The time has come to discuss our latest book club pick, Shadows of Swanford Abbey! We hope you enjoyed the Regency mystery as much as we did. We thought it was the perfect choice with its gothic abbey, entertaining murder mystery, and romantic elements.
We’ve made downloadable discussion questions available to help you with the book discussion.
For more about Shadows of Swanford Abbey, check out our book club announcement and review.
Besides using the discussion questions personally, you can join us on Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads in the Silver Petticoat Book Club group to discuss the book and connect with other readers.
The discussion questions explore topics like the characters, the plot, the setting, the romance, and the mystery.
We hope you enjoy discussing Shadows of Swanford Abbey with your friends, family, and us! And we look forward to you joining us for the March/April book club pick, which will be a classic choice. Stay tuned for an announcement soon. Here’s a hint: our next pick has a major anniversary in 2022. Take a guess…
Check out a few more of our book club discussions:
– The Blue Castle Discussion Questions
– Jane Eyre Discussion Questions
– Butterfly Yellow Discussion Questions
– Little Women Discussion Questions
– ‘Half Sick of Shadows’ Discussion Questions
– Pride and Prejudice Discussion Questions
– The Jane Austen Society Discussion Questions
Shadows of Swanford Abbey Discussion Questions:
Here are some questions to kickstart your discussion about the book:
– What are your thoughts on Shadows of Swanford Abbey? Have you read any other books by Julie Klassen? How did this one compare?
– What was your favorite scene and why? What about your least favorite? Any particularly loved quotes, chapters, or passages? Share them!
– Forgiveness is a major theme in the book. Do you find it difficult to forgive others?
– What other themes stood out to you in the novel?
– The book mixes genres like Clean Regency Romance, Inspirational, Austenesque, Romantic Suspense, Gothic Romance, and Mystery. Did you enjoy this combination?
– How did you feel about the gothic abbey setting? Did it add to the atmosphere and mystery?
– What did you think of the characters? Did you like Rebecca as the main heroine? Who was your favorite and least favorite character? Discuss!
– How did you feel about Rebecca’s relationship with her brother, John? Do you think she was right to help him? What would you have done in her situation?
– Let’s talk about the romance! How much did you enjoy the romance between Rebecca and Sir Frederick? On a scale of one to Darcy, how swoony was he as a Romantic Hero?
– How would you compare Rebecca’s conversation with Dowager Lady Wilford to Elizabeth Bennet’s chat with Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice? Were you surprised by what the dowager said to Rebecca?
– Mental illness and its handling during the 19th century play a vital role in the novel. Were you surprised by how mental health was managed during the Regency Era?
– Were you surprised by who murdered Mr. Oliver? Or did you figure it out early on?
– What did you think about the twist regarding Lady Fitzhoward?
– Did you like how the book ended? Do you feel every character ended up where they should?
– Would you recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey to a friend? Why or why not? Would you read more books by Julie Klassen?
Use these discussion questions with your family and friends. You can download the questions, add your own, and turn your book club into a fun, social experience.
Did you read Shadows of Swanford Abbey? Share your thoughts and feel free to answer any discussion questions in the comments below—we always love a good book discussion!
