The Heiress of Winterwood

The Heiress of Winterwood was for me the best of all the forays into the Christian Regency genre I have made in a while. So many novels like this seem to be taken up with the characters kissing, wanting to kiss, or thinking about kissing, that to have one which isn’t presents a welcome change. The main protagonists’ arrangement is one of practicality at first- and things actually happen.
There’s a fairly strong central storylinr, well drawn characters, an element of mystery, generally tasteful romance, adventure and the theme of redemption. The culmination of the Romance really only comes at the end- after the protagonists come close to losing each other.

Also, unlike some other regencies, the depiction of the upper classes show more didn’t seem to be based on prejudices against them- but altogether seemed to be a more realistic and objective view of the period and society. Emelia was a woman who simply wanted to keep a promise to a friend, and realised her betrothed (whom she chose- forced marriage having been illegal in England since the time of Canute) was not all he seemed. Not an anachronistic libertine rebelling against the perceived ‘injustice’ or ‘inequality’ of society. Also, Graham Stirling the hero is a captain in the Navy and the year is 1813 there’s no Brit Bashing or blaming them for the war of 1812.

The names of the characters seem fitting for the time. Graham, Emelia, William, Edward and Helena- ordinary perhaps but not reflecting modern naming trends more than those of the 19th century- like Chase or Tanner.
My only complaints were that the narrator of the audiobook edition didn’t voice the respective characters very well, though she tried her best. Also, I think an American narrator wasn’t an exceptionally good choice, as a ‘British’ accent seemed challenging for her too- especially if the character had a regional accent of some kind. It may be just a personal view, but I think a British narrator would have been better- though I believe the sequel audiobook does have one.

Also, there were perhaps too many clandestine unchaperoned and often nocturnal meetings between Emelia and Graham for my liking, and to be plausible. Not that these were for any morally dubious purpose, usually to discuss important matters, but such actions could be considered morally questionable and compromising by the standards of the time- and I don’t think it’s generally wise for a woman to be wondering around on her own at night generally.
Too easy for Emelia to get in and out unnoticed , and too little regard for her own reputation I felt. There was one scene in which Graham’s brother forces a kiss on Emilia (and might have gone further) which could be considered inappropriate, but not too much so, and the plot was a little predictable in places.

Aside from the above, I would certainly recommend this work, and would love to read more by her and will almost certainly be keeping the audiobook - unless I can get the paperback anyway! show less

This book, in its entirety, was a pleasure to read, and has made it to the coveted will read again spot on my bookshelf. It's not every day you get the chance to meet your new favorite author! It's easy to see why The Heiress of Winterwood was the winner of the 2011 Genesis Award ~ Ms. Ladd did an excellent job.

Selfishness, red herrings and intrigue, engagements, true love and not-so-true love, all these abound in this wonderful novel and make it a time-stealer.

Amelia Barrett is a woman who knows what she wants. And that's to keep baby Lucy, not only because she promised the baby's dying mother to do so, but because she loves her as her own. Enter Edward Littleton, the man whom she's engaged to marry in just a few short weeks and has no show more wish nor promise to keep the baby. When all seems lost and it's evident the baby must leave, an answer comes in the form of Captain Sterling.

These characters were excellently rounded and full of life.The good, the bad, and the downright ugly was brought out by an artist with a fabulous talent for painting word pictures that come to life in your mind.

Ms. Ladd has made it to my favorite author's list and I will be reading more of her work. I do so love finding a new fabulous author with a penchant for telling fantastic stories.

*My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, who provided this book in exchange for my honest opinions. They were in no wise required to be favorable. It was just that good!* show less

This was an emotionally compelling story, but lacking in physical romance. The plot possessed substance and a good deal of depth; if sexual chemistry had been added to the mix this story has the potential to have been a 5 kiss historical romance. Nevertheless, Sarah Ladd is skilled at crafting a thrilling world of suspense and questions. While the sexual component was severely lacking, and the Christian references a bit overt for my taste, I was still drawn to finish the story and get to the happily ever after.

The bond that Amelia formed with Lucy was heart-achingly beautiful and made me yearn for that type of unquenchable love. That she would find even more love in a partner for life made the story all the more poignant. Overall this show more was a pleasant read that kept me guessing until the end and at points had me gripping the nook barely able to wait for the next sentence, let alone the next page. A solid read for those looking for a touching emotional story of unbreakable bonds and an intricate plot tipped with tension and suspense. show less

Amelia Barrett is in a bit of a predicament. In order to keep her large inheritance, she must marry. However, she has sworn to watch the baby daughter of her dear friend who died soon after childbirth. Amelia is engaged, but her intended refuses to even think about keeping the young baby. So Amelia comes up with a new plan, one that will free her from her current entanglements and allow her to keep the child- marry the child's father, Captain Graham Sterling. Captain Sterling isn't too fond of this plan, but he keep an open mind. He too soon sees the advantages of this plan, so they go forward with immediate marriage plans. Everything changes when the baby girl is kidnapped though, and Amelia and Captain Sterling learn that life can show more throw you curve balls in interesting ways.

I love historical novels, so I looked forward to reading this. I thought the pacing of the book was fantastic. There wasn't really time in the story for a lot of mooning about by the main characters, and that made me exceptionally happy. I also loved that the basic premise of the story allowed for a strong female characters within the confines of the time period. No matter how strong a female was, there was only so much she could do on her own. Amelia was dependent on finding someone to marry to keep her place as the heiress of her family estate. Seeing as her choice of marriage partner was the only thing she could control some, it was natural that she rebelled against what her family sought for her. While she was looking for love, more than anything she was looking for a situation she could live with on her terms. I found this to be realistic and yet still make for an enjoyable romance.

There were a few loose ends left hanging, and I'm very intrigued by some of those. I think mostly I just really liked seeing Amelia value her promise to a dying friend and a young child's life more than anything. I really believed that she would give up everything for them. This book has a bit of peril too. Just enough to keep it interesting, but not enough to make you worry too much. One thing I will say is because moved fairly quickly, I didn't feel like I got to know the Captain as much as I would have liked. I know there was background given, but I just wanted a smidge more. I guess there's always room for that in the next book.

Book provided for review. show less

This is the author’s debut novel and she is already writing like a pro. I was captivated by this book right away and could hardly put it down. I really have nothing bad to say about this novel and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Immediately you are drawn into the storyline, set in Darbury, England in February 1814. Amelia Barrett had befriended Katherine Sterling whose husband, Captain Graham Sterling was away on his ship. Katherine gives birth to a beautiful baby girl, Lucy, but the birth was too difficult and she dies. But before she dies, she makes Amelia promise to always care for Lucy. And that promise was one she intended to keep, no matter what.
Amelia, the heiress of Winterwood Manor, must marry before she turns 24 (just a few show more months away) or her inheritance will go to her next of kin. Her Uncle has made arrangements for her to marry Edward Littleton. At first she thought he was a wonderful man and she thought she loved him and he loved her. But as time grew near the wedding date she started finding out the true nature of her fiance. He refused her to keep the toddler, Lucy. And that was one thing that Amelia was not going to go along with. And then in steps Captain Graham Sterling, back from the war waiting for ship repairs, he comes to visit his daughter that he has yet to meet. From here the story gets exciting and dangerous. You’ll just have to get the book to read more and I promise that you won’t be disappointed. If you love a good historical, Christian romance with some suspense mixed in, then you’ll love this book. show less

Review: The Heiress of Winterwood
Book One of Whispers on the Moors

From cover to content, author Sarah Ladd’s debut novel impresses. A Regency novel, complete with gowns, estates and luxury, fans of the era will be intrigued with more than setting. Ms Ladd has adeptly captured the sentiments of our protagonists, Amelia Barrett and Cptn Graham Sterling, individually and as they take a relational journey from introduction through to interest. Flawed characters that had me pleasantly surprised one moment and frustrated the next. Amelia’s headstrong ways got her in more hot water than she expected. Grateful Ms Ladd revealed the costs of her misjudgements and used them as learning experiences in the development of Amelia’s character. show more The entire cast of characters was realistic and played their roles remarkably. Aunt Augusta was a definite replica of Mrs Bennet of Pride and Prejudice fame, her voice echoing with clarity whenever she appeared on the scene. Captain Sterling was pictured every bit as sterling as his name, keeping my interest tapped to the final lush closing moment...

The relationships throughout the story were well developed with authentic characters and reactions. The storyline itself grabbed me even as I first received it as a book review option. An intriguing twist mounts the plot’s intensity to a feverish race to the finish. Definitely not a book to put down easily!

A satisfying story of redemption on many fronts, I look forward to hearing more from Sarah Ladd. Soon! show less

A friend dies giving birth to her daughter. The father is at sea. Amelia Barrett takes the child to care for until her father’s return. Life gets complicated as her fiancé refuses to let her keep the child. His refusal is a small look into the soul of who is soon to be her husband, and she doesn’t like what she sees. Taking a chance, she asks the baby’s father to marry her. By doing so, she inherits a fortune, evades a bad marriage, keeps the little girl she has fallen in love it, and her husband will rarely be around. It all seems so perfect until everything starts to fall apart including the abduction of the baby.

This was a wonderfully well-written book that had me wanting to finish in one sitting. It wasn’t too fast paced show more but not too slow, either. The plot was laid out well. Though I could see many of the next moves in the story, they were told with descriptive brilliance that had me enjoying it all. The characters were great and full of depth. Even the ones you’ll love to hate are well-done and not one dimensional.

This is a ‘soft’ Christian fiction book in that it is not preachy. Amelia finds herself praying for guidance and returning to her faith as she moves forward to protect the child she loves and herself. I completely loved it and can’t wait for the sequel to come out.

Note: I received this book from participating in a book tour with no expectation of a positive review. show less