Christian Historical Romance 1811
Cassandra was given a letter at the Headmistress' death bed. It was a lead to the parents and heritage that she never knew. She was raised there at the school and a teacher, but that was all gone now. All alone, she went to see the man who wrote the letter. Murder and mystery throughout, with happenings turning her around the Briarton Park Manor and the village as she unwrapped the layers hiding who she was. Holds your interest, pull at your heartstrings, makes you hold your breath for more than one reason. Entertaining excellent read to get lost in.
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.
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The Regency Era early industrial backdrop, a dramatic Yorkshire setting, a tantalizing mystery, and a slow burn sweet romance drew me into finally giving a new to me author a try. I love the combo of historical setting, romance, and suspense and I’ve noted this author’s works generally include them so it has only been a matter of time before I picked up one of her books.

Cassandra Hale has no notion of her family background. Her memories are of growing up as a boarding student and then staying on to teach there because there is nothing else for her. Then, on her deathbed, Cassandra’s mentor shares a letter hinting at Cassandra’s family background, but doesn’t share nearly enough. Cassandra goes on a personal quest to finally get answers about her family that leads her from just outside London to the brooding environs of Yorkshire.

Cassandra’s venture almost ends at the start when she arrives at Briarton Park only to discover it has been purchased by gentleman mill owner, James Warrington, who knows little of the previous owner and nothing of her. Cassandra is determined to get answers so she remains in the area to discover what she can about her connection to Mr. Clark, who wrote her letter and was the previous owner of Briarton Park and his son is now running the man’s mill. Slowly she pieces things together, but someone is determined to keep Cassandra from learning the truth about her past.

Meanwhile, she meets the vicar, Mr. North, who shows an interest in her, and others who take sides about her presence and who have decided opinions about her. She befriends James Warrington’s precocious younger sister when she gets into trouble and agrees to help the widower by becoming governess to his two young girls while dealing with James’ snobbish mother-in-law who resides with the family. The gently paced romance that develops out of mutual respect and understanding between Cassandra and James is set against a rising trouble in the mills as workers fear the new machines that replace the old ways and a murder mystery lending further suspense as secrets come out and Cassandra’s own confusion about her past and future.

I found this first expedition into Sarah E Ladd’s writing to be engaging from the start. I’m always up for atmosphere to permeate the tone of a story, and this one had it from the beginning. It was obvious that there were secrets to be discovered and the characters of Cassandra and James drew me in from the start. The pacing stays slower and steady for much of the book and I easily figured out most of the mystery, but that in no way detracts from the build of tension and suspense in the relationships and suspense plotting. There was more than one prospective suitor, but I never felt it slip into love triangle annoyance. There was no neglect to historical backdrop and setting nor with the characters’ own backgrounds. It all felt natural and easy as connected elements.

Early on, I felt in tune with Cassandra’s need to know where she came from and why she was left alone. The people who knew are either gone or unwilling to help her. She has lived sheltered at the boarding school with just her former teacher and then employer for support, but she is intrepid to go forth and find a new place for herself even as she discovers her past and must deal with other people’s expectations about her. James is another character who won me from the get-go as he tries to deal with a volatile sixteen-year-old sister, a domineering mother-in-law, two young motherless girls, his own grief, and the troubles at the mills. He is not too preoccupied to have sympathy and understanding for Cassandra and appreciate her with no issues about social class or background.

This is the first in a series of Yorkshire books and I am so glad this atmospheric setting and that time period will continue forward. I hope that Rachel gets her book next.

All in all, this gentle, but clever historical fiction was well-developed, engaging, and just the right amount of suspenseful and romantic. I will definitely be seeking out more from this author and highly recommend her books to those who like sweet historical romance with a strong blend of suspense.

The Letter from Briarton Park is my first time reading Sarah E Ladd, and it certainly won’t be the last. It’s been a while since I binge-read a book in two days. But this one, I tell you, had me gripped, between red herrings, bad guys hidden in plain sight, a swoony hero, admirable heroine and and the lovely backdrop of Yorkshire.

Now, confession time – I was born in North Yorkshire, so was primed to enjoy this book. However, this went beyond enjoyment. I HAD to know how the story would end.

The characters are tightly drawn with that skill where an author can show you so much of a person’s nature, just in their actions. For writers who are learning showing versus telling, this is a great book to see it done well. For readers who love well thought out and beautifully delivered stories, ones that completely you to keep reading and pull you into caring for the fictional characters, this book is highly recommended.

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

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While this began as a ‘slow burner’, things picked up & it ended far from being your typical period romance. Characters were instantly likeable (or not!), & there were enough unexpected twists & turns to definitely keep the reader’s interest. With more substance than many, it was still light enough to provide a welcome change between the heavier books I read. Also a reminder of how life could have been, if we were born in a different era – women certainly did not have the choices we have today... 3 1/2 stars

The very "A Little Princess" vibe this book began with, an orphaned girl left to be raised by a headmistress, was the perfect opening to launch us into the mystery and mayhem that follow. Cassandra finds out two years late about a letter that hints at family she doesn't know, and that is enough to push her to learn more. Her path intersects with James, a widower in need of a governess. They begin helping each other, but things begin to go wrong. It seems someone doesn't want Cassandra to find out about her family. The mystery carries us through the rest of the book to a satisfying conclusion.

2.5 stars Cassandra Hale grew up knowing nothing about her parentage, but a deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter with hints to her family’s identity. Cassandra travels to Briarton Park only to learn Mr. Clark has passed away.

James Warrington is a widower living with his daughters, sister, and mother-in-law and is the new master of Briarton Park. When Cassandra appears with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to save his sister from eloping with someone who only wants her money, he feels drawn to her.

Charlotte was a strong character, and both she and James were lonely without letting it define them. James has a deep sense of family and Charlotte wants to belong. The antagonists were over the top for me and stereotypical: the angry mother in law, the jealous half brother, the villainous alternate love interest.

This was a good premise, a master falls for the governess trope with a family mystery and a murder thrown in. But there was too much telling rather than showing, and the mystery was predictable. The couple needed more interactions to make their relationship believable for me. Their shared secrets wasn’t enough for me to believe in their relationship. I couldn’t even call it a romance because there was a lack of chemistry and we never saw their relationship develop for ourselves.

I received an arc from NetGalley

Left to be raised by the headmistress of a school for girls, Cassandra Hale never knew her family. Not their identity. Not their station. Nothing. When the headmistress reveals on her deathbed the existence a two-year-old letter from a Mr. Clark who seems to know about Cassandra’s past, she packs up and travels to Briarton Park. Upon arrival, she discover she’s too late, the letter writer having since passed. Determined to uncover her heritage and with nowhere else to go, Cassandra stays in Anston village.

Most days, widower James Warrington is just trying to survive life without his wife while caring for his two young daughters, unhappy sister, and disgruntled mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner of Briarton Park, he feels bound to aid her, especially after the help she provided his family. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that there are those who might not want the truth of Cassandra’s identity to surface.

A story about identity, family, and belonging, The Letter from Briarton Park transports readers to Regency England. Sarah E. Ladd pens a sweet love story with a hint of mystery. Cassandra is a character one can easily root for. Despite a lifetime of hurt and betrayal, both from those she’s known and those she’s never met, Cassandra still has a kindness and innocence about her that the reader can’t help but feel drawn too. I especially enjoyed watching her relationship with James’ sister.

James fits well the role of hero. I liked that James and Cassandra’s actions clearly reflected their growing feelings. They didn’t go around trying to hide what they felt, causing angst. I appreciated how they continually stepped in to help each other, never expecting anything in return. That being said, I would have liked to witness on a deeper level what made them fall in love with each other specifically.

Though I suspected the culprit early on, his/her true motives and connection to events eluded me until the end. Ladd set up the latter in such a way, that when the truth surfaced, it didn’t shock me because I could see how everything had led to it. I recommend The Letter from Briarton Park to readers of Regency romances.

The Letter from Briarton Park has just the right mix of suspense and romance, with delightful characters. I really was captivated by the story from the first page. It truthfully was one of those books that was hard to put down. Cassandra is a worthy heroine written with many interesting facets and I really enjoyed her relationship with James. Sarah Ladd has woven a wonderful, enjoyable, page-turner.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.

Amazingly, this is only my second read by Sarah E. Ladd!

I so enjoyed visiting Regency England in _The Letter from Briarton Park_. It proved a refreshing change of pace from my 20th-and-21st-century current fix, and a combination of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell--with a bit of mystery thrown in. A unique combination, to be sure, and Ladd does it well.

The book apparently clocks in at 335 pages; it in fact felt much shorter, and I would have enjoyed seeing more denouement. The story didn't suffer for that, by any stretch, and I suppose it's just as well; some reads can stretch on and on, and this was definitely not one of them. I was simply sad to see it end!

Very pleased it seems to be the first in a series, and perhaps that's the best part of it all. There's plenty of room for more stories to be told here.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Letter from Briarton Park is a thrilling Regency romance/mystery from Sarah E. Ladd. The story is captivating from the beginning as the secrets behind Cassandra Hale’s past are ever so slowly revealed. The gothic-type mystery in this book was spectacular and, for me, took center stage. The pacing was perfect to keep me reading one more chapter after another. I was completely enthralled by Miss Hale’s history. I had to know the who’s and the why’s! I could not rest until the end!!
The romance was beautiful, sweet, and oh-so-slow-burn. Many sighs were sighed. James was a perfect gentleman, a man with humble beginnings but a generous and loving heart. I enjoyed watching his heart come to life again after grieving his wife for two years. And I adored how he always took the time to fully think through his emotions but was never hesitant to act when necessary.
Overall, I loved this book. The Letter to Briarton Park is now my favorite book from this author! Fans of Regency romance/mystery, like Julie Klassen or Michelle Griep, will enjoy this story full of family secrets!
Happy reading!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Sarah Ladd is one of my go-to authors for a well-written Regency romance. She pens a marvelous blend of heartwarming characters, intriguing mystery and sweet romance that will keep readers engaged. I love how Ladd mixes the different social classes in her stories. The social unrest surrounding the mills and workers has been a focus in several of her stories adding authentic historical detail to her regency setting.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/ publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

If you like Jane Austen novels, this one's for you. Cassandra Hale has never known her parents, and when on her deathbed her guardian, Mrs. Denton, shares a letter she's been saving for two years, the course of the novel begins. The eponymous letter - from Briarton Park - offers a clue of her father's identity. So Cassandra travels from her small town near London to Briarton Park in response to the invitation to meet with the letter writer, Mr. Clark.

She learns that Mr. Clark has been deceased for two years (just after he sent the letter). She meets several people in the village and everyone soon knows of her and her search for "her people" - Mr. North, the vicar; James Warrington, a local mill owner and current owner of Briarton Park; Mr. Longham, a lawyer who has been searching for her; Betsy, a young woman who befriends her, and a few others (no spoilers here).

Throughout the novel Cassandra is looking for the truth of her parentage. As James Warrington reveals, "her plight was drawing him in. The struggle. The hope. The determination." And Cassandra's personality of thoughtful caution is admirable. She is surprisingly strong when she needs to be. Cassandra shares words of wisdom with another character which illustrate her common sense: "...what is important is that you find that your strength is in your character, not to whom you are married. Find happiness and contentment from within, not in your circumstances."

The more she searches for her origins, the more mysteries are uncovered, but not yet revealed. "Everything, every aspect of this search, feels so convoluted," Cassandra bemoans. "It seems as if everything I know is a lie or a shifted version of truth. I don't know what to do or where to go. Perhaps no one can be trusted."

The novel contains a murder, a mystery, and a search for love and acceptance. The landscape is vividly described to create a moody atmosphere (fog, rain, moonlight). There are secret passages, concealed rooms, and other hidden panels in the Briarton Park manor. This regency-era story includes historical descriptions of the period clothing as well as behavior. The characters are very aware of the propriety of the time as far as behavior, dress, language, etc.

Although this was labeled a Christian romance, this is really just a "clean" romance. Other than the characters attending church, sadly there is nothing specifically Christian. This would be suitable for the Young Adult reader, or for anyone who enjoys historical romance in the Austen genre.

Cassandra Hale, 24, was raised in and now teaches at the Denton School for Young Ladies. Mrs. Denton always said that she did not know who her parents were. Now the woman is dying, she confesses and gives her a letter and some money from a man named Robert Clark who claims to be her father. Although it was written 2 years ago, Cassandra decides to travel to Briarton Park in Yorkshire to meet him. But when she gets there, she finds the man has died and sold his home to James Warrington. Now, she must find a job to support herself.

Mr. Warrington lost his wife a couple years ago and lives with his 2 young daughters, his half sister, and his mother-in-law. Knowing he needs a governess for his daughters, James hires Cassandra for the position to the chagrin of his mother-in-law.

An attorney tells her that her father left her some land upon which is a textile mill owned by Mr. Clark’s son. The man does not believe that she is who she says she is and does all he can to invalidate her claim. But when the attorney is found dead, Cassandra’s safety is at risk.

I’ve read many books by this author and always enjoy her sweet, clean stories. This book is a bit different in that it combines a romance and a murder mystery. It’s very well-written and takes the reader through a well-crafted puzzle. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

If you want to read regency romance that has mystery and romance wrapped together then Briarton Park is the book for you. Cassandra Hale is on a quest for answers as to who her parents are, along the way she meets James Warrington and their is instant connection between the two, throw in a villain and you have intrigue! Well written story, you just want to dive in until the end. Enjoy! Thanks Thomas Nelson-FICTION. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Mystery. Romance. Suspense. The Letter from Briarton Park has all of this and more. If you are looking for a great regency read, I would recommend this wonderful novel.

Our heroine, Cassandra Hale, was sent to the Denton School for Young Ladies as an infant and has never known anything about her past. As a young lady, she receives a letter from the mysterious Robert Clark requesting her to visit him at his home, Briarton Park. After the death of Mrs. Denton, the school's headmistress and Cassandra’s surrogate mother, Cassandra decides to make the long journey to meet Mr. Clark.

Unfortunately, Cassandra received Mr. Clarks' letter too late, and Mr. Clark has died and sold his estate to the widowed Mr. James Warrington. A whole host of interesting characters from the attractive vicar, Mr. North, to Betsy, a poor seamstress, will help Cassandra find out who her family really is. Along the way, Cassandra realizes that family may not always come in the packages we expect.

***I have read several of Sarah Ladd’s novels in the past and she is a favorite to recommend to friends who steer towards more religious themes and want to stay away from steamy scenes.

Sarah E. Ladd is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Her books are always well-written with colorful, engaging characters, intriguing settings, and compelling plots. She is one of my go-to writers for Regency stories. The Letter from Briarton Park was quick to grab my interest with the main character, Cassandra Hale, traveling to Briarton Park to see if she can solve the mystery behind her past. When she meets James Warrington, the new owner of Briarton Park, he attempts to assist her.

With plenty of intrigue, adventure, and a dash of romance, this book is sure to satisfy those who enjoy Regency fiction and suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Family secrets that seem impossible to uncover, murder that appears connected to laborer disputes, and evidence that’s hidden away or destroyed make The Letter from Briarton Park an intriguing read. Cassandra Hale knows little of her parentage, but a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year old letter hinting at her family’s identity. Betrayed and angry, Cassandra leaves the only life she’s ever known and travels to the grand estate, Briarton Park to find the answers she seeks.

This story is full of twists that surprise and connections that aren’t easily recognizable at first glance. A wealth of characters add to the drama of Cassandra’s search, some helpful and others opposed to her quest. There are instantly likeable characters and an equal number of detestable ones too. Readers, along with Cassandra, are unsure which characters to trust, which makes the story that much more enjoyable.

The setting is a little town, far away from London, England. The contrast between the grand estate and the village centre is striking. Readers are given descriptions that make it easy to imagine the stench of the rowdy, drunken men and the poor conditions of the Inn and boarding house.

There isn’t a lack of potential suitors for Cassandra, but are any trustworthy? Readers can expect a sweet romance and a satisfactory ending to Cassandra’s search.

The Letter from Briarton Park gives readers an experience not quickly forgotten.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Letter from Briarton Park provides plenty of mystery and intrigue against a backdrop of Regency England.

I've read other Sarah E. Ladd books I've enjoyed more, but this one was still good.

Cassandra proves to be a relatable heroine with an understandable quest that goes way beyond a search for answers. And James is a great hero. I loved his relationship with his daughters and how hard he tried to take care of his younger sister. The romance between Cassandra and James was okay, but it did seem rather quick. However, their relationship was sweet and nice to see.

The plot itself provided plenty of twists and turns. I did not anticipate the ending, but it made complete sense once I began considering the clues.

There’s not much of a faith arc that I noticed, but there is mention of God’s hand working in their lives and events having a purpose.

Overall, The Letter to Briarton Park is an engaging Regency mystery with a sweet romance arc.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Cassandra Hale lived a very orderly, quiet life. With very little knowledge of her parentage, she at times felt the need to know more but it was not be. A deathbed confession by the woman she looked upto as the closest mother figure she had known indicated a world far outside the limitations of the genteel school Cassandra was brought up in and where she worked. A letter dated two years previous calling her to Briarton Park by a Mr. Clark was one of the surprises. Now homeless and jobless Cassandra looks to Briarton Park as a means of finding something about her parents.

Her presence in this small village does not go unacknowledged. The vicar and his housekeeper befriend her firstly, and then the new owner of Briarton Park employs her as a governess for his two small daughters. There is antagonism all around - mainly from the step brother whom she expected much of because he does not want to part with any bit of his inheritance and what has been willed to Cassandra is substantial. With the murder of Mr. Clark's lawyer, Cassandra knows she has to be wary whom to trust and whom she can call a friend.

The gentle story set in Regency times though a romance as well, also indicate the travails faced by gentlewomen of the time who were restricted by strict codes of conduct and who were beholden to the men in their circles for any kind of independence.

A very pleasant story.

4.5*

I loved the vibes of Jane Austen mixed with Jane Eyre in this book. Two of my favorite Janes.

A deathbed confession, a letter, and a desire to discover family starts this book off and left my mind with many questions. The further I'd read, some questions were answered, and other questions started appearing in my mind.

I loved the almost gothic feel of the book. The unknown and the search which yields helpful and unhelpful answers had me turning the pages until all was revealed. My reading time was very limited so I had to wait quite a while to discover all of the answers I wanted to know. But it was well worth the wait and the read. I had my suspicions and it was fun to see how my guesses and thoughts turned out compared to what story the author told.

There is some sweet romance that builds slowly. The secondary characters added lots of fun twists and turns in this book. Especially the cute daughters of James. Both Cassandra and James have some heartaches from their pasts. And those heartaches definitely play a factor in the story as well.

This is another win for me by this author. I've read and enjoyed all of her books and can't wait to see what she offers next.

Content: Clean. Some mild peril, some death, some suspense and mystery. No explicit content.

I received a copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson--Fiction, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!