Another really fast book! All around perfect, part romance, part mystery! I enjoyed the story! Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy

Sarah E. Ladd is one of my favorite authors and this book was another great story that she has written. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is book number two in The Cornwall Novels series by Sarah E. Ladd. Having read and loved the first book in this series- The Governess of Penwythe Hall, I could not wait to read this next one. If you have not yet read the first one, I would still highly recommend it as it truly was a great read, but if you haven't this reads very well as a standalone too. You will see some familiar characters, but the story itself is completely unrelated so you will not feel as though you are missing something by not reading the first.

The action in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor starts right at the beginning, drawing me in immediately. That being said, I did find that it slowed down considerable for a good middle chunk of the book- for me anyway. As such, it took me a little longer to really get back into the story after that. About halfway through the mystery really picked up and at that point I found myself unable to put it down until I reached the end.

This book is full of twists and turns--- some that I saw coming and some that took me by surprise in the best way possible. I loved this idea of curses, hidden passageways, treasures, etc. I've always loved that type of story- even as a young girl so it really drew me in in that way too. Though I would normally say that I love the mysteries in these type of stories more than anything (and this WAS a good one there too), for me the love story in this one really stuck out! I loved watching the relationship between Julia and Isaac--- their chemistry was really great, and really had me rooting for them to end up together. I could have read even more about these two long after the mystery was solved.

Whether you love a good mystery or just a sweet, clean romance, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is definitely one to check out! While I must admit I enjoyed the first book more, I still loved this one too! I cannot wait to read more from the author!


**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Historical fiction is usually not my thing, but I found myself sucked into this one. All of the characters were fleshed out and compelling. The romance felt deserved. The drama wasn't over the top. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, which was so far out of my comfort zone.

I loved The Thief of Lanwyn Manor. Clean Regency romance novels are among my favorite genres. Furthermore, I adore the setting of the novels in this series. As I've said in the past, I'm fascinated by Cornwall...well, I'm fascinated by England in general, but who among us Regency romance lovers isn't? Though I've never ridden a horse in my life, if I were living in this time period I'm sure I would be riding my horse while letting the wind blow through my hair (well, the strands that have escaped from my appropriate updo). And if I were Julia, I'd be wanting to come across a certain gentleman on my rides.

Julia has come to Lanwyn Manor to mend her broken heart. The man she thought she would marry turned out to be a scoundrel, so she's come to keep her pregnant, bed-ridden cousin company. She's shocked at her cousin's condition, and I would have been too! I wanted to scream at the doctor for thinking "bleeding" her would help her morning sickness. Well, her morning sickness was the type that lasted all day for 9 months. My own cousin went through that with her second pregnancy. If her doctor had recommended bed rest and bleeding...he would have had another thing coming! But, ah, the days of the uninformed medical practitioners....

Throughout the book, we're introduced to the Blake brothers...twins. Julia's aunt finds every way possible to bring Julia and Matthew (the eldest by minutes) together. Since Matthew owns his family's manor and mine, of course he's the better match. But it's Isaac who has compassion and a strong moral code. So, it's Isaac you'll all be rooting for as you read The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.

Two supporting characters really endeared themselves to me as I read this novel: Miss Trebell and Miss Prynne. I won't spoil anything about their characters, but I really felt like they added much to the story. Furthermore, all of the characters in this novel are very well-written and add much to the story.

The plot itself is filled with so much: romance, action, adventure, sadness, worry, betrayal... In the end, you will be surprised at how things turn out. Not everyone is as they seem.

I highly recommend this second book in The Cornwall Novels, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor. You are going to love it!

THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR by SARAH E. LADD is a delightful historical romance novel which takes place in Cornwall in the early 1800's. With intrigue, rumours of ghosts, secret passages and hideaways, and much more, we are drawn into this story with its interesting cast of characters, and really come to feel what life was like in copper mining areas in England. I will go as far as to say that this book brings to mind Jane Austen's classics.
When Julia Twethewey goes to stay with her uncle William Lambourne at Lanwyn Manor, she lands right in the middle of unrest amongst the miners, largely due to her uncle's closing his mine and refusing to reopen it. The sharp contrast between the "haves" and "have nots" is well brought out, and
Julia's overbearing Aunt Beatrice makes it plain that she feels her family is lowering its standards by living in Goldweth. She has very set ideas and desperately wants to go back to London.She is also a matchmaker of note. Although she runs her household with a rod of iron, she is a rather fearful character and prone to the vapours.
Matthew and Isaac Blake run their late father's mine. They are twins, and although they .look nearly identical, they are not at all alike. They each play an important role in the story and we wonder which one of them will win the beautiful Julia's heart
I am not going tell you any more as I do not want to spoil the read for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

In The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, Julia Twethewey goes to visit her aunt and uncle at their estate, Lanwyn Manor. Her cousin is pregnant and Julia wants to be a help to her until she delivers the baby. But on her trip to Lanwyn Manor, she is robbed and held up at the local inn. She is protected when Isaac Blake comes to her aid and shields her with his body. Soon Julia realizes her uncle's life is in great danger. Her uncle has closed the local mine and that has caused the community to be in need. This has angered some and now they are in danger. Julia also soon realizes that items are missing from the estate. She also realizes the estate itself is not what it appears to be.

Julia's aunt is determined to make a good match while Julia is visiting them. She pushes Julia to spend time with Matthew Blake, Isaac's twin brother. As the oldest brother, he is more able to provide for her. But Julia and Isaac are drawn to each other. When things keep going missing and Julia is accused of the crime, Isaac sets out to help prove her innocence. Soon people's true motives are revealed and Julie and Isaac have to decide if their love is strong enough for them to make a life together.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a well written regency novel. I love Sarah E Ladd's books and this one was exactly as good as I hoped it would be. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest feedback.

I loved the intrigue and mystery in this book! The characters were deep and very well written. The love story was sweet, clean, and beautiful. The ending was so perfect! I also enjoyed reading and learning more about miners in this time period. Very interesting. I definitely recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.

“Ghosts and gossips, secret letters and hidden motives- all seemed to be as much a part of Lanwyn Manor as the tapestries hanging on the paneled walls.”

For fans of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie, ‘the thief of lanwyn manor’ was filled with secrets, treasure, gossip and a blossoming romance.
This regency romance transported me to the era of mining, ball gowns and intrigue.
I loved the sweet romance, and the strong heroine, as well as the general atmosphere.

Despite this however, I had a few issues with the story. One of the main plot lines running through was a mystery.
A thief was on the loose in Lanwyn manor making tensions run high. Unfortunately, I predicted the thief and the majority of the plot twists way before they were revealed.

I also found the pacing of this book to be quite slow, so at times it felt like a chore to get through.

Overall, I would recommend this if you are on the lookout for a historical romance with a strong emphasis on the mystery running through, as well as strong side characters.

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

This book bangs open with a hold up and robbery. Taking place in the 1800’s we expect lots of excitement from this novel. However, after the fast pace of the opening, the book drastically slows down with long paragraphs and few dialogue. Overall, an interesting read if you like a lot of description.

The Thief Of Lanwyn Manor is perfect for fans of Poldark. The small mining town adds to the charm and becomes part of the plot.
The story moves quickly and and is very engaging. There is mystery, hidden rooms, missing jewels, midwifery, and hints of romance.
The reader instantly connects with Julia and her confusion regarding relationships due to her past disappointments. She is smart, fearless and believable.
I would love to read more about Julia and Issac and the future of the mine. I hope there are more books to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. 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.

I was so shocked and this book left me breathless with my jaw wide open because I was blown away by the concept and storyline of this book that I could not help but to read in one sitting and see what happens with Julia and Isaac even though they have their boundaries with their jobs and family. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a combination of a thrilling story and a summer romance that go in two completely different directions. Whether it is growing a mining business or escaping love, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor will leave you shockingly excited and you'll want to know more. I know our community is bound to love this book.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.