The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an engrossing tale that to me is a cross between a Regency and a Gothic novel. Julia Twetheway’s visit as a house guest of her aunt and uncle does not begin at all well and after several other incidents, she begins to wonder if the stories about ghosts in the manor might be true. The only redeeming factor is that she has two new friends, twins Matthew and Isaac Blake, who run the local copper mine. As the heir Matthew appears to be the best match but her heart is drawn toward Isaac.

With vivid descriptions and well defined characters, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor offers a steady plot with ample action, intrigue, betrayal, and romance along with a few surprising twists along the way. I enjoyed observing Julia as she compared the obvious differences between Matthew and Isaac and her determination to stand up for herself in the face of threatening circumstances. I would love to see a followup book about a certain character who made some very poor choices – one in which we see those choices redeemed.

I am trying very hard to avoid spoilers so let me just say that I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good Regency novel with a bit of mystery.

I love Sarah E. Ladd, so I was especially excited to read, "The Thief of Lanwyn Manor." It is a lovely historical fiction story that is well-written with engaging characters, a lovely setting, and a plot that will keep you on your toes.

This Regency offers intrigue and suspense along with family drama, all set in 1818 England. Mysterious happenings are occurring around Lanwyn Manor, where Julia has come to stay with her uncle’s family. The story and characters didn’t draw me in as much as I’d expected they would, but the book was interesting, filled with secrets and hidden things, which always pique curiosity. I just wish I could have connected with the characters more. I felt sorry for poor Julia and her invalid cousin, but Isaac Blake held my attention more. The manor house setting makes a compelling backdrop for the historical tale, yet the plot seemed a bit hard to follow. Anyway, there are surprises included, which add to the enjoyment of the novel. I think the title is a bit misleading since the thievery isn’t the main element of the story. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

The thing she left home to escape from ends up finding her at Lanwyn Manor.

There are times that I can not get enough contemporary fiction. And then there are times I want to read a smooth regency novel. When I want regency, I reach for Sarah E. Ladd.

Now, when I say that The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a typical regency romance, I mean it in the most endearing way. It’s nice to open a book and trust that it will be everything you have come to trust and enjoy. The best part is Sarah E. Ladd always weaves in an element of mystery and suspense to keep you riveted to the story.

The one thing I do not appreciate about regency novels is the rich guy or the first born son gets the girl, most of the time. But not in this book. There is a humbleness about Isaac Blake that just endeared me to him. Honest, faithful, and broken all in one fantastic package. No wonder Julie can not resist the chemistry between them despite Isaac’s brother, Matthew’s hardest attempts to woo her.

Needless to say, I enjoyed this story. Please take a minute to read the excerpt below and see for yourself how beautiful of a story it is.

***I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through CelebrateLit. The views expressed are entirely my own.

I enjoyed this new story from Sarah E. Ladd. We see one of the children from her previous novel The Governess of Penwythe Hall all grown up. But while life at Penwythe Hall was idyllic, Lanwyn Manor is steeped in lore of curses and ghosts with a town seemingly set against the family.

With her movements restricted by her overbearing aunt and questionable safety, Julia learns to make the most of the situation given finding moments to meet Isaac and divine Matthew’s true character. I admire her devotion to her cousin, Jane, determined to stick by her side no matter her aunt’s manipulations. While she tends to be a quiet heroine, in that lies her strength as she falls in love and asserts her heart.

Isaac too has a quiet strength which makes them a good pair. I do wish he would’ve been a bit more assertive, but in the end, he stands where it counts after having worked behind the scenes to unravel the mystery. While he wants to keep Julia safe, he doesn’t become overbearing or try to tell her what to do. That is a nice change in hero!

I look forward to the next book where I hope we continue to see the grown up Trethewey children.

I received a copy of this story from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are honestly my own.

What a sweet well written story. I really enjoy it and hope there is more to come. This is the second book but you don’t have to read the first one to follow this one.
I received an advance copy and this is my own opinion.

What I think you should know:
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor a Regency Romance is the second book in the Cornwall Series by Sarah E. Ladd. This can be read as a standalone novel.When Julia comes to Lanwyn to stay with her bedridden cousin after having her heartbroken she stumbles into more that she was expecting.

What I think about The Thief of Lanwyn Manor:
The Story starts with a fantastic glimpse of the two main male characters, Matthew and Isaac as boys, then quickly moves into a scene where Julia is shockingly held at gunpoint when he uncle stops at the Inn in their village. However the story slowed down for me after that, when the story does pick back up it is really good. As a survivor of HG I felt so bad for Jane, even with modern medication I was sick my entire pregnancy so I can’t imagine it. Isaac was such a wonderful character even if I didn’t understand everything about the mines. The story ended up being filled with mystery, danger, deception and a sweet romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

A sweet Christian romance in which a lady is drawn to twin brothers.
Just an ok read for me.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
All opinions are my own.

Die Zwillingsbrüder Isaac und Matthew Blake sind im Minengeschäft aktiv. Der drei Minuten ältere Bruder Matthew hat die Mine vom Vater geerbt, aber das ganze Management macht eigentlich Isaac, er ist der mit dem Fachwissen. Isaac hat vom Vater nur, eine seit langer Zeit schon stillgelegte Mine geerbt, bei der nicht klar ist, ob es noch etwas abzubauen gibt. Nur mit einer Investition könnte sie leergepumpt, geöffnet und untersucht werden. Das ist schon lange der Traum von Isaac und seinem besten Freund, dafür sparen sie ihr Geld.
Julia Twethewey reist zu ihrem Onkel William Lambourne, um ihrer Cousine Gesellschaft zu leisten, der aufgrund ihrer fortgeschrittenen Schwangerschaft strenge Bettruhe verordnet wurde. Doch irgendwie steht ihr Aufenthalt unter keinem guten Stern, bereits bei ihrer Ankunft im lokalen Inn wird sie von Räubern attackiert und der zufällig dazu kommende Isaac kann sie retten. Ihr Onkel steht in der Kritik, da die lokale andere Mine, nach dem Erbfall zur Zeit geschlossen ist und keine Arbeitsplätze bietet. Die Menschen sorgen sich sehr um ihr Auskommen. Nun überlegt er aber sogar, sie zu verkaufen. Matthew ist sofort sehr interessiert und bemüht sich um Julia, um so an ihren Onkel heranzukommen.
Die ersten beiden Drittel des Buches verlaufen recht ruhig, die Autorin führt die Hauptfiguren und ihr Umfeld umfassend und detailreich ein. Es gibt Gerüchte um einen Geist und einen Fluch. Erst im letzten Drittel nimmt die Geschichte Fahrt auf, es verschwinden immer wieder Gegenstände und es kommt zu einem weiteren Verbrechen. Nach einer dramatischen Zuspitzung und einem Show Down kann das Ende versöhnen. Der historische Einblick ins Minengeschäft ist interessant.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was pleasantly lovely to read with a touch of light mystery. I enjoy the characters, and each of them was delightful to read.

The writing flowed well and kept me moving forward. As much as I loved this book, I felt the conclusion of the story was not gratifying.

Overall, a good book for the weekend.

The Thief of Lamwyn Manor is a charming, clean historical fiction. With dynamic characters and idyllic setting you will enjoy this book if you are a fan of Austen type books. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and romance of this well-written book.

So I have a confession to make. The reason I picked up this book was because the cover was GORGEOUS!(that the author is one of my favorites was a plus!!) Anyway, this book is the second book in the Cornwall Novels Series; however, it could definitely be read as a standalone. The story is set in beautiful Cornwall England and the author describes it so vividly that you can almost see the foggy landscape. Another thing (besides the cover) that I really liked was that the book had such an exciting beginning! Seriously, the events in the first chapter helped set the tone for the entire book… and this book has everything! It has danger, suspense, mystery, romance, and even a ghost story. One thing I noticed was that the plot has a kind of a Pride and Prejudice feel, because the mining community have a lot of prejudice towards Julia (main character) because of her relatives. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will tell you that Julia does end up falling in love (of course!!); however, she falls in love with the wrong person… or so her family thinks.

Overall, this has to be one of my favorite books by Sarah E. Ladd and I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars.*****

Ms. Ladd plucked a strand—Julia Trethewey—from her previous book, The Governess of Penwythe Hall, and created a whole new tapestry.
Heartbroken, Julia leaves her home at Penwythe Hall to stay with her aunt and uncle. And hopefully heal her shattered heart. But she is not prepared for her aunt’s meddling.
Isaac Blake catches Julia’s eye—and her heart. But he is not the one Aunt has in mind.
The intrigue of the day, matches made for advantage rather than romance or love, war against the affection between Julia and Isaac. But the advantageous match—Isaac’s twin brother, Matthew—would secure Julia’s future and satisfy her aunt.
Fighting against not only her aunt but her own heart, Julia is caught in the midst of mystery and manipulation and money grubbing. Ms. Ladd twists the threads of her tapestry into a page turning story.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, Sarah Ladd, Celebrate Lit

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is another wonderful novel penned by Ms. Ladd and the second book in her Cornwall series. I know when I pick up a book by this author that I will be transported to the setting she chooses to write about and I know that I'll captivated from the very beginning. This book does not disappoint.

I loved the characters and the storyline held my attention throughout. I haven't read too much about copper mines so that was interesting to me. There's some twists and turns mixed in which always causes me to keep reading until my eyes are practically screaming for eye drops, so I use the drops and keep on reading. I just couldn't put this book down but that happens to me when I am reading a captivating novel like this one.
Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone but I suggest you read the first book, The Governess of Penwythe Hall because it is such a good read.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher though Netgalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Tregarthen Hall, Cornwall - 1808

Issac Blake’s twin brother, Matthew, is a few minutes older than he is and is set to inherit Tregarthen Hall and the family’s working mine. Issac will inherit a small home and another mine that has been closed,

Cornwall - 1818

Julia Twethewey, age 19, and of Penwythe Hall, is on her way to be a companion to her cousin, Jane at Lanwyn Hall, when she is held up by outlaws at an inn. It is believed to be a result of the unrest among people of the area because her uncle, William Lambourne, has recently closed one of the mines which affects everyone in the area. Issac Blake is there and steps in to protect her.

At the Hall, home of her uncle William and Beatrice Lambourne, Julia is happy to be with her cousin, Jane, who is having a difficult pregnancy. She also enjoys the company of her other cousin, Caroline. Julia is getting over a broken heart and hopes that being with Jane will help her heart to heal. She learns that there are supposed to be ghosts at the Hall and someone has been stealing items. In addition, there is a curse that no child born in the Hall has lived to grow up. There is rumored to be a treasure built into the stones of the house, but it has yet to be found.

Julia meets many of the townspeople and learns more about the mining business. Matthew shows her attention which is encouraged by her aunt and uncle, but it is Issac to whom she is attracted. But mischief occurs and people are put in danger. Will Julia and Issac be strong enough to find out who is causing this and perhaps find a road to a life together?

I liked this book but found that the beginning seemed to drag somewhat. However, I realized that it was to enable the author to introduce the characters so we could find empathy for the hardships the town has been experiencing. Sarah E. Ladd has long been a favorite author of mine and I hope that other readers will discover her sweet, clean romances.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

In order to read this book I figured it might be useful to read the first in the series... so I did and these books have so much going on. Though it’s not really necessary to know what happened in the first as just that the main character is a child in the first one and in the second she’s an adult now with her own life and journey to love. In the first it’s Julia’s uncle turned guardian and her former governess turned aunt. The thing that’s the same in both books though is that really a whole lot of things happen. And it’s most definitely not a love at first sight kind of story, which I can appreciate.

So the story goes....

Julia is on her way to visit with her cousin who has been bedridden during her pregnancy when she is held at gunpoint at an inn. Not the best way to start her journey. The men who attack her apparently have some issue with her uncle. Who was the one who left her at this inn alone to handle some business. She is rescued by a handsome stranger. After that ordeal she is finally winked away to her Aunt and Uncle’s recently inherited estate. Where her cousin Jane is rather ill and rather pregnant with a solider husband that she is afraid she may never see again. And cousin Caroline who is bored and counting the days until she gets married and can escape back to London. Aunt Beatrice is an annoying overbearing woman and Uncle William is often absent and is hated by the locals for closing down his inherited mine and putting people out of work.


Issac the impromptu hero has spent his life in the mining business like most people in the area. His father left both him and his brother their own copper mines but he’s been working and running his brother’s mine with him. Though it’s pretty obvious from the start that Issac is the one who does all the work and his twin Matthew gets the money and the estate while doing the bare minimum. The mine owners in the area all want to get William’s mine back up and running including Issac and Matthew. Though for different reasons Issac cares about the people and how this job situation is effecting them and the town. Matthew of course is in it for the money. He decides the best way to get his greedy hands on the mind is to court Julia and win her and the family over. Too bad Julia likes Issac more than she likes his charming charismatic twin.

Prior to leaving her home and family behind Julia got herself into a situation that left her with a broken heart. The man she thought she loved that she believed loved her gets engaged to someone else. Humiliation and devastation had her all too happy to spend time with her cousins. After that situation she isn’t too keen on the whole love thing. Jane convinces her that maybe she shouldn’t just give up and see what happens. Aunt Beatrice makes it clear from the start that she thinks Julia and Matthew would make a good match and no other will do. Especially not a less than wealthy second son... even if he’s only technically younger by 3 minutes. Julia being confused and uncertain of trusting herself and her own emotions tries to feel something for Matthew. Of course the heart rarely has time to listen to what the mind says.

But there’s more going on than just a love triangle between twin brothers and a visitor. Tensions in town and in the mines are on the rise. A fatal accident costs Issac dearly and forces him to make a decision about opening up his own mine. Strange things are occurring in Lanwyn Manor, things are disappearing and there are strange sounds, an odd arrangement of staff and somebody might have been prowling around the house at night. All that before Julia starts receiving letters telling her that she isn’t welcome and needs to leave. She’s made friends in town she doing volunteer work and yet it seems she isn’t welcome. But she decides to stay for Jane. Despite rumors of ghosts and hidden treasure and a curse on the manor. And it doesn’t help when Julia is accused of being the thief. Things on the next estate over with the twins aren’t exactly going well either, Issac knows his brother is hiding something and of course there are rumors as to what that may be.

A lot of things happen... like a whole lot and I wouldn’t want to complain that’s it’s overly long because it’s a romance where it’s happening over time we’re feelings are actually developing and they are getting to know each other. It’s not like hey I met you yesterday let’s get married in a week... not none of that. I also appreciate that these books have men willing to work and get their hands dirty and not think themselves above others. Because really I find it ridiculous that in those days the idea of actually working was so scandalous to certain gentlemen. All that said it’s not a bad story I liked it and it’s a good mystery where it keeps you guessing until the end what is really going on. It’s a to,an end do you know how it ends and you know there’s a conflict and a misunderstanding that leads the couple to be divided and you know heroics are involved.

Technically this is my 2nd and a half book I’ve read by this author. I paused on a different book I started in order to read this series and I don’t really read Christian romances but I figured everybody was religious in that era so it didn’t bother me too much. Though I will say that this series and in particular this book isn’t full of an over abundance of religious talk. But I knew going on so I can’t complain. I still have half a book to finish so I’ll be reading more of her work.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment from Sarah E Ladd’s Cornwall series. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand along. I have enjoyed her books in the past and I think this one is among my favorites written by her. This drama filled tale tells the story of broken hearted Julia needing to escape her hometown and goes to help her cousin Jane. Julia meets Isaac and they are suddenly thrown into solving a mystery of what is going on and who is responsible. I like trying to figure of “who done it”. It was a little predictable but still very much enjoyable.

I am giving The Thief of Lanwyn Manor five stars. I am hoping there will be another addition to the Cornwall series. I would love to find out what happens next. I recommend it for readers who enjoy inspiring historical fiction.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

A unique kind of series. This one was definitely different but delighted to read. Julia came to Cornwall to escape the heartbreak she had experienced and things were definitely different from the start. From the attack where she has a gentleman swoop in to save her and then he disappears. It's an interesting time from then on. Her meeting the two brothers the mystery that sets in and a romance.
I loved Isaac, he was unique and had a quiet spirit, compassionate and always looking out for those around him and a desire to never let down around him down which sometimes came off as irresponsible because he became inactive letting fear prevent him from so much.
The story although slow in uptake for me was a pleasant read and definitely recommended for lovers of Austen like romances and historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit and Netgalley for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

I don’t want to give away anything about the secrets in the plot of this book, as I don’t want to spoil the mystery and the mood for the reader.

Sarah Ladd’s writing is always beautifully descriptive. I felt as if I’d stepped into Lanwyn Manor with Julia and immediately felt the the secrets and tension that seemed to be steeped into the manor itself. I loved all the details of the regency period and the countryside around Cornwall, , but the mystery that unfolds as the story progresses is the thing that kept me reading chapter after chapter. Julia goes through much of this story not knowing who she can trust, as people are not as they seem. As danger seems to be shadowing her, Isaac tells me that he is going to protect her. But even through Julia has fallen in love with Isaac, she is not completely sure that she can trust him, either.

There were times that I felt a little unsettled myself as I read this book. The mood never lightens until the the mystery has been solved and I was eager for Julia to be safe and her romance with Isaac to come to a happy ending. So I’m recommending this one as a page-turner and perfect for those times when you want to read a sweet regency romance with a little bit of an edge to it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
Julia fled to Lanwyn Manor to escape from heartbreak and embarrassment. She never expected to be caught in the middle of such drama and intrigue.

Julia was to behave a certain way or there would be consequences. Her future could be at risk if she didn't conform to societies' expectations.

I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book. Who was the mysterious intruder? Was Isaac or Matthew really what they seem? Whom could Julia trust?

I never like reading or watching shows that show early medical practices such as bleeding or leeches! Yikes! I get squeamish when I read what was common practices in those days. Thank goodness for the advancements that have been made in medical science.I

Interesting and Intriguing!!!!

I received this free from Celebrate Lit to review.