Accepting one’s fate is inevitable. Whether with resignation and defeat, or with grace and courage is the defining difference.
Cordelia Greythorne had done the former, leaving the life she once knew, taking on a position that had been beneath her station, and tucking any hopes and dreams she once had away in a dark and forgotten corner of her mind.
Jac Trethewey had one purpose in life, to resurrect Penwythe Hall to its former glory and prosperity. He had no time and little use for children.
Until the day his estranged brother’s children—ages five to fourteen—arrive at his doorstep, orphaned and given to his care.

Ms. Ladd starts this story off with jarring tragedy, and smothers it with conflict and emotion to the last page. Inner tension and turmoil mount as both Delia and Jac deny what their hearts are so clearly trying to convey. Circumstances swirl around them both, elevating the tension and turmoil—and Ms. Ladd doesn’t let up!
More than one turn of phrase seemed out of place to the era, but the story kept this reader glued to the pages. The interaction between Jac and Delia, the adjustments the children were forced to make—both Delia and Jac’s understanding with them as they sorted out their grief and their upturned world.
And pirates! No swashbuckling, these, but brutal and vicious and greedy. The twists Ms. Ladd wove into her story were unexpected, making the story more adventurous than it already was.


I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Governess of Penwythe Hall, Sarah Ladd

Set in Regency England this story has plenty to enjoy. A Mystery to solve, danger lurking around the corners, and a tender thread of romance. For those who love Jayne Eyre, and works of Jane Austen, this new story from Sarah Ladd is sure to bring you page-turning enjoyment.

Cordelia (Delia) has a shadowed past, a heartbreak that weighs heavy and marks her decisions for the future. She has a tender heart and shows a mothers’ love for the five young charges in her care. But when her past begins to catch up with her, and truths long are hidden become known, will the future she hoped for crumble to ash or be reborn with a new future, one that she didn’t even dare dream of?

I enjoyed the story, and I found the characters to be believable and likable, yet for some reason, I just couldn’t connect with them. I would have liked to have been given a few more breadcrumbs to piece together the mystery of Delia’s past a little sooner. I felt like by withholding her back story for as long as it was, that it prevented me to connect with her as I would have liked.

The mystery kept me engaged and turning pages to find out what would happen next. I appreciated the historical aspects of the story. A poignant reminder that even despite our grief and fear, our faith in God will carry us through the darkest of days. For those who love stories set in Regency England, this story is one you won’t want to miss.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

3.5 Stars. I enjoyed this Christians Historical romance set in the English regency period. Unlike many books set in that era, it doesn’t focus on the aristocracy but rather on ordinary-ish people.

Delia is the widow of a Cornish smuggler who is forced to escape and seek a new life to protect a dangerous secret. She becomes the governess to 5 children far from home but is forced to return home to face her demons when the children lose their parents and have to relocate to Cornwall to be under their uncle’s custody. I realize the summary doesn’t sound the most plausible, but it actually makes sense when you’re reading it.

One of the unique things about this novel is that it doesn’t romanticize the smuggling trade. I have read books set in Cornwall that kind of present the smugglers as heroes and victims but this showed the dark underbelly than smuggling can have. The message in this Christian romance was one of faith over fear and letting go and releasing control to God. I feel that the message was properly presented and clear but I wish it had been more seamlessly integrated across the plot rather than scattered into scenes here and there. That said, the inspirational message is clearly presented without resorting to a sermon and it flows with the rest of the novel. This isn’t a new-agey inspirational novel- prayer and God and faith are definitely mentioned.

Heat-level wise, this is pretty tame and clean by contemporary romance novel standards but it does include quite a bit of kissing and some “embracing and kissing” before marriage. It didn’t bother me at all (I read a lot of secular romance and am not offended by closeness), but I know it could bother some people who want completely “clean” books or people who wanted to gift this to their teenagers and might be uncomfortable with the content.

Overall, this was an engaging and well-written Christian historical romance novel. There were a few loose threads that I felt were never quite snipped or explained, but there was a pretty good epilogue that wrapped things up nicely in the end.

I received an advanced reading copy from Thomas Nelson through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this beautiful story, Mrs. Cordelia Greythorne has found herself a widow after her husband dies in a "free-trading" incident. Her in-laws, a very dangerous family, have banned her from the area, so she takes a position as a governess for the Widower Trethewey's five children. When he is killed in a tragic accident, she and the children go to live at Penwythe Hall with their new guardian and uncle, Jac Trethewey. There are some major obstacles that each of these characters have been through and many that they will have to endure. I enjoyed the progression of the story and the enduring love that leads them to protect the children above all. I would say the story had a little of everything...a little romance, a little mystery, a little spirituality. I enjoyed the storyline from beginning to end and am looking forward to the next book in the Cornwall Series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Author Sarah Ladd does a superb job of putting her reader in England during the Regency era. I enjoyed each page of this book. Her characters are well developed and realistic to that era. The descriptions of events and the countryside are enthralling.

With emphasis on family, we also read about secrets, smugglers, and danger. And of course a light romance thrown in for good measure. Overcoming grief and looking to the future added to the realism of this story.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall was a treat to read! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

This book was a slow but enjoyable read. It has some mystery and romance but left a few loose ends, in my opinion.

I am so excited for this new release! Sarah E Ladd is one of my top favorites. I’ve been in a bit of a reading rut lately and really needed a good book that would suck me in. The Governess of Penwythe Hall was the perfect antidote! This sweet historical romance has a little mystery and adventure. I enjoyed that the plot had so many elements; loss of spouse, grief, children, betrayal, family issues. I would love to read more about some of the children’s stories in the future too! The book is clean and sweet, without seeming fluffy or predictable. Have you read any other books by Ladd? I highly recommend them! They are always a win!

Lots of fun. Book kept me turning pages. It had romance, suspense, even smugglers! Great for lovers of historical romance.

When Delia's employer dies, Delia, a governess, brings his children to his estranged brother's estate. Delia is concerned not only with their new circumstances, but also that her deceased husband's family will learn that she has returned to the area. Jac is surprised to find that his deceased brother has designated him as guardian for his five children. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this Christian historical romance. There are secrets, suspense, and evolving relationships. I really like Delia and Jac and their slow growing relationship. I also like how Jac related to children and their changing relationship with him and a different way of life. This book is wonderful and I highly recommend it.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Labeled a Christian book I almost set it aside as this is not my favorite genre of book. That said, I am glad I did read this story as it was well worth reading. Cordelia is a widow who finds herself working as a governess far from where she grew up. When the last of the parents of the five children in her and the tutor’s care dies they are sent back to Cornwall to live with one of their charge’s relatives. It is not an easy adjustment and much transpires between the first and last page of the book. Some of the characters that seem nice enough prove to be just the opposite and at times there are tragic and even fearsome events that occur. There is a romance that is slow growing and a delight to watch, bad people that get their comeuppance while others get away with quite a bit and an eventual happily ever after for Cordelia and the man who makes her happy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

Total enjoyment. This book was a perfect fit for me right now. I loved it! I have read a good many of Ladd's books, this one is full of light suspense undertones with a light but interesting romance, and a mystery! God wasn't left out of this story either.

(My copy came from Celebrate Lit via Net Galley. My review is my own, left of my own free will.)

I loved this story. It was very well written and the characters were enjoyable. Cordelia has some secrets in her past when she becomes a governess. The children are soon orphaned and she must take them to their live with their uncle. Will she fall in love with the uncle? I am excited that this will be a series. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cordelia Greythorne left Cornwall when she was blamed for the death of her husband. She takes a job as a governess for five children, but when their father dies, she follows her late employers final wishes that she stay with them after they are in the care of their new guardian who resides in Cornwall.



Jac Trethewey is determined to revive his inherited estate, returning it to its former glory, by growing the apple orchards and finding ways to make it profitable. He is surprised when he finds himself the guardian of his estranged brother's five children, and struggles to balance his multitude of responsibilities.



Old secrets rear their ugly heads, will they threaten Delia's chance at happiness?



Delia loves her young charges dearly, and even though she is loathe to return to Cornwall, she honors her employer's wishes. Delia struggles with fear, though on the outside she appears calm and composed. I love that she is close to her family, especially her sister who gives her wise counsel.



Jac inherited an estate, but not much money to go with it. He works hard with his bare hands to make his estate a success. He is an honorable man of integrity, and faith, once he gets over his surprise at their arrive he appreciates how the children have enriched his life. He has big dreams, and is incredibly driven to make his own way in Cornwall. He admires how Delia is able to be assertive and take control of situations that arise with the children.



Overall, a fantastic read, compelling and full of heart, perfect for fans of Poldark. I liked how Delia and Jac worked together and got to know each other through raising the children. There was good tension with the secrets, and the children were all well developed and wonderful characters. I loved the theme of faith over fear. A wonderful read from beginning to end, hard to put down, and with well developed characters and lush scenery.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Sarah E. Ladd always does a beautiful job of creating atmosphere, and I truly felt the wind across the moors and the sea in Cornwall. Her characters are always so well developed and their choices understandable. My only issue with The Governess of Penwythe Hall is that it’s slow. The romance is slow to develop, the action is slow to arrive, the secrets are slow to be revealed. I still recommend this book to all fans of the genre, but just be prepared for a lazy pace.

(Also, Ladd uses the phrase “at the end of the day” twice, and it took me completely out of the time period. It’s a pet peeve of mine that I feel that phrase needs to be retired).

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Ever since first watching The Sound of Music when I was young, I’ve loved stories that involve a Governess. I enjoy these themes of new beginnings and the importance of faith to get us through hard times.

In The Governess of Penwythe Hall, Delia Greythorne is a captivating governess, and so easy to connect with. She goes through so much in this story and I sympathize with her having to deal with things coming at her from every angle. Each of the characters play an important role, and many captured my heart. Especially sweet Liam, one of the children.

I went through a myriad of emotions reading this story. From sorrow, dismay, fear, and anger, to surprise, hope, and awe. And just the right amount of romance is included. (I’m pleased it didn’t happen too quickly.)

I enjoyed the gorgeous cover, dynamic characters, intriguing plot, fabulous Regency setting, and strong writing. I also love that this is the first book in a new series!

Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Series: The Cornwall Novels
Pages: 352
Source: I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) from BookLook and NetGalley.

Sarah E. Ladd's latest book, The Governess of Penwythe Hall, takes place in the year 1811, in Cornwall, England. After Cordelia Greythorne's husband and daughter tragically die, you learn that she relocates from Cornwall to London, to start over and care for Mr. Twethewey's children. Cordelia hoped to never step foot in Cornwall again; unfortunately, when Mr. Twethewey unexpectedly dies in a riding accident, Cordelia and all five children are sent to live with the children's uncle. Jac Twethewey lives in Penwythe Hall, in none other than Cornwall, England!

As Cordelia and the children learn to adjust to their new lifestyle in the country, Cordelia has another fear. She now is physically too close to her late husband's family. This family of smuggler's have a very dangerous way of life!

Hold on tight as you watch Cordelia attempt to avoid interaction with the Greythorne family, while trying to provide for the well-being of the young lives in her care. This is a tale not to be missed!

Books that are set in the Regency period are some of my favorites, and this is no exception. From the very beginning, The Governess of Penwythe Hall draws you in. You wonder what has happened that Cordelia is leaving her mother-in-law’s home, and why her mother-in-law is so angry. And, you don’t find out until much later in the book what happened!

A few years pass, and the book picks up with Cordelia having been a governess, during those years, to 5 children she loves as much as she’d love her own. Sadly the children lost their mother years ago, and then they lose their father to a tragic accident. At the very last moment, their father changes his will and names his brother as the children’s guardian, rather than his wife’s sister. This comes as a complete shock to his brother, Jac, since they hadn’t been on speaking terms for years. It’s also a shock when the children, along with their governess and tutor, show up since the letter “warning him” never arrived.



I loved the development of the characters through the story, especially that of the eldest child. The romance that develops in the book is very believable and not rushed like some love at first sight books are. Sarah E. Ladd uses such descriptive language, that you almost feel as if you are in Cornwall in the 1800s.

Side note: I’ve wanted to live in Cornwall since I first became addicted to the British television show Doc Martin. This book has convinced me that I definitely should move there. Now, if I could only find the money…

Once the story takes us back to this area, we start finding out more about Cordelia’s past and why she left her mother-in-law’s house. I absolutely love the how everything plays out in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. If you are a fan of inspirational historical fiction, you will too!

Historical details woven among delicate romance allow this regency historical novel to shine! I immediately felt connected to Cordelia and as more of her loss and struggles were exposed, I could not help but feel the emotions that she was feeling. There is a bit of mystery as not all the details of her past are revealed right away. The spiritual themes seemed to be effortlessly woven in so that it does not feel preachy. My only critique is that I felt like sometimes that story slowed to a crawl, although at other times it did move a little more quickly. The descriptions of the English seaside made it easy to picture the coast and feel the salted sea spray! I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel and recommend it!

My Review:

My Rating: 4 stars.

My Recommendation: 16 up.

My Favorite Character/s: Liam, he was just so sweet, sad, hurt, grieved, and angry. He's such a sweet kid and I just wanted to hug him as he learned how to cope with everything that was going on around him. And that he wanted to protect his siblings was so sweet!

My Verse for Liam is Psalm 27:10

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. (King James Version.)

Then there are the other kids and Cordelia and Jac, who were quite interesting, it's just that Liam is my favorite of them.

Slight spoilers (though barely above mentionable.)

My Thoughts: First, this cover is sooooooooooooo pretty and perfect for the book! I loved the whole book and the historical feel of the story was so spot on and interesting. Even though it started off with a sad note the sweet ending was worth the sad beginnings, of the story and characters. And let me say: the betrayal was somewhat surprising and yet not. ;) If you like a story with a bit of dare I say smuggling, you'll love this one!

Warnings: Nothing much ... 16 up though for romance, and there are some crimes committed though not the main characters.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Governess of Penwythe Hall was written by Sarah E. Ladd. It is the first book in The Cornwall Novels.
Summary: Governess Cordelia Greythorne is faced with the most difficult choice of her life. Moving back to Cornwall brings her closer to her dangerous past, but she won’t break her promise to a dying father. She must accompany the five orphaned children to their new home at Penwythe Hall.
Jac Twethewey is determined to restore Penwythe Hall’s former glory. But when he suddenly becomes guardian to his five nieces and nephews, his life is turned upside down. How will he manage to save his family’s legacy when he now has a whole new family to take care of?
And what will happen when Cordelia’s past brings danger to Penwythe Hall? Will Jac be able to protect them all?
My Thoughts: This is a fantastic book. The plot is fascinating, the characters are wonderful, and the writing is superb. I could literally sit down and read this one again right now. SO good!
If you enjoy historical fiction with plenty of romance and intrigue-this book is definitely for you.
I don’t often mark a book as buy-worthy, but this one is-go pick it up!
I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!