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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Ms. Ladd plucked a strand—Julia Trethewey—from her previous book, The Governess of Penwythe Hall, and created a whole new tapestry.
Heartbroken, Julia leaves her home at Penwythe Hall to stay with her aunt and uncle. And hopefully heal her shattered heart. But she is not prepared for her aunt’s meddling.
Isaac Blake catches Julia’s eye—and her heart. But he is not the one Aunt has in mind.
The intrigue of the day, matches made for advantage rather than romance or love, war against the affection between Julia and Isaac. But the advantageous match—Isaac’s twin brother, Matthew—would secure Julia’s future and satisfy her aunt.
Fighting against not only her aunt but her own heart, Julia is caught in the midst of mystery and manipulation and money grubbing. Ms. Ladd twists the threads of her tapestry into a page turning story.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, Sarah Ladd, Celebrate Lit
Tregarthen Hall, Cornwall – 1808
Issac Blake’s twin brother, Matthew, is a few minutes older than he is and is set to inherit Tregarthen Hall and the family’s working mine. Issac will inherit a small home and another mine that has been closed,
Cornwall – 1818
Julia Twethewey, age 19, and of Penwythe Hall, is on her way to be a companion to her cousin, Jane at Lanwyn Hall, when she is held up by outlaws at an inn. It is believed to be a result of the unrest among people of the area because her uncle, William Lambourne, has recently closed one of the mines which affects everyone in the area. Issac Blake is there and steps in to protect her.
At the Hall, home of her uncle William and Beatrice Lambourne, Julia is happy to be with her cousin, Jane, who is having a difficult pregnancy. She also enjoys the company of her other cousin, Caroline. Julia is getting over a broken heart and hopes that being with Jane will help her heart to heal. She learns that there are supposed to be ghosts at the Hall and someone has been stealing items. In addition, there is a curse that no child born in the Hall has lived to grow up. There is rumored to be a treasure built into the stones of the house, but it has yet to be found.
Julia meets many of the townspeople and learns more about the mining business. Matthew shows her attention which is encouraged by her aunt and uncle, but it is Issac to whom she is attracted. But mischief occurs and people are put in danger. Will Julia and Issac be strong enough to find out who is causing this and perhaps find a road to a life together?
I liked this book but found that the beginning seemed to drag somewhat. However, I realized that it was to enable the author to introduce the characters so we could find empathy for the hardships the town has been experiencing. Sarah E. Ladd has long been a favorite author of mine and I hope that other readers will discover her sweet, clean romances.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What I think you should know:
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor a Regency Romance is the second book in the Cornwall Series by Sarah E. Ladd. This can be read as a standalone novel.When Julia comes to Lanwyn to stay with her bedridden cousin after having her heartbroken she stumbles into more that she was expecting.
What I think about The Thief of Lanwyn Manor:
The Story starts with a fantastic glimpse of the two main male characters, Matthew and Isaac as boys, then quickly moves into a scene where Julia is shockingly held at gunpoint when he uncle stops at the Inn in their village. However the story slowed down for me after that, when the story does pick back up it is really good. As a survivor of HG I felt so bad for Jane, even with modern medication I was sick my entire pregnancy so I can’t imagine it. Isaac was such a wonderful character even if I didn’t understand everything about the mines. The story ended up being filled with mystery, danger, deception and a sweet romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR is about a woman trying to find her path and follow her heart amid the complexities of family. It’s set in a mining town in trouble, with a mystery that brings danger, likable characters, a sweet romance, and some twists and turns that are sure to entertain. Recommended to sweet historical romance fans.
I loved the hero, Isaac Blake, and the heroine, Julie Twethewey, from the start! They were both fairly steady individuals with their own hopes and dreams, but who were putting those aside as they took on other responsibilities. They’re not always surrounded by those with good intentions and some of the characters felt a little flat to me when I wanted them more strongly drawn. That wasn’t the case with the main characters, as they’re vividly drawn. I loved how their relationship started and then grew despite the challenges they faced. It was a sweet romance with friendship and care at the center.
The setting was interesting, as was the plot. It’s the first story I’ve read that was involved this much in mining, although we only get snapshots of what that entails. The inspirational element wasn’t really present in this story, so I’d definitely recommend it to the general market. I thought the whole premise intriguing and there were enough twists that made me wonder who could be trusted. Towards the end it got a bit dramatic – maybe more so than realistic, but it definitely made for an entertaining read.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed this story. The characters and romance were lovely and my favorite part. If you’re a fan of the author, this genre, or historical romance in general with a touch of suspense and danger, then I’d recommend this one.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an engrossing tale that to me is a cross between a Regency and a Gothic novel. Julia Twetheway’s visit as a house guest of her aunt and uncle does not begin at all well and after several other incidents, she begins to wonder if the stories about ghosts in the manor might be true. The only redeeming factor is that she has two new friends, twins Matthew and Isaac Blake, who run the local copper mine. As the heir Matthew appears to be the best match but her heart is drawn toward Isaac.
With vivid descriptions and well defined characters, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor offers a steady plot with ample action, intrigue, betrayal, and romance along with a few surprising twists along the way. I enjoyed observing Julia as she compared the obvious differences between Matthew and Isaac and her determination to stand up for herself in the face of threatening circumstances. I would love to see a followup book about a certain character who made some very poor choices – one in which we see those choices redeemed.
I am trying very hard to avoid spoilers so let me just say that I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good Regency novel with a bit of mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
My Thoughts on The Thief of Lanwyn Manor:
Sara Ladd has some amazing reads! I’ve read lots of them and knew that this book was going to be amazing as well. It took me a bit to get into this book though. The beginning was slow. Maybe because I’d just finished a fast-paced all full of action and suspense book.
Julia is a great main character and it’s plain to see that Isaac is the best choice for her. But why throw aside Matthew so quickly? Is it just that she doesn’t feel connected or does she sense something else?
Lots of intrigue in this book. Hidden secrets and things going on behind closed doors. Definitely a fun book that you’re going to love reading!
It’s set in rural England (Cornwall) with a mining village. I love books set in historical England and can’t wait to visit one day. These books make me feel like I’m one step closer! This is a romance book but also a mystery with some suspense too!
Within the home Julia has gone to stay there are things that keep going missing, her uncle refuses to open the mine he owns, and bad things keep happening. Matthew and Isaac are twins with Matthew being a few minutes older.
I recommend this book. It is a slower book so I tend to have a high suspense fast read that I’m alternating with. But that being said I did find myself getting sucked in after I got into the books. It took a few chapters to get to where I wanted to keep reading and not put the book down.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I don’t want to give away anything about the secrets in the plot of this book, as I don’t want to spoil the mystery and the mood for the reader.
Sarah Ladd’s writing is always beautifully descriptive. I felt as if I’d stepped into Lanwyn Manor with Julia and immediately felt the the secrets and tension that seemed to be steeped into the manor itself. I loved all the details of the regency period and the countryside around Cornwall, but the mystery that unfolds as the story progresses is the thing that kept me reading chapter after chapter. Julia goes through much of this story not knowing who she can trust, as people are not as they seem. As danger seems to be shadowing her, Isaac tells Julia that he is going to protect her. But even through Julia has fallen in love with Isaac, she is not completely sure that she can trust him, either.
There were times that I felt a little unsettled myself as I read this book. The mood never lightens until the the mystery has been solved and I was eager for Julia to be safe and her romance with Isaac to come to a happy ending. So I’m recommending this one as a page-turner and perfect for those times when you want to read a sweet regency romance with a little bit of an edge to it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by author Sarah E. Ladd is a Regency Romance novel. Set in Cornwall, England in 1818 this book is captivating from the very beginning. I was immediately engaged and could not put this page-turner down.
Author Ladd is an exemplary Christian novelist. She weaves faith and life lessons beautifully through the tapestry of her story. This book was well researched, well planned, and organized. I learned more about mining. It is nice to be entertained, educated, and inspired when reading a book.
The characters are certainly just that….characters. They have quirks and lovable points. Julia Twethewey is the darling of this book. She is strong, sassy, and smart. Brothers Isaac and Matthew make for two completely opposite competing leading men. The secondary characters are also well done.
I found mystery, intrigue, romance, as well as drama in this well written fiction piece. The author took me to a place and time away from my own and made it come alive. I felt like I was there and wanted to offer advice to my new friend, Julia.
Expect some twists and turns as the author throws in a few surprises. The book is really enjoyable and I definitely recommend it. The inspirational message sticks with you long after finishing the book. It would make a perfect book club selection. I gladly rate it 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
I love a good Regency Romance and Sarah Ladd is an absolute master at spinning a story that will grab you, intrigue you, and keep your attention until the last page! This book is a fantastic continuation of Ladd’s Cornwall series. There is a thread of mystery that runs through the story that keeps the intrigue high. I also really appreciated the plot line that our heroine’s family want her to marry well, so they push her (Miss Julia Twethewey) towards Mr. Matthew Blake, the owner of a local mine that was left to him by his father. However, Julia’s heart is instantly drawn to Mr. Blake’s younger twin brother, Isaac. Even though there are several mentions that the two look almost identical, Julia never has any trouble telling the two apart, which I love! It just emphasized how her head had been turned by more than just Isaac handsome face. I really enjoyed this story and am very much looking forward to the next book in this excellent series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have recently learned that I enjoy novels that have a gothic feel to them. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd definitely has many of the typical gothic themes–a large, dark, scary mansion, strange happenings inside the said mansion and an ongoing, complicated mystery.
However, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor’s overall feel is not all dark and dreary. In fact, it catches your attention with the very first line and whisks you away into a series of strange circumstances. You barely have time to stop and try to piece together the multiple working parts of the mystery because you will be busy keeping the pages turning! There will be no sleep until all is revealed!
I loved the adventurous and independent spirit of Julia Twethewey (I may have had a difficult time pronouncing that even in my head.). She may have known how to be the beautiful socialite, but I also loved her desire to know more about common things, like running an orchard or a mine. I also found her bravery shocking at times (no way I’d climb into the attic of a creepy house), but also refreshing for a woman of the time period.
Isaac Blake is a gentle and kind man, and I believe it is this quiet determination to do good and his humble ability to care for all kinds of people that make him hero-worthy. Although the romance is not front and center in this story, I still enjoyed the development of Isaac’s relationship with Julia.
If you like Regency-era sweet romance, I believe you would like this book even though the romance is not as prominent as in other books. And if you enjoy books with a gothic theme, then you would definitely enjoy this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.
It was such fun to travel to Cornwall during Regency times for another riveting and romantic tale from Sarah E. Ladd. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor captured my imagination and my attention and kept me turning pages and guessing to the end. Ladd is a master at crafting richly painted settings and colorful, layered, and engaging characters. Isaac and Julia are wonderful main characters, and there is a stellar cast of secondary characters. The story flowed beautifully and Ladd’s impeccable research was readily apparent. It was interesting learning more about mines and mining in general during those times.
This is the second in the Cornwall Novels series, but it can easily be read as a standalone story. I would recommend this to those who enjoy well-written Regency novels.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E Ladd is a wonderful historical romance. Loved the Cornwall early 19th-century setting where readers find Julia visiting Lanwyn Manor, hoping to find a cure for a broken heart. She finds a whole lot more! The characters are well defined and well rounded, with attributes and flaws and they are either likable, relatable, or despicable. They are colorful and riveting–an overbearing aunt, insolent house staff, a sweet cousin bedridden with a difficult pregnancy, and twin brother mine owners, who ultimately compete for Julia’s attention. The storytelling is excellent and is replete with lots of twists and turns. There is a mystery afoot in the somewhat gothic manor as well, which helps to keep the interest high. The author has a lovely way with words as she describes the scenery, the homes, the customs, and the mining industry of the 1800s. I enjoyed the book and readers who love a little mystery mixed in with romance set in an English countryside will not want to miss The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
Until the past year, the Regency era held little to no interest to me. I attribute this to the fact that I’m not a romance novel devotee, nor do I find myself drawn to matchmaking tales or stories about typical marriage customs. I have read a couple of Jane Austen’s books, and I didn’t care for either one. I prefer the Colonial or Victorian periods. However, last year I read a couple of Christian fiction titles set during the Regency era, and to my surprise, I actually enjoyed them! One of these was “The Governess of Penwythe Hall”, which is book one of The Cornwall Novels series. As a result, I did not hesitate for a moment to sign up for the sequel!
“The Thief of Lanwyn Manor” shares many of the themes of its predecessor, but with a unique plot that Sarah Ladd weaves into another intricate tapestry. This book could be read as a standalone, as there are very few spoilers, but I always recommend reading a series in order when possible to get the most out of it and to appreciate how everything comes together. Either way, this second book also has a simultaneously mysterious and romantic air about it. Fans of Abigail Wilson will enjoy The Cornwall Novels, and it is that layer of foggy inscrutability that most draws me to these books. There is an underlying aura of disquiet that permeates the story, an instinctive type of foreshadowing that blends into the romance and makes the narrative intriguing. The plot unfolds slowly but steadily, the pacing appropriate for the style.
As for the characters, they are well-developed overall. Julia Twethewey, a child in “Penwythe Hall”, is now 19 and thankful for the opportunity to serve as temporary companion for her cousin, Jane, who is confined to bed for the last trimester of her pregnancy. Part of Julia’s motivation is also to fulfill both her desire and society’s expectation to marry well: “Of course she was in search of a husband. Every single lady of marriageable age was eager for security.” The twins, Isaac and Matthew, add romantic tension and enhance the mysterious elements, and numerous secondary characters populate the narrative to balance the scales. Because of the novel’s location setting, mining plays a significant role, and I learned about the struggles and dangers involved in this livelihood, which in this case become a primary source of conflict. As is still true today, different places, even when near each other, can be vastly diverse in their values and way of life. As Julia notes, “Geographically she was not that far from home, but indeed, there was no denying she was in a very different world.” Nevertheless, as “The Thief of Lanwyn Manor” goes to show, it is not where we live that truly matters, but rather who we are and how we live and, most importantly, Who goes with us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I don’t usually talk much about book covers especially in reviews. I am making an exception for this one. The cover is breathtaking and immediately drew me to the book. It fits right with the story and the time period. The opening of the book will have many readers on the edge of their seat. Good grief ,I uttered as I began the story. This poor woman who has come to help out her family is staring down the barrel of a gun. The author does an excellent job of making the story intriguing as we are introduced to the stunning Julia. Her presence will stir up a mystery and perhaps grab someone’s heart.
I loved learning about the mines and how hard it is to endure the dangers as they work. I would get anxious and have to run out at the first little rumble I heard. Isaac and Mathew may be brothers but they are nothing alike. Matthew seemed calculated and kinda shady. I did not trust his interest in Julia at all. Isaac is very caring and his intentions are honest. It is a sure sign that something is not right when Matthew pursues Julia and wants to marry her quickly. I smell a rat somewhere and I hope Julia is not fooled by dashing good looks and words that mean nothing.
The more I got into the book, the better the story became. The author weaves a tale of mystery that had me reading as fast as I could. Yes there are characters that are not trustworthy in the story and it causes danger for several. Decisions will be made in the story that will cause heartache and perhaps happiness. I can’t give anything away so let me leave you with this. Find a comfortable place, grab a blanket and get ready to transport back to 1818 England where trust, danger and a mystery will keep you glued to the book. This is a must read for all Regency fiction fans. If you aren’t a fan of this type of story you will be after reading this book.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I loved this story and the main characters of Julia and Isaac. They were wonderful people. They were willing to help others over themselves. This story had secrets and intrigue. I did not want to put this book down. I needed to know how Isaac was going to be able to help all the people in the village. There were many twists and turns that had me guessing about what might happen next. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Sarah E. Ladd puts a lot of research into her books before she ever puts pen to paper and it shows. It brings the reader into that world, and her characters always make you feel so emotionally invested in them.
I like that Isaac Blake is a different kind of hero. While his twin brother Matthew is richer and more charming, Isaac is quiet, loyal, and caring.
Julia Twethewey just wants to find where she belongs. She tries to help people but is turned away numerous times and is even threatened.
This book has a Gothic feel, and I love the mystery throughout it. It is the second in The Cornwall Novels series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Great descriptive writing- the scene is set vividly and the characters multifaceted. Well crafted story, full of intrigue and suspicious characters to wonder about. The romance is sweet, clean, and fulfilling. Of course all resolves in the end – with a very satisfying, sweet conclusion!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The author has once again given us a unique look at life in the Cornwall area around 1818. Mining is the business of the area, and the livelihood of all depends on the whims of the owners. Julia Twethewey, needing a new beginning, has come to help her beloved cousin, Jane, who is expecting a baby. Cue the Aunt who thinks she is a matchmaker.
Things get really interesting for Julia, as she almost gets mugged, accused of thievery and is left feeling like she just doesn’t belong. Who really is the thief? Is there really a treasure in the Manor or is the story there just to frighten those who live there? All the twists and turns find the reader having no idea who the perpetrator might be. Add a wonderful old mansion with secret passages and hidden doors and you have one fabulous story.
This ARC was received through Thomas Nelson. NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
There’s just something about Sarah Ladd’s writing that pulls me in and doesn’t let go. Her attention to detail is extraordinary. She has the uncanny ability to paint a picture in my mind of every single detail of each scene that she writes. From the exquisite rooms she writes about, to the scenes where characters are in danger – there is never a moment that I cannot picture it in great detail. The imagination is great, which is why sometimes I struggle with books being made into movies, because the movies never get it quite right. But with Ladd’s descriptive writing style, it’s all spelled out for them!
Not only does Ladd provide vivid scenes, but she gives readers characters that they just can’t help but like. Isaac, well I liked him from the opening scene. This mysterious guy who swoops in, saves the girl, and then kind of disappears. Yeah, it left this reader wanting more! Throughout the book you see Isaac go through a lot – and I especially loved how his relationship with Julia grew. But it’s a quote from the very beginning of the book that really spoke to me regarding Isaac. “As the empty home loomed before him, Isaac could not help but wish he had taken a little more time to see to his personal life. But with the stat of the economy, his focus was required elsewhere, and he needed to accept that.” It really punched me in the gut. How many times do we let circumstances, or our environment take over, and we tend to disregard ourselves – our spiritual selves. In real life, we don’t need to just accept it, we need to do something about it (as Isaac learns throughout the story). I can’t say for sure that Ladd meant to bring up this point, but I’m ever so glad she wrote it this way!
I always enjoy reading Sarah Ladd’s books. They are just beautifully written, and take me on a time machine to enjoy a time period I can only read about. Although this is book two in the series, you don’t necessarily have to read book one – although I encourage you to because it was excellent! I highly recommend historical fiction fans add this to their reading list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book by Sarah E Ladd that I have read and I am not disappointed. If you like reading regency books, you will enjoy this. She brings the main characters to life and gives a nice glimpse of life in that time period. The supporting characters were also developed nicely.
The story flowed well and kept my interest throughout. I thought I had figured it out early on but throughout the book, I kept changing my mind on whom the thief might be. I will not even give a hint on who it was, but this will keep you turning the pages to find out.
The editing was well done, which to me, is very important. I was given a chance to read and review this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Netgalley. The review is not required and the opinions are completely my own. I give this a 5 out of 5 star review.