While some readers met Julia Trethewey in Sarah Ladd’s previous novel, you will really get to know her in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.

Ladd’s latest release combines elements of Jane Austen (think Northanger Abbey) and Poldark with its setting in Cornwall and a large house shrouded in mystery with the myth of secret treasure, hidden passages and tunnels, and suspicious servants.

Add to that the twins who own some of the local mines and are vying for Julia’s attention. Isaac and Matthew may be brothers but their character, commitment to their workers, and motivations are worlds apart.

Julia has a good head on her shoulders and a tender heart for the less fortunate women and children in the area. She’s a loyal friend and knows her mind while she’s unsure of trusting her heart.
Ladd’s unique Regency voice shines through in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.

The author has once again given us a unique look at life in the Cornwall area around 1818. Mining is the business of the area, and the livelihood of all depends on the whims of the owners. Julia Twethewey, needing a new beginning, has come to help her beloved cousin, Jane, who is expecting a baby. Cue the Aunt who thinks she is a matchmaker.

Things get really interesting for Julia, as she almost gets mugged, accused of thievery and is left feeling like she just doesn’t belong. Who really is the thief? Is there really a treasure in the Manor or is the story there just to frighten those who live there? All the twists and turns find the reader having no idea who the perpetrator might be. Add a wonderful old mansion with secret passages and hidden doors and you have one fabulous story.

This ARC was received through Thomas Nelson. NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

This is the second book by Sarah E Ladd that I have read and I am not disappointed. If you like reading regency books, you will enjoy this. She brings the main characters to life and gives a nice glimpse of life in that time period. The supporting characters were also developed nicely.



The story flowed well and kept my interest throughout. I thought I had figured it out early on but throughout the book, I kept changing my mind on whom the thief might be. I will not even give a hint on who it was, but this will keep you turning the pages to find out.



The editing was well done, which to me, is very important. I was given a chance to read and review this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Netgalley. The review is not required and the opinions are completely my own. I give this 5 out of 5 star review.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is about Julia Twethewey,a young lady who travels to the mining town of Goldweth to stay with her aunt and uncle at their home, Lanwyn Manor, in Cornwall, England. She has left her home for a time to escape humiliation after being betrayed by a man she believed loved her. Upon arriving, she is accosted at gunpoint by men trying to rob her, but she is rescued from harm by Isaac Blake, a young man whom she finds it difficult to get out of her mind. She quickly learns that the townspeople do not like her uncle since he closed his mine putting much of the town out of work, and that they might possibly wish him harm. A series of strange events occur at Lanwyn Manor following the attack on Julia; valuables go missing, strange noises come from the attic, cloaked figures escape into the forest at night. Soon, it becomes clear that Julia herself may be in danger if she stays in Goldweth. But as much as she wants to go home, she is drawn to Isaac Blake and she doesn’t want to abandon the possibility of a future with him. But before any future plans can be made, Julia and Isaac must uncover the truth about the thief at Lanwyn Manor.

As I started reading The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, I thought it started a bit slowly. But a few chapters in, it picked up, and I got drawn in. The story was full of action, emotion, scheming, deception, and mystery. Once I was into the story, I read most of the book in one day. I couldn’t wait to find out who was behind everything. Overall, I very much enjoyed reading The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A beloved author of Regency fiction returns with a tale of ghosts, a missing treasure, and love. Set against the hauntingly beautiful geography of Cornwall, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a treat for readers that love Regency fiction with a subtle Gothic flair.



One of my favorite things about Sarah E. Ladd’s novels is her engaging style of writing. All of her books contain enough mystery to ground the novel and keep the story flowing, but are wrapped in such a refreshingly sweet voice that makes me feel right at home. Like cozying up with a warm blanket on a stormy day.



Ladd’s characters always shine, and her latest cast is among my favorites. Julia was a lovely heroine. She’s kind and caring with enough spunk to give her courage. The sort of girl you want to befriend. I also really liked Isaac. He was a strong, thoughtful hero with a good heart. My favorite kind! I thought he and Julia made a wonderful couple.



The plot is filled with twists and turns, adding excitement to the novel. Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt with a few ghostly myths thrown in for good measure?



Historical romance readers will delight in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor. Highly recommend!



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

This was an enjoyable romance novel with a mystery thrown in as well. The mystery was a little predictable but the story was still very good. If you enjoy Regency Romance, this one is for you.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a riveting, lovely second book in Sarah E. Ladd’s Cornwall series, which can very easily be read as a stand-alone. The romance unfolds at an ideal pace - not over night, and not delayed until the very end. And the mystery of the titular thief may not be entirely shocking, but I was captivated as events unfurled. I feel like the author took the major complaint from the first book (the absurdly slooooow pacing) to heart, and upped the intensity level here. Well done.

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

Set in Cornwall, England in the midst of mining country, Isaac Blake runs a mine that has been inherited from his diseased father and is owned by his twin, Matthew, who is 3 minutes older. Matthew has a hidden side that noone knows about. Some of the mines in the area have been closed meaning many of the local miners are out of work and unhappy. Julia Twetheway has just come to this area to stay with her aunt, uncle, and cousin, who is having a difficult pregnancy. Trouble starts from the moment she arrives because her uncle won't open the mine he has bought along with the Lanwyn Manor. Will Isaac and Julia be able to solve the thefts, mysteries, and problems that beset Lanwyn Manor.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series as I felt the children at Penwhythe Hall brought the book to life along with the main characters. I wasn't as drawn in to this book, but still enjoyed the twists and turns as Isaac and Julia tried to figure out what was happening at Penwhthe Hall and why Matthew was pursuing her so frantically. I did figure out the villain about halfway through the story but not the whys and wherefores. I also liked the ending and Matthew's choices.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Another great read. Really enjoyed the complexity of the plot and challenges for the main characters. A sweet romance that kept pulling me back to the story even when life was busy and tried to interfere. I loved the light mystery that ramped up in tension as the chapters slipped from one to another. Very enjoyable read for those who love Jane Austen era England.

This is the second book in the Cornwall series. You do not need to have read the first book in order to understand what is going on in this one.
I felt like it was a bit predictable and it was a little slow in the middle of the book, but it was still an enjoyable read. The love story was great and the mystery made me want to finish to see if my assumptions were correct.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor features Julia Twethewey, the niece of Jac Twethewey from “The Governess of Penwythe Hall”. It is second in this series but can be read as a stand alone. We read about the copper mines and the men who own them, namely Blake Matthews and his twin brother Issac. Although they are mostly identical in looks, they are completely different in actions. Matthew being the firstborn inherited his father’s producing mine, Isaac inherited one that had been closed and he can never find the means to get it to operating again. Julia knows she should be drawn to Matthew as he has stated his claim to her in marriage, but she cannot help but be drawn to the other brother. There is much suspense and danger through out this interesting novel. Thefts of jewels are blamed on the innocent but who else would have access to them. This great read features rumored ghosts, hidden treasure and secret passageways. All of this and a delightful romance makes Ladd’s latest novel a big hit…….. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for an ARC of this novel.

I received and ARC of this book through Netgalley to read in exchange for a fair review.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second in Sarah E. Ladd’s latest series, the Cornwall novels, but, as is typical of the author’s style, while there are small connections you appreciate if you read in order, the stories completely stand alone and the characters of book one have almost nothing to do with this book.

And admittedly, I’m kind of glad, as while that first book was ok, it was one of her weaker efforts, and very cliche, while this one is more of a return to form. The constant is that the setting of Cornwall remains beautifully realized, and the story feels atmospheric, while exploring a different nefarious deed that hasn’t been treaded to the point where it’s become a stereotype.

Isaac in particular is great, with his concern for those working in the mine he and his family own. Ladd’s books have slowly begun to focus more on the issues of the working class in this period (an aspect I also loved in her previous stand alone book, The Weaver’s Daughter), and she does so in a way that left me feeling enlightened and reflecting on the issues in comparison to today.

I really enjoyed the romantic tension in this one, especially as Julia grows closer to Isaac, in spite of his brother initially seeming like a more ideal suitor. This also leads to great character development between the brothers as well, especially given Matthew has a connection to the things going on.

There is a mystery, but while Ladd’s build-up is fantastic, as noted with the development of setting in terms of Gothic atmosphere, the reveal is a little underwhelming and predictable, and now that I’ve grown as a reader, I can recognize that as a flaw in many of her books, where it’s less “aha!” when you put the pieces together, and more “but of course it is.”

This is not my favorite Sarah Ladd title, but I still enjoyed it for the most part. I recommend it to people looking for a sweet read that also has a thread of suspense.

This historical, romantic mystery has everything fans of these genres look for in a story. For me it was the mystery that kept the pages turning, that and the strong feelings of sympathy the author evokes for her characters. This is truly a story of beauty from ashes, of joy in the morning, something we may all need to be reminded of from time to time. Ladd paints vivid mental images of her settings and her characters in a way that draws the readers to them. I enjoyed my time spent at Lanwyn Manor and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Sarah Ladd's latest book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinons expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Isaac Blake regretted his actions, but had there been any other choice?” - Opening line of “Thief of Lanwyn Manor” by Sarah E. Ladd

Having thoroughly enjoyed “The Governess of Penwythe Hall”, I so looked forward to returning to this cast of characters in Sarah E. Ladd’s “Thief of Lanwyn Manor”. The story begins as Julia, the eldest of the children in Jac and Delia’s charge, arrives in a new town. If you haven’t read the first book, whilst I recommend it, you won’t feel left behind, this one stands alone!

Julia, looking to heal a broken heart in a new environment, travels to care for her pregnant, and unwell, cousin. As she waits to travel the last leg of her journey to Lanwyn Manor, she’s held up by thieves and rescued by local Isaac Blake. Upon arrival at the manor, she is told of more strange happenings at the house. Her aunt isn’t enjoying country life and, along with her youngest daughter, is desperate to leave. Her uncle, however, is weighing up what to do with his recently inherited mine. Closed until he decides, the village is unhappy with the family as many of them are desperate for the work.

Isaac runs one of the other local mines and is the younger twin brother of landowner, Matthew. Julie’s aunt believes a match between Matthew and Julia would be ideal but Julia connects with Isaac’s humility and intelligence. Down to earth, Isaac is integrated into the village and friends with many of the miners. As strange things continue happening, he comes alongside Julie in trying to work out the mystery of Lanwyn Manor.

I love the cast of supporting characters in this one and, whilst the mystery is resolved by the end of the novel, I’d love to spend more time in this village! Guessing what was really going on was entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey from start to finish!

If you enjoy a beautifully written historical romance with a mystery, this one is for you! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!

Set in Regency England, the mining industry and its family legacy is at the heart of the story. I had not read this author and the first in the Cornwall Series, but it was an interesting read about the social mores of the time. There were twists and turns in the plot and the ending was satisfying.

Fleeing from the gossip that she had been jilted, Julia arrives at Lanwyn Manor to keep her pregnant cousin Jane, who is quite ill, company. But whatever she may have expected of the change, she had not expected to be attacked at the local inn in her uncle's absence before even reaching the manor, nor to face threats from various quarters when she chose to remain... Isaac leads a busy life, helping his 3-minute-older brother to look after the latter's mine, with no time to deal with his own long-deserted mine, let alone to hunt for a wife. Or so he had thought - but he seems unable to clear his mind of thoughts of the woman he had rescued at the inn on her arrival. Unfortunately, his brother has the money and position that he lacks, making him the more desirable suitor, and seems eager to pursue her. With unrest in the area due to the high unemployment resulting from the closure of the mine inherited by Julia's uncle, will Isaac be able to work out who is threatening Julia and causing other trouble? And will he manage to overcome the seemingly insurmountable barriers between him and Julia?

Though not a heavy read, this came across as quite dark at times - from hints of danger from the mine workers, to hostility from the housekeeper, to suggestions of malpractice or even danger from the accoucheur. Despite that, though, the encounters between Julia and Isaac (and sometimes others) lightened things up enough to make for a good read. I was a bit disappointed that it felt like there were several loose threads left hanging, though I don't want to enumerate them for fear of spoilers - possibly a future book will deal with them? Overall, I enjoyed the gradual development of the romance and the unfolding of the mystery, but found the dialogue nothing particularly special and not a lot of character growth. The ending was good, though, ignoring the aforementioned loose ends. I'd really like a sequel that followed up the mining side of things as well as looking at their married life - and perhaps a book that could make me like Matthew? Summary: not my favourite book by the author, but I hope to read more in the series in future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I fell in love with the writing of Sarah E. Ladd in the first book of this series and when I saw that Ii will release the second one I was excited to read. This time, it is the story of Julia, one of Jac's nieces from the previous book.

Julia is heartbroken and willingly accepted to go to another uncle's home in another city to try to forget what she suffered and make new friends. Arriving there she is surprised by a group of bandits and that's where begins the mystery of why they attacked the girl and where begins the romance of our history.

Isaac Blake is the youngest of the Blake brothers and has always lived in his brother's shadow. Upon meeting sweet Julia, his heart which was totally geared toward work at Brother Matthew's mines will sway.

etween intrigue, betrayal, tragedy, and parties, Isaac and Julia will develop a beautiful friendship. Even with her aunt's fixed idea that Matthew is the best match for her, Julia can't help but stay near Isaac and they will team up to find out who is behind the weird events surrounding the Lanwyn Manor.

I love the way the writer sets her stories and I loved the way she conducted the forbidden love between Julia and Isaac. Even with all their doubt and insecurity, it was beautiful to see how they could identify what they felt and how they fought for what they wanted at the right moment

Julia is smart and brave and at various points, in the plot, I remembered that classic phrase from the ScobbyDoo's bad guys (don't laugh because I couldn't help but remember it LOL) that they would have gotten what they wanted if it weren't for the eavesdropper children. Julia is very eavesdropper and her curiosity will disrupt the plan of the bandits of the city. I loved it so much. Too bad at the right time, the writer opted for a situation that displeased me a lot and left my jaw-dropping. What happens, My dear God! She had everything to make the twist into the apotheosis of the book. She was super smart in choosing the villain and just made everything warm with her choices for this situation.

At first I was upset with the prologue because I never liked parents who act like Daddy Blake acted so for the same reason I did not like the unlogical way of solving the mystery. Both situations have failed enormously in my opinion. I believe for a Christian novel these details were a pretty big flaw. As I said in the previous paragraph, the writer's choice ended up ruining what might be 6 stars for me, as she was fantastic in the setting of a small-town society, prejudice, gossip, the motivation for the crimes and could have taken the reader with a simple but enriching moral lesson in the end.

Anyway ... the story is good, the romance is beautiful and it made up for my disappointment with the mystery. Now I wait for book 3 and pray that this time she can close all the edges as she did with book 1.

My thanks to Netgalley, the author and Thomas Nelson.This is my honest opinion.


3/5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable regency romance mystery. I tore through this book pretty quickly as the characters were easy to like and the book was paced at enough of a clip to keep me interested.

My first of Sarah's books to read.

Nice book filled with mysteries, secrets, intrigue.

I was fascinated by Isaac's and Julia's meeting. Very unusual but interesting.
The story winds through the happenings in Lawnyn Manor.
Julia left her home at the request of her cousin to Lawnyn Manor and met Issac through a very fascinating but dangerous event. She was recovery from a heart break and needed new scenery.
I liked the thrill of a thief running loose in the Manor and causing tension. Aunt Beatrice was a very fascinating character. Her matchmaking skills stellar.

I liked Julia's sweet disposition and Isaac's quiet nature even though he was twins with the very outgoing Matthew.

Set in the Regency England with a lot of mining history this book is a slow read and a good one with twists and turns.

I received a copy of from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

What a fantastic story filled with unexpected twists and turns. I was kept on the razor edge, turning pages expectantly to find out what would happen next and kept guessing until the end! I’ve read and enjoyed many of Sarah E. Ladd’s books, but this has got to be my favorite. If you enjoy Regency period stories with mystery and intrigue, then do yourself a favor and snag a copy of this book to enjoy!

While this is the second story in the Cornwall series, it easily stands alone. There are a few references to the characters we previously met in book one. But you could easily jump right in with book two if you so wish. Fans of Poldark and Jane Austen will be blissfully enamored with this new story! A rumored treasure, shadowy figures, whispers in the walls. Secrets abound and surprises await!

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