Title: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd
Cornwall Series Book Two
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Historical, Christian, Romance, Mystery
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
In Regency England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac?
Cornwall, England, 1818
Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.
As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.
When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.
Review:
Set in 1818, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd is a sweet historical romance with a slight mystery element. Although this latest release is the second installment in the Cornwall series, it can be read as a standalone.
Suffering from a broken heart, nineteen year old Julia Twethewey is in need of a diversion. So when her cousin Jane is bedridden due to pregnancy complications, she travels to Lanwyn Manor to keep her company. The house is in a mining town that is dealing with high unemployment rates partly due to her Uncle William Lambourne closing his mine. Julia’s introduction to the town is frightening but she is charmed by Isaac Blake who rescues her from a threatening situation. However, her Aunt Beatrice insists she spend time with Isaac’s twin brother Matthew since he owns the neighboring estate and mine. As strange and menacing occurrences continue, Julia is uncertain whom she can trust and her heart and mind are at war as she begins to fall for Isaac. With Aunt Beatrice controlling her every move, will Julia and Isaac get the opportunity to explore their burgeoning feelings for one another?
Julia is a biddable young woman who finds it difficult to stand up to her overbearing Aunt Beatrice. She is kind, compassionate and caring but she does not trust her own judgment due to her previous relationship. Julia is not at all interested in Matthew but between her aunt’s insistence he is the one for her and her unquestioning belief in local gossip, she continues to see him. Julia can never quite let go of her attraction to Isaac, but is there any chance of a future with him?
By a mere three minutes, Isaac is the younger son so Matthew inherits the family estate and profitable mine Wheal Tamsen. Isaac would like to reopen the mine he inherited but he lacks sufficient funds to accomplish his goal. Despite his disappointment, he is content to continue to work with Matthew at Wheal Tamsen. Isaac is intrigued by Julia from their very first meeting but he steps aside as soon as Matthew expresses interest in her. He is suspicious of his brother’s motives for becoming involved with Julia and the Lambournes, but there is nothing he can do about the situation. The two brothers are complete opposites and although Isaac clearly sees Matthew’s faults, he is extremely loyal. However, Isaac eagerly looks forward to spending as many stolen moments as possible with Julia.
The goings on at Lanwyn Manor are quite puzzling and Julia senses something is amiss. But she cannot quite figure out exactly what is making her so uneasy. Julia is stunned by a shocking accusation and she is also bewildered by some of Matthew’s behavior. She has stumbled onto some confusing information, but try as she might, Julia struggles to understand what it all means.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an engrossing historical romance with an interesting mystery to solve. Julia and Isaac are delightful characters who put duty over their own wishes. Aunt Beatrice is quite domineering and not very easy to like. Sarah E. Ladd brings the novel heartwarming conclusion that readers are sure to love. Old and new fans are going to enjoy this lovely addition to the Cornwall series.
