Ashton Park ~ A CFBA Tour

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.



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.

My thoughts...

In the midst of WW1 Sir William and Lady Elizabeth live in an old family estate near the sea and have seven children, all of whom are expected to marry within their social class. Problems arise when that doesn't always happen. Sir William's family has attended the Church of England for generations, it's a given this will not change. Lady Elizabeth decides to visit a Baptist church while he is away on business... to her surprise she really enjoys it. Upon his return Sir William is not happy with what his wife has been doing.

Lots of drama with good characters, however, it's a bit confusing to follow all seven children's lives. That's a lot of characters to keep up with! It's not easily read, at some points there are many things happening at once and at other times it moves too quickly.

Overall, it's an enjoyable tale. 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.