A touching novel filled with family drama, mystery, and romance that took me in an emotional roller coaster ride. It was a little hard to follow at times when the storyline switched timelines, but overall well written and definitely a good read.

Romance is usually the high priority for me in a novel, and there is a lovely romantic thread in Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, but for once it wasn’t what makes this one of my top reads. That honor goes to two characters – Libby, an almost otherworldly character whose story alternately brought tears and laughter and the desire to just hug her, and Walter Doyle, a husband/father who wants to do the right thing but struggles to process the disappointments he’s been dealt without hurting those he loves. Today, we would say Libby is on the autism spectrum but in the 1950s/60s part of this dual timeline novel they didn’t have that much knowledge – or vocabulary – about autism. As a result, Dobson treats us to tender insight into Libby’s complex personality, highlighting what makes her so special, what makes it so difficult for her to fit in (even with her family) and what makes the world so dangerous to her.

As for Walter, the sacrifices he makes for his family (long after the reasons for those sacrifices are forgotten by most), despite the fact that life hasn’t turned out at all like he’d thought it would, is redemptive in the questions it provokes in our own hearts as well. Not only that but Walter’s choices and actions are a poignant demonstration of how God makes beauty from the ashes in our lives.

"She saw a rainbow of colors where other people saw only black and white."

The other characters besides Libby and Walter are all just as layered and clearly drawn, flawed and redemptive, their stories in turns heartbreaking and uplifting – always compelling. Maggie, possibly the most broken character in this story as she realizes that her flawed choices will chase her the rest of her life, choices that set in motion a multi-generational pattern affecting her descendants for decades. Oliver, the prized son of the aristocratic Crofts, manor-house neighbors to Walter & Maggie Doyle’s humble cottage. “….his parents treated him more like a piece of pottery – shaping and molding him into the distinguished Lord of Ladenbrooke. No one had ever asked him if he wanted to be lord.” Heather, who grounds us in the present-day timeline as she returns home to sell the family cottage, also the one who brings to light the ‘shadows’ of – stunning – family secrets. Christopher and a host of other supporting characters who add their own blend of dimension and emotion to this gorgeous story.

Finally, Dobson sets the scene so perfectly, the Cotswald countryside coming alive with her descriptions, you’ll feel as though you’re right there in the middle of either timeline. The narrative switches easily back and forth between the past and present timelines, as well as utilizing multiple voices/perspectives. It’s all done so seamlessly and smartly though, there’s no effort for the reader either in making the mental switch back and forth between characters or timelines. You just become absorbed in every page, in all the feels the story evokes.

Bottom Line: I know this review is interminably long, but I still don’t feel like I’ve done it justice. Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is the kind of novel that you want to savor, drinking in every bit of its beautiful prose and compelling characters, yet you find yourself so caught up in the story that you can’t linger for wanting to find out what will happen next. I wept more than once, particular scenes touching my heart deeply – whether because the descriptions were so tender and vivid or because that aspect of the plot was so emotional. This isn’t a light read but it’s ultimately so redemptive that it’s a must-read.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

No longer interested. Don't now why I asked for this in the first place.

"As she studied his picture, her mind wandered. Oliver and Libby’s love could never be restored in this life nor could Heather tell her father how much she loved him. But perhaps it wasn’t too late to restore all the broken relationships."

This story is pure beauty in all of its layers (and there is many of them). The novel tells a story about beauty in brokenness, strength in the time of darkness and the value of self-sacrifice. All this accompanied with a mystery of life and death of a young man and he more love stories than one - the love between man and woman (even in betrayal), parents and children (even if the child is not their own flesh and blood) and friendship (even if you let the fear overrule you).
And the beauty, butterflies and freedom.

The authoress is a mother of children with special "needs" (sensory processing issues) and obviously this situation helped into the maturity of such a warm, deep heart. I deeply believe one must experience some heartbreaking issues on their own to see the strength behind them and even the beauty. And can appreciate said strength and beauty (as this is hard).
And with wisdom and heart like this, the authoress has written this beautiful story about three women - Maggie, hurted by promises of a handsome sailor, who is thinking about drowning herself and her unborn child when another young man enters the scene. About Libby, who is special, fragile as a butterfly and who lives just for beauty - until another young man enters her life. And Heather, whose lover had broken her heart 25 years ago - and whom she will meet again.
There is a circle of choices these women made - and their choices influenced both the generation before them and the following one. Some of the choices brings pain and problems - but there is also a hope and light in the darkness.

I was touched by all of the stories. They are not the same (even if same circumstances are similar).

Specifically Walter is one touching and interesting figure - a man to love a woman who had found her love towards him later than him; father of two children who...but read for yourself :)
A perfect picture of a tender-hearted man who had made mistakes, but overcomed them with such a tender love.

I find Ms Dobson an unique voice in the Christian literature - she is able to touch the raw and real issues with a tender maturity I have never heard of yet. A rare, but very much welcomed quality!

Deeply recommended read.