In Regency England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac? Cornwall, England, 1818 Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia … Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.
As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood–and that of the people around them–the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.
When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.
- Sweet Regency Romance
- Full-length novel, approximately 90,000 words
- Second in the Cornwall series, but can be read alone
Praise for The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
“Northanger Abbey meets Poldark against the resplendent and beautifully realized landscape of Cornwall.” –Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration
“Cornwall’s iconic sea cliffs are on display in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, but it’s the lyrical prose, rich historical detail, and layered characters that truly shine. The story anchors the foray into Cornwall’s copper mining legacy with historical accuracy and brilliant heart. Fans of Regency romance will be instantly drawn in and happily lost within the pages–this is Sarah E. Ladd at her best!” –Kristy Cambron, bestselling author of the Lost Castle series
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Will it be a simple visit..or the beginning of a new life..?
Sarah E. Ladd is not an author that I’ve read very much of, though, the few that I have read were very good and enjoyed them a lot. I considered myself lucky to have caught The Cornwall Novels series right at its start and then getting to continue into this, the second book.
While I liked the first book a tad more, The Thief Of Lanwyn Manor was still a very good Regency with some lovely Gothic romance overtones. Sarah E. Ladd has a real knack with creating her characters, making them relatable to today’s readers while still retaining the historical aura of the Regency Era.
I really enjoyed the The Thief Of Lanwyn Manor, it had more twists and turns than a secret passage. Just when you think you’ve figured out who the thief in the title is, well, another character starts acting suspicious. No one is quite as they first appear. The mystery is good and the romantic thread was charming and even a bit sweet. If you enjoy Regency Era novels or just Gothic inspired romance, this might be the book for you.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor may be Sarah Ladd’s best novel yet. This story has it all — mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance. This is the kind of story I hated to have to put down. The plot is super engaging. The characters are extremely well written. The writing is stellar; I felt like I was inside the story actively watching everything play out. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a story I won’t soon forget.
Isaac Blake is my favorite. He is a dreamboat of a hero — he’s manly and protective, he is handsome and compassionate, and he is honorable and intelligent. He always wants to make the right choice because he never wants to let anyone down or cause anyone unnecessary pain. Unfortunately for Isaac, his sense of never letting anyone down is so strong he sometimes becomes inactive and doesn’t make any decision at all. He gets so caught up in what could potentially go wrong that he becomes stagnant. A pastor I love to listen to — Alistair Begg — once said, “Tomorrow is the devil’s favorite word.” The idea here is that sometimes we put off today what we should do because we allow our fears to get the better of us. When this happens, we’re putting off God’s work. Isaac, because of his fear of failing others, has become very good at saying, “not today.” If God sets things up for us, it is our duty to overcome our fears and worries today so we can accomplish God’s will for us. Easier said than done, I know, but a great reminder for us today for sure. Does Isaac learn his lesson and overcome? Well, you’ll just have to purchase a copy of The Thief of Lanwyn Manor to find out!
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a highly engaging, well-written novel I highly recommend. Sarah Ladd is a fabulous storyteller, and I look forward to the third installment in this outstanding series.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What a fantastic story filled with unexpected twists and turns. I was kept on the razor edge, turning pages expectantly to find out what would happen next and kept guessing until the end! I’ve read and enjoyed many of Sarah E. Ladd’s books, but this has got to be my favorite. If you enjoy regency period stories with mystery and intrigue, then do yourself a favor and snag a copy of this book to enjoy!
While this is the second story in the Cornwall series, it easily stands alone. There are a few refrences to characters we previously met in book one. But you could easily jump right in with book two if you so wish. Fans of Poldark and Jane Austen will be blissfully enamored with this new story! A rumored treasure, shadowy figures, whispers in the walls. Secrets abound and surprises await!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah Ladd has Julia Twethewey traveling to Lanwyn Manor to be a companion to her cousin, Jane who is confined to bed during her latter part of her pregnancy. Julia is accosted at the Gray Owl Inn by men looking for her uncle. William Lambourne, Julia’s uncle, has closed Bal Tressa, his copper mine, which has the local miners up in arms. She is saved by Isaac Blake who helps run a local mine owned by his brother. Valuable items begin disappearing from Lanwyn Manor after Julia’s arrival, and Julia receives threatening notes encouraging her to depart. Something sinister is happening in Goldweth. Julia and Isaac team up to find answers. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. I thought The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was well-written with developed characters. The point-of-view alternates between Julia and Isaac. I like that we get a male and female perspective because, let’s face it, men and women see things differently. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I like how the pacing increases during tense moments. I enjoyed the authors vivid descriptions of Cornwall, the beautiful homes, and the fashions. There is tension in Goldweth with one mine shut down and the price of copper is low. I liked the mystery surrounding the missing items and the threats which added intrigue and suspense. I thought the author captured the time period beautifully. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an intriguing Regency novel with mysterious threats, hidden danger, a special romance, scared miners, and a matchmaking aunt.
The thing she left home to escape from ends up finding her at Lanwyn Manor.
There are times that I can not get enough contemporary fiction. And then there are times I want to read a smooth regency novel. When I want regency, I reach for Sarah E. Ladd.
Now, when I say that The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a typical regency romance, I mean it in the most endearing way. It’s nice to open a book and trust that it will be everything you have come to trust and enjoy. The best part is Sarah E. Ladd always weaves in an element of mystery and suspense to keep you riveted to the story.
The one thing I do not appreciate about regency novels is the rich guy or the first born son gets the girl, most of the time. But not in this book. There is a humbleness about Isaac Blake that just endeared me to him. Honest, faithful, and broken all in one fantastic package. No wonder Julie can not resist the chemistry between them despite Isaac’s brother, Matthew’s hardest attempts to woo her.
Needless to say, I enjoyed this story. Please take a minute to read the excerpt below and see for yourself how beautiful of a story it is.
***I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through CelebrateLit. The views expressed are entirely my own.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is another wonderful novel penned by Ms. Ladd and the second book in her Cornwall series. I know when I pick up a book by this author that I will be transported to the setting she chooses to write about and I know that I’ll captivated from the very beginning. This book does not disappoint.
I loved the characters and the storyline held my attention throughout. I haven’t read too much about copper mines so that was interesting to me. There’s some twists and turns mixed in which always causes me to keep reading until my eyes are practically screaming for eye drops, so I use the drops and keep on reading. I just couldn’t put this book down but that happens to me when I am reading a captivating novel like this one.
Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone but I suggest you read the first book, The Governess of Penwythe Hall because it is such a good read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher though Netgalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Sarah Ladd’s books never disappoint. The author has a way of drawing the reader into Regency era England with its unique history, sights, sounds, tastes, and events. This plot is driven by beautifully sketched characters and has a bit of underlying gothic mystery and suspense to keep it moving at a nice pace. The story takes place in a copper mining town and it was a pleasant boost to my knowledge base of early 1800 England since I know nothing about the mining history there. This is book 2 in The Cornwall Novels series but can be read as a stand-alone. If you enjoy historical romance (especially those set in Regency era), you will love this book.
Julia is a forthright, loyal young woman who comes to Lanwyn Manor to help her cousin during her pregnancy. Isaac is a hard-working mine captain – faithful, loyal, quiet but mature with a deeply-feeling soul. Julia has a past she wants to run from and Isaac feels restless while trying to find his place in the world. Thievery, anonymous threats, betrayal, and mine accidents all converge to give both Isaac and Julia a chance for freedom in love and a sense of worth.
I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Another great read. Really enjoyed the complexity of the plot and challenges for the main characters. A sweet romance that kept pulling me back to the story even when life was busy and tried to interfere. I loved the light mystery that ramped up in tension as the chapters slipped from one to another. Very enjoyable read for those who love Jane Austen era England.
This was like a mix of Poldark and a Jane Austen novel. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the bit of mystery surrounding Lanwyn Manor and it’s rumored treasure. I liked the references to characters from the last book and reading about Julia. I really liked Isaac’s character a lot. I would love to see these characters again. I definitely recommend this book and this series. This can be read as a stand-alone, but is even better read after the first book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
This series just keeps getting better! I enjoyed The Governess of Penwythe Hall, but The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd, with it’s mystery and community in turmoil, was hard to put down. At times, it reminded me of Julie Klassen’s The Secrets of Pembrooke Park. This book starts with a bang, as the main character, Julia Twethewey, is held up by robbers. From there, a delightful story of intrigue, suspense, and romance unfolds. I love Julia for her spunk and faith. I love Isaac Blake for his determination to help his community. I also couldn’t help but fall in love with the struggling mining community that surrounds this story, adding a level of heart that sucked me in. I loved this book and the opportunity to “visit” Cornwall. I sure hope a real life visit is in my future someday.
Ghosts, hidden treasures, and a malevolent housekeeper are not what nineteen year old Julia Twetheway expected when she arrives at Lanwyn Manor as a companion to her pregnant, bedridden cousin. Leaving Penwythe Hall to recover from heartbreak, the attraction she feels for Isaac Blake is also unlooked for, as is her aunt’s encouragement of a match with Isaac’s twin brother.
With tensions over the closing of her uncle’s mine and troubling occurrences in Lanwyn Manor, this is a sedately paced romance that is delightfully gothic-tinged. As with The Governess of Penwythe Hall, this is ultimately a story of two people who not only find each other, but find the strength to steadfastly do what is right no matter the personal consequences.
Another highly enjoyable Regency Romance from author Sarah E. Ladd. While not absolutely necessary to read this series in order, it will enhance your reading enjoyment as Julia Twetheway is introduced as a child in the previous book.
This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are only my own honest opinions.
Wonderfully woven together with mystery and matters of the heart
Characters to fall for, and characters to surprise you. Oh, it was a good one and beautifully written. Definitely keeps you on your toes and turning pages. I loved learning about the historical background in the midst of a beautifully crafted romantic mystery. Good read!
Mystery, romance, prejudices, beauty, all in one novel. Ladd’s novels always please.
Sarah Ladd writes an interesting story in a beautiful setting. I especially enjoyed the suspense intertwined with romance. Ladd adds interesting characters in a true Regency world. As the plot thickens with a Gothic feel, decisions must be made about who to trust. This book is a nice addition to the series.
Another great Recency novel from Sarah Ladd!
Cornwall, 1818
Julia left home to go to her cousin who is lying in and very ill. This was a new manor, one that her Uncle had just acquired. Of the top society, it would be to her benefit to go. However underlying secrets on her side as well as her Uncle’s side made things not quite what they seemed. The brothers next door are twins who wish to expand their wealth by convincing Julia’s Uncle to let them partner in running his mine as well as their own. The welfare of the entire town is involved, and they have strong feelings on it, especially since her Uncle had closed his mine down. As soon as she enters the town Julia is threatened, and the danger and mysteries increase steadily. Intriguing story that makes it hard to put down. Nothing is obvious. Excellent read, quite real and a pleasure for those who enjoy this time and place.
#TheThiefOfLanwynManor #NetGalley
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
I’ve been wanting to read this so much. I’m enjoying this series! The characters were well written. I liked the h & H. There were some good twists and the story had me turning the pages. I thought the love developed naturally. There was good historical detail and keeping to feel of the time. Can’t wait for book #3!!
With a rich tapestry of characters and scenery, 1800s Cornwall comes to life under Sarah Ladd’s skillful writing. What should a young lady do when suffering from a broken heart and embarrassing courtship? When relatives offer a place to go and sit with her expecting cousin, Julia jumps at the chance to hide her face and recover. Lanwyn Manor, Goldweth, and the new people she meets peak her curiousity. Isaac Blake grew up in Goldweth, son of a mine owner who now helps his twin brother run the mine. The town of Goldweth depends on mines in the area to supply work for the community, but mines are closing and not opening. Stresses are high and weird things are occurring. noises in the walls and shadows walking around the grounds. Whispered curses try to cover up a hidden treasure, one that some will stop at nothing to find.
The characters are so well developed, they fell like friends and neighbors. Their interactions adds a depth to each character that brings them to life. Sarah Ladd masterfully weaves authenticity into the situations and feeling her characters are working through. As a reader you feel like you are walking with them, learning from them.
With engaging dialogue, realistic characters, and enough mystery to keep the heart rate elevated this book delivers ongoing entertainment. The only down side is how quickly the story moves to the end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sarah Ladd is a new author to me so I really didn’t know what to expect from this book; but now having read The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, I have added Ms. Ladd to my list of “need to read” authors! Her characters are well-developed; and the mysterious and suspenseful plot chronicling tragedy, sorrow, disappointments, hidden motives, misunderstandings, thievery, assault, curses, questionable medical practices, rumored treasure, noises and shadows in the night, and a little romance moves at a fitting pace. My favorite element in the book is the use of amazing imagery and vivid descriptions such as these: “The mist fully invaded the moors with frightful weight as if it, too, were weary.” “A gray, ethereal mist hovered over the muddy lane and faded grasses and above him, thick clouds churned blocking out the morning sky.” “She stuttered as her own imagination fanned the flames of her fear.” I was a bit disappointed at the lack of the faith element in this read, but I enjoyed this page-turner from start to finish. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Another amazing read from author Sarah E. Ladd! I love stories set in England and the setting for this one is Cornwall, England. The Blake brothers are an interesting duo, as different as night and day. They kinda grew on me as the story unfolded, but they did keep things interesting.
And then there is Julia Twethewey, wanting to get away from a failed relationship, and a broken heart. When her cousin ask Julia to come help her during a difficult pregnancy, she is more than happy to help. But she wasn’t expecting to learn so much about her extended family.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Thief of Lanwyn Manor. The cast of characters are so realistic, and as the story unfolds, I love how the characters developed so well. Another amazing thing for me was the vivid details of each scene, making Cornwall, England come alive before my eyes as I read each page. There is so much to say about this story, with just the right amount of mystery, drama, romance and suspense, that the twist and turns happening will keep you turning the pages until the end. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a nice clean entertaining and enjoyable read. And especially those who love historical fiction.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.