The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

I don't usually talk much about book covers especially in reviews. I am making an exception for this one. The cover is breathtaking and immediately drew me to the book. It fits right with the story and the time period. The opening of the book will have many readers on the edge of their seat. Good grief ,I uttered as I began the story. This poor woman who has come to help out her family is staring down the barrel of a gun. The author does an excellent job of making the story intriguing as we are introduced to the stunning Julia. Her presence will stir up a mystery and perhaps grab someone's heart.

I loved learning about the mines and how hard it is to endure the dangers as they work. I would get anxious and have to run out at the first show more little rumble I heard. Isaac and Mathew may be brothers but they are nothing alike. Matthew seemed calculated and kinda shady. I did not trust his interest in Julia at all. Isaac is very caring and his intentions are honest. It is a sure sign that something is not right when Matthew pursues Julia and wants to marry her quickly. I smell a rat somewhere and I hope Julia is not fooled by dashing good looks and words that mean nothing.

The more I got into the book, the better the story became. The author weaves a tale of mystery that had me reading as fast as I could. Yes there are characters that are not trustworthy in the story and it causes danger for several. Decisions will be made in the story that will cause heartache and perhaps happiness. I can't give anything away so let me leave you with this. Find a comfortable place, grab a blanket and get ready to transport back to 1818 England where trust, danger and a mystery will keep you glued to the book. This is a must read for all Regency fiction fans. If you aren't a fan of this type of story you will be after reading this book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less

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 show more 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. show less

Until the past year, the Regency era held little to no interest to me. I attribute this to the fact that I’m not a romance novel devotee, nor do I find myself drawn to matchmaking tales or stories about typical marriage customs. I have read a couple of Jane Austen’s books, and I didn’t care for either one. I prefer the Colonial or Victorian periods. However, last year I read a couple of Christian fiction titles set during the Regency era, and to my surprise, I actually enjoyed them! One of these was “The Governess of Penwythe Hall”, which is book one of The Cornwall Novels series. As a result, I did not hesitate for a moment to sign up for the sequel!

“The Thief of Lanwyn Manor” shares many of the themes of its predecessor, show more but with a unique plot that Sarah Ladd weaves into another intricate tapestry. This book could be read as a standalone, as there are very few spoilers, but I always recommend reading a series in order when possible to get the most out of it and to appreciate how everything comes together. Either way, this second book also has a simultaneously mysterious and romantic air about it. Fans of Abigail Wilson will enjoy The Cornwall Novels, and it is that layer of foggy inscrutability that most draws me to these books. There is an underlying aura of disquiet that permeates the story, an instinctive type of foreshadowing that blends into the romance and makes the narrative intriguing. The plot unfolds slowly but steadily, the pacing appropriate for the style.

As for the characters, they are well-developed overall. Julia Twethewey, a child in “Penwythe Hall”, is now 19 and thankful for the opportunity to serve as temporary companion for her cousin, Jane, who is confined to bed for the last trimester of her pregnancy. Part of Julia’s motivation is also to fulfill both her desire and society’s expectation to marry well: “Of course she was in search of a husband. Every single lady of marriageable age was eager for security.” The twins, Isaac and Matthew, add romantic tension and enhance the mysterious elements, and numerous secondary characters populate the narrative to balance the scales. Because of the novel’s location setting, mining plays a significant role, and I learned about the struggles and dangers involved in this livelihood, which in this case become a primary source of conflict. As is still true today, different places, even when near each other, can be vastly diverse in their values and way of life. As Julia notes, “Geographically she was not that far from home, but indeed, there was no denying she was in a very different world.” Nevertheless, as “The Thief of Lanwyn Manor” goes to show, it is not where we live that truly matters, but rather who we are and how we live and, most importantly, Who goes with us.

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

What I think you should know:
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor a Regency Romance is the second book in the Cornwall Series by Sarah E. Ladd. This can be read as a standalone novel.When Julia comes to Lanwyn to stay with her bedridden cousin after having her heartbroken she stumbles into more that she was expecting.

What I think about The Thief of Lanwyn Manor:
The Story starts with a fantastic glimpse of the two main male characters, Matthew and Isaac as boys, then quickly moves into a scene where Julia is shockingly held at gunpoint when he uncle stops at the Inn in their village. However the story slowed down for me after that, when the story does pick back up it is really good. As a survivor of HG I felt so bad for Jane, even with modern show more medication I was sick my entire pregnancy so I can’t imagine it. Isaac was such a wonderful character even if I didn’t understand everything about the mines. The story ended up being filled with mystery, danger, deception and a sweet romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. show less

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E Ladd is a wonderful historical romance. Loved the Cornwall early 19th-century setting where readers find Julia visiting Lanwyn Manor, hoping to find a cure for a broken heart. She finds a whole lot more! The characters are well defined and well rounded, with attributes and flaws and they are either likable, relatable, or despicable. They are colorful and riveting--an overbearing aunt, insolent house staff, a sweet cousin bedridden with a difficult pregnancy, and twin brother mine owners, who ultimately compete for Julia's attention. The storytelling is excellent and is replete with lots of twists and turns. There is a mystery afoot in the somewhat gothic manor as well, which helps to keep the show more interest high. The author has a lovely way with words as she describes the scenery, the homes, the customs, and the mining industry of the 1800s. I enjoyed the book and readers who love a little mystery mixed in with romance set in an English countryside will not want to miss The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour. show less

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah Ladd has Julia Twethewey traveling to Lanwyn Manor to be a companion to her cousin, Jane who is confined to bed during her latter part of her pregnancy. Julia is accosted at the Gray Owl Inn by men looking for her uncle. William Lambourne, Julia’s uncle, has closed Bal Tressa, his copper mine, which has the local miners up in arms. She is saved by Isaac Blake who helps run a local mine owned by his brother. Valuable items begin disappearing from Lanwyn Manor after Julia’s arrival, and Julia receives threatening notes encouraging her to depart. Something sinister is happening in Goldweth. Julia and Isaac team up to find answers. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall show more Novels. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. I thought The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was well-written with developed characters. The point-of-view alternates between Julia and Isaac. I like that we get a male and female perspective because, let’s face it, men and women see things differently. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I like how the pacing increases during tense moments. I enjoyed the authors vivid descriptions of Cornwall, the beautiful homes, and the fashions. There is tension in Goldweth with one mine shut down and the price of copper is low. I liked the mystery surrounding the missing items and the threats which added intrigue and suspense. I thought the author captured the time period beautifully. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an intriguing Regency novel with mysterious threats, hidden danger, a special romance, scared miners, and a matchmaking aunt. show less

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah Ladd has Julia Twethewey traveling to Lanwyn Manor to be a companion to her cousin, Jane who is confined to bed during her latter part of her pregnancy. Julia is accosted at the Gray Owl Inn by men looking for her uncle. William Lambourne, Julia’s uncle, has closed Bal Tressa, his copper mine, which has the local miners up in arms. She is saved by Isaac Blake who helps run a local mine owned by his brother. Valuable items begin disappearing from Lanwyn Manor after Julia’s arrival, and Julia receives threatening notes encouraging her to depart. Something sinister is happening in Goldweth. Julia and Isaac team up to find answers. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall show more Novels. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. I thought The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was well-written with developed characters. The point-of-view alternates between Julia and Isaac. I like that we get a male and female perspective because, let’s face it, men and women see things differently. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I like how the pacing increases during tense moments. I enjoyed the authors vivid descriptions of Cornwall, the beautiful homes, and the fashions. There is tension in Goldweth with one mine shut down and the price of copper is low. I liked the mystery surrounding the missing items and the threats which added intrigue and suspense. I thought the author captured the time period beautifully. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an intriguing Regency novel with mysterious threats, hidden danger, a special romance, scared miners, and a matchmaking aunt. show less