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.

This book was totally enchanting!

I loved all the vibes in it so, so much! I could feel the chill from the moors as well as the refreshing warmth by the fire. It made me want to grab a shawl and take a stroll for myself!

The emotions were equally as real and… Raw. So incredibly amazing. Charlotte is such a strong woman even in the face of so much hardship and pain. And Anthony… Ack! There couldn’t have been a better pair for her. *all the heart eyes*

And the mystery! Oh. My. This book had me anxiously scrolling pages almost faster than I could read at parts. It was the perfect blend of suspense and heart racing drama. I loved it so much!!

In all, this book was simply remarkable! It had all the feel good cozy vibes I’m coming to expect from Sarah Ladd while also bringing a fresh and fulfilling story to the table. I’m already imaging a reread on a cozy autumn day…

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

This book is a second chance romance based on Charlotte Grey and Anthony Melbourne, who reunite 3 years after separating, as Anthonyis given the job to protect, the recently widowed, Charlotte and her son from the men who have a vendetta against Charlotte's late husband.
I love the atmosphere the author created of Leeds and Hollythorne House as it transported me back to 1817 England. I also enjoyed how the second chance romance was written in this book - the way the reader was able to see the characters grow and heal as well as the dual pov which also highlighted how the characters were feeling and their internal battles, that were preventing them from making a move. The mystery element of the story was an added bonus as it definitely made me want to keep on reading more.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys regency romance/historical romantic suspense.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review

I have read several books recently that are set in this time period, and I truly wanted to like this book. But, I found the characters a little dry and stiff, and their interactions lacking. To the extent that the characters were developed, it was through internal dialogue and thought and less through interactions with others, which I didn't care for. There are also depictions of domestic violence in this novel, which may be difficult for some readers.

Thanks for the free e-arc, but this one wasn't for me.

This was such a sweet and hopeful story. It was so satisfying to see Charlotte and Anthony overcome the different trials in their past. The suspenseful aspect of the plot kept me engaged and the ending decibels caught me by surprise.

Ms. Ladd has penned another delightful story full of romance, mystery and the atmospheric setting of the moors of Yorkshire. I was immediately captivated by the beautiful and vivid descriptions of Blight Moor and Hollythorne House.
Thrown together after several years apart, circumstances have changed drastically for Charlotte and Anthony. As danger follows Charlotte to her ancestral home, she will need to rely on Anthony as she seeks to provide a brighter future for her son. WIth a strong-willed heroine and a mysterious hero, the predictable but sweet romance was fun to watch unfold. Blended with mystery and a well-paced plot, reader's will smile when they reach the very satisfying conclusion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sarah Ladd vividly brings the Moorlands to life with her rich, detailed descriptions. And the characters breath life into a story full of danger and intrigue. Unexpected freedom leads to more danger when dark secrets must come to light. And when they aren't your secrets, the risk is even higher.
The character depth is amazing, pulling me into a story of growth and self-discovery. I learned so much along with each character. They whispered their longings, doubts, fears, and strengths through each page. Then the danger would start my heart pounding and the pages couldn't flip fast enough to get the answers. Sarah Ladd has resurrected a time period in striking detail, giving the reader a glimpse into a bygone time. I loved every minute of it and wished the story could continue for just a little longer. Sarah Ladd has quickly become a favorite author. I eagerly anticipate each book and this one more than exceeded my high expectations. I am already anticipating her next book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I quite enjoyed In the Shelter of Hollythorne House. Both the plot and the writing had a cinematic quality that made the story quick to read and easy to conjure mentally. I particularly liked that Charlotte and Anthony's initial parting was understood, not part of a terrible miscommunication or poor choices on one side or the other. I appreciate that Ladd didn't feel the need to cram in an additional source of conflict or drama there.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is book 2 of The Houses of Yorkshire and is a stand-alone. This was a historical clean romance and it was also something else. Thrilling? Action packed? I’ll let you decide.
For me this was a second chance romance and I love to see this trope. I enjoyed the writing, the characters and the HEA.
Thanks Thomas Nelson via NetGalley.

Years ago, Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne parted ways with hearts less whole than when they’d met. Determined to move beyond the past and memories, they forged lives far from each other, one marrying a wealthy estate owner, the other fighting wars overseas.

When Charlotte’s husband dies, she discovers that his pursuit of wealth has left behind numerous enemies. Some of whom wouldn’t hesitate to go after his infant heir to claim what they believe rightly theirs.

Now a member of William Walstead’s watchmen, Anthony is tasked with guarding a young widow and her infant child. When he meets his charges, the past and present collide, resurrecting old hurts and creating new ones. With danger rising on all sides, and sometimes closer to home than they realize, Anthony must risk everything to protect Charlotte and her baby, even losing his heart a second time.

While slightly more suspenseful than book one, In the Shelter of Hollythorne House leans more heavily toward romance. The villains were pretty obvious from the start which kept the mystery aspect at a minimum. Slow-paced and predictable, I found myself coasting through the story. It wasn’t bad. The characters, the setting, the narrative simply needed a little something more to make it pop for me.

That being said, Sarah E. Ladd still delivers a sweet, second-chance story that Regency fans can enjoy. This second book in The Houses of Yorkshire series will appeal to readers looking for a light, easy read with low tension and quick conflict resolution.

What an stunning tale of love and loss; of loyalty and betrayal; and of secrets, danger, and deception! I experienced so many emotions while reading In the Shelter of Hollythorne House. This is truly a novel that captivates the heart and makes you lose track of all time and reality as you're transported to 19th century Yorkshire, England!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sarah Ladd's writing is atmospheric and smooth, and "In the Shelter of Hollythorne House" was a great book that kept me turning page after page. I was rooting for Charlotte and Anthony's second chance love story from the very beginning, as both characters are endearing. My favorite scene in the whole book was Anthony quieting and feeding Charlotte's son -- it was swoon-worthy!

I appreciate Sarah's historical integrity in writing. She knows her Regency history and geography, and I trust her to research and portray the setting and characters accurately for the time period.

One thing I noted, was even though this book has a Christian publisher, there was no spiritual content in the book. No prayers or mention of God or Jesus. The characters attend a church service one time, but no mention of sermon content was made, and the service seemed normal for what would occur in that time period.

From reading the book summary, I didn't expect this story to be a Regency suspense, but now that I have read the book I would definitely classify it as such.

Content included: A few kisses, discussion of abuse, and some violence. No sex or swear words.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me the opportunity to review this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beautifully written, as always. Sarah Ladd’s latest is somewhat reminiscent of Jane Austin’s Persuasion. I love the idea of second chances and this book did it justice. I loved it!

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House (2023, Thomas Nelson) is second in The Houses of Yorkshire series by Sarah E. Ladd. It’s a historical Christian romance with light suspense, set in 1817 England. This was such an enjoyable read and it held my interest from the very beginning until the end…. Charlotte is a widow after three years of a loveless marriage to the physically and emotionally abusive Roland Prior. Charlotte Prior’s fears are now directed towards her brother-in-law Silas Prior, who she believes, will not permit her any involvement in raising her son. She flees to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, with her seven-month-old son Henry in tow. Silas hires watchmen to guard Charlotte and Henry and one of the guards is Anthony who was once someone she had fallen in love with before he went to war. A lot has happened since then and Anthony is wary and so is Charlotte. What transpired in their reunion is a beautiful love story that will touch your heart. Amid fear and poverty Charlotte is determined to have a safe place for her and her son…. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and the author for this lovely book to read and review.

Sarah Ladd always writes delightful books and this one is no different. I loved that the main characters are reunited and have a second chance at romance. The mystery was done well and had me guessing throughout the book who was the culprit. The romance was on point, which is always my favorite! I loved the time period and the wonderful descriptions of the location. Excellent read!

I only recently discovered this author’s work, and I am glad I did. I don’t go out of my way to read clean romance, let alone Christian romance, but I really appreciate the rich description and characterization that I am finding in this author’s books. Those traits are evident in this newest book as well. I really appreciate a well-told story like this one, with lots of emotion and insight into the main characters’ frame of mind.

I’m a sucker for a second-chance romance, and this one was particularly engrossing. I didn’t really care that the villain storyline was predictable, because I was engrossed by how the main characters came to find each other again. I loved the depth of feeling and history between them. These are two wounded people who rediscover who they were meant to be, individually and together, and I loved their relationship.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this lovely book.

I love Sarah Ladd's books, her likeable characters, amazing settings, and clean romance. This was a fun book, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to review it!

The author took many elements and wove them into a beautiful story.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fabulous read with a great plot, suspense, a second chance at love, secrets and much, much more!

I love when Sarah E. Ladd releases a new book! I can't help but dive into it! She's a favorite author of mine and one I'm so glad I discovered many years ago!

Charlotte and Anthony have a history together. But unfortunately that history was laid to rest 4 years ago. He's completely surprised when he realizes she's his next assignment for work. Not only is he meant to protect the widow Mrs. Prior and her infant son, he'll need to protect his heart until he decides the time is right to confront her and talk with her about their past.

These two were so perfect together! The tension between them was strong. Charlotte doesn't have time for old emotions to surface or for worrying about the handsome man protecting her and her son. And Anthony should only be focusing on ways to keep her home safe from intruders and those who might wish them harm.

I loved the mystery woven throughout this story. Her dead husband has controlled enough of her life and inflicted himself upon her even through death. Charlotte is more than ready to be out from his grasp and living her life and her son growing and thriving with love, not control and indifference!

Anthony and Charlotte have great chemistry! They were so much fun to watch. Their ups and downs and their finally not fighting the chemistry and feelings that are so palpable between them!

I loved it all so much!

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril, death, talk of murder. Some kisses but nothing further. Overall very well written. One I would let my teenagers reader!

I received a copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson --FICTION, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

It always fascinates me to compare roles and expectations of women in the 1800s to the roles and expectations of today’s time. It is difficult to comprehend women so dependent on men and so naïve about the world around them. The main character in this story went from being completely dependent to having to make her own life choices. And it was interesting to read the transformation.
Sarah Ladd is a fantastic writer. I thoroughly enjoyed A Stranger at Fellsworth, The Weaver’s Daughter, and The Governess of Penwythe Hall. And I will continue to read the books she has written. In the Shelter of Hollythorne just didn’t happen to be a favorite. It was a little too slow moving with very little actually happening. But it was an easy gentle read which many may enjoy. This novel definitely provided some thoughts to consider regarding abusive marriages.
I received a complImentary copy of In the Shelter of Hollythorne with no obligations and all comments expressed are my personal opinion.