Title: The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
Cornwall Series Book One
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Historical, Christian, Romance, Suspense
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Launching a brand-new series, beloved Regency author Sarah E. Ladd shares the tale of a governess who would risk anything to protect five recently orphaned children—even if it means returning to Cornwall.
Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.
Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request for her to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she’s tried desperately to forget.
Jac Twethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced, he battles both grief at his brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.
Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.
Review:
The first release in the Cornwall series, The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd is a heartwarming Christian romance that also features a suspense element.
Cordelia “Delia” Greythorne is a twenty-six year old widow who is governess to five children ranging in age from 6 to 14 years. The children have recently been orphaned after their father Randall Trethewey’s death following a riding accident. Randall’s estranged brother Jac is now the children’s guardian, which means Delia, tutor Hugh Simon and the kids must relocate from Yorkshire to Cornwall. Delia is somewhat dismayed because she will now be much too close to her former in-laws whom she has avoided in the three years since her husband’s death. What will happen to Delia once the Greythorne’s realize she is now close at hand? Will the children in her care adjust to their new life with their uncle Jac? And will the tender emotions that catch Delia and Jac off guard have the opportunity to flourish?
Delia is a gentle young woman who has emerged from her own losses with a surprising independence. Despite the shocking circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, the memories of his love for her are quite soothing. Taking care of the children has also been an unexpected balm on her heart and soul. Following their father’s death, Delia helps the children deal with their grief as they settle into Jac’s care. Although incredibly frightened of her in-laws, Delia refuses to compromise her principles until they force her hand.
Jac deeply regrets the rift that led to the estrangement between him and his brother. Although stunned by Randall’s shocking decision to name him as guardian, Jac quickly warms to his nieces and nephews. Although the children are naturally hesitant to accept him into their lives, he gradually gains their trust. It does not take long for him to realize that nothing is more than important family, and Jac will do anything to protect the children and Delia. Although Delia is less than forthcoming about her past, Jac respects her privacy until she has no choice but to tell him what she is hiding.
The Governess of Penwythe Hall is an endearing romance with a gentle undercurrent of faith. The characters are richly developed and very easy to like. The suspense aspect is well-executed but a little predictable. The romance between Delia and Jac is understated and grows naturally as they care for his nieces and nephews. Sarah E. Ladd’s Cornwall series is off to a splendid beginning and readers will be impatiently awaiting future installments.
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