Ashton Park by Murray Pura

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Ashton Park Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013) by Murray Pura

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Murray Pura was born and raised in Manitoba, just north of Minnesota and the Dakotas. He has published several novels and short story collections in Canada, and has been short-listed for a number of awards. His first books to be published in the United States are the inspirational works Rooted and Streams (both by Zondervan in 2010). His first novel to debut in the USA is A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana (Barbour), which was released January 2012. The second, The Wings of Morning, will be published by Harvest House on February 1. Both of these novels center around the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

My Thoughts on this Book:

 

I've had the opportunity to read a couple of Murray's books so far and couldn't wait to pick this one up to read it. Set in England during World War I, you get to know the Danforth Family very intimately as Murray brings out details about each family member while sharing a bit of history throughout. This was a little harder for me to read than his other books though. He doesn't lack details and I think that's what caused me to slow down a bit while reading this as he adds quite a bit. That doesn't take away from the storyline but it does extend it a bit.

 

With that said, he does have moments in the story where you are gripping the seat because it was so good and then the chapter ends, to then have the next chapter jump almost a year ahead and then he spends a chapter trying to catch up with the story from the previous chapter. I thought that a bit odd.. Overall, it was a good read. Enjoyed the time period, the characters and the realistic aspect of their lives. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book in this series has to offer.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For fans of the hugely popular Downton Abbey series, comes this equally enthralling story of the Danforth family of Ashton Park.
Among the green hills and trees of Lancashire, only a few miles from the sea, lies the beautiful and ancient estate of Ashton Park.
The year is 1916. The First World War has engulfed Europe and Sir William's and Lady Elizabeth's three sons are all in uniform--and their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.

As the head of a strong Church of England family for generations, Sir William insists the Danforth estate hold morning devotions that include both family and staff. However, he is also an MP and away at Westminster in London whenever Parliament is sitting. During his long absences, Lady Elizabeth discreetly spends time in the company of the head cook of the manor, Mrs. Longstaff, who is her best friend and confidante. This friendship includes visits to a small Baptist church in Liverpool that exposes Lady Elizabeth to a less formal approach to Christian worship and preaching than she is used to and which she comes to enjoy.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Ashton Park, go HERE.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given.