Author: Laura Frantz
Publication date: August 1, 2009
Series: N/A
Pages: 417
Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian
Synopsis: Lovely but tough as nails, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father’s former captivity with the Shawnee Indians, as well as the secret sins of her family’s past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. Though she faces the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, and the affection of a Shawnee warrior, Lael draws strength from the rugged land she calls home, and from Ma Horn, a distant relative who shows her the healing ways of herbs and roots found in the hills. But the arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself–and the power of grace and redemption. This epic novel gives readers a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman. Laura Frantz’s debut novel offers a feast for readers of historical fiction and romance lovers alike.

Love Factor (How much I loved it):
Would I recommend it:
Would I read it again:

My Opinion

First lets just say I LOVED this book – so much so that I had to buy a physical copy of it even though I already had the kindle version. Yes folks, it was that good.

Every character was interesting in their own individual and unique ways. But my favorite three would have to be Lael, Captain Jack, and Ian. Captain Jack didn’t grace the pages very often but when he did, you remembered them. My favorites where when Lael was wondering the woods alone and came upon him (Captain Jack) with his Shawnee warriors, which she decided to run from him, and he dropped everything to chase after her. Another scene I liked was the swimming,waterfall, and cabin scene with Lael and Captain Jack – you get to see his playful side at the point.

And the scenes with Lael and Ian, they were just as memorable. I am a big fan of Scottish male characters an I kept wondering when he was going to grace my pages and when he did, I was like ‘Oh there you are… finally!’. You can tell he fancied her from the beginning, especially when he found out that she liked a Shawnee warrior and tried to sway her feelings from him (he couldn’t fathom the idea of her running off with CJ and possibly never been seen again) and when he told her that he needed her, not only her (he didn’t exactly come out and say it as that, but you could feel he meant it!) but her help with knowledge of medical herbs that he didn’t possess.

I can not express how much of a great read this book was. I truly enjoyed it an I am so glad I gave it a chance to read an I cannot wait to read future books penned by Laura Frantz.

Author: Julie Klassen
Publication date: December 1, 2014
Series: N/A
Pages: 460
Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian
Synopsis: Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her–a longtime friend–has fallen for her younger, prettier sister.
When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, 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 to know something about the manor’s past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure.

Hoping to improve her family’s financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks…or very real danger?

Love Factor (How much I loved it):
Would I recommend it:
Would I read it again:

My Opinion

I am relatively new to Julie Klassen an lets just say I have found another author whom not only writes extremely well regency’s, but ones that I love. What I like about her writing style is, she not only includes historical settings and romance, but she also includes a little bit of mystery in her stories as well, which I think makes her stories flow exceptionally well.

Since I enjoyed The Tutor’s Daughter so well, I went out on a limb and bought the paper back version of The Secret of Pembrooke Park. I believe this book is to be known as Julie’s largest penned novel to date, consisting of around 458-63 pages which I read in two settings – yes it was that good.

In my honest opinion, I believe this one had a bit more mystery in it than the others I read, which I loved. I like when something keeps you guessing throughout the story wondering who did what or who the villain is – surely keeps you on your toes.

Abigail was a sweet character and likable from the start although she has a bit of confidence issue when it comes between her and her suitors when she sister comes into the picture. She always feels like they will choose Louisa over her as she is younger an in her opinion more beautiful.

I really liked William from the start. His character was so enjoyable, I was rooting for him clear from the beginning. I loved how he would tease and flirt with Abigail. I had no idea parsons / clergymen acted like that, but yet I haven’t been exposed to anyone in that field to know that.

Gilbert, Abigail’s childhood friend and her first crush was pretty likable. He went away for a year to study architecture in Italy then comes back and pines for Abigail which she has been longing for. When Gilbert shows up, it makes William a bit jealous that another man want’s her affections. Even though Gilbert came into the picture, finally paying romantic attention to Abigail, my gut was still saying WILLIAM WILLIAM WILLIAM.

Louisa, I found her a bit obnoxious an somewhat annoying at times. She knew she was pretty and used it to her advantage in the courting department. For a moment I thought she was trying to swipe William out from under Abigail’s nose.

I LOVED the twist with Leah. I never saw that coming. I thought her shyness was just a part of her character but it wasn’t which that was a big surprise to me. What a twist I say!

Miles Pembrooke, whom can be a bit of a devious character was kinda likable to me even though he had hidden motives. I know all his flirtation towards Abigail was just a ploy, I still loved his witty and flirtatious comments.

My absolute favorite moments was the mulberry scene (never knew one could consume them, like William, I always considered them food for birds), William when he acted like he was ‘foxed’ from the laudanum (funny since Abigail thought that is how he would act if he’d consume liquor), the pond/lake scene (the first and second time), the ball (how William asked her if he wanted her to make Gilbert jealous, never expected a parson to say what he did!), and the ending. All in all, I really loved this book. The Secret of Pembrooke Park and The Tutor’s Daughter are my two favorites of Julie Klassen’s novels so far an I cannot wait to read more of her lovely Regency novels.