I love Sarah Ladd's books, her likeable characters, amazing settings, and clean romance. This was a fun book, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to review it!

The author took many elements and wove them into a beautiful story.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fabulous read with a great plot, suspense, a second chance at love, secrets and much, much more!

I love when Sarah E. Ladd releases a new book! I can't help but dive into it! She's a favorite author of mine and one I'm so glad I discovered many years ago!

Charlotte and Anthony have a history together. But unfortunately that history was laid to rest 4 years ago. He's completely surprised when he realizes she's his next assignment for work. Not only is he meant to protect the widow Mrs. Prior and her infant son, he'll need to protect his heart until he decides the time is right to confront her and talk with her about their past.

These two were so perfect together! The tension between them was strong. Charlotte doesn't have time for old emotions to surface or for worrying about the handsome man protecting her and her son. And Anthony should only be focusing on ways to keep her home safe from intruders and those who might wish them harm.

I loved the mystery woven throughout this story. Her dead husband has controlled enough of her life and inflicted himself upon her even through death. Charlotte is more than ready to be out from his grasp and living her life and her son growing and thriving with love, not control and indifference!

Anthony and Charlotte have great chemistry! They were so much fun to watch. Their ups and downs and their finally not fighting the chemistry and feelings that are so palpable between them!

I loved it all so much!

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril, death, talk of murder. Some kisses but nothing further. Overall very well written. One I would let my teenagers reader!

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

Happy Reading!!!

It always fascinates me to compare roles and expectations of women in the 1800s to the roles and expectations of today’s time. It is difficult to comprehend women so dependent on men and so naïve about the world around them. The main character in this story went from being completely dependent to having to make her own life choices. And it was interesting to read the transformation.
Sarah Ladd is a fantastic writer. I thoroughly enjoyed A Stranger at Fellsworth, The Weaver’s Daughter, and The Governess of Penwythe Hall. And I will continue to read the books she has written. In the Shelter of Hollythorne just didn’t happen to be a favorite. It was a little too slow moving with very little actually happening. But it was an easy gentle read which many may enjoy. This novel definitely provided some thoughts to consider regarding abusive marriages.
I received a complImentary copy of In the Shelter of Hollythorne with no obligations and all comments expressed are my personal opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”REVIEW
One of the things I loved most about this book was the Author's writing, it was so beautiful! I loved the words and it kept me turning the pages. I'll surely read another book by the author to get more of her writing. The second thing I liked was that the book was about 'normal' people, those who were considered peasants or commoners. There were no scenes involving aristocrats, and I really liked it.
👩🏼‍🍼👨🏼‍✈️
In Historical Romances, the non-noble MMCs were always involved in gambling, gentleman's club, or 'investing'. I liked that the MMC, Anthony did a practical job in the novel. Another thing I realized in this book was that class exists everywhere, within the aristocrats and non-aristocrats
👨🏼‍✈️👩🏼‍🍼
I really liked this book, but my only problem with it was that it felt more like a Women's Fiction than Romance. I didn't get any romantic vibes till the ending.
👩🏼‍🍼👨🏼‍✈️
However, I liked the MCs, Charlotte, and Anthony. Both of them had gone through a lot. They had changed, and I was rooting for them. Both of them re-discovered themselves, and I loved that they found each other. I loved Charlotte as a mother, I understood what she was going through, and I commended her for her strength in moving forward
👨🏼‍✈️👩🏼‍🍼
This was a good book and I'm sure you'll like it.

Charlotte was a sensible girl. A girl who thought she could not loose her heart at 18. A girl who agrees to marry a man who is a nightmare so that her father can pass in peace. A girl who grows into a woman who has suffered physical abuse and desperately wants to be a part of her son's life. When she finds her husband dead of natural causes life shifts inextricably for Charlotte and she runs to the safest place she knows, Hollythorn House.

Anthony lost his heart to Charlotte 5 years ago but has been ravaged by war. He has seen and suffered things that continues to impact his life. Upon return to England after the war he find that his uncle has died in a fire that also took the family mill. So, he becomes a theif taker in Leeds. When he is tasked with guarding Charlotte and her young son, he must face his past.

Will the family feud continue to be an isssue? Why are the mill workers up in arms? Will Charlotte and Henry be safe at Hollythorne House? And will they both be able to see past their histories to rekindle their love?

This story had action right from the start and it was non stop throughout the whole story. It did feel a little slow towards the middle but it was still a wonderful read. The character growth was lovely to read and I enjoyed both main characters immensely.

Big thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Sarah E Ladd for this ARC.

This story is a “wrap you in a warm hug” kind of love story. It was so sweet. We get beginning before the story starts. How Charlotte and Anthony left broken hearted. Anthony goes on to the Navy, while Charlotte is married off and has a child. Her husband is vile. He is abusive and deceitful. When he winds up dead, that leaves Charlotte and her son in a dire situation. When her brother in law, for selfish reasons, doesn’t want the now-heir (the 7 month old son) to be out of his sights, he allows Charlotte to go to Hollythorne House, only if she takes protection with her.

Anthony, after being injured, has been a security man of sorts. A thief catcher. A hired watchman. And as fate would have it, HE would be the protection for her. But as time goes on, and they learn more about each other and about their lives in their time apart. But as Anthony is hired to protect her, he can’t protect their hearts as they fall back in love. But harm isn’t out of the picture and when it shows up on their doorstep, things start to unravel and things aren’t quite like they seem.

I absolutely adored this story! It was so sweet. Anthony is all kinds of swoony. He never got over Charlotte and finally gets his second chance. You will fall in love with their relationship and never want to leave this world

When Charlotte Grey said goodbye to Anthony Welbourne and sent him off unattached to war, she thought she would never see him again. Now, four years later, Charlotte is widowed with a young son and in need of protection. Coming face to face with Anthony again is a shock.

After a war injury, Anthony Welbourne is finding purpose in protecting others and catching thieves. He never expected to come face to face with the woman who broke his heart—the woman who owns his heart still.

Danger and determination swirl as Charlotte settles back into her childhood home, away from those threatening her son. But is it far enough away from the trouble? Can Anthony keep her safe when it seems the threats are closer to home than she suspected?

This is a sweet story with enough tension to keep you turning the pages. There were some surprises in the plot, though some twists I saw coming. I never felt particularly attached to either Charlotte or Anthony, which I think was due in part to Charlotte's methodical and guarded nature. There's no faith element at all.

I would recommend this for fans of Regency romance.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

When Charlotte Gray’s husband is found dead, her only desire is to escape the clutches of the family. But retreating to her family’s ancestral home of Hollythorne House doesn’t bring the peace she seeks. Instead danger follows, along with a handsome face from the past.

Charlotte is the last person Anthony Welbourne expected to see on his latest assignment. Can he protect her and her infant son from the dangers swirling around them? And can he protect his heart from the pull of the past?

A page-turning blend of mystery, danger, and Regency-era romance set along the wild moors of England. Ladd’s masterful plotting will keep readers guessing in this beautifully written story of hope, second chances, and daring to dream of what could be.


*Thank you to @netgalley and @tnzfiction for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Five star worthy!! A beautifully written regency romance that will you keep you turning the pages. Charlotte and Anthony have a past and now they are placed together can they overcome their feelings and find love again? Romance, mystery and intrigue what more can you ask for?! A real page turner. Highly recommend this wonderful book!

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

Sarah E. Ladd did a fine job with her book “In the Shelter of Hollythorne House”! Charlotte was married to someone she mistakenly thought was a kind man. However he turned out to be a devious manipulator. After his untimely death she leaves her husband’s controlling brother as quickly as possible. Upon deciding to return to her ancestral home she realizes that she will be escorted by a man she was previously in love with. The story is very well written leaving you wondering who the bad guy is as you follow Charlotte on her adventure back at her former home. It keeps your attention the whole way and makes it hard to put the book down just like other wonderful Sarah Ladd books! Again fabulously done!!

I really enjoyed this story! The twists and turns were so interesting as was seeing the rationale behind the whys of some of the things that happened. Also, the second chance was done perfectly.

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

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is set in Yorkshire, England in the early 19th century. Anthony Welbourne had survived the injuries he received fighting in America to return to England and begin a career as a thief-taker. His ultimate goal though was to save enough of his earnings to repair his late uncle's mill and get it back into production. Anthony did not allow himself the luxury of dwelling on thoughts of the beautiful woman he had walked away from when he went off to fight, especially since he learned that she had married during his absence. Charlotte Prior's father died believing he had provided for his only daughter by placing her into the loving hands of Roland Prior. Unfortunately, Roland's hands were more controlling and abusive than loving. Now that he had died unexpectedly Charlotte was totally focused on breaking ties with the Prior family and raising her son in a loving, nurturing environment far away from his uncle's influence. The same uncle hired Anthony Welbourne and his colleague to keep watch over Charlotte and her son, supposedly to insure his nephew's safety. Danger might be lurking in very unexpected places.

I truly enjoyed Charlotte and Anthony's story. It is fast paced with believable dialogue and settings that help define the mood of the story. The protagonists are relatable, and the antagonists sinister. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of In the Shelter of Hollythorne House from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I have enjoyed every Sarah E Ladd book I have read. In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is no exception. I was intrigued from the very beginning, and I felt the pull of the storyline. A romance with suspense and mystery was a perfect scenario. The plot was well thought out and flowed effortlessly. I enjoyed the characters very much. Both Charlotte and Anthony had been in a forbidden love. Four years later, and under extreme circumstances, their lives come together again. They have both experienced tragedy and unfortunate circumstances which has made them both stronger, but hesitant to trust and love again. A beautiful story of fight, determination, trust, forgiveness, and true love. This is a clean, regency romance, with bit of suspense and mystery. A perfect read. I couldn’t put it down. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

** “You don’t believe me now, but one day you’ll want a home to rest in. Permanency. Do not discount steadiness and security.” **

Sarah E. Ladd’s latest novel, “In the Shelter of Hollythorne House,” is a tale of love, mystery and courage with an Austenian flair.

When tragedy strikes, Charlotte Prior finds herself returning to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, with her infant son. Not knowing whom she can truly trust, she finds herself reacquainted with Anthony Welbourne, the man who stole her heart before heading off to war. Now working as a thief-taker for Walstead’s Watchmen, he’s tasked with keeping Charlotte and her son Henry safe.

Can they remain safe from nefarious influences, all while continuing to deny their returning feelings?

Ladd, as usual, develops intriguing characters with flaws, secrets and hopes. She fills her plots with just enough of romance and thrills to keep the reader wanting more. She also includes several great themes, like freeing ourselves from the briars of life; having a sense of freedom and home; confronting injustice; and finding courage to carry on.

“In the Shelter of Hollythorne House” is a great story written today but in the vein of authors like Jane Austen. Fans of classic authors like her and present-day authors like Abigail Wilson and Joanna Davidson Politano, as well as romantic stories with a little bit of suspense, will enjoy this novel.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

This is a sweet second chance romance with some suspense and mystery thrown in. Charlotte and Anthony are both really good characters. I enjoyed watching them both grow during this story. Their chemistry and relationship is really sweet. The suspense and mystery keep you on your toes, but the romance keeps you reading.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

When Charlotte and Anthony parted four years ago, their lives went into different directions. Anthony went off to fight for the British in America. Charlotte married a powerful man, who ended up being abusive. Suddenly free at the unexpected death of her husband, Charlotte plans to take her son back to her family's home Hollythorne House. Her brother-in-law insists that she take two Walstead's Watchmen with her to guard her son from her husband's enemies. One of the men is Anthony. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Though there is suspense in this regency book, this story is a good second chance romance. Charlotte and Anhony need to work together to keep her son safe. I love the isolated moor setting and the admirable main characters are well developed. I like that Charlotte's priority is keeping her son safe, her independence, and getting the Hollythorne House estate in order. I also like that Anthony is patient in working with Charlotte and appreciates her independence. Although I anticipated it, I enjoyed the twist in the story,

I have long been a fan of Sarah E. Ladd's books. She has an eloquent way of describing the historical English settings, and endearing the lead characters to her readers.

The story opens with Charlotte Grey saying goodbye to her love, Anthony Welbourne, who is whisked away to fight in America. There is a jump in time where Charlotte is married with a young child, and she discovers her husband, who is not a nice man, is dead. Anthony has returned from war, a bit banged up and down on his luck, working for a local watchman in Leeds. Charlotte flees to her empty home, Hollythorne House, to protect her son. There she discovers Anthony has been hired to protect her.

Once again, we are given a sweet romance with really lovable characters. The way Ms. Ladd writes, you can feel every emotion expressed deeply. She just has a way with words! I highly recommend this and any other of her wonderful books.

Thank you Thomas Nelson - Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was my first book written by this author. I enjoyed it very much. There were parts that were slow, but I've come to realize that is the case with most Regency books I've read so I assume that is what happens for the time period. Perhaps I am wrong but I've seen it with every book set in this time period so that is my take on it! Both Charlotte and Anthony have changed from when they were "forbidden" sweethearts 4 years earlier. They were of different classes and knew they wouldn't be permitted to marry. Anthony went off to war in the US and Charlotte married someone her father chose for her. That marriage was a disaster, but she endured it. Thankfully, her abusive husband died suddenly, and she escaped to her childhood home - Hollythorne House. Anthony is one of the men charged to guard her since it is discovered her dead husband did some nefarious things and her infant son might be at risk. I connected immediately with Anthony. I liked his character a lot. This story had a lot of intrigue, mystery and questions. Charlotte was trying hard to become her own person after being held down for so long. I admired her. I would like to read another book by this author.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is an outstanding new novel by Sarah Ladd. The second in her Houses of Yorkshire series, we have a whole new cast of characters to delight in. And in typical Ladd fashion, the Regency Era is highlighted amid characters you cannot help but love, a mysterious plot guaranteed to keep the pages turning, and a romance that penetrates the heart. I could not help but fall in love with this book as my attention was held from start to finish. Ladd certainly knows how to craft a story that captivates the mind and heart.

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.