Such a cute read, The Cloverton Charade, was entertaining and engrossing. I loved the relationship between Olivia and Lucas. They have history due to the fact that they both grew up with families that were antiquity brokers.

Now they're both being asked to assess the same collection. And what they find kind of leads them into some interesting territory.

The romance between Olivia and Lucas was sweet and well-earned. Their relationship was one of forgiveness and eventually mutual respect.
I absolutely loved this story and enjoyed the characters immensely!

Such a clean, entertaining romance with a strong female lead!

I always enjoy a Sarah E. Ladd novel because I never know what to expect. There is usually a mystery and a hint of romance and this story brought both. The setting is a house party and Olivia is "undercover" so to speak to try and assess the value of items in the house while attending the party. I enjoyed the mystery side of things and Lucas is probably my favorite character. The first part of the book moved a tad slow for me since I was eager to get to the mystery and find hidden treasures. But once I got past the middle of the story things started to pick up and I enjoyed the rest. The ending isn't shocking as it wraps up the loose ends but enjoyable just the same.

Fans of regency fiction should pick this one up!





Three Stars.

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Cloverton Charade is a well written Regency romance with a bit of intrigue. I enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. I recommend this book.

Former enemies Olivia Brannon and Lucas Avery join forces to uncover a plot concerning fake antiquities. Olivia and Lucas are the children of former antiquities partners who had fallen out many years in the past. They rediscover each other at Cloverton when both are separately hired to catalogue a fortune in antique objects. It’s a slow burn romance between these two, but a satisfying conclusion.

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

I appreciate authors like Sarah E Ladd who give us clean regency romance without the spice. Her novels are immersive in the history and culture of that time. Our main character Olivia is given a chance to go to Cloverton Hall to evaluate the Cloverton collection being as her father's side in his antique shop her whole life but never given a chance to be a professional until now. She must never let slip who she really is while she's there. She must mingle amongst the English elite, dealing with thier snobbery and excess.
I appreciated that Olivia tries as hard as she can not to lie as she gets to know the people there. That was a good character trait. While there she meets Lucas, her antique rival. Intrigue and romance insue, as they find forgeries, a mystery they must uncover together.
Highly recommend!
4 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

London, England 1818

Olivia has been invited to Cloverton Hall at the bequest of Mrs. Milton, who asked Olivia to evaluate her late husband’s fortune. Olivia is also hoping to make her way as an antiquities dealer in a man’s world. Since her father’s death, he left the business to her Uncle, she is determined to show she is capable in her knowledge of the world of antiquities.

Lucas Avery has also been invited to Cloverton Hall by the new Master of Cloverton Hall. He would like Lucus to oversee the liquidation of his late uncle’s impressive collection.

There was a time when Olivia and Lucus’s father were good friends but a betrayal pushed them apart, and neither renewed their friendship before their deaths. So when Olivia and Lucus see each other at the house party they are suspicious of each other first.

The Cloverton Charade was slow in the beginning but once Lucus and Olivia got over their wariness of each other the pace picked up for me. I really liked the relationship between them as they knew each other and they had commonalities that helped bring them together. Lucus was trying to prove to himself that he could continue on his father’s business and Olivia had similar misgivings, and once they discovered neither was the enemy, they could trust one another. Even though this is the third book in The Houses of Yorkshire, this reads as a stand-alone. Recommended

My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. I was given a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are honest and mine.

Wow. This is yet another well-written story from Sarah E. Ladd. The plot keeps the reader wanting to know more and guessing who done it right up until the very end. The main characters in this story are quite well developed. The storyline gives readers a glimpse into what life would have been like in England at the time for wealthy and for tradespeople. Olivia, although an expert in her field, is trapped by her uncle inheriting the family business, so where does she fit in this situation? Lucas has inherited his family’s business, but apparent untruths about his father have left him scrambling to save the business. Both find themselves at a house party where all is not as it seems and at least someone is not who they seem to be either. I appreciated the author showing how grief has played a major role in the lives of several of the characters, and how she guides the reader through the story into seeing the results of that grief. Grief, although not a fun topic, is an important emotion to acknowledge. The author does a good job in giving us those insights without detracting from the fun of a story, which also makes this story stand out. The writing about antiquities, of which I know nothing, now has me intrigued about looking up some of these items and seeing for myself what the draw to them would have been. One never knows what learning can come from a good book, and I highly recommend this book for a literary escape with a bit of intrigue thrown in as well.

I requested a complimentary copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

"The Cloverton Charade is another wonderful book and intriguing Regency era mystery by Sarah Ladd. This one involves the heroine Olivia, traveling with a widow to the estate that is inherited by a nephew to price her precious family heirlooms and possibly sell them. Olivia learned the antiquities business from her father who passed away several years ago and now works for her uncle in the business he inherited after her father's death.

At the house party, Olivia's purpose is to be concealed from the rest of the guests however she runs into the son of her father's former business partner Lucas who is there to work for the nephew that inherited the estate. As they work with the antiquities, a mystery ensues where they have to find out who is behind what's going on with the antiques.

The characters are all well developed, both the main ones and supporting characters. I liked the setting and the mystery involving antiques vs the murder mystery that typically can happen in a regency novel. This book is a clean read with no spice which I like to see. If you've read other books by Sarah E. Ladd, this one is definitely one to read. It's the end of a trilogy, however the books do not need to be read in order.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sarah E Ladd writes such wonderful characters that are so worth rooting for. I really enjoyed Olivia and Lucas’ story. Their fathers had worked together in an antiquities business but had a falling out. Years later Olivia and Lucas are at the same house party, both interested in the extensive collection of the owner. There’s mystery, romance, and friendship. Just the right amount of tension for me. I’m really liking this series! The books are stand alone so you don’t have to read the previous titles before this one. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Sarah Ladd brings the Regency era back to life with another wonderful story. Yorkshire, England becomes a rich backdrop for an unfolding mystery and possible romance. The book is filled out with strong, amazing characters that bring the story to life. Olivia is a strong and independent woman in a world where men dominate the antiquities field. Lucas is determined to bring respectability and honour back to his family name. Both can't resist antiquities and the history that surrounds them. Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose. Who should they put that trust in? Deep felt emotions and normal doubts and heartache make for realistic people who feel like friends letting the reader into a part of their lives.
Sarah Ladd pulled me in with the first chapter and kept me invested through the last page. The characters, setting, and some mystery and romance kept the story flowing easily. There were a few twists that kept me guessing until all was revealed at the end. I found myself pulling for the good guys and moaning when they missed an opportunity to set things on the right path. I have been looking forward to the book since it was announced and it did not disappoint. I was transported back to Regency England and loved ever moment of the trip. Sarah Ladd has become a favorite author who I never miss reading. I can't wait for the next adventure. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hello! :) Firstly many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of the Cloverton Charade. I love any book written by Sarah E. Ladd, and this book is her best by far! I absolutely love the Cloverton Charade and cannot wait to buy the physical copy when released! I find it an amazing joy to read about antiques, valuation of antiques and romance juxtaposed to a house party. I love the romance and the years a slow development of a romance in terms of the relationship between Olivia and Lucas. I feel like their relationship and the resulting romance are akin to an antique bowl, for example...crafted years ago, set upon a shelf for years and, then, at a particular point, valued and used as well as ultimately considered as a priceless treasure. Many factors served to thwart Olivia's development as her own person and as a knowledgeable antiquarian - especially as a women in those times. And multiple factors thwarted the Olivia-Lucas reunion. But they found their way amidst a shared love of antiques, family connections, betrayals of others and their own realization that they were soulmates. They belonged together like a rare painted porcelain salt and pepper shaker or sugar and creamer. They could not part with each other much like one's not being able to part with a priceless antique or heirloom. Brilliant and wonderful!! Thank you!! :)

Sarah E. Ladd always delivers amazingly woven regency novels, and this was didn't disappoint! Alicia Brannon's knowledge of antiquities is parallel to any male in the industry but unfortunately for her, the era she lives in doesn't acknowledge women in the workplace. So, she works as a clerk of sorts in her uncle's shop, dreaming of the day when she can share her expertise. Her father taught her all she knows but when he dies, her uncle sees no value in her knowledge. Lucas Avery is an antiquities purveyor and looking to build up the family business. His and Alcia's deceased fathers were once partners but came to a bitter end, leaving hurt and distrust in the wake. When Alicia is approached by a wealthy matron to go "undercover" at a house party and work on the matron's private collection she is thrilled finally make -a way for herself in the world she loves. But to her surprise, when she arrives at Cloverton Hall - Lucas is there! He has been commissioned to liquidate the matron's deceased husband's collection and sparks fly! Secrets, heartache, and underhanded dealings all abound as Alicia is thrown into a society she is unfamiliar with. The ton is a world away from her everyday life and leaves her feeling off kilter. Will they be able to lay aside their differences for the greater good or will gossip and deceit tear their fragile friendship apart? This is definitely a must-read for 2024 for all regency lovers!

Outstanding! Vivid descriptions, wonderfully relatable characters, and an intriguing mystery to solve! This historical fiction explores the world of antiquities in the early 1800's. The book is well researched and contains a fascinating insight into English collectors of artifacts and treasures from around the world. The main characters, Olivia and Lucas, are unintentionally invited to attend the same house party. They are each asked by different family members to undertake a confidential task, which ultimately puts them in the middle of a family dispute. This delicate situation and the mystery surrounding the antiquities are resolved in a brilliant fashion which is both delightful and refreshing. I love the "feel" of this story: Jane Austen-esque with a bit of mystique. The story is chaste with satisfying romantic chemistry between characters. A wonderful story I heartily recommend.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this regency story. It has a well-developed plot, and a wonderful romance with depth and substance to it.. I enjoyed the mystery aspect which kept me guessing. If you’ve read and enjoyed other books by this author, I think you’ll love this one.

Olivia Brannon knows more about antiquities than most men in the business have forgotten, and she’s determined to accomplish the impossible: to make a name for herself and become an independent career woman in Regency-era England. Olivia thinks she’s found her chance when a wealthy woman asks her to evaluate a private collection at Cloverton Hall. The catch? She has to pretend to be a socialite simply there for a house party.
But when Olivia runs into rival antiquities dealer Lucas Avery will her true identity be exposed? Then, as counterfeits appear and danger quickly escalates, Olivia must decide if she can trust Lucas enough to work together before this charade turns deadly.
Cleverly plotted, packed with period detail, and an absolute page-turning delight to read! Fabulous!

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

I would call this book a regency mystery. And even though i really loked the characters and the mystery , it Just did not grab me. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

This story flowed and was a smooth read for me. Sarah Ladd is an author I can feel confident in reading to get a layered story, plot and characters. I think the writing and story was thoughtful and well thought out. I also appreciated and loved the research put into to capture the parts of life, attitudes, norms, customs af the time period. All of these qualities gave the book fullness and believability. There was a bit of a mystery to the story and a twist and that kept me interested. I enjoyed the conclusion of the mystery and book as a whole. All in all I found it a very satisfying read. I liked both main characters. I found Olivia strong and resilient. Lucas Avery was a fabulous character in his own right and in his support of Olivia. They were well suited and complimented each other. I found the dialogue strong. This was a unique story set in Regency times and I enjoyed reading it!
*thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ability to read an advanced copy. Opinion is 100% my own.

Olivia Brannon is very proud of her heritage, her father having owned and ran Brannon Antiquities and working with some of the greatest collections. Although the years have not gone well and the reputation of Brannon Antiquities has taken a hit, Olivia work along with her uncle in the business she was born to love.
When Mrs. Milton arrives to request Olivia come to Cloverton to asses collection, Olivia sees this as her chance to redeem her father's name and business and jumps at the chance.
Upon her arrival at Cloverton she discovers that she has to pretend to be a part of society, something she knows nothing about but she knows she's up for the challenge.
Olivia is a headstrong character who loves family and has a great devotion and interest in antiquities. She rushed headlong into this ruse with Mrs. Milton and as the story plays out Ladd leads her readers into intrigue, robbery, and suspense. Readers will be rooting for Olivia and charmed by Lucas Avery, her opponent and her accomplice.

I love when I finish a series. I feel so accomplished. And when I complete a delightfully engaging, sweetly romantic, and highly mysterious series I’m even more satisfied as a reader. The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd is the final installment in her Houses of Yorkshire series, and I loved every minute. I genuinely enjoyed each story, and I’m so sad my time with all of Ladd’s unique characters in this series is over.

The Cloverton Charade follows Olivia Brannon and Lucas Avery, both antiquities dealers, who are, unknowingly, on similar cases at Cloverton Hall. Olivia is working for the late owner’s wife, Mrs. Milton, and Lucas is working for the new owner, Mr. Milton’s nephew, George Wainbridge. While working their separate cases, it becomes clear that something is rotten in Cloverton Hall. This is the mystery aspect of the story, and I loved every minute trying to guess at whodunit. I will tell you, I was shocked by the reveal. Totally didn’t see it coming. As with the first and second book in this series, the mystery in The Cloverton Charade is my favorite aspect to this excellent story. I was hooked trying to figure out who the bad guy was, and that kept me furiously turning pages well into the night!

In addition to the mystery, I also really loved the many thematic discussions. I was really drawn to the discussion on grief — how cruel it can be and how it changes people. This is illustrated through Mrs. Milton, and the memories Olivia has of her late father after her beloved mother passed. Both characters changed — physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually — after the death of their spouses. Grief and loss are awful and cruel, and they really do have the power to change people. I think it is ultimately because death is so unnatural. I know we’ve been taught that death is a natural process to life, but if you believe in God and know your Bible, then you know that death was never part of the original plan. Death, therefore, is unnatural. You can feel it when you lose someone. Yes, we who believe know we will see our loved ones again, but that doesn’t change the fact that you can feel the loss deeply every single day and it feels wrong. Loss and grief gut you, but you’re just supposed to move on like nothing has happened. People expect, no demand, you move on before you are ever ready. It’s awful. I really appreciate Ladd’s conversation on this topic, and felt it added such depth and complexity to this story.

The Cloverton Charade is a wonderful story. I’m so glad I spent time in this world with these characters. Journeying with Olivia and Lucas through mystery, intrigue, grief, and romance was quite fun and enjoyable. If you’re a fan of excellently crafted Regency Romances then you will not want to miss out on this story when it releases in September. Purchase yourself a copy today. You won’t be sorry you did!

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Cloverton Charade is a Regency Era romance that checked off all of my must haves for a good read. It has a heroine who is confident in who she is and wants to make her own mark in the world. A hero who sees her worth. A mystery and of course romance with a happy ending. I love this time period and Ms. Ladd is a master story teller who knows how to convey the history and landscape of that time. I really enjoyed it and recommend to any lover of Regency romance.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers, and this is my honest opinion.