The Secret of Pembrooke Park By: Julie Klassen

Review: Abigail Foster is the oldest of two daughters. She was the practical daughter and loved helping her dad with the financial aspect of their life. Her younger sister Louisa was more into fashion and finding the right suitor. When Abigail's life long friend Gilbert shows interest in Louisa it breaks Abigail's heart. She was just sure that the night of his going away party Gilbert was going to ask her to marry him. Instead he tells her not to shackle herself to him while he is away.That was just the start of shocking events to come.

Abigail had talked her father into investing their money in her Uncle's new banks. However the bank had to claim bankruptcy which led to the Foster's funds being low. They had to start making decisions to sell their house and other possessions. Abigail felt as if it was her fault. She willingly gave up her dowry and made finding new living arrangements her top priority.  One day a man named Mr. Arbeau came by the Foster house with a very interesting offer. He tells them that they have a distant relative that has an old manor house and is offering them to live there. The relative wants to keep his identity
hidden and wants the Foster's to know that they are not inheriting the house but cleaning it up and giving it life. The house is known as Pembrook Park.  Mr. Foster decides that the  timing couldn't not be more perfect.

Mr. Foster and Abigail head to Pembrooke Park and are shocked to see how run down it looks. They have a lot of work to do. While looking around a man comes out with a gun. He lets them know that he was once the caretaker and has made it his priority to keep theives and treasure hunters away. Mr. Foster assures him that they are not here for any treasures and tells him their reason for coming. The care taker introduces himself as Mac Chapman and lets them know that he will still be a part of keeping the manor safe.  Mac also tells them that he will be in charge of hiring their staff. He lets them know that they should not believe all that they hear around town.

The first night Abigail is awakened by strange noises. She feels as if some one is sneaking around the other rooms. When she awakes the next morning she is met with a letter that seems more like a journal entry.This letter contains information about a secret room, hidden treasures, and money. Abigail is now very interested in finding out the mysteries and back ground of the house and the family that used to live there.  While doing this she becomes friends with the son and daughter of Mac Chapman. They become very close after Abigail shows them they can trust her. Through their friendship the history of the manor is revealed.

Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint me in this book. She grabbed me from the beginning and had me until the last page.  This book was full of mystery. There were times when you thought you knew what was about to happen but were surprisingly off. You fell in love with the characters right away. I would recommend this book to women of all ages.(reviewed by S.Wall)

Read an excerpt - click here

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided to facilitate this review from the publisher, Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.