Member Reviews
As an avid fan and reader of historical fiction and Sarah Ladd’s books, I was excited to get to read her latest!
In The Cloverton Charade, Ladd brings us quality character development and a fun plot with a few twists and turns. Lucas’s kind heart captured me from the beginning, and I loved watching Olivia’s confidence grow in who she was and her value both in society and business.
I enjoyed this clean regency story with such a well-developed plot. Much of the story takes place at a house party, but the focus isn’t just on romance or the usual surface situations. There is depth of relationship as both Lucas and Olivia participate among the elite and grow in relationship to each other as well as the others in attendance. There is also a mystery which did a good job of keeping me guessing. Setting the stage for the mystery does take a bit more of the book than the solving of it; the solution came together rather quickly, but was surprising.
I was disappointed there was no mention of faith or God since it was from a Christian publisher, but there is an underlying thread of goodness. It involves identity and seeing our value as well as how kindness and seeing beyond a person’s façade can make a difference. Lucas recognizes Olivia’s inner beauty and value, and Olivia sees beyond Mrs. Milton’s grief and terseness. There is the battle for truth and honesty along with moments of forgiveness, restoration and encouragement. In other words, there is inspiration found within its pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the advanced copy to review with my honest opinion.
I’m becoming more of a fan of the Regency Era and Sarah Ladd is one of the reasons. The Cloverton Charade has interesting characters, a house party full of mystery and just the right amount of romance. This lovely story has a nice pace, interesting facts about the time period and its art. It was a fun book to read with a satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read for my honest review.
3.5 - 4 Stars.
Mostly, I did enjoy this book, although I did find it quite slow going. That being said, I did like the setting of the House Party in Yorkshire . It was interesting seeing the mystery unfold, I didn't guess who was behind it, which is good.
I love Regency Period anyway, I like books that aren't all centred around a Romance, and I think this fits the bill. Olivia & Lucas were old friends, but there was some quarrel with their fathers, it was nice to see them getting re-acquainted. I liked Mrs Milton, and it was nice to hear her story - I would have liked to have known a bit more about her though.
Although I do enjoy this Author's books, as with most of her other titles, she doesn't quote scriptures, or put much of a faith element into her books sadly.
This is a series, but they aren't connected in anyway apart from being set in Yorkshire, I guess, so the books could be read as a stand alone, in my opinion.
Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to read this free ebook, in exchange for an honest review.
#TheClovertonCharade #NetGalley
After her father's death, Olivia Brannon, regrets that her uncle is left the antiques business that was once owned by her father, Olivia is an expert when it comes to antiques and her uncle knows very little about how to manage the business. Olivia receives an invitation to Cloverton Hall to assess Mrs. Milton's collection. Olivia is surprised to see Lucas Avery among the guests. Lucas's father was a business partner with Olivia's father until they had a falling out.
This book is suspenseful but also shows what happens when one is willing to forgive.1
Confession- I love Sarah Ladd's books.
This read was excellent! A well done clean historical suspense/romance.
The story centers around Olivia and Lucas.
There were quite a few side characters that honestly could have their own book.
Both grew up in the Antiques world. Their father's were partners and evaluated, sold and sold antiques for a living. They were some type of friends as children. At some point their fathers split the business and not on good terms.
Current day- Lucas is invited to evaluate and sell all the antiques in the home otherwise the new owner will not be able to afford not only the house but everything.
Olivia is invited by the owners aunt to come and evaluate and price her antiques collection.
Interesting enough both don't want Lucas and Olivia to let people know why there are there (probably because that would wreck the image of wealth ).
Olivia has alot to prove. Her father has passed and her uncle took over the business he rarely lets her assist any more..
She wants to prove she is the expert in this field even if she is a woman.
Lucas is nearly broke and not only needs to show that he's the authority in antiques but he needs the money. They reconnect and magic happens …. And suspense , drama , love and more,
Awesome read I couldn’t put it down.
In Regency England, Olivia Brannon has unconventional goals. She wants to follow in her late father’s footsteps and work in the world of antiquities. Olivia’s uncle has taken over her father’s business and doesn’t give her the opportunities she desires. When Olivia is invited to evaluate the collection of a rich widow, she jumps at the chance and leaves London for a house party in the country where she runs into Lucas Avery, whose father was a business rival of her father. Olivia and Lucas make shocking discoveries, unlock mysteries, and share an undeniable attraction.
Sarah Ladd's novels always pull me in from the first line. Her characters are rich and multi-layered, and the romance and mystery don't disappoint! The Cloverton Charade was a page turner, and a wonderful read until it's satisfying conclusion! I loved this peak into Regency England from the perspective of a working-class heroine and hero! Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was lovely from start to finish. The pace of the story was well written and the characters consistent throughout the story. I enjoyed it immensely!
Olivia Brannon love and knowledge for antiquities comes from her father. She longs for adventure traveling to different countries and finding treasures as her father and mother did when she was younger. When an opportunity to inspect, evaluate and catalogue a collection was offered by Mrs. Milton, she immediately took the chance and its risks.
Lucas Avery is the son of Olivia’s father former business partner. Their parents broke the partnership years ago and along it the relationship of their families. Lucas is offered to evaluate, and catalogue the collection of the deceased Mr. Milton with the outmost discretion, if possible. Olivia and Lucas will reconnect after years at the same house party secretly evaluating different collections while maintaining their facade as guests. Their journey, and several mysterious events forced them to be in closer proximity than they initially wished to have but they can never regret.
The book was full of interesting facts about antiquities and their period which is a bonus for me.
I loved most of the characters specially Olivia, Lucas Julia, Tate and Miss Wainbridge. Hopefully there is a sequel about Tate’s story and more adventures for Olivia, Lucas and Julia. I would love to read about it.
I just reviewed The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd. #TheClovertonCharade #NetGalley
An intriguing mystery, a delectable romance, and a happily ever after! What more can a reader wish for?
Sarah E Ladd, is one of those writers, whose books I would be thrilled to read, without even reading the blurb. I have read a few of her previous books, and loved them, and she does not disappoint in this book either. The romance in this book, is more a meeting of like minds, understanding each other, and allowing each partner's strengths to shine through. A thoroughly enjoyable book!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love a good art theft story and Sarah E. Ladd delivers one wrapped in a beautiful historical fiction wrapper. This was a book I was reluctant to put down until the very end - of course, you know the happily ever after is coming, but the art theft made this exciting and unpredictable. I thought I figured out the scheme, but I was delighted to be wrong!
This is a rivals to lovers story with families that used to be united. Olivia Brannon (other reviews refer to her aa Alicia, but she’s Olivia in my ARC) and Lucas Avery were children when their fathers broke their partnership to have separate films dealing in antiquities trading. Both fathers are dead when the story begins and their children have followed in their footsteps, though Olivia is reduced to a clerk in the firm her father created due to her sex.
A former client of the fathers’ has died and his heir hires Lucas to assess the family collection. His widow hires Olivia to assess her personal items. Olivia and Lucia are reunited at the country estate where they are appraising items discreetly while acting as guests at a house party. At one point, Lucas asks Olivia to consult on an item and they find themselves in a midst of a forgery scheme.
Yes, the romance is predictable, but it’s so lovely to watch it unfold. The forgery part of the story was fascinating and pulled in some secondary characters. The culminating action scene is satisfying, though the men involved try to leave Olivia out of it.
Yet another wonderful installment in the Houses of Yorkshire series! The books are not connected or dependent on each other, so no background info is needed to dive into this.
It would seem that most young women in the Regency age are looking for a good marital match. Olivia is firmly entrenched in the antiquities trade and gets an unusual invitation from a wealthy widow, which Olivia would likely not be invited to due to her station in life. This house party invitation leads to a tangled web of deceit and counterfeit objects. I really enjoy reading about the Regency era clothing and the mansions along with societal expectations are always quite intriguing. In this case, I found that the characters were very relatable, and their actions mirrored the times quite well. However, the novel itself moved rather slowly for my taste, leaving the true mystery to be cracked open at the bitter end. Please be aware that I was reading a very early Net Galley copy (which is not the final copy) and am quite sure that the book has certainly been tweaked before the final publication.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed a few of the authors novels and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of her generous backlist, as there are about a dozen to be had. If you enjoy Ms. Ladd, then I would also suggest Abigail Wilson and Julie Klassen.
I received an e-copy of this book from Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book and entering into Olivia’s world!
As someone who enjoys preservation, I could tell from the level of detail, just how much research went into learning about the antiquities of the time. This is the first book that has really given a sense of just how opulent and treasure-filled homes at this point in history could be.
I feel the author throughly captured the struggles of a woman who did not (and did not really want to) fit the expected mold for women at that time. It was also encouraging to read how Olivia held true to her standards, even when it could have been easier to join the crowd or to give up on her dreams.
Reading this story truly felt like watching a charade. Are the people what they seem? What are their motives? Would Olivia prevail in reaching her dreams?
Thank you for allowing me to read this book through NetGalley!
Reviews online are pending until the weeks before the release date, at which time I will edit this review and add links.
What a fantastic read! Lovable characters, I especially enjoyed Olivia and Lucas but I found Mrs. Milton held a place in my heart as well. I found the plot to be an exciting one that held mystery and intrigue along with an enjoyable romance. The museum pieces and the far off places they came from only added to the mystery and the fun of the story. I was held completely captivated from the first page to the last. The story never lacked or grew slow but instead I found it only to add a new source of interest for me as it progressed. Never have I read a book of Sarah Lad’s that I didn’t find myself entranced by. This is definitely another well written story that wisk you off to a place that only astounds the imagination of castles, lords, and ladies.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! In fact, I loved it!
I have read a few of this author's other books in the past - and while they were good, this one is very, VERY good!
It is one of the top 10 books I have read in 2024 - which is saying a lot - as I read many books a year.
The plot is fantastic! The characters were truly well thought out and nicely developed.
There was mystery, suspense, and a wonderful sweet and clean romance that I adored.
Lots of supporting details and descriptions without being overloaded... about the antiquities profession, the countryside, the beautiful Cloverton House, and the gowns the ladies wore. I loved it all.
I will definitely recommend this book to all, and I know I will be reading it again in the future... and next time I'll do so a little slower, to be able to savor it more! I was so engrossed in it that it was hard to put down!
Thank you to this author who created such an enjoyable book - that is clean and definitely worth the time to read!
💜 💜
Friends as children, Lucas and Olivia’s fathers break up their business partnership causing them to become enemies, then rivals after both fathers die and they want to continue in the antiquities business. Sent to discreetly appraise different collections in the same household as guests at a house party, thus the charade, they realize the need to work together when counterfeit pieces are discovered. Renewed friendship develops and quickly blossoms into love as they begin to piece things together to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the intrigue in this book as much as the love story and would highly recommend this clean regency read. I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson but was not required to give a positive review. The opinions are completely my own.
Sarah Ladd's "The Cloverton Charade" is a thoroughly enjoyable tale, and the third book of her Houses of Yorkshire series. Invited to the same house party, rival antique appraisers Olivia Brannon and Lucas Avery appear to be at cross purposes, yet they join forces when they must discover who is replacing the valuable pieces with counterfeits.
The house party, with its interesting attendees and fun activities has never failed to appeal to me. This one offers mystery and a crime to solve, as well. Did I figure it out? That's a resounding no, which is indeed a very good thing. A predictable perpetrator always ruins a mystery. Olivia is lovely and determined to succeed in a business world dominated by men. Lucas is equally dedicated to proving his worth. Their romance is engaging, and while it happens rather quickly, it does not read as insta-love. Secondary characters are entertaining too.
Sarah Ladd's prose is always pleasing, and without a doubt, she accurately depicts the Regency period. Clean and with few, if any, grammatical errors, "The Cloverton Charade" is a wonderful read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of this novel.
I have to admit that this was my first book written by this author and I immensely enjoyed the whole story. I immediately fell in love with the heroine Olivia Brannon who wanted nothing more than to prove her skills and knowledge in antiquities. She was raised to love the work her father was doing yet after his death when her father´s brother took over she was only allowed to evaluate the goods in the storage. When finally a possibility arises to evaluate a private collection of the late owner´s widow at Cloverton Hall she wants to show her skills and make a name in the antiquities business. Yet, she hasn´t counted on meeting her uncle´s company rival Lucas Every, who was assigned to evaluate the whole collection of Cloverton Hall under the pretense of being friends with the owner and attending a house party for possible marriage prospects. Lucas and Olivia know, that their fathers were once business partners but one day their paths divided. Lucas was mesmerized by Olivia´s knowledge and felt attracted to her. Maybe it was time to end the rivalry of their fathers. He even asked her opinion on some pieces, as there seemed to be something wrong with the Chinese porcelain. What they discovered wasn´t just a fraud, but also what matters the most in life.
I found this story entertaining, and refreshing and was truly delighted about its direction. I can only recommend to all, who love regency books about the working class.
In "The Cloverton Charade" by Sarah E. Ladd, Alicia Brannon and Lucas Avery arrive at Cloverton Hall under the guise of guests and quickly recognize each other as business rivals. They join forces to uncover a deception within a private collection. As they work together, they form a strong bond. When a famous piece in the collection is broken during a house party, everyone becomes a suspect. Alicia and Lucas must decide how much they are willing to risk, not only for their professional reputations but also for their hearts.
I adore a well-written historical house party story and this one is set between London and an estate in Yorkshire. This story had a steady pace and managed to keep my interest from the first page to the last word. The ensemble of characters was incredibly diverse and intriguing. I particularly enjoyed the mix of romance, intrigue, and mystery in the plot.
The Cloverton Charade was a different take on falsifying art and forgeries. Olivia is a young woman whose greatest desire is to use the antiquities training she received from her father while traveling. Lucas is a young man striving to outlive and increase the poor reputation in antiquities his father left behind. Both are searching but they don't realize they are searching for the same thing. All the while, they are putting up false fronts about who they are and what they are doing at a house party in the countryside of England.
This novel was beautifully done. The imagery is clear and I could create the pieces of artwork in my head. The house is described such that I could imagine it in front of me. I found the writing pleasant, endearing, and drawing me in. This was a story that I enjoyed. All these are typical from the author, Sarah E. Ladd. She writes in a way that draws the reader deeper and deeper into the story, beckoning to join the festivities or heartache or sorrow or joy. Beautifully done.
This is a clean story that is lovely. With no language or compromising scenes, this is a joy to read and a pleasurable way to spend my reading time. This is a beautiful romance within which is found hope and joy.
I received a copy of this ebook on Netgalley in order to provide feedback. All opinions are my own.
The Cloverton Charade was such a sweet, fun read! I absolutely loved it. It had everything I love in romance books: great character development, drama, suspense and of course great romance! It’s about two antiquities dealers whose families had a falling out and end up at the same house party to secretly evaluate two collections of antiques. They end up realizing how much they have in common and decide to put their family’s past aside to work together when they discover something is afoot at the house party. Olivia and Lucas (the main characters) are so likeable and kind I was just rooting for them the whole time. I highly recommend this to anyone who love a clean romance!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
"The Cloverton Charade" by Sarah E. Ladd offers a captivating blend of romance, intrigue, and historical drama set against the backdrop of Regency England. The novel introduces readers to Olivia Brannon, a young woman determined to forge her own path in a society that dictates she should adhere to tradition. Olivia's desire to follow in her father's footsteps and pursue a career in antiquities leads her to the illustrious Cloverton Hall, where she must navigate a web of secrets and deceit while concealing her true intentions.
Ladd skillfully crafts a narrative filled with twists and turns as Olivia's mission becomes entangled with Lucas Avery's, whose family history is intertwined with hers in a bitter rivalry. As they uncover counterfeit antiquities and grapple with their growing attraction to each other, Olivia and Lucas find themselves caught in a dangerous game of deception where trust is a rare commodity. The tension between them simmers with each encounter, adding depth to their characters and driving the plot forward with palpable intensity.
Against the backdrop of the Cloverton Hall house party, Ladd expertly explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the consequences of deception. As suspicions mount and alliances shift, Olivia and Lucas must confront their own biases and preconceptions to uncover the truth. "The Cloverton Charade" is a compelling tale of love and redemption that will keep readers eagerly turning pages until the very end.