The Governess of Penwythe Hall is filled with romance and suspense that keeps you on reading. I enjoyed watching Delia and Jac's relationships unfold, as well as Delia's relationship with the children. Over all a wonderful story.

Like always, Ladd’s story is well-developed and her characters intriguing. You can’t help but sympathize with Delia and hold your breath in tense anticipation as she navigates caring for this grieving family and her own troubles, forced to return to a place she had been warned away from. And if that’s not enough, she’s also falling in love! Complex, inspirational, romantic—if you love a bit of family intrigue with your historical romance, check this one out!

4.5 rating

Cordelia Greythorne has fled a terrible past in Cornwall to be a governess to five children. The father of those children die and the governess, another employee and the children are going to Uncle Jac who hasn't spoken to his brother in years. Cordelia is now back in the place she once escaped and her past is catching up to her. Whatever Cordelia wanted to stay hidden is resurfacing in a menacing way.

Uncle Jac is trying his hardest to revive Penwythe Hall's apple orchards to reinstate an income to the diminishing estate. He isn't prepared for this huge intrusion upon his plans.To see the growth of love Uncle Jac fosters for the children, the devotion he has to his tenants and land and his growing concern for Cordelia was delightful. This story has mystery, message and intrigue.

Loved everything about this story and the characters!

Thank you Thomas Nelson for providing me with an eARC for review.

I have been hearing great things about Sarah Ladd for quite a while now so I was happy to receive a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I enjoyed this book and found her writing very reminiscent of Julie Klassen, so much so that I would have believed Klassen wrote this book if someone had told me so. So if you are a fan of Klassen, you will love this book! I found it enjoyable and entertaining, but it never really grabbed me and made me love it - hence the four star review. I would read more by this author but probably won't go out of my way to do so.

I know I’m in for a great story when I pick up a Sarah E. Ladd book, and The Governess of Penwythe Hall definitely met my expectations. Ladd is one of my favorite historical Christian fiction authors. She is a master at creating colorful, realistic, and engaging characters and placing them in intriguing settings and situations. Cordelia Greythorne is an appealing, competent, and caring heroine, and Jac Twethewey is a fantastic hero who takes on five nieces and nephews when his brother dies. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow as they worked through the problems the author created for them. There’s plenty of intrigue, suspense, romance, and some inspiration which combine to make this a solid read.

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

I've read a few other books by Ms. Ladd and enjoyed them, so I thought I would read this as well. It was clean, had an interesting enough storyline, and was a *nice* book. But overall, it just didn't thrill me. Some of the storylines felt far-fetched and trope-ish. I could almost see the villain twirling his mustache as he plotted against poor Delia. Lots of crying in this book, but there was a lot of death and sadness to deal with. But everything works out well in the end, so I was satisfied.


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.

Are you in the mood for a quiet, positive book set in the Regency England of the early 1800s that combines the genres of romance/mystery/gothic/historical and Christian fiction? Then The Governess Of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd is the book for you. It is the first in Ladd’s Cornwall series published by Thomas Nelson.

As this novel begins, life circumstances force a young widow to return to a part of Cornwall that she had previously fled from after her husband and young daughter’s deaths.

Delia Greythorne, the daughter of a clergyman, had unknowingly married into a criminal family of smugglers. At the time of her marriage, her parents had passed away, and, her own family, a somewhat impoverished clergyman brother caring for their seriously ill sister, cannot take her in. So, she accepts a position as governess to four motherless children in Yorkshire in the north of England. Delia grows close to her charges and loves her job, but then tragedy strikes again. The children’s  father, and their only living parent, is fatally injured in a horse riding accident. As it becomes clear that he will die, he gets Delia to promise to escort the children to his estranged brother, Jac Twethewey, at Penwythe Hall in Cornwall, and to stay with them until they have adjusted to their new home. Penwythe Hall is only twenty miles from her former home, and the Hall is in financial trouble. Delia soon grows to love Penwythe Hall, but is worried that her dead husband’s family will learn she is close by and complicate her life. Her husband died while smuggling without his villainous brothers and mother knowing certain details and they unfairly blame her. Will that situation come back to haunt her? And will she ever find happiness?

The setting, plot, and characterization of the book are spot on with the characters interacting in ways they would have in 1811 and not in ways modern characters would. It is disconcerting to me when authors do not do this, so I really appreciated the author doing a good job with this.

Here is a passage from early in the book where Delia’s invalid sister, Elizabeth, is offering her some wise advice to give you a feel for the book:

“Elizabeth was the only one who knew the truth about the Greythornes’ cruelty toward her—at least, she was the only one who believed it. “I can’t seem to see past it,” Delia confessed. “It haunts me. Plagues me. I want to be free of it. I do.”

“Faith,” Elizabeth said softly. “Faith is how you get past it. Faith that you will not be given a heavier burden than you can bear. Faith that there is wisdom to be gleaned from every situation. Faith that you are exactly where you need to be, even in the valleys, either for your sake or for His will. Never are we promised an easy life, but we are promised that when we rely on Him for strength, we will have what we need to face our challenges. Fear is a bitter, vile enemy—it will rob you of today’s joys and steal your strength to fight for your purpose. Faith is why I don’t fear tomorrow or the next day.”

Delia wiped a tear, recalling all the times when fear froze her to her spot, refusing to allow her to think rationally. She saw the wisdom in Elizabeth’s words, but what was more, she saw the sincerity in her sister’s eyes, and the peace—true peace—that does not come from self but something more. Elizabeth patted her hand. “There is a journey, dear Sister. You are on it. I don’t know where it is going or where it will end, but if you lean on your faith, you’ll arrive at a destination created just for you.”

I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series! (Number two was published earlier this year and number three will be released October 13, 2020. They are all set in Cornwall, but are stand alone novels with different characters. )

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this novel, and for allowing me to review it. Publication date: April 16, 2019.

The governess of Penwythe Hall

Cordelia Greythorne was the daughter of a vicar. When he died her brother took over.

She wanted to marry Robert Greythorne, her brother gave his permission but failed to tell her what he did for a living. She had two tragedies in her life. One where her husband died and the other when her daughter died.

Jac Twethewey was the brother of Randall and uncle to the five children. He had been made guardian to them. He was given Penwythe Hall when his uncle died. The brothers had a falling out about it so Jac had not seen his brother for a while.

I loved this story it is evenly paced and the characters are well rounded and believable. There are some interesting developments during the tale. Jac is not informed that his brother has died and he gets the children, that was a surprise. Along with the children came the governess and the tutor. He is struggling with Penwythe Hall to make it profitable but does not intend to send the children away. I highly recommend this intriguing book, anyone can read it.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for an Advance Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a really atmospheric historical romance, set in Cornwell. Delia has left a murky past to act as a governess for 5 children who she adores. But when her employer dies and she is sent with the children to their Uncle's estate, she is back in Cornwell where all her secrets could jeopardise the life she has built for herself.
Jac is young and motivated to innovate on his estate. He's under intense criticism from his neighbours and is taking a big risk with his new project. The last thing he needs is 7 new people in the house to care for. And while he is enjoying getting to know his nieces and nephews, not to mention their attractive governess, he can't afford any distractions. But when the governess turns out to have hidden depths it could put everything he has worked for on the line,
A well-paced and well-written book with vivid imagery and a strong storyline.

This is book 1 of the brand new “Cornwall series” set in Cornwell England in the early 1800s. This is a longer book (over 350 pages) so it took a couple of days to get thru. I enjoyed the steady pace of daily English living, along with some romance and drama.

Delia was a wonderful character-not afraid to take care of the 5 children she was governess of-even when times got tough! Readers get a glimpse into her tragic past before she became a governess and how she works hard to overcome it and be content with what life throws her way. I loved Jac’s aunt and her role with the children, and getting to know Jac through out the book despite the childrens opinion of him.

I enjoyed reading this historical, clean fiction and can’t wait to read more in this series!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

Honestly, even if I hadn't loved this story, I'd have likely wanted to buy a copy for the gorgeous cover. From the beginning scenes with the children's father having his accident to the lush descriptions of the apple orchard and the Cornwall scenes, the storytelling is well done and atmospheric. It was a trifle slow getting started but as soon as they reached Cornwall, I’m sure the characters longed for quiet! A solid mystery is behind strange things from Delia’s past and there are smugglers along the shore. Why did she break completely with her family? Why did her late husband’s mother hate her so bitterly?

I’ll definitely be reading the next in the series.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. My review is based off a final paperback copy.

Highly recommended!

Sarah Ladd is a gifted storyteller. The opening scene drew me right in and it never did let up it’s hold on me. I’ve read a few of her other books and it’s the same each time. A great story, excellent characters and compelling peek into another time. Romance, a bit of mystery and history in this inspirational story. I just finished reading it and was sorry to see it finish. Would love to see another book featuring this family! Maybe as the children grow up they can each have a story? How marvelous that would be! Me Ladd, what do you think? ;)

I was rooting for Delia & Jac the entire time and loved the kids.

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

Will keep you hooked until the end!
You won't be able to put this story down!
"The governess of Penwythe Hall" has all the feels of a Jane Eyres or Rebecca story. It is the tale of Cordelia Greythorne, a governess to five children with a mysterious past. It is filled with danger and suspense, as well as a sweet love story.
Excellent start to a new series!

Sarah Ladd brings to life the moors of Cornwall in her latest mystery. We quickly learn that Delia has a mystery, but aren’t sure all of the facets. This aspect kept me turning pages wondering the details which Sarah doles out at a steady pace just when I was wishing for more. Delia slowly realizes that she has not properly grieved her losses and through Jac, the children, and her sister, she remembers that God can heal her heart and soul.

Jac is admirable for his impetuousness, but he sees it often as a flaw. But, it is that very characteristic that allows him to take on four children missing their father and love them though he’s hardly been in their lives while taking risks to improve the estate and his tenants’ lives. His persistence in the face of several naysayers makes me feel safe as a reader and root for his success. While processing his own grief, her reaches out to the children and Delia, allowing each the space and support needed to heal.

I enjoyed this mystery/drama from Sarah and hope you do as well.

I was provided a copy of this story. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts are my own.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall
By Sarah E. Ladd
Loved this book so much, I wish they would make it into a movie. 😍📚

Another masterpiece by Sarah E Ladd...Historical fiction at its finest level. Treat yourself to this beautifully written novel.

THE GOVERNESS OF PENWYTHE is a story of loss, faith, family, and love with a twist of danger. Readers will fall in love with these characters, especially the children under the governess's care. Highly recommended to historical romance fans, both in the general and Christian markets.

It was so easy to love these characters! Delia has a troubled past, but she is loyal, optimistic, loving, and cares deeply for the children in her care. The Twethewey children are wonderful and charming. I loved getting to know their different personalities and felt for their struggles as they try to recover from their parents' deaths. Jac is a wonderful mix of hard-working, genuine country landowner and dashing gentleman. Both Delia and Jac have their weaknesses and vulnerabilities as well as strengths. Flaws make them feel human, so I appreciate how well formed each of their characters are. I felt for their hardships and the tough choices they faced, which made the ending that much sweeter. Really quite perfect.

The story itself moves at the great pace. There is a feel of mystery and suspense in parts, balanced with fun, laughter and romance. The story never drags and there are several twists to keep it interesting with a few climaxes as well.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved this story and highly recommend it! Ladd never disappoints, and that is definitely the case here.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary eARC from the publisher on NetGalley through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

Review The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E Ladd is a wonderful historical romance. Loved the Cornwall early 1800s setting w/ a beautiful widow trying to make a way in a cruel world as she cares for 5 orphaned young ones and of course, falls in love with the children’s new guardian. I like how the author reveals Delia’s past layer by layer and then as the past collides with the present makes a way for the future. Reminiscent of Mary Stewart’s books that I devoured as a teenager. Looking forward to more from Ms. Ladd. I listened to an audio version of the book and the narrator, Jude Mason, did a great job telling Delia and Mr. Trethewey’s story, making for an entertaining listening experience. (less

My Thoughts on The Governess of Penwythe Hall:
I loved it! Seriously. This is a great read. I have read by this author before so I was going in knowing that I would like it. I loved the hints of mystery and the end is a great mystery/ almost murder sequence too.

As a woman who loves children, even those I haven’t given birth to, I can relate to why Cordelia does not want to leave her young charges after they have lost both their parents. She knows going back to the lands near her husbands family is dangerous for her but she is willing to take the chance. Little does she know that they will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Cordelia has family in the area still. A brother and an ill sister. Things are going well with the children’s uncle and she’s finding herself falling in love which of course she won’t let herself act on any of that.

But then the boys’ tutor is fired. Their contracts state that they can’t be fired so that is a bit shady to her and she’s sad to see him go. She thought him her only friend. But then more comes to light. The solicitor in charge of the children’s fortune has run off with it. When the tutor comes back only to leave again and is followed showing that he’s lied to her she just doesn’t know who to believe.

Add in her brother in law showing up uninvited and not being very nice and things just keep going from bad to worse. When she’s summoned by her brother to go home to attend her dying sister she promises the children she’ll come back. But will she be able to keep that promise? And will all of the children even be alive and whole when she does get back? Will her in-laws really kill a child? What depths will they sink to to get what they want?

Cannot recommend this book enough. I loved it. It read quickly and I did not want to put it down.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. 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 enjoy historical romantic suspense, and I thought this book would be that from its description. However, while the book did have some intrigue at the end, there was really no truly suspenseful buildup to it; it actually felt out of place compared to the rest of the novel. I thought the beginning was strange, essentially having two scenes that set up part of the story but didn't really feel a part of it. As I was reading, I felt like I was just waiting for something to happen; until the end, nothing much did. The children were darling, and their difficulty adjusting to a new life was understandable. The uncle’s interest in having a fully functional apple orchard and cider barn was mildly fascinating. But most of the scenes didn't really seem to have any dramatic point. The book is listed as Christian, but nothing religious is really talked about until the end of the book when the governess’s sister is dying; it felt tacked on. I didn't find the love story aspect believable either, and both seem to jump to conclusions without talking to each other, which is kind of annoying with full-grown adults. (It’s bad enough when ingenues act that way!) I wanted to like this story, but I felt like it just lacked in characterization and plot. And is it becoming a trope that any book that takes place in Cornwall during a historical era has to have something to do with smugglers?