This book captivated me from the first page and this held true through the entire story. It was exciting, unpredictable, and I found myself highly invested in the characters.
Sarah Ladd did a fantastic job of developing Cordelia as a leading lady. As she felt afraid or confused, when she experienced grief and budding romance I did too. Jac Trethewey was believable and endearing from the start. Even when the guardianship of his nieces and nephews was thrust upon him his initial response and ensuing, deepening love for the children was believable. As Jac’s heart expands in the story I felt mine as the reader expand as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the interesting dynamic in setting and plot detail. The richness of the great Pennwythe Hall it’s extravagant grounds, and events like the frost ball juxtaposed against Jac’s practical need to provide through any means, in this case good old-fashioned hard work and farming, kept the story interesting and engaging. The landscape Labb created with the gardens, orchards, and grand hall drew me into 1811 in the perfect way. I found my self envisioning the art, blossoming gardens, and grand ballroom attires.
I am also impressed with Ladd’s ability to create kind and gentle, while simultaneously interesting characters, set against the sinister and evil intentions of others. The dark parts of the story never outweigh the love and sense of family throughout; the story left me feeling hopeful and wanting more.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit Bloggers for providing me a copy of the book. All opinions stated here are my own.
About the Book
Book: The Governess of Penwythe Hall
Author: Sarah Ladd
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: April 16, 2019
In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart.
Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.
Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.
Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.
Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.
Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Author
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. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.
More About The Governess of Penwythe Hall
5 things to know about Cornwall, England:
- Throughout its early history, Cornwall’s inhabitants called the country Kernow.
- Early inhabitants largely spoke their own language known as “Cornish,” which became nearly extinct in the 1800s
- The country has a long and rugged coastline and there were frequent shipwrecks.
- Fishing was a major industry, with herring, mackerel, and sardines being common catches.
- In 1870, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy called Cornwall “the region of dream and mystery.”
Imagine yourself in The Governess of Penwythe Hall with these pictures of 19th Century life in Cornwall
Sources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/cornish_nation_01.shtml
https://www.maritimeheritage.org/ports/Cornwall.html
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Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away a grand prize of a finished paperback copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de80/the-governess-of-penwythe-hall-celebration-tour-giveaway