Author Sarah Ladd sucks you right into the story from the first. You feel like you're right there cheering for Delia and Jac and the children and shuddering at the evil that threatens them. The characters felt like friends--and enemies! Ms. Ladd does a terrific job telling a story. Can't wait to read more from her!

I enjoyed this book very much! This may be my favorite book by this author so far. There was suspense, likeable characters and romance. This all combined to make it a real page turner.

Sarah Ladd’s latest release combines all the things we love about her writing with scenes from Cornwall. Smugglers, orphans, mysteries, and well-rounded characters who come alive on the pages.

Cordelia Greythorne left her beloved Cornwall under a cloud of fear and regrets. The only thing that will convince her to return? The children she loves and cares for as their governess. When Delia goes to her employer’s deathbed, she promises to stay with his children. After all, they have already lost their mother and Delia loves them dearly.

Along with the boy’s tutor, Mr. Simon, Delia travels back to Cornwall to Penwythe Hall to meet her charges’ new guardian—Jac Twethewey—the estranged brother of the recently deceased Mr. Randall Twethewey. As she helps the children navigate life in their new home, Delia fears that her past will catch up to her and bring more heartache to the Twethewey children.

Jac Twethewey has no idea that his brother has changed his will at the last moment. When Mrs. Greythorne, Mr. Simon, and the executor of his brother’s will show up on his doorstep with five children, Jac has little time to grieve. Above all, he wants his nieces and nephews to feel welcomed at Penwythe Hall—just as his aunt and uncle welcomed him and his brother so many years ago when they lost their parents. He knows how it feels to lose everything.

As everyone settles in, Jac depends more and more on Mrs. Greythorne and her wisdom. He just wishes she didn’t have so much mystery surrounding her. He struggles to make the home farms financially viable and forge relationships with five orphans. When a notorious smuggler shows up and claims a connection to Mrs. Greythorne, his worries increase.

Ladd has created a gorgeous setting peopled with characters who struggle to forget the past, find love in the present, and create a strong future.

Cordelia Greythorne is a governess to 3 girls primarily, along with helping with their 2 brothers. When her employer dies, he entreats her and the boys tutor to go with the children to his brother at Penwythe Hall. Cordelia is worried about her past colliding with her present and the book focuses are part of that along with getting to know Jac Trethewey, who is the master of Penwythe Hall. Engaging story with likeable characters (at least the good ones) with the intrigue of Cordelia’s past make this a hard to put down book. Looking forward to what the author has planned for the rest of the series.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is my opinion only.

It's romance light. By that, I mean it's squeaky clean. Disney movies have more heat.

It's kind of got a mystery to it, but only because the author holds out the reason that Delia's former brother-in-law makes veiled threats to her. Let me warn you, the reason is so dumb you'll want to slap her. If she had known the location of gold or jewels, then yeah, okay, it makes sense for her inlaws to threaten and kidnap a young boy. It's nothing that good, and requires everyone to be infected with group stupidity. It stretches the boundaries of believability.

I would say that the characters are rich, but most aren't. Delia's a prudish ninny, and while Jac is an improvement over her, he's still about as sexy as a lampost.

The only way to make any of these people interesting is to only read the first 75 pages (you can skim the first six chapters because nothing important happens). At that point you still have hope for the naughty governess to emerge, but no joy. In fact, 14 year old Liam is the most interesting character and that's depressing.

Save yourself the boredom and read Northanger Abbey. It's waaasy better and there's definitely more romance

This book was a little more difficult for me to get into, it took some time to finish but character development and the scene was fantastic, The author did a fabulous job but it was just not what I expected

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd. Thomas Nelson, 2019.

Despite her mother-in-law’s hateful threats and accusations, young Delia manages to leave her late husband’s family home in Cornwall with a secret. The story begins several years later when called to her dying, widowed employers’ deathbed, Delia promises to remain as governess to his five children, after seeing them safely across England to his brother Jac, their guardian, on a family estate in Cornwall.

Though we are uncertain of the intentions of some characters and several subplots work to discover Delia’s secret, undermine her promise and threaten the children’s future. There is an appealing goodness in Jac and Delia; both are likeable and consistently described.

Well written, the book is an easy, enjoyable read. I only noticed when preparing to review it that this Regency Romance has also been flagged as a Christian Romance.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book! It’s the first book I’ve read in a very long time where none of the characters were annoying, and the storyline didn’t break down into unbelievable events near the end just to make things come together. The action and pacing were good, and the storyline believable. Mrs. Cordelia Greythorne was a likeable character, a strong role model for the children, and a determined woman. She was put into situations that required her to stand up for herself and those she loved. I was glad to see a female protagonist who was strong but not obnoxiously so.

The children were also sweet and likeable. The entire plot line revolved around them in some fashion, so I am glad the author didn’t write any of them as annoying. Mr. Twethewey (though I still have no idea how to pronounce his name) was also a great character. His developing interaction with the children was endearing, as was watching his interaction with Delia, and his self-examination. It was sweet to see him change for the better through challenging situations.

I appreciated the mystery part of the plot, but was glad it wasn’t the main focus of the author. I don’t think it would have been as compelling. I love a good story that’s just about the lives of people, and this was a very good one.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, romance, slight mystery, and just a sweet story. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Cordelia became a governess for a new life after her husband died. When her employer dies, she goes with her charges back to the Cornish coast. Will her past destroy her present, or will love overcome all?

I loved the details of this novel! not only about the smuggling at the time but also that concerning orchards. Both made the story more interesting and I felt like I had learned something about the Cornish area.

Cordelia was a relatable character. She kept her secret and it was revealed slowly, keeping me guessing. Her fear was understandable, but I did expect more suspense given the plot threads.

Opposite her was Jac (and I have no idea how to pronounce his last name). His interactions with his nieces and nephews were sweet, and I really enjoyed how he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Without question, he was my favorite.

The plot was steady and well-developed. Jac's nieces and nephews were adorable. I look forward to what else this author has for this series.

I would recommend this to any reader of Regency novels.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall takes place with Delia as a governess to 5 children and when the children's father dies, they go along with Delia to live with Uncle Jac. He is running an orchard farm trying to make something of the land when Delia and the 5 children show up. Delia has reserves about moving to the area since it is where she came from just 3 years prior. Her life before was unhappy and full of mystery. As Delia is getting to know Jac and building a friendship, her past comes back into her life. This book was such a mystery to me with her past family situation and now he and Jac's relationship started off such a slow to warm feeling. I felt toward the end the chemistry was there but with Delia's past, she was too focused on that plus with the 5 children she was in charge of. This was an okay kind of read. I have always enjoyed Sarah Ladd's novels and will continue to read them, this one was not one I would read again. 3.5 Stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Governess Of Penwythe Hall is set in Regency England in Cornwall. It begins with Cordelia Greythorne leaving her in-laws home after the death of her husband. Determined to make a new future for herself, she becomes a governess to a family with five children. When those children are orphaned within a few years, and sent to live with an uncle they barely know, Delia and the children’s tutor agree to go with them. Delia brings some normalcy to their lives but the children are dealing with grief, new surroundings and an uncle they don’t quite trust.
The uncle is Jac Trethewey, owner of Penwythe Hall who is working to save the estate and make it a functioning apple farm. He too is startled by his estranged brother’s sudden death and his new role as guardian to five. As the family adjusts and begins to settle in, Delia’s past ties to Cornwall start to catch up with her. There’s a reason she left her in-laws house, and it’s more than just her husband’s death.
Secrets and betrayals kept me interested in a story that’s pretty fast paced especially towards the end. The characters are all really well drawn, the story intrigued me from the beginning and the setting along the coast and the moors was perfectly described. I have enjoyed all of the books I’ve read by this author and this one is no exception. I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction and inspirational fiction who like a bit of adventure and a sweet romance with believable characters.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Review- The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah Ladd
This is the first book I read from Sarah Ladd but not the last. I was intrigued by the cover and the genre of inspirational historical fiction. First of let me say if you are looking for a clean read that is well-written you will enjoy this book. The author is talented and does a wonderful job with character development. The plot is deliberate and steady for most of the book but then explodes with energy and adventure towards the end. I would have preferred some more adventure or excitement earlier in the book.
A couple of favorite quotes from the book:
“Faith is how you get past it. Faith that you will not be given a heavier burden than you can bear. Faith that there is wisdom to be gleaned from every situation…”
“Fear is a bitter vile enemy—it will rob you of today’s joys and seal your strength to fight for your purpose.”

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

Upon the death of her husband, Delia, a vicar's daughter, becomes a governess to a family with five children.
Following the tragic death of first the mother and then the father, the later chooses his estranged brother to be the children's legal guardian, who lives in Cornwall. The father also makes provisions for the children's tutor and governess to remain employed and accompany the children to their new home.

And so begins their new life at Penwythe Hall in Cornwall.

I like the children in the story, and I like how Jac, the uncle, gradually becomes more and more interested in them and comes to love them. Aunt Charlotte was also a great character.

In the end, Delia was able to put behind her past (not before some tense, dangerous, moments) and she and Jac make a great couple.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This was a sweet story featuring a woman to cheer for who faces disillusionment, tragic losses and dangers from her past but through faith perseveres, overcomes and triumphs to find new love and a brighter future. Well-written if a bit predictable.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Delia has been forced from her home after her husband’s death because she has something that her in-laws want. 3 years of governessing later, she is returning to the Moors caring for the Tretheway children. As she becomes closer with their uncle, Jac, Delia must confront her past to stop living in fear.

I thought that this was a fun read. Delia and Jac were complex characters. I especially liked how Delia fought to maintain control of her life even when everyone around her was trying to take that control away from her.

After her husband's death, Cordelia Greythorne left Cornwall, warned by her in-laws never to return, and obtained a position as a governess. For three years she has worked for the Tretheway family, and when the children are left orphans, she knows they need her to stay with them and provide a constant, loving force in their lives. However, their uncle Jac, their new guardian, lives in Cornwall, and staying with the children means returning to the area she's been avoiding.
Jac Trethewey is busy trying to revitalize his estate, Penwythe Hall, hoping that if he can get the apple orchards to flourish, the estate can thrive as well. When his estranged brother's five children and their governess arrive at Penwythe Hall, he knows he will take them in but he doesn't know how to make things work. What he does come to quickly realize is that Delia is more than the average governess--she is the one holding the family together and he wants to support her as much as she supports everyone else. And yet, there are rumors about her and secrets that make his new situation even more complicated than it first appeared.

I loved this book. It's easily my favorite of Sarah E. Ladd's books (all of which I've read and enjoyed) and one of the best books I've read in 2019. I was just so pulled into the story; I loved impulsive Jac who wants to do right by his nieces and nephews, and strong, good Delia who just works so hard to care for the children. I found the plot to be engaging and moving. The romance was slow-building and sweet, and I wouldn't have minded if there'd been a little more of the book that took place after their feelings were revealed, but all in all, it was a lovely book that I highly recommend.

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

This was a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I like I book that gets your attention quickly and keeps it. The Governess of Penwythe Hall does that as Cordelia Greythorne flees Cornwal after being blamed for the death of her husband. This is a superb Regency romance that is sure to delight.

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

I did not know what to expect from this book except for the fact that this title is in demand at our library. Amish/Christian Fiction is very popular and The Governess of Penwythe Hall did not disappoint. Everyone in their own way can relate to Cordelia and the struggles she went through prior to being a governess and when her master has suddenly passed away and finds out their new guardian is in an abandoned struggling apple orchard called Penwythe Hall. As Cordelia and the children move in with Uncle Jac, things take an unexpected turn and Jac and Cordelia may grow closer than expected. Such an enticing novel with a Jane Austen like setting that made it very enjoyable to read. Our patrons are sure to love this book. I can not wait until the second installment of this series and learn more about the Trethewey family.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection in our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Family regrets, hold both Jac Tretheway and Cordelia Greythorne’s lives hostage. While Jac tries to make amends with the past by rebuilding the estate he inherited, Cordelia attempts to be content in a life of service. A surprising turn leads to Jac and Cordelia together. Can they see beyond their past to make a future together?
I think that one of the main themes I connected with was that of living with fear. I don’t think I could say it better then the author did in these two quotes:
“Fear knew no bounds and came in so many forms: Fear of what the future held. Fear of more loss. Fear of opening her heart and finding pain. Fear that if she did pray, her words would not be heard.”
“Never are we promised an easy life, but we are promised that when we rely on Him for strength, we will have what we need to face our challenges. Fear is a bitter, vile enemy- it will rob you of today's joys and steal your strength to fight for your purpose. Faith is why I don’t fear tomorrow or the next day.”
I always enjoy reading a book for pleasure that also encourages me to be greater. I don’t have to live in fear and neither do you. Let God be your peace, calm and strength.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I share here.

I enjoy Sarah E. Ladd books.

I liked the characters in this book overall. The two love interests are good, likable people and deal well (mostly) with the challenges they face. The children are real kids who grieve and stress but adapt to their situation. Takes longer for some to adapt but they are good kids.
This is not a fluff romance book. I'd say there is more intrigue and drama than romance. Their romance is a slow burn. I was about halfway through the book before I started to see evidence of budding interest in each other and real romance didn't happen until the end. The pacing of this story is slow and steady. The reader is introduced to potential problems early on and through the book but the bulk of it doesn't actually happen until the last 20%-ish of the book. It takes so long to get to the true conflict in the story that I was feeling more and more worked up and worried as I went. Something really bad will have to happen but what will it be and when will it hit? And even as it did, it didn't play out how I expected. My only real dislike of this book is that one of the "bad guys" doesn't get what's coming to him. I just have to hope that at some point karma catches up with him. ha ha.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes. not graphic
Some Christian themed dialogue.

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