Sarah E. Ladd

For Regency novels, my go-to author is Sarah E. Ladd. Her latest book, The Weaver’s Daughter exceeded my expectations due primarily to the unusual subject matter. While most Regency novels are set in the drawing rooms and assemblies of the gentry, Ladd explores the merchant, working, and craftsmen classes of Northern England. I found this to be fascinating. Definitely another recommended read from Ladd.

The tension and violence that occurred between the weavers and mill owners in Yorkshire show more in the early 1800s is the backdrop to The Weaver’s Daughter. The early days of the Industrial Revolution in England produced great strides in commerce, but also displaced those who practiced the age-old trade of weaving. Well-researched, the novel presents the clash of new ideas and processes with old ways and traditions. There are characters, both good and bad, on both sides. In the middle of the war is the heir to the Stockton Mill and the daughter of the most influential weaver in the area. There’s a bit of a Romeo and Juliet vibe to Kate and Henry’s relationship. Both characters are complex and well-drawn — there’s much to like about this star-crossed pair. I loved how they both sought to honor their families, yet stay true to their own hearts. Loyalty and prejudice play large roles in the shaping of the characters, and I loved how Ladd grew them past pre-conceived notions and misplaced duty. A bit of mystery and intrigue are intertwined within this historical romance, making it a suspenseful read as well. Kate and Henry’s story is brought to a close, but Ladd leaves a bit of a teaser for a supporting character that I hope she follows-up with in another book.

So if you want a unique twist on a Regency romance you definitely need to check out The Weaver’s Daughter. A well-written and complex book, this one is definitely recommended!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

A slowly unfolding Regency tale of loyalty, love, and ghosts of the past, “The Governess of Penwythe Hall” contains a smattering of elements to satisfy a variety of readers. From the shadowy prologue, Sarah Ladd creates a story that is starkly somber and yet infused with surprisingly delightful moments and emotions. Echoes of “Jane Eyre” resonate throughout, highlighting the subdued tone. All things considered, I think that the cover should reflect this a bit more rather than being show more so bright and vibrant, but that is it is just my personal opinion, and as it is, the book jacket is nonetheless beautiful.

“The Governess of Penwythe Hall” is a book that does not over-romanticize life in early nineteenth century England. Tragedies abound and affect all of the characters, from the wealthy to the working class. Death is a frequent, albeit unwelcome, visitor, leaving upheaval in its wake. To the characters’ credit, they adapt to change admirably despite the normal setbacks that occur along the way. As Charlotte Angrove, former mistress of Penwythe Hall, sagely notes, “Time reveals all, heals all. Don’t lose heart. God’s ways are not ours.” Bearing that in mind, the five children were a high point of the story for me. Ladd did well in handling their grief and the subsequent concerns and insecurities that they feel, especially as they apply to the oldest child, Liam. The uncle under whose care they find themselves, Jac Twethewey, is a landowner who works alongside his employees on the grounds, a man thrust into guardianship just as he tries to bring his plans for financially stabilizing his estate to fruition. Meanwhile, governess Cordelia (Delia) Greythorne’s mysterious past unravels one thread at a time, ultimately leading to the story’s climax.

While this book is not necessarily a suspenseful page turner, it demonstrates its strength in other ways. Although the setting is a little over 200 years ago, the issues remain germane to contemporary society. Grief, loss, shifting and uncertain living arrangements, and custody disputes all continue to affect families today, and readers can learn a bit about how to minister to the children involved through Delia’s example in this story. The inescapable consequences of the past also figure prominently in the narrative, as does that common, unsettling emotion, anxiety: “Fear seemed to be the dictating force in her life, especially since the loss of her family.” After a cloudy, stormy forecast, “The Governess of Penwythe Hall” concludes as the sun finally breaks through thanks to something that Delia has learned, that we need to put our faith not in other people or in ourselves, but in God, who works all things together for good.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. show less

Whenever I pick up a Sarah Ladd book, I know I’m in for a treat! I thoroughly enjoyed The Cloverton Charade and the charming Yorkshire house party setting with a twist. Two rivals employed by two separate family members attend a house party under the guise of guests, but they’re really both there to authenticate an expensive antique collection. When they meet and recognize the other, that’s when the fun begins. With several twists & turns, a rivals to friends to more romance, and a show more slow burn mystery that leads to a thrilling conclusion, this fun Regency adventure was hard to put down.

In Regency era England, Alicia Bannon’s expected to marry well and settle down. But, having spent time at her broker father’s side becoming an expert in antiquities, she longs for the chance to prove her abilities and travel to the antiquities’ exotic locations. When the former mistress of Cloverton Hall offers her a chance to make a name for herself by evaluating a rare private collection, she readily agrees. There’s a catch though, she must do it covertly by posing as a house guest so the nephew & new owner of Cloverton Hall doesn’t suspect.

Lucas Avery has been hired by the new owner of Cloverton Hall to evaluate the antiquities collection he’s inherited with the goal of selling it quickly to raise money, but his aunt poses a formidable problem. He invites Lucas to attend his house party & evaluate the collection while he’s there. Lucas desperately needs this opportunity to solidify his reputation & further the family business after the death of his father.

Lucas and Alicia’s fathers were bitter rivals and through it’s been years, each recognizes the other at the party. While they hesitate to trust each other, circumstances propel them to spend a lot of time together and become reacquainted. As they unravel the secrets behind the antiquities, they soon find themselves caught up in a web of mystery. Will they be able to solve the whodunit before it’s too late?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved the tension between Alicia & Lucas as they recognize each other & then are forced to keep each others’ secrets. As their relationship changes from rivals to friends to more, I loved every moment. Lucas fully supports Alicia & admires her talents which is music to her ears. I enjoyed their mutual respect for each other & the way they worked together. The mystery had several surprises that kept me on my toes. It’s a slow burn puzzle where each subtle clue leads to the suspects. I was a bit surprised at the end and loved the suspenseful conclusion.

Highly recommend this delightful Regency mystery/romance! Though it’s part of a series, it’s easily read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through AustenProse. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5 to 5 stars. show less

Thoroughly enjoyed An Unconventional Lady! Sarah Ladd is always a must read author who brilliantly weaves together a cleaver whodunit with a sweet romance & fascinating historical details. In this Regency novel, she explores phrenology, the once-popular pseudoscience claiming a person’s character could be determined by the bumps on their head. With engaging characters, a twist-filled mystery, & delightful childhood-friends-to-more romance, I was hooked from start to finish.

Ella Wilde’s a show more unique Regency heroine, strong, outspoken, and independent, raised by scientifically minded parents who educated her alongside the boys at their school. After her mother’s tragic death and posthumous slander by phrenologists, Ella is determined to restore her mother’s reputation & protect her dream of opening a girls’ school. When a prominent phrenologist attends a symposium at her father’s school, Ella seizes the chance to expose him & phrenology. She enlists the help of childhood friend & attorney Gabriel Rowe who’s investigating a missing girl linked to the prominent phrenologist.

With plenty of twists, mounting complications, and a room full of suspects, this mystery kept me guessing. Add in Ella’s best friend falling for the phrenologist and a lackluster potential suitor recommended by her father, and the tension only grows. I loved Gabriel! He truly listens to Ella and values her insight. They make a great team, and I enjoyed watching their romance unfold.

The ending had me on pins & needles as surprising revelations take the story in an unexpected direction. I enjoyed learning more about the strange ideas of phrenology & the way the author wove those details into the story. With a pulse-pounding conclusion, all the pieces come together leading to a satisfying end.

Highly recommend! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. show less