This is a great book, with a great story. I loved reading about Cassandra as she journeys to learn about her family.She meets with the new owner of Mr. Clark's home, James, and soon begins a friendship with him rather unexpectedly. She helps his sister get away from a young man she planned to run away with, only to change her mind. Soon Cassandra becomes the governess to James's two daughters. Meanwhile her friendship with the vicar grows as well, Mr North, but she seems to prefer James. Mr North tries to discourage her from getting close to James, but she questions Mr North's motives. Great story that is hard to put down!

So excited for a new book/new series from Sarah Ladd!

Cassandra goes to Briarton Park looking for the truth about her parentage after a deathbed confession, but the new owner doesn't know anything about the letter she received. With no other prospects, she decides to stay in the area hoping to find the answers she needs.

James, the current owner of Briarton Park, has too much on his mind as the widower father of two girls, also responsible for his younger sister and his mother-in-law. After Cassandra helps his sister out of a hard situation, he offers her a position as governess to his daughters.

As usual, the writing and storycraft are next-level. I really liked the dual POV as James and Cassandra become better acquainted, then friends, and ultimately fall in love. The mystery surrounding Cassandra's situation was also very interesting and the resolution very satisfying.

Fingers crossed Rachel's story is next.

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

Sarah E. Ladd's "The Letter from Briarton Park" was a fun read with an intriguing story line. The main character, Cassandra, has no idea who her parents were. She receives a letter that promises to shed light on her identity, but when she arrives at the estate, the man who sent the letter is dead and the estate is now owned by someone new. Cassandra enlists the help of the local vicar and several new friends, but the road to discovering and claiming her true identity is not an easy path.

"The Letter from Briarton Park" started off slow, and it wasn't until about halfway through that I felt the plot finally picked up its pace. Sarah E. Ladd was building the story, characters, and connections in the first half, and we are able to see that in the second half. I didn't feel particularly connected to the romantic relationship in the book, as their interactions were briefly described, but it was a sweet addition to the story nonetheless. I did enjoy the main character and the female friendships she developed throughout the story. I also enjoyed the mystery of why secrets were kept from Cassandra as a child.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who have enjoyed other books by Sarah E. Ladd, as it is very similar to style to her other works. I would also recommend it to readers who like a period piece or mystery that isn't too macabre. I enjoyed this book and will definitely read more from this author. (I also love listening to audio versions of her books, so be sure to check those out!)

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

I just loved this book. It was a joy to read it. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I look forward to reading more of this authors books.

This book was such an engaging read - I felt I WAS Cassandra Hale! Braver than I, could ever be, this winsome young woman had been raised as an orphan, but always wanted a family (something I also prize above any other earthly good). So when her mentor died hinting there was secret evidence to that effect, her grieving heart dared to hope. Time and again her efforts to find the truth were thwarted…until doors opened for both her past and her future. I never expected so much danger or such deep passion in such a gentle read! One of my favorite characters was Cassandra’s plucky new friend, Betsy - and I hope she gets a book of her own. Her generosity and courage really enabled Cassandra to persevere and find her happy ending. This story is the perfect blend of historical research and realistic romance, and it reminded me why Sarah Ladd is one of my favorite authors. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and was not obligated to post a review.

The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd is a wonderful historical fiction that has it all: history, mystery, romance, and few surprises along the way to keep me interested from beginning to end.

I have been a huge fan of Ms. Ladd for quite some time. I especially have loved her Cornwall series. Of course I was excited to jump on board her newest series from the beginning with this gem. The first in The Houses of Yorkshire books, I was blown away again by how much talent she possesses.

This book takes place in England during the Regency era. The characters are complex, intricately drawn and descriptions of the full cast and the landscapes/structures were just breathtaking.

I loved Cassandra Hale and James Warrington. Their backstories drew me in, and the mystery surrounding Cassandra, her past, the questions surrounding her future, and the information that is presented as a potential earth-shattering revelation, just drew me right in. The suspense, the twists, and turns…I just love how she creates these stories.

I also loved her relationship with James. Their interactions, their chemistry, and the progression of their relationship was just spot on.

I loved the characters, the pacing, the plot, and the ending. Ms. Ladd has done it again with this one and I can’t wait to read more of this series!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Thomas Nelson for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

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

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/1/22.

"The Letter from Briarton Park" is the first installment of Sarah Ladd's newest Regency series. Cassandra Hale leaves the only home she's known, a girls' school, in search of her true parentage, and finds more than she ever expected.

While a sweet and heartwarming romance develops between Cassandra and mill owner James Warrington, forces conspire against Cassandra to prevent her from learning of and benefiting from the truth of her origins. This beautifully written story is full of twists and turns, and even an unexpected murder. There is more than one candidate for the villain here. Character development is stellar; Cassandra is a charming heroine and James is equally likeable as a hero. Secondary characters, from teenage Rachel to hypocritical vicar Mr. North and judgmental mother-in-law Mrs. Towler, are also well-drawn.

Sarah Ladd's descriptive prose is lovely."The Letter from Briarton Park" is an engaging tale. Even though Rachel is only sixteen here, she merits her own eventual story. I look forward to the next installment of this author's newest series!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of this engrossing novel.

I highly recommend The Letter From Briarton Park. It had a plot that gripped you from the start and held on through twists and turns . I highly recommend it as a worthwhile read.

THE LETTER FROM BRIARTON PARK by SARAH E LADD is a Regency novel which takes place in 1811 in the little English village of Anston, the home of cloth mills, one of which, together with Briarton Park, has been bought by James Warrington from the estate of the deceased Robert Clark.
When Cassandra Hale comes to Anston to find out the truth about her parents, rumours fly as she tries to uncover the truth,. She does not know who to trust, especially when there is an inheritance involved. Somehow Robert Clark and Briarton Park are involved in her history.
James Warrington is a widower who lives with his sister Rachel, his two young daughters and his mother-in-law, the latter being cnvinced that Cassandra will bring problems to their family, and is horrified when James employs her as governess to his girls. James is determined to keep the lovely young woman safe and help her discover her roots.
Cassandra longs for friends and family, having spent her whole life, from the age of five, at a girls’ boarding school, ending up as one of the teachers. Mr North, the handsome vicar, befriends her, although he does not consider the lower class Betsy and the other sewing girls at the boarding house to be suitable friends for her.
When someone ends up murdered, things get very exciting,,,,,,and that is all I am going to tel you!
I really enjoyed The Letter From Briarton Park for the excting story and great character portrayal. The book gripped me from the begining and I highly recommend it as a worthwhile read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.