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  • Retail Price: 13.99
  • Release Date: January 2013
  • Page Count: 384
  • Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2
  • Binding: Trade
  • ISBN: 978-0-7369-5285-9
  • Case Lot Quantity: 36

Ashton Park

Murray Pura

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.

Readers will follow Ashton Park’s charming upstairs/downstairs characters through the perils of war and the affairs of the heart with relish—and with an eye to the sequel coming in Fall 2013.

Book One in The Danforths of Lancashire series

Murray Pura

Murray Pura

Murray Pura earned his Master of Divinity degree from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and his ThM degree in theology and interdisciplinary studies from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more than 25 years, in addition to his writing, he has pastored churches in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Alberta. Murray’s writings have been shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award, the John Spencer Hill Literary Award, the Paraclete Fiction Award, and Toronto's Kobzar Literary Award. His novels for Harvest House include Face of Heaven, The Wings of Morning, and Ashton Park. Murray pastors and writes in southern Alberta near the Rocky Mountains. He and his wife, Linda, have a son and a daughter.

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Editorial Reviews

“a most enjoyable introduction to an intriguing family saga.”
Publishers Weekly


“Rich historical detail and vivid characterization bring the Danforth family to life…”
—RT Book Reviews

 
“Full of romance, intrigue, and adventure, Ashton Park also presents biblical lessons in forgiveness and hope. It is both entertaining and inspiring.”
—Church Libraries


“This book is a fascinating read and surely will be a hit for every fan of Upstairs, Downstairs or Downton Abbey.”
BeckysBookAddiction.blogspot.com


“…the reader will instantly connect with realistic, charming and personable characters, picturesque scenery, engaging, enjoyable and easy to follow dialogue that promises absolutely no dull or broken parts.”
—KatesHere-KatesReviews.blogspot.com


“You will laugh, cry and find yourself cheering for your favorite characters. I will be the first in line for the next book in the series.”
ReadingRoomBookReviews.com


“I really enjoyed this story with its Downton Abbey effect and I especially loved the vivid scenes throughout the story of historical England.”
—ReadersFavorite.com


“I think men and women would both enjoy this book because of the varied characters, romance, and danger, along with the wonderful history.”
—ShopGirl152NY.blogspot.com

Endorsements

“I just finished reading Ashton Park last night and am now so anxious for the next book. This book kept me engaged from beginning to end and was hard to put down.  I fell in love with all the Danforth family, members, and staff.  I have enjoyed other books by Murray but have to say this is my favorite so far. With war, romance and intrigue, this is a book that can be enjoyed by all.”
Libby Westergaard

 
“I recommend this book as I do all of Murray Pura's writing. You will be pleasantly surprised at the variety across his style.”
—JudyAnn Lorenz

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