Happy Monday, Friends!
I’m happy to share a review of Sarah E. Ladd’s The Governess of Penwythe Hall. This was my first read by her and won’t be my last!
About the Book
Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.
Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.
Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.
Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.
My Thoughts
So this was my very first Sarah E. Ladd read and I was not disappointed. I was hooked from the prologue and all the way to the end. I love Regency books and this cover was gorgeous and the sole reason I requested it on NetGalley.
What kept me reading was Ms. Ladd’s story and beautiful writing. The Twethewey family had so much heartache to overcome. I wanted them to be happy and I wanted their governess, Cordelia Greythorne, to have a part in that happiness.
Can I just pause for a moment and say how awesome the names are?!
Anyway, Mrs. Greythorne drew me in from the prologue. There was such intrigue around her in-laws that I knew I had to continue reading until the end. And I wasn’t disappointed! Besides a lush historical setting, there was romance (woohoo!), and mystery! I loved it and look forward to discovering what other good books Ms. Ladd has in her backlist.
*I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
About the Author
Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever.
Toni Shiloh 
I loved the names too!
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They put me right in the setting! ❤
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