"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.

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