Member Reviews

Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be finishing or reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.

This does not mean I do not like the book, it just means I will no longer be reviewing Thomas Nelson books.

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Thank you Thomas Nelson for providing an eARC for review.

The story was 4 stars
The character development 3.5 (Julia didn't have strong character)
The writing 4stars

I likes Isaac and couldn't stand his devilish lazy brother Mathew. Isaac and Mathew are twins, but Isaac is considered the spare due to being born second. Isaac inherited a mine that he's been struggling to get up and running in profit. This is Julia Twethewey's story. She's visiting her cousin. She was accosted on her way there and was rescued by Isaac. There's mystery, dastardly acts and people, love, loss and loyalty. Isaac was the star in this book.

I am enjoying this series and would highly recommend. This book has been compared to Poldark and Northanger Abbey.

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Superb story! Absolutely loved the mystery. Trust is huge in this story and the end is wonderful!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Who doesn’t love a good Sarah E Ladd Regency story? I know I love them. This one is full suspension, mystery and romance. 3 of my favorite things to find in a book. It also is clean which makes it the best type of romance.

Synopsis:
Cornwall, England, 1818

Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

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No time for a formal review. I enjoy Ms. Ladd's books, and this was no exception. I recommend this series and look forward to her next book.

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This historic regency romance is just what we needed in 2020!!!!!!!!!! Love these types of novels and can sink into one for days. Love always prevails & I love reading the old ways of courtship. Thank you to Netgalley for my honest review.

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This was my first book written by Sarah Ladd, and I am hooked! Ladd does wonderful character and world building and her writing style is quick to wrap you up in it. I loved Mandie books when I was younger and this one is right up my alley as far as the mystery and intrigue goes.

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Ghosts, hidden treasures, and a malevolent housekeeper are not what nineteen year old Julia Tretheway expected when she arrives at Lanwyn Manor as a companion to her pregnant, bedridden cousin. Leaving Penwythe Hall to recover from heartbreak, the attraction she feels for Isaac Blake is also unlooked for, as is her aunt's encouragement of a match with Isaac's twin brother.

With tensions over the closing of her uncle's mine and troubling occurrences in Lanwyn Manor, this is a sedately paced romance that is delightfully gothic-tinged. As with The Governess of Penwythe Hall, this is ultimately a story of two people who not only find each other, but find the strength to steadfastly do what is right no matter the personal consequences.

Another highly enjoyable Regency Romance from author Sarah E. Ladd. While not absolutely necessary to read this series in order, it will enhance your reading enjoyment as Julia Tretheway is introduced as a child in the previous book.

This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are only my own honest opinions.

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Sarah E Ladd's The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is another winning novel! Immediately transported to Regency England, I thoroughly enjoyed this mix of mystery and romance in picturesque Cornwall. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves to read Regency romantic mysteries. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC for this my honest review.

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MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Another amazing read from author Sarah E. Ladd! I love stories set in England and the setting for this one is Cornwall, England. The Blake brothers are an interesting duo, as different as night and day. They kinda grew on me as the story unfolded, but they did keep things interesting.

And then there is Julia Twethewey, wanting to get away from a failed relationship, and a broken heart. When her cousin ask Julia to come help her during a difficult pregnancy, she is more than happy to help. But she wasn’t expecting to learn so much about her extended family.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Thief of Lanwyn Manor. The cast of characters are so realistic, and as the story unfolds, I love how the characters developed so well. Another amazing thing for me was the vivid details of each scene, making Cornwall, England come alive before my eyes as I read each page. There is so much to say about this story, with just the right amount of mystery, drama, romance and suspense, that the twist and turns happening will keep you turning the pages until the end. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a nice clean entertaining and enjoyable read. And especially those who love historical fiction.

A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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I love and enjoy Sarah E. Ladd's books. She can write Regency Romance to where she is quickly added to your must read authors. Having one son is difficult but having twins is double trouble. Julia's heart has been broken and vows to not be embarrassed like that again. Rumor has it there is some kind of treasure in Julia's uncle's manor. Isaac is a man of dignity and love for the mines his father built up for him. Julia and Isaac form a friendship because his brother has laid claim on her. But can they get passed what society demands and the responsibility of a second son. There is a thief among the characters and you will be trying to guess to figure it out. It's full of intrigue, family trouble, romance, and friendship that turns to love.
Blessings,
Karen Hadley
Rating: 5*
This book was a gift and all opinions are my own.

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Satah Ladd has become a favorite in the Regency Christian historical fiction. With each new book her writing gets better. This is a great novel weaving a little mystery with romance for a fun read.

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The genre of the book was a bit new to me. The storyline was good and the writing as well. Keep it up!

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I have recently learned that I enjoy novels that have a gothic feel to them. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd definitely has many of the typical gothic themes--a large, dark, scary mansion, strange happenings inside the said mansion and an ongoing, complicated mystery.

However, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor’s overall feel is not all dark and dreary. In fact, it catches your attention with the very first line and whisks you away into a series of strange circumstances. You barely have time to stop and try to piece together the multiple working parts of the mystery because you will be busy keeping the pages turning! There will be no sleep until all is revealed!

I loved the adventurous and independent spirit of Julia Twethewey (I may have had a difficult time pronouncing that even in my head.). She may have known how to be the beautiful socialite, but I also loved her desire to know more about common things, like running an orchard or a mine. I also found her bravery shocking at times (no way I’d climb into the attic of a creepy house), but also refreshing for a woman of the time period.

Isaac Blake is a gentle and kind man, and I believe it is this quiet determination to do good and his humble ability to care for all kinds of people that make him hero-worthy. Although the romance is not front and center in this story, I still enjoyed the development of Isaac’s relationship with Julia.

If you like Regency-era sweet romance, I believe you would like this book even though the romance is not as prominent as in other books. And if you enjoy books with a gothic theme, then you would definitely enjoy this book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.

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This was my first time reading this author. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Even though this is the second book in a series, it reads like a standalone.

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I always find myself turning to Regency fiction for comfort reading. This book is no different even though it boasts a creepy house and ghostly happenings. I love this Cornwell series, and can't wait for the next installment. It's nice to read about "normal" people during this time period. The romance was lovely. The hero was dashing and the leading lady was sweet and kind. They were a couple to root for. I'm interested to see if the next book has people we've already met in it as this one did. I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance.

I received this book from Netgalley for the purpose of review.

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I'll be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I read this book. The last time I had attempted to read a historical romance novel I ended up putting it aside. I expected to slog through The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor starts off with a bang, right in the beginning we're thrown into the action - and I loved it and I was fully invested in the story. The pacing of events seemed to be pretty good until about the middle when it dragged, but it quickly picked up again. My only complaint is that it took a while to get the "thief" part of this book.

I really enjoyed the plot, it was pretty intriguing, but about half-way through the book I kind of predicted the big reveal that comes at the end, which honestly felt a bit rushed.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this novel. Julia was a great leading lady, and although I know that the previous book in the series isn't abut her, I am intrigued to see her as one of the side characters in The Governess of Penwythe Hall and see her character development since then.

Isaac was a great male lead, but there were times he aggravated me, especially towards the end of the novel. I get that this is also set in a different era where societal expectations and norms were different, but I was still bugged and I don't know inf I can pinpoint an exact moment without sharing a spoiler.

I also found Julia's aunt and uncle - Mr. and Mrs. Lambourne - extremely irritating, especially with her aunt's disregard for Isaac and her uncle's disregard for the mine that he owns. I will say that the villains in this novel - I don't want to reveal who they are, because it is a spoiler - but they were developed really well and I liked how their dastardliness was slowly revealed until they were fully exposed to the other characters. I also liked Margaret Benson and how she also contributed to the story, albeit in a small way.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, I think the story was pretty great despite the couple of things I didn't like. This was the first book I've read by Sarah E. Ladd, and I think I will be reading a lot more of her books in the future. I am giving this a 3.5/5 Stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrating Lit in exchange for an honest review.

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Cornwall, 1818
Julia left home to go to her cousin who is lying in and very ill. This was a new manor, one that her Uncle had just acquired. Of the top society, it would be to her benefit to go. However underlying secrets on her side as well as her Uncle's side made things not quite what they seemed. The brothers next door are twins who wish to expand their wealth by convincing Julia's Uncle to let them partner in running his mine as well as their own. The welfare of the entire town is involved, and they have strong feelings on it, especially since her Uncle had closed his mine down. As soon as she enters the town Julia is threatened, and the danger and mysteries increase steadily. Intriguing story that makes it hard to put down. Nothing is obvious. Excellent read, quite real and a pleasure for those who enjoy this time and place.
#TheThiefOfLanwynManor #NetGalley
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Sarah Ladd writes and excellent romance/mystery. The characters are well developed and occasionally unexpected. The plot while sometimes dark, resolves well after many twists.

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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 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.

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