This is the first book I've read by Sarah E. Ladd and was pleasantly surprised with this storyline.

We find Cordelia as the main character. Her heart is heavy with loss and unfulfilled personal dreams as she dutifully and lovingly performs her job as governess to the Twethewey children. Tragedy sends everyone to live with the next of kin, Jac Twethewey. We have to wonder if Cordelia's employer, Jac's older brother, didn't plan a match between two people he admired the most? Two, who loved his children almost as he did.

The storyline describes the characters" struggles as they settle into new circumstances. We peel away the outer layer of their personalities as we learn more of their background and it reveals who they really are and what they're made of.
When the bad guys are bad, they're really bad and you hope they catch what's coming to them. Her brother and sister lend an unexpected twist and you wonder just how much her brother knew and if he was involved in the secrets surrounding the Greythornes.

The book is full of mystery, villains, heroes, dedication and determination as love embeds itself in these fragile hearts. Excellent read! I could hardly guess what each page would reveal.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story that starts out with a family tragedy. I really enjoyed this story, I like it when there are children as a focal point and a touching ending! Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children travels to their new home and finds the children’s Uncle someone that will need a lot of help getting the children to accept him as their new guardian. I found danger, suspense, family secrets and a little romance made for a very interesting story.
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Published by Thomas Nelson Fiction April 16, 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Pages: 352

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Publisher’s Description

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request for her to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she’s tried desperately to forget.

Jac Twethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced, he battles both grief at his brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

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Story Notes

Sarah E. Ladd’s new Cornwall series is a marvelous read that includes mystery, love, secrets and characters looking for a place to belong.

Sarah E. Ladd has the wonderful ability to recreate the Regency period with her excellent stories. She also throws in a mystery of sorts that gives just enough of a touch of tension to keep her writing fresh and intriguing. Her latest series begins with a very good story based mainly in the area of Cornwall, England. Delia Greythorne is governess for the Twethewey children and everything is in shambles. Randall Twethewey lies dying of a riding accident and his five children face a rather uncertain future. But the bedside changes to his Will give a twist to the assumptions they held. Upon his imminent death the children will travel to Penwythe Hall to be under the guardianship of his brother. Randall and Jac haven’t been close since a furious argument years before so this is quite a shock. He also persuades Delia and the boys tutor, Mr. Simon, to travel with the children and remain until they are grown. With a tragic and hurtful past in Cornwall, Delia is loathe to return, but the children in her care have become dear and she will do whatever it takes to ensure their comfort. As they make their way to Penwythe following Mr. Twethewey’s death, all are apprehensive of what they will find. Will Jac be willing to take everyone in? Can the children really settle in such a foreign household? These and other questions remain to be answered. Jac Twethewey is in complete shock at the arrival of his brother’s children. He has long regretted the way that he and his brother parted but could find no willingness to make things right. How can he take on these mourning children when he has no proper living quarters arranged and fledgling apple orchards that consume his waking hours? As everyone begins to find a new normal at Penwythe Hall, many questions will have to be asked and answered if the Twethewey children are to trust their guardian uncle. Jac hopes that by making time for them and including them in the work he is doing, they will see that he is not a mean or hurtful man as they first believed. But Delia’s past will come back to haunt them all and will make both she and Jac determine what is most important – personal pride/success or the welfare of those you love. As they wade through all the problems that arise, they will also find a chance at love if they are willing to take it. I just can’t tell anymore of the story because I don’t want to give anything away. It was such a good book that I know others will want to read it too. The writing was very well done and I really liked all the characters that Ms. Ladd created. I really felt like I was getting to know all of them and loved the individual personalities presented. I know this is just the beginning of a series but I can see that Ms. Ladd will have a lot to work with for her next installments. The faith aspects of this story were also well done even though they were not flashy. I loved that both Delia and Jac learned the importance of trust in God throughout the pages of the story. I will certainly recommend this book to others as I believe they will find it as excellent as I did. Hope the next one is out soon!

I received this E-book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Delia Greythorne fled Cornwall and her past after her husband's death, but now her job as a governess takes her back. The death of Randall Twetheway, her employer, in a riding accident sees her taking the children she loves to Cornwall to live with their new guardian, Jac Twetheway, whom none of them know due to an estrangement between the brothers. Back in the county she loves and yet fears, she hopes to remain unremarked - but it is not long before an encounter with her brother-in-law shatters that hope. As her present and her past collide, the secret she holds may endanger more than herself...

This is the first book I've read by the author, but I hope it won't be the last. I was caught up in the characters from the start, and though nothing came completely (disconnectedly) out of the blue, it didn't feel all completely predictable either. I particularly enjoyed the development of the 'family dynamics' among Jac, Delia and the children. With good writing, an interesting setting, intriguing characters and a plot that kept me reading, this is a book I would recommend and an author I hope to read more of. A very satisfying book, though I'd still like to hear more...

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Started out a bit slow but worked its way to a satisfying ending. There was a good bit of detail given in the descriptions. Personally, I would have preferred for more of those words to be centered around what was happening and definitely more dialogue. But, if that happened, I would not have such a beautiful image of Cornwall stuck in my head.

Favorite character: Sophy. Who doesn't love a rambunctious fictional child that always says what's on her mind and begs every day to be taken to the beach? Poor Liam also caught my eye. All the children really. The best scenes were the ones with the children. It was there that the emotions ran rampant. Sarah Ladd knows how to dig deep into the emotional scenes.

Delia and Jac's relationship from employee/employer to something more moved at a nice clip. While Delia was holding secrets, her decisions kept the book moving and she surprised me at the end. Who doesn't love beautiful coastlines, feisty heroines, and smugglers!

Wonderful. I love all the characters. I love the adults and the children. All of these people learn to live together after a lot of adversity. Each character must learn to find happiness in their own way. I look forward to many more books in this series. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd takes readers back to the early 1800s in Cornwall. Cordelia “Delia” Greythorne leaves Greythorne House with everything she owns after her family blames her for her husband’s death and her mother-in-law tells Delia that she will pay for what she has done. She also warns the widow to stay away from Cornwall. Three years later in 1811, Delia is the governess for Randall Twethewey’s five children. Randall was in a horse riding accident and on his death bed he requests that Delia stay with his children. Randall appointed his estranged brother, Jac Twethewey of Penwythe Hall the children’s guardian. It will put Delia back in proximity to her in-laws at Greythorne House.

Jac is trying to revive the apple orchards that were neglected during his uncle’s reign plus install a cider mill in an old barn to provide Penwythe Hall with a stable income. When Jac surprisingly inherited the estate, it caused a rift between the two brothers. Jac is stunned when his nieces and nephews arrive along with their lovely governess and sullen tutor, Mr. Hugh Simon. Jac had always hoped to reconcile with his brother and now that will not be possible. He is unsure how to deal with the new disruptions to his life. He has avoided taking on a wife because of his financial struggles, but his heart has other ideas. Delia had hoped her in-laws would not learn of her presence, but her hopes are dashed when Thomas Greythorne visits. They want something from her that Delia is unwilling to give up. Jac wonders what secrets Delia is hiding and how he can protect her from the dangerous Greythorne clan.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a beautifully crafted novel. Cordelia “Delia” Greythorne is a strong woman who starts over after the death of her husband. She is afraid of her in-laws and she hopes that they never find her. Unfortunately, circumstances put her back in Cornwall and the inevitable happens. Delia is a likeable character who is loyal, hardworking, intelligent, and loving. You can tell she loves her young charges and wants to keep them safe. Delia is raising them to be thoughtful, caring individuals with faith in God. Jac Twethewey is a dashing man who is working hard to restore Penwythe Hall. He is not the type to make plans and order others to do the work. He is out working in the orchards every day. The arrival of more people puts a burden on his already strained finances. Sarah Ladd brought Cornwall alive for me with her writing. I could smell the sea air and see the craggy cliffs, the dangerous moors, and the beautiful Cornish coastline. Ms. Ladd gave readers lavish descriptions of this beautiful area. The romance is the type that progresses slowly (goes with the time period). We must remember that people did not express their feelings the way we do now, nor did couples get the opportunity to be alone together (that could ruin a lady’s reputation). Christian elements are woven in with the story. Jac’s Aunt Charlotte is a woman of strong faith and she was a charming addition to The Governess of Penwythe Hall. The children provide touching situation and humor especially Sophy. The mystery enhanced the story. I loved the addition of the secret and the smugglers. I could just imagine the boats bringing in their ill gotten booty onto the beach to hide in secret places along the Cornish coastline. The ending was a little rushed, but I did appreciate the epilogue. It was also interesting to learn more about apple presses and how they worked. My favorite phrase from The Governess of Penwythe Hall is “we are promised that when we rely on Him for strength, we will have what we need to face our challenges”. The Governess of Penwythe Hall has intrigue, romance, family, friendship, grief, faith and humor. This is my favorite book by Sarah E. Ladd to date. I am eager to read the next installment in The Cornwall Novels.

What can I say! Sarah E. Ladd just knows how to put a story into perspective!! I think I've read most of her books that have come out.
I enjoyed this one so much!! The storytelling is A ok. The characters are fantastic and I even learned about Cornwall, England. It almost makes me want to live there.
There's even some mystery, romance and a few other things all rolled into one that will make you want to keep the pages turning to see what happens next!!
The way Sarah tells it makes me feel like I was there with the characters. Sometimes I wanted to throttle them and sometimes it made me shiver.
As always in any book there are some parts I like better than others.
I'm sure that most of us in general has shadowed pasts. Not everyone is a hundred percent perfect.
I think that is why I love Cordelia best. Why you ask? I love her because she has a tender heart and she takes excellent care of children.as if they were her own.
Secrets do have a way of catching up with you. Ever hear of this old saying " You can run but can't hide? It's very true.
There's also a thing called forgiveness and reconciliation. All you need to do is ask and God will forgive.
I'm looking forward to Sarah's next installment.
I received this book from Netgalley with no compensations received. All opinions are my own!

This suspenseful period drama holds readers’ attention and keeps them guessing as the story progresses. Rather than too many scenes with society entertainments and frivolity, this book shares a more sinister story yet an endearing one also. Evil relatives, threats of loss of fortune, class differences, illegal activities, orphaned children—all this and more populate this compelling Regency novel. The author fills the pages with such a realistic setting, well-rounded characters, and intriguing plot that you can’t help but get immersed in the story. The frequent surprises and increasing tension make you race to the end. I have read other novels by the author and enjoyed them, but The Governess of Penwythe Hall takes it to the next level with the intricately woven tale. It amazed me how all the threads and elements entwine to create a powerful saga. It would make a good movie. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall has so much to offer: overcoming loss, romance, and intrigue. All of the characters in this book have suffered loss, and each grows from it. The children evolve and learn to accept their position at Penwythe Hall. Jac comes to terms with his broken relationship with his brother and quickly becomes attached the the children and Delia. Delia's dedication to her charges brings her back to a place she thought she'd never return, and in the process, she finds the strength to do what she never believed she could. I do wish there was a little bit more development of the relationship between Jac and Delia. It felt a little quick for me, but I appreciated the sequence of events that brought Delia to face her past and move forward. I liked the family aspect of this book as well, and I enjoyed reading this book.

This book captivated me from the very beginning. Not only the beautiful cover, (but that definitely adds a lot....) but also the first several pages.

Delia, our charming heroine, loses her husband after only a few years of marriage. Hated by her in-laws, they order her to leave and never return. This is only the prologue.

Next, we find her as a governess caring for some delightful young charges, when their father dies. Now she is somewhat left as the responsible person in charge. She is tasked with going with them as they move to live with their uncle (who is mostly an unknown personage to them), and helping to make this transition as smooth as possible. Because she was also orphaned at a young age, she is an excellent candidate for this position and can sympathize with them.

The uncle, Jac, had not received the letter notifying him of his brother's death, and subsequent arrival of his nephews and nieces, so he is totally not expecting them.

Set in a lovely setting, 1800s England, the author does a superb job at bringing it's beauty to life.

I love reading about those early years in history, and found this book an excellent way to be able to picture those picturesque days of England.

There is also a bit of mystery involved...what had happened that caused Delia's in-laws to despise her? What secret is she hiding?

If you enjoy historical fiction, you won't want to miss it!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

So this was my very first Sarah E. Ladd read and I was not disappointed. I was hooked from the prologue and all the way to the end. I love Regency books and this cover was gorgeous and the sole reason I requested it on NetGalley. However, what kept me reading was Ms. Ladd's story telling and beautiful writing. The Twethewey family had so much heartache to overcome. I wanted them to be happy and I wanted their governess, Cordelia Greythorne, to have a part in that happiness. Mrs. Greythorne drew me in from the prologue. There was such intrigue around her in-laws that I knew I had to continue reading until the end. And I wasn't disappointed! Besides a lush historical setting, there was romance, and mystery! I loved it and look forward to discovering what other good books Ms. Ladd has in her backlist.
*I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd pens a new inspirational Regency series set in Cornwall, England.

In The Governess of Penwythe Hall, Cordelia “Delia” Greythorne returns to Cornwall after fleeing it years ago following the death of her husband. She takes employment as a governess to the Twelhewey family. When her employer unexpectedly dies, his last request is for her to accompany his orphaned children to their uncle’s residence and help them transition to their new life. Returning to Cornwall is not without its painful memories from the past.

The children’s uncle, Jac Twelhewey, is surprised at his unannounced appearance at this estate, having not spoken with his brother for years. Jac is trying to re-establish Penwythe Hall’s apple orchards. The children’s arrival with their tutor and governess proves to be a challenge to his plans.

Ladd’s novel is filled with smugglers, danger, mysterious past, and suspense. There are descriptive narratives of the orchards, and Cornwall landscape. The relationship between Jac and Delia moves slowly but is a clean romance. Delia is a young widow with a mysterious past who moved away from Cornwall to avoid the rumors of her neighbors, while Jac is the handsome lord who inherits his nephews and nieces. The children are grieving the death of their father, having lost their mother some time earlier.

Ladd writes descriptive narrative with hints of mystery and suspense woven into the plot. The faith element has a light touch; the relationship between Delia and Jac develops slowly . The historical details enrich the plot, and this book has a gothic feel to it – smugglers, mysterious past, etc. Her book is plot-driven with plenty of twists.

Recommended for adult collections in public libraries. Older teen readers will find it a clean read. This new series will appeal to fans of Regency fiction, Julie Klassen, and Jane Austen.

This book was one I found very intriguing from the beautiful landscapes to the danger and greed that brought a family pain and sorrow. It is not everyday that you meet a person who is as elegant and compassionate as Cordelia . She leaves her home after a tragic loss and amid rumors and finds a place that she will fit into. I loved how the children took to her and how at peace she seemed once she was at Penwythe Hall. The children are captivating and long for someone to want them. We can't overlook the heartbreak they have gone through. I think the connection Cordelia had with the children was one of longing to be accepted and loved. Her love for the children is evident as she protects them and surrounds them with love.

Jac has taken on a big responsibility when he finds himself the caretaker of his brother's children and along with them their governess. I could just imagine the look on his face as they marched into his rather quiet place. He is already concerned about his apple orchard and now he has little children running around and a woman he knows very little about. It was interesting to see him gradually start to become attached to the children, because he didn't seem like the type who wanted children around. He is a bit unsure of Cordelia and wonders if she can be trusted.

The story is surrounded by rumors of Cordelia's past and how worried she is if Jac believes them. I loved the secrets, danger and how hard it was to know who to trust. There are several surprises in the story that give it a twist. The author does a great job of keeping the suspense at a nice level and how easy it is to fall prey to well meaning people. The ending is action packed and well worth waiting for. The book is a great start to a new series and I look forward to the next installment in an enchanting series that grabs your attention right away.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This is the first Sarah E. Ladd book I have read but I am sure it will not be my last. This story was very interesting but it was not quite as engaging and I wanted it to be. So overall rating was four stars. I loved the characters and the plot was interesting but I took a star off for the lack of draw that the story had.

Betrayals and love!

As stories go concerning smugglers in Cornwall, a governess with a heavy secret, and a struggling landowner who finds himself suddenly a guardian to five children, this should have been a solid gratifying read.
Cordelia Greythorne leaves Cornwall after her husband's death, threatened by her powerful smuggling-in-laws because she won't give them the information they desire. As she left her mother-in-law spat out, "If you’ve any sense in you, you’ll ne’er return to Cornwall. You’ve betrayed the Greythornes, and none will forget.”
Cordelia spends three years away, only to find herself back in Cornwall, a mere twenty miles away from the wicked clan, continuing as a governess to honor a dying father's request.
Of course the brutal family finds out about Cordelia's return. Of course she steps into danger.
And then there's her developing relationship with the children's uncle and guardian, Jac Twethewey. A relationship cemented with unspoken, restrained moments of yearning and wishful glances.
I did like the children, their genuine suffering, and Liam as the eldest trying to shoulder burdens beyond his experience. I also enjoyed watching his growing relationship with Jac.
So after all these fine tropes coming together, I'm genuinely puzzled as to why I didn't find the story near as absorbing as the chain of events would suggest.
Individually I liked all the characters. But it seems there were too many times when the narrative fell flat. I struggled with enjoyment of specific action moments and the unexceptionable inbetweens.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A slowly unfolding Regency tale of loyalty, love, and ghosts of the past, “The Governess of Penwythe Hall” contains a smattering of elements to satisfy a variety of readers. From the shadowy prologue, Sarah Ladd creates a story that is starkly somber and yet infused with surprisingly delightful moments and emotions. Echoes of “Jane Eyre” resonate throughout, highlighting the subdued tone. All things considered, I think that the cover should reflect this a bit more rather than being so bright and vibrant, but that is it is just my personal opinion, and as it is, the book jacket is nonetheless beautiful.

“The Governess of Penwythe Hall” is a book that does not over-romanticize life in early nineteenth century England. Tragedies abound and affect all of the characters, from the wealthy to the working class. Death is a frequent, albeit unwelcome, visitor, leaving upheaval in its wake. To the characters’ credit, they adapt to change admirably despite the normal setbacks that occur along the way. As Charlotte Angrove, former mistress of Penwythe Hall, sagely notes, “Time reveals all, heals all. Don’t lose heart. God’s ways are not ours.” Bearing that in mind, the five children were a high point of the story for me. Ladd did well in handling their grief and the subsequent concerns and insecurities that they feel, especially as they apply to the oldest child, Liam. The uncle under whose care they find themselves, Jac Twethewey, is a landowner who works alongside his employees on the grounds, a man thrust into guardianship just as he tries to bring his plans for financially stabilizing his estate to fruition. Meanwhile, governess Cordelia (Delia) Greythorne’s mysterious past unravels one thread at a time, ultimately leading to the story’s climax.

While this book is not necessarily a suspenseful page turner, it demonstrates its strength in other ways. Although the setting is a little over 200 years ago, the issues remain germane to contemporary society. Grief, loss, shifting and uncertain living arrangements, and custody disputes all continue to affect families today, and readers can learn a bit about how to minister to the children involved through Delia’s example in this story. The inescapable consequences of the past also figure prominently in the narrative, as does that common, unsettling emotion, anxiety: “Fear seemed to be the dictating force in her life, especially since the loss of her family.” After a cloudy, stormy forecast, “The Governess of Penwythe Hall” concludes as the sun finally breaks through thanks to something that Delia has learned, that we need to put our faith not in other people or in ourselves, but in God, who works all things together for good.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

After reading the Greatcoats Quartet and The Grey Bastards I needed to read something completely different, so I opted for a Georgian/Regency romance set, not in London in the heart of the Ton, but in rural Cornwall. Cordelia (Delia) Greythorne fled Cornwall after the death of her husband, fearing (with justification) his family. A few years later she's the governess of five children in Yorkshire who are suddenly orphaned. Having promised their dying father to look after them, she's faced with returning to Cornwall as the Children are sent to their new guardian uncle Jac Twethewey. Jac is surprised to have his estranged brother's offspring dumped on him complete with governess (and tutor) but he accepts his responsibility while trying to revive Penwythe's once-flourishing apple orchards. It's an engaging romance with elements of looming danger and betrayal. I probably don't need to tell you that it has the ending you might expect but there are some interesting twists along the way. I do wish I could pronounce Twethewey, though.

Set in England in 1811, this is the story of Delia Greythorne and the children for whom she cared. Each of them has experienced great hurt and loss in their lives which has forged a bond between them. Now once again their lives are in a state of upheaval as they are forced to move to a new home with the children's uncle whom they don't really know. Jac Twethewey is a bachelor living in a large house on an estate that he is desperately trying to keep afloat. He was totally unprepared for the arrival of his nieces and nephew, let alone their beautiful governess and taciturn tutor. Finally, as everyone is beginning to settle into their situation, it seems as if Mrs. Greystone's past has returned to haunt them all.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall has it all: historical elements, romance, a mysterious past, and intrigue. This one well definitely keep you up long into the night. While some of the story structure follows along the lines of what one would expect in a historical romance, Ladd has included plenty of surprises and suspense to hold her readers' interest.

I was happy to have received a complimentary coy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this read, but we are dealing life’s hardest facts, the loss of loved ones.
Surprises happen here that I really didn’t see coming, and our Governess is a strong character who has suffered a lot of hard knocks in her life.
The owner of the manor is about to receive one of the biggest surprises of his life, when his brother’s children arrive to live with him. Considering the hard feelings between the men, he is now a parent to five children.
Through the author I could smell the salt air around me, and picture the sea side cliffs, that I soon felt myself stumbling over.
From beginning to end this one is a page turner, you have to know how things turn out!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review