Julie Klassen is a master story-teller, one who brings Regency England to life with her deft pen. The Secret of Pembrooke Park is yet one more addition to her delightful story-telling. Most of her books are hits with me…The Secret of Pembrooke Park definitely was.

In this story, Abigail Foster’s family has suffered a financial set-back when unexpectedly they are offered the use of a distant relatives manor home, which has been essentially abandoned for almost 20 years. With no where else to go, the family makes plans to move to the estate. Abigail takes over the preparation of the home…and finds the place filled with mystery and questions.

This book is about the hunt for a treasure and learning what treasure really and truly is. It’s about learning to break free of the past, and being willing to walk into the future. It’s also about the desire to be loved for who we really are. It’s about the importance of family and loving despite the bumps and set-backs in life. And it’s about a romance (actually two romances) that seems impossible. And perseverance to find the truth.

The Secret of Pembrooke Park is a engrossing read for those who adore Jane Austen England and love a richly layered, multi-faceted book.