are intriguing.
December 7, 2014 at 12:54 am
I think I like the dignity of it & the way that dignity was protected as much as possible.
December 7, 2014 at 1:13 am
i love the clothes! Also their good manners.
December 7, 2014 at 1:53 am
The manners of the era.
December 7, 2014 at 3:05 am
Awesome cover for a book by a superior writer. Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the contest. Blessings!
December 7, 2014 at 3:09 am
Whoops. Hit the reply button too soon. I love all things Regency–the fashion, the language, the gallantry, the music–literally everything.
December 7, 2014 at 3:08 am
What I enjoy about the Regency era are the manners that dictated people’s behavior and as a reading teacher, I love the language!
December 7, 2014 at 5:11 am
I love their clothing and they way they interacted with each other.
December 7, 2014 at 5:14 am
I’m still wondering about the ‘stiffness’ of the Regency Era-so much about impressions left and the correct things said. I do really like the dresses and the beautiful colors of fabric.
December 7, 2014 at 5:32 am
I like the roles of men and women in the Recency era. Also, I LOVE the clothing! The era just seems rather romantic to me.
December 7, 2014 at 5:59 am
Your cover to your newest books catches my eye and it is very beautiful. When I look for new and upcoming books to read, I always look for appealing covers and things that catch my eye.
I love reading any type of Christian fiction , historical fiction and inspirational types of books. The cover always draws my attention to wether that book will capture my interest or be a great book over all to read.
December 7, 2014 at 6:02 am
I like reading about the different classes in society at the time.
December 7, 2014 at 7:11 am
I like the clothing, the manners, how men were men and women were women.
December 7, 2014 at 8:27 am
I just love history!
December 7, 2014 at 8:47 am
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’ve loved the Regency period since seeing BBC’s Pride and Prejudice version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. Maybe it’s the civility or the dancing, though I know both could mask a dark side, as well. Thanks for the post, and the giveaway!
December 7, 2014 at 1:23 pm
The regency era is one of my favorite times in historical fiction. I think it is because of the way that ladies were treated. It was okay for a man to be a man and a woman to be a woman. The clothing is great also! Thanks for the giveaway!
December 7, 2014 at 2:09 pm
I think I liked the fact that there were rules in society. They could have gotten overbearing, but still, I like that! martha(at)lclink(dot)Com
December 7, 2014 at 2:14 pm
The clothing is lovely. I think the Regency period is also fascinating because it’s so unlike the way we live now.
December 7, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Wow–I think that the whole era fascinates me–the clothing, the behavior that was deemed acceptable, and the like. I’m always intrigued by what is acceptable behavior and what is considered scandalous. And I love when the characters pull a “scandalous” move! 🙂
December 7, 2014 at 5:15 pm
…that is, a funny, humorous move considered scandalous that would seem completely normal today. Ha, I didn’t realize how that sounded until after I posted the comment!
December 8, 2014 at 12:49 am
What appeals to me about the regency era is how easy a scandal could be created. There were very strict social customs for courtships. Courtships and all social interactions were heavily regimented. You were constantly being watched.It could be created by peeling off a glove publicly , that would be scandalous. I like the time period, the era and mannerisms. Th story has to be strong and believeable.
I love the cover of your book it really has intrigued me and drawn me in. I look forward to reading Abigail Foster and William Chapman’s story.
December 8, 2014 at 3:36 am
Thanks, Rel! Always fun to do these spotlights!
December 8, 2014 at 4:47 am
I admire their manners and stunning wardrobe.
December 8, 2014 at 7:28 am
I have eagerly awaited the release of this book. I am stalking audible for the audio. Will there be one?
December 9, 2014 at 12:35 am
Yes,Dora. But there is always a delay. Hopefully in the next few weeks. I’m looking forward to it too.
December 8, 2014 at 7:31 am
I don’t know exactly…maybe it’s the properness, the manners…Honestly I don’t know but it has always intrigued me and i love to read those stories that have those qualities.
December 8, 2014 at 8:29 am
I love the manners and the change in pace from our lives. It is interesting to see the differences between our world and theirs. I also like the seemingly distinct gender roles and yet in literature the characters constant pushing of those boundaries just like today.
December 8, 2014 at 9:05 am
The atmosphere…customs, dress, manners, expectations, formalities.
December 8, 2014 at 9:07 am
Lovely cover. I love the formality and clothing 🙂
December 8, 2014 at 9:17 am
We have all longed for another time and another place!
December 8, 2014 at 9:33 am
I love your story line, the characters sound interesting and make me want to get to know them better. I love the clothing, manners and the opportunity to win this book. Thanks for that chance.
December 8, 2014 at 9:40 am
I love the romance and history combined…makes a very interesting book…:)
December 8, 2014 at 9:56 am
For the educated and the gentry, it seems a more civil time. For the working class, I think things would actually be harder than today.
December 8, 2014 at 10:11 am
I am eagerly awaiting to read this book. I love the Regency period and the idea of an abandoned mansion is intriguing. I love all of Julies books.
December 8, 2014 at 10:20 am
The Regency Era brings to mind beautiful clothing, elegant homes and aristocratic manners. It also reminds me that some people, the working class, worked extremely hard and were sometimes treated unjustly.
Thanks for a wonderful interview.
Connie
December 8, 2014 at 10:56 am
the clothes of course! I also love the romance of the time
December 8, 2014 at 11:07 am
The clothes, the speech, the manners, the customs (especially dancing!), and of course, the romance!
December 8, 2014 at 11:10 am
I loved their way of speaking so formal and educated!!! I just love the simplicity of the era.
December 8, 2014 at 11:17 am
I love learning little facts about that time. I also love seeing how people interacted in this time period. It makes for very romantic stories.
December 8, 2014 at 11:30 am
I love Julie’s books. She is one of my favorite authors.
December 8, 2014 at 12:15 pm
I love the proper manners and the clothing. In our time it seems such a romantic time period.
December 8, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Super pumped about your book!
December 8, 2014 at 1:30 pm
I have read the sample of this book. I can not wait to read the rest.
December 8, 2014 at 1:35 pm
I like the characters.
December 8, 2014 at 1:46 pm
I Love your books, and can’t wait to read this one!!
December 8, 2014 at 2:18 pm
The Regency era was one of interesting customs, dress and personal interactions.
December 8, 2014 at 2:54 pm
What do I love about the Regency era? The clothes, the language, the humor, the manners, the balls, the simpler times…. It’s easier to answer what I don’t love about the era – which isn’t much!
December 8, 2014 at 2:57 pm
I love the time period, dress, manners and vocabulary!
December 8, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Thank you for the interview with Julie Klassen. What I like about the regency era is the way the people dressed back then. The long flowing dresses and classy hats were so beautiful. I loved the big mansions that the sophisticated and the rich lived in. Historical novels that take me back to the past is what makes reading fun.
December 8, 2014 at 6:17 pm
Hi there!
I am so excited to read highlights about The Secret of Pembrooke Park! I am really looking forward to reading it, as I love all of Julie Klassen’s books and most all Regency fiction! The thing that appeals to me most about the Regency era is the properness of the era. I love that there were set standards for courtship between men and women, and that people took these standards seriously. Regency men always seem to be so gentlemanly and honorable! 🙂
December 8, 2014 at 6:21 pm
Hi Rel. I like to learn more about the years before I was ever born. I love the clothes, homes, and the way they do things. Would love to win this book. Thanks for a chance. Maxie
December 8, 2014 at 8:40 pm
I love that everything is so proper and ordered. Don’t know that I would like to live in it but I enjoy reading about it!!
Thanks again Rel 🙂
December 8, 2014 at 9:30 pm
Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
I like the sense of style, behaviour and especially the dry sense of humour!
December 8, 2014 at 9:52 pm
I think it is the rules and properness of the society. I think we are intrigued by it.
December 8, 2014 at 10:51 pm
The clothes, the romance, the history! I love it all and I love Julie Klassen to take me there!
December 9, 2014 at 1:06 am
Thank you for this giveaway! Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. In response to the question, I enjoy being transported to the different lifestyle of the Regency era. The “rules” are always intriguing.
December 9, 2014 at 2:52 am
the romanticism is what appeals to me [definitely not the practicality issues as compared to today’s conveniences!]
December 9, 2014 at 2:55 am
Pinned to Giveaway Board HERE Please feel welcome to join in pinning your book giveaways!
December 9, 2014 at 3:06 am
learning more about it via Julie Klassen’s book <3
December 9, 2014 at 3:19 am
I really enjoy reading about the proper etiquette of the Regency era and how they hold themselves to certain rules when it comes to conversation. I enjoy many different eras when I’m reading great books!
December 9, 2014 at 3:41 am
The clothes & the history that comes out in the stories I read.. I now enjoy History 🙂
dkstevensne AT outlook . Com
December 9, 2014 at 3:47 am
I like the manners and the clothing of that era. If only we could bring back some of those
December 9, 2014 at 4:33 am
Looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
December 9, 2014 at 5:05 am
i love the rhythm of life in that era and the way conversations and relationships unfolded. It’s beautiful. I really like the fact that Henry Tilney served as inspiration for the main male character, he is by far my favorite Jane Austen hero.
Thanks for again holding such a great giveaway! I cannot wait to read this book.
December 9, 2014 at 6:19 am
Nothing in particular.
December 9, 2014 at 8:20 am
I love the strict social mores and also the way they always talk around a subject rather than directly addressing it.
December 9, 2014 at 9:35 am
I’ve read several of your books and loved each one! I love reading about the Regency era. Love it all… the clothing, the manners, the different roles in society, etc… so different from lifestyles today!! When reading your books it transports me back into that era. It’s a relaxing break from the busyness of today!
December 9, 2014 at 11:56 am
I love the balls, clothes, silly rules, and the overall decorum of upper society.
December 9, 2014 at 5:03 pm
My favorite thing is the language it’s just so beautiful, I also love the manners.
December 9, 2014 at 6:12 pm
The romance of it all!
December 10, 2014 at 1:18 am
What appeals to you about the Regency era?I love the history, the clothes, and the romance. I also like how Julie transports the reader(me)into the story with her wonderfully descriptive writing.
~Tammi in Maine
dandtdearing {at} earthlink {dot} net
December 13, 2014 at 12:19 am
Thanks, Tammi
December 10, 2014 at 10:41 am
I love the clean romance and the “proper” way of life.
December 12, 2014 at 3:29 am
Just about everything, except chamber pots and lack of showers. I enjoy the language, the clothing and the earlier way of life they lived.
December 12, 2014 at 4:13 am
I like the Regency Era because men treated women with respect.
December 13, 2014 at 12:23 am
I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! I love the richness of the regency era and all there is to mine from that as an author and reader. Plus Julie just does a fantastic job at it. 😉