This was a beautifully written romance with rich character development and a conclusion that will leave you feeling wonderful. It's a must-read for anyone who loves stories about love, growth, and the joy of finding your perfect match.

What an enjoyable read! In the Shelter of Hollythorne House was a captivating tale of second chances, long-lost loves and adventure. Author Sarah E. Ladd deftly balanced narrative tension and sweet romance, all while keeping the content squeaky-clean. Although the book's publisher, Thomas Nelson is known for Christian fiction, this title does not delve into religious issues. It is appropriate for any audience. The protagonists were likeable and relatable, while the villains were detestable and sometimes surprising. Fans of Poldark and Persuasion will find similar themes awaiting them in this tale of a battle-scarred soldier returning from war abroad, only to find that his sweetheart has moved on without him. Although In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is part of the Houses of Yorkshire series, it could easily be read as a standalone novel. This reader is looking forward to the next volume, The Cloverton Charade.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Review based on final copy. All opinions are my own.
In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is the second book in Sarah E. Ladd’s Houses of Yorkshire series. As with most of Ladd’s books in series, the book works well as a standalone, with very few discernible connections beyond setting to the prior book (although it has been a while since I read the first book, so don’t take my word for it). But all her books are lovely and have similar vibes, combining heartwarming romance and a dash of intrigue, so I’d definitely recommend book one if you also enjoy this one.
Both the characters are compelling, and I loved how Ladd explored how they had both grown since their initial youthful romance. Charlotte’s is perhaps the most immediately obvious, having been married off to a controlling and abusive man, who suddenly dies in mysterious circumstances, leaving her and her young son at the mercy of his equally avaricious and controlling brother. Fortunately, the marriage contract works out in her favor, with her being able to retain her family property, Hollythorne House, which she brought into the marriage, although she is still in danger. Anthony has also grown quite a bit, having served in the army and since started working for Walstead’s Watchmen, who dedicate themselves to helping those in need.
The romance was really sweet, in spite of their less than ideal parting. While the reunion is a tad awkward, with them trying to maintain the strictly professional boundaries of their current positions, their past feelings still remain, and I loved how they ended up coming back together amidst everything else going on.
The mystery plot was also very compelling, and kept my interest, without overtaking the central romance. I loved the ties between what was going on with the major characters and broader political tensions with the Luddite risings at the time.
I really enjoyed this book, and it was especially refreshing after all the subpar reads I’ve had lately. I’d recommend this if you’re looking for a low-heat historical romance with a dash of mystery.

The book is a compelling story of a second chance at love surrounded by a plot full of dark motives, threats, not knowing who one can trust and kidnapping. The author definitely keeps the reader's interest. The characters, the good ones and the bad ones as well, are believable, flawed yet vibrant and evocative. Readers who enjoy stories with a great setting, compelling conflict, and a sweet romance will not want to miss In the Shelter of Hollytgorne House.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.com. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this sweet, Regency era story! The characters are delightful and I enjoyed that there is a little more going on in the story.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how there was some mystery in the story and it wasn’t who you expected who was behind things. I liked how Charlotte and Anthony got to have a second chance at love. I liked how they both found what they wanted out of life as they reconnected and as they worked to keep Charlotte and her son safe. I liked the characters and the setting and thought this was a well told story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Enjoyable Afternoon Read!

This was a story of a second chance at love. Very sweet and I will look for the next book.

Audiobook: Read by Jude Moore
I loved the way this was narrated. The accent immersed me into the storyline and it was very entertaining to listen to.

I look forward to the next book in The Houses of Yorkshire Series. The Cloverton Charade will be out September 3, 2024

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I’ve read quite a few books by the author and I like most of them but I guess this one just wasn’t for me. I was bored and struggled to care about any of the characters. So probably just a me problem nothing was particularly wrong with the story maybe I wasn’t in the right mood for it.

Do you like second chance romance novels? Do you have any favorite romantic tropes that you love or hate?

Second chance romance is one of my favorite romantic tropes. I was happy it was part of this novel. Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne fell in love as teenagers, but Anthony left for war in the United States. Their fathers were enemies, and they knew that their love could go no further. While Anthony was gone, Charlotte married Roland Prior. Their marriage was not a happy one, but she did have one son, Henry, whom she adores. When Roland dies, Charlotte returned home to Hollythorne house with Henry for a chance to live life on her own terms. Her brother-in-law sent guards to watch her and Henry due to unrest in the mills after Roland’s death. One of the guards is none other than Anthony. Will the two be able to live with their new roles in life, or will the spark of love return?

I found this story to be very engaging. I liked both Charlotte and Anthony and their second chance at romance. I also liked how there was a mystery and adventure in the story. I also thought there were hints of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte in this story with the mysterious widow living on the moors after an unhappy marriage.

My JASNA Northwoods Book club won editions of this novel from the TLC Bookclub Giveaway, which was very exciting. I handed them out at our last meeting in October and we discussed it today. Most members liked the book, and we had an interesting discussion of marriage during the Regency time period and how women were trapped in unhappy marriages. We also discussed that Charlotte’s father left a good marriage settlement on her which really helped her out after her father’s death. Not all women had this.

Charlotte Gray’s first love was Anthony Welbourne. But being of different stations in life, they could never make a match. Doing her father’s bidding, she married and had a son. When her husband dies, she flees back to her childhood home and away from the dangers she feels lurking in London. Unexpectedly, one man charged with protecting her is none other than Anthony and CHarlotte has mixed feelings about his proximity. Threats begin to emerge and Charlotte is concerned for her welfare as well as that of her young son. And she needs to decide who she can trust.

This was another enjoyable read. I always enjoy Sarah Ladd’s books and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed watching the dynamics shift and grow with the main characters and thought the story line moved along very well. Would recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sarah Ladd's books never fail to entertain. In The Shelter of Holythorne House was a very good book. It had something for everybody, Historical fiction, suspense, unrequited love, villains and heroes. The setting of a country house in the English Moors is gorgeous. The suspense ran through from beginning to end, leaving one unsure as to who to trust. Without giving spoilers, the end was very satisfying.

So brew up some tea, bake a few scones and settle in for a great read.

I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Another amazing read from one of my go-to authors! I couldn’t put the book down! The plot was so intriguing. I kept asking myself “Who can be trusted?” I got lost in the story because the words described all the feelings and senses of the characters so vividly. I loved that this was a true romance, not something fake or temporary. The love interests interacted with each other, talked about their feelings, truly cared about each other’s happiness, and felt they couldn’t survive without the other person in their life. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading a sweet romance!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC!

The setting is on the Moors, a Regency romance. A young widow and mother seeks the warmth of her childhood home after a disastrous marriage but the home is in poor shape and she will not be assisted by her haughty brother in law. While this book is romantic it is also suspenseful making it a good story.

This was a fun and romantic Regency era story. I continue to enjoy this author and her characters. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

It took me a little to get into this book, but man oh man, why did I put it off! This is my new favorite from Ladd! Perfect slightly gothic regency vibes with a stunning setting and beautiful descriptions. Charlotte and Anthony were both fabulous characters and had amazing chemistry; their romance felt so believable and realistic. And Anthony . . . swoon. I think I fell in love before Charlotte. This book hit all of my favorite regency tropes and had me wanting more. The climax was incredibly intense and had me on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next. Highly recommend if you love a good Pride and Prejudice/Jane Eyre vibes!

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is another engaging regency romance by Sarah E Ladd. I listened to the audio while driving and doing chores and then read the e-book when I had a a chance to sit down. I really enjoyed this second installment of The Houses of Yorkshire and it was fun to soak up the atmosphere of the Yorkshire moors in early 1800's once again. I couldn't help but root for Charlotte and Anthony. All together it's a great romance and story!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 11 July 2023

Another smashing hit by Sarah E. Ladd! I liked how this one was a story of love once lost. I will definitely be reading any new books from Sarah!

This was a beautiful story of second chances and wounded hearts! I loved the characters and Ms Ladd’s writing always takes me with her on journeys of heartache and joyful endings! Enjoy!

The Shelter of Hollythorne House, by Sarah Ladd, tells of Charlotte Grey meeting Anthony Welbourne. They fall in love; however, could not move past friendship due to their different place in society. Now, it is four years later. Anthony is back from war and Charlotte is married and has a young child. When she finds her husband dead on the floor of his study, Charlotte can only feel numb after three years of violence. Now her focus is on protecting her young son, Henry from harm!

As a watchman on the streets of Leeds in Yorkshire, Anthony is now spending his days chasing down criminals. He is taken by surprise when his next assignment involves watching over Mrs. Charlotte Prior and he young son. Anthony cannot believe he will soon be face to face with the woman he loved as a young man!

It is interesting to see what transpires between Anthony and Charlotte as she juggles with the details of beginning a new life!

Hold tight for an ending full of action!

BOOK REVIEW - In the Shelter of Hollythorne House - Sarah E. Ladd - 4/5 Stars

THE STORY
Regency Romance will forever be my first love and so I always enjoy reading Sarah E. Ladd's stories. This one is a bit more darker and Gothic than her previous books but I think that just goes being set on the moors. Something about the moors just inspires those more darker eerie tales. I loved seeing Charlotte go from timid and scared to gaining her confidence and learning to stand up for herself. Everyone loves a wounded war hero and Anthony was no exception, protective male MCs are such a favourite of mine.

THE ROMANCE
This was very much one of those yearning romances, lots of inner dialogue about how much they want the other person but shouldn't or can't. Therefore it makes for a very slow burn but not an unpleasant one, you just have to strap in for the long haul. It always makes the stolen moments and kisses all the sweeter!

THE TRUTHS
This story was a welcome and needed reminder that God knows the plans He has for us and works all things together for our good. Both MCs have lived through some difficult and challenging experiences but those experiences eventually brought them back together and made them stronger, more mature people. It also gave them a stronger gratefulness for life and its blessings that they didn't have before. We never understand trials when we're in the midst of them which its important to keep looking back to see how God has used past trials in our lives for our ultimate good. Trials can make us angry, bitter and depressed or, if we let them, they can make us stronger, more empathetic, more thankful and so many other things. It's up to us how we choose we respond.