Review: "The Light at Wyndcliff" by Sarah E. Ladd

If you like your Regency romance with a touch of mystery, then Sarah Ladd's novels are perfect for you!

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Set in 1820s Cornwall, this Regency romance evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne DuMaurier, and Winston Graham.

Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks. The only survivors, a little girl and her injured mother, are rescued and brought to Wyndcliff Hall.

Liam Twethewey is just twenty-two when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans to open a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and the rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his new-found authority. Though wise beyond his years, young Liam quickly finds himself out of his depth in this land where long-held secrets and high-stakes agendas make no room for newcomers.

Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truths from deceptions, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.

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The Light at Wyndcliff is a beautifully written novel! Readers are easily swept into 1820's Cornwall through Sarah Ladd's writing. 

Though the novel started out a little slow for me, I was soon tearing through the pages as Evelyn and Liam tried to uncover the truth behind the shipwreck along Liam's shores. I also appreciated how Evelyn had to grapple with family loyalty vs. standing up for the truth and the lessons she learned about belonging. 

The romance was a little understated for my taste, but it did make sense considering the short amount of time covered by the novel. And the friendships in the novel are a strength, making the lack of romance not as disappointing. (To be clear: There is romance in this novel. I just would have liked to see it be more in your face/less understated. But that's just me.) Fans of Regency romance are sure to find much to enjoy in this novel. 4 stars.

Note: While this is the third novel in Ladd's Cornwall series, each novel can be read as a stand-alone. Trethewey family members are the main characters of each novel, but no story lines carry over from book to book. 

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Buy the book: Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Read my reviews of Ladd's Cornwall novel The Thief of Lanwyn Manor (4 stars), her Treasures of Surrey novels The Curiosity Keeper (4-1/2 stars) and Dawn at Emberwilde (3-1/2 stars), and her Whispers on the Moors novels The Heiress of Winterwood (4 stars), The Headmistress of Rosemere (5 stars), and A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (4 stars).

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Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky Golden Retriever.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."