In the Shelter of Hollythorne House

Sarah Ladd has done it again! This was stunning! The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were well-developed; complex, and intriguing. I highly recommend this beautiful telling of the power of love. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Another wonderful book by Sarah Ladd!
Filled with romance, suspense and so much more!
Sarah Ladd really pulls you into her stories and tugs on your heartstrings.

Sarah E. Ladd's In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is fine romance/mystery. An initial romance between the two main characters, Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne, when they are young is abandoned but never forgotten. Anthony leaves for the army and suffers through battles and wounds. Charlotte is married to an abusive, controlling husband and has a child. They meet again years later when Anthony, an ex-soldier working as a thief-taker is hired to protect Charlotte and her young son at her childhood home after her awful husband has died. The plot is intricate with unexpected twists. The setting is well imagined. Both the main characters and the peripheral characters go through a series of changes. This was a very satisfying read and strongly recommended.

Ms. Ladd has penned another amazing novel set in the regency era, filled with memorable characters, mystery, and suspense. The pace is perfect, the writing is top-notch and I got caught up in the storyline from the very beginning.

Charlotte had much more strength and courage than she ever imagined after the unexpected death of her husband as she returns to her childhood home with her baby. I expected to feel bad for her with all of the changes in her life but instead started to admire her for her dignity. The unexpected return of her first love and fierce protector was a wonderful surprise which added to the plot and my need to find out exactly what would happen in the end.
Overall, I thought this novel was exceptional. The author is a gifted storyteller, weaving suspense, mystery and romance seamlessly
I received a copy of this book from the publisher though Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Charlotte and Anthony never thought they would see excited again. Little did they know. I love how Sarah E Ladd takes the story on twists and turns and to places you would never imagine. SOOO good!

Wow! This book has it all! Sudden death, lies, intrigue, betrayal, abduction and second chances at love. The story is set in England in 1813. Charlotte is a great character. Strong, brave and not afraid to protect what's hers. Anthony is brave, stalwart and reliable. Together they must overcome obstacles that threaten the people they love. The ending was a complete surprise and I enjoyed the other characters stories. A definite must read!
I was provided an ARC copy of this book by Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was the perfect easy read for cold, dreary February! The main characters, in love in their youth but torn apart by circumstances, were extremely likable and easy to cheer for. Charlotte was a strong female lead whose determination and spirit kept her afloat after her cruel husband's death, and her decisions helped carry the story along at a good pace. Anthony was everything a good hero should be- kind, steady, and supportive of Charlotte through her difficulties. While the mystery wasn't terribly difficult to solve, I enjoyed it- I wasn't looking for an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but a strong, interesting story with a sweet romance.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romances with a hint of mystery.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

A beautiful second-chance romance. Charlotte is a young widow with an infant son. Upon her husband's death, old emotions have surfaced and Charlotte embarks on a journey to find the man with who she once held affection. Anothony never forgot the woman he loved. When the two reunite will they choose to face life together or go their own ways? Another hit from Sarah E. Ladd! I loved this book. Anthony and Charlotte are a beautiful match and I got sucked right into their story. I would recommend this book to any friends or family.

Wow! I loved this regency read! It has just the right amount of romance, suspense, crime, and more.
The characters are very well developed.
The details are well written. You get a real sense of the times this story was set in.
With my overbearing, patriarchal background, it is hard to read if women trapped in loveless and respectless marriages. There is still a fight for women’s place in marriage today.
I highly recommend this read!

Hello! This book, in the Shelter of Hollythorne House, is a marvel...absolutely because of the writing style, word/phrasing choices, and images evoked, but also because of the feelings that I had when reading this novel. At times I felt bone-deep terror and powerful worry for Charlotte and as Charlotte. During other times I felt all of the love and warmth surrounding the relationship between Charlotte and Anthony. The choice of names - Charlotte as 'warrior' and Anthony as 'priceless one -' seems not to have been by chance. And I have a new book boyfriend in Anthony!

Sarah E. Ladd has significant talent as a writer in capturing the reader from the first word of a novel to the last, and I always feel as though I have not only traveled back in time but have traveled to the manor, to the fields, to the library, to the stables, etc., and am a 'third' in each conversation. I am literally sitting and observing every skirt swish, every hand-wringing, every horse ride, every coattail swirl, etc. Each word and all dialogue are created not only with the author and reader in mind but with the characters in mind...they drive the book and their adventure. This novel can easily become a movie...it was a movie in my head and imagination as I read this book. Such captivating scenery in Yorkshire, England, to be sure...in reality and in history. Charlotte's and Anthony's story is not an easy path...it is dynamic and filled with the most poignant of interactions. The two have amazing chemistry, and I was on the edge of my seat awaiting the next great move by both characters to combat seen and unseen threats to their happiness. Just when the reader thinks he or she has the mystery and case sorted, another surprise awaits. I read most of this novel in one sitting but held out a few days to finish the last 25%...because I did not want it to end. I appreciate the ARC from Netgalley and highly recommend this book. Beautifully done! I cannot wait for Sarah E. Ladd's next novel. Charlotte's and Anthony's story is one for the ages! :)

I love the way that Ms. Ladd writes. Her descriptions of the wild moors, the dialogue between the characters, and the portrayal of Charlotte and Anthony and the trials they face together feel like you are a part of the story.

Charlotte has the unenviable job of putting the familial run down estate back into order. She learns the truth of her newly deceased husband’s business dealings and flees back to her childhood home. I greatly admired her for her courage and determination to provide for her son , Henry, and stand up against her powerful in-laws. Her fierce love for her baby to do anything to keep him safe resonated with me.

This was such a powerful story of forgiveness and reconciliation as Charlotte and Anthony choose to put the past behind them. It has danger, mystery, and romance all wrapped up into this amazing story. I highly recommend reading this book. Once you start you may not be able to put it down.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book to review. This was my first time reading a book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the description of the scenery and the feeling of your home calling you back. The characters were relatable and you went on the rollercoaster of emotions with them. They experienced love before terrible tragedy struck in both their lives. Fate brought them back together and this book details how they overcame all the obstacles. This was a very clean book, if you want a steamy book, this is not it. My attention was kept and I got through this book quickly because I didn’t want to put it down. An enjoyable read for sure.

I just reviewed In the Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd. #IntheShelterofHollythorneHouse #NetGalley
I loved this book! The storyline, the characters and the whole premise were awesome. Page turner!

I've read all of Sarah's books and this is another amazing one like usual.

The story starts with Charlotte saying goodbye to Anthony as he's leaving to fight in the war.

Three years later, Charlotte finds her husband dead and it's a relief for her since he was a cruel man. She has a 7 month baby boy and when his life is threatened, she leaves to her childhood home, Hollythorne House.
Her brother in law hires two men to protect her and the baby and one of them turns out to be Anthony.
They are both surprised by this as he didn't know she was the widow and she didn't know what he was doing or where.

At first, Charlotte and Anthony treat each other very formally, but as the story develops into more threats and danger, they start to rely on each other.

Charlotte's and Anthony's lives have not been easy for either one in the years since they last saw each other but we soon see they are just what each other needs. Here's a literary couple who definitely earn their HEA.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

IN THE SHELTER OF HOLLYTHORNE HOUSE by SARAH E LADD is a most enjoyable and exciting romantic suspense novel set in Regency England with very interesting characters and a great plot. There is quite a twist in the end and Charlotte, who wants to keep her seven month old son Henry safe and is also determined to never again be imprisoned as she was in her marriage to Roland Prior, is unsure who to trust. Can she trust Anthony Welbourne, the man she was in love with, or has he changed since coming back from the American war and joining Walstead’s Watchmen as a thief-taker? In fact, who can she really trust? I like to see her strength of character as she takes on her crumbling family home and learns to look after her baby, qwho she was hardly ever allowed to spend time with.
Anthony wishes he had listened to his uncle and taken over the family mill instead of following his father’s dreams and running off to war, thus losing the love of his life. He also feels responsible for his uncle’s death……
In The Shelter of Hollythorne House is an altogether lovely read and one I highly recommend to anyone who rnjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed “In the Shelter of Hollythorne House.” Charlotte and Anthony had a story of love-deferred. This story has scandal, intrigue, a bit of mystery - but so very much love. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to advance read and share my thoughts. ❤️

What a great historical romance! I love Sarah Ladd for the Regency-era novels. This one takes place in England. One woman has had a great life with her parents. Her mother died when she was 12 and she and her father had a good life until he started to get sick. When he got sick he wanted her taken care of. He arranges a marriage for her and she's swept away by how lovely and nice the man is. Only after they're married and living on their own he becomes the exact opposite of what she thought he was.

She puts away all the thoughts of her life before and merely tries to survive and live with her new husband. When a baby enters the picture he becomes worse and won't even let her hold or care for her son. She gets one supervised hour a day. Oh, how she wishes for more and different.

And then she gets it! Her husband dies. But things aren't all better. His brother just like him is now in charge of her son's future and all the money except Charlotte gets to stay her son's guardian. She makes the decision to move back to her childhood home and raise Henry as she sees fit.

Enter a group of hired thugs or I mean Watchmen. Charlotte's brother-in-law hires them to protect her. Or rather protect his nephew and keep her in line to what he wants.

But here's the clincher. Charlotte's old love and flame is one of the watchmen. Can she keep her life going how she wants on her own or will she have to trust someone else? Is Anthony still the same man she once knew? Can she trust him? And then disaster strikes?

Will Charlotte ever be able to live without looking over her shoulder?

I loved this book. It's got romance and also suspense and danger. The book reads well and quickly. The characters reach out and grab you. Oh, and there are a few twists and turns that you wouldn't suspect thrown in here and there.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I have found my new go to author! I loved this book. As soon as I finished reading I went directly to get additional books by her. She writes in a way that I felt like I was one of the characters. I could see Hollythorne House. I walked the moors with her. The love story is captivating, the tension, perfect! Thank you for complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this story so much. I enjoyed the characters as well. This book kept me on the edge of my seat several times. It was very hard to put this book down. I really look forward to reading more of this authors books. The author writes lovely books, every book that I have read of hers has been a wonderful read. A Christian and clean read.

The second installment from Sarah E Ladd's The Houses of Yorkshire series, In the Shelter of Hollythorne House, is a wonderful and beautiful clean historical romance. I loved it and am giving five stars.

This was a lovely “second chance” romance. How nice that family prejudices and the scars acquired in the years apart did not extinguish the love Anthony and Charlotte shared for each other. And now the stakes are higher - Charlotte’s young son, Henry, must be considered as they tentatively examine their feelings and future. They soon learn they can depend only on each other as they seek Henry’s welfare. I was interested to learn about the history of the “thief takers,” an early example of personal security. I wonder if Anthony ever got that last paycheck! I was delighted to receive an early complimentary peek at this gem by NetGalley. Like all of Ladd’s books, it’s an enthralling five stars.

#IntheShelterofHollythorneHouse #NetGalley

There is a layer of intrigue, suspense, and romance are found in this novel by Sarah Ladd. A romance set aside because of family dispute and war, leaves Charlotte Grey in a desperate situation. With her father in poor health she marries the handsome Roland Prior, but soon realizes that he put on quite an act.
Anthony Welbourne is good at what he does, tracking and capturing the bad guys. When he is assigned to be head of the security team for the widow of Roland Prior he doesn't expect to see the girl he loved before he went off to war, now a widow with an infant son. What other secrets will he find lurking in the midst of it all?

This is the second book of the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first one This is another excellent book by Sarah Ladd. Early on in this one, I was a little confused because there wasn’t a lot of clarity in the parting of Charlotte and Anthony, or communication between them as to a potential future. Yet they obviously had been romantically involved. Fortunately, the story is told in two separate voices, so we get to hear from both Anthony and Charlotte, which allows us to understand the history of each of them in the years since they have been apart.

It is always been hard for me to understand how mothers were often kept apart from their children (and sometimes it seems they preferred that). However, as the story begins with Charlotte, finding her rather abusive husband suddenly dead, she is determined to make a path of her own with her infant son, Henry. Her equally unpleasant brother-in-law is opposed to this, but she makes the determination to leave with her son and her maid and head back to her childhood home. In response, her brother-in-law hires several guards to go with her. Charlotte is immediately shocked to discover that Anthony is the main person hired to “protect” her.

After finishing his time in the military, Anthony had taken a position as a thief taker, and has excelled at it for the last several years. He did not expect this assignment to be with Charlotte. Charlotte initially has some resentment toward him, because she has learned not to trust men, and also does not understand how he came to be in this position over her.

There are some very shady characters, as well as a rather intriguing mystery but ultimately Charlotte and Anthony do get their happily ever after…along with baby Henry.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley, but the opinion above is entirely my own. As always, I highly recommend this and all books written by Sarah E Ladd.

This is a review of Sarah Ladd's upcoming book, In The Shelter of Hollythorne House, book 2 of the Houses of Yorkshire series, that will be released on July 11, 2023. I am reviewing this book for NetGalley, and also received a copy from the author in return for my honest review.  I am a huge fan of Sarah Ladd, and own all her books, and I have been across anxiously waiting for this book to be released ever since I read book 1 The Letter from Briarton Park last year, and I was so glad to get an advanced copy, because I absolutely loved the book as Sarah Ladd has again written an amazing story!  I didn't feel like I needed to read book 1 to follow this, even though I did, but you can follow it without reading book 1, but I highly recommend both books!  Sarah wrote a book that was well written, with an exciting plot from the beginning, characters that drew me in from the beginning, and kept me reading till the end because I just had to find out what happened!  The characters felt like old friends by the end of the book, but I totally was turning pages because I couldn't even begin to guess what was going to happen, and was so excited to finish it, but a little sad because I didn't want the story to end!

Our story begins Charlotte Grey, in 1814, who grew up at Hollythorne House located in Yorkshire, England with a loving family, fell in love with Anthony Welbourne, a man who went off to war in America without knowing how deeply she loved him, and so to please her dying father, she agreed to marry another. 

in 1817, Charlotte found herself in a love less and very strict marriage to Roland Prior, a wealthy man, but was not a gentleman by any means because of his cruel treatment of Charlotte by controlling every part of her life, even to the extent of limiting her comings and goings, what she wore, who she interacted with, and even the time she was allowed to spend with her own child!  She agreed to marry Roland to please her father, but years before her heart had belonged to another, but that seemed like a lifetime ago to Charlotte who had buried those memories deep, and just tried to survive daily life with Roland. 

A few months after their son is born,  Charlotte finds Roland dead in his study, but she feels no love loss because of it.  Not soon after, her husband's death, his brother, Silas Prior, comes to Leeds because he wants to take control all of Roland's affairs which include his estate in Leeds, and the future of the heir to that estate, the son of Roland and Charlotte.  Silas is no better than Roland, and Charlotte finds her voice, and refuses to allow Silas to control her or her son in any way.  She refuses his offer to financially take care of her, and she finds out there was one thing Roland didn't steal from her, her childhood home in the Yorkshire Dales, Hollythorne House, where Charlotte grew up in a happy home, with parents who loved her!  She decides to leave Leeds for good, and return herself, her son, and her lady's maid and dear friend Sutcliffe, to Hollythorne House, and try to build a life for themselves, free from the grasp of Silas Prior, but that might not be as easy as she thought! She didn't realize that danger would follow her and her son, and that help would come from someone she had once loved, but never thought she would see ever again, Anthony Welbourne.

Anthony Welbourne, who grew up in the Yorkshire Dales with his uncle who had a mill in the area, but left his home, and the woman he loved to become a soldier, who came back from the war in America to join up as a thief-taker, one of Walstead's Watchmen, cleaning up the criminals off the streets of Leeds. He works close with his close friend Timmons, who he owed his life to because he nursed Anthony back to health on the ship back to England after the war.  He and Timmons are both theif-takers on Mr. Walstead's payroll, and find themselves given an assignment to guard a woman and her son who find themselves in great danger, and who are unaware of that danger, and it is up to Anthony and Timmons to keep them alive.  Anthony is very surprised to find that the woman in danger was the very one who had stolen his heart just a few years ago, Charlotte Grey, now known as the widow Mrs. Roland Prior, and her son.  But you must read the book to find out what happens!

I loved this book! I was hooked from the beginning! The story was real, exciting, unpredictable and just really good!  I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and highly recommend it!!!

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.

"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.

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!

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.

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.