When Charlotte and Anthony parted four years ago, their lives went into different directions. Anthony went off to fight for the British in America. Charlotte married a powerful man, who ended up being abusive. Suddenly free at the unexpected death of her husband, Charlotte plans to take her son back to her family's home Hollythorne House. Her brother-in-law insists that she take two Walstead's Watchmen with her to guard her son from her husband's enemies. One of the men is Anthony. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Though there is suspense in this regency book, this story is a good second chance romance. Charlotte and Anhony need to work together to keep her son safe. I love the isolated moor setting and the admirable main characters are well developed. I like that Charlotte's priority is keeping her son safe, her independence, and getting the Hollythorne House estate in order. I also like that Anthony is patient in working with Charlotte and appreciates her independence. Although I anticipated it, I enjoyed the twist in the story,

I have long been a fan of Sarah E. Ladd's books. She has an eloquent way of describing the historical English settings, and endearing the lead characters to her readers.

The story opens with Charlotte Grey saying goodbye to her love, Anthony Welbourne, who is whisked away to fight in America. There is a jump in time where Charlotte is married with a young child, and she discovers her husband, who is not a nice man, is dead. Anthony has returned from war, a bit banged up and down on his luck, working for a local watchman in Leeds. Charlotte flees to her empty home, Hollythorne House, to protect her son. There she discovers Anthony has been hired to protect her.

Once again, we are given a sweet romance with really lovable characters. The way Ms. Ladd writes, you can feel every emotion expressed deeply. She just has a way with words! I highly recommend this and any other of her wonderful books.

Thank you Thomas Nelson - Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was my first book written by this author. I enjoyed it very much. There were parts that were slow, but I've come to realize that is the case with most Regency books I've read so I assume that is what happens for the time period. Perhaps I am wrong but I've seen it with every book set in this time period so that is my take on it! Both Charlotte and Anthony have changed from when they were "forbidden" sweethearts 4 years earlier. They were of different classes and knew they wouldn't be permitted to marry. Anthony went off to war in the US and Charlotte married someone her father chose for her. That marriage was a disaster, but she endured it. Thankfully, her abusive husband died suddenly, and she escaped to her childhood home - Hollythorne House. Anthony is one of the men charged to guard her since it is discovered her dead husband did some nefarious things and her infant son might be at risk. I connected immediately with Anthony. I liked his character a lot. This story had a lot of intrigue, mystery and questions. Charlotte was trying hard to become her own person after being held down for so long. I admired her. I would like to read another book by this author.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is an outstanding new novel by Sarah Ladd. The second in her Houses of Yorkshire series, we have a whole new cast of characters to delight in. And in typical Ladd fashion, the Regency Era is highlighted amid characters you cannot help but love, a mysterious plot guaranteed to keep the pages turning, and a romance that penetrates the heart. I could not help but fall in love with this book as my attention was held from start to finish. Ladd certainly knows how to craft a story that captivates the mind and heart.

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Although this Regency wasn't my favorite of Sarah E. Ladd's, I still reveled in my visit of the beauty of the moors and the gothicy nuance of Hollythorne House.

Charlotte Prior is an impulsive, rash, hot-tempered heroine—one who never did endear herself to me. However, as long as she did to hero, Anthony Welbourne, that's all that matters.

Anthony is everything a woman could ask for...stalwart, kind, courageous, and easy on the eyes. Although romantically involved four years prior, they separated without rancor until business circumstances reunite them. Danger lurks around every corner and I'll confess to skimming a bit. I guess I like a few romantic, glamorous balls thrown in to my Regency reading. lol

A beautifully descriptive novel that can be read as a stand-alone—be sure to include In the Shelter of Hollythorne House on your wishlist!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley via Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.*

“She loved him. She did, and the idea of it was intoxicating—of a love that would challenge time and endure war itself.”

I absolutely love Sarah E. Ladd’s books! In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is another brilliantly written Regency romance that takes place on the Yorkshire moors. It’s a romantic, suspenseful, second chance love story that immediately captured my attention. The characters were endearing yet complex and I found myself yearning to know what would happen next and hoping for a happy ending.

One of the many reasons I loved this book was because the hero reminded me a bit of Aiden Turner’s Poldark. Like that hero, Anthony Welbourne leaves the woman he loves to go off to war. With several obstacles between them, neither expects to see the other again. When he returns, he takes up a position with a band of men who perform dangerous missions for hire.

Despite her love for Anthony, Charlotte Grey agrees to her father’s wishes to marry a wealthy man and now has a little seven month old boy. When her cruel, conniving husband unexpectedly dies, she finds herself in a precarious situation with her husband’s uncle wanting her son. Fearing for her and her son’s safety, she tries to flee to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, but before she can get away, she’s forced to take two guards with her. In a twist of fate, Anthony happens to be one of the guards.

What was once imagined as a happy reunion is marred by the painful years in between. Both Anthony and Charlotte have suffered and been scarred by the past. However, the feelings they once had come back full force as they interact on a daily basis. As they slowly become reacquainted, they face imminent danger from those who would harm Charlotte’s son, the sole heir to her husband’s estate.

I loved the slow build, second chance romance. There’s such delicious tension as Charlotte and Anthony try to reconnect. I enjoyed Charlotte’s desire to be independent and her fierce protection of Henry. I loved watching Anthony with the little boy as well. I loved the way both of their pasts were carefully unraveled throughout the story. The suspense was intense as it slowly builds. Charlotte doesn’t know whom to trust, especially as she becomes aware she has something someone wants in addition to Henry. With some surprising twists and turns, the mystery kept me quickly turning the pages as it builds to an exciting conclusion.

Highly recommend this clean, heartfelt, romantic suspense to Regency romance & mystery fans. Though it’s the second book in the Houses of Yorkshire series, each book is meant to be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. 4 1/2 stars!

This is my first Sarah E Ladd book and after having so many recommend her books to me I am so glad I took them up on this book!

I instantly fell in love with the imagery throughout this book. It is rich in detail and her writing is smooth and quick paced...something I'm looking for in all romantic suspense books.

'He was a thief-taker--dark and enigmatic. She was a widow and a mother intent upon independence and autonomy.'

Second chance romance will always and forevermore be a favorite trope for me and I loved experiencing Anthony and Charlotte's romance throughout the pages.

'...she was finding it difficult to know how to act. He was a hired watchman, but her heart was determined to remember him quite differently.'

There are so many things working against Anthony and Charlotte--even sometimes themselves. There is a lot of character growth, rebuilding and emotional healing happening within the pages of this book and the author does a marvelous job and bringing things full circle. I loved the suspense, plot twists and the trying to figure things out before they were revealed!

If you love romantic suspense I would definitely add this to your TBR and get to it ASAP! I am equally as excited to be adding this author to my list of books to watch out for. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

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

Content/Trigger: death, abuse, war injuries, kidnapping, mild suspense, second chance romance, betrayal, friendship, kisses and great character arcs.

Charlotte's marriage was bad enough that she's glad when her husband dies of an apoplexy. Unfortunately, she soon realises that his death has merely changed her problems, not removed them. Henry, her seven-month-old son, is threatened from several directions, and she decides that her best plan is to retreat to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, which had been her dowry and was now hers. But her overbearing brother-in-law insists on her taking a guard to protect them - and probably to keep an eye on them for him - and things get still more complicated when one of the guards turns out to be the only man she's ever loved. As danger looms, can they determine who the real threat is in time to escape? And can the broken threads of their relationship ever be repaired?

This might be my favourite book by the author to date. Something about the relationship between Charlotte and Anthony really touched me, though I can't put my finger on what. I particularly enjoyed watching trust gradually grow between them, even as other things started to fall apart. I appreciated the interesting mix of characters, from pleasant to troubled to mysterious to thoroughly unpleasant - they definitely kept things interesting. The suspense side of things was also done really well overall (though a couple of things about the cottage scene felt a little bit 'off'), with the feeling of impending doom but no clear idea who was presenting the real danger. The setting was a nice touch too - a moor has the potential to be an intriguing place. All in all, a good read, though I might have liked to see a bit more of a 'faith' thread included.

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

A story of second chances, recovery from past pain and injury and trauma, and following your gut.

He went to war and she did what she thought was best, but quickly learned it was a mistake.
He is hired to protect her and they are back where they grew up, but will all that has happened since they parted, how will they work together?

A fun read, had my attention the whole time!

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd is a wonderful story of second chances. Charlotte finds herself in a precarious situation as a new widow who needs protection. When Anthony walked away all those years ago, he never thought he would see Charlotte again, much less spend day after day with her as her protector. Set against the backdrop of the moors and moody weather, the two of them find out that things are not always as they seem. Sometimes you really do have to trust and stand for what is right, regardless of the cost. I loved seeing their friendship bloom despite everything and as old feelings refused to be doused, the way they were explored and kindled was just perfect.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I am convinced I need more Sarah Ladd books in my life.

In the Shelter of Hollythorne House was such a great book! It was the perfect mix of second chance romance, a little forced proximity, mystery, suspense, plot twists you don't see coming, bad guys that deserve a facer, and lovable good guys.

I loved how Charlotte stood up for herself and took back some control of her life upon becoming a widow, and how she didn't just crumble and bow to her brother-in-law's demands. I also loved how patient and loving Anthony was towards her. They seriously were the cutest together!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy; all thoughts are my own :)

This book was not for me. Young woman married cruel older man, has a child, then the husband dies. She is left in the are of her brother-in-law who quickly boots her out of her home and sends her back to her family home (wher no family lives any more) This has been done before over and over again

A second chance to say the words...

Anthony Welbourne left to join the military at nineteen, without speaking of his feelings for Charlotte. Charlotte's life went on and she married of her rank and had a son. Years later, Anthony is back, an action adventure sort (think Poldark) and is a watcher, finding out what really went down. This time around, will they finally say the words, even though she is only just a widow and there is suspense to behad over his death.
Recommend.
4.5

In The Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd is a lovely Regency story.

Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne met and fell in love, but their feuding families made it impossible. When Anthony went away to fight a war in America, Charlotte married Roland Pryor. Who turns out to be cruel and keeps her almost as a prisoner. When Roland dies, Charlotte see this as a chance to find freedom for herself and her young son Henry.

When Charlotte's brother in law hires two security men to protect her and his presumed heir, Charlotte is surprised to find Anthony as one of these men. Anthony is just as surprised, not realizing Charlotte had married.

There is mystery and intrigue throughout the story. Miss Ladd writes good clean romance with deep character development. If you love Regency period stories, this one is for you.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

A second chance romance with quite a gothic feel set on the moors of Yorkshire. It is also full of danger, mystery, deception and peril just to add some spice to the romance. The character's are likeable and interesting and the resolving of feeling between them was well developed and the mystery was good too. All in all an entertaining read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was an enjoyable second chance Regency romance with a bit of intrigue included. The main characters – Charlotte and Anthony – were likeable to a certain extent, but I had a bit of trouble with the whole thing because it was very slow. It seemed like the hero and heroine spent a lot of time thinking about stuff, when some of it could have been left out. I can’t really figure out how Charlotte went from not trusting any man (including Anthony) to confiding in him and trusting him so quickly. All that said, it was still an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars

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

Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne were in love. Their families are the bitterest of enemies so they met out on the moors, away from prying eyes. When Anthony purchased a commission in the army at his dead father’s bequest, he walked away from Charlotte, and towards the American Wars.
Meanwhile Charlotte has married Roland Prior, on the surface charming, underneath a controlling abusive husband. Roland was a dodgy mill owner who it turns out hasn’t paid his workers. His workers are after satisfaction.
Four years later Roland dies from apoplexy. Charlotte’s relief is short lived. Her brother-in-law Silas will have control of Henry her seven month old son, although Charlotte retains guardianship.
However she now owns Hollythorne House, the place on Blight Moor she grew up in. The very next morning she leaves for Hollythorne House and Yorkshire, with its memory of her secret love, and of happier times, accompanied by two of Walstead’s Watchmen. Silas has insisted upon them accompanying her due to the unrest with the mill workers, and fears of Henry being kidnapped. One of the guards is Anthony, who’s now working for William Walstead.
What follows is a tale of deceit, incredible bravery, friendships betrayed, and love.
Charlotte shows her true mettle as she faces hardship, learning to do the tasks any housewife knows about but she’s never had to confront, all the while refusing to accept help from Anthony, refusing to give him any reason to have a hold over her, refusing to face the attraction she feels for him.

There must be something wrong with me. The book had all the buzzwords i love, second chance, betrayal, and a lovestory that was very sweet. It had fierce and strong Main characters. But it felt a little bit too bland for me.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Atmospheric, almost gothic mystery, set in Regency times.

Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne were in love. Their families are the bitterest of enemies so they met out on the moors, away from prying eyes. When Anthony purchased a commission in the army at his dead father’s bequest, he walked away from Charlotte, and towards the American Wars.
Meanwhile Charlotte has married Roland Prior, on the surface charming, underneath a controlling abusive husband. Roland was a dodgy mill owner who it turns out hasn’t paid his workers. His workers are after satisfaction.
Four years later Roland dies from apoplexy. Charlotte’s relief is short lived. Her brother-in-law Silas will have control of Henry her seven month old son, although Charlotte retains guardianship.
However she now owns Hollythorne House, the place on Blight Moor she grew up in. The very next morning she leaves for Hollythorne House and Yorkshire, with its memory of her secret love, and of happier times, accompanied by two of Walstead’s Watchmen. Silas has insisted upon them accompanying her due to the unrest with the mill workers, and fears of Henry being kidnapped. One of the guards is Anthony, who’s now working for William Walstead.
What follows is a tale of deceit, incredible bravery, friendships betrayed, and love.
Charlotte shows her true mettle as she faces hardship, learning to do the tasks any housewife knows about but she’s never had to confront, all the while refusing to accept help from Anthony, refusing to give him any reason to have a hold over her, refusing to face the attraction she feels for him.
An enthralling second chance romance.

A Thomas Nelson ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

This book is a beautiful blend of Regency perfection. Take equal parts lost love, old ancesteral home, wounded widow, and a mystery that could destroy the hope of a future and you have a story I couldn't walk away from. Add in secrets and love and it was perfect on so many levels. I have long been a fan of Sarah Ladd's atmospheric words that transport me to Jane Austen's England and In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is exhibit A for why.Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.