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 … 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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When people ask me who my favorite Regency authors are, Sarah E. Ladd is always at the top of the list. She writes characters with emotional depth in a way that always, always moves me. Her descriptions of the world in which they live are breath-taking and so real that I feel I am walking along the cliffs next to the hero and heroine.
It was an honor (and a super exciting moment) to receive an advance review copy of The Light at Wyndcliffe, Sarah’s newest addition to her Cornwall novels. This novel is a beautiful story, illustrating princples of love, trust, and the consequences of betrayal.
Liam and Evelyn are real, and good, and both fighting their way through the tragedy and deceptions around them, reaching for each other.
This one needs to go on your “to read” list, and you should probably bump it to the top. Sarah E. Ladd has a talent that is not to be missed, and this story is beautiful.
Gave me the Poldark feels but with far more admirable characters to root for.
An expertly woven tale of secrets, danger, and heartfelt romance. A riveting and deeply emotional read.
Sarah Ladd is one of my favorite Regency authors. She has a talent for creating characters and scenarios that are fresh and unique for her genre. The Light at Wyndcliff could be my new favorite of hers. Evelyn has been living in her village with an eye toward the day when her mother will finally return to take her to Bath. Liam has finally reached the age that he inherited the property she’s lived on. It doesn’t take long for him to realize there is more going on than he anticipated, as ships run aground on the beach taht runs along his land.
The book is filled with this mystery surrounding what’s really happening with the shipwrecks and a mother and daughter who are recovered from one wreck. The book is sprinkled with the history of those wrecks and the different factors involved in the recovery. But the best part is the romance. It is sweet, naturally develops, and so satisfactory. I loved it! I highly recomend this book if you love historical novels. A delightful book that I inhaled in two days. The hero is so earnest and the heroine so sheltered. A great story!
I have read every novel Sarah Ladd has written. I love her stories. They capture the Regency period beautifully. They include characters who are realistic and relatable. The romance is always sweet, subtle, and proper for the time period. And, Ladd’s themes are always timely. When I pick up a novel by Ladd I know I am going to get a thoroughly enjoyable story I will be able to escape into. The Light at Wyndcliff, book three in the Cornwall series, is no different. The storyline is engaging. The mystery kept me turning pages well into the night. And, the subtle and sweet romance that grew between Liam and Evelyn is perfect. It made my heart stutter a little, especially at the end. But what I love the most about this story is how much I was able to relate to the heroine, Evelyn. This book was quite cathartic for me. The Light at Wyndcliff is a novel that I really needed to read, and it is a story I highly recommend!
I have to admit that I struggled with this novel. I couldn’t figure out what I was struggling with because I loved everything about it — the plot, the action, the characters and their conflicts, the romance — it all engaged me. But I kept squirming while reading it. Then it dawned on me. I was struggling because Evelyn’s conflict is the conflict I’ve been struggling with my WHOLE life — my mother. The feelings and the actions against her mother that Evelyn deals with in this novel are insanely close to my own experiences. I wasn’t struggling to read the book because it has flaws or is boring. I struggled because I couldn’t escape my own story! But that’s OK. It’s good when fiction allows one to wrestle with past hurts and current issues. It’s basically free therapy. LOL!
Some women are NOT meant to be mothers. There, I said it. I know there is this idea that women are nurturers and, therefore, automatic mother material, but this is a stereotype. Not all women should be mothers. Women who are unable to be selfless, women who cannot put others before themselves, should not be parents. I’m not saying moms shouldn’t have peaceful, quiet, selfish moments. I think all moms need a break every now and then for sure. But when a woman is self-centered and cares only about how things will affect her, that woman isn’t capable of being a good mom. Evelyn has a very self-focused mother. Evelyn is clearly a secondary thought in her mother’s mind. During one moment in the story, a very innocent child asks Evelyn a genuine and innocent set of questions: “Why isn’t your mother her now? Doesn’t she know you were scared?” Evelyn can’t answer this question because she doesn’t want the little child to know that some mamas don’t care if their kids are scared or not, so she switches the topic of conversation to protect the little girl’s notion of motherhood. These questions and Evelyn’s reaction to them broke my heart. There are people walking this earth right now who could not answer this little girl’s questions in the positive. Some have never had a parent who ever put their needs or cares or fears first. Some have had to grow up very quickly and at an early age in order to take care of themselves. Some children grew up in abject loneliness. And, it stinks. But what I love so much is that Evelyn NEVER gives into the sadness. She never becomes a victim. Yes, she acknowledges her struggle, her sadness, her feelings of loneliness, and her disappointment, but she never lets those feelings paralyze her. She moves on and continues to take the next right step in her life despite her feelings of rejection and devastation. In this, I found Evelyn to be one of the strongest and bravest of heroines. I love her character, and to me, Evelyn is the best part of this novel. She truly is a light at Wyndcliff.
I am sad my time with The Light at Wyndcliff is over. I enjoyed the journey this story took me on very much, and I am going to miss these characters. If you are in the mood for a spectacularly written Regency Romance then The Light at Wyndcliff is the novel for you!
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Characters that tug at you heart strings and who aren’t who they seem. A story that vividly tantalizes the senses pulling the reader into its very pages. Loyalty verses what’s right and decisions made that can’t be undone. A powerful story with love and mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. Beautifully written, invoking every emotion the reader can’t afford. Sarah Ladd’s talent shines in this powerful story that can only be described as a true masterpiece!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The beautiful cover drew me in, and the synopsis captured my attention enough to give this book a try. I was not disappointed. This story has mystery, growth, and a dash of romance with the Cornish moors as a backdrop.
Read my full review: https://rebeccasreadingcorner.blog/review-sarah-e-ladd-the-light-at-wyndcliff/
#The Light at Wyndcliff# by Sarah Ladd is a Regency romance . The book is part of the Cornwall series. and is written in 1820. Cornwall is in the coast in England. It is beautiful and set in a cove. There are ship wrecks and other unknown things that occur there. Wyndcliff estate is there in the cove. It is a relaxing place from the busy city life. The themes in the book are good vs evil, forgiveness, self sacrifice. The book is well written. The character, setting descriptions are detailed and easy to follow. The setting takes the reader to Cornwall wanting to experience the beautiful cove. In Cornwall in the cove you can dig for china clay and find ships there. Thank you to the author , netgalley, the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. I will post my review on Goodreads, Bookbub, Barnes and Noble, CBD.com, bookssmillion.com, , my blog.
This author weaves a tale that grabs from the first pages and draws the reader into the story and holds you and the suspense and mystery develops.
The characters are such that you either like them or question their place in t he plot as the author intends.
The main characters strive to find their place in their situations and face hard choices that add to the tensions in the mystery.
This third book in the series is a stand alone but I enjoy seeing the characters from the previous books as they “grow” and develop.
I hope that the other family members have an opportunity to have their own story and romance.
I greatly enjoy this authors historical inspirational works. Although the character’s struggle with realistic issues, they learn of God’s grace through them and grow.
The last book in Sarah Ladd’s Cornwall series finishes it with more dramatic suspense and sweet romance. Liam Twethewey has finally come of age and inherited his uncle’s estate at Wyndcliff. It has been empty for quite some time except for being somewhat maintained by Evelyn Bray’s father as steward. It is along the rugged Cornwall coast where many ship wrecks occur and both rescue and smuggling of goods have been taking place which has often brought the British excise men to the estate. Evelyn is close to her grandfather as he has raised her since her mother left and moved to Plymouth after Evelyn’s father died.
The relationship between Evelyn and Liam grew as they worked together first to take care of the rescued mother and child from one of the shipwrecks and further as they tried to solve the mystery of what was happening with the goods from the salvaged shipwrecks. Ladd’s research into the events of this time period in the early 1800’s along the Cornwall coast was excellent and gave a good understanding of what was taking place. Evelyn and Liam were wonderfully well developed characters as well as Evelyn’s grandfather and Mary and her mother Elizabeth.
Well written series that will be appreciated by historical fiction readers.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
This was my first book by this author but I really enjoyed it and will definitely read more by Sarah E. Ladd. It’s wonderful to discover new authors who tell interesting, original, compelling stories. Loved everything about it. Recommend to lovers of historical romance who crave a great story and characters with integrity and heart.
I gave this book a four, because it was written well and was logically put together. There were very few typos, if any. The trouble is that it was just slow and even though I read 60%, I had to stop because I couldn’t put up with the slow movement of the story. This doesn’t bother a lot of people so I’m sure others will enjoy it more than I did.
I so enjoy this author. This was a very enjoyable book, easy-to-read with good characters.
This is an excellent historical book. The author is creative in the way words used to describe the surroundings of the nature of the Cornwall cliffs and estates. It creates a vivid image of what the characters were seeing at the time. The author also cleverly describes the emotions and feelings each character was experiencing. It makes the book interactive with the reader bringing them into the conversation of the characters. The reader may actually perceive being back in time alongside with the characters. Their realistic feelings of attraction, suspicion, dislike, tension, pain, shame, betrayal and fear. I absolutely loved this book. There was one thread left hanging and it was annoying. It had to do with the mother of the heroine at the end of the book. I was also surprised at the end the continued integrity of one of the criminals. That person was forced to do what they did but tried to shelter the innocent along the way. It reminded me of a Poldark episode. I have read the entire Poldark series and watched the television series. This is just as creative. A must read and I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars I loved seeing more of the characters in Ladd’s Cornwall series as well as meeting new ones in this wonder and beautiful Regency romance. The story was well constructed and engaging. I enjoyed the bit of mystery surrounding the estate and Liam’s shore. The smuggling and its effects were super interesting.
Sarah Ladd is definitely a solid author and I have enjoyed each book I have read by her and look forward to reading many more.
The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E Ladd is a lovely Regency novel about a castle on the shore in Cornwall. Evelyn Bray led a small life. She lived in a cottage with her grandfather on a grand estate for which he was the steward. No master had been in residence since Mr. Treton had passed ten years earlier. She had few friends, chief amongst them Marnie, the housekeeper. All of a sudden the new lord was there. He was weeks early. Liam Twethewey was twenty-two years of age and had just come in to his inheritance. He had been too anxious to wait at the pub for his barrister so her came on ahead. What he found was a huge home in disrepair, bereft of staff, and unexpected by the few that were there. Of course, he noticed Evie, because she was beautiful, but he was immediately warned away by her grandfather. That was not the first odd thing that happened. Almost immediately after he had retired came a clanging. What did it mean? It turned out that there were shipwrecks on his coast, the salvage and rescue of which he was responsible. They managed to save a woman and her daughter. The woman was badly injured and took several days to come around so they had not information. Liam was out working all night and the next day. He had not idea. It turns out there was more of which he had no idea.
This is an adventure but also a romance. Evie had complicated relationships with her grandfather and her absent mother. It turns out she had been naive all these years. She was intelligent and empathetic as well as unafraid of work. She was a good match for Liam who was ambitious, intelligent, highly moral, and also a hard worker. This is an intriguing tale of smuggling, free trading, and illegal shipping. It was well put together and interesting. I enjoyed it and learned something, too.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Light at Wyndcliff by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thelightatwyndcliff
Intrigue and romance on the Cornwall coast.
Liam Twethewey comes to Wyndcliff Hall to claim his inheritance left to him by his great-uncle. But the Hall holds many secrets, as the coast is a frequent bearer of tragedy, and the location of many a shipwreck.
Evelyn is the granddaughter of Wyndcliff’s steward, she has lived her life along the coast and inside its halls. Her family is much reduced in circumstance than they previously were, her future is unclear, but she longs for a family and a place to belong.
After meeting on the moors, Liam and Evelyn become fast friends s they work together to unravel the terrible secrets of Wyndcliff. I liked that Liam is a willing learner, he wants to be hands on, and work hard to make his inheritance a success. He comes to rely on Evelyn as one of the few people he can turn to, and I admired his drive to get to the bottom of things.
Overall, a riveting read set along the coast. Great character development and interaction, I loved how Evelyn and Liam got to know each other as they worked together to discover the secrets. Well paced with an engaging plot, can be read as part of the series, or as a stand alone! Well worth the read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather (Rupert) at Pevlyn. After losing his money, her grandfather took the position of steward at Wyndcliff Hall. Her mother left two years ago to find a better life for herself and Evelyn. She has remarried, but has not yet sent for Evelyn to live with her.
Liam Twethewey is now 22 years old and has inherited Wyndcliff Hall in Pevlyn. The hall hasn’t been lived in since the previous owner died many years before, and Liam’s arrival is a surprise to the few servants that maintain the residence. He wants to open a china clay pit on the estate, as it would fulfill his late great-uncle’s dream.
This is the third book in the Cornwall series. I didn’t read the first two and had no problem understanding what was going on, but it makes me want to see if my library has the first two books. There’s a mystery running through the storyline–about the shipwrecks that happen frequently on the coast of Liam’s newly inherited property. Liam and Evelyn become friends as he navigates his new position as owner of Wlyndcliff Hall and starting up the china clay pit.
I enjoyed the mystery as I knew things were not as they seemed, but I was surprised by how deep and far reaching the lies and deceit went. Although Liam is quite young to be the master of his own estate, I thought he was quite mature and loved his integrity and honesty. He had hard decisions to make that weren’t going to be popular but he did what was right. Evelyn also had difficult decisions to make and I thought she and Liam were well suited to each other.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
This absolutely brilliant tale is one of my top five book picks this year. It has it all with masterful storytelling of love, amazing characters, decades-old secrets, and the dangerous, forbidding coastline of England. Clandestine meetings and shipwrecks further enriched the feeling of suspense, making this a story that I will be reading again and again. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!
The Light at Wyndcliff is the third book in the Cornwall series. While it can be read as a stand alone, you will not want to miss reading the other two fabulous books in this series, The Governess at Penwythe Hall and The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.