Tag Archives: England

In the Shadow of Croft Towers

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Wilson, Abigail. In the Shadow of Croft Towers. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Hoping to learn more about her own past as well as her true identity, Sybil Delafield accepts a position as a companion to elderly Mrs. Chalcroft. Upon her arrival, Sybil soon realizes nothing is exactly as it seems, including the involved people. Trying to determine whom she can truly trust, urgency becomes necessary. A Regency novel full of suspense, mystery, romance and secrets, In the Shadow of Croft Towers, by debut author Abigail Wilson, will leave you guessing to the end…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
I absolutely love Regency novels and this one was definitely not a disappointment. From start to finish, the secrets and surprises kept taking turns, finally ending when I finished the book. A fast read due to the writing but no means a weak storyline, In the Shadow of Croft Towers was filled with double-identity characters, intriguing suspense, hidden agendas, and agreeable romance. Some people are meant to be writers, and after reading her debut novel, author Abigail Wilson is certainly one of them; so much so, in fact, I am already looking forward to her next book due out in July, Midnight on the River Grey.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of In the Shadow of Croft Towers from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

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The Weaver’s Daughter

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Ladd, Sarah E. The Weaver’s Daughter. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2018.

SUMMARY:
The Dearborn family has stood firm in their loyalties and determination for keeping the family’s legacy alive as weavers for generations. The Stockton family, though linked to the past through their wool mill, also strives forward with new technology in running the Stockton Mill. Kate Dearborne and Henry Stockton find themselves caught in Britain’s Industrial Revolution while struggling with their own loyalties, beliefs, commitments and emotions. Though they hold different and rivaling ideas, living within the same community forces Henry and Kate to consider options, perhaps even those pertaining to their hearts.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
One of my favorite authors, Sarah E. Ladd writes yet another satisfying and complete story surrounding one of my favorite time periods. As a Regency novel, this book was historically interesting, contained developed characters, created a bit of suspense and shared a sweet, clean romance. Just like this author’s previous books, I was truly engaged and didn’t want the book to end. I look forward to reading even more from Sarah E. Ladd as I so enjoyed The Weaver’s Daughter. Well done!

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Weaver’s Daughter from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

The Captain’s Daughter

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Delamere, Jennifer. The Captain’s Daughter: London Beginnings- Book 1. Bloomington, MN: Bethany house Publishers. 2017.

SUMMARY:
Needing to urgently leave town due to circumstances beyond her control, Rosalyn Bernay finds herself in London, penniless, homeless, and jobless with few possibilities. Making her way through London, Rosalyn soon makes acquaintances- some helpful, others not. Landing herself a job backstage at a theatre, with the help of her new friends Jessie and Nate, her life takes a change in direction for the better albeit one that could also affect her heart…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As a new author to me, I can honestly say I have found another favorite author in Jennifer Delamere. Grabbed from the first page and reading straight through to the end, this was one of the fastest books I have ever read. With a bit of turbulence, romance, and secrets mixed with my favorite genre of time and place, The Captain’s Daughter was a success for me. Glad to know this is only book one of the new series, London Beginnings, I absolutely will watch for the next installments. Welcome to my favorite author list, Jennifer Delamere!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Captain’s Daughter from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

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Klassen, Julie. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill: Tales From Ivy Hill- Book 1. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2016.

theinnkeeperofivyhill

SUMMARY:
Due to her husband’s unexpected and sudden death, Jane Bell now finds herself thrust into the role of the Innkeeper of The Bell. With the former Innkeeper visiting, who just happens to also be her mother-in-law, Jane must not only learn the business but also manage her relationship with Thora. Struggling to make ends meet, Jane must decide who is safe to trust while also exploring new methods, safekeeping her business, and possibly her heart.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Due to the author, Julie Klassen ,I knew I wanted to read this new novel set in the English village of Ivy Hill. Filled with romance, mystery, relationships and hope, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill may have started a bit slower than expected but picked up the pace half-way through it. As a longer novel, though it took a bit to develop the characters and intricately intertwined relationships, it was worth the investment to complete the book. Fully immersed in the lives of the members of this quaint community now, I look forward to reading the next in this series, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, due out in December of 2017.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

The Curiosity Keeper

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Ladd, Sarah E. The Curiosity Keeper: A Treasures Of Surrey Novel. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, inc. 2015.

SUMMARY:
curiositySet in England, in the early 1800’s, Camille Iverness works in her father’s Curiosity Shop as a bookkeeper and clerk. Caught in the middle of a mystery regarding the Bevoy (a ruby rumored to bless or curse the possessor), Camille must make difficult choices concerning her family, loyalty, possessions, trust and the handsome apothecary, John Gilchrist. Full of suspense, adventure, secrets, and romance written in high-quality, fast-paced style, The Curiosity Keeper delivers.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Having read all of Sarah Ladd’s previous novels, The Whispers On The Moors series, I waited (not so patiently) for her newest novel, The Curiosity Keeper, to become available. Loving the Regency genre of fiction as well as this favorite author, this book was perfect for me. The interesting tidbits of history surrounding the area and shop, coupled with the mystery of the Bevoy, made for a quick read well past bedtime. My favorite part? Tevy, the large dog involved in the story with a personality all his own! I already look forward to the next book in the series which I hope is in progress now (right, Ms. Ladd?)!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Curiosity Keeper from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

The Headmistress of Rosemere

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Ladd, Sarah E. The Headmistress of Rosemere. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. 2013.

SUMMARY:
rosemereAs headmistress of the Rosemere School for Young Ladies, Patience Creighton takes care of the Rosemere estate, the young girls at her boarding school as well as her mother who lives depressed after her husband’s death. With her hands so full, she hardly has time to take an interest in William Sterling, the dashing, albeit rebellious landlord of Eastmoor Hall and Rosemere. With lively action, eligible suitors and family matters which require immediate action, Patience Creighton must decide where her priorities and heart truly lie…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Having recently finished the first book in the Whispers on the Moors, (please see my December post for The Heiress of Winterwood), I couldn’t wait to follow it with the next book. I loved the historical setting, the intrigue, the descriptions of the land and characters, the faith-based views and notions, along with the entire premise of the story. Sarah Ladd does an excellent job with her descriptive choices of words which add so much flavor to the novel. Though not necessary to read the books in order, it did put the characters a bit more in perspective having done so. As a newer author for me, Sarah Ladd will definitely be an author whose books I anticipate (the third book in the series will be released in fall of 2014). Very well done!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Headmistress of Rosemere from BookSneeze and Thomas Nelson for my honest review*