I loved Olivia and Lucas. I enjoyed that they had a history together they were able to build on. This was a very interesting twist on the usual Regency house party, and I enjoyed it. It was awkward at moments, but I enjoyed the relationship they developed. The mystery and intrigue was good and pulled you in.

I was bored while reading this and did not finish it. I thought the MMC was insipid. I would try something else by this author

What an entertaining, original, and well written love story. Antiquity dealers who've known each other all of their lives bump into one another after a fluke of being individually hired by family members who are trying to outsmart the other to have them appraise rare antiquities collections. From the beginning, the charade began, and their past relationship wasn't disclosed. There was much emotional drama, intrigue, theft, smuggling, and many other plot twits and turns that kept me entertained. I enjoyed how all this led to a romance and a happy life. I highly recommend reading!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Reading it was a great experience.

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

 

Hook: Two antique brookers, two collections, a house party, and a mystery.

Overview: 

Language/Profanity: One use of 'Egad'

Faith: None

Romance/Sex: One kiss on the lips before marriage and a few kisses after, a kiss on the hand, a few kisses on the cheek. A slow growing romance. 
A mention of a lady being taken advantage of and a baby coming because of it. 
Also at the party, everyone is looking for a husband or wife...lots of flirting involved but nothing else.

Action/Adventure: There is no danger... not really, but there is a bit of action towards the end of the book.

Other: Nothing

Synopsis: When Olivia is asked to evaluate Mrs. Milton's antique collection and to hide what she is doing by going to a house party that Mrs. Milton's nephew is hosting, she never thinks that she will come across an old friend turned rival. Nor that she will find mystery and romance during that time.
    When Lucas agrees to go to the house party in order to evaluate an antique collection of Mr. Wainbridge, he is surprised to see Olivia, the daughter of his father’s old business partner. 
    Together they need to figure out the mystery and stop the disaster about to ruin Mr. Wainbridge.

Even though it was slightly hard for me to get into and to stay in, this was such a good book! I know nothing about antiques or that time period, but it was still very interesting. I really liked the bits about the party and seeing how the rich people of that time acted. Another thing I liked was how the romance seemed to be slow; it wasn't love at first sight.
    There was one place where there was a sentence that was wrong; it was starting to say something but it never did. Other than that, I don't think there were any inconsistencies or anything like that. 
   The story itself did not drag... I just had a hard time staying in it. It was very interesting, and you get a chance to find the bad guy(s).
   We see two POVs: Olivia and Lucas'. 
    I liked the characters; they each had quirks and personalities. And the way the author wrote this makes me think that there may be more about some of the characters... hopefully. There was one character, Mr. Romano, who I thought was slimy and oily, but I was actually presently surprised. 

Favourites/Thoughts 
My favourite part... I'm not entirely sure there was a part that I liked more than the other, other than when Mrs. Milton is saying how she forgives her husband.
    My favourite quote:

“W-we are in a similar business,”Olivia stammered. A knowing grin curved Isabella’s lips, and she tilted her head to the side. “Many people are in a similar business, but may I point something out? They do not look at each other the way Mr. Avery looks at you.”

     I enjoyed this clean romance that also has a safe mystery. I hope to read other things from this author sometime. A four point five-star read that is perfect for older young adults and older who like a mystery, a story set in the eighteen hundreds, and romance.

It's always fun to read a book from a new-to-me author and discover I really like their style. This one is that story. Lucas and Olivia form an unlikely alliance (since their father's were rivals) as they work to discover the mystery surrounding counterfeit antiquities at Cloverton Manor. Highly recommended. Now I'm off to see what other books she wrote!

This book was provided to be by the publisher, but all the opinions expressed here are my own.

The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd is a historical romance that touched my heart in all the right places and swept me away into the beauty of Regency England. The story and the writing flowed beautifully with mistaken identities, mystery, reclaimed friendship, and, of course, romance. I was hooked from the first chapter.

The story focuses on Olivia Brannon, a young lady with unusual expertise in antiquities. When Mrs. Milton asks her to attend a house party with her so she can catalog the older lady’s collection, Olivia jumps at the chance to prove her worth and see more of the world. As Olivia attends the house party and pretends to be someone she is not, she learns more about the world, but more importantly, more about herself. She also sees Lucas Avery, a man she had not seen since childhood at the party, a man who has the same expertise in antiquities as Olivia. As Olivia comes to know herself better, she also comes to know Lucas better.

I loved how Olivia and Lucas’s relationship developed and grew. It was so sweet and so swoony. Sarah knows how to create swoon and tension with simple glances, words, and small touched. It was so well done. Olivia was a fabulous FMC. I loved how her strength and independence showed up in the confines of her time. I also loved how Lucas saw Olivia. He was really her perfect match.

This book was like a hug in book form. I enjoyed every minute of reading The Cloverton Charade. It had all the thing I loved in a Regency romance with a swoony MMC and relatable and strong FMC and a beautiful love story.

Set in Regency England the story of the two antiquities brokers and how the best friends fell apart forms the beginning of the story. Olivia and her sister are left with nothing as their father bequeathed the business to his brother, who through mismanagement has run it to the ground. Lucas has inherited his father’s business also in a precarious financial position.

The approach to Olivia to assess and catalogue Mrs. Milton’s collection is a rare chance to get a footing in the business, and establish herself despite her uncles antipathy and obvious disapproval. Lucas is approached by the nephew of the late Mr Milton to value and dispose of his inheritance. Mrs Milton and the heir do not see eye to eye on how to manage a burdensome estate and both Olivia and Lucas have to keep the purpose of their visit to Cloverton under wraps. A full scale week of entertaining has been arranged which provides the cover necessary for both Olivia and Lucas.

Covering regency England at its best and worst in a descriptive form, we are taken through the jobs undertaken by Olivia and Lucas under the eyes of their bosses, who cannot stand each other. Both have to be diplomatic, especially when Lucas discovers that a lot of chinoiserie is fake and that a scam is going on right under their eyes.

Discovering who was responsible was a difficult job, in the process Olivia loses her job but the romantic angle was just right and the story ends well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I have read most of Sarah E. Ladd's books and have enjoyed them all. "The Cloverton Charade" was no exception. It had a wonderful blend of mystery, romance and enjoyable characters that felt real and complex and not just cardboard cutouts. The only this was that by the time our two main characters begin their romance it felt like they jumped to being in love a little too quickly. I still enjoyed the book and appreciate that it is a clean romance while still giving plenty of sweet moments. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.

As far as Regency romance books I have read, this has been the most unique so far. A woman in the business of antiques at a house party, mixed in with some romance and a mystery. It was good, however I did start to get bored in the middle. I pushed through and was pleased with the ending. No angst, no lame misunderstandings, no smut. I would recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Olivia Brannon is more interested in being known for dealing in antiquities than in marrying well! I enjoyed this story as Olivia is invited to Cloverton Hall to secretly evaluate a private collection of antiquities. Several unexpected things happen. Lucas Avery, the son of her late father's rival is also at the Hall and evaluating other pieces for the new heir. These experts determine some pieces are not as they appear. You will like how Lucas and Olivia find more to draw them to each other than the antiques. I recommend The Cloverton Charade to others. i received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion,

🌿THE CLOVERTON CHARADE🌿

Thank you to @austenprose and @thomasnelson for my #giftedcopy. All thoughts are my own.

The Cloverton Charade is a story about a mysterious estate, filled with antiquities, rare finds, and intrigue. Miss Olivia Brannon gets the chance of a lifetime to play a honored guest at the house while studying the household rarities- undercover of sorts. Unfortunately, during this charade, Olivia runs into Lucas Avery, an old childhood friend whose family happens to own her rival's antiquities business.

What an intriguing, unique story! I loved all the historical details! So fun to read a story between the working class and higher society. I thought the antique business was such an interesting historical element, I couldn't stop reading. @sarahladdauthor is great with her history!

Lucas and Olivia's love story was sweet and romantic. A little rivals and childhood friends to lovers. The sweet spot!

The Cloverton Charade was released last week. Historical fiction lovers, check this one out!

#theclovertoncharade
#sarahladd #historicalfiction #antiques
#england #tourpost #booktour #austenprose #thomasnelson #arc #histfic

This story was such a great mix of regency, gentle romance, dash of mystery, the realities of grief, and recognition of women in male dominant professions.
I love Olivia’s determination to keep her head up even when her heart doubts that confidence, but still never in an abrasive manner. I love the risks Lucas takes to trust Olivia and support her opportunities. I also appreciate how each Olivia and Lucas seek to understand the heart of those around them instead of of making knee jerk reactions to others’ foolish behavior. I could identify so much with Olivia’s inner world!

My favorite scenes included the library, the veranda, and the epilogue. 😍

Themes that make this book beautiful: safety, autonomy, respect, and support.

#BookRevew : THE CLOVERTON CHARADE by Sarah E. Ladd

“I’m not entirely sure what it is you’re chasing, but I wish you could accept things for how they are. I really do.”

Olivia's life was forever altered by her father's passing. The antiquarian world was a male-dominated domain, often relegating women to the background. However, Olivia was excited by the opportunity to demonstrate her expertise amidst such a vast collection at Cloverton Hall. A new adventure awaits. The extraordinary collections at Cloverton Hall must have been a feast for the eyes.

Lucas and Olivia were endearing characters. Despite their personal challenges, their shared passion for antiques was evident in their expertise. The romance was charming, and I appreciated Lucas's recognition of Olivia's skills and value. The charade of guests was an intriguing aspect of the story, especially during the house parties of 1800s England. The unfamiliar world of nobility presented a fascinating challenge to Olivia, as she navigated the intricacies of the ton.

The pacing of the story was good and the plot engaging. I liked the message of trust, being true to oneself and finding peace.The mystery was well-crafted, and I did not anticipate the plot twists. Even if this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.This is the second book I've read by this author. I like her writing style. I will definitely look into the other books in the series and other books by this author.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Series: Houses of Yorkshire, Book 3
Pub date: 03 Sept 2024

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Quite the story! Regency England.
Antiquities and a mystery. These two very things are what I enjoyed most about this book.
I'm not saying I don't enjoy a good Regency England historical fiction... but this one had those additional elements that captivated.
Olivia was not a typical refined young lady that she was expected to be in that day. Her antiquities broker father had let her tag along with him as she grew up, and that was all she knew. She longed for the opportunity to make her own name, and jumped at the chance she was offered to go to Cloverton and catalogue an exclusive collection owned by a wealthy widow.
In spite of the warnings she was given, nothing could have prepared her for what she encountered there.
Was anybody who they seemed to be?
And then...her old nemesis became her friend as they worked together to try and uncover what was really happening.
This is an excellent mystery, and I loved the setting.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good historical mystery.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I loved being swept away to the regency era in this book! Highly recommend for anyone who loves Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility or who wanted to like Bridgerton but found that too spicy- this is the perfect clean, sweet alternative! Beautifully written with an engaging storyline and well-rounded characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

This is my first Sarah Ladd book and I have enjoyed it! This book will whisk you away to Regency England, where a house party sets the stage for two rival antiquities dealers to come together, put the past behind them, and solve the clues that are placed before them at the grand Cloverton Hall, where things may not be what they seem!

I love a story where characters get to cross over the lines of society’s expectations. In this case, we have our main characters Olivia Brannon and Lucas Avery, both of the working class, needing to masquerade in high society to accomplish their job. Once childhood friends, they became rivals when their fathers ended business dealings with one another 😉. So we have an enemies-to-lovers story. Something that has resonated with me in this story is the theme of grieving the loss of a loved one, how their passions and possessions are passed on to those who remain, and how each person navigates the transition from loss to new beginnings.

'The Cloverton Charade' by Sarah E. Ladd is a fascinating read dealing with family issues, antiquities and mystery. Olivia Brannon and Lucas Avery were connected through the partnership of their respective fathers in business, one that ended poorly. Both Oliva and Lucas are motivated to succeed each for their own reasons. The journey to a satisfying outcome is fraught with emotion and danger. This is a traditional Regency with a heartwarming conclusion. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Do you collect antiques? I love antiques.

Olivia Brannon works at her late father’s shop and evaluates rare antiquities. Her uncle currently runs the shop, but she dreams of someday being able to travel the world in search of antiquities herself. One day, she is invited by Mrs. Milton, a wealthy widow and former client of her father’s, to attend a house party at Cloverton Hall. Mrs. Milton’s nephew, Mr. Wainbridge, has inherited Cloverton Hall and all the antiquities that her husband has collected, but Mrs. Milton hopes to be able to sell her own antiquities. Mr. Wainbridge, meanwhile, has invited his own antique dealer, Lucas Avery, to the house party to evaluate Mr. Milton’s antiquities. He wants to sell them to try to make the estate solvent. When Lucas and Olivia discover that some of the antiquities are fake, they are thrust into a mystery. Will they be able to discover who is replacing the antiquities with fakes and will they also find romance along the way?

My thoughts on this novel:

• I really enjoyed this unique Regency story. I don’t think I have read a Regency novel before that involved the collecting of antiquities. It was so interesting. I know that collecting antiques was very popular during this time period, so it was great to learn more about it and have it as a plot device in this novel.
• The mystery was intriguing as well with a great conclusion.
• I love the romance between Olivia and Lucas. It was a Romeo and Juliet type story with them being from rival antique companies.
• I love Regency house parties and it was fun to read about this one. I enjoyed that both Olivia and Lucas could move around in the world of high society, but being in business, they were not truly part of it.
• The plight of Mrs. Milton and of Olivia herself, made me ponder again the limited choices that women had during the Regency time period. Mrs. Milton could not inherit her husband’s estate where she had spent her lifetime, while Olivia could not inherit her father’s business, even though she was more qualified in antiquities than her uncle.
• I read this one quickly as I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
• This was a clean read.

Favorite Quote: “For what it’s worth, you say you don’t belong here. But I believe you are the rival of any woman in the room. And I daresay you are infinitely more interesting. There is something about a woman who can think for herself that is quite intriguing.”

Overall, The Cloverton Charade was an engaging Regency romance novel with a wonderful romance and great mystery involving antiquities. I highly recommend this novel.

Olivia Bannon is a wonderful main character and her family history in the antiquities business is fascinating! But being a woman in this time and running a business is just unheard of. Now that her father has passed on and her uncle has taken over the business, she's desperate to find her own way.

The offer she receives to attend a party at Cloverton and assess the family antiquities is just the opportunity she needed. But her childhood friend and family adversary, Lucas Avery is also there and for the same reason! But there is an attraction between the two that is undeniable and with their common interests, it's meant to be!

An absolutely delightful read!