In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is a lovely romp through the Moors of England during the Regency Era. I found myself breezing through the pages in order to find the answer to the mystery of the stolen gems. The main characters are not only likeable but ones that you truly root for. The romance is sweet and the ending is my kind of ending with a happily ever after.
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson and this is my honest opinion.

The Heroine

When Anthony Welbourne leaves for war, he takes Charlotte Grey’s heart along with him. As every good daughter in Regency England knows, one cannot marry outside of one’s social class. And one can certainly never marry the nephew of a man one’s father despises. So Charlotte sets aside her feelings and does what every obedient daughter does—marry a man her father thinks will suit her.

Little does her father know Charlotte’s husband, Roland Prior, harbors sinister designs beneath his pleasant façade. When Charlotte finds Roland dead of apoplexy in his study after only four years of marriage, she wastes no time in mourning. She knows she must flee to the shelter of her childhood home with her infant son, Henry, if she wishes to extract her son from the clutches of the Prior men.

Her brother-in-law, Silas, arranges for guards from the famous Walstead’s watchmen to escort Charlotte to Blight Moor. Begrudgingly, Charlotte agrees. But when one of the watchmen turns out to be her beloved Anthony, Charlotte doesn’t know how to react.

The Hero

Anthony Welbourne loved Charlotte from the moment he saw her. But as a mill owner’s nephew, he knew they had no future together. Instead, he fulfilled his father’s dying wish and bought a British army commission to fight in the newly formed United States.

He returns to England scarred and broken and forced to sell his commission. A faithful friend helps him find a job as a thief-taker and guard, and Anthony settles into the lonely life of a man determined to help others find justice.

When he comes face to face with the only woman he’s ever loved on his latest assignment, Anthony is shocked by her changed appearance. Thin and wan, she doesn’t resemble the carefree woman he left four years ago. He’ll do anything to help her regain her spark, even if it means keeping secrets from his friend and partner.

As Charlotte settles into Hollythorne House, hope slowly builds that she can regain her life and set her estate in order. Until someone threatens her son. Together Charlotte and Anthony must uncover a sinister plot that threatens to everything Charlotte holds dear.

What I Loved About This Book

Ladd has penned another sweet Regency romance laced with suspense and mystery. Readers will relate to Charlotte and Anthony as they struggle to work through regrets, abuse, and the horrors of war. Despite the odds, the hero and heroine find a way to overcome their pasts and take hold of their second chance at love.

Fans of Julie Klassen and Abigail Wilson will love this book.

It has been waaay too long since I read a Sarah Ladd book and I am so glad I picked this one up - I loved it!!

Newly widowed Charlotte moves back to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, with her infant son. Her brother-in-law insists she and her son are in danger and hires bodyguards to protect them at the isolated estate.

Anthony has never forgotten Charlotte or the love they shared before he took a commission in the army. Four years later, he has returned and has been assigned by his employer to guard a widow and her son, and is shocked to come face to face with Charlotte again.

As Charlotte and Anthony are thrown together time and time again, feelings reignite but before they can decide if they want a second chance at love, they have to survive the danger that threatens them.

What to love:
Regency era
Second chance romance
Mystery and suspense
Vivid setting
Compelling characters
Forced proximity
The rescue

I loved watching Charlotte take back some control and independence in her life after living in a controlling and abusive marriage. Every time she stood up for herself I wanted to cheer!

Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes! So many happy sighs watching Charlotte and Anthony find their way back to each other. The pacing of their romance felt very natural and I loved every minute of it. I also loved how the ending of the story wasn't rushed and we got resolutions for all the loose ends.

This is the second book in a series but is unconnected from the first and can be read as a standalone. 4.5 stars and I look forward to picking up more books from this author very soon!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

This was a very enjoyable read for me. It took me a little bit to get into it, but once it grabbed me I didn’t want to let go.

This was a wonderful second chance romance. Both main characters had been through traumatizing experiences since they had seen each other four years before. Charlotte had been trapped in an abusive marriage with a controlling husband. Anthony had lived through the horrors of war and severe injury.

They both had hardened their hearts, but soon discovered they had to rely on each other to survive when they didn’t know who they could trust.

I enjoyed the naturally evolving relationship amid a story of mystery, suspense and danger. Sarah Ladd is a great storyteller who can draw you into the lives of her wonderful characters. Beware as this book may keep you reading far into the night.

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

Newly widowed Charlotte Prior leaves the home that she shared with her treacherous late husband to move back to her childhood home with her infant son. Her brother-in-law insists that she have protection because of threats against her husband that now threaten their safety, One of the men assigned to guard her is her first love, Anthony Welbourne, whom she thought never to see after he left to fight the war in America. Her feelings for Anthony have not changed, but she has learned the hard way that her feelings in the past were wrong. Can she trust Anthony, or have his feelings for her changed in the 4 years he was away? While navigating their current relationship, a threat to her son has her doubting her judgement and security.
I enjoyed this clean romance and thought the plot was well developed. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Ladd's novels.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review,

Forbidden love and family promises tear them apart. Life carries on and then tragedy strikes. Can they find themselves in love again.

Poor Anthony, and poor Charlotte, it was bad enough they had to say goodbye, but for the man that she is forced to marry gets murdered, it does make for depressing reading more than for a suspenseful read. I am sorry but this is like War & Peace most of the time, you slug your way through in hopes of the tempo picking up or something happening that will quicken your pulse. The murder of Roland does leave you holding your breath until she and the baby are out of the house. The horrible, depressing manner in the way Anthony is living made me want to quit reading. I think those things should be corrected, it's too depressing, there needs to be a let up in the misery of both of their situations, she is constantly worrying about money, and he makes for depressing reading. I recommend some easing of one or the other if there is to be a success of the story.
Thank you for allowing me to read this Arc.

A charming escape to the isolated Yorkshire moors of 1817 Regency England. Charlotte Grey returns to her worn and unkept childhood home as a young widow and mother trying to escape the not so happily ever after life she married.

After her husband’s sudden death, Charlotte realizes that she has a chance to escape the cruel family she married into by returning to the solitude and safety of her childhood home. Charlotte is unexpectedly reunited with Anthony Wellbourne, a romantic interest from her youth who has been hired as her infant’s bodyguard and protector.

The story has suspense, regrets and of course, romance. Likable characters involved in well conceived storyline.

This was my first book by Sarah E. Ladd and I definitely look forward to reading more from her.

Thank you to NetGalley for a complimentary eArc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pub Date: 11 July 2023

Yorkshire, England 1817

Charlotte Prior is thrown into an unknown place when her husband Roland is pronounced dead, but quickly she makes the decision to return to her childhood home Hollythorne House. It is there that she is reacquainted with her first love, Anthony Welbourne, a man she knew her father would never allow her to marry. She is determined to regain her life from the clutches that her husband had on her and her son, Henry.

The Shelter of Hollythorne House was full of mystery and intrigue which really was the backbone of this but the lingering relationship that slowly builds between Anthony and Charlotte. I felt this was a bit of a departure from the usual Sarah E. Ladd novels, but it was one that I really enjoyed and I hope will be built on in the future. Recommended!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are my own.

It’s been a few years since I last read Sarah Ladd’s book. I’ve always enjoyed her books in the past; this book, unfortunately, is the first book from the author that didn’t resonate with me. I’m not sure if my reading taste has changed or if the author’s writing style is different, but I didn’t feel captivated by the plot, setting, or the characters. The intrigue and simmering suspense components of this Regency tale were interesting. But the second-chance romance for Charlotte and Anthony felt flat and the main characters were somewhat two-dimensional. Though it wasn’t the case for me, this book may be quite enjoyable for those who love Regency fiction and who love the author’s works.

I received the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

This story took a couple chapters to really get into, then it turned into a can't put down book. Charlotte moves back to Hollythorne with her 7 month old son, Henry, after her husband's death. She is accompanied by her ladies maid and 2 protectors hired by her brother-in-law. The house needs repairs and she has little funding to deal with those and take care of the servants and guards needs. She sets out to do what she can, all the while avoiding Anthony, her former love. She doesn't know who she can trust, who will honestly protect Henry and who would send news back to her brother-in-law Silas. Anthony is dealing with his feeling and trying to keep them protected. His guard partner, Timmons, just finds it a good paying job in a place he considers desolate. As threats start coming in, Charlotte looks more and more to Anthony to find out what is going on, and get more help if needed. Likeable characters and a moving plot.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson, via Net Galley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A wonderfully written story by Sarah E. Ladd. This is the second in a series. But can 100 percent be read on its own. I actually didn't realize it was part of a series until I looked it up. I have listened to the first book and didn't even realize this one was related to that one in a series. So don't let the fact that it is book 2 prevent you from reading it first.

This is more than just a romance story. There's a bit of suspense and/or mystery elements to it. There's a second chance romance at its core.

The author is one that paints a real scene with her descriptions. Sometimes I did find myself skimming over some of those details to get to the "action". But for those readers that enjoy that type of writing they will really enjoy it. And for those others like myself, they will still enjoy it. You won't get bogged down with side points in general.

I wish to thank Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for the advanced copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne fell in love one summer when his uncle and her father forbade their relationship. Then he went to war and she was married off to Roland Prior -- until she finds Roland dead. The man was indebted to many dangerous people, so Charlotte flees with her infant son Henry to Hollythorne House, where she grew up. Her brother-in-law insists on sending protection in the form of thief-takers, including Anthony, now scarred from war. Neither knows who they can trust as dangerous men threaten the one person with an inheritance: Henry.
Loved this book! I always love books by this author, but this one mixes in extra mystery and suspense. I love the tangible setting of the chilly moors and old house. Love the relationship between Anthony and Charlotte. Loved seeing her grow. Anthony did think she is the one person who could make him whole, when really, that us Jesus. "She smiled and him" instead of "at" on 317. On 256, there is a space before the comma. Lastly, America is referred to as "the United States," but I'm fairly sure we were not referred to as such until after the Civil War. Still, I loved this book and I'm super grateful to #NetGalley for this #ARC! I will purchase it after it comes out in July.

I’ve read a few books by Sarah Ladd and this one is my favorite so far. I was drawn into the story from the start and couldn’t wait to see how these two would find themselves together again. Throughout the novel I found there was never a spot where I got bored. The middle didn’t have any down time or repetitiveness that novels often have. The entire story was wonderful and emotional and I loved seeing into the heart of each character and how they believed the best in one another, and then fought for that. Wonderful story!

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

Sarah has been a go to for her books since the beginning. I love her characters and her storyline hooks me every time. Oh I loved Anthony in his one. He is such a good guy. And the relationship between him and Charlotte is just incredible. This had some mystery and even a few bad guys. I had my guesses in the beginning and glad to see how it all worked out. Definitely worth the read.

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

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is book 2 in the Houses of Yorkshire Series. It does just fine as a stand alone novel.

Charlotte Gray had a chance at true love but wasn't brave enough to take it. She married a rich man of her father's choosing who mistreated her during their union. So unsurprisingly, the only thing she feels after her husband's death three years later is relief. She takes her infant son back to her family home to rebuild her life. As details of her husband's misdeeds come to light, Charlotte's brother-in-law hires two bodyguards to protect the child from any who might seek to harm him. One of the bodyguards is her old flame, Anthony Welbourne. As they try to maintain an appropriate relationship, both Charlotte and Anthony have feelings that never died. When Charlotte's baby is kidnapped, Anthony must save the boy and win Charlotte's heart once again.

I enjoyed this novel very much. The author is very good at setting the scene and describing the action. I liked the characters of Charlotte and Anthony. The antagonist was my second guess. I would recommend any fans of Regency Christian fiction to read In the Shelter of Hollythorne House!

"That being said, my advice to you, my dear Mrs. Prior, is to leave Leeds. Take Henry. Go to Hollythorne House and establish your household immediately, before Mr. Prior can interfere."

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.

Rating: 5 stars

Is it clean/chaste? Yes!

Other content issues:Previous domestic abuse mentioned, but not elaborated on, *****spoiler****** as well as a kidnapping *****spoiler*****.

Christian elements:Christian publishing company, but it's not preachy

The heroine:At eighteen Charlotte Grey fell in love with Anthony Wellbourne. Three months after they met, he left for war. "Given the nature of the strained relationship between their families, any true union would be impossible. Her father and his uncle were bitter enemies."

Now, four years later, 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 until the inquest of Roland.

"He was a hired watchman, but her heart was determined to remember him quite differently." "...two people did not share a romance like theirs and forget a single detail of it, despite what they had moved on to be."

The hero:Two-and-a-half years ago, Anthony Wellbourne returned from the war in the United States, severely injured with significant scarring.

"He'd spent years forcing thoughts of Charlotte Grey to the back of his mind. Leaving her had been the biggest regret of his life. And now he was going to see her? Speak with her? Protect her and her son?"

"He was not quite the same person he had been, but he had not died. He was still alive. And just as he fought to keep air in his lungs during the war, he would fight for Charlotte."

What I liked:

*The main characters - I'm always happiest when I respect the hero and the heroine right from the start.

*Hollythorne House. I would've liked to have learned more about it and the work to restore it. "It was hundreds of years old, constructed of gray gristone that had blackened over time."

What I didn’t like:

*It felt like the book started with two short prologues, which outlined two major events in the heroine's life, and jumped right into the main story. I wanted more backstory.

Book recommendation:<i> The Headmistress of Rosemere, a lovely book by the same author

The bottom line: This was a great second chance historical romance with a bit of suspense. I definitely look forward to reading more by Sarah E. Ladd.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Regency setting, little mystery, and a second-chance romance that reunites Charlotte and Alexander years after Alexander left their area to serve in the military. When they are thrown back together, Charlotte is newly widowed and wants to escape her cruel, late husband's home. I like how well the writing flows and the character grows. This is a very slow-paced story, the character spent a lot of time thinking about the current situation, and so little actually happens. Sweet romance. bit predictable, but easy read with a satisfying ending.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House starts off as a star-crossed lovers trope story. I thought it might be another Romeo and Juliet re-telling but it was more than it. Sarah once again transported me to Yorkshire through her atmospheric setting and marvelous word pictures. I appreciated the patience and space that Anthony gives Charlotte after they reconnect and that he puts her needs above his own. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to the past, I felt they added a nice dimension to the story. There were plot points that had the potential to be drawn out, creating more suspense, but I thought they were resolved too quickly. For me, more suspense would have likely changed this book from a nice read to a favorite read. I have to admit, by the end of the book I was sort of checked out. After the resolution of the conflict I found I wasn't overly interested anymore

I would classify this story as historical fiction with a touch of romance. There was not a faith thread, which is becoming a disappointing trend in books that I've read lately from Thomas Nelson Fiction.


Read this if you like:

Mystery
Scandal
Rekindled Romance
Dual POV
Clean, Regency setting

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer July 1, 2023

Thank you Sarah E Ladd, Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for the complementary copy of In the Shelter of Hollythorne House. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The author gives us a young woman who has lost the love of her life, not to death, but to military, and married a man whom her father chose. As the story opens Charlotte has just become a widow, and we become privy to how her life has been since she married and had her baby!

When danger rears, security is hired to protect, and a thief/taker is hired, whom happens to be Charlotte's old love Anthony. As the facts on fold, you will wonder why the danger seems to get worse, and soon you won't know whom to trust.

This is quite a journey to answers and peace of mind, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing this story alive and to a great conclusion!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.