Dawn at Emberwilde Book Review

 

About the Book

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 yet unexciting role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would provide her a steady environment to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.

The unexpected arrival of a striking 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 mysterious rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. And 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. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

To start out with the cover on this book is just beautiful! It definitely pulls the reader in to want to read the book. I really liked the setting and the lure of the Emberwilde Forest. I also liked Isabel but I felt like I didn't get to know her as well as I wanted to. The overall story line is good and in typical Sarah E. Ladd fashion there is a slight mystery or unknown thread that weaves through the pages. This I like and it is what makes this book enjoyable. The romance wasn't quite as dramatic as I was expecting, it was just sweet. 

So if you wish to be transported back to England in 1817, I would recommend this book. 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall Book Review

About the Book

Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.
Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive? (Goodreads)

My Review

I really enjoyed this book. The first book in the series is still my favorite but this book made for an enjoyable light read. I really like the setting and time period. Cecily is a well developed character and I empathized with her throughout the book. Nathaniel's character could have been better developed in my opinion but I liked him all the same.

While the back of the book makes this story sound mysterious, it's really not at all. The reader is aware of all the secrets going on and waits in anticipation for the characters to figure it out. Yes, this book is predictable but in an enjoyable way. I have really enjoyed Sarah's writing and descriptions of the settings. For her third novel I think she has done quite well and I am anxious to read more from her.

Highly recommend.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

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.

Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.

Headmistress of Rosemere Book Review

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About the Book

Patience Creighton will finally find the peace she lost years ago--if she can open her heart and forgive the man who loves her.

Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father's school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father's dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin's edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of land but possesses little money to manage the upkeep. He is desperate to find a new source of income, including the sacrifice of land connected to Rosemere.

When her brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience is heartbroken to no longer be responsible for her beloved school and is forced to reassess God's purpose for her life. After her sister-in-law's matchmaking brings Patience and William together, they both learn new truths about their character and find a common goal in restoring Eastmore's legacy.(Goodreads)

 My Review

While not as good as the Heiress of Winterwood, the first book in the series, this was still a delightful read. The setting is beautiful and I like how Patience takes charge of her home and teaching the girls at the school. She has a lot on her shoulders and as each new trial arrives she must trust in God that He knows what is best. The love story is sweet and probably the best part of the book.The characters have a lot of depth but I really liked William's character the most.

If you really enjoyed the first book or just love the Regency time period you will enjoy this book!

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

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!

Between January 17–28, visit Sarah Ladd's Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win a Kindle Fire grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 28th! (Don't have a Facebook account? Enter here.)

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!

The Heiress of Winterwood Book Review



Picture Credit



The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd is a delightful romance set in England.

Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an ancestral estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s infant baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father, Lucas, a sea captain she’s never met.

Tragedy strikes when the child vanishes with little more than a sketchy ransom note hinting to her whereabouts. Fear for the child’s safety drives Amelia and Lucas to test the boundaries of their love for this infant.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she examines her soul and must face her one weakness: pride.

Lucas’ strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline.

Both must learn to accept God’s sovereignty and relinquish control so they can grasp the future He has for planned for them. (Goodreads)

This was a fun story to read, though rather predictable. There is a sweet love story between the Captain and Miss Amelia. I loved all of the characters and the setting was beautiful in my mind! When baby Lucy is kidnapped Amelia and the Captain must depend on each other to find her. One of my favorite aspects to this story is how the author tied in Amelia's strong belief in Christ as her comfort. Her entire family turns against her and she is constantly praying and turning to Him which was great to read! Have you seen the cover to this book? It is one of my favorites! Highly recommend for a quick easy read. 

"I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review".