‘De erfenis van Hollythorne House’ van Sarah Ladd is een meeslepende historische roman over een weduwe met een onzekere toekomst die een tweede kans krijgt in de liefde. Als Charlottes man onverwachts sterft, vlucht ze met haar jonge zoontje naar een afgelegen landgoed om hem te beschermen tegen haar schoonfamilie, die aast op haar erfenis. Haar voormalige zwager laat hen niet zomaar gaan en stuurt bewakers achter Charlotte aan om haar in de gaten te houden. Dan blijkt een van de bewakers een oude bekende te Anthony Welbourne, de man die Charlotte al jaren probeert te vergeten. Ze staat voor een moeilijke Anthony vertrouwen of alles wat haar dierbaar is op het spel zetten.
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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.
2 stars, personally. Not really because of content but because I found this to be a typical clean regency book. I think my main reason I wasn't a fan of this book was because it kind of felt like just a regular regency book—there was no faith content to stand out, no humor to make me laugh, and nothing that took me by surprise. Middle of the road, I guess you could say, though, I feel a bit bad saying that. It was pretty clean, but had a few mentions of Charlotte’s husband who was verbally and physically abusive towards her.
"That being said, my advice to you, my dear Mrs. Prior, is to leave Leeds. Take Henry. Go to Hollythorne House and establish your household immediately, before Mr. Prior can interfere."
In the Shelter of Hollythorne House (2023, Thomas Nelson) is second in The Houses of Yorkshire series by Sarah E. Ladd. It's a historical Christian romance with light suspense, set in 1817 England.
Rating: 5 stars
Is it clean/chaste? Yes!
Other content issues: Previous domestic abuse mentioned, but not elaborated on, .
Christian elements: Christian publishing company, but it's not preachy
The heroine: At eighteen Charlotte Grey fell in love with Anthony Wellbourne. Three months after they met, he left for war. "Given the nature of the strained relationship between their families, any true union would be impossible. Her father and his uncle were bitter enemies."
Now, four years later, Charlotte is a widow after three years of a loveless marriage to the physically and emotionally abusive Roland Prior. Charlotte Prior's fears are now directed towards her brother-in-law Silas Prior, who she believes, will not permit her any involvement in raising her son. She flees to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, with her seven-month-old son Henry in tow. Silas hires watchmen to guard Charlotte and Henry until the inquest of Roland.
"He was a hired watchman, but her heart was determined to remember him quite differently.""...two people did not share a romance like theirs and forget a single detail of it, despite what they had moved on to be."
The hero: Two-and-a-half years ago, Anthony Wellbourne returned from the war in the United States, severely injured with significant scarring.
"He'd spent years forcing thoughts of Charlotte Grey to the back of his mind. Leaving her had been the biggest regret of his life. And now he was going to see her? Speak with her? Protect her and her son?"
"He was not quite the same person he had been, but he had not died. He was still alive. And just as he fought to keep air in his lungs during the war, he would fight for Charlotte."
What I liked:
*The main characters - I'm always happiest when I respect the hero and the heroine right from the start.
*Hollythorne House. I would've liked to have learned more about it and the work to restore it. "It was hundreds of years old, constructed of gray gristone that had blackened over time."
What I didn’t like:
*It felt like the book started with two short prologues, which outlined two major events in the heroine's life, and jumped right into the main story. I wanted more backstory.
The bottom line: This was a great second chance historical romance with a bit of suspense. I definitely look forward to reading more by Sarah E. Ladd..
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Super suspenseful! I wasn’t expecting that but I really enjoyed the high stakes in this story and how it puts the main characters in a crucible. I love that this is a second chance romance and a second chance for each of the leads to make better choices in their new circumstances. The character growth for both Charlotte and Anthony is compelling and they grow towards each other in lovely ways.
I enjoyed the subplot of Charlotte’s widowhood and how she has to learn to act with courage to protect herself and her infant son from those who belittle her and manipulate her. She really comes into her own and it’s so satisfying! Anthony’s own process of coming to terms with his guilt over past decisions is compelling. He is loyal and that is a blessing and a curse for him. I love his trustworthiness for Charlotte and Henry.
Sarah Ladd has a gift for setting and the details of place. The brief scenes in Leeds and the remote, rugged moors where Hollythorne House are feel vividly real. I loved the small details about the house and garden coming back to life under Charlotte’s care after the house has been neglected for several years.
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.)
In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is book 2 of The Houses of Yorkshire and is a stand-alone. This was a historical clean romance and it was also something else. Thrilling? Action packed? I’ll let you decide. For me this was a second chance romance and I love to see this trope. I enjoyed the writing, the characters and the HEA. Thanks Thomas Nelson via NetGalley.
This one is book two in the series, Houses of Yorkshire.
The unexpected adventure, danger, and tension began on page one and I was sucked right on in - Hallelu! I related with our main female character as she did what she had to do in order to protect the one she loved the most.
Action packed danger and suspense and I loved it!
*One of the most beautiful book covers *squeaky clean *second chance romance *mystery
I hate to say it, but I might need to be done with this author. I read based on a rec from Mimi Matthews (who I really enjoy), but this is the second Sarah Ladd book that I’ve tried and I just don’t think I can continue. Here’s why:
The premise had so much potential, but the quality of the writing is just….not great. So.many.adjectives. So.many.adverbs. Copious, repetitive descriptions of the what and why of every emotion and motive. It reads more like an unpolished fan fiction than a published novel. As a side note, I read an article by Stephen King awhile back about writing, and in it he lamented about the excessive use of descriptors and how they shouldn’t be needed if the story is well-structured and the author chooses to trust the audience with the ability to use their insights and imagination. Adverbs should only be used if necessary, etc. As an amateur writer, this really struck me, and I think it’s safe to assume that this is not an idea that Ladd espouses to.
Anyway, the writing style was distracting to the point that I couldn’t connect with the protagonists and struggled to finish. I found their relationship underdeveloped and boring, and I barely cared when the main climactic event was resolved….in fact, I found myself disappointed and struck by how much more exciting the alternatives could have been. (Spoiler Alert: Why not write Silas Prior as a less obvious, shadow/surprise villain? If he would have been the one to die at the end, Henry would have inherited all, with Charlotte and Anthony as his regents. All the money would have been there to restore everything, including Hollythorne, Anthony’s mill and the fates of many farmers and mill workers. Instead, we get a villain we barely know or care about and very little of consequence is resolved. And to top it all off, the romance felt off too [“Hey girl, I know you are in a state because someone just up-and-stole your baby. But we’ve resisted our feelings for too long. Before we start the search, let’s take a pause and reconnect with the first smooch of this book.” What?!? Does this lady have kids?!?!? I would have punched my hubs across the face.]).
Final verdict: Sigh/Zzzzzzz
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An atmospheric tale of the moors of Yorkshire in 1817. Seemingly wealthy widow Charlotte Prior is forced to flee to her childhood home, Hollythorne House, to safeguard her infant son. Her husband left debts and dangerous angry men mean to collect. Anthony Welbourne, back from the war, is tasked with protecting Charlotte and her son. They parted ways years ago before Anthony went to war since their families were at odds. They are naturally wary of each other. Full of danger, mystery and a rekindled romance, this book pulled me in with its descriptions and well developed characters. The hero is upright and courageous. The heroine is determined and brave. The writing flowed effortlessly and the story was interesting. I enjoyed this trip back in time. * I won a copy of this book from Kav Rees through a Best Reads contest. All opinions are my own.*
In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is a lovely romp through the Moors of England during the Regency Era. I found myself breezing through the pages in order to find the answer to the mystery of the stolen gems. The main characters are not only likeable but ones that you truly root for. The romance is sweet and the ending is my kind of ending with a happily ever after. *I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson and this is my honest opinion.
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.
As a mother, I loved Charlotte's relationship with Henry. It was so wonderful to see her get to know him, and I was infuriated with Roland for not letting her spend time with her son. Like, who do you think you are? And that is not within best practices for infant care. But, more importantly, as a mother, that just breaks my heart. Imagining only spending half an hour with my son a day???? 😭😭😭😭
(Blanket use before one is also not encouraged, but that's beside the point.)
Charlotte is in a difficult marriage, with a new baby, when she suddenly finds herself widowed. The man hired to protect her, her son and their estate just happens to be the young man she was in love with years ago.
Another good read by one of my favorite Regency era authors. Set mainly on the misty moors of Yorkshire, with its history of mills, farms, and hardy folk. Some mystery and suspenseful moments built up tension towards the end with some action, and a clean romance which kept the story interesting. Recommend to readers who enjoy a good clean read with some romance. 4.5 stars
Sarah Ladd's books are a such a delightful escape! In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is a second-chance romance that reunites Charlotte and Alexander years after Alexander left their area to serve in the military. When they are thrown back together, Charlotte is newly widowed and wants to escape her cruel, late husband's home and domineering brother. Alexander, injured in the war, is working as a thief-taker and is part of a team assigned to protect Charlotte as she returns to her family home. Of course, Charlotte and Alexander find their way back together, but the conflict is really that Charlotte inadvertently took smuggled jewels when she left her late husband's house and some of his associates want them.
The writing here is engaging. With two POVs, we get to see events from both Charlotte and Alexander's eyes. The reason for Charlotte's baby to need protection is a little hazy, but a little suspension of belief keeps things going. We get a satisfying conclusion, with the villains getting exposed and our main characters preparing for happily ever after.
I've read all of Sarah's books and this is another amazing one like usual.
The story starts with Charlotte saying goodbye to Anthony as he's leaving to fight in the war.
Three years later, Charlotte finds her husband dead and it's a relief for her since he was a cruel man. She has a 7 month baby boy and when his life is threatened, she leaves to her childhood home, Hollythorne House. Her brother in law hires two men to protect her and the baby and one of them turns out to be Anthony. They are both surprised by this as he didn't know she was the widow and she didn't know what he was doing or where.
At first, Charlotte and Anthony treat each other very formally, but as the story develops into more threats and danger, they start to rely on each other.
Charlotte's and Anthony's lives have not been easy for either one in the years since they last saw each other but we soon see they are just what each other needs. Here's a literary couple who definitely earn their HEA.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
It’s been a few years since I last read Sarah Ladd’s book. I’ve always enjoyed her books in the past; this book, unfortunately, is the first book from the author that didn’t resonate with me. I’m not sure if my reading taste has changed or if the author’s writing style is different, but I didn’t feel captivated by the plot, setting, or the characters. The intrigue and simmering suspense components of this Regency tale were interesting. But the second-chance romance for Charlotte and Anthony felt flat and the main characters were somewhat two-dimensional. Though it wasn’t the case for me, this book may be quite enjoyable for those who love Regency fiction and who love the author’s works.
I received the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
*This review is based on a complementary ARC received from NetGalley*
3.5 STARS!!! What I liked - In the Shelter of Hollythorne House is a very enjoyable read. The writing flows well and the plot is good. I liked that the tone of the book was serious without being too angsty. What I did not like very much - Sometimes the dialogues veered into American cop show territory, which could be jarring What I loved - A competent hero, and baby Henrey!!!
My thanks to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for this ARC!
I’ve never given much thought as to what I would do if my infant son was taken as a ransom for emeralds, but I don’t think passionately kissing my childhood beau after he confessed his unending love would be my first course of action. To each their own I guess….
When Charlotte Grey said goodbye to Anthony Welbourne and sent him off unattached to war, she thought she would never see him again. Now, four years later, Charlotte is widowed with a young son and in need of protection. Coming face to face with Anthony again is a shock.
After a war injury, Anthony Welbourne is finding purpose in protecting others and catching thieves. He never expected to come face to face with the woman who broke his heart—the woman who owns his heart still.
Danger and determination swirl as Charlotte settles back into her childhood home, away from those threatening her son. But is it far enough away from the trouble? Can Anthony keep her safe when it seems the threats are closer to home than she suspected?
This is a sweet story with enough tension to keep you turning the pages. There were some surprises in the plot, though some twists I saw coming. I never felt particularly attached to either Charlotte or Anthony, which I think was due in part to Charlotte's methodical and guarded nature. There's no faith element at all.
I would recommend this for fans of Regency romance.
I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Book 2 of the Houses of Yorkshire by Sarah E Ladd. This could be read as a stand-alone. Perfect for a fall read! This is a second chance love story. Like I’ve said before, a baby really does add to a story! I really enjoyed seeing Charlotte with her little son, Henry. She is a recent widow and in need of an escape for her safety and the safety of her son. She flees to her old childhood home, Hollythorne House and her former love, Anthony, is hired to protect her and her son. I loved seeing Charlotte go home and take in the scenery of it all! Beautiful! My heart broke at the way her late husband treated her about Henry! I would be furious! I enjoyed seeing Anthony interact with little Henry. Charlotte was so kind to her tenants! I did not figure out the bad guy again! 🤦🏼♀️😂 I didn’t care for the way Charlotte treated Anthony when all he was trying to do was help her! Wow! The twists and turns in this book at the end left me with my mouth open! Wow! Another wonderful read by Sarah E Ladd!
There is a layer of intrigue, suspense, and romance are found in this novel by Sarah Ladd. A romance set aside because of family dispute and war, leaves Charlotte Grey in a desperate situation. With her father in poor health she marries the handsome Roland Prior, but soon realizes that he put on quite an act. Anthony Welbourne is good at what he does, tracking and capturing the bad guys. When he is assigned to be head of the security team for the widow of Roland Prior he doesn't expect to see the girl he loved before he went off to war, now a widow with an infant son. What other secrets will he find lurking in the midst of it all?
Direct bij de aankondiging van dit boek was mijn enthousiasme gewekt. Dit nieuwe boek moest en zou ik lezen. Als ambassadeur van Tijdloze liefde kreeg ik de kans het boek te lezen en te recenseren. Super bedankt. Deze veelbelovende nieuwe serie van Sarah Ladd lijkt me geweldig. Op de cover zien we bij zonsondergang een koppel in ouderwetse/historische kledij verlangend naar elkaar kijken. Ze staan in een grasveld met op de achtergrond een oud landhuis. Ik heb hoge en goede verwachtingen.
Charlottes man, sterft onverwachts, hierdoor wordt ze al op jonge leeftijd weduwe en blijft ze achter met hun jonge zoontje. Hierdoor is hun toekomst onzeker. Charlotte besluit te vluchten naar haar afgelegen familielandgoed om zo haar zoontje te beschermen tegen haar schoonfamilie die erft op de erfenis. Haar voormalige zwager wil dit voorkomen en stuurt bewakers achter Charlotte aan om haar en haar zoontje in de gaten te houden. Een van deze bewakers blijkt een oude bekende uit het verleden van Charlotte te zijn; Anthony Welbourne. De man die Charlotte al jaren probeert te vergeten. Wanneer het gevaar dreigt staat Charlotte voor een levensbepalende keuze: Anthony vertrouwen of alles wat haar dierbaar is op het spel zetten.
Wat een ongelofelijk fijne, vlotte en vooral levendige schrijfstijl met enorm veel gevoel en sfeer heeft Sarah Ladd. Ze weet me direct te betoveren en mee te nemen naar 1813. Ze weet de omgeving, sfeer en gevoel zo goed weer te geven dat je het voor je ogen ziet. Daarbij heeft ze ook nog eens een enorm vlotte en fijne schrijfwijze, zoals bij een feelgood, waardoor het én gemakkelijk leest én je compleet in de verhaallijn op gaat.
Sarah Ladd heeft Charlotte op fantastische wijze neergezet. Dit intrigerende personage weet me direct te pakken en weet me bij tijden ook te verrassen met haar acties, vastberadenheid en doorzettingsvermogen, waarbij ze toch een enorm liefdevolle en mooie persoonlijkheid behoudt. Ook de andere personages zijn divers en goed neergezet. Daarbij weet Sarah Ladd enorm goed het spanningsveld tussen de personages onderling in beeld te brengen. Zeker wanneer de mysterie en intriges hun intrede doen in het verhaal.
De prachtige, indrukwekkende en mooie verhaallijn wist me direct vanaf het begin te pakken. Het is daarbij echt een pageturner, iets wat ik niet vaak ervaar bij historische feelgoods. Maar dit verhaal kon ik niet los laten en heb het daardoor in één avond uitgelezen. De combinatie van romantiek, mysterie en intriges zijn perfect in balans. Er zitten verrassende wendingen en gebeurtenissen in de verhaallijn die de spanning en nieuwsgierigheid naar het verloop hoog houden. Met een prachtig einde rond het eerste deel af, wel geeft het direct een opening naar deel twee.
De erfenis van Hollythorne House heeft mijn hoge verwachtingen overtroffen. Wat een pageturner. Het is enorm levendig, vlot en fijn geschreven. Sarah Ladd weet enorm veel sfeer en gevoel in de verhaallijn te brengen die een combinatie bevat van mysterie, romantiek en intriges. Mega dikke aanrader en ik wacht met spanning op deel twee.
Fabulous read with a great plot, suspense, a second chance at love, secrets and much, much more!
I love when Sarah E. Ladd releases a new book! I can't help but dive into it! She's a favorite author of mine and one I'm so glad I discovered many years ago!
Charlotte and Anthony have a history together. But unfortunately that history was laid to rest 4 years ago. He's completely surprised when he realizes she's his next assignment for work. Not only is he meant to protect the widow Mrs. Prior and her infant son, he'll need to protect his heart until he decides the time is right to confront her and talk with her about their past.
These two were so perfect together! The tension between them was strong. Charlotte doesn't have time for old emotions to surface or for worrying about the handsome man protecting her and her son. And Anthony should only be focusing on ways to keep her home safe from intruders and those who might wish them harm.
I loved the mystery woven throughout this story. Her dead husband has controlled enough of her life and inflicted himself upon her even through death. Charlotte is more than ready to be out from his grasp and living her life and her son growing and thriving with love, not control and indifference!
Anthony and Charlotte have great chemistry! They were so much fun to watch. Their ups and downs and their finally not fighting the chemistry and feelings that are so palpable between them!
I loved it all so much!
Content: Clean. Some moments of peril, death, talk of murder. Some kisses but nothing further. Overall very well written. One I would let my teenagers reader!
I received a copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson --FICTION, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I enjoy a well-written Regency novel. This was definitely that. I enjoyed watching Charlotte gain confidence that she could be a good mother to Henry despite the circumstances; and I enjoyed watching Anthony figure out what he really wanted out of life and who he wanted to be. From the first novel of this Houses of Yorkshire series, I definitely should have expected the intensity of the mystery and drama of the novel, but it was even more thrilling than I expected. Though I had my suspicions about certain people, I did not figure out the entirety of things until *just* before the reveal. If I could have had one wish . . . something that I feel would have taken this from 4 to 4.5 maybe 5 stars, it would have been a strong faith element. This is a clean Regency novel, but I would not classify it as a Christian one.
I listened to this on audio and Jude Mason did a great job as always. I enjoyed the story quite a bit, but it lacked a little something to make it a 4 instead of 5 star. It’s a second chance romance between Charlotte and Anthony, who had a romance four years prior but their elders wouldn’t have allowed the match. Now Charlotte is a widow with a 7 month old son and Anthony is a watchman hired to protect them. It’s a good story.
Another great read from one of my go to authors. Sarah consistently writes great books and I never miss it when she has a new book release. This was one I enjoyed. I liked the second chance romance for Charlotte and Anthony and the twists that this book had in store for them.