If you like your Regency romance with a touch of mystery, then Sarah Ladd's novels are perfect for you!
12 years ago
Showing posts with label sarah ladd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sarah ladd. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
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!
Monday, January 20, 2020
Review: "The Thief of Lanwyn Manor" by Sarah E. Ladd
I just checked, and the last time I read a Sarah E. Ladd novel was in 2016. What??? She's one of the authors responsible for my love of Regency romance ... and somehow, her books fell off my radar. Well, no more—The Thief of Lanwyn Manor reminded me why I liked her books in the first place!
Saturday, June 11, 2016
"dawn at emberwilde" by sarah e. ladd
Regency romance fans will love Sarah E. Ladd's latest novel, Dawn at Emberwilde.
Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.
For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father's death.
The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel's small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.
At her new family's invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.
At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.
In Dawn at Emberwilde, Isabel and her younger sister Lizzie suddenly find themselves swept from their peaceful (if poor) existence at a school to Emberwilde Hall, which Isabel's long-lost relatives own. Isabel tries to fit into polite society, but it seems she upsets her aunt at every turn. Then her aunt and uncle each begin pushing her toward very different men, and they both seem to have ulterior motives. Isabel knows what her heart feels, but just how beholden is she to her relatives?
Hands down, my favorite aspect of this novel is Isabel. She is at times strong, loving, hesitant, and confused—basically, she seems like a real person! She also has a very strong sense of self; though she does want to please her relatives, she never loses sight of what is important, and she doesn't allow herself to be pushed into anything, even when her new, comfortable life is at risk.
While Dawn at Emberwilde ostensibly features a love triangle, in actuality, there's no doubt about which suitor Isabel will choose—because the novel is written from two perspectives, Isabel's and the man she ends up with. Still, I enjoyed watching their romance develop, and Isabel's journey with the other suitor was also interesting.
I have enjoyed reading Ladd's Whispers on the Moors novels, as well as the first Treasures of Surrey novel. Dawn at Emberwilde fits well within Ladd's brand—sweet romance, great characters, and a touch of mystery. While I did struggle to stay engaged in the middle, I still greatly enjoyed the story, and I look forward to whatever Ladd will write next. 3-1/2 stars.
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Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Ladd's Treasures of Surrey novel The Curiosity Keeper (4-1/2 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).
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 husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
"the curiosity keeper" by sarah e. ladd
"It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail's egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whoever possesses it."
Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She's done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille must allow a mysterious stranger to come to her aid.
Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content to work as the village apothecary. But when his brother's death made him heir just as his father's foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession---a ruby called the Bevoy---can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop---and the beautiful shop girl who may be the answer to his many questions.
Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, these two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, they will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.
I read each of Sarah Ladd's great Whispers of the Moors novels as they released. If The Curiosity Keeper is any indication, her new Treasures of Surrey series is sure to be just as wonderful!
The Curiosity Keeper features two extremely likeable yet flawed main characters, Camille and Jonathan. I found Camille's background to be fascinating, and I loved the way Ladd slowly unfolded the story of Camille's family. I felt for Jonathan as he strove to be the man he knew he was meant to be while still yearning for the approval of his father. Really, the family dynamics of both the Iverness and Gilchrist families were the most interesting aspects of the novel for me.
The romance is sweet, if understated, and the mystery is compelling without being heart pounding. (If you're wondering, I think both of those things are good.) I loved seeing how everything with the Bevoy unfolded and learning how both families were involved.
The Curiosity Keeper is a very enjoyable read. I'm sure Recency fans will love it! 4-1/2 stars.
See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Ladd's The Heiress of Winterwood (4 stars), The Headmistress of Rosemere (5 stars), and A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (4 stars).
Visit Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."
Friday, October 24, 2014
"a lady at willowgrove hall" by sarah e. ladd
Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.
His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.
Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.
Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own—one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.
When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?
Sarah E. Ladd is quickly establishing herself as a must-read regency romance author. A Lady at Willowgrove Hall provides just the right amount of romance and intrigue. As the story began, I thought I wasn't going to like Cecily at all, but her experience at the beginning really shaped her, and I came to love the woman she became. I definitely appreciate characters who evolve through a novel!
While this is the third book in Ladd's "Whispers on the Moors" series, it's only loosely connected to the others, and you could very easily read this book with no knowledge of the others. I will say it didn't have as much suspense as I expected (I just thought the secrets would have more weight and would be used against Nathaniel and Cecily more than they were), but it was still a very satisfying read. 4 stars.
See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Ladd's The Heiress of Winterwood and The Headmistress of Rosemere.
Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter
Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."
Monday, January 20, 2014
"the headmistress of rosemere" by sarah e. ladd
William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors' henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.
As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William's creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.
. It was a very good novel that made many bloggers' Top 10 lists for 2013. But The Headmistress of Rosemere? It's in a class of its own.I loved every single thing about this book. Ladd's story swept me in immediately, and I flew through the pages, waiting to see what would happen to Patience and William. Along the way, I encountered many unexpected twists that kept me guessing as to where the story would ultimately lead.
Patience is a strong character with real flaws, and William—a character I despised in The Heiress of Winterwood—definitely comes into his own as a leading man. The romance is very chaste (even by inspirational market standards), but it's so sweet, and it fits the time period well. Ladd's writing has received comparisons to Jane Austen's, and I'd say those comparisons are well deserved. Regency romance lovers will greatly enjoy this novel!
My rating: 5 stars
See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my review of Ladd's The Heiress of Winterwood.
Learn more about Sarah at http://sarahladd.com.
About the giveaway: Don't miss Sarah Ladd's latest Regency novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere. She is celebrating the release of book two in her Whispers on the Moors series with a fun "School" Your Desk Kindle Fire Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!
RSVP today for Sarah's The Headmistress of Rosemere Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your Regency trivia skills, announcing the winner of the "School" Your Desk Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving partygoers an exclusive look at the next book in the Whispers on the Moors series!
So grab your copy of The Headmistress of Rosemere and hope to see you on the evening of January 28th! (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 28th!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."
Monday, December 16, 2013
12 pearls, day 3: "the magic of a christmas moment" by sarah ladd
Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!
Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.
We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
***
The Magic of a Christmas Moment by: Sarah E. Ladd
Ah, it’s Christmas! Just the mention of the word makes me think of twinkling trees, steaming wassail, glistening snowflakes, and happy childhood memories.One Christmas Eve, when my sister and I were quite small, my parents were trying to get us to go to sleep. Of course, we were far too excited to think about sleep! We double checked our stockings and strained our ears to see if we could hear reindeer hooves prancing on the roof. I can still remember my mom saying, “Santa can’t come until you are asleep!”
And then—it happened!
We looked out of our kitchen window, and what should we see? Through our neighbor’s window, we saw HIM . . . Santa Claus . . . doing the dishes! Santa was only one house away! My sister and I could not believe our eyes. Within a flash, we were in our beds, blankets pulled up to our chins, eyes pressed tight in hopes we would fall asleep so Santa could stop by our house!
Of course, it took several years for us to realize that “Santa” was our neighbor hosting a Christmas party, but even after all these years I can still remember the excited thrill of that moment. Even to this day the memory brings a smile to my face, and every Christmas, someone always says, “Hey, remember the year we saw Santa doing dishes?”
As Christmas approaches, it is easy to get caught up on the busyness of the season. Shopping, cooking, traveling—it can be a hectic time of year, with crazy schedules and hurried timelines. But in the bustle of the season, do not forget to keep your eyes open for the magic in the simplest moments, especially if you have young children or grandchildren. Those special memories are gifts that last a lifetime, and just like that Christmas many years ago, it would have been very easy not to take a moment to look out the window. Keep your heart and your eyes open . . . you never know what magic you will find in Christmas moments.
***
Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Her second novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere, releases December 2013. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Learn more at her website or follow her on Facebook. Also, be sure to stop by for your chance to win 8 Christian Fiction novels by some of your favorite authors! Follow this link to enter the Christian Fiction Christmas Giveaway.
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
"the heiress of winterwood" by sarah ladd
So Amelia devises a plan—in order to come into her inheritance, she must be married by her 24th birthday. Why not marry Captain Graham Sterling, Lucy's father? She would inherit Winterwood, he could return to the sea, and she could continue raising Lucy as her own.
But those around her—including the aunt and uncle who raised her, her fiancé, and Captain Sterling himself—are not thrilled with her plan. When tragedy strikes, will Amelia and Graham be able to protect what matters most?
My take: I really, really liked The Heiress of Winterwood. It has the feel of a Julie Klassen novel—and if you've read Julie Klassen, you know that's high praise! What I anticipated to be a simple "marriage of convenience" story turned out to be much, much more. The story is also full of twists and turns that kept me guessing (though I did have the "bad guy" pegged from the beginning. Some of the twists made me doubt my assumptions, but they did, ultimately, turn out to be correct.)
The one drawback to this novel (and it won't affect my star rating) is the back cover copy. If you intend to read this book, please do not read the back cover! I've written my own synopsis above to keep from spoiling anything for you, but the back cover will clue you in to events that happen 2/3 of the way through the book! Because I read the back cover, I kept waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for these events to happen, and this distracted me from some of the wonderful romance that was developing between Graham and Amelia.
So do yourself a favor. Read The Heiress of Winterwood...just don't flip the book over until you've already read it! 4 stars.
See what other bloggers are saying.
Buy the book.
About the author: Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahladd.com.
About the giveaway: Sarah Ladd is celebrating the release of The Heiress of Winterwood with a Downton Abbey Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway!
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Downton Abbey, seasons 1-3
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."
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