The Cloverton Charade

THE CLOVERTON CHARADE by SARAH E LADD is an exciting Regecy romance novel that takes place in England, between Derbyshire and London.
Olivia Brannon, who has taken after her father and become an expert in antiquities, is delighted to be invited by Mrs Agnes Milton to a house party at Cloverton Hall in order to evaluate her private collection. This will be done in secret, as the elderly lady’s nephew, George Wainbridge has inherited her husband’s fortune, which is now practically non existant due to the money her husband spent on antiquiqities. George has invited the well known antique dealer, Lucas Avery, to assess his uncle’s vast treasure, many of the pieces acquired through Olivia’s father, in order to sell them and fill the Cloverton coffers.
It is interesting to see how the author describes the underlying goals of the characters, for example,Olivia wants to prove to her uncle Thomas, and the wold in general, that she is every bit as qualified as any man in the business, Lucas wants to improve his standing in the antiquites world after a scandal involving his father, and Mrs Milton wants to honour her husband’s memory. All of this takes place in the midst of a house party in which most of the guests are looking for advatageous liaisons……
Then the unthinkable happens…..
The idea of what is really important in life and what is counterfeit comes through clearly.
I cannot recomend this lovely read strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review ae completely my own.

This was a very enjoyable read. The story was very interesting and I finished it in a day. The romance was perfectly done. I would highly recommend this book!

"Today was the day Olivia's entire life was going to change. It was the anticipation of something new-the anticipation of an adventure"
Olivia Brannon and Lucas Avery, whose father's were once partners in an antiquities business, reunite in this intriguing story of mystery and suspense. Olivia and Lucas, who are now antiquarians, are hired to make assessments of rare collections individually owned by the widow of Charlton Hall and the new heir to the estate. What evolves is a suspenseful game of charades and intrigue that will keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a great read!
This story shows how difficult it was for women to use their talents outside of the home along with intriguing details of how a person’s priceless collections would be verified, recorded, and sold.
There is intrigue as the question becomes who is supplementing fake pottery for the real items.
The main characters are well formed and the storyline is great!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

In this third installment of the Houses of Yorkshire series, the lovely Olivia Brannon's unconventional interest in antiquities, developed through her father's business, convinces her to accept an invitation that could change her future forever - the chance to evaluate a private collection housed at Cloverton Hall. She arrives to find that Lucas Avery, who was once an old friend but is now her adversary, has his own antiquities work at Cloverton that put her efforts at risk. When the two of them stumble upon a dangerous plot, they must decide whether to risk their future by working together to uncover the truth.

This book combines swoony romance, fascinating history, and fabulous character-building, all in one cozy mystery package. I highly recommend it!

Wanting to become THE antiques dealer she knows she is she accepts an appraisal that set forth a future that may not have the consequences she desires. He is trying to set free a reputation not of his making. Can they together solve the mystery?
I really liked this novel. it has a strong woman trying to make it in a mans world even up against her own uncle. Add. Little romance and you have a sure fire way to win over a crowd, or a reader.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

I always love the author's book and this one was no surprise in that department.

House parties are a common setting in Regency novels, but this one's different: the party provides the perfect excuse for Alicia and Lucas to perform their work. They have both been hired separately to evaluate collections of antiques that could prove pivotal for each own's businesses. Of course, they recognize each other and know what they're really there for, even if the other guests are ignorant of the true reasons.

I liked how this premise set up the perfect setting for Alicia and Lucas to spend time together, appreciate the other's talents, and develop a friendship that only grows. The antiquities and forgery aspects were truly interesting, as it was the way Alicia and Lucas discovered what was going on.

Highly recommend this one. You don't have to read the series in order but it adds to the enjoyment.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd is a captivating, unconventional, tale set in Regency England. I really enjoyed the character Olivia and her ability to appraise antiques. While she is a woman and cannot fully walk in her expertise to support her family’s business, she can discretely help a wealthy widow. Olivia is poised and educated, but she is not a classically trained gentlewoman who can impress others at a house party. Thankfully, she is there a companion to the eccentric widow and finds an ally in Lucas. There is something amiss as Olivia and Lucas realize they are both there to appraise the same collection and not all the items are what they seem. Rather than turn against each other, I enjoyed watching them come together and complement one another. The mystery was well paced and while not completely unpredictable, it was well done and held my attention all the way through. I love the attention to dialogue and character development.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

What a sweet story and fun mystery! Maybe I didn't read the description well enough, because the mystery caught me off guard! But I ended up loving it! This book has a gentle pace, and a non-stress inducing conflict, which is just my style! Add in a strong female lead and a love story with an HEA, and you just have the whole sweet historical fiction romantic mystery package! Thank you to NetGalley for my arc! All opinions are my own!

This is a review for The Cloverton Charade by Sarah Ladd, and I received this copy for my review from NetGalley. I have been waiting for this book since I first heard it was coming out, as Sarah Ladd is one of my favorite authors, of whom I have all.her books! This book was so worth the wait, as I absolutely loved this story! It is set in the Regency era in Yorkshire, England, in 1810. The story begins with Olivia Brannon, the daughter of a very successful art dealer, whose father passes away, but who has taught Olivia the business, but sadly, upon her father's death, the business goes to her uncle who sees Olivia as more of a hired hand instead of letting her be a part of ongoing, successful business she should've inherited herself. She is allowed to help with the collection business, along with her friend Russell, but they both work for her uncle, who does not like to share the business with anyone!

Olivia is asked by the wife of one of her father's major collector clients, Mrs. Milton of Cloverton Hall to come and assess her husband's extensive collection, which she adores, because it is her one link to her beloved husband who has recently passed away. Since her husband has died, she needs to find out the collection's true monetary value quickly, so she goes to Olivia, whose father helped Mr. Milton purchase his collection. Olivia is thrilled that Mrs. Milton has come to her, but she is sworn to secrecy by Mrs. Milton, who invites Olivia, for appearance sake, to Cloverton Hall to secretly assess her husband's collection, which leads Olivia to get a glimpse into a life of luxury amongst the rich, but all isn't as it seems.

Since Mrs. Milton's husband has just died, and their nephew, George Wainbridge, will inherit Cloverton Hall, which is financially in trouble, so George also has ideas of selling his uncle's collection, which he doesn't care about in the slightest, but sees it only as a means to keep his estate running, but his aunt is standing in his way. George also needs to get the collection assessed to find out the value, so he hires the son of the arch rival of Olivia's father, Lucas Avery, who Olivia used to count as a close friend until their fathers, both art collectors and partners, had a falling out. Olivia was taught to avoid the Averys at all costs, but finds herself thrown together with Lucas at Cloverton Hall, both who are asked to asses its famous collection, but for two family rivals! Lucas and Olivia must decide to either stay enemies, or work together, but get caught up in a family feud that will lead them down a mysterious road of robbery, forgery and betrayal, but I won't spoil it!!!

This book engaged me from the first page, and was so well written, with amazing characters, and a plot that literally made me keep turning the pages because I was so engrossed! The ending led to a place that I least expected, and as I can't stand a book where I can figure out the plot, this book was awesome! It is right up there with the quality of books I have grown to love from this author! This regency era book is a very interesting and engaging art collection mystery that includes a hint of romance, and I loved it! So another 5 star book from Sarah Ladd, and I highly, highly recommend it!!!

This book was so great! Full of mystery and especially fascinating antiquities, it was absolutely intriguing and romantic and delightful. I loved how Olivia and Lucas knew each other at some point as young people and then met again in this charade that they had to play in order to meet their goals. Olivia is a woman with incredible intelligence and cleverness when it comes to understanding the world of antiquities at this time, but she is a woman. She's expected to live the life of a young lady and leave her dreams behind in order to marry well. Lucas is struggling to bring stability and growth to his late father's business in antiquities. They are both discreetly invited to help in assessing the renowned Cloverton Hall collection.
As they both discover that there are counterfeits amongst the real pieces, they don't know who they can trust and eventually have to depend on each other to solve the mystery. I just loved how they come to know each other better and fall in love, as they work together to figure out what is truly happening at Cloverton Hall. Both Olivia and Lucas are such genuine and deep characters that want to do what is right and good. This was a perfect romance and mystery!

I received a copy of this book from Netgally, and all opinions are my own.

Alicia and Lucas were the perfect rivals turned allies. I love that Alicia doesn't let others treat her as less in the business just because she's a woman. Sarah E Ladd did a great job making the book super entertaining and grabbing your attention from the very beginning. Such a fun book.

Olivia Brannon’s deepest desire is to become a respected purveyor of antiquities, or antiquarian. Like an archaeologist, she imagines visiting distant lands to find rare and valuable items to procure for her vast clientele. And she would then provide a good living for herself and Laura, her younger sister. Were this 2024, the obstacles would prove minimal to someone with talent, like the lovely Miss Brannon. But she lives in 1820s London. This is a man's occupation.

Sarah E. Ladd’s The Cloverton Charade is an entertaining Regency-era mystery romance with a study in the differences between the coming-of-age experiences of young men and women. The conflicts explored are more than mere fiction. Women had few avenues for their lives. Most young ladies did not have a career. The most they could anticipate for themselves is life as a mother and a wife. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But Olivia wanted to be like her mother who had the added advantage of joining her father, Edward Brannon, on trips to seek out antiquities. They traveled to China, India, and Egypt. But mother died from diphtheria on a sea voyage to Italy. As a result, Edward believed travel too much for delicate females, so his daughters have always lived in their small sphere of London.

But this didn't stop Olivia from dreaming of a different life. She grew up learning about the trade of dealing in antiquities. Her father had a partner, another antiquarian, Timothy Avery. Their wives and children were close as well. When they had a falling out, they severed the relationship and became rivals. Mr. Brannon secured the deal of helping wealthy Francis Milton obtain his massive Chinoiserie Collection for their estate, Cloverton Hall, decorative items that depicted Chinese and Japanese motifs. (The name Milton sounded familiar. Perhaps a nod to Milton in the North of Elizabeth Gaskell's North & South fame?)

When the story opens in the prologue, 14-year-old Olivia runs into 17-year-old Lucas Avery. They both see a beautiful vase Olivia's father obtained for the Miltons. This scene will play out once more later in the story like a biblical type-scene, an event that recurs and is expected to unfold in a certain manner. When he died, Edward Brannon left his business in the hands of Uncle Thomas. Thomas doesn’t have the same level of excitement and interest as now 22-year-old Olivia. For the most part, he leaves the business in the seemingly capable hands of his second-in-command, Russell Crane. Olivia tries to do more than function as an assistant, but Uncle Thomas despite recognizing her knowledge, says she is “not an agent of Brannon Antiquities.”

But widowed Mrs. Agnes Milton offers the opportunity for Olivia to step into action as an agent and flex her antiquarian skill set. (Mrs. Milton has no desire to engage Thomas' services.) Mrs. Milton asks Olivia to evaluate her personal collection of antiques. She sets up the one part of the charade of the story. Olivia will pose as Mrs. Milton's friend and companion at nephew George Wainbridge’s House Party. He and his sister Isabella have asked Mrs. Milton to host this welcome-to-our-lovely-estate party in Yorkshire.

Olivia resonates with Mrs. Milton's desire to find financial autonomy with the sale of her collection. After all, she wants financial autonomy and self-sufficiency, not just for herself, but also to care for her sister Laura, 16. They can get out from under stifling Uncle Thomas and live. Plus, she understands grief and the desire to hold on to objects that remind us of a loved one who has died. Despite her misgivings about the ruse, Olivia has always wanted to step into her father's shoes. She agrees to help, so Mrs. Milton in return provides her modiste to prepare Olivia to play the role so she can evaluate the collection without raising suspicion.

George Wainbridge, the Miltons' nephew, inherited Cloverton and its properties, including Windhurst Manor on the estate. As long as he allows Mrs. Milton to live out her days at Cloverton, George will keep Windhurst, the only property earning an income. But Cloverton needs financial assistance. (I found this great blog post here about money concerns as a man of wealth and property back then.) Just like Mrs. Milton, George needs an antiquarian to evaluate the Chinoiserie collection in secret. Through a mutual acquaintance, William Tate, Lucas Avery is invited to join George at the Cloverton House Party and evaluate the famous Milton Chinoiserie collection.

The stage is set. The charade begins. The single ladies arrive with their chaperones. The men arrive with their valets ready for dancing, sport, port, and leisure...at least I think they drank port. They drank something anyway. (Probably smoked cigars, too. I know William Tate used snuff, too. Not a great habit. Surprise, surprise, even ladies indulged in this activity.)

A mystery unfolds as two people in trade navigate a world of wealth and privilege where everyone wears a mask for self-preservation, for keeping up with societal expectations, …or for committing a crime.

I’ll leave it there. I wrote in my notes that the first time Lucas and Olivia finally talk after seeing each other at Cloverton Hall took what felt like forever, leading to much suspense. Ladd is so great at that. And her descriptive scene-writing activated the theater of my mind. I needed no help imagining this opulent estate with so many antiquities, as well as the natural beauty of Yorkshire surrounding Cloverton Hall. I wanted to be Olivia and stay in the Blue Room…mostly because blue is my favorite color. The fact that Mrs. Milton can just barge in at any time since it’s attached to her suite...hmm, not so much.

The Cloverton Charade is a story with a mask-and-mirror theme. Olivia has only heard tales of London Seasons and house parties. She has a chance to wear the mask and play the role of a woman of wealth. In her disguise, she stares in the mirror and sees a stranger. She looks at the others around her as mirrors. She start to see what she lacks. The young ladies see Olivia as a mirror: their competition. They think she’s looking for a wealthy husband. To the men, Olivia indeed is this enchanting stranger. She doesn’t behave like most young women. She doesn’t play an instrument or sing. She doesn’t sew nor does she have needlework. She doesn’t draw or paint. Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice came to mind. Lady Catherine interrogates poor Elizabeth Bennet in front of everyone at dinner about her lack of education most gentlemen’s daughters receive from governesses or tutors.

Olivia can only take off the mask with Lucas Avery. They share a past, a love for antiquities, and so much more. She does have a heart-to-heart eventually with Miss Wainbridge and learns that everyone wears a mask in this world as a wealthy member of the ton. No one feels safe to live an authentic existence. True friendship is rare.

I enjoyed this third book in Ladd’s Houses of Yorkshire collection that can be read as a standalone novel. She is one of my favorite writers of historical fiction in that she is a fine storyteller and teaches history through story, while also including faith-based answers to problems that fit every era. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to receive a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Amazing read! Rivals to lovers. Two antiques specialists are at the same place to do the same job, without anyone else finding out their true intentions. The two will have to work together to solve the puzzle before time runs out. I loved this book and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone!!

This book was so good I had a hard time putting it down. This author doesn’t disappoint when it comes to capturing my attention and holding it. I recommend all her books, especially this one.

Wow! What a fantastic book! It has romance, intrigue, and a mystery! I was completely surprised by the perpetrators! The romance is sweet and a reminder that love can happen when you least expect it!

The cast of characters is brilliant! Tied for my favorite is Olivia and Lucas! I love them both! They're extremely talented and smart! I like how they work as a team to solve the mystery. Mrs. Milton touched my heart. Her circumstances are not ideal, but she perseveres!

I really enjoy reading books by Sarah Ladd. Her books are filled with characters that are easy to like and relatable. The surprises that appear throughout the story are splendid!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How I loved this story! And all the art references! 😍 It was really interesting. I was so looking forward to this book and it delivered. This is the third book on the ‘Houses of Yorkshire’ series.
This novel was full of mystery, no one was truly who they were. It was all a charade and this adds so much to the story. This story embarks the reader into a journey of intrigue while at Cloverton Hall through the different characters actions and the art pieces. With a surprising twist you never see coming, that brings tension and ultimately the end, perfectly done.
Also, what I like the most of Ladd’s novels is that the romance is subtle and truly clean. This author is a favorite of mine.

I loved Olivia and Lucas from the very beginning. Olivia’s confidence in her skills adds so much to her character. I love when heroines have self esteem and know their worth without being arrogant and conceited.
“…confidence and knowing one’s worth is the most beautiful trait a woman can possess.”
Lucas was such a wonderful character. Always acknowledging and supporting Olivia. Together they were a powerful duo on antiquities 😏
…and the romance (sigh)
“…she was taking with her a piece of him that he could not live without — his heart.”
“I confess that I am hopelessly captivated by you. And if this past month had taught me anything, it’s that love, and love alone, makes life worth living.” ❤️❤️❤️

The main characters’ desire to leave grievances aside make them more likable in my opinion. When people are more adept to drop their odds quickly instead of dragging it all their lives I find it more appealing and relatable to life.
“…life is too short to hold on to grievances.”

And here are other excerpts I liked…

“It takes but one mishap to abolish trust, and once gone, it’s nearly impossible to restore.”

“Trust is built by listening, not speaking.”

“Very few hold true to a conviction, for it is easiest to do what is expected and easy.”

“And if it is gossip that is worrying you, don’t give it that power. People love to talk the things that take the focus from their own problems.”

“Emotion is the entire reason we do what we do, be it love, pride, affection, fear, or any number of motivations for why people amass things. What are any of us without emotion?”

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Title : "The Cloverton Charade"
Author : Sarah E. Ladd
May 7, 2024

The third installment of the Houses of Yorkshire series is a delightful read that seamlessly blends romance, history, and mystery into a captivating narrative. The plot revolves around Olivia Brannon, a young woman who finds herself embroiled in a world of antiquities when she accepts an invitation to evaluate a private collection at Cloverton Hall. Little does she know that her old friend turned rival, Lucas Avery, has his own agenda at the Hall, setting the stage for a captivating showdown between them. What sets this installment apart is its adept storytelling, with the author's skillful handling of character development and plot ensuring that readers are fully immersed in the unfolding drama. Against the backdrop of a Regency-era house party, Alicia and Lucas's interactions spark a friendship that gradually evolves amidst the intrigue, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative. Whether you're a devoted fan of the series or a newcomer, this book is sure to delight. With its compelling storyline and well-crafted characters, this installment comes highly recommended for fans of historical romance and mystery alike.

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

***Many Thanks to the Author #SarahELadd, Publisher #ThomasNelson and #NetGallery for the advanced copy of the book.
#TheClovertonCharade #HistoricalFiction #Romance

This was such a good book! I am such a fan of Sarah E. Ladds books so I was excited for this one. It didn’t disappoint, I loved the storyline and the characters! Highly recommend!

An excellent Regency era tale set between London and an estate in Yorkshire. A house party brings together people from different levels of society under some pretense. A mystery is uncovered, and a romance begins amidst the tension.

Well-written with a steady pace, this story kept my interest from the first to last pages. All of the tension builds to an exciting climax and some 'aha' moments that I didn't see coming. There is a bit of action, but nothing too violent.

I enjoyed the characters of Olivia and Lucas, and hoped they would be given a happy resolution to their conundrum. They had a backstory that added a theme of forgiveness, family loyalty, and finding their own way forward.
Olivia was a young woman with a strong moral compass, who didn't shrink from a challenge. I applauded her bravery and felt for her vulnerablility among the societal elites. She was courageous and true. Loved the ending!

A good, clean read, perfect for any reader from teens and up. 4.5 stars

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I really enjoyed this book so much.. it was a wonderful story and I enjoyed all the characters. The story got very suspenseful and I could not put the book down. I enjoy reading anything by this author. I look forward to reading more books in the future by this author..

Book 3 of 3 - Two people are hired to sneak through a Regency England home appraising antiques. What they find is surprise, even finding love. Clean romance.

The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd has many possibilities. A pair of London based antiquities appraisers, Olivia and Lucas, attend a Yorkshire house party. They begin as rivals with a history, each is secretly evaluating an antiquities collection at the request of separate persons without the other's knowledge. They eventually become suspicious of why the other person is attending the house party. When a question comes up about the authenticity of some of the pieces, they begin to work together. As Olivia and Lucas continue to work together, they also start to find the other attractive. This story works very well as a clean romance and as a an intriguing criminal mystery. How will it all end? Will they find the counterfeiters/thieves? Will they get together in the end? Follow the story through all the complex twists and turns and find out. A very satisfying read!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!
💜 💜

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

A fantastic read!

This has it all.. Romance, a touch of mystery, twists and turns. It's a the book book for historical romance fans. I would highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

A house party, an art forgery mystery, and rivals finding friendship.
I loved this story! The details of the house party, the art descriptions, and the romance were perfectly balanced. I thoroughly enjoyed Lucas and Olivia’s story. Their meeting after so many years and finding that neither was what they had thought was sweet. Their relationship grew to friendship and love quickly but was very believable. I enjoyed many of the secondary characters and was shocked at the solving of the forgery mystery.

This ARC was provided through NetGalley by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

The Cloverton Charade is a historical novel set during the Regency period. Alicia Brannon is asked to appraise some antiquities at Cloverton Hall. Lucas Avery is also interested in appraising the collection. As romantic sparks fly, a mystery also unfolds.

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction and have enjoyed other Sarah E. Ladd novels. I have not read the earlier books in this series but had no problem enjoying this book as a standalone read. The characters were engaging, the dialogue was lively, and the historical details were interesting. I recommend The Cloverton Charade for other fans of historical fiction!

Lovely, engaging story set in the 1818-1819 timeframe in London and Yorkshire. Love the main characters, Lucas Avery and Olivia Brannon. They are both asked to appraise some antiquities, unbeknownst to the other. Olivia is striving to make a name for herself in a male dominated business, and Lucas is hoping to secure some funds for his business. Both families have a history and these two have known each other since they were young. Cloverton Hall is filled to the brim with antiquities and people for a party with Mrs Milton acting as hostess. We meet a lot of people at this party, and I'm hoping the author plans this as a series. Lucas is used to these affairs, somewhat, but Olivia is out of her element. She doesn't know the things the other young ladies do, as she's only been interested in learning the trade, and she's not to let people know why she's there. Page turning story, with a few surprises thrown in that makes this hard to put down.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved Olivia's character. She is kind, strong, independent, and has integrity. Lucas is also kind, strong and very likeable. They are both in the antiquities field. Their mothers were best friends and their fathers were business partners until they had a falling out. With both of their fathers now deceased and also Olivia's mother deceased they meet up again in an unlikely place. They decide to let bygones be bygones and a friendship forms. I loved watching their relationship strengthen and grow. This book has great characters, sweet romance and a bit of a mystery. I would highly recommend it.

The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd is a regency story that is part of the Houses of Yorkshire series. Olivia Brannon wants to be a travel around the world in search of antiques and rare pieces. While trying to make a name for herself she agrees to attend a house party at Cloverton Hall. She is a guest of a wealthy widow while she secretly views some of her valuables. Lucas Avery is trying to build back his father’s antiquity business. He is invited by the new owner to Cloverton Hall to appraise items. Olivia and Lucas are both there covertly when they begin to uncover secrets.

Charlotte and Lucas were gracious characters who rekindled their childhood friendship during the house party. I am a believer there is nothing like the setting of a Regency house party to make for a delightful read. The characters were interesting and I was compelled to keep reading to try to figure out their back story. I was engrossed and enjoyed my time at Cloverton.

This was a delightful regency story filled with romance, some mystery, and the fascinating world of antiquities. I appreciated the different spin this story had from typical Regency romances. I highly recommend!

I was give a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

** “I firmly believe that confidence and knowing one’s worth is the most beautiful trait a woman can possess.” **

Sarah E. Ladd delivers another delightful Austenian read with her latest novel in the Houses of Yorkshire series, “The Cloverton Charade.”

After the death of her father, a purveyor of antiquities, Olivia Brannon deeply desires to continue his legacy … a job society says is not fit for a woman. But when the widow of one of his main clients, Mrs. Agnes Milton, asks her to secretly take a look at her own personal collection of oddities, Olivia hopes this will get her foot in the industry’s door.

Former childhood friend Lucas Avery, whose father also worked in antiquities until scandal rocked his reputation before his death, also hopes to reclaim his place in the antiquities world. So when George Wainbridge, Mrs. Milton’s nephew and new master of Cloverton Hall, contacts Lucas to value the home’s collection to sell, Lucas jumps at the chance.

Shocked to meet each other at Cloverton, Olivia and Lucas are even more shocked when strange occurrences pop up with the estate’s very extensive and valuable collection. Can they get to the bottom of what’s going on, move past their former ill will between families, and possibly admit to feelings for one another?

Ladd does a great job of creating a story filled with twists and turns, adding shocking surprises, all while creating characters readers can relate to. She also includes some great themes, like the need for security; loyalty; rooting out injustice; not worrying about what others think of you (“And if it is gossip that is worrying you, don’t give it that power. People love to talk about the things that take the focus from their own problems”); and finding a fresh start and new beginnings.

Fans of classic authors like Austen and present-day authors like Abigail Wilson and Joanna Davidson Politano, as well as romantic stories with a little bit of suspense, will enjoy “The Cloverton Charade,” which is due out Sept. 3.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

At a Regency-era house party, rival antiquity brokers Alicia and Lucas are each secretly assessing a potentially valuable collection. Their investigation uncovers counterfeit items, forcing them to work together to expose the deception. As their professional partnership deepens, so does their attraction, but a broken heirloom threatens to unravel their secrets and their hearts.

I loved this. The story is strong and the romance swoony. Alicia and Lucas are wonderful, both separately and together.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is another wonderful novel from Sarah Ladd. Olivia Brannon is a woman who just wants to be respected for what she knows and what she can contribute. When a wealthy widow invites her to a house party for the purpose of cataloging a collection she owns, Olivia accepts. Now she has the opportunity to prove what she can do. Lucas Avery is trying to rise above challenges left by his father, so when he has the opportunity to attend the same house party for the purpose of a clandestine review of the contents of the home, it's the perfect opportunity to gain a client and work.

While both attend the house party they have to decide whehter to work together or stand in each other's way. Will they trust each other assume the worst? Not easy when the allure of attraction wants to draw them closer. This is a wonderful read set during the Regency era with a strong romance and good mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This was an enjoyable read- well written and believable.
I loved hearing about all the antiques. I love old things so it was fun to hear descriptions of the treasures they appraised.
I thought it was fun that this book was a romance but also had a good mystery to it as well.
I loved the characters and thought it had a satisfying ending.
I was also able to listen to this book on audio and it was awesome. I loved the narrator. I listened to it at 2x speed and it was still enjoyable and understandable.

Another fabulous book from Sarah E. Ladd! I loved the settings in London and Yorkshire and the cast of characters was delightful. Especially our main leads, Alicia and Lucas. A story of mystery, antiques, family history, family rivals and growing attraction, this one is sure to have you turning the pages and be transported to a different time.

I loved the history between Lucas and Alicia and watching that play out the more we come to know these characters. Their meeting at the very beginning of the book, as well as at the house party, were very fun. I was holding my breath at the house party meeting waiting for the shoe to drop, so to speak. Ohhhh, you'll be waiting as well to see if their secret will remain intact or be outed.

There are several secrets floating around during this one, can you spot them all? I have to say that I didn't. And once things started to be revealed I did a figurative face palm to myself, thinking well why didn't I catch that. But you're not supposed to until later on. But maybe you'll figure it out early if you're watching closely.

The antiquities were a really fun aspect of the book and very interesting. My heart sank a few times in regards to them. Which you'll discover along the way with Alicia and Lucas. They'll have to work quickly though or real trouble will abound.

Sweet love story mixed with mystery and whodunnit vibes, makes for a delightful read! Definitely one I recommend for fans of this author's work or if you've never read her books before, if you're a fan of mystery and Regency, you'll definitely enjoy this one. It is part of a series but they can be read as standalones or together. They're all wonderful.

Content: Clean and wholesome. Some moments of very mild peril.

I received a copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Antiquities expert Olivia Brannon is excited to have the opportunity to appraise widow Mrs. Milton's collection. When her uncle inherited her father's business, he didn't appreciate or utilize Olivia's knowledge. Olivia has been invited to a house party to discretely look at the items. She is surprised to see her family's rival Lucas Avery there. Hopefully, Lucas won't tell the other house guests her background. Lucas is there to discretely appraise Mr. Wainbridge's collection that he inherited from Mr. Milton. When he realizes there are forged pieces in the collection, he ask's Olivia to verify as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I love books that surprise me with the solution to a mystery and this one does that. I also love how Olivia and Lucas start as rivals and how their relationship changes. I admire that Olivia is intelligent, strong, and holding on to her goals and dreams in life. I also love how Lucas appreciates not only Olivia's beauty, but her intelligence and knowledge as well. I love this book and series.

The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd joins my list of books I’ve loved by the author! Her books never fail to delight me, and I can never put them down.

I adored Olivia and Lucas! Olivia’s independent spirit shines through. I loved that she didn’t want to live the life of a traditional Regency woman. She wanted to travel the world searching for antiquities just as her father did. Even though it was a lofty goal, she held onto that dream. Lucas was left with a huge responsibility when his father died leaving his family’s name besmirched. Lucas’s ambition was admirable as was the chivalry and kindness he showed to everyone, even those who didn’t deserve it. The side characters in the book had unique personalities with quirky characters, grouchy characters, sweet characters, reprehensible characters…you get the picture! The author always does such a wonderful job bringing her characters to life, and she definitely did that in The Cloverton Charade!

I’m such a huge fan of Regency romances set in England because I think I belong there! This book takes place in both London, where Olivia and Lucas live, and Yorkshire, where the house party they attend takes place. Ladd’s descriptive writing brings these settings to life. I could definitely picture everything from the noisy London streets to the serene Yorkshire countryside.

I highly recommend this sweet, clean Regency romance for its well-written characters, descriptive writing, and well-developed plot. I give it 5 huge stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Antiquities and romance in Regency times!

Olivia Brannon is a valuer for an antiquities house, Brannon Antiquities & Company.
She’s grown up living and breathing the past. Her father trained her. Olivia is knowledgeable and skilled.
When her father died her uncle took over the company. Olivia is relegated to the background.
Now Mrs. Agnes Milton, a serious chinoiserie collector wants Olivia to go to Cloverton Hall in Yorkshire to assess her personal collection with a view to selling.
Olivia is to go as Mrs Milton’s guest to a house party. No one is to know her real reason for attending. Olivia is giddy with anticipation and excited to leave the back room assessments she’s been forced to do since her uncle inherited the business.
Lucas Avery meanwhile has been asked by the new heir, George Wainbridge to value his uncle’s collection quietly.
Olivia and Lucas know each other. The firm, Flanner Auction House used to be owned jointly by their fathers until an argument between the two resulted in a split.
Having to dodge the inquisitiveness of the other house guests is exhausting. Olivia finds it tiring trying to fit in.
Meanwhile Avery has discovered fakes amongst the famed Milton collection. Somethings not right! Avery quietly calls on Olivia to verify his findings. Some of the items Avery and Olivia knew were the real deal when they were sold to Milton.
Someone has been stealing from the collection! The finding will prove to be both shocking and dangerous
An unusual regency novel that delves into an area that was so prevalent during regency times, the collecting of antiquities. The British acquisitiveness is still being negotiated around the world.
A winning combination, mystery and the flutter of Olivia’s heartstrings when thinking about Avery, give an excellent read!

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Regency romance/mystery

I thoroughly enjoyed The Cloverton Charade by Sarah A Ladd. I am a big fan of Georgette Heyer and all newer regency romance writers, so it is no surprise that I was pleased when offered an e-arc of this book via Netgalley, with no obligation. Although this is the 3rd book in the series, I had no problem following the plot and characters; but will have to look for the back list.

The plot is very diverting but with a touch of social comment, inheritance of a large estate by male distant cousin, money troubles, antiques and collections, class differences, people not who they seem to be... I highly recommend this book.

Olivia Brannon and Lucas Avery both have the same goal in mind, to bring more business to their fathers’ antiquities business. But, Olivia’s goal is even bigger than that as she wants to earn respect for her knowledge and business acuity in a male dominated society. When Olivia is given the opportunity to secretly appraise a costly collection of a well-known societal family she eagerly accepts. But, Lucas is there at the house for the same reason, but employed by another family member.

The friction that is between Olivia and Lucas is almost palpable and certainly adds tension to the story. Olivia has to make the decision whether to bury the past and trust Lucas or continue to keep up her guard. I loved seeing the two of them work together to authenticate pieces of the Milton’s collection.

I love Sarah E. Ladd’s books and always look forward to reading them. She has such engaging stories with an element of intrigue and romance too. I was leaning towards knowing who was the culprit, but I was still a bit surprised. I highly recommend this book for readers both young and mature. It is the second book in the Houses of Yorkshire, but can be read as a standalone.

Things to love:
A house party
Portait painting
Mystery
Exciting capture of villains

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

🏺 Not all is as it seems in Cloverton House. I love when a book gives you a little more, and then a little more and then even a little more. The story was layered and interesting; it's definitely a romance, but also a mystery!

🏺Olivia is solicited to catalog the antiques collection of an influential widow, but yet has no real position at her father's old business or even as a companion providing a service to the widow. Lucas is also called upon to catalog the antique collection of the deceased husband who has left his estate in possible financial ruin. When their past threatens to reveal the nature of their work sooner than they each would like, can they trust each other and maybe even help each other out?

🏺 The romance that blossoms between Olivia and Lucas is the absolute sweetest thing. It is also what makes the unraveling of the mystery so much fun because they get to solve it together and possibly have the ability to right several wrongs from the past and the present. There are lots of little surprises as culprits in the charade are revealed, and we get to enjoy a super satisfying ending. I kept monitoring my page count and hoping it wouldn't end!

I received a complimentary copy of the author's work to read and review from Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley. All thoughts contained here are my own.

This is absolutely the best regency mystery/romance I have read this year. So much is packed into the pages of this book. Antiquities, mystery, and a love story played out against the backdrop of a country house party.

Olivia’s father was one of the best known dealers of antiquities in London and had clients all over the world. She learned everything he knew but now that he’s gone she’s been relegated to a position of little more than a clerk. Her dream is to make a name for herself and prove a woman can carry on the family business. Maybe Cloverton is the place to begin.

Lucas lives on the edges of society due to his friend and investor. He’s at Cloverton to evaluate a collection that could save the family business after his father ruined their reputation. It’s up to him to make things right. The problem is he didn’t expect to find Olivia Brannon whose family business is their closest rival attending the same party.

Things at Cloverton are not as they seem and soon they find themselves working together and dancing around an attraction neither expected. What will happen when they return to London?

The writer draws you into the story with well rounded characters, a mystery with no suspects, and vibrant descriptions of life in the regency era that paint a perfect picture of this time in history. I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy courtesy of Tyndale House. This is my honest review.

Whenever I pick up a Sarah Ladd book, I know I’m in for a treat! I thoroughly enjoyed The Cloverton Charade and the charming Yorkshire house party setting with a twist. Two rivals employed by two separate family members attend a house party under the guise of guests, but they’re really both there to authenticate an expensive antique collection. When they meet and recognize the other, that’s when the fun begins. With several twists & turns, a rivals to friends to more romance, and a slow burn mystery that leads to a thrilling conclusion, this fun Regency adventure was hard to put down.

In Regency era England, Alicia Bannon’s expected to marry well and settle down. But, having spent time at her broker father’s side becoming an expert in antiquities, she longs for the chance to prove her abilities and travel to the antiquities’ exotic locations. When the former mistress of Cloverton Hall offers her a chance to make a name for herself by evaluating a rare private collection, she readily agrees. There’s a catch though, she must do it covertly by posing as a house guest so the nephew & new owner of Cloverton Hall doesn’t suspect.

Lucas Avery has been hired by the new owner of Cloverton Hall to evaluate the antiquities collection he’s inherited with the goal of selling it quickly to raise money, but his aunt poses a formidable problem. He invites Lucas to attend his house party & evaluate the collection while he’s there. Lucas desperately needs this opportunity to solidify his reputation & further the family business after the death of his father.

Lucas and Alicia’s fathers were bitter rivals and through it’s been years, each recognizes the other at the party. While they hesitate to trust each other, circumstances propel them to spend a lot of time together and become reacquainted. As they unravel the secrets behind the antiquities, they soon find themselves caught up in a web of mystery. Will they be able to solve the whodunit before it’s too late?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved the tension between Alicia & Lucas as they recognize each other & then are forced to keep each others’ secrets. As their relationship changes from rivals to friends to more, I loved every moment. Lucas fully supports Alicia & admires her talents which is music to her ears. I enjoyed their mutual respect for each other & the way they worked together. The mystery had several surprises that kept me on my toes. It’s a slow burn puzzle where each subtle clue leads to the suspects. I was a bit surprised at the end and loved the suspenseful conclusion.

Highly recommend this delightful Regency mystery/romance! Though it’s part of a series, it’s easily read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through AustenProse. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5 to 5 stars.

"The Cloverton Charade" is a captivating Regency-era story from author Sarah E. Ladd! The historical setting was described clearly with details that make it easy to picture the setting, locations, characters, clothing, and what is happening in the story. The characters feel three-dimensional and like real people. I enjoyed meeting and getting to know them! I absolutely loved the romance, mystery, suspense, and of course all of the art and antiquities! The romance is sweet and swoony! The perfect slow burn historical romance! This is a Regency-era story that feels original, charming, and is so much fun! I enjoyed reading. I very highly recommend reading "The Cloverton Charade"! Beautiful book. 5 stars!

Thank you very much to the author Sarah E. Ladd, AustenprosePR, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity of being a part of this book tour and for providing me with both physical and digital copies to read and review honestly.

London - 1818

Olivia Brannon was brought up involved in her father’s antiquities business where he brought many beautiful and priceless objects from around the world and sold them to clients. Her knowledge of the business and these objects is enormous. In earlier days, her father had partnered with another man until a big difference split their partnership and their friendship. The other man’s son, Lucas Avery, has now taken over his father’s business. Olivia and Lucas were friends before their fathers’ falling-out.

Today, Olivia’s father has passed away and her uncle has taken over the business. She knows more than he could ever wish to know about the business but his arrogance puts her down and refuses to recognize her knowledge.

The Cloverton collection was one that Olivia’s father helped to find items for. It was owned by Mr. Milton of Cloverton Hall. Now, the man has passed away, and his widow has asked Olivia to come to the Hall and discretely assess her own collection of items left to her by her grandfather. She will go as the woman’s friend and there will be a house party being held by Mrs. Milton’s nephew, George Wainbridge, who has now inherited everything including the famous collection. Mrs. Milton resents him taking over. Olivia agrees, she is outfitted by the woman, and they are off.

Lucas has been approached by Mr. Wainbridge as he wants to sells off the Cloverton collection. He does not appreciate the antiquities and just wants and needs the money he can get from them. So, Lucas agrees to attend the house party as well to assess the collection and help him sell everything.

When Olivia and Lucas recognize one another at the party, they discretely agree to pretend to not really know one another. But as Lucas works on authenticating the collection, he notices problems and discretely consults Olivia who agrees with his assessment. What has happened and can their newly formed friendship develop into something more?

As always, this amazing author has penned a lovely story with attention to the time period in addition to edge-of-the-seat intrigue, plus a budding romance. So delightful!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I loved it! The author has a knack for describing a story you can visualize and creating characters you can connect with. This story had it all -- romance, socialites, mystery, and an intriguing plot. Best of all, it is a clean read!

Thank you to publishers for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my personal opinion. It is a 5 star read for me. I love Sarah Ladd's novels!

Alicia Brannon's knowledge of antiquities is unparalleled, having learned everything she needs to know from her broker father. When she is invited to Cloverton Hall to review the private collection of the widowed Mrs Milton, she is aware that the evaluation must be conducted in secrecy to prevent Mrs Milton’s nephew, George Wainbridge, the new owner of Cloverton Hall, from having knowledge of it. Meanwhile, Lucas Avery, also an antiquities purveyor, agrees to visit Cloverton Hall, to meet with George, who would like his uncle’s collection to be liquidated. Alicia and Lucas both arrive at the house party under the guise of guests but find that they must work together when Lucas realises that some of the pieces in the collection are counterfeit. As their work brings them closer together, an undeniable bond begins to form. Then when one of the most famous pieces in the collection is broken during the house party, everyone is a suspect.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, which was a pleasing departure from the stories focused on the ton of London. This book had a touch of mystery which held me captivated and unaware of the true criminals until the end. The romance was sweet and very tender with both characters seeing the good in each other, despite their fathers’ falling out, many years ago. Lucas was truly delightful in his respect for Alicia, who he recognised for her wisdom and tenacity.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a delight to read. It is a charming “whodunit” set in the Regency era, early 1800’s. It begins when our main characters are youngsters. Their fathers had been business partners but had a falling out and become rivals in the antiquities trade. By the time Olivia and Lucas are young adults, they are both considered experts in the field. However, the customs of the era prohibit Olivia from devoting her time completely to her job. She is expected to marry well and have children. Lucas is trying to salvage his father’s reputation after some bad business dealings.
Mr. Wainbridge, the current owner of Cloverton Hall has asked Lucas to catalog, appraise and sell all of his uncle’s collections. His aunt, Mrs. Milton, the former owner and widow of George Milton, is vehemently opposed to the sale. She asks Olivia to pose as her companion in order for her to appraise her secret personal collection without her nephew finding out. Unfortunately, at a house party held by Mr. Wainbridge and hosted by Mrs. Wilton, Lucas recognizes her. In the process of examining the uncle’s collection, several forgeries are found. Lucas and Olivia decide to join forces to solve the mystery of the forgeries. Will Lucas expose her? Will they discover who is behind the forgeries? Who can they trust?
This is a clean romance. The dialog flows well and is engaging. The author does a wonderful job describing the fashions and settings. She draws the reader into the story.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher the via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you @sarahladdauthor @thomasnelson @austenprose for a #gifted copy.

This was a cute, fun historical fiction novel! I absolutely loved it, and finished it within a day! Every page just kept me wanting to read more.

You meet Olivia and Lucas, both from families of rival antique dealers. When they’re both brought to the Cloverton estate by separate family members to assess the antiques, they didn’t expect to find counterfeit pieces. Little did they plan to run into each other, or to enjoy each other’s company.

This was just a sweet, clean romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. From both perspectives, you’re able to follow each on their own separate mission, but also watch as their missions soon join.

I enjoyed the characters and appreciated seeing different sides of them. The author brought out so many layers, and chances to view characters from different lenses. This doesn’t always happen in books. Though it may seem like a subtle characteristic of the writing, it added a lot of depth to the characters.

The plot line itself was intriguing. Fun, easy to follow, and cute. I loved the writing, and hope for a chance to read more by this author very soon.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the @sarahladdauthor @thomasnelson @austenprose. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

I love regency romances. I especially love ones with a strong female character. Loved that she wasn't a typical female for that era - no skill for sewing, music, etc. Great romance and a nice mystery to go along with it.

The Cloverton Charade, by Sarah E. Ladd, wraps up her The Houses of Yorkshire series. On the opening pages, you will see Olivia Brannon heading to Cloverton Hall to assist with evaluating their collection of jewelry and gems. Olivia’s dream of being valued for her professional reputation might finally be coming to fruition. She knows her life is definitely about to change. The only difficulty is that the owner of the collection insists that Olivia keep her work a secret!

Lucas Avery, the son of a rival antiquities seller, has also been invited to the country party being held at Cloverton Hall. The new owner wants his assistance with selling the family collection. Unfortunately, this means Lucas will be in direct competition with Olivia!

When Olivia is asked to spy on Lucas to discover what he is up to, she feels it is a step too far. Before you know it, Lucas has discovered that something shady is going on and he forms a team with Olivia to discover what exactly is going on at Cloverton Hall. You will be surprised to learn how many familiar faces are involved!

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!

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.

'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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Olivia Brannon craves respect from other antiquities dealers. However, a woman living in London during the Regency period will probably never get what she wants. Because her mother died during a voyage to search for antiquities, her father narrowed Oliva and her sister’s world out of fear for his daughters. Yet because he had no son, Oliva’s father taught her everything he knew about identifying, buying, selling, and assessing treasures from around the world.

Olivia can’t wait to escape the confines of her bachelor uncle’s guardianship and put her skills to the test when a wealthy widow invites Olivia to Cloverton Hall, her late husband’s country estate, to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Her new patron wants Olivia to work in absolute secrecy, and she provides Olivia with the clothing and accessories to pose as a young friend invited to a house party.

Olivia agrees to the charade, but when she arrives at Cloverton Hall, the first person she sees is the son of her father’s former business partner, Lucas Avery. Will he recognize her and blow her cover? And worse, why has he been invited to the house party? As a well-known antiquities dealer, has Lucas come to evaluate the same collection?

As the house party unfolds, Olivia finds it more challenging to remain undercover and rein in her attraction for Lucas. How can a relationship full of secrets have any hope of blossoming? However, as Lucas involves Olivia in a mystery he uncovers, she soon decides he is worthy of her trust. If they work together, they’ll help solve one of the biggest antiquities scams on English soil.

What I Loved About this Book

Ladd weaves a story about an often-overlooked element of Regency-era society: the educated middle-class merchant. This group resides one step above the artisans but below the notice of most aristocrats. While the gentry class has more relationship strictures for men and women, the merchant class worries less about transactional marriages. This allows Olivia to consider what she wants in a life partner.

Women who seek a true partnership with their significant other will appreciate Olivia’s forward-thinking views of marriage.