As a fan of the genre of Regency romance as well as historical fiction, this book was a delightful read for me. This is the first book of the author's that I have read, and knowing this book is the first book of the series The Houses of Yorkshire, I know I will be reading more! Cassandra Hale has been raised in a school for young ladies, never knowing her parents. At the deathbed of her dear friend and mistress of the school, Mrs. Denton, she learns that a secret has been kept from her regarding her family and is given a letter and money that will take her on a journey to find the family she has been yearning for all her life. Arriving at Briarton Park, she finds that the writer of the letter, Mr. Clark, is deceased, and her stay in the village of Anston has caused quite a stir as gossip abounds surrounding her arrival. As a young woman alone, she battles with her mind over who she can trust to help her: the village vicar, Mr. North; Briarton Park's new owner, James Warrington, or Mr. Clark's solicitor, Mr. Longham. Romance, intrigue and newly formed friendships surround Ms. Hale as she struggles with the discovery of truths about her family, and the deceitful actions of others who don't want her to find out. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheLetterFromBriartonPark

Sarah Ladd is definitely a favorite author! I love the way she weaves romance, mystery, and suspense into her stories. This book had a Jane Eyre feel to it which I loved. It begins at a boarding school where Cassandra Hale’s beloved mentor Mrs. Denton lays dying. Her last words to Cassandra are of a letter she kept secret for two years. Always believing she was an orphan, Cassandra feels shocked and betrayed to know Mrs. Denton kept this hidden from her. Mr. Clark promises in his letter to share details about her past and family, so Cassandra journeys to the small village of Anston to seek out the mysterious owner of Briarton Park.

James Warrington, a young widower with two small daughters, just purchased Briarton Park. He lives there with his children, mother-in-law, and sister and longs for a fresh start after losing his wife. When a young woman arrives with a letter from the previous owner, he’s immediately intrigued by her. After she rescues his sister, he feels a strong desire to help her find the answers she seeks.

This story really drew me in. Cassandra is extremely sympathetic and I loved seeing her find the sense of belonging and family she always wanted. She has to navigate a world of mystery and intrigue where not everyone is as they seem. There are those who genuinely want to help her and those threatened by her past. I loved James as well. He’s a caring father who wants to open his heart again, but fights his feelings for a myriad of reasons. The more time he spends with Cassandra, the harder it is to resist her.

I loved the Yorkshire setting and the dynamics of the small village. The side characters enriched and added depth to the story. The author introduces the historical antagonism between mill owners with new technology and the workers. While barely touched on, it will be interesting to see how this history may appear in future stories.

The mystery and suspense definitely kept me turning the pages. Briarton Park is full of secret passageways and hidden rooms. There’s a murder with several suspects. There’s also some great themes of family, greed, and forgiveness. I enjoyed how Ms. Ladd tied up the loose ends yet left a few threads to build more stories on. She created a memorable novel I would definitely read again.

Highly recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy clean historical romance. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own and left voluntarily. 4 1/2 stars

Cassandra Hale receives a letter, two years after it had been mailed, from someone who is connected to her past. She’s been raised by Mrs. Denton, who has kept her past a secret. As she travels to Briarton Park to talk to the author of the letter, she discovers that person has since died. She accepts help from the vicar, Mr North. At his recommendation she moves into a boarding house, the only room available. While she continues to try to find out about her past, certain situations bring her in contact with James Warrington, the new owner of Briarton Park, and his sister Rachel and two daughters, Rose and Maria. We also meet Milton, Peter, Betsy, Mrs Clark, Mrs Helock, Mrs Hutton, Mrs Pearson, Mr Longham and a few others. Fast moving story that is hard to put down.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cassandra Hale grew up thinking that she was likely an orphan. From a young age she was raised in a girls school, with no information about her parents or where she came from. However, at her guardian’s deathbed, secrets are revealed that hint at a different reality, and Cassandra sets off to discover more about her family. Throughout her search, she makes new friends who help her and who become especially important when her digging reveals suspicions and anger in town.

This was excellent. I enjoyed the story, which included just the right ratio of social and family drama, as well as an interesting mystery. The romance is very lite (which I appreciated), and is not the driving force of the book, but is also not an afterthought either.
The characters are charming and generally believable, even if not 100% historically realistic. Overall, this was a nice comforting read, and I will likely pick up other works by the author in the future.

If you enjoy British period dramas (like Downton Abbey, Upstairs Downstairs, Father Brown, or Poldark) and Regency stories (that are similar in setting to an Austen or Brontë), and aren’t expecting a sweeping romance, I think you'll enjoy this.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When her friend and mentor, Mrs. Denton, passes away unexpectedly, her last words to Cassandra Hale reveal she has kept a secret for almost 20 years. And for the past two years, the woman Cassandra trusted withheld an important letter from a stranger living in Briarton Park in Yorkshire.

The letter and enclosed money send Cassandra on a journey to find the family she’s always wished she knew. For as long as she can remember, Cassandra lived at Mrs. Denton’s school for young ladies. She received a good education, and at 24 has teaching skills and confidence. But her quest to find her family proves more confusing than she ever expected.

Who can she trust in a village filled with both hostility and kindness? Does she trust the new owner of Briarton Park or the local vicar? As danger and uncertainty lurk, Cassandra must remember all her mentor taught her to navigate her situation with grace.

James Warrington, mill owner, widower, father, and new master of Briarton Park, feels drawn to the young woman who arrives on his doorstep looking for answers. With each interaction, he admires her more. He feels his hope of loving again start to bloom.

When Cassandra helps his family through a difficult situation, James feels even more indebted, and when Cassandra comes looking for a job of governess to his two young daughters, James hires her—despite what he knows about her background.

As danger creeps closer, James will do all he can to protect his family—and the beautiful governess.

Why I Loved This Book

If you’re a fan of Regency romance, you’ll love this sweet story. Ladd has included just enough intrigue and suspense to keep the reader turning pages trying to unveil the villain. The historical details will delight Regency lovers.

Fans of Abigail Wilson and Kristi Ann Hunter will love this book.

Great book. Extremely well written with a plausible but entertaining plot. Lots of romance and mystery kept my interest and made me want to read more from this author. Highly recommend!!!

I love the stories Sarah E. Ladd writes. The Letter from Briarton Park, is the the first of her new series, The Houses of Yorkshire. Cassandra has been abandoned by everyone she knows and now has more questions then answers. With only a letter in hand, how will she learn what is to become of her. This story is so intriguing and it just gets better with each page turned. Some mystery, suspense, drama, murder, hidden passageways and of course romance, it has everything a great story should. The characters are well written and have great depth. There are surprises and intrigue throughout. It is a clean historical romance, that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Letter from Briarton Park is the first in a new series by Sarah E. Ladd, and perhaps is my favorite of hers yet. She delivers on an intriguing premise, with mystery and romance in equal measure.
Cassandra is immediately sympathetic and likable. She’s grown up orphaned, and while she had a decent-to-positive relationship with the schoolmistress who raised her, Mrs. Denton, she longs for a real family and to belong. She’s shocked that Mrs. Denton lied and hid the one clue that could have provided this for her for two years until her own death, but that’s only the first of the lies and betrayal she must navigate while wading into her past, confronting people who are alternately antagonistic and perhaps a little too good to be true. Ultimately, I loved that Cassandra found family, some of them through blood and others by choice.
James is a wonderful hero. He’s a widowed father with two girls, as well as looking after his sister and mother-in-law. He’s one of the few decent and honorable people Cassandra comes into contact with, who never double crossed her.
I loved trying to put the pieces of the mystery together along with Cassandra and James, and I loved the misdirection to pull your attention away from something hiding pretty much in plain sight. And all the connections between people in the conspiracy of Cassandra’s birth and the actions around the coverup…it’s all so intricately woven, and revealed so perfectly!
This book is fabulous, and Sarah E. Ladd’s longtime fans will not be disappointed. This is also a great entry point for new readers who love Julie Klassen-esque no-sex historical romance with a strong mystery element.

This book has it all: romance, mystery, murder and just the right amount of suspense to make it a great read!
It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.75/5⭐️

This was a sweet romance, and while not outstanding, it was engaging and a quick, easy read.

Cassandra is a young woman who yearns to know her family background. On her mentor’s deathbed she is given a letter leading her to Briarton Park that promises to shed some light on her family. She takes a job as a governess while she tries to unravel the mystery and must decide who she can trust in the community and who is working against her.

A story about longing for connection, Cassandra’s search is a brave one, leading to unexpected places.

My thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the free early arc of #TheLetterFromBriartonPark. The opinions are strictly my own.

I absolutely adored this novel. It had everything you want in a great story...Romance, mystery, a loveable main character to route for, action, suspense. It was all here! I am excited this is book 1 in a series! I will enjoy seeing where the characters end up a few years down the road.

A well done Regency tale of finding your past and your future, Cassandra never knew where she came from and she''s shocked to discover that she may have relatives in Anston. What is it about Briarton Park? James is the new owner. A widower with two daughters, he hires Cassandra as their governess. Both of them tell the story of how their friendship turns to love. It's a light non-steamy romance but that doesn't mean it isn't a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Here's hoping that this is only the start of a saga and that perhaps Rachel, sixteen here and a bit of a challenge, might feature in a future installment,.

Overwhelmed with a confession when her guardian and mentor passes away, Cassandra pursues a lead to uncover the rest of the story at Briarton Park. She leaves behind the only life she’s ever known to discover the history of her parentage. She doesn’t find answers, only that master of the house, James Warrington. Unsure of who she can trust with her secrets, will she ever discover the truth.

For those who enjoy i stories fiction and a little mystery, this read is for you!

Sarah E. Ladd is an author I've been meaning to read for quite some time. After reading The Letter from Briarton Park, I am looking forward to tackling the remaining books of hers in my TBR list. Overall, I found this novel had a very cozy feel to it. This is a regency era romance, with some mystery/suspense thrown in which keeps things interesting. The setting is the small village of Anston, which added nicely to the mood of this book. The characters in this novel were likeable and the main characters displayed a fair amount of character development. While readers will guess who the perpetrator is early on, the plot builds nicely. Potential readers in the mood for an easy, cozy read should give this one a try.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is a lovely historical fiction romantic period piece. England early 19th century. Cassandra Hale has been raised in a girls boarding school, her origins unknown. The story begins with the death of the school's owner, Mrs. Denton. Cassandra, now a teacher in her early twenties and very close to Mrs. Denton, is devastated to learn that a letter came for her some years ago from a man saying he had information on her parentage and inviting her to Briarton Park. Some money is enclosed to pay for her travel costs. She has been betrayed by the person she trusted most. The school is quickly sold to a boy's school and Cassandra decides that her only option is to pursue information about her past, while she considers her next options-- marriage? teaching? what? Ladd takes us to a small woolen mill town where modernized equipment threatens local jobs, There are many violent acts, property destruction and at least one serious assault, believed to the work of disgruntled laborers. The man who wrote to her is no longer at Briarton. Park, although the new owner, a widower with a half sister and two young daughters speaks to her briefly about her circumstances. She meets the relatively new vicar, a heartthrob who wants to help her. She boards with Mrs. Martin as she pursues what information she can through church records, the little information in her letter and talking to former servants from Briarton Park. When she inadvertently becomes of help to him, the new owner of Briarton slowly befriends Cassandra, causing some hostility from his mother=in=law who makes her home with him. When Cassandra's learns some details about her past from an unexpected source, things get dangerous and hostility bristles. She is a composed and self-sufficient woman and she welcomes support from her new friends as she navigates ways to find employment and further pursue her roots despite the risks she faces. Ladd is an engaging storyteller and her writing is enjoyable. The characters are not particularly deep, but they are relatable. This is a light book but a well-drawn piece of historical fiction.

Very enjoyable book, good character development, interesting twists and turns. Somewhat of a Cinderella story. You will want to cheer these characters on throughout the story. Highly recommend it.

An orphaned young woman loses her home and occupation with the death of her mentor, but in the last moments before she dies, her mentor points to a letter addressed to the young woman from two years before. The contents of the letter lead her on a search to find her family, whom she had believed dead. Although there’s an unlikely villain and some twists of the plot to keep one reading, the story is predictable. On the plus side it’s a great quick, light read to carry the reader to a different time and place.

A deathbed confession from her mentor sends Cassandra Hale to Briarton Park seeking answers about the family she never knew existed, but setback after setback put her in a precarious and dangerous positions on her quest to know more about her heritage.

This is my first book by this author and I found the writing to be lovely, the characters well developed and the plot engaging. The descriptiveness of the writing easily transported me through time to the village of Anston. I enjoyed meeting the characters and easily became invested in Cassandra and her plight to know more about herself. More than anything, I enjoyed the simplicity and charm of this delightful story. Mystery, regency romance, family values and friendship combine to make this an enjoyable read that I easily became lost in.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this enjoyable ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ThomasNelsonFiction @Thomas Nelson #NetGalley #TheLetterfromBriartonPark

Reminiscent of Jane Austen—with a touch of mystery and murder thrown in!

A mysterious letter and a deathbed confession reveal that everything Cassandra Hale has believed to be true about her life is, in fact, a lie. With nowhere else to go, she embarks on a journey to Briarton Park in hopes of uncovering her true identity and the family she has never known.

As Cassandra delves into the mysteries surrounding her birth, she finds herself increasingly entangled in a web of lies, intrigues, and even murder. As old secrets threaten new scandals, Cassandra can’t help but wonder if Briarton’s new owner is the answer to her dreams . . . or is history about to repeat itself?

Sarah Ladd once again delivers the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and Regency, keeping her well-deserved spot on my “must-read immediately” list.

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

Cassandra had grown up at the same boarding school where she now taught. The headmistress had been her mother figure., but Cassandra had wondered who her parents were and why she lived at the school. On her deathbed, the headmistress told Cassandra about a letter that would help unlock the mystery of her family.

I
The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah Ladd tells of Cassandra’s search, the mystery she uncovers and the love she finds. If you like regency romance, you’ll enjoy this good read.