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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The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is about Julia Twethewey,a young lady who travels to the mining town of Goldweth to stay with her aunt and uncle at their home, Lanwyn Manor, in Cornwall, England. She has left her home for a time to escape humiliation after being betrayed by a man she believed loved her. Upon arriving, she is accosted at gunpoint by men trying to rob her, but she is rescued from harm by Isaac Blake, a young man whom she finds it difficult to get out of her mind. She quickly learns that the townspeople do not like her uncle since he closed his mine putting much of the town out of work, and that they might possibly wish him harm. A series of strange events occur at Lanwyn Manor following the attack on Julia; valuables go missing, strange noises come from the attic, cloaked figures escape into the forest at night. Soon, it becomes clear that Julia herself may be in danger if she stays in Goldweth. But as much as she wants to go home, she is drawn to Isaac Blake and she doesn’t want to abandon the possibility of a future with him. But before any future plans can be made, Julia and Isaac must uncover the truth about the thief at Lanwyn Manor.
As I started reading The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, I thought it started a bit slowly. But a few chapters in, it picked up, and I got drawn in. The story was full of action, emotion, scheming, deception, and mystery. Once I was into the story, I read most of the book in one day. I couldn’t wait to find out who was behind everything. Overall, I very much enjoyed reading The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.5stars
“Yes, Lanwyn Manor was proving to have introduced her to a number of interesting characters, but she needed to be wary. It was still too early to know whom she could trust and whom she could not.”
Reeling from a broken heart, Julia Twethewey travels to her beloved cousin’s country home located squarely in the heart of Cornwall’s mining country, hoping that a change of scenery might mend the broken places deep within her soul. What she finds is altogher different than what she expected. Accosted before she even arrives at her destination, Julia also learns that her uncle’s reputation among the local citizenry is tainted with disgust, his repeated reluctance to re-open his area mine has kept many miners from being able to support their families; causing local unrest and in some
cases, desperation.
When local mine owners Matthew and Isaac Blake gallantly step into the fray, in spite of being nearly identical on the outside, it’s soon obvious that they are motivated quite differently on the inside. While Julia aunt’s blatantly schemes for Julia to form an attachment with the one, it’s the other brother who catches her attention, especially following their shared, quite harrowing experience on the evening of her arrival. In spite of the gentle whispers of her heart, Julia has learned the hard way that her head must not over indulge in romantic notions. Danger is lurking around every corner of Lanwyn Manor, there are mysteries to be solved, and someone is becoming more and more determined for Julia to leave.
The strength of this story is in its beautiful word flow. While the reader may wish that more conversations between Isaac and Julia were actually written down on the page, it’s clear that their hearts become fiercely and inextricably entwined. Unfortunately, every relationship has its limits and the secrets embedded within the walls of Lanwyn Manor have the potential to stretch their budding attachment towards, or even past, their dreams of the future.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment from Sarah E Ladd’s Cornwall series. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand along. I have enjoyed her books in the past and I think this one is among my favorites written by her. This drama filled tale tells the story of broken hearted Julia needing to escape her hometown and goes to help her cousin Jane. Julia meets Isaac and they are suddenly thrown into solving a mystery of what is going on and who is responsible. I like trying to figure of “who done it”. It was a little predictable but still very much enjoyable.
I am giving The Thief of Lanwyn Manor five stars. I am hoping there will be another addition to the Cornwall series. I would love to find out what happens next. I recommend it for readers who enjoy inspiring historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
While some readers met Julia Trethewey in Sarah Ladd’s previous novel, you will really get to know her in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.
Ladd’s latest release combines elements of Jane Austen (think Northanger Abbey) and Poldark with its setting in Cornwall and a large house shrouded in mystery with the myth of secret treasure, hidden passages and tunnels, and suspicious servants.
Add to that the twins who own some of the local mines and are vying for Julia’s attention. Isaac and Matthew may be brothers but their character, commitment to their workers, and motivations are worlds apart.
Julia has a good head on her shoulders and a tender heart for the less fortunate women and children in the area. She’s a loyal friend and knows her mind while she’s unsure of trusting her heart.
Ladd’s unique Regency voice shines through in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Cornwall 1807 – Tregarthan Hall Isaac Blake and his brother Matthew start out in the prologue as boys, at the age of 14. Their father, Joseph, doles out a consequence to the boys, and bids them again to get along and not throw punches. Matthew will one day get Wheal Tamsen and the Hall, while Isaac will get Wheal Gwenna, an old closed copper mine. We then jump to 1818, where we meet Julia Twethewey, who’s facing a man with a gun, when Isaac enters the taproom and brings enough distraction for the barkeep. We are introduced to both Blake brothers, Julia’s relatives and some townspeople, as the story builds. Julia is faced with figuring out who she can trust, who’s telling the truth and what to do with what she’s being told to do and whether to trust her heart. On top of that we have a mystery and a curse she’s been told about. The story keeps you guessing throughout, with tensions abounding between Julia’s Uncle’s family and the townspeople. Another page turning, beautiful story by this author. Looking forward to finding out who is featured in the 3rd installment of this series!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through Net Galley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Excerpt: Every single lady of marriageable age was eager for security. It was the ultimate goal, whether she chose to acknowledge it or not.”
With the distinctive flair of Jane Austen and a setting befitting Poldark, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor brings us the story of Julia Twethewey, niece of the well-off Lambourne family. When William Lambourne inherits Lanwyn Manor and its accompanying mine, Bal Tressa, the family relocates to Cornwall and Julia journeys to serve as her cousin Jane’s companion when her adventures begin.
A bold, brave gentleman by the name of Isaac Blake steps up to rescue Julia, but little does she know how deep into his family drama she will be drawn. Julia quickly meets Matthew Blake, the elder twin brother of Isaac, and the competitive nature of love is challenged. The story shines a light on societal issues of the time; the plight of the working man in the mining industry, the issues of status and rank, and the turmoil of being a young, single woman with minimal resources.
A wonderful Regency novel! The characters, the language, the romance and the mystery are a delight to explore in this tale.
This ARC copy was received from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley.com. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
5/5
#TheThiefOfLanwynManor #NetGalley
Cornwall, secret passageways, mysterious notes, and missing valuables; throw in a lady in the wrong place at the wrong time and a set of twins, both trying to woo her heart, but for very different reasons, and you have the perfect making a new regency novel by Sarah E. Ladd. There’s nothing I did not love about this newest installment in the Cornwall series, although it truly can be read as a standalone.
When Julia’s cousin invites her to wait out her laying in period with her, Julia jumps at the chance to travel to Lanwyn Manor and hopefully mend her broken heart. While Julia dearly loves her cousin, nothing about the trip is going as she expected. Julia learns that it is precisely in those unexpected moments, coupled with her willingness to let her guard down, that she may find her future happiness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor features Julia Twethewey, the niece of Jac Twethewey from “The Governess of Penwythe Hall”. It is second in this series but can be read as a stand alone. We read about the copper mines and the men who own them, namely Blake Matthews and his twin brother Issac. Although they are mostly identical in looks, they are completely different in actions. Matthew being the firstborn inherited his father’s producing mine, Isaac inherited one that had been closed and he can never find the means to get it to operating again. Julia knows she should be drawn to Matthew as he has stated his claim to her in marriage, but she cannot help but be drawn to the other brother. There is much suspense and danger through out this interesting novel. Thefts of jewels are blamed on the innocent but who else would have access to them. This great read features rumored ghosts, hidden treasure and secret passageways. All of this and a delightful romance makes Ladd’s latest novel a big hit…….. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for an ARC of this novel.
First off, I just have to say I love the dress on this cover so much. Just beautiful! As for the book itself, I loved the fact that Julia is a strong character who says what she thinks, not a shy, demure character. That made for some good interactions with both of the Blake brothers, as she did say what she really meant. Isaac was a great leading man; he was just a really good guy, trying to help those around him and do his best. I also really liked seeing more about the mining industry; while there wasn’t an overabundance of details, there were enough things woven into the story to really bring to life the impact on the townspeople, which I found really interesting. For those looking for a good historical fiction novel with both romance and mystery, this is a great choice.
4 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I fell in love with the writing of Sarah E. Ladd in the first book of this series and when I saw that Ii will release the second one I was excited to read. This time, it is the story of Julia, one of Jac’s nieces from the previous book.
Julia is heartbroken and willingly accepted to go to another uncle’s home in another city to try to forget what she suffered and make new friends. Arriving there she is surprised by a group of bandits and that’s where begins the mystery of why they attacked the girl and where begins the romance of our history.
Isaac Blake is the youngest of the Blake brothers and has always lived in his brother’s shadow. Upon meeting sweet Julia, his heart which was totally geared toward work at Brother Matthew’s mines will sway.
Between intrigue, betrayal, tragedy, and parties, Isaac and Julia will develop a beautiful friendship. Even with her aunt’s fixed idea that Matthew is the best match for her, Julia can’t help but stay near Isaac and they will team up to find out who is behind the weird events surrounding the Lanwyn Manor.
I love the way the writer sets her stories and I loved the way she conducted the forbidden love between Julia and Isaac. Even with all their doubt and insecurity, it was beautiful to see how they could identify what they felt and how they fought for what they wanted at the right moment.
Julia is smart and brave and at various points, in the plot, I remembered that classic phrase from the ScobbyDoo’s bad guys (don’t laugh because I couldn’t help but remember it LOL) that they would have gotten what they wanted if it weren’t for the eavesdropper children. Julia is very eavesdropper and her curiosity will disrupt the plan of the bandits of the city. I loved it so much. Too bad at the right time, the writer opted for a situation that displeased me a lot and left my jaw-dropping. What happens, My dear God! She had everything to make the twist into the apotheosis of the book. She was super smart in choosing the villain and just made everything warm with her choices for this situation.
At first I was upset with the prologue because I never liked parents who act like Daddy Blake acted so for the same reason I did not like the unlogical way of solving the mystery. Both situations have failed enormously in my opinion. I believe for a Christian novel these details were a pretty big flaw. As I said in the previous paragraph, the writer’s choice ended up ruining what might be 6 stars for me, as she was fantastic in the setting of a small-town society, prejudice, gossip, the motivation for the crimes and could have taken the reader with a simple but enriching moral lesson in the end.
Anyway … the story is good, the romance is beautiful and it made up for my disappointment with the mystery. Now I wait for book 3 and pray that this time she can close all the edges as she did with book 1.
My thanks to Netgalley, the author and Thomas Nelson. This is my honest opinion.
3/5 stars
My first of Sarah’s books to read.
Nice book filled with mysteries, secrets, intrigue.
I was fascinated by Isaac’s and Julia’s meeting. Very unusual but interesting.
The story winds through the happenings in Lawnyn Manor.
Julia left her home at the request of her cousin to Lawnyn Manor and met Issac through a very fascinating but dangerous event. She was recovery from a heart break and needed new scenery.
I liked the thrill of a thief running loose in the Manor and causing tension. Aunt Beatrice was a very fascinating character. Her matchmaking skills stellar.
I liked Julia’s sweet disposition and Isaac’s quiet nature even though he was twins with the very outgoing Matthew.
Set in the Regency England with a lot of mining history this book is a slow read and a good one with twists and turns.
I received a copy of from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd is a Regency mystery. The characters of Julia and Issac are fantastic and enjoyable. The characters do have their predictable happily-ever-after moment by the end of the novel, but I still enjoy watching the character interact in this world. I really liked the hunt for the mystery of the stolen jewels and silver. I liked hearing about the curse on the house. Even though I wish Ladd would have spent more time talking about the curse and the past owners. It was hinted at a couple of times by certain members of the community, but I felt that it wasn’t truly flushed out for the readers to grasp. I think it would have made the mystery elements a little more intriguing. Even though the mystery element left me begging for more explanation, I still found myself delighting in the plot and enjoyed Ladd’s writing style.
I received a complimentary copy of The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd from Thomas Nelson Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
3.5/5
I enjoyed this sweet, clean romance set in 1818 Cornwall.
Julia, a young woman who was recently duped by a man she loved, arrives to keep her bedridden cousin company, only to discover a “haunted” house reputed to contain hidden treasure, irate miners who are upset to be out of work when her uncle closes his mine and possible danger from an unknown source. She meets Isaac and Matthew, twin brothers who own a mine nearby and begins to heal her .
While not particularly outstanding, I enjoyed getting to know these characters and found the writing well done.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
This is easily my favorite of Sarah Ladd’s books to date. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a must read for fans of Poldark with its setting in a mining village of Cornwall, a beautiful manor full of secrets, a heroine full of grit and a light dose of romance.
I loved how Ladd portrayed Isaac and his heart for the plight of the workers in the mining community. As in her other books, Ms. Ladd’s research brings to light the hardships suffered by the working poor in England during this time.
While the faith thread is not as apparent as in some of her other books, I appreciate the clean read. Ms. Ladd is one of my favorite authors of Regency fiction. I look forward to reading more in this series.
One of my favorite quotes:
” Life often calls us to step out of what is familiar and comfortable to help those around us, does it not? But the rewards far outweigh the pains along the way.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Julia Twethewey was too obvious with her interest in a certain dashing young gentleman, and when he becomes engaged to another, she shamefacedly leaves the neighborhood to avoid embarrassment. Her cousin Jane, wife to a deployed military man, is on bedrest at Lanwyn Manor in Cornwall, and Julia goes to attend her as a companion until the birth of her child. Although Cornwall isn’t far from home, it’s far enough to be a different country entirely. Julia discovers unrest between the unemployed miners and the mine owners, one of whom is her uncle.
The target of a disgruntled villager, Julia is rescued by Isaac Blake, the overseer at one of the mines. Isaac’s prestigious brother Matthew begins paying her court, but Julia is unsure whether he is more attracted to her person or to her uncle’s mining property. And although Matthew is certainly charming, she feels a definite flutter of the heart when she crosses Isaac’s path several times on her morning rides.
When valuable trinkets begin to disappear from Lanwyn Manor, Julia must decide whether to believe the old legends of a ghost or whether something more sinister is afoot. Is it prudent for her to confide in a certain gentleman, or will her feelings only make a fool of her one more time?
This novel took a few chapters to engage my interest, but the action picked up after the first third of the book. Isaac is a well-drawn hero, torn between following his own ambition and catering to his brother’s wishes. The inferiority he feels to Matthew is painful, as is his stoic acceptance of the fact that any woman would prefer his brother in matters of the heart. Julia (who was introduced in Ms. Ladd’s first Cornwall book as Jac’s eldest niece) is an unexceptional heroine with flawless manners, a beautiful singing voice, and a kind heart. Her one foible seems to be a fear of trusting her heart (in view of the embarrassing episode that provoked her visit to Cornwall in the first place).
The book is marketed to “fans of Poldark,” but the similarities mostly involve the setting. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor has little of the grittiness one might expect in a Poldark drama. A few elements of suspense give the book a Daphne Du Maurier feel, but overall, this is more of a sweet romance than a dark tale. This book is a satisfying addition to the Ladd canon of Regencies.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A bit predictable and slow:
I found this book a bit sluggish and whilst it was well written descriptive prose, it didn’t grip me. There was some mystery and intrigue but the overall mood seemed a bit melancholic and depressing to me. In fact happiness was not to be found until the last couple of pages.
If you enjoy regency romance and Poldark then this is sure to please. One thing that was a little misleading is that the genre listed was Christian romance but this particular novel does not have any Christian or Inspirational themes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Sarah E. Ladd brings us the second in her Cornwall Novels series with another good Regency, a genre she is quite good at doing.
Cornwall, England, 1818. Julia Twethewey has come to Lanwyn Manor for two reasons: to recover from a broken heart and to keep her friend company who is ill. The manor is in the heart of the mining industry and before long Julia is intricately involved in all around her. But she soon learns that there is something quite strange going on at Lanwyn Manor.
Isaac Blake is a respectable second son to a mine owner and he is determined to make a go of his late father’s mine. His twin brother’s carelessness regarding the mine is at odds with Isaac’s integrity in the business. And Isaac has developed an interest in Julia, even though Matthew wants to use her to get in her uncle’s good graces.
There are mysteries, intrigue and a great deal to like about this book. A good Regency is a favorite of mine and Sarah Ladd has been a favorite since I read her very first book. I can’t imagine not reading her well done novels. She once again proves herself quite adept at the genre. Highly recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Reading this book is like stepping into a delightful spin-off of Poldark. This novel introduces the readers to the mining community of Goldweth in regency Cornwall, England and is filled with an interesting cast of characters. You have a smart and pretty heroine, loyal and romantic hero, a pair of know-it all-spinsters, a nervous and frenetic aunt, a mysterious and stoic uncle, and a charming but deceitful villain. I thought this story was beautifully written and the pace of the story moved nicely. I enjoyed the author’s rich details and her ability to create an intriguing and romantic tale.
I received a copy of this book from the Publisher through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
This is the second book in the Cornwall series. You do not need to have read the first book in order to understand what is going on in this one.
I felt like it was a bit predictable and it was a little slow in the middle of the book, but it was still an enjoyable read. The love story was great and the mystery made me want to finish to see if my assumptions were correct.
Good book and i would read it again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
The mystery was enough to keep me turning pages. With each chapter, something odd happened that heightened the suspense.
The characters weren’t my favorite, although I thought Isaac Blake made a wonderful hero. Julia came off as a bit wishy-washy. I could understand her desire not to repeat past mistakes, but her interactions with Matthew seemed to negate all her misgivings about Isaac. So I spent most of the book frustrated with Julia.
However, the book was well-written and made up for my annoyance with the heroine. Between the tensions among the miners and the strange happenings at Lanwyn Manor, I found myself turning page after page. And I appreciated that the chapters were pretty short. It helped me feel a certain amount of control over when I went to sleep. Although that was a lie because I kept reading well past the time I should’ve closed the book.
A perfect read for Regency fans, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a book you don’t want to miss.