Sarah E. Ladd: An Unconventional Lady

 By Kelly Bridgewater

 One woman works to expose a scientific fraud while also finding love in the latest sweet Regency romance by Sarah Ladd. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, An Unconventional Lady delivers what Publishers Weekly calls Ladd's "pitch-perfect blend of suspense and sweetness" (The Cloverton Charade).

She faces the worst ultimatum possible for a woman--marry a man she detests or lose the future she's always imagined.

Charming and headstrong, Ella Wilde always knew she was different than other women. Thanks to her unorthodox upbringing as the daughter of Keatley Hall School for Young Men's headmaster, Ella has long dreamed of opening a school for girls that would meet the needs of inquisitive, brilliant, unconventional young women just like her--girls who longed for the education exclusively reserved for boys. But there's just one catch: Unless she marries before her father dies, Keatley Hall will pass into the hands of a distant cousin. In that case, Ella will be left destitute, and at this point her only option appears to be an undesirable marriage.

Ella's family had long been proponents of phrenology, the belief that an individual's personality and dispositions were predetermined by the shape of their head. Shortly before her death, however, Ella's mother's views on phrenology changed, and she endeavored to expose phrenology as nothing more than a fraudulent parlor trick. Consequently, she earned the wrath of phrenologist community, who called her "unstable," "bizarre," even "dangerous"--and branded her daughter the same.

Now, renowned phrenologist Thomas Bauer is about to arrive at Keatley Hall to speak at the Natural Philosophers' Society gathering, and Ella embraces the opportunity to clear her mother's name--and her own--once and for all. And her partner in crime? None other than her childhood friend Gabriel Rowe, who's grown into an ambitious, handsome London solicitor.

Gabriel has his own scores to settle, and when he learns that Thomas Bauer is visiting Keatley Hall, he jumps at the chance to prove himself and right past wrongs. As he is drawn deeper into the unusual happenings, it's clear that he and Ella must work together if they want to unmask the truth. Over time, Gabriel's attraction to Ella's beauty and wit becomes impossible to ignore, and as the lines between professionalism and passion blur, they both must decide what they're willing to risk for happiness.

My Thoughts:

An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd was a feel-good read. Readers will enjoy spending time with Ella and Gabriel. The slow-moving romance was built on a slow trust that developed as they tried to solve the case of Mr. Bauer. Ladd does a wonderful job at creating a romance that didn’t just happen, but developed over time, which I really enjoyed. As for the plot, I loved the mystery element of trying to figure out what was really going on. Ella and Gabriel knew something was off, but they just couldn’t put their finger on it. I loved how they worked together and defended each other throughout the entire story. As for the character of Ella, Ladd did a wonderful job at crafting a character who was strong and stayed true to her values even when others around her frown at her and what her mother was supposedly was. As for the setting, readers will fall in love with the boy’s school, but the possibly of a girls’ school that Ella wanted to create in memory of her mother. Overall, An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd was a interesting, yet mysterious novel with sweet characters that readers will enjoy getting to know.

I received a complimentary copy of An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd from Harper Collins Christian Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Sarah E. Ladd: The Cloverton Charade

 By Kelly Bridgewater

A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England.

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet--according to society--is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She'd prefer to follow in her deceased father's footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia's father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall--the widow's nephew--to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he's keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he's unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest--and beautiful--Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust.

 

 

My Thoughts:

The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd is a simple Regency novel that fans of this time period will enjoy spending time with. Ladd does a wonderful job of describing Cloverton and all the attendees to the parties that place at this Regency estate. She really invites readers into the setting and allows the readers to wonder and dance away the evening. As for the plot, the synopsis promised more. Reading this first sentence in the synopsis, “A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England,” I was expecting a more of a rivalry that would break out and cause some issues to the plot, but it really does not affect the story that much. The antiques really do not come until investigation until about sixty percent into the novel. I wanted more of a mystery. As for the heroine and hero, they have a past since it is their families that are part of the rivalry that happened ten years ago. Their romance was quick, and they did not show any emotions toward each other for majority of the book. Overall, The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd left me feeling like it was a blah- okay book. Not too great; Not too bad. Just there.

I received a complimentary copy of The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

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Most Anticipated Historical Romance

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Books that I can't wait to read this Fall. 

(All covers come from Goodreads.)

The Clovertone Charade by Sara E. Ladd

A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright

All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin

Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer

Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witmeyer

What about you? Any covers capture your fancy?

Sarah E. Ladd: In the Shelter of Hollythorne House

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Young widow Charlotte Grey faces an uncertain future . . . until a chance encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817—Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family’s station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed to never turn back. Instead, she honored her father’s wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony Welbourne chose to follow his goals and immerse himself in a life full of meaning—first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life’s focus to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

When Charlotte’s husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she’d been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he’d angered on his relentless quest for wealth. To protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish them harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face to face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchman to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband’s estate are settled.

Anthony’s presence brings back feelings she never expected to feel again, and she struggles to trust Anthony’s intentions. Are Walstead’s Watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim—or are they looking to make trouble for Roland’s estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge, danger arises, and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right past wrongs and carve out a new future . . . together.

 

My Thoughts:

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd captures the essence of a world where woman are used as commodities. I really enjoyed how strong Charlotte Grey is even though she was forced into a situation that could have crumbled her. She took control and thought of the best thing for her son, Henry. Whereas, in similiar fashion, Anthony, had to come to grips what happened in the past to his uncle's mill and learn the meaning of home. The conflict with the Prior's crafted a masterpiece of a Regency mystery. Plenty of moments of wondering what was really going to occur to what actually occurred. Ladd did a wonderful job at creating little trail of secrets that led to the falling down of the villains. The descriptions, Ladd handles nicely. I had no problem exploring the abandoned Hollythorne Home when Charlotte and Anthony returned. The run down and misuse with years of dirt and grime mirrored the long forgotten emotions between Charlotte and Anthony. Overall, In the Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd is a wonderful story that I enjoyed reading. I recommend this story for fans of Erica Vetsch and Julie Klassen.

I received a complimentary copy of In the Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Most Anticipated Historical Romance

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Most Anticipated Historical Romance that is published from May 1, 2023 through August 31st, 2023. 

All images come from Amazon. 

Enjoy!

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

The Long March Home by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep

Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke

To Free the Stars by J'nell Ciesielski

In the Shelter of the Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd

Voice of the Ancients by Connilyn Cossette

The Scarlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel

What about you? Any to add!

Sarah E. Ladd: The Letter from Briarton Park

 By Kelly Bridgewater

In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient place that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future.

Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But Cassandra’s world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family’s identity. Stung by betrayal, she travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away.

James Warrington is a widower and the new master of Briarton Park, where he lives with his two young daughters, his sister, and his mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to assist his family in an unexpected way, he is honor bound to help uncover the answers she seeks.

The more time Cassandra spends in Anston, the more she begins to suspect not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. As details emerge, the danger surrounding her intensifies. Using wit and intuition, she must navigate the treacherous landscapes between truth and rumor and between loyalty and deception if she is to uncover the realities of her past and find the place her heart can finally call home.

Sarah Ladd’s latest Regency romance, first in the new Houses of Yorkshire series, combines mystery and intrigue with the best of historical storytelling.

 

My Thoughts:

What if you did not know who your parents were? What if right before someone died they handed you a letter from your biological father that you should have received a long time ago? That is exactly where The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd starts. With true Regency flair and a hint of a mystery, Ladd will captivate readers as they flipped through the pages of this story. With a strong setting and a wonderful writing, Ladd takes readers for an adventure as they try to uncover with Cassandra who her parents are and discover her own personality in the world. I enjoy following Cassandra as she discovers who her parents are. The plot was nicely handled. As for the romance, it was slowly developing and then a rush to the happily-ever-after moment after all the twists and turns were tied nicely together. Overall, The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd was a well-crafted Regency novel with the delight of a thrown in mystery that I believe fans of Julie Klassen and Erica Vetsch would enjoy diving into.

I received a complimentary copy of The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

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Most Anticipated: Spring Historical Romance 2022

 By Kelly Bridgewater

These books I can't wait to get my hands on and read. 

Today will reach the Historical Romance books that I can't wait to devour.

All images come from Goodreads.com

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wilson

Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd

The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson

High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt

How about You? Anymore that you would add?

Sarah E. Ladd: The Light at Wyndcliff

By Kelly Bridgewater

In the third book of this sweet Regency Cornwall series, one young man must search for truth among the debris of multiple shipwrecks on his newly inherited property.

When Liam Twethewey inherits the ancient Wyndcliff Hall in Pevlyn, Cornwall, he sets a goal of fulfilling his late great-uncle’s dream of opening a china clay pit on the estate’s moorland. When he arrives, however, a mysterious shipwreck on his property—along with even more mysterious survivors—puts his plans on hold.

Evelyn Bray has lived in Pevlyn her entire life. After her grandfather’s fall from fortune, he humbled himself and accepted the position of steward at Wyndcliff Hall. Evelyn’s mother, embarrassed by the reduction of wealth and status, left Pevlyn in search of a better life for them both, but in spite of her promise, never returns. Evelyn is left to navigate an uncertain path with an even more uncertain future.

When the mysteries surrounding the shipwreck survivors intensify, Liam and Evelyn are thrown together as they attempt to untangle a web of deceit and secrets. But as they separate the truths from the lies, they quickly learn that their surroundings—and the people in it—are not as they seem. Liam and Evelyn are each tested, and as a romance buds between them, they must decide if their love is strong enough to overcome their growing differences. 

From Goodreads

 My Thoughts:

Sarah E. Ladd has completed the third novel in her Cornwall series. I have enjoyed all three books and couldn't wait to dive into this one. The Light at Wyndcliff is a delightful story for the imagination and senses. Ladd does a wonderful job at inviting readers to the cliffs of Cornwall even if you have never been there. The romance was a typical romance with a predictable ending. The plot moved at a nice pace. I kept flipping through the pages and couldn't wait for the story to continue. The mystery elements were nice. I had a good time trying to figure out who was really behind all the shipwrecks and looting along the coast. Ladd definitely knows how to capture her audience's attention and keep it as the story flies by. Overall, I believe fans of Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Ladd's other works will enjoy this novel. I sure did.

I received a complimentary copy of The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd from Thomas Nelson Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase The Light atWyndcliff

Sarah E. Ladd: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

By Kelly Bridgewater

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.

From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd is a Regency mystery. The characters of Julia and Issac are fantastic and enjoyable. The characters do have their predictable happily-ever-after moment by the end of the novel, but I still enjoy watching the character interact in this world. I really liked the hunt for the mystery of the stolen jewels and silver. I liked hearing about the curse on the house. Even though I wish Ladd would have spent more time talking about the curse and the past owners. It was hinted at a couple of times by certain members of the community, but I felt that it wasn't truly flushed out for the readers to grasp. I think it would have made the mystery elements a little more intriguing. Even though the mystery element left me begging for more explanation, I still found myself delighting in the plot and enjoyed Ladd's writing style.

I received a complimentary copy of The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd from Thomas Nelson Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

Most Anticipated Books Spring 2020

By Kelly Bridgewater

I do this type of blog post a number of times throughout the year, and I enjoy doing them.

This post refers to the books coming out from January 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020.

There are a lot of GREAT books being published for the first part of the year, and I can't wait to start reading them and adding them to my shelves.

How about you? Is there any of these books that you are looking forward to reading? Is there any you would add that I didn't include?

(*All book covers come from Goodreads, unless noted.)

 The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

The Brightest of Dreams by Susan Anne Mason

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason

Children of the Stars Mario Escobar

The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck

The Way of the Brave Susan May Warren

Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig