Cover Image: In the Shelter of Hollythorne House

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House

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Member Reviews

Enjoyable Afternoon Read!

This was a story of a second chance at love. Very sweet and I will look for the next book.

Audiobook: Read by Jude Moore
I loved the way this was narrated. The accent immersed me into the storyline and it was very entertaining to listen to.

I look forward to the next book in The Houses of Yorkshire Series. The Cloverton Charade will be out September 3, 2024

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

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I’ve read quite a few books by the author and I like most of them but I guess this one just wasn’t for me. I was bored and struggled to care about any of the characters. So probably just a me problem nothing was particularly wrong with the story maybe I wasn’t in the right mood for it.

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Do you like second chance romance novels? Do you have any favorite romantic tropes that you love or hate?

Second chance romance is one of my favorite romantic tropes. I was happy it was part of this novel. Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne fell in love as teenagers, but Anthony left for war in the United States. Their fathers were enemies, and they knew that their love could go no further. While Anthony was gone, Charlotte married Roland Prior. Their marriage was not a happy one, but she did have one son, Henry, whom she adores. When Roland dies, Charlotte returned home to Hollythorne house with Henry for a chance to live life on her own terms. Her brother-in-law sent guards to watch her and Henry due to unrest in the mills after Roland’s death. One of the guards is none other than Anthony. Will the two be able to live with their new roles in life, or will the spark of love return?

I found this story to be very engaging. I liked both Charlotte and Anthony and their second chance at romance. I also liked how there was a mystery and adventure in the story. I also thought there were hints of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte in this story with the mysterious widow living on the moors after an unhappy marriage.

My JASNA Northwoods Book club won editions of this novel from the TLC Bookclub Giveaway, which was very exciting. I handed them out at our last meeting in October and we discussed it today. Most members liked the book, and we had an interesting discussion of marriage during the Regency time period and how women were trapped in unhappy marriages. We also discussed that Charlotte’s father left a good marriage settlement on her which really helped her out after her father’s death. Not all women had this.

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Charlotte Gray’s first love was Anthony Welbourne. But being of different stations in life, they could never make a match. Doing her father’s bidding, she married and had a son. When her husband dies, she flees back to her childhood home and away from the dangers she feels lurking in London. Unexpectedly, one man charged with protecting her is none other than Anthony and CHarlotte has mixed feelings about his proximity. Threats begin to emerge and Charlotte is concerned for her welfare as well as that of her young son. And she needs to decide who she can trust.

This was another enjoyable read. I always enjoy Sarah Ladd’s books and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed watching the dynamics shift and grow with the main characters and thought the story line moved along very well. Would recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Sarah Ladd's books never fail to entertain. In The Shelter of Holythorne House was a very good book. It had something for everybody, Historical fiction, suspense, unrequited love, villains and heroes. The setting of a country house in the English Moors is gorgeous. The suspense ran through from beginning to end, leaving one unsure as to who to trust. Without giving spoilers, the end was very satisfying.

So brew up some tea, bake a few scones and settle in for a great read.

I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

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Another amazing read from one of my go-to authors! I couldn’t put the book down! The plot was so intriguing. I kept asking myself “Who can be trusted?” I got lost in the story because the words described all the feelings and senses of the characters so vividly. I loved that this was a true romance, not something fake or temporary. The love interests interacted with each other, talked about their feelings, truly cared about each other’s happiness, and felt they couldn’t survive without the other person in their life. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading a sweet romance!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC!

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The setting is on the Moors, a Regency romance. A young widow and mother seeks the warmth of her childhood home after a disastrous marriage but the home is in poor shape and she will not be assisted by her haughty brother in law. While this book is romantic it is also suspenseful making it a good story.

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This was a fun and romantic Regency era story. I continue to enjoy this author and her characters. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

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It took me a little to get into this book, but man oh man, why did I put it off! This is my new favorite from Ladd! Perfect slightly gothic regency vibes with a stunning setting and beautiful descriptions. Charlotte and Anthony were both fabulous characters and had amazing chemistry; their romance felt so believable and realistic. And Anthony . . . swoon. I think I fell in love before Charlotte. This book hit all of my favorite regency tropes and had me wanting more. The climax was incredibly intense and had me on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next. Highly recommend if you love a good Pride and Prejudice/Jane Eyre vibes!

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In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is another engaging regency romance by Sarah E Ladd. I listened to the audio while driving and doing chores and then read the e-book when I had a a chance to sit down. I really enjoyed this second installment of The Houses of Yorkshire and it was fun to soak up the atmosphere of the Yorkshire moors in early 1800's once again. I couldn't help but root for Charlotte and Anthony. All together it's a great romance and story!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 11 July 2023

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Another smashing hit by Sarah E. Ladd! I liked how this one was a story of love once lost. I will definitely be reading any new books from Sarah!

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PURE JOY - reading this was just what I wanted and needed. A fantastic historical fiction read with characters you love and just enough intrigue and interest to keep me turning pages well past bedtime. One of my new favorite authors.

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This was a beautiful story of second chances and wounded hearts! I loved the characters and Ms Ladd’s writing always takes me with her on journeys of heartache and joyful endings! Enjoy!

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The Shelter of Hollythorne House, by Sarah Ladd, tells of Charlotte Grey meeting Anthony Welbourne. They fall in love; however, could not move past friendship due to their different place in society. Now, it is four years later. Anthony is back from war and Charlotte is married and has a young child. When she finds her husband dead on the floor of his study, Charlotte can only feel numb after three years of violence. Now her focus is on protecting her young son, Henry from harm!

As a watchman on the streets of Leeds in Yorkshire, Anthony is now spending his days chasing down criminals. He is taken by surprise when his next assignment involves watching over Mrs. Charlotte Prior and he young son. Anthony cannot believe he will soon be face to face with the woman he loved as a young man!

It is interesting to see what transpires between Anthony and Charlotte as she juggles with the details of beginning a new life!

Hold tight for an ending full of action!

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BOOK REVIEW - In the Shelter of Hollythorne House - Sarah E. Ladd - 4/5 Stars

THE STORY
Regency Romance will forever be my first love and so I always enjoy reading Sarah E. Ladd's stories. This one is a bit more darker and Gothic than her previous books but I think that just goes being set on the moors. Something about the moors just inspires those more darker eerie tales. I loved seeing Charlotte go from timid and scared to gaining her confidence and learning to stand up for herself. Everyone loves a wounded war hero and Anthony was no exception, protective male MCs are such a favourite of mine.

THE ROMANCE
This was very much one of those yearning romances, lots of inner dialogue about how much they want the other person but shouldn't or can't. Therefore it makes for a very slow burn but not an unpleasant one, you just have to strap in for the long haul. It always makes the stolen moments and kisses all the sweeter!

THE TRUTHS
This story was a welcome and needed reminder that God knows the plans He has for us and works all things together for our good. Both MCs have lived through some difficult and challenging experiences but those experiences eventually brought them back together and made them stronger, more mature people. It also gave them a stronger gratefulness for life and its blessings that they didn't have before. We never understand trials when we're in the midst of them which its important to keep looking back to see how God has used past trials in our lives for our ultimate good. Trials can make us angry, bitter and depressed or, if we let them, they can make us stronger, more empathetic, more thankful and so many other things. It's up to us how we choose we respond.

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Sarah has delivered another suspenseful and romantic Regency-era story that I enjoyed. I really agonized with Charlotte and empathized with Anthony. All of the characters were well-rounded and developed, and the entire book kept me turning pages, hoping for a happy ending at Hollythorne House.

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I truly loved this story by Sarah E. Ladd.

Anthony Welbourne and Charlotte Grey had once been very special to each other, but due to life’s circumstances and bitter family relations they cannot see a future together. They part with things left unsaid and undone.

Years pass before their paths cross again, but neither is sure that they will be able to mend what is broken between them. Time and circumstances have changed them both and there are seemingly insurmountable obstacles to overcome.

In this story you will find…

Second chance
Suspense
Regency romance
Dual POV
Forced Proximity
Forbidden love
Betrayal
Abduction
The calling of home
Protective MMC
Clean/closed door

I absolutely love strong, protective and masculine MMCs and this story delivers!

I love a story with some good suspense and mystery. I had an inkling on some things, but there were definitely parts I did not figure out and I love the moments when I see how everything comes together.

If you love sweet second chances and some mystery, this is definitely a book you want to pick up.

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In this Regency romance set in 1817 on the Yorkshire Moors, young widow Charlotte Grey encounters her first love, Anthony Welbourne, unexpectedly. Having moved on from their past, Anthony is now a member of a watchmen group dealing with dangerous situations. When Charlotte's husband dies under suspicious circumstances, she flees to her childhood home with her son for safety, where she reunites with Anthony, now one of the watchmen sent to protect her. As their feelings resurface amidst turmoil and threats, they must determine if the watchmen's intentions are true, while confronting past mistakes to build a new future together.

I love a good second chance romance. Charlotte and Anthony fell in love, but circumstances forbid them from marrying. Now, after a loveless marriage and fighting in a war, they are reunited. At first, they both try to keep the past in the past, but their feelings for each haven’t changed despite the years apart. But there is danger from Charlotte’s past and it will take all their wits to keep themselves and Charlotte’s son safe.

This book had a more serious tone, which I didn’t mind. The details of the time period were interesting, especially about thief takers. I thought the pacing was good, and it felt like a gothic romance.

I would recommend this to readers looking for a clean historical romance.

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5 stars for a wonderful read by Sarah Ladd!
I couldn't put this fantastic adventure down!
I've always loved Ladd's books so this one was no exception. I wasn't disappointed at all!
My favorite part the mystery. Wow! Great job in keeping me guessing!
Wonderful characters and one amazing plot!
The cover is certainly beautiful.
Romance came in 2nd as my favorite. Nothing better than a 2nd chance romance I always say. Sometimes those are the best kind!
In my opinion, Charlotte most certainly deserved a 2nd chance. She was such a sweetheart. She is what kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.
I really enjoyed watching her develop as she should. Determination and courage are what kept her going along with Anthony. Of course "sigh" I liked him too.
Her little boy Henry is so adorable!
I hated to say goodbye to her and her family. I felt like they were my own.
Hollythorne House is pretty cool too. I'd like to know more about how it came about.
A little something for everyone in their amazing story.
Forgiveness which is the hardest. Love which is the strongest and family which is most the important thing a body can have.
Sometimes friends are more like family than your real family.
I just really enjoyed this book! I'm looking forward to seeing what she writes next!
5 stars for a well written book.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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In the Shelter of Holly-Thorne House is book 2 in the Houses of Yorkshire series. The story is based in 1817 England and is full of faith, family, challenges and love. I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of this series! Good news: The books in this series are pretty much standalone stories and they can be read in any order you wish to read them in!

Book 1 in this series, The Letter from Briarton Park is the first book in this series and I highly recommend that book as well. I'll be posting my review for this book later this week. All in all, I really enjoyed reading both books and I highly recommend them!

5 Stars!


I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own. Thanks to Mrs. Ladd, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read/review this book.

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