Category Archives: Sarah E Ladd

December 16, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd

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.

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Filed under Cornwall Series, Historical, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sarah E Ladd, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, Thomas Nelson Publishing

April 17, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

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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Filed under Christian, Historical, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Sarah E Ladd, Suspense, The Governess of Penwythe Hall, Thomas Nelson Publishing

January 25, 2014 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

headmistressTitle: The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd
Whispers on the Moors Book Two
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Historical, Inspirational, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Publisher & Blog Tour Company Through NetGalley

Summary:

Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied.

William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.

As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.

The Review:

Sarah E. Ladd’s The Headmistress of Rosemere is a very charming historical romance with an engaging cast of characters. William Sterling’s efforts to turn his life around provide a powerful and uplifting message of redemption. There is also a spiritual journey for Patience Creighton and William as they rediscover their lapsed faith. Fully rounding out the story, there is a dash of intrigue and mystery when a business opportunity takes a rather dangerous turn.

Patience has been acting as headmistress at the family’s school for girls in the aftermath of her father’s death and her brother Rawdon’s departure to London. She is also struggling to help her mother as she battles depression while grieving her husband’s loss. Patience is fascinated by William after their first encounter and her admiration for him grows after she gets to know him better. However Patience is soon sidetracked by a few unexpected arrivals and an unwelcome announcement by Rawdon.

Instead of shirking her responsibilities, Patience admirably rises to the challenges facing her. She is levelheaded, loyal and dedicated to keeping her father’s dream alive. She is well-loved by her students and servants and she shares a close friendship with fellow teacher Cassandra. Patience’s first romance ended years before and she has not had the opportunity to find another suitor in the intervening years. She has grown weary of shouldering the burdens alone and her concern over Rawdon’s lack of communication is tempered by her increasing anger over his prolonged absence. As her life takes an unforeseen turn, Patience tries to reclaim the faith she lost in the aftermath of her beloved father’s death.

William has pretty much hit rock bottom and he is desperately trying to claw his way of the mess he has created for himself. He was already pretty wild when the end of a relationship sent him reeling into a downward spiral eight years ago. In danger of losing his inheritance and with a debt repayment looming over him, he enters into a business deal with a friend soon after meeting Patience. William’s misgivings about his business venture increase when his rather unsavory new partners propose changes that could pose problems in the future for Patience’s school. While trying to decide where his loyalties lie, William begins to explore the faith he has ignored so long.

Rawdon’s return brings unanticipated complications that threaten more than just William and Patience’s growing feelings for another. His future plans for the school come as a huge surprise to Patience but it is dismissal of her accomplishments that is most unexpected and hurtful. Rawdon is also accompanied by some surprising companions and their presence has an impact on almost everyone’s lives.

The Headmistress of Rosemere has a number of subplots but Sarah E. Ladd flawlessly weaves the various threads together into one fascinating novel. The faith aspect of the storyline is very understated but it adds another layer of depth to an already well-conceived storyline. The overall story is quite fascinating but it is the growth of the characters that makes it an outstanding novel. While The Headmistress of Rosemere is the second novel of the Whispers on the Moors series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

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Filed under Historical, Inspirational, Rated B, Review, Romance, Sarah E Ladd, The Headmistress of Rosemere, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Whispers on the Moors Series