The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd is a wonderfully captivating book about family and community loyalties. A book about love despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The characters have depth and reality and their strengths and failings, and emotions seem to resonate well with the reader. The plot is quick moving and has a few unexpected twists that had this reader thinking 'I didn't see that one coming!' Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, especially when written about England in the 1800s and The Weaver's Daughter does not disappoint. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author. I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Now this one is a very good story! A Regency centered around the strife between the weavers and the millers as machine-weaving mills take over the previously hand-done cloth industry—both unique and interesting in scope. It was hard to lay it aside to do other tasks, and I found both Henry and Kate to be equally engaging and principled characters. It was a joy to spend time with both of them, to see how Kate endeavors to show respect to her difficult father, and how Henry defends his livelihood with compassion and forgiveness. I wanted to root for both of them to succeed. I also loved how their romance was circumspect and appropriate to the time period they are in.

The antagonists were also believable and interesting. For example, Frederica is just as trapped as Kate is, despite her fancy lifestyle and better position in society.

I definitely am hoping that this is the start of a new series, and that we get to have a book on Frederica and a book on Kate's brother Charles!

Cons: I didn't like how Mollie's having a child out of wedlock was portrayed in a couple places. At first it was made clear that she had asked God's forgiveness for her "indiscretion," but in later scenes it was called "error in judgment" and "perceived sin," which made it sound like she had done something all that bad. It's hinted that her sin of lying is greater than her sexual sin, while Biblically both are against God's laws.

Language: "for heaven's sakes" used lightly

Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy. A favorable review was not required.

I have been a fan of Sarah Ladd's novels from the beginning. This one is no different. The Weaver's Daughter is about forgiveness, and looking past differences. Kate and Henry had to just that with their own families even though each family was in a battle of who is right and who is wrong. I loved how Kate held to her own principle and didn't let others sway her. Henry who had experienced the battlefield, kept a level head and didn't do what was expected of him. The story was well developed and kept me curious to how everything turned out.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

This regency novel has little to do with the ballroom setting you might expect from this genre and instead focuses on the political and social upheaval in England's wool and weaving industry in the early 1800s. Prejudice, bitterness and an inability to listen to any viewpoint other than your own are all aspects addressed within this plot. Love, friendship, loyalty, forgiveness and gender roles are also strong themes.

The plot was fast moving and engaging. I must admit to a high level of frustration with the stubbornness and narrow-minded thinking of some of the characters, which I believe was the author's intent. The love interest in the story wasn't overdone, which I appreciated.

As for the fact that this book is marketed by a Christian publisher I have to say that this book is not a book that is presenting a gospel message. The novel is merely reflective of the times when it speaks of church. The author speaks of right, wrong and moral living, as well as forgiveness, but the gospel or any type of intimate relationship with God is absent from the story.

And, I'm happy to say that there was not a single kidnapping in the novel. I've a running joke with a friend that all the regency novels I've read over the past few years have included at least one abduction, so the fact that it was absent from this plot made me very happy.

All in all it was an interesting read.

#TheWeaver'sDaughter #NetGalley

publisher synopsis: Kate’s loyalties bind her to the past. Henry’s loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder –including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father’s pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war hoping to find a refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather’s goals to modernize his family’s wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort out the truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family’s livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry’s side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village’s future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls – even if it means risking their hearts in the process.


I think I have read almost every book from Sarah E. Ladd, and I have to tell you... this is.... My favorite Ladd book!! I like how Kate was loyal, and fierce and how her moral compass was pointing in the correct way. Its very easy to get side swiped, especially were family is concerned. This book is full of a spectrum of emotions. Hope, fear, betrayal, love, it is a wonderful, wonderful novel!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliantly plotted and beautifully written. Original and refreshingly surprising. Characters had phenomenal depth and the plot was interesting and well paced. I felt connected to the outcome and related to the characters, especially Henry, Mollie, and Kate. Absolutely loved this one, and had a really hard time putting it down. Hoping for a sequel soon, because I have to know what happens to Mollie, Charles, and Jane.

I was introduced to Sarah E. Ladd's writing with The Curiosity Keeper. It was a different Regency novel filled with suspense and relatable characters. With each addition to her writing resume, Ladd has written more novels gripped my attention. With her latest book The Weaver's Daughter, I was taken away to a small town in England where weavers and millers fought over the importance of their job.

The writing was clear and concise. Ladd is a wonderful writer who really dives into the setting of her stories.
Each setting comes to life and invites me into the setting where I can walk around with each individual character. I felt the drama that Kate felt as she struggled with her growing emotions for Henry, a local rival.

The plot was interesting. I have never seen a story like this one. I imagined an old town with black wrought iron gates and fences surrounding an old brick factories with tons of windows overlooking the town with nice shady trees filling the holes in between. I enjoyed the rivalry between the families.

The romance was predictable, like they are in most historical romances. It moved along at a nice pace, and involved many moments were I hoped Kate wouldn't marry someone else. Being an avid reader of suspense, I imagined something sinister happening to Kate from this other person. But Ladd kept it pretty tame for Regency readers. Henry, the hero, was nice and a complete opposite character from his grandfather who I met in the first couple of chapters.

The spiritual element of forgiveness ran throughout the entire novel. Everyone had someone they needed to forgive. There were hateful words and actions done, but Kate still learned to forgive and move toward a better future for her life. Henry learned, from Kate, the quality of a child's education and the ability to be a good boss who provided but cared at the same time.

Overall, The Weaver's Daughter is a fine-tuned plot with a sparkling setting and characters who learn to forgive. I can't wait to add this book to be Keeper shelf with all Ladd's other novels. Fans of Julie Klassen would love this novel, I believe.

I received a complimentary copy of The Weaver's Daughter from Thomas Nelson Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

All Kate Dearborn has ever wanted was to earn the respect of her father for her talents in his cottage weaving industry. Instead, as tensions between weavers and the local mill heighten, her father pushes her aside and relegates her to ‘women’s work.’ Worse, he expects her to settle down and marry his apprentice, John.

When Henry Stockton returns from the Napleonic wars, he expect to find a refuge from the horrors of war and eventually settle down to help his grandfather run Stockton Mill. Instead, he discovers that everyone thought him dead, and that his hometown has trouble brewing between the weavers and the millers. A chance encounter with the mysterious Kate Dearborn makes him reasses his grandfather’s expectations of a quick marriage to his business partner’s daughter.

I love learning about history through stories like this one that spotlight an era and help the reader understand snapshots of history. Ladd does a great job of building well-rounded characters. She throws in enough mystery and intrigue to keep the reader turning pages.

Wow, Sarah E. Ladd knows how to write an intense plot!
And that Henry Stockton gives Mr. Darcy a run for his money.

Honor. Loyalty. Justice. All of these are tested throughout the disputes between weavers and mill owners as each one fights for progress.

Henry Stockton was declared dead in battle, so what a surprise it is when he arrives galloping back home one day. Only, he doesn’t find things and people exactly as he left them. And he’s not the same either.

When tragedy strikes, Henry is seen as the greatest threat to the weavers’ cause. He’s intended on keeping his family’s legacy but he’s also questioning how should success be attained.

Kate Dearbone loyalties and goodness have been tested too much. By her father. By her brother. By her friends. She wants to honor her legacy but she also has a mind of her own. A mind that wants to show she believes in the weavers cause, even if not in their actions. Until what put can she have her heart pushed and pulled without breaking?

Kate is sure she has Henry Stockton figured out, only to be proven wrong at every turn. Can he truly be different from his grandfather? Is there honesty in his search for an equal ground with the weavers and the people from the village? Or is a a plot? A way to get close to them only to sever the fragile tie built once and for all?

Solid plot. Intriguing mystery. Endearing characters. This book will keep you on edge and wishing for more with every turn of the page. I wouldn’t be surprise is it’s Sarah E. Ladd’s best yet.

I can definitely see it becoming a series *hint hint*

This is a really good Christian romance novel. Sarah E. Ladd is one of my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint on this story. I loved every minute of it.

I always really like Sarah Ladd's books, so I was happy to jump at this one. This book had some story line elements that reminded me of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South, one of my all-time favorite classics. Unfortunately the comparison affected it's influence for me, and made it harder for me to appreciate it fully. It's not on the same classical writing level - but in fairness, it was not really trying to be. It really was a very good book, and I did like it a lot.

This story did tackle important issues and historical challenges of the industrial revolution that were likely very community affecting. I really appreciated the realistic struggle represented of family members being torn different directions but finding resolution in forgiveness. It has Christian leanings, without being preachy. I liked that honesty was an important and even hope giving story theme.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley. #TheWeaver'sDaughter #NetGalley

This is the story of Kate and Henry, who find themselves struggling between right and wrong, friendship and enmity, and the pull of family dynamics! They are “real” people to whom I could fully relate and I found myself hoping (along with them) for a better and brighter future. The period is Yorkshire England in the early nineteenth century during a time of great transition for the weaving community as machines and mass production are impacting their lives and their very livelihood. I found myself fully immersed in the richly detailed setting, with pacing and timing that was perfect - true to the circumstances and situation at hand. There were not easy answers or platitudes to resolve all of the hurt and hardships that had to be faced.

The secondary characters also came alive on every page. I was so thoroughly frustrated with Henry’s grandfather and Kate’s father; I cringed at the thought of John with Kate or Frederica with Henry. I loved Charles as well as Molly. All of these characters added so much dimension to The Weaver’s Daughter. This is truly a book not to be missed. (I hope it will eventually be available on Audible as well so I can share it with my daughters who are too busy running after little ones to sit down with a book for a cozy read.)

Thank you, NetGalley for an advance copy and thank YOU, Sarah E. Ladd for a tremendous, heartwarming and unforgettable story.

I received this ebook from NetGalley but the review truly represents my opinion, thoughts and feelings upon finishing it. #TheWeaver’sDaughter #NetGalley

I really enjoyed this novel by Sarah E. Ladd. It has mystery, danger, and forgiveness. Kate Dearborne is the daughter of a weaver and comes across the returning grandson of her fathers enemy, a miller by trade. Henry Stockton, returning from war, runs into Kate when her cart looses a heavy bundle and he stops to help her lift it back onto the cart. Sparks fly when she realizes who he is and Henry can't understand her animosity towards him.

Kate and Henry get caught up in the war between their families and find a growing attraction to each other. How can they stay neutral when they love their families and want all to work out for the best?Can things work out between the families? Will Kate and Henry be able to be together?

When Kate steps in to help Henry save his mill from attack, will her father ever forgive her for betraying him? Will Kate's father forgive his estranged son for his betrayal of working for the enemy for the past three years? Will all work out for the best? Check out this novel and see. Enjoy!

I obtained this book through NetGalley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This is a Romeo & Juliet story with a (semi) modern twist. Set in the 19th century, the Montagues and Capulets are replaced by the mill owners and weavers. The author did a good job of creating the setting, and you'll learn a lot of neat historical tidbits while reading it. There's a third party love interest, and for a little bit, you're not sure how the story will end.

Loyalty, love and family are at the heart of this dramatic tale, set in 1812 Yorkshire. The backdrop of a growing feud between the industrial mill owners and the traditional weavers, sets the stage for a complicated romance. The author does a good job creating tension between the two factions, throwing in an unsolved murder and adding divided loyalties in the main character's family too.

The dilemma of choosing to do what is right vs staying loyal to her prideful, stubborn father puts Kate right in the middle of the conflict. Her gentle, brave soul is torn and it was interesting to see which direction she would choose. I cheered her on as she stood up to the bullies in her world, courageously putting her self on the line to help others. Henry's character grew on me as he changed through events, overcoming his own prejudice and wounds from battles abroad and at home. The writing flows well, and the pace is steady, building in tension as the conflict comes to a head, with a few plot twists to make it extra interesting at the end.

Recommend to readers who enjoy Regency era tales with drama and clean romance. 4.5 stars

Sarah E. Ladd is one of my favorite authors. I love her style and the way she builds the characters relationships on a realistic foundation—through time, circumstance, and storyline; with believability. “The Weaver’s Daughter” is a story a little more fast-paced than I am used to from this author, but this also prevented any chance for lulls in my reading of it!

“We cannot control what others do. We can only control how we react to it. Being angry will only hurt you, not them.”

A long-standing hatred between Kate’s family and Henry’s places them at odds with each other from childhood and continues into adulthood, when Henry returns from war. Though never really acquainted before, a chance encounter starts off the stirrings of romantic pull between them both. But the ever-increasing tension and hatred between weavers and the mill owners forces a chasm between them they dare not cross, as the rise of machine-industry threatens the long-standing livelihoods of the townspeople.

The war has changed Henry Stockton, and he sees his life and the mill with new eyes. But can he succeed amidst his enemies who will do anything to make sure he fails? Falling in love with the daughter of his greatest enemy can only complicate matters further.

“As much as she hated it, the man she was supposed to despise intrigued her in an inexplicable way.”

Kate is a whirlwind of a character, and I found myself at times likening her to the fiery Anne of Green Gables. She lets her emotions rule her, sometimes too much, and is divided by attraction to Henry and loyalty to her father. Sometimes she frustrated me, with her often confusing ability to both want a relationship with Henry and push him away at the same time. I felt sorry for Henry, who was caught in the middle.

As a whole, this story seems to be a re-imagination of Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic story “North and South” (my absolute favorite classic!) with slight differences in setting, storyline, and characters. Some moments, mostly small ones—a sentence here and there—seemed to have been pulled straight from that story. However, one scene in particular only needed Richard Armitage’s Thornton—fashionable, dark-haired, and totally misunderstood—as Henry Stockton, to make me feel just like I was watching a scene from the movie of Gaskell’s classic. I felt a little disappointed at how very closely they mirrored each other in that instance.

I was conflicted over rating this novel. While the first 75% seemed a solid 5-stars, my frustration with Kate’s behavior and even her father’s (whose arguments fell flat and sometimes ridiculous, and attitude seemed to shift into a sudden extreme from how he seemed at the beginning) brought the last part of the book falling to 4-stars. And since the conclusion is just as important, if not more so, than the start, I have to stick with 4-stars as a whole.

Also, for a Christian-faith book, besides going to church and a brief mention at the very end, there was absolutely nothing indicating the faith of the characters. I found this surprising. Not once throughout the danger and upheaval and challenges did any one of these characters turn to God for wisdom and guidance?

This was still a very enjoyable read despite its shortcomings, and I would gladly add it to my bookshelf alongside the other books I have by this author.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When Henry Stockton returns from the battlefield, his return is not viewed happily by many who was away at war, his ambition to modernise the family woollen mill is perceived angrily by many locals. Kate Dearborne, the daughter of one of the local weavers, finds herself torn between family and her growing attraction to Henry.

What made this novel interesting was the integration of the challenges faced by many during the Industrial Revolution. Both Kate and Henry are presented as two sides of the growing issue with Kate, realising how manufacturing would replace local craftsmen whilst Henry, was trying to keep his workers employed, whilst caring for his family. This was a sweet romance novel that went beyond the normal, by integrating a very valid issue for the times.
I received an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

It was a classic book by author Sarah Ladd. The characters were likable yet flawed enough to still relate to. The storyline was interesting and created the need to keep reading! The historical aspect was provided in such a way that I was left interested in the topic and needing to read the true history behind the story of weavers versus the mill workers. Definitely will add to my read often books.

No one thought Henry Stockton would return from the war alive, and when the young heir to Stockton's cloth mill comes back to the village, not everyone is happy about it. Things have changed in the three years he's been away. There's a growing feud between the mill owners and the weavers--who are convinced that the new machines are ungodly means of depriving them of their livelihood. 

Kate Dearborne is in a difficult position. Her father is leader of the weavers, but her brother has defected to go work at the mill. Everyone knew that old Stockton didn't care a whit for the weavers' families, but the new heir Henry seems different. Kate befriends Henry's sister and feels increasingly attracted to Henry's care and kindness. But he's still a Stockton, and she's a Dearborne--if the weavers' agitation turns to violence, which side will she take?

This Regency romance features on far more than balls and parties, showing the sea change that the Industrial Revolution created in small villages in England as artisans were replaced by manufacturers. Kate and Henry are both sympathetic characters, not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Henry, in particular, is a rock for his sister to lean on and a fearless leader when protecting his own mill workers. He must learn to re-acclimate to civilian life after the horrors of war and discover just how important his grandfather's work actually was for the village. Kate, on the other hand, must overcome her frustration at being overlooked by her father because of her sex and learn the virtue of forgiveness in a time where everyone is eager to take offense. This book was a quick and satisfying read, one of the most enjoyable Regency romances I've read in a long time.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.