The Cloverton Charade

This was a fun regency romance involving antiquity dealers and a mystery of counterfeit.

The characters were likable and easy to root for. Despite the time period the book is set in, the female protagonist is spirited, independent, and competent.

Ideal for anyone who enjoys clean romances and a touch of mystery. (There wasn’t any faith content).

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job!

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. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

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

It is universally acknowledged, that an avid reader in possession of well stocked bookshelves, must be in want of one more Regency Romance. That’s my motto and I’m sticking to it. And, eeeeeeeeeepppppppp, doubly so when the book holds the added allure of a mystery as well.

So, I was all atwitter with bibliophile ecstasy as I began listening to Jude Mason’s skilled narration of ‘The Cloverton Charade.’ Her polished performance breathed life into these characters and she’s a master at altering tone, accent and inflection to match the unique personality of each character. Made for a divine listening experience.

And this story!!! A house party, and all the social intricacies that involves, with Olivia attending (and out of her element!) under the guise of a guest though she’s really there to evaluate the widowed hostess’s valuable private collection.

Meanwhile, Lucas has been invited (again under the guise as guest) by the hostess’s nephew, and legal heir to the estate, to provide an evaluation of the uncle’s vast collection with the intent to sell it all.

Love the subterfuge and how it all plays out — especially since Lucas and Olivia know each other and there’s bad blood between their families and businesses. So, a kinda enemies to more romance in the midst of mystery and intrigue…and all the house party drama!

Brilliant pacing balances lighthearted moments with tense ones as Olivia and Lucas make their way through a maze of conspiracies and manipulations….and find their own happily ever after by the end. Of course.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

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! I read and listened to the audiobook of this one and loved them both. I loved Jude Mason as the narrator. I was pulled into the story completely and loved how she breathed life into. 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 HarperCollins Christian Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Listening!!!

Contains an audiobook review.

This is a kisses only regency era romance that is part of the Houses of Yorkshire series by Sarah E. Ladd. It can most definitely be read as a standalone story. To be honest, I have read the others and I can't remember how they may be connected to this one. Feel free to pick this book up without having read the others. You won't be missing anything.

Now for the story itself. I really enjoyed the different aspects that this book contained. At first I thought it was going to be your basic romance at a house party, but the plot thickened! It was delightful. I don't know if the print book has an author's note or not. I'd really like to read it if it does. I thought the history contained in the story was interesting and unique.

I listened to the audiobook. This narrator is not my favorite to listen to, but once my ears adjusted, I didn't have any complaints. She did an adequate job of reading, I just don't personally love her voice quality. That's just personal preference. It would not stop me from listening to a book just because she was the narrator.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Netgalley for the audio copy. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Another wonderful Regency novel from Sarah Ladd! I must say, I haven't read the other books in this series, and I had no trouble following the storyline. I enjoyed these characters, the mystery, and of course, the romance. There were messages of family, friendship, and forgiveness. I do love to see mercy and second chances. Highly recommended!

I received this audiobook from NetGalley. The narrator was amazing! Opinions are my own.

I recently listened to the audiobook version of this story and really enjoyed it. This Regency romance was delightful. I loved the mystery with the antiquities and the fun twists and turns that took throughout the story. Both Olivia and Lucas were the kind of characters I could get behind and cheer for. I loved the dual POV and their enemies to lovers vibes. The ending in particular put a smile on my face. I always love when the hero respects the heroine and encourages her in her talents.
While the single narrator didn’t necessarily capture the essence of the main characters for me due to the voice sounding older than the characters ages, I still enjoyed the audiobook version with her accents and ability to make it easy to follow along. I honestly felt like I was listening to a storyteller telling the story, so it still worked for me and I’d listen to it again as well as recommend this version.
I received an advance listening copy from Zondervan Fiction Audio, Netgalley, and Thomas Nelson. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I recommend this book and the audiobook.

My thanks for the audio ARC goes to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Regency Romance, Sweet Romance, Proper Romance
Spice Level: Kissing
Readability: Very accessible

THE CLOVERTON CHARADE is the first book in this series that I've read, and it was completely understandable. What a delightful book! The narrator is Jude Mason, and I enjoyed the variety of voices used.

Because I love antiques, this story was perfect for me. I haven't seen another book quite like it, and I now want to read more of this Yorkshire series.

The interplay between the love interest is so much fun. Definitely an enemies (rivals) to lovers. I liked both of them immensely and was rooting for them the entire time.

Are there twists and surprises?
YES, you can bet your Chinese porcelain there are! I was surprised with who did what, but never fear, you'll know everything by the end. There are elements of a thriller and mystery in this story.

I highly recommend this book for all historical and romance readers. If you have a particular interest in thievery and antiques, this book will put a polish on your bronze pot.

Happy reading!

What a gem! This book was a delight to listen to on audiobook. The narrator did a wonderful job. As for the story itself....BRAVO! I am never disappointed in Ladd's writing, but this one kept me on my toes nearly til the end and I love that I didn't guess the ending before it came. The characters came alive for me and I found myself cheering, booing, and offended as if I was in the story myself. Highly recommend!

Sarah E. Ladd has mastered the art of Regency-mysteries, and The Cloverton Charade is another shining example of her talent! 🙇‍♀️

What stood out most to me was the character of Olivia. In an era where women’s talents were often overlooked, Olivia’s gift is not only recognized but actively encouraged by Lucas. 🥹

He could have easily undermined her due to his own insecurities, but instead, he supports her in a way that is both beautiful and admirable. His confidence in her abilities makes him super hot! 🔥😂

This story is a celebration of empowerment, love, and, most importantly for me, the courage to pursue one’s true calling. As I am currently navigating my own journey of self-discovery, trying to figure out my path, this story struck a particularly poignant chord. It came at just the right time in my life. 🫶

I had the pleasure of both reading and listening to this book, switching between formats depending on where I was. Thanks to NetGalley, I received both a physical copy and an audiobook. A big thank you to Sarah for this wonderful experience!

The great thing about out Sarah Ladd is she can always write a book that will intrigue and entertain. This is a great rivals to friends to more story with a mystery thrown in to keep you turning pages.

I loved the premise of to an antiquities experts being hired by two different parties to assess and broker their collections. They both were at the same house party posing as guests so they didn’t arouse any suspicions. It was fun to see the reactions of both Olivia and Lucas as they recognize each other at the party, each wondering how and why the other is there.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was amazing. Such talent with all the different voices!

It really enjoyed the evolution of their relationship and the unraveling of the mystery. If you’re looking for a good historical romance and mystery this book is for you.

The Cloverton Charade is a captivating rivals to lovers historical romance full of intrigue, antiquities, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.

I loved watching the relationship between Olivia and Lucas evolve from old family rivals to trusted friends to more. The pacing of their developing relationship was well executed, slowly ratcheting up the tension between the two. The way that Lucas valued Olivia's expertise was so refreshing. The respect they showed to each other, even in the beginning, reflected well on their characters.

The audiobook narrator had a lot of different important characters to contend with and she did an admirable job of giving each a unique voice. The emotion and tension in the story shone through in her performance.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the ALC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Title: The Cloverton Charade
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Narrated by: Jude Mason
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: Approximately 9
Source: Thank you @sarahladdauthor @thomasnelson @austenprose for the physical review copy and @netgalley for the audiobook review copy.

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 the audiobook. The narrator, Jude Mason, was excellent. Mason was pleasant to listen to and had good voices for everyone.
• 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 loved 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.

Olivia Brannon, trained by her father to be an expert in antiquities, is hired to secretly evaluate a private collection at Cloverton Hall, seeing it as her chance to prove herself in a male-dominated field. Meanwhile, Lucas Avery, evaluating the main collection at Cloverton hall, attends the same house party. When they discover counterfeits within the collection, the two rivals reluctantly team up to uncover the truth, all while grappling with a growing attraction and the risk to both their careers and hearts.

This is an author that never disappoints. The characters are always interesting and the plots keep me reading. This was no exception. While not quite an enemies-to-lovers story, I very much enjoyed the tension between Olivia and Lucas. Their fathers, once business partners, quarrelled, and all friendship ended between the families.

It was nice to follow a character who was not used to the grandeur of an upper class party. Olivia’s awe was believable, but her confidence in her own talent as an antiquities expert. The attraction between her and Lucas was sweet, and I liked how they bonded over their work.

Overall, this was a sweet book. I listened to the audio version and the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. Readers who enjoy clean Regency romance will enjoy this one.

A great plot that kept me interested. There were some twists and turns that kept me in the story. I love reading regency novels and this one fit the bill. A little bit of mystery, sabotage and romance. Perfect!

“A blend of suspense and romance. An excellent Regency-era story set at a house party in an estate in York Shire. I was captivated by the steady pace of the story, keeping me guessing until the very end. And yes, there is a delightful touch of romance. I'm grateful for the complimentary copy, and I assure you that all opinions expressed are my honest review."

I really enjoyed this one! Definitely different for a “regency romance.” It’s part intriguing antiquities and part slow-building romance as Olivia and Lucas meet again at a house party that neither really belong at. They both have a goal to accomplish, but quickly realize that their goals might conflict, yet their interests are so similar. I love the way their relationship builds over more than just looks and glances, but interests and conversations and a shared history. It felt authentic and sweet. The narrator did a good job as well, and made the audiobook version that much better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Confession- I love Sarah Ladd's books.
This was excellent! A well done clean historical suspense/romance.
The story centers around Olivia and Lucas.
There were quite a few side characters that honestly could have their own book.
Both grew up in the Antiques world. Their father's were partners and evaluated, sold and sold antiques for a living. They were some type of friends as children. At some point their fathers split the business and not on good terms.
Current day- Lucas is invited to evaluate and sell all the antiques in the home otherwise the new owner will not be able to afford not only the house but everything.
Olivia is invited by the owners aunt to come and evaluate and price her antiques collection.
Interesting enough both don't want Lucas and Olivia to let people know why there are there (probably because that would wreck the image of wealth ).
Olivia has alot to prove. Her father has passed and her uncle took over the business he rarely lets her assist any more..
She wants to prove she is the expert in this field even if she is a woman.
Lucas is nearly broke and not only needs to show that he's the authority in antiques but he needs the money. They reconnect and magic happens …. And suspense , drama , love and more,
Awesome!!!

A fun regency historical fiction, clean romance! Alice and Lucas, both art antiquity dealers from two different families with a past business connection, happen to find themselves at a house party- both with the purpose of secretly evaluating a collection. As they soon find they out, they will have to work together to figure out why the pieces don’t seem to be as authentic as they are supposed to be. The audiobook was great- loved the narrator- easy to listen to!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC of the audiobook! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! I kept trying to find ways to listen to just one more chapter, so I could see what would happen next! The two main characters were so likable, and I found myself rooting for them to solve the mystery and end up together!

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher!

I really enjoy listening to clean Regency mysteries, and this one by Sarah E. Ladd did not disappoint. The mystery presented is that someone is forging Chinese antiquities from an esteemed collection of a private owner. Olivia is a young woman who trained under her father in the antiquities business, until he died a few years ago. Olivia is asked by the widow of the collector to evaluate her own personal collection during a house party. Once at the house party, Olivia runs across Lucas, the son of her father’s former partner who was asked by the heir to evaluate the collection for sale. While at first Olivia is hesitant to talk with Lucas, she quickly decides he is trust worthy and they share their suspicions about the forged pieces. Together they solve the mystery and fall in love in the process. I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook narrated by Jude Mason.

I read a lot of regency novels, and I loved how this one had a different take. The main character is from the working class, working as an antiquity specialist, undercover as an upper class member of society at a house party.

When Alicia is asked to attend the party and secretly assess the antiques of the household, she does not intend to run into her family’s rival, also in attendance. When unexpected findings come amount, she and her rival, Lucas, come together to determine the mystery around the antiques being assessed.

I loved watching Alicia find her place and her worth. I also really enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery. It took me a while to figure it out! If you like regency romance mixed with a mystery, you may like this one.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about the narrator chosen, but as the book went on the narrator grew on me and I no longer thought about who was reading, I just enjoyed the story.

I highly recommend @sarahladdauthor book, The Cloverton Charade! I raved about it a few weeks ago, and I still love it just as much. This regency romance has a touch of mystery that keeps you intrigued, but it’s not overwhelming. I finished the audiobook and found the narrator delightful—she did an amazing job with the accents!

I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between Olivia and Lucas as they navigated their feelings, especially since they started out as enemies (or so they thought). “I have a confession” 🤭 IYKYK! It was wonderful to see them rise above the conflicts their fathers created and respect each other for who they really are. Overall, I adored this book and would happily listen or read it again. If you love regency era stories, definitely give it a try!