"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."

Because Poldark will soon be over and you NEED as much Cornwall as you can get!

I am so incredibly pleased with this latest novel! I love Ladd's vivid descriptions and beautiful settings in her stories.

Delia and Jac are complex and intricate characters, who meet while on very different paths in life, and their relationship comes slowly and believably into focus. The children are each unique and believable as well, as the wards of their Uncle Jac and whom Delia has served and cared for with all her heart. Delia is dedicated to them, and watching Jac, the responsibility thrust on him unexpectedly, take on the task as their guardian with gentle strength is sweet to witness.

The danger and intrigue in regards to the Graythorne name (Delia's deceased husband) and how that follows her in fear and trepidation was a perfect add to make this story gripping and intense, as this past tangles with the present and all Delia's hopes for safety and to forget.

This was a story that delves into the complication of relationships and family, and the consequences that come. From brothers estranged after a falling out, to the secrets of a husband and a controlling, dangerous family. How do you repair bridges, and how do you escape the ties that could destroy you? To me, this was a strong theme, and I found it meaningful and realistic, and not a topic often explored in its lasting affects (or at least so well woven throughout).

Looking forward to adding this novel to my Ladd collection!

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

Delia is a governess with a sad past, a tearful present and an unknown future. Her former mother-in-law believes that she holds a family secret, her present employer is near certain death, and Delia and the boys’ tutor, Mr. Simon, will be responsible for her present employer’s 5 children’s education as they will be in the care of his brother, Mr. Jac Trethewy, a confirmed bachelor who is trying to save his estate.
The children, Liam 14, Julia 12, John 9, Hannah 7 and Sophy 6, had lost their mother years earlier, so they were very apprehensive about leaving their home and going to live with an uncle they had not seen in 5 years who had been estranged from his brother, their father.
Delia, Mr. Simon, and the children reach Jac’s estate in a storm, and he did not know they were coming because he had not received a letter. Jac has to learn how to be a stand-in-parent for his nieces and nephews, save his farm from ruin, and fight his attraction for Delia.
Enjoy reading this suspenseful yet heartwarming novel!
 I received a complimentary copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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

The setting is Cornwall—so there must be some smuggling, right? Set in the Regency era, this novel is about Cordelia (the governess) and Jac the landowner and guardian of the children, who has a progressive idea about apple orchards and a press. It’s a story full of secrets and betrayals, but it’s a story where I really liked the children more than the heroine or the hero. Maybe the plot was just a little slow? Mostly predictable, but well-written.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall. When I saw the title I knew I wanted to read this book. Why? Well, I love Jane Austen’s books and that title sounded very much like a Regency book. And the cover! It was so beautiful. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but, even if I hadn’t read the title first, I would have wanted to read the book. So, I read it. And after reading The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah Ladd I still have the same wonderful feelings about this book. It was the perfect amount of romance, adventure, and sweetness that makes me want to reread it very soon.

I enjoyed the slight bit of mystery involved regarding Delia’s past. It’s not terribly scary and it does not take over the whole story, but it slowly reveals itself as you read through the story. I enjoyed the romance between a lady who has had some rough times in her past and still is a sweet, courageous heroine and a man who is trying to figure out how to save the land he loves. I enjoyed the sweet relationship between the children and their governess. So, I think that is definitely a book to keep for my bookshelf. It’s a beautiful book and a beautiful story.

I recommend this book for all regency fans especially those who enjoy Christian fiction regency books.

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

'Fear is a bitter, vile enemy---it will rob you of today's joys and steal your strength to fight for your purpose.'

Sarah E. Ladd brings us a very good start to a new series set in Cornwall. I have loved her books since her very first and look forward to what she has next for her readers.

Cornwall, England, 1811. Cordelia Greythorne has escaped Cornwall after being blamed for her husband's death and taken a position as a governess. Three years later, the unexpected death of the children's father and mother leave her without a job, but the late father has asked her to remain with his children as a last request. He has left guardianship of his five children to his estranged brother, Jac Trethewey, who lives in Cornwall at Penwythe Hall, the home many felt should have been his older brother's.

Cordelia fears her late husband's family, who also live in Cornwall, but she is determined to provide a safe environment for the children. Jac Trethewey wants to restore Penwythe's apple orchards into a flourishing business, but is concerned about the new venture he plans to try. He is completely shocked when he finds out that he has the care of his five nieces and nephews.

There are many secrets here and danger abounding. Ladd once again takes her readers on a fascinating journey into the coast and moors of Cornwall. She brings the landscape and characters alive with her rich prose and descriptions, all the while giving us a rich spiritual theme. Highly recommended.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers via Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sarah E. Ladd does not disappoint in the 1st book of her new series. Delia Greythorne's story grabbed me from the 1st page. This is a quick read and the story has a fast pace that keeps you turning pages until the last one. Delia's story is one of new beginnings; and finding love again.

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

I loved this book! In the beginning it was sad I didn’t know if I would like it I love how the author describes places. She made me feel like I was there and could picture it so well! Delia and Jac are wonderful characters! I just love them! The story line was great! Lots of twists and turns and thing is didn’t suspect. I didn’t want the story to end!

The Governess of Penwythe Hall begins Sarah E Ladd’s new series, Cornwall. Readers are taken back in time to 1811 Cornwall, England and introduced to the widow, Cordelia Greysthorne. She finds herself being accused of her husband’s death and has to escape the town. She ends up at Penwythe Hall. She becomes a governess for nieces and newphews of the hall’s owner, Jac Trethewey. Can Delia find peace and forget the past in her new life?

I enjoyed The Governess of Penwythe Hall. It involves so much that I enjoy in a book: adventure, action, danger, mystery, suspense, history, and romance. Once I began reading, I had a hard time putting it down. I just had to know what would happen to Jac and Delia next.

I am giving The Governess of Penwythe Hall four stars. I look forward to the next installment from the Cornwall series. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy clean, historical fiction.

This book was written in such a way that I could easily envision the setting. The description of the sights and smells truly had me feeling like I had already strolled through a apple orchard in Cornwall!
I was very happy to receive a copy of this book, because I like reading stories about life as a Governess, I am a nanny myself and I enjoy stories with a similar situation.
While the writing was fine, I was never able to get into the book that much. I didn't "feel" the characters or relate to them very much.
I had also hoped that the romance would be a bit stronger part of the book, and it wasn't. If you like Regency area fiction, with less romance and vivid description, this may be a good fit for you.
I received a copy of this book from the Publisher through Netgalley. My opinion is my own.

“A biting gust of Cornish wind screamed downward from the churning sky, billowing Cordelia Greythorne’s jet-black traveling cape. She reached to secure the hood atop her head, and as she did, her grip on her valise slackened. The heavy bag plummeted to the snow-laden ground below. Through a veil of tears, Delia looked to the satchel, and the sharp burning in her lungs reminded her to breathe.”

This is my first Sarah E. Ladd novel and the first in a new series, and what a great beginning The Governess of Penwythe Hall is! I fell in love with this novel within minutes and the writing is so emotive, the pages flew past. Delia is an endearing, multi-layered character who endures so much in her journey, she has an air of Jane Eyre about her. Our leading man, Jac, is a grounded, country man who doesn’t be have airs and graces. The two come together to raise the five children left in their care. This focus gives both new purpose and an appreciation for familial love.

Amidst the grief and adjustment to the new situation, mystery and something sinister lurks in the Cornish coast haunting Delia and creating trouble for the family. No sooner had I settled into a family drama when it become an adventure! This novel really is a treat. Jac’s aunt is probably my favourite though, sharing her Christian wisdom and bringing a light-heartedness to the story.

It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and I highly recommend this one, it’s a delight not to be missed!

Hello! I love this book! I also love the writing from this author, Sara E. Ladd! She never disappoints! Her choices of words and phrasing serve to transport the reader such that one fully believes oneself to be living within the book, within the time period. And I think the concept of the apple orchard works extremely well! Truly unique! The chemistry between the hero and heroine is just lovely! I definitely recommend this book, and, while I read the copy digitally, I still want to buy and own the physical book once it is released. Love the cover!! Perfect representation of the story!! :)

This book got off to a great start. It was intense with a hint of mystery and raised a lot of questions. When Cordelia’s husband dies and she’s blamed for it in part, Cordelia leaves her home to become a governess. When circumstances change and she ends up back in Cornwall, the danger she thought she’d left behind finds her once again. But will it also endanger the people she’s come to love?
This is a story of betrayal and secrets, grief, and second chances to make things right. The action and story kept moving along although I wish there had been a little more danger as the beginning seemed to promise. There was some, don’t get me wrong, but I thought it would play a little more prominent role in the book.
It was an interesting read but I felt like it was a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It had a little romance, a little mystery, a little suspense. I think it could have been stronger if it had been focused and developed more on one of those areas.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary e-copy. All opinions are my own.

As the story opens, the heroine Delia flees danger, leaving her family in Cornwall behind. She is then employed as a governess for five lovely children, but upon the death of their father, she returns to Cornwall with the children, to take up residence with their Uncle Jac.

Sarah Ladd's prose is lovely, fluid and grammatically correct. The characters are well-drawn and the Regency period is accurately portrayed. While the h Delia, and the H Jac, were wonderful, Liam's transformation of grieving, angry teen to responsible big brother was touching. I love governess stories, although there's no insane wife in the attic. Thanks to Daphne Du Maurier, stories set in Cornwall fascinate me. Cornwall and smuggling seemed to go hand in hand during Regency times, as well. The descriptions of the moors, cliffs and caves were vivid.

There are several deaths in this novel, most were sad, one, not so much. One of the character's betrayal caught me by surprise. There was a lack of resolution for one of the subplots. I was never quite sure how to pronounce "Twethewey".

I understand this is the first book in a new series, and I look forward to reading the next installment.

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

I have never read a Sarah E. Ladd that I did not instantly fall in love with and The Governess of Penwythe Hall is no exception! At the very onset, I was drawn to Delia and her quiet strength. Delia has walked through multiple hardships in her life and remains lovingly resilient. She dearly loves the children she is hired to govern and helps them walk through their pain and suffering, even to her own detriment. Jac provides friendship, safety, and stability that brings both Delia and the children out from the walls guarding their hearts. A must-read story of redemption, forgiveness and moving forward with new chances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Overall, my feelings on this book are a little mixed. I love Sarah Ladd's writing, but this book didn't quite feel the same for me. The ending seemed a little rushed compared to the rest of the book (everything is tied up rather nicely in a short amount of time while getting the "mystery" uncovered drags out for quite some time).

The dedication of the main character, Delia, and her love for the children she oversees is wonderful. She is definitely one to be admired. When their uncle enters the picture and quickly grows to love them - also sweet. Delia has a mysterious past that is slowly unveiled over the course of the story, but at times it is rather slow, especially since it isn't that sinister - only the family she married into and had no control over.

The relationship that develops between the two main characters is touching. The inclusion of Jac's ventures with the cider mill and letting the children be involved in the land/farming was also great.

Where I started losing it (and the book began speeding through a bit too quickly) was when Delia has to help lead the authorities to the hiding place. Mentally I'm trying to picture how she (in a dress) is doing all this fancy maneuvering on a cliff to get into a cave they had to crouch down to crawl through and yet could move large crates of silver out of, seemingly easily. She is able to make a quick escape - again, in the pitch black of night in a dress. It just seems so unrealistic on so many levels.

Otherwise the rest of the story was wonderful, I'm personally just a little bit done with heroines having to be a part of the "action" in a sense when it borders on unrealistic.

This book was such a great read I would highly recommend it! It had suspense, mystery, intrigue, and a hint of romance in it, spun into a wonderful read!

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

This was a good book. I don't think I've ever read anything by this author before, but I could be wrong. Either way, I know this won't be the last I read by this author. I found the characters to be very interesting and the plot engaging. I will admit that I really struggled getting into the story at first. I enjoyed it, but I was having a hard time dragging myself through the first part. But after that, I loved it. I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. I will likely reread this book!

I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

A well written debut novel that does a good job with the plight of women during this time. In a marriage she was unprepared for Delia makes the best of the situation, When she finds herself suddenly on her own, and essentially exiled by her family she must make her own way in the world. Her life as a governess is filled with trials and joy that will keep you entertained until the end.

Sarah E. Ladd is surely one of the most solid voices in the Regency world.
Her respect for the era and it's traditions is amazing as she pens maybe not your so common Regency plot.
She has one of authors I most look forward to read.

In "The Governess of Penwythe Hall", it might seem at first that the gorgeous cover is trying to deceive from a story thick in grief and regrets as the first pages of this book suggests. But it truly is a story of blossoming.
In first instance it is a floursihing to your full potential, but it's much more - it's about learning steadfastness despite circumstances, learning to love so deeply it covers multitude of mistakes, and becoming a refuge to those who most need it.

Beautifully crafted! I'm very much looking forward to the next in the series.